bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imputation of the continuous arterial line blood pressure waveform from non-invasive measurements using deep learning
Authors: Hill Brian L. , Rakocz Nadav , Rudas Ákos , Chiang Jeffrey N. , Wang Sidong , Hofer Ira , Cannesson Maxime , Halperin Eran
Published: August 2021

In two-thirds of intensive care unit (ICU) patients and 90% of surgical patients, arterial blood pressure (ABP) is monitored non-invasively but intermittently using a blood pressure cuff. Since even a few minutes of hypotension increases the risk of mortality and morbidity, for the remaining (high-risk) patients ABP is measured continuously using invasive devices, and derived values are extracted from the recorded waveforms. However, since invasive monitoring is associated with major complications (infection, bleeding, thrombosis), the ideal ABP monitor should be both non-invasive and continuous. With large volumes of high-fidelity physiological waveforms, it may be possible today to impute a physiological waveform from other available signals. Currently, the state-of-the-art approaches for ABP imputation only aim at intermittent systolic and diastolic blood pressure imputation, and there is no method that imputes the continuous ABP waveform. Here, we developed a novel approach to impute the continuous ABP waveform non-invasively using two continuously-monitored waveforms that are currently part of the standard-of-care, the electrocardiogram (ECG) and photo-plethysmogram (PPG), by adapting a deep learning architecture designed for image segmentation. Using over 150,000 min of data collected at two separate health systems from 463 patients, we demonstrate that our model provides a highly accurate prediction of the continuous ABP waveform (root mean square error 5.823 (95% CI 5.806–5.840) mmHg), as well as the derived systolic (mean difference 2.398 ± 5.623 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference − 2.497 ± 3.785 mmHg) compared to arterial line measurements. Our approach can potentially be used to measure blood pressure continuously and non-invasively for all patients in the acute care setting, without the need for any additional instrumentation beyond the current standard-of-care.
Heavy-ion production of 77Br and 76Br
Authors: McGuinness Sean R. , Wilkinson John T. , Peaslee Graham F.
Published: August 2021

Many radioisotopes with potential medical applications are difficult to produce routinely, especially those on the proton-rich side of the valley of stability. Current production methods typically use light-ion (protons or deuteron) reactions on materials of similar mass to the target radioisotope, which limits the elemental target material available and may require the use of targets with poor thermal properties (as is the case for the production of radiobromine). These reactions may also create significant amounts of proton-rich decay products which require chemical separation from the desired product in a highly radioactive environment. A promising alternative method using heavy-ion fusion-evaporation reactions for the production of the medically relevant bromine radioisotopes 76Br (t1/2 = 16.2 h) and 77Br (t1/2 = 57.0 h) is presented. Heavy-ion beams of 28Si and 16O were used to bombard natural chromium and copper targets just above the Coulomb barrier at the University of Notre Dame's Nuclear Science Laboratory to produce these bromine and precursor radioisotopes by fusion-evaporation reactions. Production yields for these reactions were measured and compared to PACE4 calculations. In addition to using more robust targets for irradiation, a simple physical–chemical separation method is proposed that will lead to very high radiopurity yields. A summary of accelerator facility requirements needed for routine production of these radioisotopes is also presented.
Machine learning-based prediction of acute kidney injury after nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Yeonhee , Ryu Jiwon , Kang Min Woo , Seo Kyung Ha , Kim Jayoun , Suh Jungyo , Kim Yong Chul , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Jeong Chang Wook , Lee Sang Chul , Kwak Cheol , Kim Sejoong , Han Seung Seok
Published: August 2021

The precise prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an important issue because of its relationship with subsequent kidney dysfunction and high mortality. Herein we addressed whether machine learning (ML) algorithms could predict postoperative AKI risk better than conventional logistic regression (LR) models. A total of 4104 RCC patients who had undergone unilateral nephrectomy from January 2003 to December 2017 were reviewed. ML models such as support vector machine, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) were developed, and their performance based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, and F1 score was compared with that of the LR-based scoring model. Postoperative AKI developed in 1167 patients (28.4%). All the ML models had higher performance index values than the LR-based scoring model. Among them, the LightGBM model had the highest value of 0.810 (0.783–0.837). The decision curve analysis demonstrated a greater net benefit of the ML models than the LR-based scoring model over all the ranges of threshold probabilities. The application of ML algorithms improves the predictability of AKI after nephrectomy for RCC, and these models perform better than conventional LR-based models.
Pre-pregnancy BMI-associated miRNA and mRNA expression signatures in the placenta highlight a sexually-dimorphic response to maternal underweight status
Authors: Clark Jeliyah , Eaves Lauren A. , Gaona Adriana R. , Santos Hudson P. , Smeester Lisa , Bangma Jacqueline T. , Rager Julia E. , O’Shea T. Michael , Fry Rebecca C.
Published: August 2021

Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal health outcomes, with differences in risk observed between sexes. Given that the placenta is a sexually dimorphic organ and critical regulator of development, examining differences in placental mRNA and miRNA expression in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI may provide insight into responses to maternal BMI in utero. Here, genome-wide mRNA and miRNA expression levels were assessed in the placentas of infants born extremely preterm. Differences in expression were evaluated according to pre-pregnancy BMI status (1) overall and (2) in male and female placentas separately. Overall, 719 mRNAs were differentially expressed in relation to underweight status. Unexpectedly, no genes were differentially expressed in relation to overweight or obese status. In male placentas, 572 mRNAs were associated with underweight status, with 503 (70%) overlapping genes identified overall. Notably, 43/572 (8%) of the mRNAs associated with underweight status in male placentas were also gene targets of two miRNAs (miR-4057andmiR-128-1-5p) associated with underweight status in male placentas. Pathways regulating placental nutrient metabolism and angiogenesis were among those enriched in mRNAs associated with underweight status in males. This study is among the first to highlight a sexually dimorphic response to low pre-pregnancy BMI in the placenta.
Atypical DNA methylation, sRNA-size distribution, and female gametogenesis in Utricularia gibba
Authors: Cervantes-Pérez Sergio Alan , Yong-Villalobos Lenin , Florez-Zapata Nathalia M. V. , Oropeza-Aburto Araceli , Rico-Reséndiz Félix , Amasende-Morales Itzel , Lan Tianying , Martínez Octavio , Vielle-Calzada Jean Philippe , Albert Victor A. , Herrera-Estrella Luis
Published: August 2021

The most studied DNA methylation pathway in plants is the RNA Directed DNA Methylation (RdDM), a conserved mechanism that involves the role of noncoding RNAs to control the expansion of the noncoding genome. Genome-wide DNA methylation levels have been reported to correlate with genome size. However, little is known about the catalog of noncoding RNAs and the impact on DNA methylation in small plant genomes with reduced noncoding regions. Because of the small length of intergenic regions in the compact genome of the carnivorous plant Utricularia gibba, we investigated its repertoire of noncoding RNA and DNA methylation landscape. Here, we report that, compared to other angiosperms, U. gibba has an unusual distribution of small RNAs and reduced global DNA methylation levels. DNA methylation was determined using a novel strategy based on long-read DNA sequencing with the Pacific Bioscience platform and confirmed by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Moreover, some key genes involved in the RdDM pathway may not represented by compensatory paralogs or comprise truncated proteins, for example, U. gibba DICER-LIKE 3 (DCL3), encoding a DICER endonuclease that produces 24-nt small-interfering RNAs, has lost key domains required for complete function. Our results unveil that a truncated DCL3 correlates with a decreased proportion of 24-nt small-interfering RNAs, low DNA methylation levels, and developmental abnormalities during female gametogenesis in U. gibba. Alterations in female gametogenesis are reminiscent of RdDM mutant phenotypes in Arabidopsis thaliana. It would be interesting to further study the biological implications of the DCL3 truncation in U. gibba, as it could represent an initial step in the evolution of RdDM pathway in compact genomes.
Establishment of HLA class I and MICA/B null HEK-293T panel expressing single MICA alleles to detect anti-MICA antibodies
Authors: Jeon Ji-Ho , Baek In-Cheol , Hong Cheol-Hwa , Park Ki Hyun , Lee Hyeyoung , Oh Eun-Jee , Kim Tai-Gyu
Published: August 2021

Pre- and post-transplantation anti-MICA antibody detection development are associated with an increased rejection risk and low graft survival. We previously generated HLA class I null HEK-293T using CRISPR/Cas9, while MICA and MICB genes were removed in this study. A panel of 11 cell lines expressing single MICA alleles was established. Anti-MICA antibody in the sera of kidney transplant patients was determined using flow cytometric method (FCM) and the Luminex method. In the 44 positive sera, the maximum FCM value was 2879 MFI compared to 28,135 MFI of Luminex method. Eleven sera (25%) were determined as positive by FCM and 32 sera (72%) were positive by the Luminex method. The sum of total MICA antigens, MICA*002, *004, *009, *019, and *027 correlation showed a statistically significant between the two methods (P = 0.0412, P = 0.0476, P = 0.0019, P = 0.0098, P = 0.0467, and P = 0.0049). These results demonstrated that HEK-293T-based engineered cell lines expressing single MICA alleles were suitable for measuring specific antibodies against MICA antigens in the sera of transplant patients. Studies of antibodies to MICA antigens may help to understand responses in vivo and increase clinical relevance at the cellular level such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity.
Evolution of a key enzyme of aerobic metabolism reveals Proterozoic functional subunit duplication events and an ancient origin of animals
Authors: Bezerra Bruno Santos , Belato Flavia Ariany , Mello Beatriz , Brown Federico , Coates Christopher J. , de Moraes Leme Juliana , Trindade Ricardo I. F. , Costa-Paiva Elisa Maria
Published: August 2021

The biological toolkits for aerobic respiration were critical for the rise and diversification of early animals. Aerobic life forms generate ATP through the oxidation of organic molecules in a process known as Krebs’ Cycle, where the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) regulates the cycle's turnover rate. Evolutionary reconstructions and molecular dating of proteins related to oxidative metabolism, such as IDH, can therefore provide an estimate of when the diversification of major taxa occurred, and their coevolution with the oxidative state of oceans and atmosphere. To establish the evolutionary history and divergence time of NAD-dependent IDH, we examined transcriptomic data from 195 eukaryotes (mostly animals). We demonstrate that two duplication events occurred in the evolutionary history of NAD-IDH, one in the ancestor of eukaryotes approximately at 1967 Ma, and another at 1629 Ma, both in the Paleoproterozoic Era. Moreover, NAD-IDH regulatory subunits β and γ are exclusive to metazoans, arising in the Mesoproterozoic. Our results therefore support the concept of an ‘‘earlier-than-Tonian’’ diversification of eukaryotes and the pre-Cryogenian emergence of a metazoan IDH enzyme.
Using normative modelling to detect disease progression in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease in a cross-sectional multi-cohort study
Authors: Pinaya Walter H. L. , Scarpazza Cristina , Garcia-Dias Rafael , Vieira Sandra , Baecker Lea , F da Costa Pedro , Redolfi Alberto , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Pievani Michela , Calhoun Vince D. , Sato João R. , Mechelli Andrea
Published: August 2021

Normative modelling is an emerging method for quantifying how individuals deviate from the healthy populational pattern. Several machine learning models have been implemented to develop normative models to investigate brain disorders, including regression, support vector machines and Gaussian process models. With the advance of deep learning technology, the use of deep neural networks has also been proposed. In this study, we assessed normative models based on deep autoencoders using structural neuroimaging data from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (n = 206) and mild cognitive impairment (n = 354). We first trained the autoencoder on an independent dataset (UK Biobank dataset) with 11,034 healthy controls. Then, we estimated how each patient deviated from this norm and established which brain regions were associated to this deviation. Finally, we compared the performance of our normative model against traditional classifiers. As expected, we found that patients exhibited deviations according to the severity of their clinical condition. The model identified medial temporal regions, including the hippocampus, and the ventricular system as critical regions for the calculation of the deviation score. Overall, the normative model had comparable cross-cohort generalizability to traditional classifiers. To promote open science, we are making all scripts and the trained models available to the wider research community.
Genome-wide approaches for the identification of markers and genes associated with sugarcane yellow leaf virus resistance
Authors: Pimenta Ricardo José Gonzaga , Aono Alexandre Hild , Burbano Roberto Carlos Villavicencio , Coutinho Alisson Esdras , da Silva Carla Cristina , dos Anjos Ivan Antônio , Perecin Dilermando , Landell Marcos Guimarães de Andrade , Gonçalves Marcos Cesar , Pinto Luciana Rossini , de Souza Anete Pereira
Published: August 2021

Sugarcane yellow leaf (SCYL), caused by the sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is a major disease affecting sugarcane, a leading sugar and energy crop. Despite damages caused by SCYLV, the genetic base of resistance to this virus remains largely unknown. Several methodologies have arisen to identify molecular markers associated with SCYLV resistance, which are crucial for marker-assisted selection and understanding response mechanisms to this virus. We investigated the genetic base of SCYLV resistance using dominant and codominant markers and genotypes of interest for sugarcane breeding. A sugarcane panel inoculated with SCYLV was analyzed for SCYL symptoms, and viral titer was estimated by RT-qPCR. This panel was genotyped with 662 dominant markers and 70,888 SNPs and indels with allele proportion information. We used polyploid-adapted genome-wide association analyses and machine-learning algorithms coupled with feature selection methods to establish marker-trait associations. While each approach identified unique marker sets associated with phenotypes, convergences were observed between them and demonstrated their complementarity. Lastly, we annotated these markers, identifying genes encoding emblematic participants in virus resistance mechanisms and previously unreported candidates involved in viral responses. Our approach could accelerate sugarcane breeding targeting SCYLV resistance and facilitate studies on biological processes leading to this trait.
Lentiviral and AAV-mediated expression of palivizumab offer protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection
Authors: Antepowicz Agata , Habib Omar , Kirsebom Freja , Johansson Cecilia , Gill Deborah R. , Hyde Stephen C.
Published: August 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a common cause of hospitalisation in infants and the elderly. Palivizumab prophylaxis is the only approved treatment modality but is costly and only offered to select vulnerable populations. Here, we investigated gene delivery approaches via recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV2/8) and simian immunodeficiency virus (rSIV.F/HN) vectors to achieve sustained in vivo production of palivizumab in a murine model. Delivery of palivizumab-expressing vectors 28 days prior to RSV challenge resulted in complete protection from RSV-induced weight loss. This approach offers prophylaxis against RSV infection, allowing for wider use and reduction in treatment costs in vulnerable populations.
Comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognosis for TNFAIPs in head and neck cancer
Authors: Lan Gaochen , Yu Xiaoling , Sun Xin , Li Wan , Zhao Yanna , Lan Jinjian , Wu Xiaolong , Gao Ruilan
Published: August 2021

Head and neck cancer (HNC) tumorigenesis involves a combination of multiple genetic alteration processes. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced proteins (TNFAIPs) are involved in tumour development and progression, but few studies have been conducted on these factors in HNC. We aimed to analyse TNFAIPs and assess their potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets using the Oncomine, UALCAN, Human Protein Atlas, LinkedOmics, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, Enrichr, and Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource databases. We found that the transcript levels of TNFAIP1, TNFAIP3, EFNA1, TNFAIP6 and TNFAIP8 were increased, while those of TNFAIP8L3 and STEAP4 were reduced in HNC tissues versus normal tissues. The EFNA1, TNFAIP8 and TNFAIP8L3 expression levels were significantly correlated with the pathological stage. In HNC patients, high PTX3 and TNFAIP6 transcript levels were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS). Moreover, genetic alterations in TNFAIP1, TNFAIP6, and STEAP4 resulted in poorer disease-free survival, progression-free survival, and OS, respectively. TNFAIPs may mediate HNC tumorigenesis by regulating PI3K-Akt, Ras and other signalling pathways. TNFAIPs are also closely correlated with the infiltration of immune cells, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, etc. The data above indicate that TNFAIPs may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HNC.
Induction of interferon response by high viral loads at early stage infection may protect against severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Rouchka Eric C. , Chariker Julia H. , Alejandro Brian , Adcock Robert S. , Singhal Richa , Ramirez Julio , Palmer Kenneth E. , Lasnik Amanda B. , Carrico Ruth , Arnold Forest W. , Furmanek Stephen , Zhang Mei , Wolf Leslie A. , Waigel Sabine , Zacharias Wolfgang , Bordon Jose , Chung Donghoon
Published: August 2021

Key elements for viral pathogenesis include viral strains, viral load, co-infection, and host responses. Several studies analyzing these factors in the function of disease severity of have been published; however, no studies have shown how all of these factors interplay within a defined cohort. To address this important question, we sought to understand how these four key components interplay in a cohort of COVID-19 patients. We determined the viral loads and gene expression using high throughput sequencing and various virological methods. We found that viral loads in the upper respiratory tract in COVID-19 patients at an early phase of infection vary widely. While the majority of nasopharyngeal (NP) samples have a viral load lower than the limit of detection of infectious viruses, there are samples with an extraordinary amount of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and a high viral titer. No specific viral factors were identified that are associated with high viral loads. Host gene expression analysis showed that viral loads were strongly correlated with cellular antiviral responses. Interestingly, however, COVID-19 patients who experience mild symptoms have a higher viral load than those with severe complications, indicating that naso-pharyngeal viral load may not be a key factor of the clinical outcomes of COVID-19. The metagenomics analysis revealed that the microflora in the upper respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients with high viral loads were dominated by SARS-CoV-2, with a high degree of dysbiosis. Finally, we found a strong inverse correlation between upregulation of interferon responses and disease severity. Overall our study suggests that a high viral load in the upper respiratory tract may not be a critical factor for severe symptoms; rather, dampened antiviral responses may be a critical factor for a severe outcome from the infection.
Synthesis and biological screening of new thiadiazolopyrimidine-based polycyclic compounds
Authors: Alqahtani Alaa M.
Published: August 2021

Novel tri-and tetra-cyclic compounds based on the thiadiazolopyrimidine ring system were synthesized, and their antimicrobial activity was estimated. The obtained results evidenced the substantial efficiencies of pyrano-thiadiazolopyrimidine compounds 8a–b and 9a–b toward the two strains of gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus). Besides, tetracyclic pyrazolopyrimido-thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives 16a–b and 17a–b displayed prominent efficiencies toward the two strains of gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). In addition, compounds 8a–b and 9a–b displayed good efficacy toward C. albicans. The activity of antiquorum sensing (anti-QS) inhibition of the newly synthesized thiadiazolopyrimidine-based compounds toward C. violaceum was tested, suggesting satisfactory activity for derivatives 16a–b, 17a–b, 8b, and 9a. The cytotoxic activity of these derivatives was screened toward various cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC3, Hep-2, and HepG2) and standard normal fibroblast cells (WI38) by utilizing the MTT assay. The pyrazolopyrimido-thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives 16a, 16b17a, and 17b showed potent cytotoxic efficacy against the MCF-7 cells with the IC50 values ranging from 5.69 to 9.36 µM. Also, the endorsed structural activity relationship (SAR) of the inspected thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives provided a correlation between the chemical structure and anticancer efficiency. The in silico docking studies were implemented for silencing the hormonal signaling in the breast (PDB Code-5NQR). The results were found to be consistent with the cytotoxic activity.
The expression of Netrin-1 in the MIA-induced osteoarthritic temporomandibular joint in mice
Authors: Xiao Mian , Hu Zhihui , Jiang Henghua , Li Cheng , Guo Huilin , Fang Wei , Long Xing
Published: August 2021

Subchondral bone degeneration is the main pathological change during temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) development. Netrin-1, an axon-guiding factor, might play roles in OA development and pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Netrin-1 in TMJ OA and its possible role in the progression of TMJ OA and pain. The synovial fluids of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) patients were collected for Netrin-1 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TMJ OA model was built by MIA joint injection, and then the von Frey test, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining, toluidine blue (TB) staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and micro-CT were performed. After induction of osteoclast differentiation of raw264.7 cells, immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the Netrin-1 and its receptors on osteoclast membrane. The concentration of Netrin-1 increased in the synovial fluid of TMJ OA patients. After MIA injection to TMJ, the head withdrawal threshold (HWT) was significantly decreased. Microscopically, the structural disorder of subchondral bone was the most obvious at the 2nd week after MIA injection. In addition, Netrin-1 expression increased in the subchondral bone at the 2nd week after MIA injection. In vitro, the expressions of Netrin-1 and its receptor Unc5B were upregulated on the osteoclast membrane. Netrin-1 might be an important regulator during bone degeneration and pain in the process of TMJ OA.
Pre-screening for osteoporosis with calcaneus quantitative ultrasound and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry bone density
Authors: Yen Chia-Chi , Lin Wei-Chun , Wang Tzu-Hao , Chen Guan-Fan , Chou Da-Ying , Lin Dian-Min , Lin Shu-Yuan , Chan Min-Ho , Wu Jia-Ming , Tseng Chin-Dar , Huang Yu-Jie , Lee Tsair-Fwu
Published: August 2021

Calcaneal quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) is a useful prescreening tool for osteoporosis, while the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the mainstream in clinical practice. We evaluated the correlation between QUS and DXA in a Taiwanese population. A total of 772 patients were enrolled and demographic data were recorded with the QUS and DXA T-score over the hip and spine. The correlation coefficient of QUS with the DXA-hip was 0.171. For DXA-spine, it was 0.135 overall, 0.237 in females, and 0.255 in males. The logistic regression model using DXA-spine as a dependent variable was established, and the classification table showed 66.2% accuracy. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses with Youden’s Index revealed the optimal cut-off point of QUS for predicting osteoporosis to be 2.72. This study showed a meaningful correlation between QUS and DXA in a Taiwanese population. Thus, it is important to pre-screen for osteoporosis with calcaneus QUS.
Eye tracking based dyslexia detection using a holistic approach
Authors: Nerušil Boris , Polec Jaroslav , Škunda Juraj , Kačur Juraj
Published: August 2021

A new detection method for cognitive impairments is presented utilizing an eye tracking signals in a text reading test. This research enhances published articles that extract combination of various features. It does so by processing entire eye-tracking records either in time or frequency whereas applying only basic signal pre-processing. Such signals were classified as a whole by Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) that hierarchically extract substantial features scatter either in time or frequency and nonlinearly binds them using machine learning to minimize a detection error. In the experiments we used a 100 fold cross validation and a dataset containing signals of 185 subjects (88 subjects with low risk and 97 subjects with high risk of dyslexia). In a series of experiments it was found that magnitude spectrum based representation of time interpolated eye-tracking signals recorded the best results, i.e. an average accuracy of 96.6% was reached in comparison to 95.6% that is the best published result on the same database. These findings suggest that a holistic approach involving small but complex enough CNNs applied to properly pre-process and expressed signals provides even better results than a combination of meticulously selected well-known features.
Opposing shifts in distributions of chlorophyll concentration and composition in grassland under warming
Authors: Zhang Yao , He Nianpeng , Yu Guirui
Published: August 2021

Global warming has significantly altered the distribution and productivity of vegetation owing to shifts in plant functional traits. However, chlorophyll adaptations—good representative of plant production—in grasslands have not been investigated on a large scale, hindering ecological predictions of climate change. Three grassland transects with a natural temperature gradient were designed in the Tibetan, Mongolian, and Loess Plateau to describe the changes in chlorophyll under different warming scenarios for 475 species. In the three plateaus, variations and distributions of species chlorophyll concentration and composition were compared. The results showed that the means of chlorophyll concentration and composition (chlorophyll a/b) increased with the mean annual temperature. Still, their distributions shifted in opposite manners: chlorophyll concentration was distributed in a broader but more differential manner, while chlorophyll composition was distributed in a narrower but more uniform manner. Compared to chlorophyll concentration, chlorophyll composition was more conservative, with a slight shift in distribution. At the regional level, the chlorophyll concentration and composition depend on the limitations of the local climate or resources. The results implied that warming might drive shifts in grassland chlorophyll distribution mainly by alternations in species composition. Large-scale chlorophyll investigations will be useful for developing prediction techniques.
Development and validation of a new diabetes index for the risk classification of present and new-onset diabetes: multicohort study
Authors: Moon Shinje , Jang Ji-Yong , Kim Yumin , Oh Chang-Myung
Published: August 2021

In this study, we aimed to propose a novel diabetes index for the risk classification based on machine learning techniques with a high accuracy for diabetes mellitus. Upon analyzing their demographic and biochemical data, we classified the 2013–16 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), the 2017–18 KNHANES, and the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), as the derivation, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. We constructed a new diabetes index using logistic regression (LR) and calculated the probability of diabetes in the validation sets. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Cox regression analysis to measure the performance of the internal and external validation sets, respectively. We constructed a gender-specific diabetes prediction model, having a resultant AUROC of 0.93 and 0.94 for men and women, respectively. Based on this probability, we classified participants into five groups and analyzed cumulative incidence from the KoGES dataset. Group 5 demonstrated significantly worse outcomes than those in other groups. Our novel model for predicting diabetes, based on two large-scale population-based cohort studies, showed high sensitivity and selectivity. Therefore, our diabetes index can be used to classify individuals at high risk of diabetes.
Senescent cells in 3D culture show suppressed senescence signatures
Authors: Yadav Parul , Chatterjee Kaushik , Saini Deepak Kumar
Published: August 2021

Cellular senescence in 3D scaffolds exhibit reduced senescence signatures as compared to conventional 2D tissue culture system.
Microneedle-mediated delivery of MIL-100(Fe) as a tumor microenvironment-responsive biodegradable nanoplatform for O2-evolving chemophototherapy
Authors: Luo Sulan , Zhao Yiting , Pan Kewei , Zhou Yixian , Quan Guilan , Wen Xinguo , Pan Xin , Wu Chuanbin
Published: August 2021

MIL-100(Fe) nanoparticles integrated microneedles were employed to codeliver the hydrophobic photosensitizer zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and the chemotherapeutical drug doxorubicin hydrochlorate (Dox) (Z/D@MOF) for O2-evolving chemophototherapy.
Preparation and application of quick hemostatic gauze based on biomimetic mineralized thrombin
Authors: Shi Yuting , Ding Xiaoquan , Cao Yufei , Zhou Haicun , Yu Wenwen , Liu Mingsheng , Yin Juanjuan , Liu Hongbin , Wang Jingjing , Huang Congshu , Gong Chenliang , Wei Hua , Zhao Guanghui
Published: August 2021

This work aims to prepare ion/thrombin hybrid microflowers and thrombin/MOF by means of different biomineralization methods to improve the instability, bioavailability and poor storage stability of thrombin.
In situ formed Co from a Co–Mg–O solid solution synergizing with LiH for efficient ammonia synthesis
Authors: Gao Wenbo , Feng Sheng , Yan Hanxue , Wang Qianru , Xie Hua , Jiang Ling , Zhang Weijin , Guan Yeqin , Wu Han , Cao Hujun , Guo Jianping , Chen Ping
Published: August 2021

A cobalt magnesium oxide solid solution (Co–Mg–O) supported LiH catalyst has been synthesized, in which LiH functions both as a strong reductant for the in situ formation of Co metal nanoparticles and a key active component for ammonia synthesis catalysis.
Catalytic asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of isomünchnones with methyleneindolinones
Authors: Wang Kaixuan , Xu Chaoran , Hu Xinyue , Zhou Yuqiao , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2021

An enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of isomünchnones with methyleneindolinones catalyzed by asymmetric bimetallic Rh(ii)/Zn(ii) relay catalysis is described.
X-ray characterisation of the basal stacking fault densities of (112̄2) GaN
Authors: Pristovsek Markus , Frentrup Martin , Zhu Tongtong , Kusch Gunnar , Humphreys Colin J.
Published: August 2021

X-ray diffraction reciprocal space maps in the [1̄21̄0] zone show basal plane stacking (BSF) fold related long diffuse scattering tails along [0001]. The BSF density correlates with the Lorentzian area of the reflection peak.
Correction: Advances in chemistry of N-heterocyclic carbene boryl radicals
Authors: Taniguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Advances in chemistry of N-heterocyclic carbene boryl radicals’ by Tsuyoshi Taniguchi, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00385b.
Research on the quantum confinement effect and enhanced luminescence of red-emitting P5+-doped CaAl12O19:Mn4+,Mg2+ phosphors
Authors: Fan Guodong , Zhang Han , Fan Di , Jiang Rui , Ruan Fangyi , Li Nan , Su Xiaoyan
Published: August 2021

Substituting P5+ for Al3+ leads to charge imbalance, which will induce the formation of an electron trap and oxygen vacancy and further generate a quantum-confined electron trap, thereby improving the luminescence intensity and PLQY of phosphors.
Elucidation of substrate interaction effects in multicomponent systems containing 3-ring homocyclic and heterocyclic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Ghosh Prasenjit , Mukherji Suparna
Published: August 2021

This paper for the first time investigates substrate interactions during bacterial degradation of carbazole, fluorene, and dibenzothiophene mixtures.
Bimetallic FexMny catalysts derived from metal organic frameworks for efficient photocatalytic removal of quinolones without oxidant
Authors: Li Xin , Yang Zhiyu , Hu Di , Wang Anqi , Chen Yuwen , Huang Yizhe , Zhang Man , Yuan Haoran , Yan Kai
Published: August 2021

Bimetallic magnetic FeMn catalysts have been successfully prepared by a facile impregnation method, and they exhibit efficient photocatalytic removal of a series of quinolones without oxidant under simulated light irradiation.
On-chip integration of a metal–organic framework nanomaterial on a SiO2 waveguide for sensitive VOC sensing
Authors: Ma Xiaoxia , Wu Jieyun , Jiang Lianzhong , Wang Mengke , Deng Guowei , Qu Shiwei , Chen Kaixin
Published: August 2021

Rational waveguide engineering and nanotechnology are performed to integrate the metal–organic framework nanomaterial ZIF-8 on a SiO2 waveguide chip for the high-performance evanescent-wave sensing of VOCs.
Kinetics and mechanism of OH-mediated degradation of three pentanols in the atmosphere
Authors: Bai Feng-Yang , Chen Mei-Yan , Liu Xiang-Huan , Ni Shuang , Tang Yi-Zhen , Pan Xiu-Mei , Zhao Zhen
Published: August 2021

Pentanols as potential biofuels have attracted considerable interest, and thus it is of great importance to gain insights into their combustion and atmospheric chemistry.
Activity manifestation via architectural manipulation by cubic silica-derived Co3O4 electrocatalysts towards bifunctional oxygen electrode performance
Authors: Selvakumar Karuppiah , Duraisamy Velu , Senthil Kumar Sakkarapalayam Murugesan
Published: August 2021

A KIT-6-derived Co3O4 material demonstrates superior bifunctional activity due to its higher densities of Co3+ and Co2+ sites.
Highly sensitive fluorescence detection of tobacco mosaic virus RNA based on disodium 4,4′-diazidostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate tetrahydratein situreaction
Authors: Wang Wenbin , Li Peipei , Zheng Zhixian , Cheng Di , Dong Chengming , Yang Huaixia
Published: August 2021

A novel fluorescent turn-on method for TMV RNAviathe reducing ability of an AA and DESin situreaction was reported.
Robust synthesis of highly charged superparamagnetic Fe3O4 colloidal nanocrystal clusters for magnetically responsive photonic crystals
Authors: Pan Liting , Peng Zhuo , Yu Hairong , Liang Ting , Cheng Changjing
Published: August 2021

Herein, highly charged superparamagnetic Fe3O4 colloidal nanocrystal clusters with uniform and widely tunable sizes have been synthesized by a robust and easily scalable solvothermal method for magnetically responsive photonic crystals.
Tandem-like vanadium cluster chains in a polyoxovanadate-based metal–organic framework for efficient catalytic oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Dang Tian-Yi , Li Run-Han , Tian Hong-Rui , Wang Qian , Lu Ying , Liu Shu-Xia
Published: August 2021

The vanadium cluster chain in V-Ni-MOF can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of sulfides with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, achieving the complete conversion from sulfides to sulfones within 1 hour at 40 °C.
Sensor behavior of MoS2 field-effect transistor with light injection toward chemical recognition
Authors: Alam Md Iftekharul , Takaoka Tsuyoshi , Waizumi Hiroki , Tanaka Yudai , Al Mamun Muhammad Shamim , Ando Atsushi , Komeda Tadahiro
Published: August 2021

The application of field-effect transistor (FET) devices with atomically thin channels as sensors has attracted significant attention. We further explore the method to attach the chemical recognition capability by combining with light injection.
In silico study of the inhibition of SARS-COV-2 viral cell entry by neem tree extracts
Authors: Shadrack Daniel M. , Vuai Said A. H. , Sahini Mtabazi G. , Onoka Isaac
Published: August 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by SARS-COV-2, is responsible for higher mortality and morbidity rates across the globe.
A significant enhancement of bulk charge separation in photoelectrocatalysis by ferroelectric polarization induced in CdS/BaTiO3 nanowires
Authors: Jiang Zhiqi , Xiao Zhaohui , Tao Zui , Zhang Xu , Lin Shiwei
Published: August 2021

Efficient charge separation, in particular bulk charge separation (BCS), is one of the most critical factors in determining the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting.
Highly efficient extraction of uranium from strong HNO3 media achieved on phosphine oxide functionalized superparamagnetic composite polymer microspheres
Authors: Zhang Shiao , Yuan Dingzhong , Zhao Jizhou , Ren Guangyuan , Zhao Xiaohong , Liu Yan , Wang Yun , He Yan , Ma Mingliang , Zhang Qinghua
Published: August 2021

The magnetic adsorbent Fe3O4@SiO2/P(TRIM–VPA) developed by distillation–precipitation polymerization not only shows good adsorption efficiency for uranium in strong HNO3 media, but also has strong acid resistance in strong HNO3 solution.
Demineralized and decellularized bone extracellular matrix-incorporated electrospun nanofibrous scaffold for bone regeneration
Authors: Dong Chanjuan , Qiao Fangyu , Chen Guobao , Lv Yonggang
Published: August 2021

Bone-derived ECM (bECM)-incorporated nanofibrous scaffold is capable of promoting osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), mitigating the foreign-body reaction, and accelerating bone regeneration in a defected rat skull.
Design of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes as highly efficient inhibitors against Aβ40 fibrillation based on the HyBER mechanism
Authors: Zhao Wenping , Jiang Luying , Wang Wenjuan , Sang Jingcheng , Sun Quancheng , Dong Qinchen , Li Li , Lu Fuping , Liu Fufeng
Published: August 2021

SWCNT-COOH designed based on the HyBER mechanism can effectively inhibit Aβ fibrillization. SWCNT-COOH with more carboxyl groups can depolymerize mature Aβ fibrils into amorphous species with low toxicity.
ATP stabilised and sensitised calcium phosphate nanoparticles as effective adjuvants for a DNA vaccine against cancer
Authors: Sun Bing , Zhao Xiaohui , Gu Wenxi , Cao Pei , Movahedi Fatemeh , Wu Yanheng , Xu Zhi Ping , Gu Wenyi
Published: August 2021

The ATP-modified Calcium Phosphate (ACP) nano-adjuvant for DNA vaccines. ATP plays two key roles in this system: (1) a stabiliser for CP to inhibit the particle size growth and aggregation, and (2) the immunological adjuvant for DNA vaccine.
Islanding detection by phase difference method using a low cost quasi‐PMU
Authors: Laverty David M. , Duggan Connor , Hastings John C. , Morrow D. John
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel and cost‐effective solution for detecting the islanding condition at embedded generators using an innovative new type of phase angle detector, the "quasi‐PMU". The method works by checking the synchronism of the embedded generator with respect to a robust reference location. The method is low cost, effective, and easy to configure using a modern broker based "one‐to‐many" solution for the telecommunications needs. The new "quasi‐PMU" is validated against appropriate IEEE compliance standards and shown to be effective in detecting the islanding condition using data obtained by an experimental study and through simulations. The islanding detection method presented in this paper is particularly suited to grids with increasingly large dynamic events and frequency excursions arising from lowering system inertia. The authors’ design gives the system operator confidence for consistent operation of embedded generation protection. The method is affordable, reliable and is ready for immediate implementation.
Optimum heat spreader size for producing maximum net power from high‐concentration photovoltaic systems
Authors: Al‐Amri Fahad
Published: August 2021

The present study introduces an analytical approach for predicting net power for high‐concentrating photovoltaic systems (HCPV). Wind speed, surface radiation, and size of the backplate, which acts as a heat spreader, were found to be of high impact in increasing solar cell efficiency and maximum produced power. The efficiency increased by 5% as the wind shifted from light air (0.5 m/s) to fresh breeze (10 m/s). Also, it increased by 1.64% as the aluminium backplate shifted from a shiny (ɛ = 0) to a dark (ɛ = 1) surface. Furthermore, increasing heat‐spreader length or wind velocity caused a logarithmic increase in solar cell efficiency. On the other hand, both parameters caused an exponential increase in consumed power due to the operation of a tracking system. Thus, optimal values of heat‐spreader length at which maximum net power is produced exist. A case study based on the annual average values of the hourly‐basis meteorological data for the period 2015 to 2018 for two cities in Saudi Arabia was conducted. It was found that the size of the heat spreader could be reduced by 36% for concentration ratio up to 2000 while concurrently increasing the net power by 2.6% and 6% for the systems built in Riyadh and Dammam, respectively.
Funktion und Struktur peripherer Nerven aus
neuropädiatrischer Sicht: Wie klinische, neurophysiologische und
Ultraschalluntersuchungen ergänzende diagnostische Informationen
liefern
Authors: Broser Philip , Lütschg Jürg
Published: August 2021

In der vorliegenden Übersicht wird dargestellt, wie sich klinisch
neurophysiologische Methoden (Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit und Elektromyografie)
und Ultraschalluntersuchungen (US) von peripheren Nerven bei der
Abklärung von hereditären senso-motorischen Neuropathien (HMSN),
der Friedreichschen Ataxie, erworbenen Neuropathien (am Beispiel von Diabetes
mellitus) und traumatischen Nervenläsionen bei Kindern
ergänzen können. Bei allen Formen der HMSN 1 kommt es zu einer
Verlangsamung der Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit. Die Ultraschalluntersuchung zeigt
nur bei HMSN1A eine deutlich vergrösserte
Nervenquerschnittsfläche. Beim M. Friedreich können meist
keine sensiblen Potentiale ausgelöst werden und die US-Resultate sind
variabel. Bei traumatischen Nervenläsionen kann vor allem mithilfe der
US-Untersuchung entschieden werden, ob eine operative Nervenrevision indiziert
ist. Die erworbenen Neuropathien werden am Beispiel der diabetischen Neuropathie
dargestellt. Die US- und die ENG Resultate sind oft abnorm, auch wenn klinisch
keine Neuropathie-Symptome nachweisbar sind.
Exercise during Pregnancy: Developmental Programming Effects and Future Directions in Humans
Authors: Krassovskaia Polina M. , Chaves Alec B. , Houmard Joseph A. , Broskey Nicholas T.
Published: August 2021

Epidemiological studies show that low birth weight is associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease in adulthood, indicating that chronic diseases could be influenced by hormonal or metabolic insults encountered in utero. This concept, now known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis, postulates that the intrauterine environment may alter the structure and function of the organs of the fetus as well as the expression of genes that impart an increased vulnerability to chronic diseases later in life. Lifestyle interventions initiated during the prenatal period are crucial as there is the potential to attenuate progression towards chronic diseases. However, how lifestyle interventions such as physical activity directly affect human offspring metabolism and the potential mechanisms involved in regulating metabolic balance at the cellular level are not known. The purpose of this review is to highlight the effects of exercise during pregnancy on offspring metabolic health and emphasize gaps in the current human literature and suggestions for future research.
COVID-19-Impfung unter Psychopharmakotherapie
Authors: Seifert Johanna , Heck Johannes , Eckermann Gabriel , Singer Monika , Bleich Stefan , Grohmann Renate , Toto Sermin
Published: August 2021

Seit Dezember 2020 stehen in der Europäischen Union Impfstoffe gegen SARS-CoV-2 zur Verfügung. Psychisch erkrankte Personen haben ein erhöhtes Risiko für einen schweren oder tödlichen Verlauf einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion. So stellt sich die Frage, inwiefern Interaktionen zwischen den neuen SARS-CoV-2-Impfstoffen und Psychopharmaka zu erwarten sind. Grundsätzlich fehlen bislang noch konkrete Daten über die Verträglichkeit und Wirksamkeit einer Impfung gegen SARS-CoV-2 unter Psychopharmakotherapie – aus Untersuchungen zu Impfstoffen gegen andere Krankheitserreger lassen sich jedoch potenzielle Interaktionen ableiten, wie zum Beispiel eine reduzierte Immunantwort mit geringerer klinischer Wirksamkeit oder eine Erhöhung von Medikamentenspiegeln aufgrund einer indirekten Hemmung von metabolisierenden Enzymen durch Impfstoffe. Andererseits zeigen depressive Patienten, die mit Antidepressiva medikamentös behandelt werden, eine bessere Immunantwort.
Synthesis of Diethoxy Arylphosphoryl Functionalized, Fully Substituted 5-Triazenyl-1,2,3-triazoles via Chelation-Assisted Interrupted Domino Reaction of ortho-Azidophosphonates with Copper(I) Alkynes
Authors: López Ortiz Fernando , Navarro Yolanda , Heras Jiménez Ismael , Iglesias María J.
Published: August 2021

We describe the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 5-triazenyl-1,2,3-triazoles bearing diethoxy arylphosphoryl moieties via a domino reaction between ortho-azidophosphonates and premade copper(I) alkynides involving chelation-assisted [3+2] cycloaddition followed by interception of the copper(I) triazolide generated by the azide. A resulting dicopper(I) triazoletriazenide complex has been characterized through X-ray diffraction.