bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles released from ganglioside GD2-expressing melanoma cells enhance the malignant properties of GD2-negative melanomas
Authors: Yesmin Farhana , Furukawa Keiko , Kambe Mariko , Ohmi Yuhsuke , Bhuiyan Robiul Hasan , Hasnat Mohammad Abul , Mizutani Momoka , Tajima Orie , Hashimoto Noboru , Tsuchida Akiko , Kaneko Kei , Furukawa Koichi
Published: March 2023

Exosomes (small extracellular vesicles: EVs) have attracted increasing attention from basic scientists and clinicians since they play important roles in cell-to-cell communication in various biological processes. Various features of EVs have been elucidated regarding their contents, generation and secretion mechanisms, and functions in inflammation, regeneration, and cancers. These vesicles are reported to contain proteins, RNAs, microRNAs, DNAs, and lipids. Although the roles of individual components have been rigorously studied, the presence and roles of glycans in EVs have rarely been reported. In particular, glycosphingolipids in EVs have not been investigated to date. In this study, the expression and function of a representative cancer-associated ganglioside, GD2, in malignant melanomas was investigated. Generally, cancer-associated gangliosides have been shown to enhance malignant properties and signals in cancers. Notably, EVs derived from GD2-expressing melanomas enhanced the malignant phenotypes of GD2-negative melanomas, such as cell growth, invasion, and cell adhesion, in a dose-dependent manner. The EVs also induced increased phosphorylation of signaling molecules such as EGF receptor and focal adhesion kinase. These results suggest that EVs released from cancer-associated ganglioside-expressing cells exert many functions that have been reported as a function of these gangliosides and regulate microenvironments, including total aggravation of heterogeneous cancer tissues, leading to more malignant and advanced cancer types.
Investigating TSPO levels in occupation-related posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Watling Sarah E. , Gill Talwinder , Gaudette Erin V. , Richardson J. Don , McCluskey Tina , Tong Junchao , Meyer Jeffrey H. , Warsh Jerry , Jetly Rakesh , Hutchison Michael G. , Rhind Shawn G. , Houle Sylvain , Kish Stephen J. , Boileau Isabelle
Published: March 2023

Microglia are immune brain cells implicated in stress-related mental illnesses including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their role in the pathophysiology of PTSD, and on neurobiological systems that regulate stress, is not completely understood. We tested the hypothesis that microglia activation, in fronto-limbic brain regions involved in PTSD, would be elevated in participants with occupation-related PTSD. We also explored the relationship between cortisol and microglia activation. Twenty participants with PTSD and 23 healthy controls (HC) completed positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a putative biomarker of microglia activation using the probe [18F]FEPPA, and blood samples for measurement of cortisol. [18F]FEPPA VT was non-significantly elevated (6.5–30%) in fronto-limbic regions in PTSD participants. [18F]FEPPA VT was significantly higher in PTSD participants reporting frequent cannabis use compared to PTSD non-users (44%, p = 0.047). Male participants with PTSD (21%, p = 0.094) and a history of early childhood trauma (33%, p = 0.116) had non-significantly higher [18F]FEPPA VT. Average fronto-limbic [18F]FEPPA VT was positively related to cortisol (r = 0.530, p = 0.028) in the PTSD group only. Although we did not find a significant abnormality in TSPO binding in PTSD, findings suggest microglial activation might have occurred in a subgroup who reported frequent cannabis use. The relationship between cortisol and TSPO binding suggests a potential link between hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal-axis dysregulation and central immune response to trauma which warrants further study.
Towards passive non-line-of-sight acoustic localization around corners using uncontrolled random noise sources
Authors: Boger-Lombard Jeremy , Slobodkin Yevgeny , Katz Ori
Published: March 2023

Non-line-of-sight (NLoS) imaging is an important challenge in many fields ranging from autonomous vehicles and smart cities to defense applications. Several recent works in optics and acoustics tackle the challenge of imaging targets hidden from view (e.g. placed around a corner) by measuring time-of-flight information using active SONAR/LiDAR techniques, effectively mapping the Green functions (impulse responses) from several controlled sources to an array of detectors. Here, leveraging passive correlations-based imaging techniques (also termed ’acoustic daylight imaging’), we study the possibility of acoustic NLoS target localization around a corner without the use of controlled active sources. We demonstrate localization and tracking of a human subject hidden around a corner in a reverberating room using Green functions retrieved from correlations of broadband uncontrolled noise sources recorded by multiple detectors. Our results demonstrate that for NLoS localization controlled active sources can be replaced by passive detectors as long as a sufficiently broadband noise is present in the scene.
Repertoire of P-glycoprotein drug transporters in the zoonotic nematode Toxocara canis
Authors: Jesudoss Chelladurai Jeba R. J. , Martin Katy A. , Vardaxis Pam , Reinemeyer Craig , Vijayapalani Paramasivan , Robertson Alan P. , Brewer Matthew T.
Published: March 2023

Toxocara canis has a complex lifecycle including larval stages in the somatic tissue of dogs that tolerate macrocyclic lactones. In this study, we investigated T. canis permeability glycoproteins (P-gps, ABCB1) with a putative role in drug tolerance. Motility experiments demonstrated that while ivermectin failed to abrogate larval movement, the combination of ivermectin and the P-gp inhibitor verapamil induced larval paralysis. Whole organism assays revealed functional P-gp activity in larvae which were capable of effluxing the P-gp substrate Hoechst 33342 (H33342). Further investigation of H33342 efflux demonstrated a unique rank order of potency for known mammalian P-gp inhibitors, suggesting that one or more of the T. canis transporters has nematode-specific pharmacological properties. Analysis of the T. canis draft genome resulted in the identification of 13 annotated P-gp genes, enabling revision of predicted gene names and identification of putative paralogs. Quantitative PCR was used to measure P-gp mRNA expression in adult worms, hatched larvae, and somatic larvae. At least 10 of the predicted genes were expressed in adults and hatched larvae, and at least 8 were expressed in somatic larvae. However, treatment of larvae with macrocyclic lactones failed to significantly increase P-gp expression as measured by qPCR. Further studies are needed to understand the role of individual P-gps with possible contributions to macrocyclic lactone tolerance in T. canis.
Protection of pipeline below pavement subjected to traffic induced dynamic response
Authors: Chaudhuri Chaidul Haque , Choudhury Deepankar
Published: March 2023

Failure of pipelines below road pavement results to the disruption of both the traffic movement and the consumers of the pipelines. Intermediate safeguard layer can be used to protect the pipeline from heavy traffic loads. The present study proposed analytical solutions to obtain the dynamic response of buried pipe below road pavement with and without considering safeguard based on the concept of triple and double beam system respectively. Pavement layer, safeguard and the pipeline are considered as Euler Bernoulli’s beam. Advanced soil model is used (viscoelastic foundation with shear interaction between springs) to model the surrounding soil. Self-weight of soil is also considered in the present study. The obtained governing coupled differential equations are solved adopting finite sine Fourier transform, Laplace transform and their inverse transformation. The proposed formulation is initially verified with the past numerical and analytical studies and then validated with the three-dimensional finite element based numerical analysis. From parametric study it is perceived that the stability of the pipe can be significantly increased by providing intermediate barrier. Further, pipe deformation is increases with increasing traffic loads. At very high-speed range (> 60 m s−1), pipe deformation is significantly rises with increasing traffic speed. The present study can be useful in preliminary design stage before performing rigorous and expensive numerical or experimental study.
Lack of furosemide responsiveness predict severe acute kidney injury after liver transplantation
Authors: Cai Li , Shu Liu , Yujun Zhao , Ke Cheng , Qiang Wang
Published: March 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains to be a common but severe complication after liver transplantation (LT). However, there are still few clinically validated biomarkers. A total of 214 patients who underwent routine furosemide (1–2 mg/kg) after LT were retrospectively included. The urine output during the first 6 h was recorded to evaluate the predictive value of AKI stage 3 and renal replacement therapy (RRT). 105 (49.07%) patients developed AKI, including 21 (9.81%) progression to AKI stage 3 and 10 (4.67%) requiring RRT. The urine output decreased with the increasing severity of AKI. The urine output of AKI stage 3 did not significantly increase after the use of furosemide. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for the total urine output in the first hour to predict progression to AKI stage 3 was 0.94 (p < 0.001). The ideal cutoff for predicting AKI progression during the first hour was a urine volume of less than 200 ml with a sensitivity of 90.48% and specificity of 86.53%. The area under the ROC curves for the total urine output in the six hours to predict progression to RRT was 0.944 (p < 0.001). The ideal cutoff was a urine volume of less than 500 ml with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 90.91%. Severe AKI after liver transplantation seriously affects the outcome of patients. Lack of furosemide responsiveness quickly and accurately predict AKI stage 3, and patients requiring RRT after the operation.
Effect of ocean acidification on the growth, response and hydrocarbon degradation of coccolithophore-bacterial communities exposed to crude oil
Authors: Fahmi Afiq Mohd , Summers Stephen , Jones Martin , Bowler Bernard , Hennige Sebastian , Gutierrez Tony
Published: March 2023

Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, which can be found living with eukaryotic phytoplankton, play a pivotal role in the fate of oil spillage to the marine environment. Considering the susceptibility of calcium carbonate-bearing phytoplankton under future ocean acidification conditions and their oil-degrading communities to oil exposure under such conditions, we investigated the response of non-axenic E. huxleyi to crude oil under ambient versus elevated CO2 concentrations. Under elevated CO2 conditions, exposure to crude oil resulted in the immediate decline of E. huxleyi, with concomitant shifts in the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Survival of E. huxleyi under ambient conditions following oil enrichment was likely facilitated by enrichment of oil-degraders Methylobacterium and Sphingomonas, while the increase in relative abundance of Marinobacter and unclassified Gammaproteobacteria may have increased competitive pressure with E. huxleyi for micronutrient acquisition. Biodegradation of the oil was not affected by elevated CO2 despite a shift in relative abundance of known and putative hydrocarbon degraders. While ocean acidification does not appear to affect microbial degradation of crude oil, elevated mortality responses of E. huxleyi and shifts in the bacterial community illustrates the complexity of microalgal-bacterial interactions and highlights the need to factor these into future ecosystem recovery projections.
Assessing the structure of the posterior visual pathway in bilateral macular degeneration
Authors: Brown Holly D. H. , Gale Richard P. , Gouws André D. , Vernon Richard J. W. , Airody Archana , Hanson Rachel L. W. , Baseler Heidi A. , Morland Antony B.
Published: March 2023

Macular degeneration (MD) embodies a collection of disorders causing a progressive loss of central vision. Cross-sectional MRI studies have revealed structural changes in the grey and white matter in the posterior visual pathway in MD but there remains a need to understand how such changes progress over time. To that end we assessed the posterior pathway, characterising the visual cortex and optic radiations over a ~ 2-year period in MD patients and controls. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the former. Reduced cortical thickness and white matter integrity were observed in patients compared to controls, replicating previous findings. While faster, neither the rate of thinning in visual cortex nor the reduction in white matter integrity during the ~ 2-year period reached significance. We also measured cortical myelin density; cross-sectional data showed this was higher in patients than controls, likely as a result of greater thinning of non-myelinated tissue in patients. However, we also found evidence of a greater rate of loss of myelin density in the occipital pole in the patient group indicating that the posterior visual pathway is at risk in established MD. Taken together, our results revealed a broad decline in grey and white matter in the posterior visual pathway in bilateral MD; cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy show hints of an accelerated rate of loss also, with larger effects emerging in the occipital pole.
The long-term reproducibility of the white-coat effect on blood pressure as a continuous variable from the Ohasama Study
Authors: Satoh Michihiro , Yoshida Tomoya , Metoki Hirohito , Murakami Takahisa , Tatsumi Yukako , Hirose Takuo , Takabatake Kyosuke , Tsubota-Utsugi Megumi , Hara Azusa , Nomura Kyoko , Asayama Kei , Kikuya Masahiro , Hozawa Atsushi , Imai Yutaka , Ohkubo Takayoshi
Published: March 2023

There is little information about the reproducibility of the white coat effect, which was treated as a continuous variable. To investigate a long-term interval reproducibility of the white-coat effect as a continuous variable. We selected 153 participants without antihypertensive treatment (men, 22.9%; age, 64.4 years) from the general population of Ohasama, Japan, to assess the repeatedly measured white-coat effect (the difference between blood pressures at the office and home) in a 4-year interval. The reproducibility was assessed by testing the intraclass correlation coefficient (two-way random effect model-single measures). The white-coat effect for systolic/diastolic blood pressure slightly decreased by 0.17/1.56 mmHg at the 4-year visit on average. The Bland–Altman plots showed no significant systemic error for the white-coat effects (P ≥ 0.24). The intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) of the white-coat effect for systolic blood pressure, office systolic blood pressure, and home systolic blood pressure were 0.41 (0.27–0.53), 0.64 (0.52–0.74), and 0.74 (0.47–0.86), respectively. Change in the white-coat effect was mainly affected by a change in office blood pressure. Long-term reproducibility of the white-coat effect is limited in the general population without antihypertensive treatment. The change in the white-coat effect is mainly caused by office blood pressure variation.
Metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity and the development of lung dysfunction
Authors: Song Jae-Uk , Lee Jonghoo , Lim Si-Young , Gil Hyun-Il , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho
Published: March 2023

We investigated the association of metabolically healthy (MH) and unhealthy (MU) obesity with incident lung dysfunction. This cohort study included 253,698 Korean lung disease-free adults (mean age, 37.4 years) at baseline. Spirometry-defined lung dysfunction was classified as a restrictive pattern (RP) or obstructive pattern (OP). We defined obesity as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and MH as the absence of any metabolic syndrome components with a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance < 2.5: otherwise, participants were considered MU. During a median follow-up of 4.9 years, 10,775 RP cases and 7140 OP cases develped. Both MH and MU obesity showed a positive association with incident RP, with a stronger association in the MU than in the MH group (Pinteraction = 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for incident RP comparing obesity to the normal-weight category was 1.15 (1.05–1.25) among the MH group and 1.38 (1.30–1.47) among MU group. Conversely, obesity was inversely associated with OP because of a greater decline in forced vital capacity than forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Both MH and MU obesity were positively associated with RP. However, the associations between obesity, metabolic health, and lung functions might vary depending on the type of lung disease.
Time course of muscle activation, energetics and mechanics of running in minimalist and traditional cushioned shoes during level running
Authors: Udin Gilles , Fernandez Menendez Aitor , Hoyois Jonas , Chevalier Mathias , Malatesta Davide
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to compare the ankle muscles activation, biomechanics and energetics of running in male runners during submaximal level run using minimalist (MinRS) and traditional cushioned (TrdRS) running shoes. During 45-min running in MinRS and TrdRS, the ankle muscles pre- and co-activation, biomechanics, and energetics of running of 16 male endurance runners (25.5 ± 3.5 yr) were assessed using surface electromyography (tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis), instrumented treadmill and indirect calorimetry, respectively. The net energy cost of running (Cr) was similar for both conditions (P = 0.25) with a significant increase over time (P < 0.0001). Step frequency (P < 0.001), and total mechanical work (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in MinRS than in TrdRS with no evolution over time (P = 0.28 and P = 0.85, respectively). The ankle muscles pre- and co-activation during the contact phase did not differ between the two shoe conditions (P ≥ 0.33) or over time (P ≥ 0.15). In conclusion, during 45-min running, Cr and muscle pre- and co-activation were not significantly different between MinRS and TrdRS with significantly higher step frequency and total mechanical work noted in the former than in the latter. Moreover, Cr significantly increased during the 45-min trial in both shoe conditions along with no significant change over time in muscle activation and biomechanical variables.
Variations of deep soil moisture under different vegetation restoration types in a watershed of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Meng Tingting , Sun Pei
Published: March 2023

The soil water content and water consumption of deep layer (200–1000 cm) of sloping farmland, grassland and Jujube orchard in Yuanzegou small watershed in the loess hilly region were studied. The results showed that (1) the soil moisture content of sloping farmland, grassland and Jujube orchard increased at first and then decreased at 0–200 cm, with mean values of 11.91%, 11.23% and 9.99% respectively; From 200 to 1000 cm, the soil moisture content decreased slowly and tended to be stable, with mean values of 11.77%, 11.62% and 9.96% respectively. (2) 200–1000 cm, the soil water storage ranged in the order of sloping farmland > grassland > Jujube orchard, with mean values of 148.78, 145.28 and 121.11 mm respectively. (3) In the 200–1000 cm soil layer, the water consumption of the Jujube orchard ranged from 21.67 to 32.97 mm, and that of grassland ranged from − 4.47 to 10.32 mm, the water consumption of deep soil in Jujube orchard was significantly higher than that in grassland (p < 0.05)., Although the Jujube orchard had obvious deep soil moisture consumption, it was insufficient to cause serious soil drying and increased farmers' income, so it can be planted locally, but the planting density should be reasonable and water-saving engineering technology should be adopted.
Brain injury biomarkers do not predict delirium in acutely ill older patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: de Alencar Júlio César Garcia , Garcez Flávia Barreto , Pinto Agnes Araujo Sardinha , Silva Lucas Oliveira Junqueira e , Soler Lucas de Moraes , Fernandez Shirley Steffany Muñoz , Van Vaisberg Victor , Gomez Gomez Luz Marina , Ribeiro Sandra Maria Lima , Avelino-Silva Thiago Junqueira , Souza Heraldo Possolo
Published: March 2023

Delirium is a common, serious, and often preventable neuropsychiatric emergency mostly characterized by a disturbance in attention and awareness. Systemic insult and inflammation causing blood–brain-barrier (BBB) damage and glial and neuronal activation leading to more inflammation and cell death is the most accepted theory behind delirium's pathophysiology. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between brain injury biomarkers on admission and delirium in acutely ill older patients. We performed a prospective cohort study which analyzed plasma S100B levels at admission in elderly patients. Our primary outcome was delirium diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were association between S100B, NSE and Tau protein and delirium diagnosis and patients’ outcomes (admissions to intensive care, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality). We analyzed 194 patients, and 46 (24%) developed delirium, 25 on admission and 21 during hospital stay. Median of S100B at admission in patients who developed delirium was 0.16 and median was 0.16 in patients who didn’t develop delirium (p: 0.69). Levels S100B on admission did not predict delirium in acutely ill elderly patients.

Trial registration: The study was approved by the local institutional review board (CAPPESq, no. 77169716.2.0000.0068, October 11, 2017) and registered in Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC, no. RBR-233bct).
A new class of Poisson Ridge-type estimator
Authors: Ertan Esra , Akay Kadri Ulaş
Published: March 2023

The Poisson Regression Model (PRM) is one of the benchmark models when analyzing the count data. The Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) is used to estimate the model parameters in PRMs. However, the MLE may suffer from various drawbacks that arise due to the existence of multicollinearity problems. Many estimators have been proposed as alternatives to each other to alleviate the multicollinearity problem in PRM, such as Poisson Ridge Estimator (PRE), Poisson Liu Estimator (PLE), Poisson Liu-type Estimator (PLTE), and Improvement Liu-Type Estimator (ILTE). In this study, we define a new general class of estimators which is based on the PRE as an alternative to other existing biased estimators in the PRMs. The superiority of the proposed biased estimator over the other existing biased estimators is given under the asymptotic matrix mean square error sense. Furthermore, two separate Monte Carlo simulation studies are implemented to compare the performances of the proposed biased estimators. Finally, the performances of all considered biased estimators are shown in real data.
Lifestyle modification and medication use among diabetes mellitus patients attending Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma zone, south west Ethiopia
Authors: Garedow Aster Wakjira , Jemaneh Tsiyon Mekoya , Hailemariam Addisalem Gebresilase , Tesfaye Gorfineh Teshome
Published: March 2023

Diabetes, a non-communicable metabolic disease, causes multiple complications and deaths worldwide. It is a complex, chronic disease that requires continuous medical care with multifactorial risk reduction strategies beyond glycemic control. Ongoing patient education and self-management support are critical for preventing acute complications and reducing the risk of long-term complications. There is ample evidence that healthy lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet, moderate weight loss, and regular exercise, can maintain normal blood sugar levels and minimize diabetes-related complications. In addition, this lifestyle change has a major impact on controlling hyperglycemia and can help to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This study aimed to assess lifestyle modification and medication use in patients with diabetes mellitus at Jimma University Medical Center. Hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to September 30, 2021 among DM patients who have follow-up at diabetic clinic of Jimma University Medical Center. Consecutive sampling was used until the required sample size was achieved. Data were checked for completeness, then entered into Epidata version 4.2 software and exported to SPSS version 21.0. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to determine the association between KAP and independent factors. Variables with a p value < 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 190 participants took part in this study with a response rate of 100%. In this study, 69 (36.3%) participants had good knowledge, 82 (43.2%) moderate knowledge and 39 (20.5%) poor knowledge, 153 (85.8%) had positive attitudes, 141 (74.2%) had good practice. Marital status, Occupational status and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude towards LSM and medication use. Marital status was the only variable that remained significantly associated with knowledge, attitude and practice towards LSM and medication use. The result of this study showed that more than 20% of the participants had poor knowledge, attitude, and practice towards medication use and LSM. Marital status was the only variable which remained to be significantly associated with KAP towards LSM and medication use.
Increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and spread of infection without awareness among healthcare workers through 2020–2022 in a Japanese medical center
Authors: Kanamori Rie , Yan Yan , Ito Kanami , Fukuda Hiroshi , Hori Satoshi , Yamamoto Takamasa , Igawa Gene , Saito Kaori , Horiuchi Yuki , Nojiri Shuko , Nishizaki Yuji , Tabe Yoko , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Naito Toshio
Published: March 2023

Despite Japan’s high vaccination coverage, daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases have been high. However, studies on the seroprevalence among Japanese people and the causative factors for rapid spread have remained limited. In this study, we aimed to examine the seroprevalence and associated factors in healthcare workers (HCWs) of a medical center in Tokyo using blood samples drawn at annual check-ups from 2020 to 2022. We found that of the 3,788 HCWs in 2022 (by mid-June), 669 were seropositive for N-specific antibodies (tested by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay); the seroprevalence surged from 0.3% in 2020 and 1.6% in 2021 to 17.7% in 2022. Notably, our study found 325 (48.6%; 325/669) cases were infected without awareness. Among those with a previously PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the past three years, 79.0% (282/357) were found after January 2022, after the Omicron variant was first detected in Tokyo at the end of 2021. This study indicates the fast spread of the SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs during the Omicron surge in Japan. The high percentage of infection without awareness may be a key driving factor causing rapid person-to-person transmission, as shown in this medical center with high vaccination coverage and strict infection control measures.
Comparative physiological and biochemical mechanisms in diploid, triploid, and tetraploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) grafted by branches
Authors: Kaseb Mohamed Omar , Umer Muhammad Jawad , Lu Xuqiang , He Nan , Anees Muhammad , El-remaly Eman , Yousef Ahmed Fathy , Salama Ehab A. A. , Kalaji Hazem M. , Liu Wenge
Published: March 2023

Seed production for polyploid watermelons is costly, complex, and labor-intensive. Tetraploid and triploid plants produce fewer seeds/fruit, and triploid embryos have a harder seed coat and are generally weaker than diploid seeds. In this study, we propagated tetraploid and triploid watermelons by grafting cuttings onto gourd rootstock (C. maxima × C. mochata). We used three different scions: the apical meristem (AM), one-node (1N), and two-node (2N) branches of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid watermelon plants. We then evaluated the effects of grafting on plant survival, some biochemical traits, oxidants, antioxidants, and hormone levels at different time points. We found significant differences between the polyploid watermelons when the 1N was used as a scion. Tetraploid watermelons had the highest survival rates and the highest levels of hormones, carbohydrates, and antioxidant activity compared to diploid watermelons, which may explain the high compatibility of tetraploid watermelons and the deterioration of the graft zone in diploid watermelons. Our results show that hormone production and enzyme activity with high carbohydrate content, particularly in the 2–3 days after transplantation, contribute to a high survival rate. Sugar application resulted in increased carbohydrate accumulation in the grafted combination. This study also presents an alternative and cost-effective approach to producing more tetraploid and triploid watermelon plants for breeding and seed production by using branches as sprouts.
Left atrial CT volume and CHA2DS2-VASc score predict early pulmonary vein stump thrombus after left upper lobectomy
Authors: Takumi Koji , Nagano Hiroaki , Ueda Kazuhiro , Umehara Tadashi , Tokunaga Takuya , Kamimura Go , Sato Masami , Nakanosono Ryota , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to clarify the feasibility of left atrial (LA) volume measurement and CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting the development of pulmonary vein (PV) stump thrombus after left upper lobectomy (LUL). The study population comprised 50 patients who underwent LUL for pulmonary lesions. All patients were evaluated for the development of PV stump thrombus at 7 days after LUL. LA volume was measured using preoperative CT and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was evaluated. LA volume and CHA2DS2-VASc score were compared between patients with and without the development of PV stump thrombus using the Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of prediction of PV stump thrombus development. PV stump thrombus was detected in 17 (33.4%) of the 50 patients. LA volume was significantly greater in patients who developed PV stump thrombus than in those without thrombus (79.7 ± 19.4 vs. 66.6 ± 17.0 mL, p = 0.040). CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in patients with PV stump thrombosis than in those without thrombus (3.4 ± 1.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5, p = 0.039). Area under the ROC curve values for predicting PV stump thrombus were 0.679, 0.676, and 0.714 for LA volume, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and their combination, respectively. In conclusion, LA volume measured using preoperative CT and CHA2DS2-VASc score may help predict the development of PV stump thrombus after LUL.
The circadian clock in the piriform cortex intrinsically tunes daily changes of odor-evoked neural activity
Authors: Takeuchi Shunsuke , Shimizu Kimiko , Fukada Yoshitaka , Emoto Kazuo
Published: March 2023

The daily activity in the brain is typically fine-tuned by the circadian clock in the local neurons as well as by the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. In the olfactory response, odor-evoked activity in the piriform cortex (PC) and olfactory behavior retain circadian rhythmicity in the absence of the SCN, yet how the circadian rhythm in the PC is achieved independently of the SCN remains elusive. Here, to define neurons regulating the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity in the PC, we knocked out the clock gene Bmal1 in a host of specific neurons along the olfactory circuit. We discovered that Bmal1 knockout in the PC largely abolishes the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity. We further showed that isolated PC exhibits sustained circadian rhythms of the clock gene Per2 expression. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that expression patterns of multiple genes involved in neural activity and synaptic transmission exhibit circadian rhythm in the PC in a BMAL1-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that BMAL1 acts intrinsically in the PC to control the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity in the PC, possibly through regulating expression patterns of multiple genes involved in neural activity and transmission.
Xanthomonas infection and ozone stress distinctly influence the microbial community structure and interactions in the pepper phyllosphere
Authors: Bhandari Rishi , Sanz-Saez Alvaro , Leisner Courtney P , Potnis Neha
Published: March 2023

While the physiological and transcriptional response of the host to biotic and abiotic stresses have been intensely studied, little is known about the resilience of associated microbiomes and their contribution towards tolerance or response to these stresses. We evaluated the impact of elevated tropospheric ozone (O3), individually and in combination with Xanthomonas perforans infection, under open-top chamber field conditions on overall disease outcome on resistant and susceptible pepper cultivars, and their associated microbiome structure, function, and interaction network across the growing season. Pathogen infection resulted in a distinct microbial community structure and functions on the susceptible cultivar, while concurrent O3 stress did not further alter the community structure, and function. However, O3 stress exacerbated the disease severity on resistant cultivar. This altered diseased severity was accompanied by enhanced heterogeneity in associated Xanthomonas population counts, although no significant shift in overall microbiota density, microbial community structure, and function was evident. Microbial co-occurrence networks under simultaneous O3 stress and pathogen challenge indicated a shift in the most influential taxa and a less connected network, which may reflect the altered stability of interactions among community members. Increased disease severity on resistant cultivar may be explained by such altered microbial co-occurrence network, indicating the altered microbiome-associated prophylactic shield against pathogens under elevated O3. Our findings demonstrate that microbial communities respond distinctly to individual and simultaneous stressors, in this case, O3 stress and pathogen infection, and can play a significant role in predicting how plant-pathogen interactions would change in the face of climate change.
Surfactant effects on electrochemically durable lead halide perovskite electro-catalysts
Authors: Zhong Ren-Jun , Tsao Kai-Wei , Cheng Chun-Hao , Liu Cheng-Chan , Li Chun-Ting
Published: March 2023

An electrochemically active and air-stable FA(Pb1−xGex)I3 perovskite was supported by effective passivation with tetra-n-hexylammonium (THA) iodide/bromide, providing a hydrophobic surface by the THA cation and forming FAPbBr3 by the mixed halide.
Synergistic zinc-ion storage enabled by Cu ion in anthraquinone-preinserted vanadate: structural integrity and H+-promoted reversible phase conversion
Authors: Li Kai , Liu Yang , Tang Rui , Gong Yun
Published: March 2023

Oxygen-deficient anthraquinone (2-M-AQ)-intercalated vanadium oxide shows an outstanding long lifespan in electrolyte with Cu2+due to the dual-pillar of 2-M-AQ/Cu2+and H+-promoted reversible phase conversion.
Predicted aquatic exposure effects from a national urban stormwater study
Authors: Bradley Paul M. , Romanok Kristin M. , Smalling Kelly L. , Masoner Jason R. , Kolpin Dana W. , Gordon Stephanie E.
Published: March 2023

Episodic stormwater discharges expose aquatic ecosystems to extensive contaminant mixtures. Cumulative acute risks to multiple aquatic trophic levels are estimated based on contaminant mixtures documented in a US stormwater reconnaissance.
A coumarin-based fluorescent chemosensor as a Sn indicator and a fluorescent cellular imaging agent
Authors: Hosseinjani-Pirdehi Hamide , Amigh Soode , Mohajeri Afshan , Nazeri Elahe , Taheri Amir , Majidzadeh-A Keivan , Mohammadpour Zahra , Esmaeili Rezvan
Published: March 2023

A fluorogenic and colorimetric coumarin-based probe was synthesized and used for sensing Sn2+ inside and ouside of living cells.
Reconciling experimental catalytic data stemming from structure sensitivity
Authors: Zong Xue , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: March 2023

We developed a methodology to correlate catalyst nanoparticle size and shape with reactivity and explain the disparity among literature experimental data. The method uses GCN and machine learning models as a proxy of structure sensitivity.
Repetitive self-healing of Diels–Alder grafted graphene nanoplatelet reinforced carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites with outstanding mechanical properties
Authors: Khan Nazrul Islam , Halder Sudipta , Goyat M. S. , Borah Lakshi Nandan , Das Subhankar
Published: March 2023

The concept of using bio-inspired healing mechanisms in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-based laminated composites is one of the trending areas of research for lightweight high-performance materials.
Advancing towards ready-to-use solid oxide fuel cells: 5 minute cold start-up with high-power performance
Authors: Jeong Hyeseong , Lee Channyung , Son Ji-Won , Lee Seung Yong , Yoon Kyung Joong , Shin Dongwook , Choi Mansoo , Shin Sung Soo , Kim Hyoungchul
Published: March 2023

This study reports a high-performance solid oxide fuel cell system with rapid thermal cycling and cold start-up (i.e., ready-to-use) for mobile applications. This system reached 600 °C within 5 min of start-up and exhibited maximum power of 1.123 W.
Molecular engineering to red-shift the absorption band of AIE photosensitizers and improve their ROS generation ability
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Pan Xiaohong , Shi Haixing , Wang Yaqi , Liu Wenzhen , Cai Liangzhi , Wang Le , Wang Huanhuan , Chen Zhuo
Published: March 2023

Increasing the number of acceptors and extending their π-conjugation will red-shift the absorption-emission band, increase the maximum molar extinction coefficient, and improve the ROS generation ability of AIE-photosensitizers.
A green methodology for the determination of cocaine in camouflaged samples
Authors: Gallart-Mateu D. , Gallardo A. , Garrigues S. , de la Guardia M.
Published: March 2023

The procedure developed, based on an ultrasound probe assisted extraction followed by DFATR-MIR analysis, offers a fast, simple and efficient way for the determination of cocaine camouflaged in different types of solid samples.
One-step synthesis of perylenediimides exhibiting near-infrared absorption and emission by amino–yne click reaction
Authors: Sanematsu Haruki , Takeuchi Masayuki , Takai Atsuro
Published: March 2023

One-step synthesis of amino-functionalized perylenediimides exhibiting NIR absorption and emission via a catalyst-free amino–yne click reaction is reported.
The synergistic effect of Cu-MOF nanoparticles and immunomodulatory agent on SARS-CoV-2 inhibition
Authors: Ejsmont Aleksander , Warowicka Alicja , Broniarczyk Justyna , Goscianska Joanna
Published: March 2023

The nanosized Cu-MOF/hydroxychloroquine systems reduce the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by the viral Spike protein–ACE2 receptor binding inhibition, the presence of copper in the MOF nodes, and the semi-controlled release of the drug.
Chemodivergent coupling of azoarenes with benzyl alcohols via a borrowing hydrogen strategy using a well-defined nickel catalyst
Authors: Bansal Sadhna , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Punji Benudhar
Published: March 2023

A chemodivergent protocol for the (de)hydrogenative coupling of azoarenes with benzyl alcohol is described via the NN bond activation using an inexpensive and well-defined nickel catalyst.
Impact of the zinc complexation of polytopic polyaza ligands on the interaction with double and single stranded DNA/RNA and antimicrobial activity
Authors: González-García Jorge , Galiana Carolina , Dea-Ayuela M. Auxiliadora , Radić Stojković Marijana , López-Molina Sonia , Galiana-Roselló Cristina , Blasco Salvador , Piantanida Ivo , García-España Enrique
Published: March 2023

Two polytopic ligands and their zinc complexes show a high interaction with DNA/RNA and different recognition abilities of the nucleic acids depending on the base composition. The antimicrobial activity is higher for the free ligands.
Design and synthesis of mixed-ligand architectured Zn-based coordination polymers for energy storage
Authors: Ghosh Tapan Kumar , Ranga Rao G.
Published: March 2023

Growth of Zn–CP crystals and fabrication of a hybrid supercapacitor device.
Three-dimensional nickel nanowires modified by amorphous Fe nanosheets as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Guoxu , Gao Denghe , Dong Yucheng , Wang Lan , Wang Hui , Wang Xuyun , Linkov Vladimir , Wang Rongfang
Published: March 2023

Fe/Ni NWs/NF catalysts were prepared by growing iron nanosheets on chain nickel nanowires. The Fe/Ni NWs/NF electrode has a 3D layered heterostructure, on which the Fe nanosheets are amorphous and show good oxygen evolution activity.
Base-free, acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of ethanol to ethyl acetate with PNP complexes
Authors: Ni Zhenwei , Padilla Rosa , Pramanick Rajib , Jørgensen Mike S. B. , Nielsen Martin
Published: March 2023

The valorization of ethanol to ethyl acetate and hydrogen under additive free conditions is disclosed.
An electrically stable and mechanically robust stretchable fiber conductor prepared by dip-coating silver nanowires on porous elastomer yarn
Authors: He Xin , Zhou Ningjing , Li Yushan , Xiong Puxian , Zhang Shuai , Ma Zhijun
Published: March 2023

Super-stretchable fiber conductor with high conductivity and robust mechanical endurance is fabricated by simply dip-coating silver nanowires on electrospun elastomer yarn.
Synthesis of NiGa2O4 ultra-thin nanosheets for improved xylene sensing properties and selectivity
Authors: Tian Xinhua , Li Jiayu , Li Qiuju , Zhang Mingcheng , Zou Xiaoxin , Jia Jiaqi , Li Guo-Dong
Published: March 2023

In this study, NiGa2O4 ultra-thin nanosheets were synthesized using the LDH template method, and showed excellent gas sensing properties for xylene.
A novel method for synthesizing one or two-dimensional metal oxide (hydroxide) nanomaterials using deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Chen Hanzhang , Jiang Wei , Zhao Nana , Zhang Xinyao , Ma Xieli , Jia Hailang , Zhuang Yan , Guan Mingyun
Published: March 2023

Metal-based DESs were employed as raw materials and media to fabricate one- or two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as FeO(OH) rod bundle, Co(OH)2nanoplate, ZnO nanorod, and CuO nanoplate.
Weakly aligned Ti3C2TxMXene liquid crystals: measuring residual dipolar coupling in multiple co-solvent systems
Authors: Zhao You , Qin Huan , Yang Yan-Ling , Li Jia-Qian , Qin Si-Yong , Zhang Ai-Qing , Lei Xinxiang
Published: March 2023

Herein, we report the rapid fabrication of Ti3C2TxLC media in multiple co-solvents including DMSO-H2O, CH3OH-H2O, DMF-H2O, and acetone-H2O, facilitating the accurate RDC measurement of organic molecules with different solubilities.
Achieving higher hierarchical structures by cooperative assembly of tripeptides with reverse sequences
Authors: Wang Zhongyan , Shang Yuna , Luo Hongjing , Yang Cuihong , Yang Zhimou , Ren Chunhua , Liu Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

We report a novel strategy for achieving low-to-high hierarchical structure transformation through the cooperative self-assembly of naphthyl-capped tripeptides with reverse sequences.
Cu(ii)-catalyzed domino construction of spironaphthalenones by dearomatization of β-naphthols and using N,N-dimethylaminoethanol as a C1 synthon
Authors: Geng Meiqi , Kuang Jinqiang , Miao Maozhong , Ma Yongmin
Published: March 2023

A Cu(ii)-catalyzed tandem construction of synthetically valuable spiro compounds from 2-naphthols and N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) in air is reported.
Exploring the biomedical competency of gamma-radiation aided hydroxyapatite and its composite fabricated with nano-cellulose and chitosan
Authors: Sahadat Hossain Md. , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali , Jahan Shirin Akter , Mahmud Monika , Bin Mobarak Mashrafi , Rahaman Md. Saifur , Uddin Md. Najem , Ahmed Samina
Published: March 2023

Cytotoxicity and haemocompatibility of γ-radiated Hap met the benchmarks according to ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-4 standards, respectively. Moreover, extreme antimicrobial (>98%) and moderate (∼34%) antioxidant properties were also exhibited.
Integrated high-sulfur-loading polysulfide/carbon cathode in lean-electrolyte cell toward high-energy-density lithium–sulfur cells with stable cyclability
Authors: Wu Yun-Chen , Chung Sheng-Heng
Published: March 2023

A core–shell polysulfide/carbon cathode demonstrates a lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur cell with a record low electrolyte-to-sulfur ratio (4–3 μL mg−1) and a high-sulfur-loading cathode with high electrochemical utilization and stability.
Donor–acceptor–donor molecules for high performance near ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodesviahybridized local and charge-transfer processes
Authors: Wang Xianhui , Liu Zhangshan , Geng Sinuo , Zhong Ziting , Li Huihui , Feng Xin Jiang , Zhao Zujin , Lu Hua
Published: March 2023

Two bipolar molecules were designed with outstanding thermal stabilities. The molecules possess hybridized local and charge-transfer characteristics and exhibit high performance near ultraviolet electroluminescence with excellent color purity.
4× Super‐resolution of unsupervised CT images based on GAN
Authors: Li Yunhe , Chen Lunqiang , Li Bo , Zhao Huiyan
Published: March 2023

Improving the resolution of computed tomography (CT) medical images can help doctors more accurately identify lesions, which is important in clinical diagnosis. In the absence of natural paired datasets of high resolution and low resolution image pairs, we abandoned the conventional Bicubic method and innovatively used a dataset of images of a single resolution to create near‐natural high–low‐resolution image pairs by designing a deep learning network and utilizing noise injection. In addition, we propose a super‐resolution generative adversarial network called KerSRGAN which includes a super‐resolution generator, super‐resolution discriminator, and super‐resolution feature extractor to achieve a 4× super‐resolution of CT images. The results of an experimental evaluation show that KerSRGAN achieved superior performance compared to the state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of a quantitative comparison of non‐reference image quality evaluation indicators on the generated 4× super‐resolution CT images. Moreover, in terms of an intuitive visual comparison, the images generated by the KerSRGAN method had more precise details and better perceptual quality.