bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In‐Situ Measurements of Ion Density in the Martian Ionosphere: Underlying Structure and Variability Observed by the MAVEN‐STATIC Instrument
Authors: Fowler C. M. , McFadden J. , Hanley K. G. , Mitchell D. L. , Curry S. , Jakosky B.
Published: July 2022

Measurement of the dense cold thermal plasma in planetary ionospheres via orbiting spacecraft is challenging because ion energies are small (0–4 eV), densities can vary by four orders of magnitude, composition varies with altitude, spacecraft charging varies in time and must be measured very accurately, and instrumental effects (e.g., detector dead‐time and background) can be significant. The SupraThermal And Thermal Ion Composition instrument team has recently released a new set of data products that contain density moments of the primary ion species at Mars, including those derived at periapsis, subject to the full suite of calibration factors required. This article discusses the challenges associated with deriving these densities and provides examples of the key caveats that users of the data should be aware of. A preliminary statistical study of this new data set focuses on the structure and variability of Mars' ionosphere, demonstrating that solar zenith angle effects, the crustal magnetic fields, and electron precipitation on the nightside, drive the strongest structural features, consistent with photochemical theory and previous studies. Dayside ionospheric density profiles are highly repeatable below altitudes of 200 km, marking the region where photochemistry and collisions dominate. In the upper dayside ionosphere (altitudes >300–400 km) changes in the solar wind dynamic pressure on timescales of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN's orbit (hr) drive the largest (factors of 1–3) variability in ionospheric density. In contrast variability in ionospheric density peaks between 150 and 250 km altitude on the nightside (factors of 1–2), consistent with electron precipitation driving ionization in this region.
Contrasting Trends in Water Use Efficiency of the Alpine Grassland in Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Ning , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: July 2022

Alpine grassland is the dominant land cover type of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Previous studies suggested that TP's climate and vegetation condition have changed substantially in past few decades. However, the impacts of such changes on ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE), a vital index for depicting the tradeoff between water loss and carbon gain, of alpine grassland remain poorly understood. This study used a water‐carbon coupled model, Penman‐Monteith‐Leuning Version 2 (PML_V2), to investigate the variation in WUE of alpine grassland in the TP during 1982–2016 and its drivers. PML_V2 performs well in estimating WUE at nine eddy‐covariance flux sites, noticeably better than other main‐stream products. The long‐term mean WUE decreases from the southeastern to the northwestern TP, generally following the spatial pattens of surface greenness and climatic condition. During 1982–2016, WUE increased in most parts (71%) of alpine grassland but declined in certain regions of western TP. At the ecosystem scale, contrasting trends in WUE emerged between alpine meadow and alpine steppe over the last 35 years. The former's significant increasing WUE was primarily driven by increased leaf area index (LAI) and CO2 concentration (eCO2). While greening also occurred in the latter, its WUE remained stable because (a) the large negative effect of precipitation offset the positive effect of LAI on WUE, and; (b) the enhancement of photosynthesis resulted from elevated eCO2 was weaker because of low LAI. Our results are of importance for understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of water‐carbon coupling in high‐elevation ecosystems under a changing climate.
MiR-1224-5p modulates osteogenesis by coordinating osteoblast/osteoclast differentiation via the Rap1 signaling target ADCY2
Authors: Hu Liangcong , Xie Xudong , Xue Hang , Wang Tiantian , Panayi Adriana C. , Lin Ze , Xiong Yuan , Cao Faqi , Yan Chengcheng , Chen Lang , Cheng Peng , Zha Kangkang , Sun Yun , Liu Guodong , Yu Chenyan , Hu Yiqiang , Tao Ranyang , Zhou Wu , Mi Bobin , Liu Guohui
Published: July 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) broadly regulate normal biological functions of bone and the progression of fracture healing and osteoporosis. Recently, it has been reported that miR-1224-5p in fracture plasma is a potential therapy for osteogenesis. To investigate the roles of miR-1224-5p and the Rap1 signaling pathway in fracture healing and osteoporosis development and progression, we used BMMs, BMSCs, and skull osteoblast precursor cells for in vitro osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis studies. Osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis were detected by ALP, ARS, and TRAP staining and bone slice resorption pit assays. The miR-1224-5p target gene was assessed by siRNA-mediated target gene knockdown and luciferase reporter assays. To explore the Rap1 pathway, we performed high-throughput sequencing, western blotting, RT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and immunohistochemical staining. In vivo, bone healing was judged by the cortical femoral defect, cranial bone defect and femoral fracture models. Progression of osteoporosis was evaluated by an ovariectomy model and an aged osteoporosis model. We discovered that the expression of miR-1224-5p was positively correlated with fracture healing progression. Moreover, in vitro, overexpression of miR-1224-5p slowed Rankl-induced osteoclast differentiation and promoted osteoblast differentiation via the Rap1-signaling pathway by targeting ADCY2. In addition, in vivo overexpression of miR-1224-5p significantly promoted fracture healing and ameliorated the progression of osteoporosis caused by estrogen deficiency or aging. Furthermore, knockdown of miRNA-1224-5p inhibited bone regeneration in mice and accelerated the progression of osteoporosis in elderly mice. Taken together, these results identify miR-1224-5p as a key bone osteogenic regulator, which may be a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis and fracture nonunion.
Leukocyte invasion of the brain after peripheral trauma in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Chen Xiang-Ke , Kwan Joseph Shiu-Kwong , Wong Gordon Tin-Chun , Yi Zhen-Ni , Ma Alvin Chun-Hang , Chang Raymond Chuen-Chung
Published: July 2022

Despite well-known systemic immune reactions in peripheral trauma, little is known about their roles in posttraumatic neurological disorders, such as anxiety, sickness, and cognitive impairment. Leukocyte invasion of the brain, a common denominator of systemic inflammation, is involved in neurological disorders that occur in peripheral inflammatory diseases, whereas the influences of peripheral leukocytes on the brain after peripheral trauma remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that leukocytes, largely macrophages, transiently invaded the brain of zebrafish larvae after peripheral trauma through vasculature-independent migration, which was a part of the systemic inflammation and was mediated by interleukin-1b (il1b). Notably, myeloid cells in the brain that consist of microglia and invading macrophages were implicated in posttraumatic anxiety-like behaviors, such as hyperactivity (restlessness) and thigmotaxis (avoidance), while a reduction in systemic inflammation or myeloid cells can rescue these behaviors. In addition, invading leukocytes together with microglia were found to be responsible for the clearance of apoptotic cells in the brain; however, they also removed the nonapoptotic cells, which suggested that phagocytes have dual roles in the brain after peripheral trauma. More importantly, a category of conserved proteins between zebrafish and humans or rodents that has been featured in systemic inflammation and neurological disorders was determined in the zebrafish brain after peripheral trauma, which supported that zebrafish is a translational model of posttraumatic neurological disorders. These findings depicted leukocyte invasion of the brain during systemic inflammation after peripheral trauma and its influences on the brain through il1b-dependent mechanisms.
Nanocomposites based on lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles: diverse designs and applications
Authors: Du Kaimin , Feng Jing , Gao Xuan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: July 2022

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have aroused extraordinary interest due to the unique physical and chemical properties. Combining UCNPs with other functional materials to construct nanocomposites and achieve synergistic effect abound recently, and the resulting nanocomposites have shown great potentials in various fields based on the specific design and components. This review presents a summary of diverse designs and synthesis strategies of UCNPs-based nanocomposites, including self-assembly, in-situ growth and epitaxial growth, as well as the emerging applications in bioimaging, cancer treatments, anti-counterfeiting, and photocatalytic fields. We then discuss the challenges, opportunities, and development tendency for developing UCNPs-based nanocomposites.
Operando optical fiber monitoring of nanoscale and fast temperature changes during photo-electrocatalytic reactions
Authors: Li Zhi , Xiao Yongguang , Liu Fu , Yan Xiangyu , You Daotong , Li Kaiwei , Zeng Lixi , Zhu Mingshan , Xiao Gaozhi , Albert Jacques , Guo Tuan
Published: July 2022

In situ and continuous monitoring of thermal effects is essential for understanding photo-induced catalytic processes at catalyst’s surfaces. However, existing techniques are largely unable to capture the rapidly changing temperatures occurring in sub-μm layers at liquid-solid interfaces exposed to light. To address this, a sensing system based on a gold-coated conventional single-mode optical fiber with a tilted fiber Bragg grating inscribed in the fiber core is proposed and demonstrated. The spectral transmission from these devices is made up of a dense comb of narrowband resonances that can differentiate between localized temperatures rapid changes at the catalyst’s surface and those of the environment. By using the gold coating of the fiber as an electrode in an electrochemical reactor and exposing it to light, thermal effects in photo-induced catalysis at the interface can be decoded with a temperature resolution of 0.1 °C and a temporal resolution of 0.1 sec, without perturbing the catalytic operation that is measured simultaneously. As a demonstration, stable and reproducible correlations between the light-to-heat conversion and catalytic activities over time were measured for two different catalysis processes (linear and nonlinear). These kinds of sensing applications are ideally suited to the fundamental qualities of optical fiber sensors, such as their compact size, flexible shape, and remote measurement capability, thereby opening the way for various thermal monitoring in hard-to-reach spaces and rapid catalytic reaction processes.
An acoustofluidic scanning nanoscope using enhanced image stacking and processing
Authors: Jin Geonsoo , Rich Joseph , Xia Jianping , He Albert J. , Zhao Chenglong , Huang Tony Jun
Published: July 2022

Nanoscale optical resolution with a large field of view is a critical feature for many research and industry areas, such as semiconductor fabrication, biomedical imaging, and nanoscale material identification. Several scanning microscopes have been developed to resolve the inverse relationship between the resolution and field of view; however, those scanning microscopes still rely upon fluorescence labeling and complex optical systems. To overcome these limitations, we developed a dual-camera acoustofluidic nanoscope with a seamless image merging algorithm (alpha-blending process). This design allows us to precisely image both the sample and the microspheres simultaneously and accurately track the particle path and location. Therefore, the number of images required to capture the entire field of view (200 × 200 μm) by using our acoustofluidic scanning nanoscope is reduced by 55-fold compared with previous designs. Moreover, the image quality is also greatly improved by applying an alpha-blending imaging technique, which is critical for accurately depicting and identifying nanoscale objects or processes. This dual-camera acoustofluidic nanoscope paves the way for enhanced nanoimaging with high resolution and a large field of view.
Superconductivity in antiperovskites
Authors: Hoffmann Noah , Cerqueira Tiago F. T. , Schmidt Jonathan , Marques Miguel A. L.
Published: July 2022

We present a comprehensive theoretical study of conventional superconductivity in cubic antiperovskites materials with composition XYZ3 where X and Z are metals, and Y is H, B, C, N, O, and P. Our starting point are electron–phonon calculations for 397 materials performed with density-functional perturbation theory. While 43% of the materials are dynamically unstable, we discovered 16 compounds close to thermodynamic stability and with Tc higher than 5 K. Using these results to train interpretable machine-learning models, leads us to predict a further 57 (thermodynamically unstable) materials with superconducting transition temperatures above 5 K, reaching a maximum of 17.8 K for PtHBe3. Furthermore, the models give us an understanding of the mechanism of superconductivity in antiperovskites. The combination of traditional approaches with interpretable machine learning turns out to be a very efficient methodology to study and systematize whole classes of materials and is easily extendable to other families of compounds or physical properties.
Nuclear chromosome locations dictate segregation error frequencies
Authors: Klaasen Sjoerd J. , Truong My Anh , van Jaarsveld Richard H. , Koprivec Isabella , Štimac Valentina , de Vries Sippe G. , Risteski Patrik , Kodba Snježana , Vukušić Kruno , de Luca Kim L. , Marques Joana F. , Gerrits Elianne M. , Bakker Bjorn , Foijer Floris , Kind Jop , Tolić Iva M. , Lens Susanne M. A. , Kops Geert J. P. L.
Published: July 2022

Chromosome segregation errors during cell divisions generate aneuploidies and micronuclei, which can undergo extensive chromosomal rearrangements such as chromothripsis1–5. Selective pressures then shape distinct aneuploidy and rearrangement patterns—for example, in cancer6,7—but it is unknown whether initial biases in segregation errors and micronucleation exist for particular chromosomes. Using single-cell DNA sequencing8 after an error-prone mitosis in untransformed, diploid cell lines and organoids, we show that chromosomes have different segregation error frequencies that result in non-random aneuploidy landscapes. Isolation and sequencing of single micronuclei from these cells showed that mis-segregating chromosomes frequently also preferentially become entrapped in micronuclei. A similar bias was found in naturally occurring micronuclei of two cancer cell lines. We find that segregation error frequencies of individual chromosomes correlate with their location in the interphase nucleus, and show that this is highest for peripheral chromosomes behind spindle poles. Randomization of chromosome positions, Cas9-mediated live tracking and forced repositioning of individual chromosomes showed that a greater distance from the nuclear centre directly increases the propensity to mis-segregate. Accordingly, chromothripsis in cancer genomes9 and aneuploidies in early development10 occur more frequently for larger chromosomes, which are preferentially located near the nuclear periphery. Our findings reveal a direct link between nuclear chromosome positions, segregation error frequencies and micronucleus content, with implications for our understanding of tumour genome evolution and the origins of specific aneuploidies during development.
Dopamine subsystems that track internal states
Authors: Grove James C. R. , Gray Lindsay A. , La Santa Medina Naymalis , Sivakumar Nilla , Ahn Jamie S. , Corpuz Timothy V. , Berke Joshua D. , Kreitzer Anatol C. , Knight Zachary A.
Published: July 2022

Food and water are rewarding in part because they satisfy our internal needs1,2. Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are activated by gustatory rewards3–5, but how animals learn to associate these oral cues with the delayed physiological effects of ingestion is unknown. Here we show that individual dopaminergic neurons in the VTA respond to detection of nutrients or water at specific stages of ingestion. A major subset of dopaminergic neurons tracks changes in systemic hydration that occur tens of minutes after thirsty mice drink water, whereas different dopaminergic neurons respond to nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. We show that information about fluid balance is transmitted to the VTA by a hypothalamic pathway and then re-routed to downstream circuits that track the oral, gastrointestinal and post-absorptive stages of ingestion. To investigate the function of these signals, we used a paradigm in which a fluid’s oral and post-absorptive effects can be independently manipulated and temporally separated. We show that mice rapidly learn to prefer one fluid over another based solely on its rehydrating ability and that this post-ingestive learning is prevented if dopaminergic neurons in the VTA are selectively silenced after consumption. These findings reveal that the midbrain dopamine system contains subsystems that track different modalities and stages of ingestion, on timescales from seconds to tens of minutes, and that this information is used to drive learning about the consequences of ingestion.
Agricultural SandboxNL: A national-scale database of parcel-level processed Sentinel-1 SAR data
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Huber Manuel , Rommen Björn , Steele-Dunne Susan C.
Published: July 2022

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data handling, processing, and interpretation are barriers preventing a rapid uptake of SAR data by application specialists and non-expert domain users in the field of agricultural monitoring. To improve the accessibility of Sentinel-1 data, we have generated a reduced-volume, multi-year Sentinel-1 SAR database. It includes mean and standard deviation of VV, VH and VH/VV backscatter, pixel counts, geometry, crop type, local incidence angle and azimuth angle at parcel-level. The database uses around 3100 Sentinel-1 images (5 TB) to produce a 12 GB time series database for approximately 770,000 crop parcels over the Netherlands for a period of three years. The database can be queried by Sentinel-1 system parameters (e.g. relative orbit) or user application-specific parameters (e.g. crop type, spatial extent, time period) for parcel level assessment. The database can be used to accelerate the development of new tools, applications and methodologies for agricultural and water related applications, such as parcel-level crop bio-geophysical parameter estimation, inter-annual variability analysis, drought monitoring, grassland monitoring and agricultural management decision-support.
Ultrafast-UV laser integrating cavity device for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses
Authors: Ambardar Sharad , Howell Mark C. , Mayilsamy Karthick , McGill Andrew , Green Ryan , Mohapatra Subhra , Voronine Dmitri V. , Mohapatra Shyam S.
Published: July 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-based methods used for viral inactivation have provided an important avenue targeting severe acute respiratory-syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. A major problem with state-of-the-art UV inactivation technology is that it is based on UV lamps, which have limited efficiency, require high power, large doses, and long irradiation times. These drawbacks limit the use of UV lamps in air filtering systems and other applications. To address these limitations, herein we report on the fabrication of a device comprising a pulsed nanosecond 266 nm UV laser coupled to an integrating cavity (LIC) composed of a UV reflective material, polytetrafluoroethylene. Previous UV lamp inactivation cavities were based on polished walls with specular reflections, but the diffuse reflective UV ICs were not thoroughly explored for virus inactivation. Our results show that LIC device can inactivate several respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2, at ~ 1 ms effective irradiation time, with > 2 orders of magnitude higher efficiency compared to UV lamps. The demonstrated 3 orders of magnitude cavity enhancement relative to direct exposure is crucial for the development of efficient real-time UV air and water purification systems. To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of LIC application for broad viral inactivation with high efficiency.
Reconstructing firm-level interactions in the Dutch input–output network from production constraints
Authors: Ialongo Leonardo Niccolò , de Valk Camille , Marchese Emiliano , Jansen Fabian , Zmarrou Hicham , Squartini Tiziano , Garlaschelli Diego
Published: July 2022

Recent crises have shown that the knowledge of the structure of input–output networks, at the firm level, is crucial when studying economic resilience from the microscopic point of view of firms that try to rewire their connections under supply and demand constraints. Unfortunately, empirical inter-firm network data are protected by confidentiality, hence rarely accessible. The available methods for network reconstruction from partial information treat all pairs of nodes as potentially interacting, thereby overestimating the rewiring capabilities of the system and the implied resilience. Here, we use two big data sets of transactions in the Netherlands to represent a large portion of the Dutch inter-firm network and document its properties. We, then, introduce a generalized maximum-entropy reconstruction method that preserves the production function of each firm in the data, i.e. the input and output flows of each node for each product type. We confirm that the new method becomes increasingly more reliable in reconstructing the empirical network as a finer product resolution is considered and can, therefore, be used as a realistic generative model of inter-firm networks with fine production constraints. Moreover, the likelihood of the model directly enumerates the number of alternative network configurations that leave each firm in its current production state, thereby estimating the reduction in the rewiring capability of the system implied by the observed input–output constraints.
Evaluation of periodontitis-related tooth loss according to the new 2018 classification of periodontitis
Authors: Takedachi Masahide , Shimabukuro Yoshio , Sawada Keigo , Koshimizu Mami , Shinada Kazuko , Asai Harumi , Mizoguchi Ayumi , Hayashi Yuko , Tsukamoto Akina , Miyago Midori , Nishihara Fuuka , Nishihata Takako , Shimabukuro Michiyo , Kurakami Hiroyuki , Sato Tomoharu , Hamazaki Yayoi , Iwayama Tomoaki , Fujihara Chiharu , Murakami Shinya
Published: July 2022

The new 2018 classification of periodontal diseases is reported to be related to tooth loss due to periodontal disease (TLPD) during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). However, few reports have evaluated this relationship for Asians or have analyzed the association of the new classification and TLPD by distinguishing between active periodontal therapy (APT) and SPT. In this study, we retrospectively applied the new classification to 607 Japanese periodontitis patients and examined the relationship between the new classification and annual TLPD rates per patient during the respective periods. TLPD rates were higher in patients in stage IV and/or grade C during both APT and SPT. TLPD during SPT was not associated with the presence or absence of TLPD during APT. Multivariate analysis revealed that stage IV and grade C as independent variables were significantly associated with the number of instances of TLPD not only during the total treatment period, but also during APT or SPT. Our results suggest that the new classification has a significantly strong association with TLPD during both APT and SPT, and that patients diagnosed with stage IV and/or grade C periodontitis had a higher risk of TLPD during both periods.
Bivalent metal ions induce formation of α-synuclein fibril polymorphs with different cytotoxicities
Authors: Atarod Deyhim , Mamashli Fatemeh , Ghasemi Atiyeh , Moosavi-Movahedi Faezeh , Pirhaghi Mitra , Nedaei Hadi , Muronetz Vladimir , Haertlé Thomas , Tatzelt Jörg , Riazi Gholamhossein , Saboury Ali Akbar
Published: July 2022

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates are key components of intracellular inclusion bodies characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Metal ions have been considered as the important etiological factors in PD since their interactions with α-Syn alter the kinetics of fibrillation. In the present study, we have systematically explored the effects of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cations on α-Syn fibril formation. Specifically, we determined fibrillation kinetics, size, morphology, and secondary structure of the fibrils and their cytotoxic activity. While all cations accelerate fibrillation, we observed distinct effects of the different ions. For example, Zn2+ induced fibrillation by lower tlag and higher kapp and formation of shorter fibrils, while Ca2+ ions lead to formation of longer fibrils, as evidenced by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy studies. Additionally, the morphology of formed fibrils was different. Circular dichroism and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies revealed higher contents of β-sheets in fibrils. Interestingly, cell viability studies indicated nontoxicity of α-Syn fibrils formed in the presence of Zn2+ ions, while the fibrils formed in the presence of Cu2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were cytotoxic. Our results revealed that α-Syn fibrils formed in the presence of different divalent cations have distinct structural and cytotoxic features.
Soluble transferrin receptor can predict all-cause mortality regardless of anaemia and iron storage status
Authors: Kang Minjung , Kwon Soie , Lee Whanhee , Kim Yaerim , Bae Eunjin , Lee Jeonghwan , Park Jae Yoon , Kim Yong Chul , Kim Eun Young , Kim Dong Ki , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: July 2022

Despite interest in the clinical implications of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), previous studies on the association of sTfR with mortality in the general population are lacking. Therefore, we analysed the association between sTfR and all-cause mortality in the general United States adult population. We conducted a prospective cohort study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2003 to 2010. A total of 5403 premenopausal nonpregnant females were analysed in this study. The mean age was 34.2 years (range 20.0–49.9 years). Participants were divided into log(sTfR) tertiles. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was chronic kidney disease (CKD) development (composite of estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or random urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g). During a median 8.7 years of follow-up, 103 (1.9%) participants died. Compared with the reference group (log(sTfR) 0.45–0.57), the highest tertile of log(sTfR) was associated with all-cause mortality (log(sTfR) > 0.57, hazard ratio [HR] 1.77 [95% CI 1.05–2.98]) in a multivariable hazards model including covariates such as haemoglobin and ferritin. Patients in the highest tertile of log(sTfR) also had an increased risk of CKD relative to those in the reference tertile. High sTfR was associated with all-cause mortality and CKD regardless of anaemia and iron storage status.
Introduction of high-value Crocus sativus (saffron) cultivation in non-traditional regions of India through ecological modelling
Authors: Kumar Amit , Devi Mamta , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2022

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is a globally used expensive spice. There are a few countries like Iran, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Pakistan, China, Japan and Australia where this spice is cultivated and exported to other countries. India contributes 5% of the world's total production of which 90% is supplied only from its Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) regions. In India, the production of saffron from J&K is 3.83 tonnes whereas its annual demand is approximately 100 tonnes. In this country, there are geographical regions that have similar environmental and ecological conditions to J&K and possess the possibility of introducing this crop. Identification of such regions can be made using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). Therefore, 'MaxEnt' ENM was carried out using 103 environmental variables, 20 presence data and topographic parameters (elevation, slope and aspect) to find suitable regions for saffron production in unconventional areas of India. The achieved area under the curve for the model was 0.99. The precipitation and temperature were the main environmental variable influencing its cultivation. The saffron was sowed in these new modelled locations in India representing its various states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur and Tamil Nadu. The quality, as well as yield of saffron produced in some of these regions, were evaluated and found at par with the saffron grown traditionally in India. Based on the promising results obtained in this work, we are expanding saffron cultivation to more modelled areas in India to meet our national demand.
Kindchenschema and cuteness elicit interest in caring for and playing with young children, but less so when children are masked
Authors: Doebel Sabine , Stucke Nicole J. , Pang Songhan
Published: July 2022

Cuteness in the young has long been theorized to elicit care and protection. Most research on this topic has focused on human infants, despite theories suggesting that cuteness may elicit broader social interest that could support learning and development beyond infancy. In four experiments (N = 531 adults, 98 children), we tested whether ‘kindchenschema’—facial features associated with cuteness—and perceived cuteness elicit interest in playing with and caring for children, and whether masks disrupt these processes. Participants viewed images of children’s faces, masked or unmasked. Kindchenschema correlated with perceived cuteness and age, and these variables predicted adults’ interest in playing with and caring for children. Masks did not reduce cuteness ratings or interest in children, although they weakened relations between perceived cuteness and interest, and between perceived age and interest. Cuteness and related signals may guide adults’ interactions with children, fostering learning and development.
Alleviation of liver cirrhosis and associated portal-hypertension by Astragalus species in relation to their UPLC-MS/MS metabolic profiles: a mechanistic study
Authors: Ibrahim Reham S. , El-Mezayen Nesrine S. , El‐Banna Alaa A.
Published: July 2022

Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterized by excessive fibrous deposition triggering portal-hypertension (PH); the prime restrainer for cirrhosis-related complications. Remedies that can dually oppose hepatic fibrosis and lower PH, may prevent progression into decompensated-cirrhosis. Different Astragalus-species members have shown antifibrotic and diuretic actions with possible subsequent PH reduction. However, A.spinosus and A.trigonus were poorly tested for eliciting these actions. Herein, A.spinosus and A.trigonus roots and aerial parts extracts were subjected to comprehensive metabolic-fingerprinting using UHPLC-MS/MS resulting in 56 identified phytoconstituents, followed by chemometric untargeted analysis that revealed variable metabolic profiles exemplified by different species and organ types. Consequently, tested extracts were in-vivo evaluated for potential antifibrotic/anticirrhotic activity by assessing specific markers. The mechanistic prospective to induce diuresis was investigated by analyzing plasma aldosterone and renal-transporters gene-expression. Serum apelin and dimethylarginine-dimethylaminohydrolase-1 were measured to indicate the overall effect on PH. All extracts amended cirrhosis and PH to varying extents and induced diuresis via different mechanisms. Further, An OPLS model was built to generate a comprehensive metabolic-profiling of A.spinosus and A.trigonus secondary-metabolites providing a chemical-based evidence for their efficacious consistency. In conclusion, A.spinosus and A.trigonus organs comprised myriad pharmacologically-active constituents that act synergistically to ameliorate cirrhosis and associated PH.
Quantification of acceleration as activity counts in ActiGraph wearable
Authors: Neishabouri Ali , Nguyen Joe , Samuelsson John , Guthrie Tyler , Biggs Matt , Wyatt Jeremy , Cross Doug , Karas Marta , Migueles Jairo H. , Khan Sheraz , Guo Christine C.
Published: July 2022

Digital clinical measures based on data collected by wearable devices have seen rapid growth in both clinical trials and healthcare. The widely-used measures based on wearables are epoch-based physical activity counts using accelerometer data. Even though activity counts have been the backbone of thousands of clinical and epidemiological studies, there are large variations of the algorithms that compute counts and their associated parameters—many of which have often been kept proprietary by device providers. This lack of transparency has hindered comparability between studies using different devices and limited their broader clinical applicability. ActiGraph devices have been the most-used wearable accelerometer devices for over two decades. Recognizing the importance of data transparency, interpretability and interoperability to both research and clinical use, we here describe the detailed counts algorithms of five generations of ActiGraph devices going back to the first AM7164 model, and publish the current counts algorithm in ActiGraph’s ActiLife and CentrePoint software as a standalone Python package for research use. We believe that this material will provide a useful resource for the research community, accelerate digital health science and facilitate clinical applications of wearable accelerometry.
Facile fabrication of amino-functionalized MIL-68(Al) metal–organic framework for effective adsorption of arsenate (As(V))
Authors: Rahmani Alireza , Shabanloo Amir , Zabihollahi Solmaz , Salari Mehdi , Leili Mostafa , Khazaei Mohammad , Alizadeh Saber , Nematollahi Davood
Published: July 2022

An amino-functionalized MIL-68(Al) metal–organic framework (amino-MIL-68(Al) MOF) was synthesized by solvothermal method and then characterized by FESEM, XRD, FTIR, EDX-mapping, and BET-BJH techniques. In order to predict arsenate (As(V)) removal, a robust quadratic model (R2 > 0.99, F-value = 2389.17 and p value < 0.0001) was developed by the central composite design (CCD) method and then the genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized to optimize the system response and four independent variables. The results showed that As(V) adsorption on MOF was affected by solution pH, adsorbent dose, As(V) concentration and reaction time, respectively. Predicted and experimental As(V) removal efficiencies under optimal conditions were 99.45 and 99.87%, respectively. The fitting of experimental data showed that As(V) adsorption on MOF is well described by the nonlinear form of the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic. At optimum pH 3, the maximum As(V) adsorption capacity was 74.29 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies in the temperature range of 25 to 50 °C showed that As(V) adsorption is a spontaneous endothermic process. The reusability of MOF in ten adsorption/regeneration cycles was studied and the results showed high reusability of this adsorbent. The highest interventional effect in inhibiting As(V) adsorption was related to phosphate anion. The results of this study showed that amino-MIL-68(Al) can be used as an effective MOF with a high surface area (> 1000 m2/g) and high reusability for As(V)-contaminated water.
Magnetic anchor technique-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in beagles
Authors: Li Yixing , Zhang Miaomiao , Shi Aihua , Liu Peinan , Zhang Hanzhi , Zhang Yong , Lyu Yi , Yan Xiaopeng
Published: July 2022

In single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy, surgical instruments are likely to collide and interfere with each other. We used magnetic anchor technique to design an anchoring device suitable for thoracoscopic surgery, and verified the safety and feasibility of its use in animal experiments. Ten Beagles were used as models, and magnetic anchor technology was used to assist thoracoscopic lobectomy. During the operation, a self-designed magnetic anchored internal grasper was used in place of the traditional laparoscopic grasping forceps. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, and the effect of intraoperative use of the device were analyzed. All 10 beagles were successfully operated; the mean operation time was 19.7 ± 3.53 min (range 15–26 min), and the postoperative blood loss was < 10 mL. No surgical complications occurred. During the operation, the internal grasper was firmly clamped, the auxiliary operation field was well exposed, and the interference of the main operation hole instruments was effectively reduced. We provide preliminary experimental evidence of the safety and feasibility of magnetic anchor technique-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.
Glutamine exerts a protective effect on osteoarthritis development by inhibiting the Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways
Authors: Zhong Lin , Cao Le , Song Rui , Yang Xue-Fei , Li Jia-Le , Yang Hai-Tao , Zhou Hong-Xiang , Fan Hai-Tao
Published: July 2022

Strategies for treating osteoarthritis (OA) have become a research focus because an effective treatment for OA is unavailable. The objective of this study was to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of glutamine (Gln) in OA. First, the chondrocytes were identified and a standard IL-1β-induced OA model was established. After treatment with Gln or saline, the viability and apoptosis of chondrocytes were evaluated using a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, which revealed that Gln can improve the IL-1β-induced OA cells. Meanwhile, Gln can enhance the expression of aggrecan and collagen II, which are protective proteins for articular cartilage. Instead, Gln inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), which can degrade cartilage. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of Gln in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, the classical OA pathways of JNK and NF-κB were examined at the protein and mRNA levels using western blot and qRT–PCR analyses. We found that JNK and NF-κB were downregulated gradually depending on the Gln dose and protective and destructive factors changed based on changes of JNK and NF-κB. The effects of high-dose Gln were more effective than low-dose. Moreover, Gln was applied to the animal OA model to check the effects in vivo. The results showed that Gln attenuated cartilage degeneration and decreased OARSI scores, which demonstrated that Gln can improve OA. The experiments showed that Gln can benefit mice with OA by inhibiting the JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Regulation of extracellular matrix components by AmrZ is mediated by c-di-GMP in Pseudomonas ogarae F113
Authors: Blanco-Romero Esther , Garrido-Sanz Daniel , Durán David , Rivilla Rafael , Redondo-Nieto Miguel , Martín Marta
Published: July 2022

The AmrZ/FleQ hub has been identified as a central node in the regulation of environmental adaption in the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium and model for rhizosphere colonization Pseudomonas ogarae F113. AmrZ is involved in the regulation of motility, biofilm formation, and bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) turnover, among others, in this bacterium. The mutants in amrZ have a pleiotropic phenotype with distinguishable colony morphology, reduced biofilm formation, increased motility, and are severely impaired in competitive rhizosphere colonization. Here, RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR gene expression analyses revealed that AmrZ regulates many genes related to the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, overproduction of c-di-GMP in an amrZ mutant, by ectopic production of the Caulobacter crescentus constitutive diguanylate cyclase PleD*, resulted in increased expression of many genes implicated in the synthesis of ECM components. The overproduction of c-di-GMP in the amrZ mutant also suppressed the biofilm formation and motility phenotypes, but not the defect in competitive rhizosphere colonization. These results indicate that although biofilm formation and motility are mainly regulated indirectly by AmrZ, through the modulation of c-di-GMP levels, the implication of AmrZ in rhizosphere competitive colonization occurs in a c-di-GMP-independent manner.
Soret and Dufour effects on unsteady MHD second-grade nanofluid flow across an exponentially stretching surface
Authors: Siddique Imran , Nadeem Muhammad , Awrejcewicz Jan , Pawłowski Witold
Published: July 2022

The unsteady energy and mass transport of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) second grade nanofluid via an exponentially extending surface with Dufour and Soret effects are investigated in this study. Variable thermal conductivity and mixed convection effects are used to investigate the heat transfer mechanism. There are also new characteristics such as slip flow, viscous dissipation, Brownian motion, nonlinear thermal radiation, and thermophoresis. In the problem formulation, the boundary-layer approximation is used. Using the suitable transformations, the energy, momentum, and concentration equations are generated into non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The solution to the resultant problems was calculated via the Homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of environmental parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are graphically depicted. When comparing the current results to the previous literature, there was also a satisfactory level of agreement. In comparison to a flow based on constant characteristics, the flow with variable thermal conductivity is shown to be significantly different and realistic. The temperature of the fluid grew in direct proportion to the thermophoresis motion, buoyancy ratio, and Brownian motion parameters. According to the findings, the slippery porous surface may be employed efficiently in chemical and mechanical sectors that deal with a variety of very viscous flows.
Facile fabrication of screen-printed MoS2 electrodes for electrochemical sensing of dopamine
Authors: Pavličková Michaela , Lorencová Lenka , Hatala Michal , Kováč Miroslav , Tkáč Ján , Gemeiner Pavol
Published: July 2022

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) screen-printed working electrodes were developed for dopamine (DA) electrochemical sensing. MoS2 working electrodes were prepared from high viscosity screen-printable inks containing various concentrations and sizes of MoS2 particles and ethylcellulose binder. Rheological properties of MoS2 inks and their suitability for screen-printing were analyzed by viscosity curve, screen-printing simulation and oscillatory modulus. MoS2 inks were screen-printed onto conductive FTO (Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide) substrates. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) analysis were used to characterize the homogeneity, topography and thickness of the screen-printed MoS2 electrodes. The electrochemical performance was assessed through differential pulse voltammetry. Results showed an extensive linear detection of dopamine from 1 µM to 300 µM (R2 = 0.996, sensitivity of 5.00 × 10–8 A μM−1), with the best limit of detection being 246 nM. This work demonstrated the possibility of simple, low-cost and rapid preparation of high viscosity MoS2 ink and their use to produce screen-printed FTO/MoS2 electrodes for dopamine detection.
The ‘prostate-muscle index’: a simple pelvic cavity measurement predicting estimated blood loss and console time in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kimura Naoki , Yamada Yuta , Takeshima Yuta , Otsuka Masafumi , Akamatsu Nobuhiko , Hakozaki Yuji , Miyakawa Jimpei , Sato Yusuke , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Daisuke , Fujimura Tetsuya , Kume Haruki
Published: July 2022

This study was to show the impact of ‘prostate-muscle index (PMI)’, which we developed as a novel pelvic cavity measurement, in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We defined PMI as the ‘distance between the inner edge of the obturator internus muscle and the lateral edge of the prostate at the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slice showing the maximum width of the prostate’. Seven hundred sixty patients underwent RARP at the University of Tokyo Hospital from November 2011 to December 2018. MRI results were unavailable in 111 patients. In total, 649 patients were eligible for this study. Median values of blood loss and console time were 300 mL and 168 min. In multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI), prostate volume-to-pelvic cavity index (PV-to-PCI), PMI, and surgical experience were significantly associated with blood loss > 300 mL (P = 0.0002, 0.002, < 0.0001, and 0.006 respectively). Additionally, BMI, PMI, and surgical experience were also significantly associated with console time > 160 min in multivariate analysis (P = 0.04, 0.004, and < 0.0001, respectively). In conclusion, PMI may provide useful information to surgeons and patients in preoperative decision-making.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of trimethylolpropane triester (bio-lubricant) from camelina oil
Authors: Rokni Kian , Mostafaei Mostafa , Dehghani-Soufi Masoud , Kahrizi Danial
Published: July 2022

Vegetable oils, whose hydrocarbon structure is very similar to that of petroleum products, are ideal renewable and sustainable alternatives to petroleum lubricants. Bio-lubricants are commonly synthesized by modifying the chemical structure of vegetable oils. In this study, microwave irradiation was applied to intensify the mass-transfer-limited transesterification reaction to produce trimethylolpropane triester (bio-lubricant) from camelina oil as a promising local energy crop. A rotatable RSM-BBD method was applied to find the optimal levels of experimental factors, namely reaction time (67.8 min), the catalyst concentration (1.4 wt%) and the molar ratio (3.5). In these optimal levels, the reaction yield of 94.3% was obtained with desirability of 0.975. The quadratic statistical model with a determination coefficient of 97.97%, a standard deviation of 0.91 and a variation coefficient of 1% was suggested as the most appropriate model by Design-Expert software. Finally, the physicochemical properties of the purified product were in accordance with the requirements of the ISO-VG22 base oil standard.
Improving water dispersibility and bioavailability of luteolin using microemulsion system
Authors: Miyashita Ayaka , Ito Junya , Parida Isabella Supardi , Syoji Naoki , Fujii Tomoyuki , Takahashi Hidehiro , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: July 2022

We have studied the physiological effects and health functions of luteolin, especially focusing on its absorption and metabolism. Recent studies have reported the advantages of microemulsion to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds, including luteolin. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the absorption and metabolic profile of luteolin delivered in microemulsion system via oral intake. First, we prepared water-dispersed luteolin (WD-L) using a microemulsion-based delivery system and confirmed that WD-L has superior water dispersibility compared to free luteolin (CO-L) based on their particle size distributions. Following administration of WD-L and CO-L to rats, we detected high level of luteolin-3'-O-β-glucuronide and lower levels of luteolin, luteolin-4'-O-β-glucuronide, and luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide in plasma from both CO-L and WD-L groups, indicating that the metabolic profile of luteolin was similar for both groups. On top of that, we found a 2.2-fold increase in the plasma area under the curve (AUC) of luteolin-3'-O-β-glucuronide (main luteolin metabolite) in WD-L group (vs. CO-L). Altogether, our results suggested that delivering luteolin by microemulsion system improve its oral bioavailability without affecting its metabolite profile. This evidence thereby provides a solid basis for future application of microemulsion system for optimal delivery of luteolin.