bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles as a source of prostate cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies: a decade of research
Authors: Ramirez-Garrastacho Manuel , Bajo-Santos Cristina , Line Aija , Martens-Uzunova Elena S. , de la Fuente Jesus Martinez , Moros Maria , Soekmadji Carolina , Tasken Kristin Austlid , Llorente Alicia
Published: November 2021

Prostate cancer is a global cancer burden and considerable effort has been made through the years to identify biomarkers for the disease. Approximately a decade ago, the potential of analysing extracellular vesicles in liquid biopsies started to be envisaged. This was the beginning of a new exciting area of research investigating the rich molecular treasure found in extracellular vesicles to identify biomarkers for a variety of diseases. Vesicles released from prostate cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment carry molecular information about the disease that can be analysed in several biological fluids. Numerous studies document the interest of researchers in this field of research. However, methodological issues such as the isolation of vesicles have been challenging. Remarkably, novel technologies, including those based on nanotechnology, show promise for the further development and clinical use of extracellular vesicles as liquid biomarkers. Development of biomarkers is a long and complicated process, and there are still not many biomarkers based on extracellular vesicles in clinical use. However, the knowledge acquired during the last decade constitutes a solid basis for the future development of liquid biopsy tests for prostate cancer. These are urgently needed to bring prostate cancer treatment to the next level in precision medicine.
Motives for withdrawal of participation in biobanking and participants’ willingness to allow linkages of their data
Authors: Broekstra Reinder , Aris-Meijer Judith L. , Maeckelberghe Els L. M. , Stolk Ronald P. , Otten Sabine
Published: November 2021

Data repositories, like research biobanks, seek to optimise the number of responding participants while simultaneously attempting to increase the amount of data donated per participant. Such efforts aim to increase the repository’s value for its uses in medical research to contribute to improve health care, especially when data linkage is permitted by participants. We investigated individuals’ motives for participating in such projects and potential reasons for their withdrawal from participation in a population-based biobank. In addition, we analysed how these motives were related to various characteristics of the participants and their willingness to permit data linkage to their personal data for research. These questions were explored using a sample of participants in the Dutch Lifelines biobank (n = 2615). Our results indicated that motives for participation and withdrawal were premised on benefits or harm to society and to the individuals themselves. Although general values and trust both played key roles in participation, potential withdrawal and willingness to permit data linkage, they were differentially associated with motives for participation and withdrawal. These findings support and nuance previous findings by highlighting the distinctiveness and complexity of decision making regarding participation in or withdrawal from data donation. We suggest some new directions for improving recruitment, retention and safeguarding strategies in biobanking. In addition, our data provide initial evidence regarding how factors may relate with the probability that individuals will agree to data linkages, when controlling for their unique effects. Future research should further investigate how perceptions of harm and benefits may influence decision making on withdrawal of participation.
Topological acoustic triple point
Authors: Park Sungjoon , Hwang Yoonseok , Choi Hong Chul , Yang Bohm-Jung
Published: November 2021

Acoustic phonon is a classic example of triple degeneracy point in band structure. This triple point always appears in phonon spectrum because of the Nambu–Goldstone theorem. Here, we show that this triple point can carry a topological charge $${\mathfrak{q}}$$
q
that is a property of three-band systems with space-time-inversion symmetry. The charge $${\mathfrak{q}}$$
q
can equivalently be characterized by the skyrmion number of the longitudinal mode, or by the Euler number of the transverse modes. We call triple points with nontrivial $${\mathfrak{q}}$$
q
the topological acoustic triple point (TATP). TATP can also appear at high-symmetry momenta in phonon and spinless electron spectrums when Oh or Th groups protect it. The charge $${\mathfrak{q}}$$
q
constrains the nodal structure and wavefunction texture around TATP, and can induce anomalous thermal transport of phonons and orbital Hall effect of electrons. Gapless points protected by the Nambu–Goldstone theorem form a new platform to study the topology of band degeneracies.
Glucosylceramide in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with GBA-associated and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease enrolled in PPMI
Authors: Huh Young Eun , Park Hyejung , Chiang Ming Sum Ruby , Tuncali Idil , Liu Ganqiang , Locascio Joseph J. , Shirvan Julia , Hutten Samantha J. , Rotunno Melissa S. , Viel Catherine , Shihabuddin Lamya S. , Wang Bing , Sardi Sergio Pablo , Scherzer Clemens R.
Published: November 2021

Protein-coding variants in the GBA gene modulate susceptibility and progression in ~10% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). GBA encodes the β-glucocerebrosidase enzyme that hydrolyzes glucosylceramide. We hypothesized that GBA mutations will lead to glucosylceramide accumulation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucosylceramide, ceramide, sphingomyelin, and lactosylceramide levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in CSF of 411 participants from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort, including early stage, de novo PD patients with abnormal dopamine transporter neuroimaging and healthy controls. Forty-four PD patients carried protein-coding GBA variants (GBA-PD) and 227 carried wild-type alleles (idiopathic PD). The glucosylceramide fraction was increased (P = 0.0001), and the sphingomyelin fraction (a downstream metabolite) was reduced (P = 0.0001) in CSF of GBA-PD patients compared to healthy controls. The ceramide fraction was unchanged, and lactosylceramide was below detection limits. We then used the ratio of glucosylceramide to sphingomyelin (the GlcCer/SM ratio) to explore whether these two sphingolipid fractions altered in GBA-PD were useful for stratifying idiopathic PD patients. Idiopathic PD patients in the top quartile of GlcCer/SM ratios at baseline showed a more rapid decline in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores during longitudinal follow-up compared to those in the lowest quartile with a P-value of 0.036. The GlcCer/SM ratio was negatively associated with α-synuclein levels in CSF of PD patients. This study highlights glucosylceramide as a pathway biomarker for GBA-PD patients and the GlcCer/SM ratio as a potential stratification tool for clinical trials of idiopathic PD patients. Our sphingolipids data together with the clinical, imaging, omics, and genetic characterization of PPMI will contribute a useful resource for multi-modal biomarkers development.
Reduced intrinsic neural timescales in schizophrenia along posterior parietal and occipital areas
Authors: Uscătescu Lavinia Carmen , Said-Yürekli Sarah , Kronbichler Lisa , Stelzig-Schöler Renate , Pearce Brandy-Gale , Reich Luise Antonia , Weber Stefanie , Aichhorn Wolfgang , Kronbichler Martin
Published: November 2021

We computed intrinsic neural timescales (INT) based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data of healthy controls (HC) and patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SZ) from three independently collected samples. Five clusters showed decreased INT in SZ compared to HC in all three samples: right occipital fusiform gyrus (rOFG), left superior occipital gyrus (lSOG), right superior occipital gyrus (rSOG), left lateral occipital cortex (lLOC) and right postcentral gyrus (rPG). In other words, it appears that sensory information in visual and posterior parietal areas is stored for reduced lengths of time in SZ compared to HC. Finally, we found that symptom severity appears to modulate INT of these areas in SZ.
Accessible data curation and analytics for international-scale citizen science datasets
Authors: Murray Benjamin , Kerfoot Eric , Chen Liyuan , Deng Jie , Graham Mark S. , Sudre Carole H. , Molteni Erika , Canas Liane S. , Antonelli Michela , Klaser Kerstin , Visconti Alessia , Hammers Alexander , Chan Andrew T. , Franks Paul W. , Davies Richard , Wolf Jonathan , Spector Tim D. , Steves Claire J. , Modat Marc , Ourselin Sebastien
Published: November 2021

The Covid Symptom Study, a smartphone-based surveillance study on COVID-19 symptoms in the population, is an exemplar of big data citizen science. As of May 23rd, 2021, over 5 million participants have collectively logged over 360 million self-assessment reports since its introduction in March 2020. The success of the Covid Symptom Study creates significant technical challenges around effective data curation. The primary issue is scale. The size of the dataset means that it can no longer be readily processed using standard Python-based data analytics software such as Pandas on commodity hardware. Alternative technologies exist but carry a higher technical complexity and are less accessible to many researchers. We present ExeTera, a Python-based open source software package designed to provide Pandas-like data analytics on datasets that approach terabyte scales. We present its design and capabilities, and show how it is a critical component of a data curation pipeline that enables reproducible research across an international research group for the Covid Symptom Study.
Multimodal characterization of Yucatan minipig behavior and physiology through maturation
Authors: Netzley Alesa H. , Hunt Ryan D. , Franco-Arellano Josue , Arnold Nicole , Vazquez Ana I. , Munoz Kirk A. , Colbath Aimee C. , Bush Tamara Reid , Pelled Galit
Published: November 2021

Brain injuries induced by external forces are particularly challenging to model experimentally. In recent decades, the domestic pig has been gaining popularity as a highly relevant animal model to address the pathophysiological mechanisms and the biomechanics associated with head injuries. Understanding cognitive, motor, and sensory aspects of pig behavior throughout development is crucial for evaluating cognitive and motor deficits after injury. We have developed a comprehensive battery of tests to characterize the behavior and physiological function of the Yucatan minipig throughout maturation. Behavioral testing included assessments of learning and memory, executive functions, circadian rhythms, gait analysis, and level of motor activity. We applied traditional behavioral apparatus and analysis methods, as well as state-of-the-art sensor technologies to report on motion and activity, and artificial intelligent approaches to analyze behavior. We studied pigs from 16 weeks old through sexual maturity at 35 weeks old. The results show multidimensional characterization of minipig behavior, and how it develops and changes with age. This animal model may capitulate the biomechanical consideration and phenotype of head injuries in the developing brain and can drive forward the field of understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and developing new therapies to accelerate recovery in children who have suffered head trauma.
Quantitative modeling of regular retinal microglia distribution
Authors: Endo Yoshie , Asanuma Daisuke , Namiki Shigeyuki , Sugihara Kei , Hirose Kenzo , Uemura Akiyoshi , Kubota Yoshiaki , Miura Takashi
Published: November 2021

Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system, showing a regular distribution. Advancing microscopy and image processing techniques have contributed to elucidating microglia’s morphology, dynamics, and distribution. However, the mechanism underlying the regular distribution of microglia remains to be elucidated. First, we quantitatively confirmed the regularity of the distribution pattern of microglial soma in the retina. Second, we formulated a mathematical model that includes factors that may influence regular distribution. Next, we experimentally quantified the model parameters (cell movement, process formation, and ATP dynamics). The resulting model simulation from the measured parameters showed that direct cell–cell contact is most important in generating regular cell spacing. Finally, we tried to specify the molecular pathway responsible for the repulsion between neighboring microglia.
Mycoplasma infection and ocular surface diseases: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lai Li-Ju , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Yang Yao-Hsu , Kao Kai-Liang , Chen Ko-Jung , Wang Ying-Ching , Wu Shu-I
Published: November 2021

Whether patients with Mycoplasma infection have an increased risk of ocular surface ulcers. Using a nation-wide database, we identified patients with a new diagnosis of Mycoplasma infection between 1997 and 2013, and compared them with age-, sex-, and index year-matched subjects without the infection. Cox proportional regression was performed to compare the risk of corneal diseases between the two cohorts. The incidence of corneal diseases was significantly higher in the 4223 patients with Mycoplasma infection than in the 16,892 patients without (7.28 vs. 5.94 per 1000 person-years, P < 0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio for the risk of corneal diseases in the study cohort was 1.21 times higher (95% CI 1.02–1.44) than that in the comparison cohort. Mycoplasma infection might be a predisposing factor for patients with keratitis.
Dynamic-boundary-based lateral motion synergistic control of distributed drive autonomous vehicle
Authors: Wang Kai , Ding Weiping , Yang Mingliang , Zhu Qiao
Published: November 2021

To improve the path tracking accuracy and yaw stability of distributed drive autonomous vehicles (DDAVs) under extreme working conditions, a cooperative lateral motion control method based on the dynamic boundary is proposed to prevent different road adhesion conditions from affecting the motion stability of DDAVs. Based on the analysis of the DDAV lateral dynamics system coordination mechanism, a dynamic boundary considering the pavement adhesion coefficient is proposed, and the Lateral Motion Synergistic Control System (LMSCS) is designed. The LMSCS is divided into the coordination, control, and executive layers. The coordination layer divides the control domain into the stable, quasi-stable, and unstable domains by the dynamic boundary, and coordinates the control strength of the path following control and yaw stability control. In the control layer, the path following control and yaw stability control laws are designed based on the global fast terminal sliding mode. The executive layer estimates the expected steering wheel angle and expected additional wheel torque. Joint simulations under double line shifting conditions confirmed that LMSCS reflects the impact of the road attachment conditions and improves the path tracking accuracy and vehicle yaw stability. The LMSCS has better overall performance than existing lateral motion control methods.
Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of 23 patients with secretory carcinoma of major salivary glands
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Liu Sirui , Fu Kun , Gao Ning , Li Rui , He Wei , Gao Zhenjie
Published: November 2021

This retrospective study investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of secretory carcinoma of salivary glands (SCSG) in 23 patients with histopathologically confirmed SCSG between January 2010 and December 2020. In total, 13 males and 10 females (ratio, 1.3:1) aged 10 − 69 years (median, 45 years) were enrolled in this study; the average disease duration was 2.44 years (0.25–20 years). Twenty-one patients (91.3%) had SCSG in the parotid gland, and two (8.7%) in the submandibular gland. All patients had single nodules of diameters 0.8–4.8 cm (average 2.6 cm); five with lymph node metastases, and two with distant metastases. Immunohistochemically, tumors stained positive for S-100, mammaglobin, CK7, GATA3 and pan-Trk, and negative for DOG1, P63, and calponin, with Ki-67 positivity from 1 to 50%. ETV6 gene rearrangement was confirmed in 15 patients. All patients underwent oncological resection, four had radioactive particles implanted postoperatively, one received chemotherapy, and seven underwent chemoradiotherapy. Six patients had regional recurrences, two distant metastases, and one died before the last follow-up. SCSGs are typically indolent, with a low locoregional recurrence rate and excellent survival. Prognosis is correlated to clinical stage, pathological grade, and surgical procedures.
Closed-loop wearable naloxone injector system
Authors: Chan Justin , Iyer Vikram , Wang Anran , Lyness Alexander , Kooner Preetma , Sunshine Jacob , Gollakota Shyamnath
Published: November 2021

Overdoses from non-medical use of opioids can lead to hypoxemic/hypercarbic respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death when left untreated. Opioid toxicity is readily reversed with naloxone, a competitive antagonist that can restore respiration. However, there remains a critical need for technologies to administer naloxone in the event of unwitnessed overdose events. We report a closed-loop wearable injector system that measures respiration and apneic motion associated with an opioid overdose event using a pair of on-body accelerometers, and administers naloxone subcutaneously upon detection of an apnea. Our proof-of-concept system has been evaluated in two environments: (i) an approved supervised injection facility (SIF) where people self-inject opioids under medical supervision and (ii) a hospital environment where we simulate opioid-induced apneas in healthy participants. In the SIF (n = 25), our system identified breathing rate and post-injection respiratory depression accurately when compared to a respiratory belt. In the hospital, our algorithm identified simulated apneic events and successfully injected participants with 1.2 mg of naloxone. Naloxone delivery was verified by intravenous blood draw post-injection for all participants. A closed-loop naloxone injector system has the potential to complement existing evidence-based harm reduction strategies and, in the absence of bystanders, help make opioid toxicity events functionally witnessed and in turn more likely to be successfully resuscitated.
Diversity and compositional changes in the gut microbiota of wild and captive vertebrates: a meta-analysis
Authors: Alberdi Antton , Martin Bideguren Garazi , Aizpurua Ostaizka
Published: November 2021

The gut microbiota is recognised as an essential asset for the normal functioning of animal biology. When wild animals are moved into captivity, the modified environmental pressures are expected to rewire the gut microbiota, yet whether this transition follows similar patterns across vertebrates is still unresolved due to the absence of systematic multi-species analyses. We performed a meta-analysis of gut microbiota profiles of 322 captive and 322 wild specimens from 24 vertebrate species. Our analyses yielded no overall pattern of diversity and compositional variation between wild and captive vertebrates, but a heterogeneous landscape of responses, which differed depending on the components of diversity considered. Captive populations showed enrichment patterns of human-associated microorganisms, and the minimal host phylogenetic signal suggests that changes between wild and captive populations are mainly driven by case-specific captivity conditions. Finally, we show that microbiota differences between wild and captive populations can impact evolutionary and ecological inferences that rely on hierarchical clustering-based comparative analyses of gut microbial communities across species.
Identification of downstream effectors of retinoic acid specifying the zebrafish pancreas by integrative genomics
Authors: López-Pérez Ana R. , Balwierz Piotr J. , Lenhard Boris , Muller Ferenc , Wardle Fiona C. , Manfroid Isabelle , Voz Marianne L. , Peers Bernard
Published: November 2021

Retinoic acid (RA) is a key signal for the specification of the pancreas. Still, the gene regulatory cascade triggered by RA in the endoderm remains poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated this regulatory network in zebrafish by combining RNA-seq, RAR ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq assays. By analysing the effect of RA and of the RA receptor (RAR) inverse-agonist BMS493 on the transcriptome and on the chromatin accessibility of endodermal cells, we identified a large set of genes and regulatory regions regulated by RA signalling. RAR ChIP-seq further defined the direct RAR target genes in zebrafish, includinghoxgenes as well as several pancreatic regulators likemnx1,insm1b,hnf1baandgata6. Comparison of zebrafish and murine RAR ChIP-seq data highlighted the conserved direct target genes and revealed that some RAR sites are under strong evolutionary constraints. Among them, a novel highly conserved RAR-induced enhancer was identified downstream of theHoxBlocus and driving expression in the nervous system and in the gut in a RA-dependent manner. Finally, ATAC-seq data unveiled the role of the RAR-direct targets Hnf1ba and Gata6 in opening chromatin at many regulatory loci upon RA treatment.
Effect of dual-rotation on MHD natural convection of NEPCM in a hexagonal-shaped cavity based on time-fractional ISPH method
Authors: Raizah Zehba , Aly Abdelraheem M.
Published: November 2021

The time-fractional derivative based on the Grunwald–Letnikove derivative of the 2D-ISPH method is applying to emulate the dual rotation on MHD natural convection in a hexagonal-shaped cavity suspended by nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM). The dual rotation is performed between the inner fin and outer hexagonal-shaped cavity. The impacts of a fractional time derivative$$\alpha$$α$$\left( {0.92 \le \alpha \le 1} \right)$$0.92≤α≤1, Hartmann number Ha$$\left( {0 \le Ha \le 80} \right)$$0≤Ha≤80, fin length$$\left( {0.2 \le L_{Fin} \le 1} \right)$$0.2≤LFin≤1, Darcy parameter Da$$\left( {10^{ - 2} \le Da \le 10^{ - 4} } \right)$$10-2≤Da≤10-4, Rayleigh number Ra$$\left( {10^{3} \le Ra \le 10^{6} } \right)$$103≤Ra≤106, fusion temperature$$\theta_{f}$$θf$$\left( {0.05 \le \theta_{f} \le 0.8} \right)$$0.05≤θf≤0.8, and solid volume fraction$$\varphi$$φ$$\left( {0 \le \varphi \le 0.06} \right)$$0≤φ≤0.06on the velocity field, isotherms, and mean Nusselt number$$\overline{Nu}$$Nu¯are discussed. The outcomes signaled that a dual rotation of the inner fin and outer domain is affected by a time-fractional derivative. The inserted cool fin is functioning efficiently in the cooling process and adjusting the phase change zone within a hexagonal-shaped cavity. An increment in fin length augments the cooling process and changes the location of a phase change zone. A fusion temperature$$\theta_{f}$$θfadjusts the strength and position of a phase change zone. The highest values of$$\overline{Nu}$$Nu¯are obtained when$$\alpha = 1$$α=1. An expansion in Hartmann number$$Ha $$Hareduces the values of$$\overline{Nu}$$Nu¯. Adding more concentration of nanoparticles is improving the values of$$\overline{Nu}$$Nu¯.
Possible impacts of the predominant Bacillus bacteria on the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s. l. in its infected ant cadavers
Authors: Tu Kai-Wen , Chiu Ming-Chung , Lin Wei-Jiun , Hsueh Yen-Ping , Lin Chung-Chi , Chou Jui-Yu
Published: November 2021

Animal hosts infected and killed by parasitoid fungi become nutrient-rich cadavers for saprophytes. Bacteria adapted to colonization of parasitoid fungi can be selected and can predominate in the cadavers, actions that consequently impact the fitness of the parasitoid fungi. In Taiwan, the zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato (Clavicipitaceae: Hypocreales), was found to parasitize eight ant species, with preference for a principal host, Polyrhachis moesta. In this study, ant cadavers grew a fungal stroma that was predominated by Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis. The bacterial diversity in the principal ant host was found to be lower than the bacterial diversity in alternative hosts, a situation that might enhance the impact of B. cereus/thuringiensis on the sympatric fungus. The B. cereus/thuringiensis isolates from fungal stroma displayed higher resistance to a specific naphthoquinone (plumbagin) than sympatric bacteria from the environment. Naphthoquinones are known to be produced by O. unilateralis s. l., and hence the resistance displayed by B. cereus/thuringiensis isolates to these compounds suggests an advantage to B. cereus/thuringiensis to grow in the ant cadaver. Bacteria proliferating in the ant cadaver inevitably compete for resources with the fungus. However, the B. cereus/thuringiensis isolates displayed in vitro capabilities of hemolysis, production of hydrolytic enzymes, and antagonistic effects to co-cultured nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi. Thus, co-infection with B. cereus/thuringiensis offers potential benefits to the zombie fungus in killing the host under favorable conditions for reproduction, digesting the host tissue, and protecting the cadaver from being taken over by other consumers. With these potential benefits, the synergistic effect of B. cereus/thuringiensis on O. unilateralis infection is noteworthy given the competitive relationship of these two organisms sharing the same resource.
Saliva is superior over nasopharyngeal swab for detecting SARS-CoV2 in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Beyene Getachew Tesfaye , Alemu Fekadu , Kebede Eyerusalem Solomon , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Seyoum Tamirayehu , Tefera Dessalegn Abeje , Assefa Gebeyehu , Tesfaye Abebech , Habte Anteneh , Bedada Gadissa , Tegene Birhanemeskel , Yeshambaw Melese , Wassie Liya , Mihret Adane , Abdissa Alemseged , Mulu Andargachew
Published: November 2021

Scaling up of diagnostic capacity is needed to mitigate the global pandemic of SARS-CoV2. However, there are challenges including shortage of sample collection swabs and transport medium. Saliva has been recommended as a simple, low-cost, non-invasive option. However, data from different populations and settings are limited. Here, we showed that saliva could be a good alternative sample to diagnose COVID-19 patients. Pair of NPS-saliva samples was collected from 152 symptomatic; confirmed COVID-19 patients, and compared their positivity rate, viral load, and duration of viral shedding. From 152 patients, 80 (52.63%) tested positive and 72 (47.37%) were negative for SARSA-CoV2 in NPS sample. In saliva, 129 (92.14%) were tested positive and 11 (7.86%) were negative on the day of admission to hospital. The overall percent agreement of RT-PCR result of Saliva to NPS was 70% (196/280). A comparison of viral load from 72 NPS-saliva pair samples on day of admission shows saliva contains significantly higher viral load (P < 0.001). In conclusion, saliva has higher yield in detecting SARS-CoV2, and COVID-19 patients show higher viral load and prolonged period of viral shedding in saliva. Therefore, we recommend saliva as a better alternative sample to NPS to diagnose COVID-19 patients.
Lockdowns lose one third of their impact on mobility in a month
Authors: Joshi Yogesh V. , Musalem Andres
Published: November 2021

As the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic spread across the world over the past year, many countries imposed lockdowns in the form of stay at home requirements on their citizens to mitigate its spread. We analyze mobility data from 93 countries implementing lockdowns to investigate their immediate impact on mobility and the subsequent evolution of mobility. We find that at the start of a lockdown, median mobility is reduced to 36% below the baseline, and by another 18% in the subsequent 2 weeks. 70 countries had lockdowns lasting beyond 4 weeks and showed a significant reduction in mobility compared to that prior to the lockdown. Mobility was at its minimum 18 days into the lockdown for the median country. Comparing this minimum mobility to the average mobility 2 weeks before the lockdown, we observe a median reduction of 50 percentage points, evidencing that lockdowns reduce mobility. For 59 of these 70 countries, lockdowns lasted at least 4 weeks after reaching minimum mobility and most observed a significant rebound in mobility during the lockdown period. For the median country, 30.1% of the mobility reduction achieved is lost within 4 weeks, and lockdowns lose all their impact on mobility in 112.1 days. Overall, our findings show that while lockdowns significantly reduce mobility, this impact is also subject to fatigue as the lockdown period extends longer. The magnitude of mobility reductions achieved and fatigues reported in this research can help policy makers anticipate the likely impact of their lockdown policies.
Evaluation of the effect of filtered ultrafine particulate matter on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in a rat model using computed tomography, histopathologic analysis, and RNA sequencing
Authors: Kim Cherry , Jeong Sang Hoon , Kim Jaeyoung , Kang Ja Young , Nam Yoon Jeong , Togloom Ariunaa , Cha Jaehyung , Lee Ki Yeol , Lee Chang Hyun , Park Eun-Kee , Lee Ju-Han
Published: November 2021

We aimed to investigate the effect of chronic particulate matter (PM) exposure on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in a rat model using chest CT, histopathologic evaluation, and RNA-sequencing. A bleomycin solution was intratracheally administrated to 20 male rats. For chronic PM exposure, after four weeks of bleomycin treatment to induce lung fibrosis, PM suspension (experimental group) or normal saline (control group) was intratracheally administrated for 10 weeks. Chest CT was carried out in all rats, and then both lungs were extracted for histopathologic evaluation. One lobe from three rats in each group underwent RNA sequencing, and one lobe from five rats in each group was evaluated by western blotting. Inflammation and fibrosis scores in both chest CT and pathologic analysis were significantly more aggravated in rats with chronic PM exposure than in the control group. Several genes associated with inflammation and immunity were also upregulated with chronic PM exposure. Our study revealed that chronic PM exposure in a bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis rat model aggravated pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation, proven by chest CT, pathologic analysis, and RNA sequencing.
Pairing symmetries in the Zeeman-coupled extended attractive Hubbard model
Authors: Nayak Swagatam , Batra Navketan , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: November 2021

By introducing the possibility of equal- and opposite-spin pairings concurrently, we show that the ground state of the extended attractive Hubbard model (EAHM) exhibits rich phase diagrams with a variety of singlet, triplet, and mixed parity superconducting orders. We study the competition between these superconducting pairing symmetries invoking an unrestricted Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov–de Gennes (HFBdG) mean-field approach, and we use the d-vector formalism to characterize the nature of the stabilized superconducting orders. We discover that, while all other types of orders are suppressed, a non-unitary triplet order dominates the phase space in the presence of an in-plane external magnetic field. We also find a transition between a non-unitary to unitary superconducting phase driven by the change in average electron density. Our results serve as a reference for identifying and understanding the nature of superconductivity based on the symmetries of the pairing correlations. The results further highlight that EAHM is a suitable effective model for describing most of the pairing symmetries discovered in different materials.
Facet-selective morphology-controlled remote epitaxy of ZnO microcrystals via wet chemical synthesis
Authors: Choi Joonghoon , Jin Dae Kwon , Jeong Junseok , Kang Bong Kyun , Yang Woo Seok , Ali Asad , Yoo Jinkyoung , Kim Moon J. , Yi Gyu-Chul , Hong Young Joon
Published: November 2021

We report on morphology-controlled remote epitaxy via hydrothermal growth of ZnO micro- and nanostructure crystals on graphene-coated GaN substrate. The morphology control is achieved to grow diverse morphologies of ZnO from nanowire to microdisk by changing additives of wet chemical solution at a fixed nutrient concentration. Although the growth of ZnO is carried out on poly-domain graphene-coated GaN substrate, the direction of hexagonal sidewall facet of ZnO is homogeneous over the whole ZnO-grown area on graphene/GaN because of strong remote epitaxial relation between ZnO and GaN across graphene. Atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy corroborates the remote epitaxial relation. The non-covalent interface is applied to mechanically lift off the overlayer of ZnO crystals via a thermal release tape. The mechanism of facet-selective morphology control of ZnO is discussed in terms of electrostatic interaction between nutrient solution and facet surface passivated with functional groups derived from the chemical additives.
Inferring functional traits in a deep-sea wood-boring bivalve using dynamic energy budget theory
Authors: Gaudron S. M. , Lefebvre S. , Marques G. M.
Published: November 2021

For species in the deep sea, there is a knowledge gap related to their functional traits at all stages of their life cycles. Dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory has been proven to be an efficient framework for estimating functional traits throughout a life cycle using simulation modelling. An abj-DEB model, which compared with the standard DEB model includes an extra juvenile stage between the embryo and the usual juvenile stages, has been successfully implemented for the deep-sea Atlantic woodeaterXylonora atlantica. Most of the core and primary parameter values of the model were in the range of those found for shallow marine bivalve species; however, in comparison to shallow marine bivalves,X. atlanticarequired less energy conductance and energy to reach the puberty stage for the same range of body sizes, and its maximum reserve capacity was higher. Consequently, its size at first reproduction was small, and better survival under starvation conditions was expected. A series of functional traits were simulated according to different scenarios of food density and temperature. The results showed a weak cumulative number of oocytes, a low growth rate and a small maximum body size but an extended pelagic larval duration under deep-sea environmental conditions. Moreover, DEB modelling helped explain that some maleX. atlanticaindividuals remain dwarfs while still reproducing by changing their energy allocation during their ontogenetic development in favour of reproduction. The estimation of functional traits using DEB modelling will be useful in further deep-sea studies on the connectivity and resilience of populations.
Artificial light-harvesting systems based on macrocycle-assisted supramolecular assembly in aqueous media
Authors: Wang Kaiya , Velmurugan Krishnasamy , Li Bin , Hu Xiao-Yu
Published: November 2021

This Feature Article will discuss the fabrication of light-harvesting systems based on water-soluble macrocycles, such as cyclodextrins (CD), pillararenes (PA), calixarenes (CA), cucurbiturils (CB), and other macrocycles.
Iodoperchlorobenzene acts as a dual halogen-bond donor to template a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction within an organic co-crystal
Authors: Shapiro Nicole M. , Bosch Eric , Unruh Daniel K. , Krueger Herman R. , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: November 2021

The formation of three isostructural co-crystals that utilize iodoperchlorobenzene as a dual halogen-bond donor is reported.
Nanocrystalline rhenium-doped TiO2: an efficient catalyst in the one-pot conversion of carbohydrates into levulinic acid. The synergistic effect between Brønsted and Lewis acid sites
Authors: Avramescu Sorin , Ene Cristian D. , Ciobanu Madalina , Schnee Josefine , Devred Francois , Bucur Cristina , Vasile Eugeniu , Colaciello Luke , Richards Ryan , Gaigneaux Eric M. , Verziu Marian Nicolae
Published: November 2021

A new approach of inserting rhenium into a TiO2 structure generates Brønsted acid sites which are essential for conversion of carbohydrates into levulinic acid.
The bifunctional Lewis acid site improved reactive oxygen species production: a detailed study of surface acid site modulation of TiO2 using ethanol and Br−
Authors: Zheng Yi , Shi Junqing , Xu Haiming , Jin Xingzhi , Ou Yujing , Wang Yi , Li Chunlei
Published: November 2021

Modulation of surface acid sites (SAS) can effectively enhance the efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
Six-coordinated dinuclear lanthanide(iii) amide complexes: investigation of magnetization relaxation dynamics and their electronic structures
Authors: Rasamsetty Amaleswari , Mehta Sakshi , Ansari Kamal Uddin , Kumar Pardeep , Mondal Abhishake , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: November 2021

A series of rare six-coordinated dinuclear Ln(iii) complexes were characterized using a bulky amide ligand. Dy(iii) analogue shows slow relaxation of magnetization in the absence of an external magnetic field. This has been rationalized by ab initio calculations.
Immobilization of molecule-based ionic liquids: a promising approach to improve elecrocatalyst performance towards the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yu Hao-Zheng , Bencherif Selma , Pham-Truong Thuan-Nguyen , Ghilane Jalal
Published: November 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) have received continuous attention owing to their unique chemical and physical properties and to their successful integration in several applications.
A colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip assay for the rapid detection of Shigella in milk and meat products
Authors: Ang Beijun , Xu Xinxin , Liu Liqiang , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: November 2021

Anti-Shigella mAb was produced using IpaC and an immunochromatographic strip was developed to detect different serotypes of Shigella in food.
Diazonium functionalized fullerenes: a new class of efficient molecular catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Fernandez-Delgado Olivia , Puente Santiago Alain R. , Galindo Betancourth Jolaine , Sanad Mohamed F. , Sreenivasan Sreeprasad T. , Echegoyen Luis
Published: November 2021

Here, fullerene-based catalysts were synthesized to contribute to the efforts that are being made to find cheaper and more efficient alternatives to the currently commercially available catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER).
Polydopamine nanospheres coated with bovine serum albumin permit enhanced cell differentiation: fundamental mechanism and practical application for protein coating formation
Authors: Ghalandari Behafarid , Yu Youyi , Ghorbani Farnaz , Warden Antony R. , Ahmad Khan Zara , Sang Xiao , Huang Shiyi , Zhang Yu , Su Wenqiong , Divsalar Adeleh , Ding Xianting
Published: November 2021

Protein coating is a strategy for modifying and improving the surface functional properties of nanomaterials.
Naproxen release aspect from boron-doped carbon nanodots as a bifunctional agent in cancer therapy
Authors: Wibrianto Aswandi , Putri Dinar F. , Sakti Satya C. W. , Lee Hwei V. , Fahmi Mochamad Z.
Published: November 2021

In this present study, boron–carbon nanodots were synthesized by the hydrothermal method.
Treatment of electrochemical plating wastewater by heterogeneous photocatalysis: the simultaneous removal of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate and hexavalent chromium
Authors: Kim Hak-Hyeon , Gilak Hakimabadi Seyfollah , Pham Anh Le-Tuan
Published: November 2021

6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FtS) and chromate (Cr(vi)) in chromate plating wastewaters can be simultaneously removed by photocatalysis.
Electrochemical sensor formed from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene) and nitrogen-doped graphene composite for dopamine detection
Authors: Kadir Aygul , Jamal Ruxangul , Abdiryim Tursun , Sawut Nurbiya , Che Yuzhu , Helil Zulpikar , Zhang Hujun
Published: November 2021

An electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection has been fabricated using a composite of PEDOS and N-Gr. The results of actual samples showed that the composite of PEDOS/N-Gr has excellent recovery (95.40–100.14%) for human serum and urine samples.
Effect of support on hydrogen generation over iron oxides in the chemical looping process
Authors: Gao Zhihua , Fu Fengyan , Niu Lili , Jin Min , Wang Xiaohong
Published: November 2021

High performance for Fe2O3/Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 stems from Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 to improve its reducibility temperatures < 750 °C. Formation of FexCe2−xO3 decreases the oxygen capacity of Fe2O3/Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9, thus leading to a declined hydrogen yield.
The performance of three novel Gemini surfactants as inhibitors for acid steel corrosion: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Deef Allah Mohamed , Abdelhamed Samar , Soliman Kamal A. , El-Etre Mona A.
Published: November 2021

Adipic acid was used to synthesize three nonionic Gemini surfactants containing different numbers of propylene oxide units in their structures.
Acetonitrile and benzonitrile as versatile amino sources in copper-catalyzed mild electrochemical C–H amidation reactions
Authors: Strekalova Sofia , Kononov Alexander , Rizvanov Ildar , Budnikova Yulia
Published: November 2021

Different pathways of C–H transformation depending on the substrate nature and oxidation potential.
Preparation and crystalline transformation of functionalized poly(1-butene) containing PFPU and mPEG side chain
Authors: Li Chuang , Cui Zefeng , Yang Min , Shi Haifeng , Liu Binyuan
Published: November 2021

A series of 1-butene/pentafluorophenylundec-1-ene ester random copolymers were synthesized under the Ziegler–Natta catalyst system.
Coordination complexes of zinc and manganese based on pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid N-oxide: DFT studies and antiproliferative activities consideration
Authors: Alizadeh Hanie , Mirzaei Masoud , Saljooghi Amir Sh. , Jodaian Vida , Bazargan Maryam , Mague Joel T. , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio
Published: November 2021

In this manuscript we analysed the coordination complexes of zinc and manganese with pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid N-oxide, focusing on the supramolecular assemblies and antiproliferative activities
Investigating small-group cognitive engagement in general chemistry learning activities using qualitative content analysis and the ICAP framework
Authors: El-Mansy Safaa Y. , Barbera Jack , Hartig Alissa J.
Published: November 2021

The level of students’ engagement during active learning activities conducted in small groups is important to understanding the effectiveness of these activities. The Interactive–Constructive–Active–Passive (ICAP) framework is a way to determine the cognitive engagement of these groups by analyzing the conversations that occur while student groups work on an activity. This study used qualitative content analysis and ICAP to investigate cognitive engagement during group activities in a General Chemistry course at the question level, a finer grain size than previously studied. The analysis determined the expected engagement based on question design and the observed engagement based on group conversations. Comparisons of expected and observed engagement showed cases of mismatch, and further analysis determined that incorrect model use, unfamiliar scientific vocabulary, and difficulty moving between molecular representations were all contributing themes to the observed mismatches. The implications of these findings with regard to teaching and research are discussed.
Adsorptive separation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone by nonporous adaptive crystals of RhombicArene
Authors: Zhao Yongye , Xiao Hongyan , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu , Cong Huan
Published: November 2021

The novel macrocycle RhombicArene features excellent capability for rapid, exclusive, and recyclable vapor adsorption of cyclohexanone in the presence of cyclohexanol, showing potential for energy-saving separation of these feedstock chemicals.
An unexpected non-conjugated AIEgen with a discrete dimer for pure intermolecular through-space charge transfer emission
Authors: Jiang Xiujie , Tao Wei , Chen Cheng , Xu Guoyong , Zhang Haoke , Wei Peifa
Published: November 2021

By using different bases, a conjugated acrylonitrile with mixed intramolecular TBCT plus intermolecular TSCT emission and an oxirane-based non-conjugated dye with pure intermolecular TSCT emission in aggregate and crystalline states were realized.
Recent progress in water-splitting and supercapacitor electrode materials based on MOF-derived sulfides
Authors: da Silva Matheus I. , Machado Ítalo R. , Toma Henrique E. , Araki Koiti , Angnes Lucio , Gonçalves Josué M.
Published: November 2021

Herein, electrocatalysts for water-splitting and supercapacitor electrode materials based on MOF-derived sulfides are reviewed, considering their key multifunctional roles on the path to a more sustainable society.
Ultra-long KFeS2 nanowires grown on Fe foam as a high-performance anode for aqueous solid-state energy storage
Authors: Li Lixia , Gao Tianyi , Ge Yunshuang , Zhang Qing , Wang Jingyu , Ma Zhipeng , Guo Wenfeng , Yu Shengxue , Fan Yuqian
Published: November 2021

A high-performance anode for aqueous solid-state energy storage is fabricated using ultra-long KFeS2 nanowires grown on Fe foam. The assembled solid-state battery exhibits enhanced specific areal capacity, high-rate capability, and long-term cycling stability.
Molten state synthesis of nickel phosphides: mechanism and composition-activity correlation for electrochemical applications
Authors: Geva Rotem , Levy Natasha Ronith , Tzadikov Jonathan , Cohen Reut , Weitman Michal , Xing Lidan , Abisdris Liel , Barrio Jesús , Xia Jiawei , Volokh Michael , Ein-Eli Yair , Shalom Menny
Published: November 2021

A straightforward, benign, scalable and low-cost molten-state synthesis of nickel phosphides with tunable phase composition, applied both as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction and as anode materials for Li-ion batteries.
Damage restoration in rigid materials via a keloid-inspired growth process
Authors: Fang Yuanlai , Xue Juan , Wang Hong , Yang Li , Dong Shihua , Cui Jiaxi
Published: November 2021

Rigid crosslinking polymers with Young's moduli up to 1.0 GPa show excellent self-healing performance via a growth-induced self-healing process combining the merits of intrinsic and extrinsic self-healing mechanisms.
Hierarchical MoS2–NiS nanosheet-based nanotubes@N-doped carbon coupled with ether-based electrolytes towards high-performance Na-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Shige , Guan Jieduo , Shao Lianyi , Shi Xiaoyan , Cai Junjie , Sun Zhipeng
Published: November 2021

A template-assisted hydrothermal and post-sulfidation strategy fabricated the hierarchical MoS2–NiS nanosheet-based nanotubes@N-doped carbon, coupled with ether-based electrolytes towards high-performance Na-ion Batteries.
Redispersion strategy for high-loading carbon-supported metal catalysts with controlled nuclearity
Authors: Giulimondi Vera , Kaiser Selina K. , Agrachev Mikhail , Krumeich Frank , Clark Adam H. , Mitchell Sharon , Jeschke Gunnar , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: November 2021

Layer-by-layer redispersion of high-loading carbon-supported metal nanoparticles into small clusters and single atoms via cyclic alternating exposure to C2H2 and HCl atmospheres.
Aptamers: an emerging navigation tool of therapeutic agents for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Chang , Jiang Yu , Hao Sai Heng , Yan Xing Yi , Hong De Fei , Naranmandura Hua
Published: November 2021

In this review, we comprehensively discuss the current advances in the screening approaches of aptamers targeting cancer specific biomarkers and development of the aptamer–drug conjugate strategy.
Preparation of a thermo-responsive drug carrier consisting of a biocompatible triblock copolymer and fullerene
Authors: Kitano Kohei , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: November 2021

Water-soluble C70/triblock copolymer complexes can be used as carriers that release encapsulated drugs when heated and as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.
Porphyrin based metal–organic frameworks: highly sensitive materials for optical sensing of oxygen in gas phase
Authors: Burger Tobias , Winkler Christian , Dalfen Irene , Slugovc Christian , Borisov Sergey M.
Published: November 2021

Luminescence of PCN-224-based MOFs is efficiently quenched by molecular oxygen making them promising for optical sensing of oxygen in the gas phase.