bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of heparan sulfation re-sensitizes YAP1-driven melanoma to MAPK pathway inhibitors
Authors: Dieter Sebastian M. , Lovecchio Domenica , Pataskar Abhijeet , Zowada Martina K. , Körner Pierre-René , Khalizieva Anna , van Tellingen Olaf , Jäger Dirk , Glimm Hanno , Agami Reuven
Published: July 2022

Accumulating evidence identifies non-genetic mechanisms substantially contributing to drug resistance in cancer patients. Preclinical and clinical data implicate the transcriptional co-activators YAP1 and its paralog TAZ in resistance to multiple targeted therapies, highlighting the strong need for therapeutic strategies overcoming YAP1/TAZ-mediated resistance across tumor entities. Here, we show particularly high YAP1/TAZ activity in MITFlow/AXLhigh melanomas characterized by resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition and broad receptor tyrosine kinase activity. To uncover genetic dependencies of melanoma cells with high YAP1/TAZ activity, we used a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 functional screen and identified SLC35B2, the 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate transporter of the Golgi apparatus, as an essential gene for YAP1/TAZ-driven drug resistance. SLC35B2 expression correlates with tumor progression, and its loss decreases heparan sulfate expression, reduces receptor tyrosine kinase activity, and sensitizes resistant melanoma cells to BRAF inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Thus, targeting heparan sulfation via SLC35B2 represents a novel approach for breaking receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors.
Ultrahigh transverse thermoelectric power factor in flexible Weyl semimetal WTe2
Authors: Pan Yu , He Bin , Helm Toni , Chen Dong , Schnelle Walter , Felser Claudia
Published: July 2022

Topological semimetals are well known for their interesting physical properties, while their mechanical properties have rarely received attention. With the increasing demand for flexible electronics, we explore the great potential of the van der Waals bonded Weyl semimetal WTe2 for flexible thermoelectric applications. We find that WTe2 single crystals have an ultrahigh Nernst power factor of ~3 Wm−1K−2, which outperforms the conventional Seebeck power factors of the state-of-the-art thermoelectric semiconductors by 2–3 orders of magnitude. A unique band structure that hosts compensated electrons and holes with extremely high mobilities is the primary mechanism for this huge Nernst power factor. Moreover, a large Ettingshausen signal of ~5 × 10−5 KA−1m is observed at 23.1 K and 9 T. In this work, the combination of the exceptional Nernst–Ettingshausen performance and excellent mechanical transformative ability of WTe2 would be instructive for flexible micro-/nano-thermoelectric devices.
Inhibitory role of Annexin A1 in pathological bone resorption and therapeutic implications in periprosthetic osteolysis
Authors: Alhasan Hend , Terkawi Mohamad Alaa , Matsumae Gen , Ebata Taku , Tian Yuan , Shimizu Tomohiro , Nishida Yoshio , Yokota Shunichi , Garcia-Martin Fayna , M. Abd Elwakil Mahmoud , Takahashi Daisuke , Younis Mahmoud A. , Harashima Hideyoshi , Kadoya Ken , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: July 2022

There is currently no therapy available for periprosthetic osteolysis, the most common cause of arthroplasty failure. Here, the role of AnxA1 in periprosthetic osteolysis and potential therapeutics were investigated. Reducing the expression of AnxA1 in calvarial tissue was found to be associated with increased osteolytic lesions and the osteolytic lesions induced by debris implantation were more severe in AnxA1-defecient mice than in wild-type mice. AnxA1 inhibits the differentiation of osteoclasts through suppressing NFκB signaling and promoting the PPAR-γ pathway. Administration of N-terminal-AnxA1 (Ac2-26 peptide) onto calvariae significantly reduced osteolytic lesions triggered by wear debris. These therapeutic effects were abrogated in mice that had received the PPAR-γ antagonist, suggesting that the AnxA1/PPAR-γ axis has an inhibitory role in osteolysis. The administration of Ac2–26 suppressed osteolysis induced by TNF-α and RANKL injections in mice. These findings indicate that AnxA1 is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis.
Oral and gut dysbiosis leads to functional alterations in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jo Sungyang , Kang Woorim , Hwang Yun Su , Lee Seung Hyun , Park Kye Won , Kim Mi Sun , Lee Hyunna , Yoon Hyung Jeong , Park Yoo Kyoung , Chalita Mauricio , Lee Je Hee , Sung Hojun , Lee Jae-Yun , Bae Jin-Woo , Chung Sun Ju
Published: July 2022

Although several studies have identified a distinct gut microbial composition in Parkinson’s disease (PD), few studies have investigated the oral microbiome or functional alteration of the microbiome in PD. We aimed to investigate the connection between the oral and gut microbiome and the functional changes in the PD-specific gut microbiome using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The taxonomic composition of the oral and gut microbiome was significantly different between PD patients and healthy controls (P = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively). Oral Lactobacillus was more abundant in PD patients and was associated with opportunistic pathogens in the gut (FDR-adjusted P < 0.038). Functional analysis revealed that microbial gene markers for glutamate and arginine biosynthesis were downregulated, while antimicrobial resistance gene markers were upregulated in PD patients than healthy controls (all P < 0.001). We identified a connection between the oral and gut microbiota in PD, which might lead to functional alteration of the microbiome in PD.
Proposing two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks material for the capture of phenol molecules from wastewaters
Authors: Ghahari Afsaneh , Raissi Heidar , Pasban Samaneh , Farzad Farzaneh
Published: July 2022

Industrial wastewater organic pollutants such as phenol can be treated through adsorption on active surfaces. Herein, the adsorption mechanism and dynamic behaviors of phenol molecules onto covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with well-defined supramolecular structures are investigated via molecular dynamics and well-tempered metadynamics simulations under various external electric fields. The Lenard–Jones interaction is predominant during the adsorption process, while NH and OH groups in COFs and phenol, respectively, can increase the adsorption due to the electrostatic interaction. Besides, the adsorption affinity of phenol on COFs is weakened by increasing the electric field strength. In addition, the free energy values for the complexes with and without the external electric field at their global minima reached at about −264.68, −248.33, and −290.13 (for 1, 0.5, and 0 V nm−1) kJ mol−1, respectively. The obtained results confirmed the COFs as prominent adsorbents for loading phenol and its removal from the water-contaminated environment.
Permafrost cooled in winter by thermal bridging through snow-covered shrub branches
Authors: Domine Florent , Fourteau Kévin , Picard Ghislain , Lackner Georg , Sarrazin Denis , Poirier Mathilde
Published: July 2022

Considerable expansion of shrubs across the Arctic tundra has been observed in recent decades. These shrubs are thought to have a warming effect on permafrost by increasing snowpack thermal insulation, thereby limiting winter cooling and accelerating thaw. Here, we use ground temperature observations and heat transfer simulations to show that low shrubs can actually cool the ground in winter by providing a thermal bridge through the snowpack. Observations from unmanipulated herb tundra and shrub tundra sites on Bylot Island in the Canadian high Arctic reveal a 1.21 °C cooling effect between November and February. This is despite a snowpack that is twice as insulating in shrubs. The thermal bridging effect is reversed in spring when shrub branches absorb solar radiation and transfer heat to the ground. The overall thermal effect is likely to depend on snow and shrub characteristics and terrain aspect. The inclusion of these thermal bridging processes into climate models may have an important impact on projected greenhouse gas emissions by permafrost.
Food webs for three burn severities after wildfire in the Eldorado National Forest, California
Authors: McLaughlin John P. , Schroeder John W. , White Angela M. , Culhane Kate , Mirts Haley E. , Tarbill Gina L. , Sire Laura , Page Matt , Baker Elijah J. , Moritz Max , Brashares Justin , Young Hillary S. , Sollmann Rahel
Published: July 2022

Wildfire dynamics are changing around the world and understanding their effects on ecological communities and landscapes is urgent and important. We report detailed food webs for unburned, low-to-moderate and high severity burned habitats three years post-fire in the Eldorado National Forest, California. The cumulative cross-habitat food web contains 3,084 ontogenetic stages (nodes) or plant parts comprising 849 species (including 107 primary producers, 634 invertebrates, 94 vertebrates). There were 178,655 trophic interactions between these nodes. We provide information on taxonomy, body size, biomass density and trophic interactions under each of the three burn conditions. We detail 19 sampling methods deployed across 27 sites (nine in each burn condition) used to estimate the richness, body size, abundance and biomass density estimates in the node lists. We provide the R code and raw data to estimate summarized node densities and assign trophic links.
Verbal entrainment in autism spectrum disorder and first-degree relatives
Authors: Patel Shivani P. , Cole Jennifer , Lau Joseph C. Y. , Fragnito Gabrielle , Losh Molly
Published: July 2022

Entrainment, the unconscious process leading to coordination between communication partners, is an important dynamic human behavior that helps us connect with one another. Difficulty developing and sustaining social connections is a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Subtle differences in social behaviors have also been noted in first-degree relatives of autistic individuals and may express underlying genetic liability to ASD. In-depth examination of verbal entrainment was conducted to examine disruptions to entrainment as a contributing factor to the language phenotype in ASD. Results revealed distinct patterns of prosodic and lexical entrainment in individuals with ASD. Notably, subtler entrainment differences in prosodic and syntactic entrainment were identified in parents of autistic individuals. Findings point towards entrainment, particularly prosodic entrainment, as a key process linked to social communication difficulties in ASD and reflective of genetic liability to ASD.
Enriched environment causes epigenetic changes in hippocampus and improves long-term cognitive function in sepsis
Authors: Córneo Emily , Michels Monique , Abatti Mariane , Vieira Andriele , Gonçalves Renata Casagrande , Gabriel Filipe Fernandes , Borges Heloisa , Goulart Amanda , da Silva Matos Natan , Dominguini Diogo , Varela Roger , Valvassori Samira S. , Dal-Pizzol Felipe
Published: July 2022

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an inappropriate host response to infection. The presence of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in sepsis leads to dysregulated gene expression, leading to a hyperinflammatory response. Environmental conditions play an important role in various pathologies depending on the stimulus it presents. A standard environment condition (SE) may offer reduced sensory and cognitive stimulation, but an enriched environment improves spatial learning, prevents cognitive deficits induced by disease stress, and is an important modulator of epigenetic enzymes. The study evaluated the epigenetic alterations and the effects of the environmental enrichment (EE) protocol in the brain of animals submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Male Wistar rats were divided into sham and CLP at 24 h, 72 h, 10 days and 30 days after sepsis. Other male Wistar rats were distributed in a SE or in EE for forty-five days. Behavioral tests, analysis of epigenetic enzymes:histone acetylase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), biochemical and synaptic plasticity analyzes were performed. An increase in HDAC and DNMT activities was observed at 72 h, 10 days and 30 days. There was a positive correlation between epigenetic enzymes DNMT and HDAC 24 h, 10 days and 30 days. After EE, HDAC and DNMT enzyme activity decreased, cognitive impairment was reversed, IL1-β levels decreased and there was an increase in PSD-95 levels in the hippocampus. Interventions in environmental conditions can modulate the outcomes of long-term cognitive consequences associated with sepsis, supporting the idea of the potential benefits of EE.
Muscle function during single leg landing
Authors: Maniar Nirav , Schache Anthony G. , Pizzolato Claudio , Opar David A.
Published: July 2022

Landing manoeuvres are an integral task for humans, especially in the context of sporting activities. Such tasks often involve landing on one leg which requires the coordination of multiple muscles in order to effectively dissipate kinetic energy. However, no prior studies have provided a detailed description of the strategy used by the major lower limb muscles to perform single-leg landing. The purpose of the present study was to understand how humans coordinate their lower limb muscles during a single-leg landing task. Marker trajectories, ground reaction forces (GRFs), and surface electromyography (EMG) data were collected from healthy male participants performing a single-leg landing from a height of 0.31 m. An EMG-informed neuromusculoskeletal modelling approach was used to generate neuromechanical simulations of the single-leg landing task. The muscular strategy was determined by computing the magnitude and temporal characteristics of musculotendon forces and energetics. Muscle function was determined by computing muscle contributions to lower limb net joint moments, GRFs and lower limb joint contact forces. It was found that the vasti, soleus, gluteus maximus and gluteus medius produced the greatest muscle forces and negative (eccentric) mechanical work. Downward momentum of the centre-of-mass was resisted primarily by the soleus, vasti, gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, and gluteus maximus, whilst forward momentum was primarily resisted by the quadriceps (vasti and rectus femoris). Flexion of the lower limb joints was primarily resisted by the uni-articular gluteus maximus (hip), vasti (knee) and soleus (ankle). Overall, our findings provide a unique insight into the muscular strategy used by humans during a landing manoeuvre and have implications for the design of athletic training programs.
Effects of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases on cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Han Kyungdo , Chun Jaeyoung , Kim Ryul , Hong Seung Wook , Kim Jie-Hyun , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin , Park Min-Chan ,   Gastroenterology, Neurology and Rheumatology National Data Science Research (GUARANTEE) Group, Kwon Oh Chan , Han Kyungdo , Chun Jaeyoung , Kim Ryul , Hong Seung Wook , Kim Jie-Hyun , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin , Park Min-Chan
Published: July 2022

Both type 2 diabetes and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriasis (PsO) are risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Whether presence of IMIDs in patients with type 2 diabetes increases their cardiovascular risk remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and IMIDs. Patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease were retrospectively enrolled from nationwide data provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service. The primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality, and the secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause mortality. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each IMID. Overall 2,263,853 patients with type 2 diabetes were analyzed. CD was associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke (IPTW-adjusted HR: 1.877 [95%CI 1.046, 3.367]). UC was associated with a significantly higher risk of MI (1.462 [1.051, 2.032]). RA was associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (2.156 [1.769, 2.627]), MI (1.958 [1.683, 2.278]), stroke (1.605 [1.396, 1.845]), and all-cause mortality (2.013 [1.849, 2.192]). AS was associated with a significantly higher risk of MI (1.624 [1.164, 2.266]), stroke (2.266 [1.782, 2.882]), and all-cause mortality (1.344 [1.089, 1.658]). PsO was associated with a significantly higher risk of MI (1.146 [1.055, 1.246]), stroke (1.123 [1.046, 1.205]) and all-cause mortality (1.115 [1.062, 1.171]). In patients with type 2 diabetes, concomitant IMIDs increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vigilant surveillance for cardiovascular disease is needed in patients with type 2 diabetes and IMIDs.
Simulation and identification of foodborne outbreaks in a large supermarket consumer purchase dataset
Authors: Dougherty Peter Erdmann , Møller Frederik Trier , Ethelberg Steen , Rø Gunnar Øyvind Isaksson , Jore Solveig
Published: July 2022

Foodborne outbreaks represent a significant public health burden. Outbreak investigations are often challenging and time-consuming, and most outbreak vehicles remain unidentified. The development of alternative investigative strategies is therefore needed. Automated analysis of Consumer Purchase Data (CPD) gathered by retailers represents one such alternative strategy. CPD-aided investigations do not require trawling questionnaires to create a hypothesis and can provide analytical measures of association by direct data analysis. Here, we used anonymized CPD from 920,384 customers enrolled in Norway’s largest supermarket loyalty program to simulate foodborne outbreaks across a range of different parameters and scenarios. We then applied a logistic regression model to calculate an odds ratio for each of the different possible food vehicles. By this method, we were able to identify outbreak vehicles with a 90% accuracy within a median of 6 recorded case-patients. The outbreak vehicle identification rate declined significantly when using data from only one of two retailers involved in a simulated outbreak. Performance was also reduced in simulations that restricted analysis from product ID to the product group levels accessible by trawling questionnaires. Our results show that—assuming agreements are in place with major retailers—CPD collection and analysis can solve foodborne outbreaks originating from supermarkets both more rapidly and accurately than than questionnaire-based methods and might provide a significant enhancement to current outbreak investigation methods.
Low-profile dual-band pixelated defected ground antenna for multistandard IoT devices
Authors: Ullah Md. Amanath , Keshavarz Rasool , Abolhasan Mehran , Lipman Justin , Shariati Negin
Published: July 2022

A low-profile dual-band pixelated defected ground antenna has been proposed at 3.5 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands. This work presents a flexible design guide for achieving single-band and dual-band antenna using pixelated defected ground (PDG). The unique pixelated defected ground has been designed using the binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) algorithm. Computer Simulation Technology Microwave Studio incorporated with Matlab has been utilized in the antenna design process. The PDG configuration provides freedom of exploration to achieve the desired antenna performance. Compact antenna design can be achieved by making the best use of designated design space on the defected ground (DG) plane. Further, a V-shaped transfer function based on BPSO with fast convergence allows us to efficiently implement the PDG technique. In the design procedure, pixelization is applied to a small rectangular region of the ground plane. The square pixels on the designated defected ground area of the antenna have been formed using a binary bit string, consisting of 512 bits taken during each iteration of the algorithm. The PDG method is concerned with the shape of the DG and does not rely on the geometrical dimension analysis used in traditional defected ground antennas. Initially, three single band antennas have been designed at 3.5 GHz, 5.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz using PDG technique. Finally, same PDG area has been used to design a dual-band antenna at 3.5 GHz and 5.8 GHz. The proposed antenna exhibits almost omnidirectional radiation performance with nearly 90% efficiency. It also shows dual radiation pattern property with similar patterns having different polarizations at each operational band. The antenna is fabricated on a ROGERS RO4003 substrate with 1.52 mm thickness. Reflection coefficient and radiation patterns are measured to validate its performance. The simulated and measured results of the antenna are closely correlated. The proposed antenna is suitable for different applications in Internet of Things.
The influence of the environment and indoor residual spraying on malaria risk in a cohort of children in Uganda
Authors: Sadoine Margaux L. , Smargiassi Audrey , Liu Ying , Gachon Philippe , Dueymes Guillaume , Dorsey Grant , Fournier Michel , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Rek John , Zinszer Kate
Published: July 2022

Studies have estimated the impact of the environment on malaria incidence although few have explored the differential impact due to malaria control interventions. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of indoor residual spraying (IRS) on the relationship between malaria and environment (i.e. rainfall, temperatures, humidity, and vegetation) using data from a dynamic cohort of children from three sub-counties in Uganda. Environmental variables were extracted from remote sensing sources and averaged over different time periods. General linear mixed models were constructed for each sub-counties based on a log-binomial distribution. The influence of IRS was analysed by comparing marginal effects of environment in models adjusted and unadjusted for IRS. Great regional variability in the shape (linear and non-linear), direction, and magnitude of environmental associations with malaria risk were observed between sub-counties. IRS was significantly associated with malaria risk reduction (risk ratios vary from RR = 0.03, CI 95% [0.03–0.08] to RR = 0.35, CI95% [0.28–0.42]). Model adjustment for this intervention changed the magnitude and/or direction of environment-malaria associations, suggesting an interaction effect. This study evaluated the potential influence of IRS in the malaria-environment association and highlighted the necessity to control for interventions when they are performed to properly estimate the environmental influence on malaria. Local models are more informative to guide intervention program compared to national models.
Spautin-1 inhibits mitochondrial complex I and leads to suppression of the unfolded protein response and cell survival during glucose starvation
Authors: Kunimasa Kazuhiro , Ikeda-Ishikawa Chika , Tani Yuri , Tsukahara Satomi , Sakurai Junko , Okamoto Yuka , Koido Masaru , Dan Shingo , Tomida Akihiro
Published: July 2022

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptive stress response pathway that is essential for cancer cell survival under endoplasmic reticulum stress such as during glucose starvation. In this study, we identified spautin-1, an autophagy inhibitor that suppresses ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) and USP13, as a novel UPR inhibitor under glucose starvation conditions. Spautin-1 prevented the induction of UPR-associated proteins, including glucose-regulated protein 78, activating transcription factor 4, and a splicing variant of x-box-binding protein-1, and showed preferential cytotoxicity in glucose-starved cancer cells. However, USP10 and USP13 silencing and treatment with other autophagy inhibitors failed to result in UPR inhibition and preferential cytotoxicity during glucose starvation. Using transcriptome and chemosensitivity-based COMPARE analyses, we identified a similarity between spautin-1 and mitochondrial complex I inhibitors and found that spautin-1 suppressed the activity of complex I extracted from isolated mitochondria. Our results indicated that spautin-1 may represent an attractive mitochondria-targeted seed compound that inhibits the UPR and cancer cell survival during glucose starvation.
Longitudinal changes in auditory and reward systems following receptive music-based intervention in older adults
Authors: Quinci Milena Aiello , Belden Alexander , Goutama Valerie , Gong Dayang , Hanser Suzanne , Donovan Nancy J. , Geddes Maiya , Loui Psyche
Published: July 2022

Listening to pleasurable music is known to engage the brain’s reward system. This has motivated many cognitive-behavioral interventions for healthy aging, but little is known about the effects of music-based intervention (MBI) on activity and connectivity of the brain’s auditory and reward systems. Here we show preliminary evidence that brain network connectivity can change after receptive MBI in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Using a combination of whole-brain regression, seed-based connectivity analysis, and representational similarity analysis (RSA), we examined fMRI responses during music listening in older adults before and after an 8-week personalized MBI. Participants rated self-selected and researcher-selected musical excerpts on liking and familiarity. Parametric effects of liking, familiarity, and selection showed simultaneous activation in auditory, reward, and default mode network (DMN) areas. Functional connectivity within and between auditory and reward networks was modulated by participant liking and familiarity ratings. RSA showed significant representations of selection and novelty at both time-points, and an increase in striatal representation of musical stimuli following intervention. An exploratory seed-based connectivity analysis comparing pre- and post-intervention showed significant increase in functional connectivity between auditory regions and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Taken together, results show how regular music listening can provide an auditory channel towards the mPFC, thus offering a potential neural mechanism for MBI supporting healthy aging.
An investigation of gecko attachment on wet and rough substrates leads to the application of surface roughness power spectral density analysis
Authors: Palecek Amanda M. , Garner Austin M. , Klittich Mena R. , Stark Alyssa Y. , Scherger Jacob D. , Bernard Craig , Niewiarowski Peter H. , Dhinojwala Ali
Published: July 2022

The roughness and wettability of surfaces exploited by free-ranging geckos can be highly variable and attachment to these substrates is context dependent (e.g., presence or absence of surface water). Although previous studies focus on the effect of these variables on attachment independently, geckos encounter a variety of conditions in their natural environment simultaneously. Here, we measured maximum shear load of geckos in air and when their toes were submerged underwater on substrates that varied in both surface roughness and wettability. Gecko attachment was greater in water than in air on smooth and rough hydrophobic substrates, and attachment to rough hydrophilic substrates did not differ when tested in air or water. Attachment varied considerably with surface roughness and characterization revealed that routine measurements of root mean square height can misrepresent the complexity of roughness, especially when measured with single instruments. We used surface roughness power spectra to characterize substrate surface roughness and examined the relationship between gecko attachment performance across the power spectra. This comparison suggests that roughness wavelengths less than 70 nm predominantly dictate gecko attachment. This study highlights the complexity of attachment in natural conditions and the need for comprehensive surface characterization when studying biological adhesive system performance.
Modeling the impact of indoor relative humidity on the infection risk of five respiratory airborne viruses
Authors: Aganovic Amar , Bi Yang , Cao Guangyu , Kurnitski Jarek , Wargocki Pawel
Published: July 2022

With a modified version of the Wells-Riley model, we simulated the size distribution and dynamics of five airborne viruses (measles, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, human rhinovirus, and adenovirus) emitted from a speaking person in a typical residential setting over a relative humidity (RH) range of 20–80% and air temperature of 20–25 °C. Besides the size transformation of virus-containing droplets due to evaporation, respiratory absorption, and then removal by gravitational settling, the modified model also considered the removal mechanism by ventilation. The trend and magnitude of RH impact depended on the respiratory virus. For rhinovirus and adenovirus humidifying the indoor air from 20/30 to 50% will be increasing the relative infection risk, however, this relative infection risk increase will be negligible for rhinovirus and weak for adenovirus. Humidification will have a potential benefit in decreasing the infection risk only for influenza when there is a large infection risk decrease for humidifying from 20 to 50%. Regardless of the dry solution composition, humidification will overall increase the infection risk via long-range airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Compared to humidification at a constant ventilation rate, increasing the ventilation rate to moderate levels 0.5 → 2.0 h−1 will have a more beneficial infection risk decrease for all viruses except for influenza. Increasing the ventilation rate from low values of 0.5 h−1 to higher levels of 6 h−1 will have a dominating effect on reducing the infection risk regardless of virus type.
Roles of IGFBP-3 in cell migration and growth in an endophytic tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line
Authors: Ng Esther Feng Ying , Kaida Atsushi , Nojima Hitomi , Miura Masahiko
Published: July 2022

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is a member of the IGFBP family that has high affinity for IGFs and functions as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various types of cancer. We previously found that IGFBP3 mRNA levels are higher in endophytic-type human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) that is more invasive and more prone to metastasis than exophytic and superficial types. This finding prompted us to investigate the roles of IGFBP-3 in TSCC using SAS cells, which were originally derived from endophytic-type TSCC. Specifically, we used SAS cells that express a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (Fucci). RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that IGFBP-3 is associated with cell migration and cell growth. In fact, IGFBP-3 knockdown downregulates cell migration and causes cells to arrest in G1. This migratory potential appears to be cell cycle–independent. IGFBP-3 knockdown also reduced levels of secreted IGFBP-3; however, decreased migratory potential was not rescued by exogenous recombinant human IGFBP-3. Furthermore, ERK activity was downregulated by IGFBP-3 depletion, which suggests that MEK/ERK signaling may be involved in IGFBP-3-mediated cell migration. We therefore conclude that intracellular IGFBP-3 enhances cell migration independently of the cell cycle in TSCC with a higher metastatic potential.
Research on Control Method of Waste Heat Utilization System Based on Multi-parameter Coupling
Authors: Xiao Yanjun , Zhang Kun , Zhang Yameng , Zhou Wei , Liu Weiling , Wan Feng
Published: July 2022

The recovery of low-quality waste heat is a major problem in energy utilization. In order to solve this problem and improve energy utilization, the research group designed a low-quality waste heat power generation device with Roots power machine as the core. However, the device has poor ability to adjust the rotation speed and it is difficult to generate electricity stably. The fundamental reason is that the system has many variables and strong coupling. According to the actual working conditions, the power of the device is 10 kW, and the fluctuation range should be within ± 7%. On the one hand, it can be improved by hardware, on the other hand, the design of software is also very critical. At present, through the investigation of domestic and foreign researches on the control system, it is found that the stability of the system is gradually improved, but the problem of strong coupling between variables has not been effectively solved. Therefore, the research group modeled the variables in the system and obtained a coupled model. Based on the couple model, the research group introduced nonlinear multi-model adaptive closed-loop decoupling control and designed a control system. The simulation results show that the maximum overshoot of the control system is 3.9%, the adjustment time is also reduced, and it is stable in low quality waste heat recovery device. Experimental results show that under the control of the system, the rotational speed of roots motor can keep stable, the maximum deviation is not more than 21.4 r/min, and the fluctuation range is within ± 7%, which meets the requirements of the index. This has laid the foundation for the follow-up research of grid-connected power generation.
Dynamic response of a coal rock caving impact tail beam for hydraulic support
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Han Liguo , Zhang Haining , Jin Xin , Wu Tiangu , Yang Shijie
Published: July 2022

Based on the two-way coupling technology of Discrete Element Method-Multi Flexible Body Dynamics (EDM-FMBD), a virtual caving coal wall is established by using the discrete element software, EDEM. The rigid flexible coupling model of the tail beam of caving supports is established by using multibody dynamics software, RecurDyn. The stiffness of the oil cylinder is calculated by using the solid–liquid spring coupling theory and is replaced by a spring. By simulating the process of a coal rock collapse impacting the tail beam, the dynamic signal from the coal rock collapse impacting the tail beam to crushing in the coal caving stage of the comprehensive caving working face is studied, and the test is carried out underground. The angular acceleration at the hinge point of the tail beam is the largest and shows a variation pattern of "large at both ends and small in the middle". The definition of a "low amplitude band" on the surface of the tail beam is proposed. The force signal at the hinge point of the front link is the strongest and is the best measurement point for the force sensor; the angular acceleration signal at the hinge point of the tail beam is the strongest and it is the best measurement point for the angular acceleration sensor. The results have practical implications for the identification of the coal gangue and the adaptive control of support for integrated top coal mining.
Lipid absorption and overall intestinal lymphatic transport are impaired following partial small bowel resection in mice
Authors: Onufer Emily J. , Czepielewski Rafael S. , Han Yong-Hyun , Courtney Cathleen M. , Sutton Stephanie , Sescleifer Anne , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Warner Brad W.
Published: July 2022

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is associated with diminished levels of serum fats caused by unknown mechanisms. We have shown that mesenteric lymphatics remodel to a more primitive state one week after small bowel resection (SBR); therefore, this study focuses on the effect of chronic lymphatic remodeling and magnitude of resection on intestinal lipid uptake and transport. C57BL6 and Prox1 creER-Rosa26LSLTdTomato (lymphatic reporter) mice underwent 50% or 75% proximal SBR or sham operations. Functional transport of lipids and fecal fat content was measured and lymphatic vasculature was compared via imaging. There was a significant reduction in functional transport of cholesterol and triglyceride after SBR with increasing loss of bowel, mirrored by a progressive increase in fecal fat content. We also describe significant morphological changes in the lymphatic vasculature in both the lamina propria and mesentery. Intestinal lymphatic drainage assay in vivo demonstrated a marked reduction of systemic absorption after resection. Intestinal lymphatic vessels significantly remodel in the setting of chronic SBS. This remodeling may account at least in part for impaired intestinal uptake and transport of fat via the compromised lymphatic architecture. We believe that these changes may contribute to the development of intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD), a major morbidity in patients with SBS.
Metformin use and the risk of total knee replacement among diabetic patients: a propensity-score-matched retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lai Francisco T. T. , Yip Benjamin H. K. , Hunter David J. , Rabago David P. , Mallen Christian D. , Yeoh Eng-Kiong , Wong Samuel Y. S. , Sit Regina WS.
Published: July 2022

Metformin has been shown to modulate meta-inflammation, an important pathogenesis in knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study aimed to test the association between regular metformin use with total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with diabetes. This is a retrospective study with electronic records retrieved in Hong Kong public primary care. Patients with diabetes aged ≥ 45 who visited during 2007 to 2010, were followed up for a four-year period from 2011 to 2014 to determine the incidence of TKR. Propensity score matching based on age, sex, co-medications and chronic conditions was conducted to adjust for confounding. Cox regression was implemented to examine the association between metformin use and TKR. In total, 196,930 patients were eligible and 93,330 regular metformin users (defined as ≥ 4 prescriptions over the previous year) and non-users were matched. Among 46,665 regular users, 184 TKRs were conducted, 17.1% fewer than that among non-users. Cox regression showed that regular metformin users had a 19%-lower hazard of TKR [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.67 to 0.98, P = 0.033], with a dose–response relationship. Findings suggest a potential protective effect of metformin on knee OA progression and later TKR incidence among diabetic patients.
Shortcuts to adiabatic population inversion via time-rescaling: stability and thermodynamic cost
Authors: da Silva Andrade Jair , da Silva França Ângelo F. , de Lima Bernardo Bertúlio
Published: July 2022

A shortcut to adiabaticity is concerned with the fast and robust manipulation of the dynamics of a quantum system which reproduces the effect of an adiabatic process. In this work, we use the time-rescaling method to study the problem of speeding up the population inversion of a two-level quantum system, and the fidelity of the fast dynamics versus systematic errors in the control parameters. This approach enables the generation of shortcuts from a prescribed slow dynamics by simply rescaling the time variable of the quantum evolution operator. It requires no knowledge of the eigenvalues and eigenstates of the Hamiltonian and, in principle, no additional coupling fields. From a quantum thermodynamic viewpoint, we also demonstrate that the main properties of the distribution of work required to drive the system along the shortcuts are unchanged with respect to the reference (slow) protocol.
Metastable ferroelectricity driven by depolarization fields in ultrathin Hf0.5Zr0.5O2
Authors: Siannas Nikitas , Zacharaki Christina , Tsipas Polychronis , Chaitoglou Stefanos , Bégon-Lours Laura , Istrate Cosmin , Pintilie Lucian , Dimoulas Athanasios
Published: July 2022

As ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2(HZO) thickness scales below 10 nm, the switching characteristics are severely distorted typically showing an antiferroelectric-like behavior (pinched hysteresis) with reduced remanent polarization. Using Landau-Ginsburg-Devonshire (LGD) theory for the analysis of the experimental results, it is shown here that, in thin (5 nm) HZO, depolarization fields drive the system in a stable paraelectric phase coexisting with a metastable ferroelectric one, which explains the pinched hysteresis. This state of matter resembles a first order ferroelectric above the Curie temperature which is known to result in similar double-loop behavior. Here, based on the analysis of experimental data in the framework of LGD theory, it is reported that charge injection and trapping at pre-existing interface defects during field cycling (“wake-up”) screens the depolarization field stabilizing ferroelectricity. It is found in particular that a sufficiently large energy density of interface states is beneficial for the recovery of fully open ferroelectric loops.
Cooperative catalytic enhancements of reactions catalyzed by mesoporous materials
Authors: Chen J.-Y. , Kane A. , Brunelli N. A.
Published: July 2022

Cooperative catalytic materials are high performance materials that enable energy efficient and atom economic reactions under mild conditions. These materials use two distinct functional groups to catalyze important reactions such as the aldol reaction and condensation, the nitroaldol reaction and condensation, and the Knoevenagel condensation. After some initial discoveries hinted at the potential for cooperative interactions to accelerate the rate of reaction, additional insights have revealed the molecular details of these rich and complex interactions. These discoveries have investigated the nature of the support and the structure of the organosilane. The role of the support structure, composition, and textural properties have revealed important design considerations to make the materials highly active. Additionally, the organosilane immobilized on the supports represent a highly tunable structure that can be modified through adjusting the organosilane design. Combined, the material structure and the organosilane structure contribute to the synthesis–structure–function relationships that have made it possible to use cooperative interactions to accelerate reactions. Whereas experiments and computational calculations have revealed many insights, future discoveries will certainly help propel cooperative catalytic materials toward commercial relevance. Overall, cooperative catalytic materials remain an intriguing and fruitful area of research from which many new synthesis–structure–function relationships will certainly emerge.
Recent advances on the direct decomposition of NOx
Authors: Atwi R. , Meunier F. C.
Published: July 2022

Direct decomposition of NO to N2 and O2 constitutes the most attractive solution to remove NOx. This reaction is thermodynamically favoured at low temperatures, yet slow kinetics and catalyst poisoning by oxygen hinder the development of a viable technology. Recent progresses in catalytic direct NO decomposition is reviewed here and divided into three groups: oxide catalysts (including perovskites, transition metal oxides and rare earth oxides), Cu–ZSM-5 and noble metals, focusing on their distinctive properties and trying to provide insights on the catalyst mechanism and potential improvements. Promotion of oxygen desorption at low temperatures holds the key to the development of an effective NO decomposition catalysts and promoters that can weaken the binding energy to oxygen over the active sites are of interest. Yet, no catalyst exhibits sufficient activity under realistic conditions in the presence of co-existing gases (O2, CO2, H2O, etc.). The use of microwaves to assist NO direct decomposition is also discussed, since this method improved the catalytic activity and oxygen tolerance under various conditions.
Toggling the Z-type interaction off-on in nickel-boron dihydrogen and anionic hydride complexes
Authors: Prat Jacob R. , Cammarota Ryan C. , Graziano Brendan J. , Moore James T. , Lu Connie C.
Published: July 2022

The boron metalloligand indirectly distorts the Ni geometry to facilitate H2 binding and stabilizes a reactive anionic Ni hydride via a direct Ni–B interaction.
Degradable polyprodrugs: design and therapeutic efficiency
Authors: Seidi Farzad , Zhong Yajie , Xiao Huining , Jin Yongcan , Crespy Daniel
Published: July 2022

Degradable polyprodrugs are developed to increase therapeutic properties of drugs and reduce detrimental side effects.
Nanocrystals of CuCoO2 derived from MOFs and their catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Gao Han , Liu Xing , Han Na , Shi Lifen , Wang Liang , Mi Yue , Bao Xiao-Qing , Bai Jilin , Li Hong , Xiong Dehua
Published: July 2022

The enhanced OER activity of ZIF-67-derived CuCoO2 (CCO1) nanocrystals was attributed to their smaller size (∼146 nm), larger specific surface area (11.69 m2 g−1) and faster charge transfer kinetics in comparison with Cu-BTC-derived CuCoO2 (CCO2).
A new reduction method based on simultaneous Ti3AlC2 support etching and metal deposition to prepare Pt catalysts for aqueous-phase selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Shi Liang , Lu Kun , Kong Xiao , Li Licheng , Gu Xiaoli , Cai Junmeng , Zhang Xingguang
Published: July 2022

The new catalysts Pt/Ti3AlxC2Ty developed by a novel reduction method outperformed reference catalysts made by deposition–precipitation in the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol.
Synergic coordination of multicomponents for the formation of a {Ni30} cluster substituted polyoxometalate and its in situ assembly
Authors: Wang Sa-Sa , Kong Xiang-Yu , Wu Weiming , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Cai Sheng , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: July 2022

The synergic coordination of trz, en, and PW9 resulted in a {Ni30} cluster substituted POM, [Ni(trz)3]2@[Ni30(H2O)16]POM, that was discovered as the SBU of four frameworks which served as heterogeneous catalysts for HERs.
The Cu(ii) – dietary fibre interactions at molecular level unveiledviaEPR spectroscopy
Authors: Syryamina Victoria N. , Yulikov Maxim , Nyström Laura
Published: July 2022

Binding of paramagnetic Cu(ii) ions to barley beta-glucane dietary fibers and the local surrounding of bound ions have been studied by pulse EPR techniques.
Gold nanoparticles decorated with ovalbumin-derived epitopes: effect of shape and size on T-cell immune responses
Authors: Egorova Elena A. , Lamers Gerda E. M. , Monikh Fazel Abdolahpur , Boyle Aimee L. , Slütter Bram , Kros Alexander
Published: July 2022

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) can be manufactured in various shapes, and their size is programmable, which permits the study of the effects imposed by these parameters on biological processes.
Pharmacomodulation of a ligand targeting the HBV capsid hydrophobic pocket
Authors: Briday Mathilde , Hallé François , Lecoq Lauriane , Radix Sylvie , Martin Juliette , Montserret Roland , Dujardin Marie , Fogeron Marie-Laure , Nassal Michael , Meier Beat H. , Lomberget Thierry , Böckmann Anja
Published: July 2022

Small-molecule binding to the Hepatitis B virus core protein hydrophobic pocket, a possible strategy for targeting viral particle assembly.
Cooperative selective benzyl alcohol oxidation and hydrogen production over Pd6(SC12H25)12cluster-coupled CdS nanorods: the key role of water in photocatalytic benzyl alcohol splitting
Authors: Luo Dian , Luo Yao , Lu Xiangyu , Shi Manman , Wei Jieding , Lu Zhou , Huang Yucheng , Ni Yonghong
Published: July 2022

Atomically precise Pd clusters/CdS nanorod photocatalysts were constructed for photocatalytic cooperative highly selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and H2production.
A current transformer energy harvester with stable output based on the saturable magnetic core
Authors: Cao Jianan , Jiao Yuanliang , Meng Gefei , Peng Jia , Stassi Stefano , Pirri Fabrizio , Li Yunjia
Published: July 2022

One of the major bottlenecks of the traditional current transformer energy harvester (CTEH) is the instable output induced by the wide‐range variations of the current in transmission lines. In this work, a novel CTEH capable of generating a stable output is demonstrated by using a core fabricated with saturable magnetic material. The stable output of the CTEH is enabled by the constant voltage‐time product in its saturable characteristic. The proposed CTEH is implemented with a resistive load representing the load of electronic devices. When the current in the primary side of the CTEH's increases from 1 to 1000 A, the maximum power on the load can reach about 0.5 W, demonstrating the feasibility of using the CTEH with the saturable magnetic core as a quasi‐stable power supply.