bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Saint Petersburg, Russia: a population-based study
Authors: Barchuk Anton , Skougarevskiy Dmitriy , Titaev Kirill , Shirokov Daniil , Raskina Yulia , Novkunkskaya Anastasia , Talantov Petr , Isaev Artur , Pomerantseva Ekaterina , Zhikrivetskaya Svetlana , Barabanova Lubov , Volkov Vadim
Published: June 2021

Properly conducted serological survey can help determine infection disease true spread. This study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Saint Petersburg, Russia accounting for non-response bias. A sample of adults was recruited with random digit dialling, interviewed and invited for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The seroprevalence was corrected with the aid of the bivariate probit model that jointly estimated individual propensity to agree to participate in the survey and seropositivity. 66,250 individuals were contacted, 6,440 adults agreed to be interviewed and blood samples were obtained from 1,038 participants between May 27 and June 26, 2020. Naïve seroprevalence corrected for test characteristics was 9.0% (7.2–10.8) by CMIA and 10.5% (8.6–12.4) by ELISA. Correction for non-response decreased estimates to 7.4% (5.7–9.2) and 9.1% (7.2–10.9) for CMIA and ELISA, respectively. The most pronounced decrease in bias-corrected seroprevalence was attributed to the history of any illnesses in the past 3 months and COVID-19 testing. Seroconversion was negatively associated with smoking status, self-reported history of allergies and changes in hand-washing habits. These results suggest that even low estimates of seroprevalence can be an overestimation. Serosurvey design should attempt to identify characteristics that are associated both with participation and seropositivity.
Insights into how environment shapes post-mortem RNA transcription in mouse brain
Authors: Bonadio Raphael Severino , Nunes Larissa Barbosa , Moretti Patricia Natália S. , Mazzeu Juliana Forte , Cagnin Stefano , Pic-Taylor Aline , de Oliveira Silviene Fabiana
Published: June 2021

Most biological features that occur on the body after death were already deciphered by traditional medicine. However, the molecular mechanisms triggered in the cellular microenvironment are not fully comprehended yet. Previous studies reported gene expression alterations in the post-mortem condition, but little is known about how the environment could influence RNA degradation and transcriptional regulation. In this work, we analysed the transcriptome of mouse brain after death under three concealment simulations (air exposed, buried, and submerged). Our analyses identified 2,103 genes differentially expressed in all tested groups 48 h after death. Moreover, we identified 111 commonly upregulated and 497 commonly downregulated genes in mice from the concealment simulations. The gene functions shared by the individuals from the tested environments were associated with RNA homeostasis, inflammation, developmental processes, cell communication, cell proliferation, and lipid metabolism. Regarding the altered biological processes, we identified that the macroautophagy process was enriched in the upregulated genes and lipid metabolism was enriched in the downregulated genes. On the other hand, we also described a list of biomarkers associated with the submerged and buried groups, indicating that these environments can influence the post-mortem RNA abundance in its particular way.
Peritumoral edema in breast cancer at preoperative MRI: an interpretative study with histopathological review toward understanding tumor microenvironment
Authors: Park Nora Jee-Young , Jeong Ji Yun , Park Ji Young , Kim Hye Jung , Park Chan Sub , Lee Jeeyeon , Park Ho Yong , Jung Jin Hyang , Kim Wan Wook , Chae Yee Soo , Lee Soo Jung , Kim Won Hwa
Published: June 2021

Peritumoral edema (PE) of breast cancer at T2-weighted MR images is considered a poor prognostic sign and may represent the microenvironment surrounding the tumor; however, its histopathological mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to identify and describe detailed histopathological characteristics associated with PE at preoperative breast MRI in breast cancer patients. This retrospective study included breast cancer patients who had undergone preoperative MRI and surgery between January 2011 and December 2012. Two radiologists determined the presence of PE in consensus based on the signal intensity surrounding the tumor at T2-weighted images. The following detailed histopathological characteristics were reviewed by two breast pathologists using four-tiered grades; lymphovascular invasion, vessel ectasia, stromal fibrosis, growth pattern, and tumor budding. Tumor necrosis and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were assessed using a percent scale. Baseline clinicopathological characteristics, including age and histologic grade, were collected. The associations between detailed histopathologic characteristics and PE were examined using multivariable logistic regression with odds ratio (OR) calculation. A total of 136 women (median age, 49 ± 9 years) were assessed; among them 34 (25.0%) had PE. After adjustment of baseline clinicopathological characteristics that were significantly associated with PE (age, T stage, N stage, histologic grade, and subtype, all Ps < 0.05), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.009), vessel ectasia (P = 0.021), stromal fibrosis (P = 0.024), growth pattern (P = 0.036), and tumor necrosis (P < 0.001) were also associated with PE. In comparison with patients without PE, patients with PE were more likely to have a higher degree of lymphovascular invasion (OR, 2.9), vessel ectasia (OR, 3.3), stromal fibrosis (OR, 2.5), lesser degree of infiltrative growth pattern (OR, 0.4), and higher portion of tumor necrosis (OR, 1.4). PE of breast cancer at MRI is associated with detailed histopathological characteristics of lymphovascular invasion, vessel ectasia, stromal fibrosis, growth pattern, and tumor necrosis, suggesting a relevance for tumor microenvironment.
Significance of secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor in pleural fluid for the diagnosis of benign asbestos pleural effusion
Authors: Kishimoto Takumi , Kojima Yoko , Fujimoto Nobukazu
Published: June 2021

Secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI) is a biomarker present in the respiratory tract that protects against tissue destruction and aids in wound healing. We examined whether SLPI in pleural effusion can be used to distinguish benign asbestos pleural effusion (BAPE) from early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and other diseases. We measured the levels of SLPI, hyaluronic acid (HA), soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP), CCL2, galectin-3, and CYFRA21-1 in 51 patients with BAPE, 37 patients with early-stage MPM, 77 patients with pleural effusions due to non-small-cell lung cancer (LCa), and 74 patients with other pleural effusions. SLPI levels in the pleural fluid of patients with BAPE were significantly lower than those in patients with MPM, LCa, and other pleural effusions (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) for SLPI’s ability to distinguish BAPE from MPM was 0.902, with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 86.5%. This AUC was not only favourable but was better than the AUC for the ability of CYFRA21-1 to distinguish BAPE (0.853). The combination of SLPI and CYFRA21-1 achieved an AUC of 0.965 for the differentiation between BAPE and MPM. Pleural fluid SLPI as well as CYFRA21-1 and HA is useful as a biomarker to diagnose BAPE, which needs to be distinguished from early-stage MPM.
12α-Hydroxylated bile acid enhances accumulation of adiponectin and immunoglobulin A in the rat ileum
Authors: Yoshitsugu Reika , Liu Hongxia , Kamo Yoshie , Takeuchi Akari , Joe Ga-Hyun , Tada Koji , Kikuchi Keidai , Fujii Nobuyuki , Kitta Shinri , Hori Shota , Takatsuki Manami , Iwaya Hitoshi , Tanaka Yasutake , Shimizu Hidehisa , Ishizuka Satoshi
Published: June 2021

We previously reported that dietary supplementation with cholic acid (CA), the primary 12α-hydroxylated (12αOH) bile acid (BA), reduces plasma adiponectin concentration in rats. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of adiponectin in the body of CA-fed rats and its influence on mucosal immunoglobulin A concentration in the intestine. Rats were fed a diet supplemented with or without CA (0.5 g CA/kg diet) for 13 weeks. A reduction in plasma adiponectin level was observed from week 3. At the end of the experiment, the CA diet reduced plasma adiponectin concentration both in the portal and aortic plasma. Accumulation of adiponectin was accompanied by an increase in cadherin-13 mRNA expression in the ileal mucosa of CA-fed rats. No increase was observed in adiponectin mRNA expression in the ileal and adipose tissues of the CA-fed rats. Immunoglobulin A concentration in the ileal mucosa was elevated in the CA-fed rats and was correlated with the ileal adiponectin concentration. 12αOH BAs may modulate mucosal immune response that are involved in the accumulation of adiponectin in the ileum.
Long-term body mass trajectories and hypertension by sex among Chinese adults: a 24-year open cohort study
Authors: Liu Ruru , Mi Baibing , Zhao Yaling , Dang Shaonong , Yan Hong
Published: June 2021

Evidence was limited on trajectory of body mass index (BMI) through adulthood and its association with hypertension. We aimed to evaluate their association by sex in large-scale study. Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 1991 to 2015. Latent class trajectory analysis (LCTA) was used to capture BMI change trajectories. Hazard risks (HRs) were estimated from Cox proportion hazard regression. Among 14,262 participants (mean age, 38.8; 47.8% men), 5138 hypertension occurred (2687 men and 2451 women) occurred during a mean follow-up 9.6 years. Four body mass trajectory groups were identified as BMI loss, stable, moderate and substantial gain. Appropriately half of participants (48.0%) followed 1 of the 2 BMI gain trajectories, where BMI increased at least 3 kg/m2 overtime. Compared with participants with stable BMI, those gaining BMI substantially had higher risk of hypertension by 65% (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.45–1.86) in male and 83% (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58–2.12) in female. The HRs in BMI loss patterns were 0.74 (0.62–0.89) in men and 0.87 (0.75–1.00) in women. Our findings imply that majority of Chinese adults transited up to a higher BMI level during follow-up. Avoiding excessive weight gain and maintaining stable weight might be important for hypertension prevention.
Ternary logic decoder using independently controlled double-gate Si-NW MOSFETs
Authors: Han Seong-Joo , Han Joon-Kyu , Kim Myung-Su , Yun Gyeong-Jun , Yu Ji-Man , Tcho Il-Woong , Seo Myungsoo , Lee Geon-Beom , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: June 2021

A ternary logic decoder (TLD) is demonstrated with independently controlled double-gate (ICDG) silicon-nanowire (Si-NW) MOSFETs to confirm a feasibility of mixed radix system (MRS). The TLD is essential component for realization of the MRS. The ICDG Si-NW MOSFET resolves the limitations of the conventional multi-threshold voltage (multi-Vth) schemes required for the TLD. The ICDG Si-NW MOSFETs were fabricated and characterized. Afterwards, their electrical characteristics were modeled and fitted semi-empirically with the aid of SILVACO ATLAS TCAD simulator. The circuit performance and power consumption of the TLD were analyzed using ATLAS mixed-mode TCAD simulations. The TLD showed a power-delay product of 35 aJ for a gate length (LG) of 500 nm and that of 0.16 aJ for LG of 14 nm. Thanks to its inherent CMOS-compatibility and scalability, the TLD based on the ICDG Si-NW MOSFETs would be a promising candidate for a MRS using ternary and binary logic.
Assessment of the gene mosaicism burden in blood and its implications for immune disorders
Authors: Solís-Moruno Manuel , Mensa-Vilaró Anna , Batlle-Masó Laura , Lobón Irene , Bonet Núria , Marquès-Bonet Tomàs , Aróstegui Juan I. , Casals Ferran
Published: June 2021

There are increasing evidences showing the contribution of somatic genetic variants to non-cancer diseases. However, their detection using massive parallel sequencing methods still has important limitations. In addition, the relative importance and dynamics of somatic variation in healthy tissues are not fully understood. We performed high-depth whole-exome sequencing in 16 samples from patients with a previously determined pathogenic somatic variant for a primary immunodeficiency and tested different variant callers detection ability. Subsequently, we explored the load of somatic variants in the whole blood of these individuals and validated it by amplicon-based deep sequencing. Variant callers allowing low frequency read thresholds were able to detect most of the variants, even at very low frequencies in the tissue. The genetic load of somatic coding variants detectable in whole blood is low, ranging from 1 to 2 variants in our dataset, except for one case with 17 variants compatible with clonal haematopoiesis under genetic drift. Because of the ability we demonstrated to detect this type of genetic variation, and its relevant role in disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies, we suggest considering this model of gene mosaicism in future genetic studies and considering revisiting previous massive parallel sequencing data in patients with negative results.
Topological phase transition between a normal insulator and a topological metal state in a quasi-one-dimensional system
Authors: Jangjan Milad , Hosseini Mir Vahid
Published: June 2021

We theoretically report the finding of a new kind of topological phase transition between a normal insulator and a topological metal state where the closing-reopening of bandgap is accompanied by passing the Fermi level through an additional band. The resulting nontrivial topological metal phase is characterized by stable zero-energy localized edge states that exist within the full gapless bulk states. Such states living on a quasi-one-dimensional system with three sublattices per unit cell are protected by hidden inversion symmetry. While other required symmetries such as chiral, particle-hole, or full inversion symmetry are absent in the system.
A new galling insect model enhances photosynthetic activity in an obligate holoparasitic plant
Authors: Murakami Ryo , Ushima Ryo , Sugimoto Ryoma , Tamaoki Daisuke , Karahara Ichirou , Hanba Yuko , Wakasugi Tatsuya , Tsuchida Tsutomu
Published: June 2021

Insect-induced galls are microhabitats distinct from the outer environment that support inhabitants by providing improved nutrients, defence against enemies, and other unique features. It is intriguing as to how insects reprogram and modify plant morphogenesis. Because most of the gall systems are formed on trees, it is difficult to maintain them in laboratories and to comprehend the mechanisms operative in them through experimental manipulations. Herein, we propose a new model insect,Smicronyx madaranus, for studying the mechanisms of gall formation. This weevil forms spherical galls on the shoots ofCuscuta campestris, an obligate parasitic plant. We established a stable system for breeding and maintaining this ecologically intriguing insect in the laboratory, and succeeded in detailed analyses of the gall-forming behaviour, gall formation process, and histochemical and physiological features. ParasiticC. campestrisdepends on host plants for its nutrients, and usually shows low chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity. We demonstrate thatS. madaranus-induced galls have significantly increased CO2absorbance. Moreover, chloroplasts and starch accumulated in gall tissues at locations inhabited by the weevil larvae. These results suggest that the gall-inducing weevils enhance the photosynthetic activity inC. campestris, and modify the plant tissue to a nutrient-rich shelter for them.
Corneal endothelial cell changes and surgical results after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation: ciliary sulcus versus anterior chamber tube placement
Authors: Kim Joo Yeon , Lee Jihei Sara , Lee Taekjune , Seo Duri , Choi Wungrak , Bae Hyoung Won , Kim Chan Yun
Published: June 2021

We compared the changes in corneal endothelial cells and surgical outcomes after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation with the valve tip inserted either into ciliary sulcus (CS) or anterior chamber (AC). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients treated with CS AGV (n = 24) and AC AGV (n = 38). We compared the preoperative and postoperative central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell coefficient of variation (CV), best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications in the two groups. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics and follow-up period. At the last follow-up, the AC AGV group had significantly higher mean monthly ECD loss (17.47 ± 11.50 cells/mm2 vs. 6.40 ± 7.69 cells/mm2, p < 0.0001) and greater proportion of mean monthly ECD loss than the CS AGV group (0.84 ± 0.53 vs. 0.36 ± 0.39%, p < 0.0001). Both groups had similar mean monthly CV changes. The qualified success rates at 2 years were 83.3% and 76.3% for the CS AGV and AC AGV groups, respectively. Although similar surgical outcomes including visual acuity, IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications were obtained following CS AGV and AC AGV, corneal ECD loss was higher in the AC AGV group. Thus, CS AGV may be a better surgical option than AC AGV.
Serum lactate dehydrogenase activities as systems biomarkers for 48 types of human diseases
Authors: Wu Yuling , Lu Caixia , Pan Nana , Zhang Meng , An Yi , Xu Mengyuan , Zhang Lijuan , Guo Yachong , Tan Lijuan
Published: June 2021

Most human diseases are systems diseases, and systems biomarkers are better fitted for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment monitoring purposes. To search for systems biomarker candidates, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a housekeeping protein expressed in all living cells, was investigated. To this end, we analyzed the serum LDH activities from 172,933 patients with 48 clinically defined diseases and 9528 healthy individuals. Based on the median values, we found that 46 out of 48 diseases, leading by acute myocardial infarction, had significantly increased (p < 0.001), whereas gout and cerebral ischemia had significantly decreased (p < 0.001) serum LDH activities compared to the healthy control. Remarkably, hepatic encephalopathy and lung fibrosis had the highest AUCs (0.89, 0.80), sensitivities (0.73, 0.56), and specificities (0.90, 0.91) among 48 human diseases. Statistical analysis revealed that over-downregulation of serum LDH activities was associated with blood-related cancers and diseases. LDH activities were potential systems biomarker candidates (AUCs > 0.8) for hepatic encephalopathy and lung fibrosis.
Convex restrictions in physical design
Authors: Angeris Guillermo , Vučković Jelena , Boyd Stephen
Published: June 2021

In a physical design problem, the designer chooses values of some physical parameters, within limits, to optimize the resulting field. We focus on the specific case in which each physical design parameter is the ratio of two field variables. This form occurs for photonic design with real scalar fields, diffusion-type systems, and others. We show that such problems can be reduced to a convex optimization problem, and therefore efficiently solved globally, given the sign of an optimal field at every point. This observation suggests a heuristic, in which the signs of the field are iteratively updated. This heuristic appears to have good practical performance on diffusion-type problems (including thermal design and resistive circuit design) and some control problems, while exhibiting moderate performance on photonic design problems. We also show in many practical cases there exist globally optimal designs whose design parameters are maximized or minimized at each point in the domain, i.e., that there is a discrete globally optimal structure.
Western-style diet consumption impairs maternal insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism during pregnancy in a Japanese macaque model
Authors: Elsakr Joseph M. , Zhao Sifang Kathy , Ricciardi Valerie , Dean Tyler A. , Takahashi Diana L. , Sullivan Elinor , Wesolowski Stephanie R. , McCurdy Carrie E. , Kievit Paul , Friedman Jacob E. , Aagaard Kjersti M. ,  Edwards Digna R. Velez , Gannon Maureen
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of maternal obesity is increasing in the United States. Offspring born to women with obesity or poor glycemic control have greater odds of becoming obese and developing metabolic disease later in life. Our group has utilized a macaque model to study the metabolic effects of consumption of a calorically-dense, Western-style diet (WSD; 36.3% fat) during pregnancy. Here, our objective was to characterize the effects of WSD and obesity, alone and together, on maternal glucose tolerance and insulin levels in dams during each pregnancy. Recognizing the collinearity of maternal measures, we adjusted for confounding factors including maternal age and parity. Based on intravenous glucose tolerance tests, dams consuming a WSD showed lower glucose area under the curve during first study pregnancies despite increased body fat percentage and increased insulin area under the curve. However, with (1) prolonged WSD feeding, (2) multiple diet switches, and/or (3) increasing age and parity, WSD was associated with increasingly higher insulin levels during glucose tolerance testing, indicative of insulin resistance. Our results suggest that prolonged or recurrent calorically-dense WSD and/or increased parity, rather than obesity per se, drive excess insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. These observations in a highly relevant species are likely of clinical and public health importance given the comparative ease of maternal dietary modifications relative to the low likelihood of successfully reversing obesity in the course of any given pregnancy.
Author Correction: Climate variations of Central Asia on orbital to millennial timescales
Authors: Cheng Hai , Spötl Christoph , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M. , Sinha Ashish , Wassenburg Jasper A. , Jochum Klaus Peter , Scholz Denis , Li Xianglei , Yi Liang , Peng Youbing , Lv Yanbin , Zhang Pingzhong , Votintseva Antonina , Loginov Vadim , Ning Youfeng , Kathayat Gayatri , Lawrence Edwards R.
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Molecular dynamics evidence for nonthermal effects of electric fields on pectin methylesterase activity
Authors: Samaranayake Chaminda P. , Sastry Sudhir K.
Published: June 2021

Electric fields exert nonthermal effects on protein structure, resulting in internal motions in some local regions and conformational changes in the whole molecule and its catalytic domain.
An ultrasensitive homogeneous electrochemical biosensor based on CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Liu Jie , Wan Qing , Zeng Ruijin , Tang Dianping
Published: June 2021

A simple and immobilization-free homogeneous electrochemical biosensor for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV-16) has been fabricated by combining with methylene blue (MB)-labeled probes toward the negatively-charged indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode.
Stability, preservation and storage of As(iii), DMA, MMA and As(v) in water samples
Authors: Brombach Christoph-Cornelius , Lancaster Shaun T. , Dexter Matthew A. , Thompson K. Clive , Corns Warren T.
Published: June 2021

Multiple preservation techniques for arsenic speciation in water are tested simultaneously, providing more definitive optimisations of container material, acidification, temperature, and light exposure.
Assessment of trace levels of aflatoxins AFB1 and AFB2 in non-dairy beverages by molecularly imprinted polymer based micro solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chmangui Anis , Jayasinghe G. D. Thilini Madurangika , Driss Mohamed Ridha , Touil Soufiane , Bermejo-Barrera Pilar , Bouabdallah Sondes , Moreda-Piñeiro Antonio
Published: June 2021

A selective molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbent was synthesised and used for isolating aflatoxins AFB1 and AFB2 from non-dairy beverages before liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination.
A solvent-free headspace GC/MS method for sensitive screening of N-nitrosodimethylamine in drug products
Authors: Lee Do Hee , Hwang Su Hyeon , Park Seoungchul , Lee Jeongmi , Oh Han Bin , Han Sang Beom , Liu Kwang-Hyun , Lee Yong-Moon , Pyo Hee Soo , Hong Jongki
Published: June 2021

A solvent-free headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SF-HS-GC/MS) method was developed and validated for screening N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products.
Polymer-mediated interaction between nanoparticles during hydration and dehydration: a small-angle X-ray scattering study
Authors: Bahadur Jitendra , Das Avik , Kumar Sugam , Prakash Jyoti , Sen Debasis , Aswal V. K.
Published: June 2021

Polymer-mediated interactions such as DNA–protein binding, protein aggregation, and filler reinforcement in polymers play crucial roles in many important biological and industrial processes
Assessment of the performance of DFT functionals in the fulfillment of off-diagonal hypervirial relationships
Authors: Summa Francesco F. , Monaco Guglielmo , Lazzeretti Paolo , Zanasi Riccardo
Published: June 2021

Off-diagonal hypervirial relationships, combined with quantum mechanical sum rules of charge-current conservation, offer a way to test electronic excited-state transition energies and moments, which does not need any external reference.
Unveiling the mechanisms behind the ferroelectric response in the Sr(Nb,Ta)O2N oxynitrides
Authors: Gelves-Badillo J. S. , Romero Aldo H. , Garcia-Castro A. C.
Published: June 2021

Oxynitride perovskites of the type ABO2N have attracted considerable attention thanks to their potential ferroelectric behavior and tunable bandgap energy, making them ideal candidates for photocatalysis processes.
Construction of a molybdenum and copper co-doped nickel phosphide with lattice distortion for highly efficient electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Li Jiefei , Zhang Zehao , Zhang Xueqiong , Xu Linjie , Yuan Songyuan , Wei Hang , Chu Haibin
Published: June 2021

Mo and Cu dual-doped hierarchical Ni2P@nickel foam is prepared via a facile hydrothermal process and low-temperature phosphorization and demonstrates superior catalytic activity for the HER and OER.
A comparative study of the effects of different fucoidans on cefoperazone-induced gut microbiota disturbance and intestinal inflammation
Authors: Luo Juanmei , Wang Zhan , Fan Bin , Wang Li , Liu Mengyang , An Zizhe , Zhao Xue
Published: June 2021

Fucoidan alleviated the cefoperazone-induced intestinal inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis.
Densifying Lignocellulosic biomass with alkaline Chemicals (DLC) pretreatment unlocks highly fermentable sugars for bioethanol production from corn stover
Authors: Chen Xiangxue , Yuan Xinchuan , Chen Sitong , Yu Jianming , Zhai Rui , Xu Zhaoxian , Jin Mingjie
Published: June 2021

DLC pretreatment, which is simple and of low cost, not only facilitates biomass logistics but also provides a feedstock with high digestibility and high fermentability.
Recent advances in the transition metal catalyzed synthesis of quinoxalines: a review
Authors: Maikhuri Vipin K. , Prasad Ashok K. , Jha Amitabh , Srivastava Smriti
Published: June 2021

This review summarizes the recent developments in the synthesis of a variety of substituted quinoxalines using transition metal catalysts.
Farringtonite as an efficient catalyst for linear-chain α-olefin epoxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Yang Xingyu , Li Xu , Dong Jinxiang
Published: June 2021

A convenient, scalable, benign, and efficient epoxidation method based on farringtonite, without the use of transition metals, was developed for the first time.
Glycidyl azide polymer-based polyurethane vitrimers with disulfide chain extenders
Authors: Hu Yaofang , Tang Gang , Luo Yunjun , Chi Shumeng , Li Xiaoyu
Published: June 2021

Glycidyl azide polymer-based polyurethane vitrimers were synthesized. By optimizing the parameters, the vitrimers showed decent mechanical properties, healability and reprocessability. Fillers were loaded to synthesize healable composites.
Green light LED activated ligation of a scalable, versatile chalcone chromophore
Authors: Irshadeen Ishrath Mohamed , De Bruycker Kevin , Micallef Aaron S. , Walden Sarah L. , Frisch Hendrik , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: June 2021

Herein we present a photoreactive chalcone moiety that can be synthesized at a scale of several grams with ease, and can efficiently undergo a [2 + 2] photocycloaddition with light close to 500 nm as determined by an action plot.
IrAAC-based construction of dual sequence-defined polytriazoles
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Xueyan , Wang Yong , Ding Shengtao
Published: June 2021

One novel dual sequence-defined polytriazole structure was facilely achieved through an IrAAC-based iterative sequential growth strategy.
Recent advances in the metal–organic framework-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in water splitting: a review
Authors: Zaman Neelam , Noor Tayyaba , Iqbal Naseem
Published: June 2021

Water splitting is an important technology for alternative and sustainable energy storage, and a way for the production of hydrogen without generating pollution.
Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite for low-cost and high-performance xerographic photoreceptors
Authors: Gu Wei-Min , Wang Chuanxi , Gao Cai-Yan , Fan Xin-Heng , Yang Lian-Ming , Jiang Ke-Jian
Published: June 2021

MAPbI3 perovskite is first used as a light-absorbing charge-generating material for xerographic photoreceptors. The resultant photoreceptor exhibits excellent xerographic properties, and good environmental and electrical cycling stability.
Water and mildew proof SiO2 & ZnO/silica sol superhydrophobic composite coating on a circuit board
Authors: Li Ziang , Li Changquan , Ou Junfei , Fang Xinzuo , Cong Mengqi , Wang Chen , Mao Feifei , Mao Tianci , Amirfazli Alidad
Published: June 2021

A water and mildew proof SiO2 and ZnO/silica sol superhydrophobic composite coating was prepared by a one-step method and applied to a circuit board. The preparation method is simple and inexpensive, and convenient for large-scale preparation.
Combining machine learning and high-throughput experimentation to discover photocatalytically active organic molecules
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Maffettone Phillip M. , Che Yu , Liu Tao , Chen Linjiang , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: June 2021

We developed models to predict the photoactivity of organic molecules for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by integrating experiment, computation, and machine learning. This marks a step toward the data-driven discovery of molecular photocatalysts.
Short, enantioselective, gram-scale synthesis of (−)-zephyranthine
Authors: Zhao Yuxiang , Zhu Yanren , Ma Guolan , Wei Qi , Yang Shaoxiong , Zeng Xiaoyu , Zhang Hongbin , Chen Jingbo
Published: June 2021

A reasonable synthesis design by strategically integrating functional group manipulation into the ring system construction resulted in a short, enantioselective, gram-scale total synthesis of (−)-zephyranthine.
Interaction of a bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein with mixed anionic–cationic surfactants and the resultant structure
Authors: Saha Debasish , Ray Debes , Kumar Sugam , Kohlbrecher Joachim , Aswal Vinod K.
Published: June 2021

The interaction of a bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein with the mixture of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cationic dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) has been investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Reaction-diffusion waves coupled with membrane curvature
Authors: Tamemoto Naoki , Noguchi Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Reaction-diffusion waves coupled with membrane deformation are investigated using simulations combining a dynamically triangulated membrane model with the Brusselator model extended to include the effect of membrane curvature.
Ultrafast reproducible synthesis of a Ag-nanocluster@MOF composite and its superior visible-photocatalytic activity in batch and in continuous flow
Authors: Arenas-Vivo Ana , Rojas Sara , Ocaña Iván , Torres Ana , Liras Marta , Salles Fabrice , Arenas-Esteban Daniel , Bals Sara , Ávila David , Horcajada Patricia
Published: June 2021

Ultrafast synthesis of a robust Ag-nanocluster metal–organic framework composite with superior photocatalytic performances, even working under continuous flow in the removal of emerging contaminants from water.
Two-dimensional multiferroic FeCl with room temperature ferromagnetism and tunable magnetic anisotropy via ferroelectricity
Authors: Sun Yingjie , Feng Tao , Li Xiuling , Wu Fang , Lv Haifeng , Wu Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

First-principles calculations reveal the electronic and magnetic properties of 2D FeCl toward spintronic applications.
Multistimuli and fingertip-triggered luminescence switching: a five-colored ink-free rewritable secured platform with strongest red emission
Authors: Prusti Banchhanidhi , Sarkar Pallavi , Pati Swapan K. , Chakravarty Manab
Published: June 2021

Rigid carbazole/flexible diphenylamine-linked anthranyl π-conjugate could harvest reversibly switchable five distinct emission colours under various stimuli including fingertips rubbing. A strongest red emission is emerged after the protonation.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis revealed the regulation of angiogenesis by tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huo Meisi , Yu Kangkang , Zheng Yahui , Liu Lu , Zhao Hao , Li Xiaoqi , Huang Chong , Zhang Jubo
Published: June 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality, metastasis accounts for most of the cases. Angiogenesis plays an important role in cancer metastasis, but how tumor cells affect the function of endothelial cells by dictating their microRNA (miRNA) expression remains largely unknown.

Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified through dataset downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed by GEO2R. We then used online tools to obtain potential targets of candidate miRNAs and functional enrichment analysis, as well as the protein-protein interaction (PPI). Finally, the function of miR-302c-3p was validated through in vitro assay.

In the current study, we found that HCC cells altered miRNA expression profiles of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and miR-302c-3p was the most down-regulated miRNA in HUVECs when they were co-cultured with HCC-LM3 cells. Functional enrichment analysis of the candidate targets revealed that these genes were involved in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, in particular, cytosine methylation. In addition, PPI network demonstrated distinct roles of genes targeted by miR-302c-3p. Importantly, inhibition of angiogenesis, migration and permeability by the most down-regulated miR-302c-3p in HUVECs was confirmed in vitro. These findings brought us novel insight into the regulation of angiogenesis by HCC cells and provided potential targets for the development of therapeutic strategies.
An Empirical Study on the Effect of Agricultural Infrastructure Investment on Economic Growth
Authors: Ran Liu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, using the panel data of the National Bureau of Statistics database from 2010 to 2019, and using the random effect model, we studied the impact of agricultural infrastructure investment on economic growth. The empirical results show that the investment in agricultural infrastructure can significantly improve the national economy, among which the investment in new infrastructure promotes the economic growth to a certain extent. After comparing the eastern, central and western regions, it is found that the investment in agricultural infrastructure in the western region contributes more to the economic growth, and the statistical results are more significant. Based on the analysis of the role of agricultural infrastructure investment in promoting economic growth, this paper will further discuss the relevant suggestions of the “two new and one heavy” policy in the agricultural field, and promote the adjustment of agricultural industrial structure with the improvement of agricultural infrastructure, and promote the formation of a new development pattern of “double circulation”.
Finance and economic growth nexus: evidence from Gansu province in China
Authors: Zhang Changchuan
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the association between financial development and economic growth in the long run using the time series data from 1985 to 2018 in financially undeveloped Gansu province in China. Regarding methodology, this paper employs ADF unit root test, Johansen co-integration test, VECM and Granger causality test to analyze the long-term relationship. The outcomes signal that the variables of financial depth, financial efficiency and economic growth are co-integrated, and the level of total financial development is negatively correlated with economic growth while financial efficiency is positively associated with output growth. In addition, there is a two-way causation between each pair of variables.
An empirical study on the impact of digital economy development on the upgrading and optimization of industrial structure
Authors: Zhang Chao
Published: June 2021

As an important driving force and new kinetic energy, digital economy is promoting the development of economy in the direction of high quality, and brings new opportunities and challenges to the development of real economy and the upgrading and optimization of industrial structure. Therefore, this paper measures the digital economy from the two aspects of “digital industrialization” and “industrial digitization”, and selects the data of 30 provinces and cities from 2012 to 2019 to empirically study its impact on the upgrading and optimization of China’s industrial structure. Through the research, it is found that digital economy can indeed improve the level of upgrading and optimization of industrial structure. At the same time, further analysis shows that the degree and mechanism of improving the level of eastern, central and western regions will be different according to different regions. Finally, according to the research results, this paper puts forward some countermeasures and suggestions to promote the development of digital economy and the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure in China.
The influence of strategic consensus among enterprises on supply chain financing performance
Authors: Li Zhengdong , Guo Xuan
Published: June 2021

Based on the cognitive behavior theory, this study builds a “cognitive-behavior-performance” model to analyze the path that strategic consensus among enterprises influences supply chain financing performance through supply chain integration, and the moderating role of strategic flexibility in it. The analysis was performed using SPSS. Based on the data of 469 small and medium-sized enterprises, the results show that :(1) the stronger the strategic consensus among enterprises, the higher the performance of supply chain financing;(2) strategic consensus among enterprises can promote supply chain financing performance through supply chain integration;(3) strategic flexibility is beneficial to enhance the positive effect of supply chain integration on supply chain financing performance. This means that SMEs should enhance strategic mutual trust and cooperation and communication with core enterprises, strengthen their competitiveness to improve the integration level of supply chain, and pay attention to the changes of external environment to maintain strategic flexibility, so as to lay a solid foundation for the improvement of supply chain financing performance.
Clustering Algorithm Based on Density of Data
Authors: Ma Yong
Published: June 2021

The k_means clustering algorithm has very extensive application. The paper givesout_in clustering algorithm based on density. The algorithm combines distance with data density to adapt to data distribution. It can effectively solve the clustering of data.Out_in clustering based on densityreduce distorition by move out and move in. Simulation results show that out_in clustering algorithm is more effective than the k_means clustering algorithm.
Long- and short-term outcomes of early gastric cancer after endoscopic resection: a retrospective study from China
Authors: Zhang Qing-Wei , Chen Jin-Nan , Tang Zhao-Rong , Gao Yun-Jie , Ge Zhi-Zheng , Li Xiao-Bo
Published: June 2021

Background and study aims The aim of the study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in China because no study has yet been conducted to confirm its effectiveness in EGC in China.

Patients and methods A total of 570 EGC samples from 537 patients were collected for evaluation of en bloc, complete, and curative resection using ESD. Data from 302 patients with at least 3 years of active follow-up were collected for analysis of recurrence of EGC and occurrence of metachronous GC (MGC). Short- and long-outcomes of mixed-type and pure differentiated EGC were also compared.

Results En bloc resection rates of 96.0 %, 98.7 %, and 95.2 %, complete resection rates of 91.2 %, 96.6 % and 90.8 %, and curative resection rates of 83.0 %, 96.2 % and 88.2 % were achieved in all EGCs included in the study, those with absolute indication, and those with expanded indication, respectively. As a long-term outcome, recurrence was observed in 1.3 % of patients, 3-year and 5-year recurrence rates being 0.7 % and 1.2 %, respectively. Thirteen patients (4.3 %) exhibited MGCs during follow-up, all of which were resected in a second ESD.

Conclusions The effectiveness of ESD for EGC in China was confirmed, with satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes. With scheduled follow-up, the outcomes for mixed-type EGC can be similar to those for pure differentiated EGC after complete resection without development of lymphovascular invasion.
Management of walled-off necrosis with nasocystic irrigation with hydrogen peroxide versus biflanged metal stent: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Maharshi Sudhir , Sharma Shyam Sunder , Ratra Sandeep , Sapra Bharat , Sharma Dhruv
Published: June 2021

Background and study aims Walled-off necrosis (WON) is a known complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). There is no study comparing nasocystic irrigation with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) versus biflanged metal stent (BMS) in the management of WON. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of both the treatment strategies.

Patients and methods This study was conducted on patients with symptomatic WON who were randomized to nasocystic irrigation with H2O2 (Group A) and BMS placement (Group B). Primary outcomes were clinical and technical success while secondary outcomes were procedure time, adverse events, need for additional procedures, duration of hospitalization, and mortality.

Results Fifty patients were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 25, age 37.8 ± 17.6 years, 16 men) and Group B (n = 25, age 41.8 ± 15.2 years, 17 men). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The most common etiology of pancreatitis was alcohol, observed in 27 (54 %) patients. Technical success (100 % vs 96 %, P = 0.98), clinical success (84 % vs 76 %, P = 0.76), requirement of additional procedures (16 % vs 24 %, P = 0.70) and adverse events (4 vs 7, P = 0.06) were comparable in both the groups. The duration to clinical success (34.4 ± 12 vs 14.8 ± 10.8 days, P = 0.001) and procedure time (36 ± 15 vs 18 ± 12 minutes, P = 0.01) were longer in Group A compared to Group B.

Conclusions Nasocystic irrigation with H2O2 and BMS are equally effective in the management of WON but time to clinical success and procedure time is longer with nasocystic irrigation.
Hierarchical Ceramic Coating Reduces Adherence of Cells, Blood, Bacteria, and Tissue on Titanium Microsurgical Instruments
Authors: Jaurich Henriette , Becerikli Mustafa , Jung Ole , Zerrer Jörg , Wallner Christoph , Wagner Johannes M. , Dadras Mehran , Jettkant Birger , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn
Published: June 2021

Background Progress in the field of microsurgery allows more detailed reconstructions of the smallest tissue structures. The applied instruments are left with biological residues after coming into contact with body fluids or tissue, leading to compromised surgical precision. Designing of residue-free innovative instruments would reduce the necessity of subsidiary practices and would improve the surgical precision.

Methods We designed a ceramic coating (Lotus ceramic coating system 26—LCC-26) that exhibits self-cleaning surface properties on coated titanium specimens. A titanium surface was modified by blasting technology and electropolishing, followed by applying a high-performance ceramic and sol-gel finish layer. The physical surface characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy and measuring the contact angle. The cell-repellent properties and cytotoxicity were investigated using live-dead staining, BrdU, and lactate dehydrogenase assay. Furthermore, bacterial and fluid-adhesion tests were performed. Finally, blood compatibility was analyzed according to DIN ISO 10993.

Results The composite system LCC-26 increased the hydrophobic character of the titanium surface (the water contact angle of 74.9 degrees was compared with 62.7 degrees of the uncoated native titanium; p < 0.01) and led to the fluid and cell-repellent properties shown by the reduction in fibroblast adherence by ∼50.7% (p < 0.05), the reduction in Staphylococcus aureus pathogen colonization by 74.1% (p < 0.001), and the decrease in erythrocyte adherence by 62.9% (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the LCC-26 coated titanium microforceps dipped in human whole blood exhibited blood-repellent character (reduction in blood adherence by 46.1%; p < 0.05). Additionally, cyto- and hemocompatibility was guaranteed in direct and indirect tests.

Conclusion Titanium surface modification on surgical instruments exhibits cell, bacteria, and blood-repellent properties with a full guarantee of cyto- and hemocompatibility. Thus, innovatively coated instruments could contribute to increased precision during microsurgical interventions and optimized medical operation routines in the future.
Nonlinear transmission line-driven apparatus for short-pulse microwave exposure of aerosolized pathogens
Authors: Enderich Daniel A. , Hoff Brad W. , Geiler Michael , Geiler Anton , Ottesen Casey , Cohick Zane W. , McConaha Jeremy W. , Pohle Hugh H. , Franzi Matthew A. , Lepell P. David , Montoya Thomas , Schrock James A. , Luginsland John W. , Revelli David , Cox Jason , Irshad Hammad
Published: June 2021

A system capable of exposing a flowing aerosol stream to short duration (2–4 ns), high-power RF waveforms is described. The system utilizes a C-band gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line source having peak power outputs ranging as high as 80 kW at a center frequency of 4.2 GHz. RF electric field magnitudes of up to 280 kV/m ± 17% are achieved within the aerosol flow region of the RF exposure apparatus.
Reference-less complex wavefields characterization with a high-resolution wavefront sensor
Authors: Wu Tengfei , Berto Pascal , Guillon Marc
Published: June 2021

Wavefront sensing is a widely used non-interferometric, single-shot, and quantitative technique providing the spatial-phase of a beam. The phase is obtained by integrating the measured wavefront gradient. Complex and random wavefields intrinsically contain a high density of singular phase structures (optical vortices) associated with non-conservative gradients making this integration step especially delicate. Here, using a high-resolution wavefront sensor, we demonstrate experimentally a systematic approach for achieving the complete and quantitative reconstruction of complex wavefronts. Based on Stokes' theorem, we propose an image segmentation algorithm to provide an accurate determination of the charge and location of optical vortices. This technique is expected to benefit to several fields requiring complex media characterization.