bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A magnetically enabled simulation of microgravity represses the auxin response during early seed germination on a microfluidic platform
Authors: Du Jing , Zeng Lin , Yu Zitong , Chen Sihui , Chen Xi , Zhang Yi , Yang Hui
Published: January 2022

For plants on Earth, the phytohormone auxin is essential for gravitropism-regulated seedling establishment and plant growth. However, little is known about auxin responses under microgravity conditions due to the lack of a tool that can provide an alteration of gravity. In this paper, a microfluidic negative magnetophoretic platform is developed to levitate Arabidopsis seeds in an equilibrium plane where the applied magnetic force compensates for gravitational acceleration. With the benefit of the microfluidic platform to simulate a microgravity environment on-chip, it is found that the auxin response is significantly repressed in levitated seeds. Simulated microgravity statistically interrupts auxin responses in embryos, even after chemical-mediated auxin alterations, illustrating that auxin is a critical factor that mediates the plant response to gravity alteration. Furthermore, pretreatment with an auxin transportation inhibitor (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid) enables a decrease in the auxin response, which is no longer affected by simulated microgravity, demonstrating that polar auxin transportation plays a vital role in gravity-regulated auxin responses. The presented microfluidic platform provides simulated microgravity conditions in an easy-to-implement manner, helping to study and elucidate how plants correspond to diverse gravity conditions; in the future, this may be developed into a versatile tool for biological study on a variety of samples.
Integrated single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reveals distinct cellular and transcriptional modules associated with survival in lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Yiming , Wang Chengdi , Yang Ying , Ni Yinyun , Wang Zhoufeng , Song Tingting , Yao Menglin , Liu Zhiqiang , Chao Ningning , Yang Yongfeng , Shao Jun , Li Zhidan , Zhou Ran , Chen Li , Zhang Dan , Zhao Yuancun , Liu Wei , Li Yupeng , He Ping , Lin Jing-wen , Wang Yuan , Zhang Kang , Chen Lu , Li Weimin
Published: January 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous carcinoma (LUSC) are two major subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer with distinct pathologic features and treatment paradigms. The heterogeneity can be attributed to genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic parameters. Here, we established a multi-omics atlas, integrating 52 single-cell RNA sequencing and 2342 public bulk RNA sequencing. We investigated their differences in genetic amplification, cellular compositions, and expression modules. We revealed that LUAD and LUSC contained amplifications occurring selectively in subclusters of AT2 and basal cells, and had distinct cellular composition modules associated with poor survival of lung cancer. Malignant and stage-specific gene analyses further uncovered critical transcription factors and genes in tumor progression. Moreover, we identified subclusters with proliferating and differentiating properties in AT2 and basal cells. Overexpression assays of ten genes, including sub-cluster markers AQP5 and KPNA2, further indicated their functional roles, providing potential targets for early diagnosis and treatment in lung cancer.
NEK2 enhances malignancies of glioblastoma via NIK/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Xiang Jianyang , Alafate Wahafu , Wu Wei , Wang Yichang , Li Xiaodong , Xie Wanfu , Bai Xiaobin , Li Ruichun , Wang Maode , Wang Jia
Published: January 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal primary brain tumor with a poor median survival less than 15 months. Despite the development of the clinical strategies over the decades, the outcomes for GBM patients remain dismal due to the strong proliferation and invasion ability and the acquired resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, developing new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies targeting GBM is in urgent need. In this study, gene expression datasets and relevant clinical information were extracted from public cancers/glioma datasets, including TCGA, GRAVENDEEL, REMBRANDT, and GILL datasets. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed and NEK2 was picked as a candidate gene for subsequent validation. Human tissue samples and corresponding data were collected from our center and detected by immunohistochemistry analysis. Molecular biological assays and in vivo xenograft transplantation were performed to confirm the bioinformatic findings. High-throughput RNA sequencing, followed by KEGG analysis, GSEA analysis and GO analysis were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways related to NEK2 expression. Subsequent mechanism assays were used to verify the relationship between NEK2 and NF-κB signaling. Overall, we identified that NEK2 is significantly upregulated in GBM and the higher expression of NEK2 exhibited a poorer prognosis. Functionally, NEK2 knockdown attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of GBM while NEK2 overexpression promoted the GBM progression. Furthermore, High-throughput RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated that NEK2 was positively related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in GBM. Mechanically, NEK2 activated the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway by phosphorylating NIK and increasing the activity and stability of NIK. In conclusion, NEK2 promoted the progression of GBM through activation of noncanonical NF-κB signaling, indicating that NEK2- NF-κB axis could be a potential drug target for GBM.
Real-space anisotropy of the superconducting gap in the charge-density wave material 2H-NbSe2
Authors: Sanna Antonio , Pellegrini Camilla , Liebhaber Eva , Rossnagel Kai , Franke Katharina J. , Gross E. K. U.
Published: January 2022

We present a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and ab-initio study of the anisotropic superconductivity of 2H-NbSe2 in the charge-density-wave (CDW) phase. Differential-conductance spectra show a clear double-peak structure, which is well reproduced by density functional theory simulations enabling full k- and real-space resolution of the superconducting gap. The hollow-centered (HC) and chalcogen-centered (CC) CDW patterns observed in the experiment are mapped onto separate van der Waals layers with different electronic properties. We identify the CC layer as the high-gap region responsible for the main STM peak. Remarkably, this region belongs to the same Fermi surface sheet that is broken by the CDW gap opening. Simulations reveal a highly anisotropic distribution of the superconducting gap within single Fermi sheets, setting aside the proposed scenario of a two-gap superconductivity. Our results point to a spatially localized competition between superconductivity and CDW involving the HC regions of the crystal.
Diverse classes of constraints enable broader applicability of a linear programming-based dynamic metabolic modeling framework
Authors: Lee Justin Y. , Styczynski Mark P.
Published: January 2022

Current metabolic modeling tools suffer from a variety of limitations, from scalability to simplifying assumptions, that preclude their use in many applications. We recently created a modeling framework, Linear Kinetics-Dynamic Flux Balance Analysis (LK-DFBA), that addresses a key gap: capturing metabolite dynamics and regulation while retaining a potentially scalable linear programming structure. Key to this framework’s success are the linear kinetics and regulatory constraints imposed on the system. However, while the linearity of these constraints reduces computational complexity, it may not accurately capture the behavior of many biochemical systems. Here, we developed three new classes of LK-DFBA constraints to better model interactions between metabolites and the reactions they regulate. We tested these new approaches on several synthetic and biological systems, and also performed the first-ever comparison of LK-DFBA predictions to experimental data. We found that no single constraint approach was optimal across all systems examined, and systems with the same topological structure but different parameters were often best modeled by different types of constraints. However, we did find that when genetic perturbations were implemented in the systems, the optimal constraint approach typically remained the same as for the wild-type regardless of the model topology or parameterization, indicating that just a single wild-type dataset could allow identification of the ideal constraint to enable model predictivity for a given system. These results suggest that the availability of multiple constraint approaches will allow LK-DFBA to model a wider range of metabolic systems.
Maize stalk stiffness and strength are primarily determined by morphological factors
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J. , Larson Ryan , Cook Douglas D.
Published: January 2022

The maize (Zea mays) stem is a biological structure that must balance both biotic and structural load bearing duties. These competing requirements are particularly relevant in the design of new bioenergy crops. Although increased stem digestibility is typically associated with a lower structural strength and higher propensity for lodging, with the right balance between structural and biological activities it may be possible to design crops that are high-yielding and have digestible biomass. This study investigates the hypothesis that geometric factors are much more influential in determining structural strength than tissue properties. To study these influences, both physical and in silico experiments were used. First, maize stems were tested in three-point bending. Specimen-specific finite element models were created based on x-ray computed tomography scans. Models were validated by comparison with experimental data. Sensitivity analyses were used to assess the influence of structural parameters such as geometric and material properties. As hypothesized, geometry was found to have a much stronger influence on structural stability than material properties. This information reinforces the notion that deficiencies in tissue strength could be offset by manipulation of stalk morphology, thus allowing the creation of stalks which are both resilient and digestible.
Alleviating time poverty among the working poor: a pre-registered longitudinal field experiment
Authors: Whillans Ashley , West Colin
Published: January 2022

Poverty entails more than a scarcity of material resources—it also involves a shortage of time. To examine the causal benefits of reducing time poverty, we conducted a longitudinal field experiment over six consecutive weeks in an urban slum in Kenya with a sample of working mothers, a population who is especially likely to experience severe time poverty. Participants received vouchers for services designed to reduce their burden of unpaid labor. We compared the effect of these vouchers against equivalently valued unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) and a neutral control condition. In contrast to our pre-registered hypotheses, a pre-registered Bayesian ANCOVA indicated that the time-saving, UCT, and control conditions led to similar increases in subjective well-being, reductions in perceived stress, and decreases in relationship conflict (Cohen’s d’s ranged from 0.25 to 0.85 during the treatment weeks and from 0.21 to 0.36 at the endline). Exploratory analyses revealed that the time-saving vouchers and UCTs produced these benefits through distinct psychological pathways. We conclude by discussing the implications of these results for economic development initiatives.

Protocol registration

The Stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 27/06/2019. The protocol, as accepted by Nature Human Behaviour, can be found at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4368455.
Experience-dependent learning of behavioral laterality in the scale-eating cichlid Perissodus microlepis occurs during the early developmental stage
Authors: Takeuchi Yuichi , Higuchi Yuna , Ikeya Koki , Tagami Masataka , Oda Yoichi
Published: January 2022

Behavioral laterality—typically represented by human handedness—is widely observed among animals. However, how laterality is acquired during development remains largely unknown. Here, we examined the effect of behavioral experience on the acquisition of lateralized predation at different developmental stages of the scale-eating cichlid fish Perissodus microlepis. Naïve juvenile fish without previous scale-eating experience showed motivated attacks on prey goldfish and an innate attack side preference. Following short-term predation experience, naïve juveniles learned a pronounced lateralized attack using their slightly skewed mouth morphology, and improved the velocity and amplitude of body flexion to succeed in foraging scales during dominant-side attack. Naïve young fish, however, did not improve the dynamics of flexion movement, but progressively developed attack side preference and speed to approach the prey through predation experience. Thus, the cichlid learns different aspects of predation behavior at different developmental stages. In contrast, naïve adults lost the inherent laterality, and they neither developed the lateralized motions nor increased their success rate of predation, indicating that they missed appropriate learning opportunities for scale-eating skills. Therefore, we conclude that behavioral laterality of the cichlid fish requires the integration of genetic basis and behavioral experiences during early developmental stages, immediately after they start scale-eating.
Desertification risk fuels spatial polarization in ‘affected’ and ‘unaffected’ landscapes in Italy
Authors: Nickayin Samaneh Sadat , Coluzzi Rosa , Marucci Alvaro , Bianchini Leonardo , Salvati Luca , Cudlin Pavel , Imbrenda Vito
Published: January 2022

Southern Europe is a hotspot for desertification risk because of the intimate impact of soil deterioration, landscape transformations, rising human pressure, and climate change. In this context, large-scale empirical analyses linking landscape fragmentation with desertification risk assume that increasing levels of land vulnerability to degradation are associated with significant changes in landscape structure. Using a traditional approach of landscape ecology, this study evaluates the spatial structure of a simulated landscape based on different levels of vulnerability to land degradation using 15 metrics calculated at three time points (early-1960s, early-1990s, early-2010s) in Italy. While the (average) level of land vulnerability increased over time almost in all Italian regions, vulnerable landscapes demonstrated to be increasingly fragmented, as far as the number of homogeneous patches and mean patch size are concerned. The spatial balance in affected and unaffected areas—typically observed in the 1960s—was progressively replaced with an intrinsically disordered landscape, and this process was more intense in regions exposed to higher (and increasing) levels of land degradation. The spread of larger land patches exposed to intrinsic degradation brings to important consequences since (1) the rising number of hotspots may increase the probability of local-scale degradation processes, and (2) the buffering effect of neighbouring (unaffected) land can be less effective on bigger hotspots, promoting a downward spiral toward desertification.
Microscale drivers of summer CO2 fluxes in the Svalbard High Arctic tundra
Authors: Magnani Marta , Baneschi Ilaria , Giamberini Mariasilvia , Raco Brunella , Provenzale Antonello
Published: January 2022

High-Arctic ecosystems are strongly affected by climate change, and it is still unclear whether they will become a carbon source or sink in the next few decades. In turn, such knowledge gaps on the drivers and the processes controlling CO2 fluxes and storage make future projections of the Arctic carbon budget a challenging goal. During summer 2019, we extensively measured CO2 fluxes at the soil–vegetation–atmosphere interface, together with basic meteoclimatic variables and ecological characteristics in the Bayelva river basin near Ny Ålesund, Spitzbergen, Svalbard (NO). By means of multi-regression models, we identified the main small-scale drivers of CO2 emission (Ecosystem Respiration, ER), and uptake (Gross Primary Production, GPP) in this tundra biome, showing that (i) at point scale, the temporal variability of fluxes is controlled by the classical drivers, i.e. air temperature and solar irradiance respectively for ER and GPP, (ii) at site scale, the heterogeneity of fractional vegetation cover, soil moisture and vegetation type acted as additional source of variability for both CO2 emissions and uptake. The assessment of the relative importance of such drivers in the multi-regression model contributes to a better understanding of the terrestrial carbon dioxide exchanges and of Critical Zone processes in the Arctic tundra.
Retinal microvasculature features in patients with Behcet’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ji Kai-bao , Hu Zhe , Zhang Qing-lin , Mei Hai-feng , Xing Yi-qiao
Published: January 2022

This meta-analysis aimed to analyze retinal microvasculature features in eyes with Behçet’s disease (BD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were comprehensively searched for published studies comparing retinal microvasculature characteristics between eyes with BD and controls. Continuous variables were calculated using the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Review Manager software (version 5.30) was used to conduct statistical analysis. A total of 13 eligible studies involving 599 eyes with BD and 622 control eyes were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that the macular whole enface superficial and deep vessel density (VD) values measured by OCTA were significantly lower in eyes with BD than in control eyes (superficial VD: MD = − 3.05, P < 0.00001; deep VD: MD = − 4.05, P = 0.0004). The foveal superficial and deep VD values were also significantly lower in the BD group than in the control group (superficial VD: MD = − 1.50, P = 0.009; deep VD: MD = − 4.25, −  = 0.03). Similarly, the analysis revealed a significant reduction in the parafoveal superficial and deep VD in eyes with BD than in control eyes (superficial VD: MD =  − 3.68, P < 0.00001; deep VD: MD = − 4.95, P = 0.0007). In addition, the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZs) were significantly larger in patients with BD than in controls (superficial FAZ: MD = 0.06, P = 0.02; deep FAZ: MD = 0.12, P = 0.03). The present meta-analysis found that macular whole enface VD, foveal VD, and parafoveal VD were lower in eyes with BD, and the FAZ was larger in patients with BD. The findings suggest that OCTA can assist clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring the status of patients with BD.
Removal of lead from aqueous solutions using three biosorbents of aquatic origin with the emphasis on the affective factors
Authors: Rezaei Maryam , Pourang Nima , Moradi Ali Mashinchian
Published: January 2022

The biosorptive potentials of three aquatics-based biosorbents, including shells of a bivalve mollusk and scales of two fish species for Pb removal from aqueous solutions were evaluated, for the first time. A Box–Behnken design with the response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of the seven important variables (contact time, temperature, initial concentration, dosage, size, salinity and pH) on the sorption capacity of the sorbents. Among the seven studied factors, the effects of biosorbent dosage, initial concentration and pH were significant for all the response variables, while biosorbent size was not significant for any of the responses. The initial concentration was the most influential factor. The presence of Pb ions on the surfaces of the biosorbents after the adsorption was clearly confirmed by the SEM–EDX and XRF analyses. The maximum sorption capacities of the biosorbents were comparable to the literature and the descending order was as follows: scales of Rutilus kutum and Oncorhynchus mykiss and the shells of Cerastoderma glaucum. The isotherm studies revealed Langmuir model applicability for the Pb adsorption by R. kutum and O. mykiss scales, while Freundlich model was fitted to the adsorption C. glaucum shells.
Spatiotemporal change analysis of long time series inland water in Sri Lanka based on remote sensing cloud computing
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Wang Jiawei , Yang Liangyan , Ye Huping
Published: January 2022

Sri Lanka is an important hub connecting Asia-Africa-Europe maritime routes. It receives abundant but uneven spatiotemporal distribution of rainfall and has evident seasonal water shortages. Monitoring water area changes in inland lakes and reservoirs plays an important role in guiding the development and utilisation of water resources. In this study, a rapid surface water extraction model based on the Google Earth Engine remote sensing cloud computing platform was constructed. By evaluating the optimal spectral water index method, the spatiotemporal variations of reservoirs and inland lakes in Sri Lanka were analysed. The results showed that Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEIsh) could accurately identify the water boundary with an overall accuracy of 99.14%, which was suitable for surface water extraction in Sri Lanka. The area of the Maduru Oya Reservoir showed an overall increasing trend based on small fluctuations from 1988 to 2018, and the monthly area of the reservoir fluctuated significantly in 2017. Thus, water resource management in the dry zone should focus more on seasonal regulation and control. From 1995 to 2015, the number and area of lakes and reservoirs in Sri Lanka increased to different degrees, mainly concentrated in arid provinces including Northern, North Central, and Western Provinces. Overall, the amount of surface water resources have increased.
Asymmetric block copolymer membrane fabrication mechanism through self-assembly and non-solvent induced phase separation (SNIPS) process
Authors: Hamta Afshin , Ashtiani Farzin Zokaee , Karimi Mohammad , Moayedfard Sareh
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the concept of the functional mechanism of copolymer membrane formation is explained and analyzed from the theoretical and experimental points of view. To understand the phase inversion process and control the final membrane morphology, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) membrane morphology through the self-assembly phenomena is investigated. Since the analysis of the membrane morphology requires the study of both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, the effect of different membrane formation conditions is investigated experimentally; In order to perceive the formation mechanism of the extraordinary structure membrane, a thermodynamic hypothesis is also developed based on the hydrophilic coil migration to the membrane surface. This hypothesis is analyzed according to Hansen Solubility Parameters and proved using EDX, SAXS, and contact angle analysis of SAN25. Moreover, the SAN30 membrane is fabricated under different operating conditions to evaluate the possibility of morphological prediction based on the developed hypothesis.
Controlling polarization direction in epitaxial Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 films through Nb (n-type) and Fe (p-type) doping
Authors: Chirila Cristina Florentina , Stancu Viorica , Boni Georgia Andra , Pasuk Iuliana , Trupina Lucian , Filip Lucian Dragos , Radu Cristian , Pintilie Ioana , Pintilie Lucian
Published: January 2022

Fe (acceptor) and Nb (donor) doped epitaxial Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3(PZT) films were grown on single crystal SrTiO3substrates and their electric properties were compared to those of un-doped PZT layers deposited in similar conditions. All the films were grown from targets produced from high purity precursor oxides and the doping was in the limit of 1% atomic in both cases. The remnant polarization, the coercive field and the potential barriers at electrode interfaces are different, with lowest values for Fe doping and highest values for Nb doping, with un-doped PZT in between. The dielectric constant is larger in the doped films, while the effective density of charge carriers is of the same order of magnitude. An interesting result was obtained from piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) investigations. It was found that the as-grown Nb-doped PZT has polarization orientated upward, while the Fe-doped PZT has polarization oriented mostly downward. This difference is explained by the change in the conduction type, thus in the sign of the carriers involved in the compensation of the depolarization field during the growth. In the Nb-doped film the majority carriers are electrons, which tend to accumulate to the growing surface, leaving positively charged ions at the interface with the bottom SrRuO3electrode, thus favouring an upward orientation of polarization. For Fe-doped film the dominant carriers are holes, thus the sign of charges is opposite at the growing surface and the bottom electrode interface, favouring downward orientation of polarization. These findings open the way to obtain p-n ferroelectric homojunctions and suggest that PFM can be used to identify the type of conduction in PZT upon the dominant direction of polarization in the as-grown films.
Iron chelation increases beige fat differentiation and metabolic activity, preventing and treating obesity
Authors: Nazari Mojgan , Ho Kenneth W. , Langley Natasha , Cha Kuan M. , Kodsi Raymond , Wang Mawson , Laybutt D. Ross , Cheng Kim , Stokes Rebecca A. , Swarbrick Michael M. , Gunton Jenny E.
Published: January 2022

Beige and brown fat consume glucose and lipids to produce heat, using uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). It is thought that full activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may increase total daily energy expenditure by 20%. Humans normally have more beige and potentially beige-able fat than brown fat. Strategies to increase beige fat differentiation and activation may be useful for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Mice were fed chow or high-fat diet (HFD) with or without the iron chelator deferasirox. Animals fed HFD + deferasirox were markedly lighter than their HFD controls with increased energy expenditure (12% increase over 24 h, p < 0.001). Inguinal fat from HFD + deferasirox mice showed increased beige fat quantity with greater Ucp1 and Prdm16 expression. Inguinal adipose tissue explants were studied in a Seahorse bioanalyser and energy expenditure was significantly increased. Deferasirox was also effective in established obesity and in ob/ob mice, indicating that intact leptin signalling is not needed for efficacy. These studies identify iron chelation as a strategy to preferentially activate beige fat. Whether activating brown/beige fat is effective in humans is unproven. However, depleting iron to low-normal levels is a potential therapeutic strategy to improve obesity and related metabolic disorders, and human studies may be warranted.
Non-invasive laparoscopic detection of small tumors of the digestive tract using inductive sensors of proximity
Authors: Calborean Adrian , Macavei Sergiu , Mocan Mihaela , Ciuce Catalin , Bintintan Adriana , Cordos Adrian , Pestean Cosmin , Chira Romeo , Zarbo Liviu , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Dindelegan George , Nickel Felix , Mocan Bogdan , Surlin Valeriu , Bintintan Vasile
Published: January 2022

The precise location of gastric and colorectal tumors is of paramount importance for the oncological surgeon as it dictates the limits of resection and the extent of lymphadenectomy. However, this task proves sometimes to be very challenging, especially in the laparoscopic setting when the tumors are small, have a soft texture, and do not invade the serosa. In this view, our research team has developed a new instrument adapted to minimally-invasive surgery, and manipulated solely by the operating surgeon which has the potential to locate precisely tumors of the digestive tract. It consists of an inductive proximity sensor and an electronic block encapsulated into an autoclavable stainless-steel cage that works in tandem with an endoscopic hemostatic clip whose structure was modified to increase detectability. By scanning the serosal side of the colon or stomach, the instrument is capable to accurately pinpoint the location of the clip placed previously during diagnostic endoscopy on the normal bowel mucosa, adjacent to the tumor. In the current in-vivo experiments performed on large animals, the modified clips were transported without difficulties to the point of interest and attached to the mucosa of the bowel. Using a laparoscopic approach, the detection rate of this system reached 65% when the sensor scanned the bowel at a speed of 0.3 cm/s, and applying slight pressure on the serosa. This value increased to 95% when the sensor was guided directly on the point of clip attachment. The detection rate dropped sharply when the scanning speed exceeded 1 cm/s and when the sensor-clip distance exceeded the cut-off value of 3 mm. In conclusion, the proposed detection system demonstrated its potential to offer a swift and convenient solution for the digestive laparoscopic surgeons, however its detection range still needs to be improved to render it useful for the clinical setting.
An automated COVID-19 triage pipeline using artificial intelligence based on chest radiographs and clinical data
Authors: Kim Chris K. , Choi Ji Whae , Jiao Zhicheng , Wang Dongcui , Wu Jing , Yi Thomas Y. , Halsey Kasey C. , Eweje Feyisope , Tran Thi My Linh , Liu Chang , Wang Robin , Sollee John , Hsieh Celina , Chang Ken , Yang Fang-Xue , Singh Ritambhara , Ou Jie-Lin , Huang Raymond Y. , Feng Cai , Feldman Michael D. , Liu Tao , Gong Ji Sheng , Lu Shaolei , Eickhoff Carsten , Feng Xue , Kamel Ihab , Sebro Ronnie , Atalay Michael K. , Healey Terrance , Fan Yong , Liao Wei-Hua , Wang Jianxin , Bai Harrison X.
Published: January 2022

While COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis artificial intelligence models exist, very few can be implemented for practical use given their high risk of bias. We aimed to develop a diagnosis model that addresses notable shortcomings of prior studies, integrating it into a fully automated triage pipeline that examines chest radiographs for the presence, severity, and progression of COVID-19 pneumonia. Scans were collected using the DICOM Image Analysis and Archive, a system that communicates with a hospital’s image repository. The authors collected over 6,500 non-public chest X-rays comprising diverse COVID-19 severities, along with radiology reports and RT-PCR data. The authors provisioned one internally held-out and two external test sets to assess model generalizability and compare performance to traditional radiologist interpretation. The pipeline was evaluated on a prospective cohort of 80 radiographs, reporting a 95% diagnostic accuracy. The study mitigates bias in AI model development and demonstrates the value of an end-to-end COVID-19 triage platform.
Canonical neural networks perform active inference
Authors: Isomura Takuya , Shimazaki Hideaki , Friston Karl J.
Published: January 2022

This work considers a class of canonical neural networks comprising rate coding models, wherein neural activity and plasticity minimise a common cost function—and plasticity is modulated with a certain delay. We show that such neural networks implicitly perform active inference and learning to minimise the risk associated with future outcomes. Mathematical analyses demonstrate that this biological optimisation can be cast as maximisation of model evidence, or equivalently minimisation of variational free energy, under the well-known form of a partially observed Markov decision process model. This equivalence indicates that the delayed modulation of Hebbian plasticity—accompanied with adaptation of firing thresholds—is a sufficient neuronal substrate to attain Bayes optimal inference and control. We corroborated this proposition using numerical analyses of maze tasks. This theory offers a universal characterisation of canonical neural networks in terms of Bayesian belief updating and provides insight into the neuronal mechanisms underlying planning and adaptive behavioural control.
Enhancement of diatom growth and phytoplankton productivity with reduced O2 availability is moderated by rising CO2
Authors: Sun Jia-Zhen , Wang Tifeng , Huang Ruiping , Yi Xiangqi , Zhang Di , Beardall John , Hutchins David A. , Liu Xin , Wang Xuyang , Deng Zichao , Li Gang , Gao Guang , Gao Kunshan
Published: January 2022

Many marine organisms are exposed to decreasing O2 levels due to warming-induced expansion of hypoxic zones and ocean deoxygenation (DeO2). Nevertheless, effects of DeO2 on phytoplankton have been neglected due to technical bottlenecks on examining O2 effects on O2-producing organisms. Here we show that lowered O2 levels increased primary productivity of a coastal phytoplankton assemblage, and enhanced photosynthesis and growth in the coastal diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii. Mechanistically, reduced O2 suppressed mitochondrial respiration and photorespiration of T. weissflogii, but increased the efficiency of their CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs), effective quantum yield and improved light use efficiency, which was apparent under both ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations leading to ocean acidification (OA). While the elevated CO2 treatment partially counteracted the effect of low O2 in terms of CCMs activity, reduced levels of O2 still strongly enhanced phytoplankton primary productivity. This implies that decreased availability of O2 with progressive DeO2 could boost re-oxygenation by diatom-dominated phytoplankton communities, especially in hypoxic areas, with potentially profound consequences for marine ecosystem services in coastal and pelagic oceans.
Rapid, instrument-free colorimetric quantification of DNA using Nile Blue
Authors: Whitehead Heather D. , Lieberman Marya
Published: January 2022

DNA in the 10–100 μg mL−1 concentration range can be quantified using Nile Blue dye, a cell phone camera, and a simple image analysis process.
Exploring the dynamic nature of divalent metal ions involved in DNA cleavage by CRISPR–Cas12a
Authors: Son Heyjin , Park Jaeil , Choi You Hee , Jung Youngri , Lee Joong-Wook , Bae Sangsu , Lee Sanghwa
Published: January 2022

Single-molecule FRET was used to unravel the dynamic nature of metal ions coordinated to the active site of Cas12a. Based on this property, a potential way for the conditional control of the Cas12a functions using an ion exchange method is presented.
Zn-Catalyzed enantioselective allylation and allenylation of isatins by virtue of a proline-derived chiral ligand
Authors: Li Kuiliang , Sun Xiang , Zhao Shuangshuang , Li Tong , Zha Zhenggen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: January 2022

A Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric allylation and allenylation of isatins was developed with excellent yields, chemoselectivities and enantioselectivities.
Bismuth chromate (Cr2Bi3O11): a new bismuth-based semiconductor with excellent photocatalytic activity
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Huang Kelei , Zhang Zisheng , Meng Xiangchao
Published: January 2022

A novel bismuth chromate material (Cr2Bi3O11) was synthesized by a direct mixing method with higher photocatalytic activity in both organic pollutant detoxification and oxygen evolution.
Helicity control of a perfluorinated carbon chain within a chiral supramolecular cage monitored by VCD
Authors: Bravin Carlo , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Abbate Sergio , Licini Giulia , Longhi Giovanna , Zonta Cristiano
Published: January 2022

Confinement within supramolecular systems is the leading technology to finely tune guest functional properties.
An ab initio study of two-dimensional anisotropic monolayers ScXY (X = S and Se; Y = Cl and Br) for photocatalytic water splitting applications with high carrier mobilities
Authors: Xu Fei-Yang , Zhou Yu , Zhang Tian , Zeng Zhao-Yi , Chen Xiang-Rong , Geng Hua-Yun
Published: January 2022

The newly modeled ScSeCl and ScSeBr monolayers are promising photocatalysts for water splitting with high carrier mobilities.
An olefin-based multi-component reaction to yield 1,2-azaborolidine derivatives
Authors: Li Jun , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: January 2022

A five-component one-pot sequence between FmesBH2, alkene and isonitrile was developed to give 1,2-azaborolidine derivatives.
Formamidinium-based Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite films fabricated via two-step sequential deposition: quantum well formation, physical properties and film-based solar cells
Authors: Lu Jing , Yang Tinghuan , Niu Tianqi , Bu Nuo , Zhang Yalan , Wang Shiqiang , Fang Junjie , Chang Xiaoming , Luo Tao , Wen Jialun , Yang Yingguo , Ding Zicheng , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate an inclusive study on the growth, properties and application in solar cells of FA-based Ruddlesden–Popper type perovskites M2FAn−1PbnI3n+1 (M = benzylamine (PMA) or FA) fabricated via two-step sequential deposition.
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to ethylene over ZrO2/Cu-Cu2O catalysts in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Guo Pan-Pan , He Zhen-Hong , Yang Shao-Yan , Wang Weitao , Wang Kuan , Li Cui-Cui , Wei Yuan-Yuan , Liu Zhao-Tie , Han Buxing
Published: January 2022

A Cu–Zr bimetallic catalyst could achieve CO2RR to ethylene in aqueous electrolytes via the interface between Cu and Zr species.
Polarization-insensitive broadband omni-directional anti-reflection in ZnO nanoneedle array for efficient solar energy harvesting
Authors: Ko Minjee , Choi Hyeon-Seo , Baek Seong-Ho , Cho Chang-Hee
Published: January 2022

This work demonstrates that a ZnO nanoneedle array enables the polarization-insensitive broadband omni-directional anti-reflection, resulting in enhancement of the quantum efficiency of Si solar cells by integrating the ZnO nanoneedle array.
Self-supported metal–organic framework-based nanostructures as binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Tao Kai , Han Lei
Published: January 2022

This minireview highlights the recent progress in the construction of self-supported MOF-based nanostructures including pristine MOFs, MOF composites and MOF derivative arrays, and their application in SCs.
Hydrogenation of cage-opened C60 derivatives mediated by frustrated Lewis pairs
Authors: Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: January 2022

Multiply-carbonylated fullerene derivatives were found to work as one component in frustrated Lewis pairs which caused an Si–H bond activation in the presence of B(C6F5)3, leading to the carbonyl hydrogenation in up to 99% yield.
Dienylation of N-benzoylhydrazones with CF3-substituted homoallenylboronates in water
Authors: Ma Wei-Wei , Yang Chao , Xie Qiang , Xu Yun-He
Published: January 2022

A convenient method for the dienylation of N-benzoylhydrazones in water has been developed.
Visible-light-mediated tandem phosphorylation/cyclization for the synthesis of phosphorylated oxindoles
Authors: Mao Liu-Liang , Zhou An-Xi , Zhu Xian-Hong , Quan Li-Xia , Chen Fayun , Wan Jie-Ping , Lai Yin-Long
Published: January 2022

An efficient visible-light-mediated tandem phosphorylation/cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with H-phosphine oxides is described, providing a series of phosphorylated oxindoles in good yields.
Thermal response and thermochromism of methyl red-based copolymer systems – coupled responsiveness in critical solution behaviour and optical absorption properties
Authors: Jaik Thorben Gwydion , Ciubini Betty , Frascella Francesca , Jonas Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Different mechanisms of thermochromism have been identified in thermoresponsive, azobenzene-containing copolymers that are augmented by the lower critical solution behaviour.
One-step light-up metabolic probes for in situ discrimination and killing of intracellular bacteria
Authors: Yu Eric Y. , Lee Michelle M. S. , Chau Joe H. C. , Lam Kristy W. K. , Park Hojeong , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Li Yuanyuan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2022

TPEPy-Ala and TPAPy-Kdo with metabolic moieties can be directly incorporated into the bacterial cell envelopes and light up intracellular bacteria. Additionally, the metabolic probes can effectively eliminate labeled bacteria in situ with minimal host cell cytotoxicity via photodyanmic therapy.
Organocatalytic atroposelective construction of axially chiral nonsymmetric biaryltriols and their applications in asymmetric synthesis and heavy metal ion detection
Authors: Jia Shiqi , Qin Wenling , Wang Pengfei , Yan Hailong
Published: January 2022

Organocatalytic atroposelective construction of axially chiral nonsymmetric biaryltriols and their applications in asymmetric synthesis and heavy metal ion detection.
Effects of the halogenido ligands on the Kumada-coupling catalytic activity of [Ni{tBuN(PPh2)2-κ2P}X2], X = Cl, Br, I, complexes
Authors: Ioannou Polydoros-Chrysovalantis , Coufal Radek , Kakridi Kalliopi , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Trhlíková Olga , Psycharis Vassilis , Zedník Jiří , Kyritsis Panayotis , Vohlídal Jiří
Published: January 2022

Novel nickel(ii) complexes [Ni(P,P)X2] = [Ni{tBuN(PPh2)2-κ2P}X2], X = Cl, Br, I, are prepared, characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography, and tested as catalysts in the Kumada cross-coupling reaction.
Genome-nanosurface interaction of titania nanotube arrays: evaluation of telomere, telomerase and NF-κB activities on an epithelial cell model
Authors: S. M. N. Mydin Rabiatul Basria , Sreekantan Srimala , Widera Darius , Saharudin Khairul Arifah , Hazan Roshasnorlyza , Farid Wajidi Mustafa Fadzil
Published: January 2022

Schematic illustrations described the activation of pro-survival and cellular senescence activities via NF-κb inhibition upon the interaction from cells grown on TNA nanosurfaces.
Evaluation of mixed transition metal (Co, Mn, and Cu) oxide electrocatalysts anchored on different carbon supports for robust oxygen reduction reaction in neutral media
Authors: Khater Dena Z. , Amin R. S. , Mahmoud Mohamed , El-Khatib K. M.
Published: January 2022

Mixed transition metal (Co, Mn, and Cu) oxide electrocatalysts anchored on different carbon supports for oxygen reduction reaction.
Stepwise synthesis of a Zr–C–Si main chain polymer precursor for ZrC/SiC/C composite ceramics
Authors: Gao Qiang , Han Cheng , Wang Xiaozhou , Wang Yingde
Published: January 2022

Low valence state Cp2Zr(ii) was firstly obtained by a redox reaction of Cp2ZrCl2 with reductive Mg, which subsequently copolymerized with (CH3)2Si(CH2Cl)2 to form a Zr–C–Si main chain polymeric precursor of polyzirconosilane (PZCS).
Core–shell Pd–P@Pt–Ni nanoparticles with enhanced activity and durability as anode electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Guo Jiangbin , Zhang Man , Xu Jing , Fang Jun , Luo Shuiyuan , Yang Chaolong
Published: January 2022

The Pd–P@Pt–Ni core–shell nanoparticles consist of an amorphous core and a low-crystalline shell. They exhibit the excellent catalytic properties in MOR owing to the double synergistic effects from the core and the nickel species in the shell.
Functional activated carbon: from synthesis to groundwater fluoride removal
Authors: Bakhta Soumia , Sadaoui Zahra , Bouazizi Nabil , Samir Brahim , Allalou Ouiza , Devouge-Boyer Christine , Mignot Melanie , Vieillard Julien
Published: January 2022

Conversion and surface modification of date stems to obtain a relevant adsorbent to remove fluoride contamination.
First-principles study on optoelectronic properties of Cs2PbX4–PtSe2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Li Xue , Wu Liyuan , Cheng Shuying , Chen Changcheng , Lu Pengfei
Published: January 2022

Energy level graphs of the monolayer PtSe2 and Cs2PbX4 in the (a) precontact and (b) contact. The Cs2PbBr4–PtSe2 heterostructure has a type-II level alignment which is conducive to spontaneously driving the holes and electrons to move forward in opposite directions.
Revisiting the adhesion mechanism of mussel-inspired chemistry
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xiang Li , Zhang Jiawen , Liu Chang , Wang Zuankai , Zeng Hongbo , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: January 2022

A 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI)-dominated mechanism in the interfacial adhesion of mussel-inspired chemistry is first proposed and demonstrated by the fusion of in situ force measurements with molecular-scale simulations.
Criteria and design guidance for lithium-ion battery safety from a material perspective
Authors: Wang Huacui , Pan Yongjun , Liu Xin , Cao Yangzheng , Liu Yue , Zhang Xiaoxi , Mao Ya , Liu Binghe
Published: January 2022

The ISC criteria at the component level which can provide guidance for battery safety design.
A robust ethane-selective hypercrosslinked porous organic adsorbent with high ethane capacity
Authors: Park Hyein , Kang Minjung , Kang Dong Won , Hong Chang Seop
Published: January 2022

A hypercrosslinked polymer adsorbent exhibits record high C2H6 capacity, excellent recyclability, and superior structural stability.
Surface reactions between LiHMDS, TMA and TMP leading to deposition of amorphous lithium phosphate
Authors: Werbrouck Andreas , Mattelaer Felix , Dhara Arpan , Nisula Mikko , Minjauw Matthias , Munnik Frans , Dendooven Jolien , Detavernier Christophe
Published: January 2022

Complex surface reactions between TMA and TMP result in an amorphous, polymerized lithium phosphate.
Enhanced photothermal heating and combination therapy of NIR dye via conversion to self-assembled ionic nanomaterials
Authors: Macchi Samantha , Jalihal Amanda , Hooshmand Nasrin , Zubair Mohd , Jenkins Samir , Alwan Nabeel , El-Sayed Mostafa , Ali Nawab , Griffin Robert J. , Siraj Noureen
Published: January 2022

In this study, self-assembled combination chemo-PTT nanomedicines are developed that display high synergystic toxicity towards breast cancer cells.
Design of biointerfaces composed of soft materials using controlled radical polymerizations
Authors: Masuda Tsukuru , Takai Madoka
Published: January 2022

Biointerfaces are interface of biomolecules and artificially designed materials. This review article summarizes recent advances in biointerfaces of soft materials, which are designed by controlled radical polymerization techniques.
Enhancement of thermally activated delayed fluorescence properties by substitution of ancillary halogen in a multiple resonance-like diplatinum(ii) complex
Authors: Pander Piotr , Zaytsev Andrey V. , Sil Amit , Williams J. A. Gareth , Kozhevnikov Valery N. , Dias Fernando B.
Published: January 2022

Metathesis of the halide co-ligands X from chloro to iodo improves the TADF properties in a diplatinum(ii) complex of the form (N^C^N–N^C^N)Pt2X2, leading to a ∼3-fold increase of radiative decay rate constant.
An overview of high-performance phthalonitrile resins: fabrication and electronic applications
Authors: Gu Hongbo , Gao Chong , Du Ai , Guo Ying , Zhou Heng , Zhao Tong , Naik Nithesh , Guo Zhanhu
Published: January 2022

This review mainly presents the fabrication of phthalonitrile resins and their electronic applications in dielectrics, ray shielding, electromagnetic interference shielding, supercapacitors and magnetoresistance sensors, etc.