bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of novel as-cast Ti-Mo-Nb alloys for biomedical applications
Authors: Cardoso Giovana Collombaro , de Almeida Gerson Santos , Corrêa Dante Oliver Guim , Zambuzzi Willian Fernando , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Correa Diego Rafael Nespeque , Grandini Carlos Roberto
Published: July 2022

Ti and its alloys are the most used metallic biomaterials devices due to their excellent combination of chemical and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity to the human body. However, the current alloys available still have several issues, such as cytotoxicity of Al and V and high elastic modulus values, compared to human bone. β-type alloys, compared to α-type and (α + β)-type Ti alloys, have lower elastic modulus and higher mechanical strength. Then, new biomedical β-type alloys are being developed with non-cytotoxic alloying elements, such as Mo and Nb. Therefore, Ti-5Mo-xNb system alloys were prepared by argon arc melting. Chemical composition was evaluated by EDS analysis, and the density measurements were performed by Archimedes' method. The structure and microstructure of the alloys were obtained by X-ray diffraction and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Microhardness values were analyzed, and MTT and crystal violet tests were performed to assess their cytotoxicity. As the Nb concentration increases, the presence of the β-Ti phase also grows, with the Ti-5Mo-30Nb alloy presenting a single β-Ti phase. In contrast, the microhardness of the alloys decreases with the addition of Nb, except the Ti-5Mo-10Nb alloy, which has its microhardness increased probably due to the ω phase precipitation. Biological in-vitro tests showed that the alloys are not cytotoxic.
Non-iterative learning machine for identifying CoViD19 using chest X-ray images
Authors: Dalal Sahil , Vishwakarma Virendra P. , Sisaudia Varsha , Narwal Parul
Published: July 2022

CoViD19 is a novel disease which has created panic worldwide by infecting millions of people around the world. The last significant variant of this virus, called as omicron, contributed to majority of cases in the third wave across globe. Though lesser in severity as compared to its predecessor, the delta variant, this mutation has shown higher communicable rate. This novel virus with symptoms of pneumonia is dangerous as it is communicable and hence, has engulfed entire world in a very short span of time. With the help of machine learning techniques, entire process of detection can be automated so that direct contacts can be avoided. Therefore, in this paper, experimentation is performed on CoViD19 chest X-ray images using higher order statistics with iterative and non-iterative models. Higher order statistics provide a way of analyzing the disturbances in the chest X-ray images. The results obtained are quite good with 96.64% accuracy using a non-iterative model. For fast testing of the patients, non-iterative model is preferred because it has advantage over iterative model in terms of speed. Comparison with some of the available state-of-the-art methods and some iterative methods proves efficacy of the work.
Integrated single cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal autoreactive differentiated B cells in joints of early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hardt Uta , Carlberg Konstantin , af Klint Erik , Sahlström Peter , Larsson Ludvig , van Vollenhoven Annika , Hernandez Machado Susana , Israelsson Lena , Amara Khaled , Chemin Karine , Korotkova Marina , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B. , Catrina Anca I. , Teichmann Sarah A. , Ståhl Patrik L. , Malmström Vivianne
Published: July 2022

B cells play a significant role in established Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, it is unclear to what extent differentiated B cells are present in joint tissue already at the onset of disease. Here, we studied synovial biopsies (n = 8) captured from untreated patients at time of diagnosis. 3414 index-sorted B cells underwent RNA sequencing and paired tissue pieces were subjected to spatial transcriptomics (n = 4). We performed extensive bioinformatics analyses to dissect the local B cell composition. Select plasma cell immunoglobulin sequences were expressed as monoclonal antibodies and tested by ELISA. Memory and plasma cells were found irrespective of autoantibody status of the patients. Double negative memory B cells were prominent, but did not display a distinct transcriptional profile. The tissue architecture implicate both local B cell maturation via T cell help and plasma cell survival niches with a strong CXCL12–CXCR4 axis. The immunoglobulin sequence analyses revealed clonality between the memory B and plasma cell pools further supporting local maturation. One of the plasma cell-derived antibodies displayed citrulline autoreactivity, demonstrating local autoreactive plasma cell differentiation in joint biopsies captured from untreated early RA. Hence, plasma cell niches are not a consequence of chronic inflammation, but are already present at the time of diagnosis.
Oncometabolic surgery in gastric cancer patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choi Yun Suk , Yi Jin Wook , Shin Woo Young , Heo Yoonseok
Published: July 2022

The rates of early gastric cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) are sharply increasing in Korea. Oncometabolic surgery in which metabolic surgery is conducted along with cancer surgery is a method used to treat gastric cancer and T2DM in one-stage operation. From 2011 to 2019, a total of 48 patients underwent long-limb Roux-en-Y gastrectomy (LRYG) in Inha University Hospital, and all data were reviewed retrospectively. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and serum insulin level test were performed before and 1 week and 1 year after surgery. One year after LRYG operation, 25 of 48 patients showed complete or partial remission and 23 patients showed non-remission of T2DM. The preoperative HbA1c level was significantly lower and the change in HbA1c was significantly greater in the T2DM remission group. Insulin secretion indices(insulinogenic index and disposition index) were increased significantly in the T2DM remission group. In contrast, the insulin resistance indices (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda index) changed minimal. In the case of LRYG in T2DM patients, remnant β cell function is an important predictor of favorable glycemic control.
Domination based classification algorithms for the controllability analysis of biological interaction networks
Authors: Grady Stephen K. , Abu-Khzam Faisal N. , Hagan Ronald D. , Shams Hesam , Langston Michael A.
Published: July 2022

Deciding the size of a minimum dominating set is a classic NP-complete problem. It has found increasing utility as the basis for classifying vertices in networks derived from protein–protein, noncoding RNA, metabolic, and other biological interaction data. In this context it can be helpful, for example, to identify those vertices that must be present in any minimum solution. Current classification methods, however, can require solving as many instances as there are vertices, rendering them computationally prohibitive in many applications. In an effort to address this shortcoming, new classification algorithms are derived and tested for efficiency and effectiveness. Results of performance comparisons on real-world biological networks are reported.
The evolution of neurosensation provides opportunities and constraints for phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Chen Emily Y. , Adams Diane K.
Published: July 2022

Phenotypic plasticity is widely regarded as important for enabling species resilience to environmental change and for species evolution. However, insight into the complex mechanisms by which phenotypic plasticity evolves in nature is limited by our ability to reconstruct evolutionary histories of plasticity. By using part of the molecular mechanism, we were able to trace the evolution of pre-feeding phenotypic plasticity across the class Echinoidea and identify the origin of plasticity at the base of the regular urchins. The neurosensory foundation for plasticity was ancestral within the echinoids. However, coincident development of the plastic trait and the neurosensory system was not achieved until the regular urchins, likely due to pleiotropic effects and linkages between the two colocalized systems. Plasticity continues to evolve within the urchins with numerous instances of losses associated with loss of sensory abilities and neurons, consistent with a cost of maintaining these capabilities. Thus, evidence was found for the neurosensory system providing opportunities and constraints to the evolution of phenotypic plasticity.
Inefficient Building Electrification Will Require Massive Buildout of Renewable Energy and Seasonal Energy Storage
Authors: Buonocore Jonathan J. , Salimifard Parichehr , Magavi Zeyneb , Allen Joseph G.
Published: July 2022

Building electrification is essential to many full-economy decarbonization pathways. However, current decarbonization modeling in the United States (U.S.) does not incorporate seasonal fluctuations in building energy demand, seasonal fluctuations in electricity demand of electrified buildings, or the ramifications of this extra demand for electricity generation. Here, we examine historical energy data in the U.S. to evaluate current seasonal fluctuation in total energy demand and management of seasonal fluctuations. We then model additional electricity demand under different building electrification scenarios and the necessary increases in wind or solar PV to meet this demand. We found that U.S. monthly average total building energy consumption varies by a factor of 1.6×—lowest in May and highest in January. This is largely managed by fossil fuel systems with long-term storage capability. All of our building electrification scenarios resulted in substantial increases in winter electrical demand, enough to switch the grid from summer to winter peaking. Meeting this peak with renewables would require a 28× increase in January wind generation, or a 303× increase in January solar, with excess generation in other months. Highly efficient building electrification can shrink this winter peak—requiring 4.5× more generation from wind and 36× more from solar.
How the hand has shaped sign languages
Authors: Miozzo Michele , Peressotti Francesca
Published: July 2022

In natural languages, biological constraints push toward cross-linguistic homogeneity while linguistic, cultural, and historical processes promote language diversification. Here, we investigated the effects of these opposing forces on the fingers and thumb configurations (handshapes) used in natural sign languages. We analyzed over 38,000 handshapes from 33 languages. In all languages, the handshape exhibited the same form of adaptation to biological constraints found in tasks for which the hand has naturally evolved (e.g., grasping). These results were not replicated in fingerspelling—another task where the handshape is used—thus revealing a signing-specific adaptation. We also showed that the handshape varies cross-linguistically under the effects of linguistic, cultural, and historical processes. Their effects could thus emerge even without departing from the demands of biological constraints. Handshape’s cross-linguistic variability consists in changes in the frequencies with which the most faithful handshapes to biological constraints appear in individual sign languages.
Vascular calcification in different arterial beds in ex vivo ring culture and in vivo rat model
Authors: Muyor Karen , Laget Jonas , Cortijo Irene , Duranton Flore , Jover Bernard , Argilés Àngel , Gayrard Nathalie
Published: July 2022

Vascular calcification is a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Medial calcification may differently affect the arterial tree depending on vessel location and smooth muscle injury. The aim was to map the anatomical distribution of vascular calcifications on different arteries and artery locations, in cultured artery rings (ex vivo) and in a rat model of elastocalcinosis (in vivo). Vascular calcification was assessed histologically (von Kossa staining of the media) and by calcium content measurement. Arteries of different sizes were harvested from untreated rats for ring culture and from the vitamin D3-nicotine (VDN) rat model for direct observation. When cultured in pro-calcifying conditions, thoracic aorta exhibited similar calcification from the arch to the diaphragm. Calcification increased in abdominal aorta along with the reduction in cross sectional area. Carotid and renal arteries exhibited similar ex vivo calcification. In VDN rats, calcification was greater in carotid artery than in aorta, and was accompanied by fibrosis and apoptosis. Ex vivo, calcification was increased by the induction of lesions on arteries. Along the vascular tree, calcification of the arterial wall increases with the narrowing of vessels in ex vivo ring culture and in vivo. The observed differences represent local susceptibility of the vessels to the calcifying processes.
Investigation on the cellular mechanism of Prunetin evidenced through next generation sequencing and bioinformatic approaches against gastric cancer
Authors: Vetrivel Preethi , Nachimuthu Santhi , Abuyaseer Abusaliya , Bhosale Pritam Bhagwan , Ha Sang Eun , Kim Hun Hwan , Park Min Young , Kim Gon Sup
Published: July 2022

Gastric cancer is the common type of malignancy positioned at second in mortality rate causing burden worldwide with increasing treatment options. More accurate and reliable diagnostic methods/biomarkers are urgently needed. The application of transcriptomics technologies possesses the high efficiency of identifying key metabolic pathways and functional genes in cancer research. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis on Prunetin treated AGS cells. A total of 1,118 differentially expressed (DE) genes on Prunetin treated AGS cancer cells, among which 463 were up-regulated and 655 were down-regulated. Notably, around 40 genes were found to be related with necroptosis, among which 16 genes were found to be in close association with Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase (RIPK) family. Validation of the RIPK genes through GEPIA identified 8 genes (NRP1, MNX1, SSRP1, PRDX2, PLRG1, LGALS4, SNX5 and FXYD3) which are highly expressed in stomach cancer were significantly down-regulated in PRU treated samples. In conclusion, the sequencing data explores the expression of RIPK mediated genes through necroptosis signaling network in treating gastric cancer. The futuristic validations on the 8 genes as candidate biomarkers will offer a treatment approach against gastric cancer using PRU.
Physics of emergence beyond Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition for interacting topological quantum matter
Authors: Kumar Ranjith R. , Sarkar Sujit
Published: July 2022

An attempt is made to find different emergent quantum phases for interacting topological state of quantum matter. Our study is based on the quantum field theoretical renormalization group (RG) calculations. The behaviour of the RG flow lines give the emergence of different quantum phases for non-interacting and interacting topological state of quantum matter. We show explicitly electron-electron interaction can turn a topologically trivial phase into a topologically nontrivial one and also topologically nontrivial phase to topologically trivial phase. We show that physics of emergence goes beyond the quantum Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition. We also present the analysis of fixed point and show the behaviour of fixed point changes in presence and absence of interaction. This work provides a new perspective not only from the topological state of interacting quantum matter and but also for the correlated quantum many -body physics.
Exploring the association of organochlorine pesticides exposure and hearing impairment in United States adults
Authors: Long Lili , Tang Xinghua
Published: July 2022

Hearing loss (HL) is a highly prevalent public health concern. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely used environmental pollutants harmful to human health. Studies investigating the effects of OCPs exposure on the auditory system in the general population are rare. To explore the association between OCPs exposure and HL in adults, 366 adults aged 20–69 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003–2004) were investigated. HL was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) ≥ 20 dB in the better ear. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of four selected serum OCPs with PTAs and the risk of HL. In participants aged < 60 years, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p, p'-DDE) exposure was positively associated with low- and speech-frequency PTAs, and with low-frequency HL, respectively. Risk of HL increased in the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile of serum HCB and p, p'-DDE (odds ratio [OR]: 4.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97–19.80; OR: 16.66, 95% CI: 2.64–105.09, respectively). In this study of US adults aged < 60 years, HCB and p, p'-DDE exposure was positively associated with HL. HCB and p, p'-DDE may be potential risk factors for HL.
SARS-CoV-2 potential drugs, drug targets, and biomarkers: a viral-host interaction network-based analysis
Authors: Samy Asmaa , Maher Mohamed A. , Abdelsalam Nehal Adel , Badr Eman
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 is a global pandemic impacting the daily living of millions. As variants of the virus evolve, a complete comprehension of the disease and drug targets becomes a decisive duty. The Omicron variant, for example, has a notably high transmission rate verified in 155 countries. We performed integrative transcriptomic and network analyses to identify drug targets and diagnostic biomarkers and repurpose FDA-approved drugs for SARS-CoV-2. Upon the enrichment of 464 differentially expressed genes, pathways regulating the host cell cycle were significant. Regulatory and interaction networks featured hsa-mir-93-5p and hsa-mir-17-5p as blood biomarkers while hsa-mir-15b-5p as an antiviral agent. MYB, RRM2, ERG, CENPF, CIT, and TOP2A are potential drug targets for treatment. HMOX1 is suggested as a prognostic biomarker. Enhancing HMOX1 expression by neem plant extract might be a therapeutic alternative. We constructed a drug-gene network for FDA-approved drugs to be repurposed against the infection. The key drugs retrieved were members of anthracyclines, mitotic inhibitors, anti-tumor antibiotics, and CDK1 inhibitors. Additionally, hydroxyquinone and digitoxin are potent TOP2A inhibitors. Hydroxyurea, cytarabine, gemcitabine, sotalol, and amiodarone can also be redirected against COVID-19. The analysis enforced the repositioning of fluorouracil and doxorubicin, especially that they have multiple drug targets, hence less probability of resistance.
AI-based automatic segmentation of craniomaxillofacial anatomy from CBCT scans for automatic detection of pharyngeal airway evaluations in OSA patients
Authors: Orhan Kaan , Shamshiev Mamat , Ezhov Matvey , Plaksin Alexander , Kurbanova Aida , Ünsal Gürkan , Gusarev Maxim , Golitsyna Maria , Aksoy Seçil , Mısırlı Melis , Rasmussen Finn , Shumilov Eugene , Sanders Alex
Published: July 2022

This study aims to generate and also validate an automatic detection algorithm for pharyngeal airway on CBCT data using an AI software (Diagnocat) which will procure a measurement method. The second aim is to validate the newly developed artificial intelligence system in comparison to commercially available software for 3D CBCT evaluation. A Convolutional Neural Network-based machine learning algorithm was used for the segmentation of the pharyngeal airways in OSA and non-OSA patients. Radiologists used semi-automatic software to manually determine the airway and their measurements were compared with the AI. OSA patients were classified as minimal, mild, moderate, and severe groups, and the mean airway volumes of the groups were compared. The narrowest points of the airway (mm), the field of the airway (mm2), and volume of the airway (cc) of both OSA and non-OSA patients were also compared. There was no statistically significant difference between the manual technique and Diagnocat measurements in all groups (p > 0.05). Inter-class correlation coefficients were 0.954 for manual and automatic segmentation, 0.956 for Diagnocat and automatic segmentation, 0.972 for Diagnocat and manual segmentation. Although there was no statistically significant difference in total airway volume measurements between the manual measurements, automatic measurements, and DC measurements in non-OSA and OSA patients, we evaluated the output images to understand why the mean value for the total airway was higher in DC measurement. It was seen that the DC algorithm also measures the epiglottis volume and the posterior nasal aperture volume due to the low soft-tissue contrast in CBCT images and that leads to higher values in airway volume measurement.
Proposal of time domain impedance spectroscopy to determine precise dimensionless figure of merit for thermoelectric modules within minutes
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Takeuchi Mai
Published: July 2022

Several techniques exist that use a thermoelectric element (TE) or module (TM) to measure precise dimensionless figure of merit (zT), both qualitatively and quantitatively. The techniques can be applied using both alternating (AC) and direct current (DC). Herein, the transient Harman (TH) and impedance spectroscopy (IS) methods were investigated as direct zT measurement techniques using identical TM, which showed that zT at 300 K was 0.767 and 0.811 within several minutes and several hours, respectively. The zT values differed despite the use of the same TM, which revealed that measuring ohmic resistance using DC and pulse DC is potentially misleading owing to the influence of Peltier heat on current flow. In this study, time domain impedance spectroscopy (TDIS) was proposed as a new technique to measure zT using proper DC and AC. zT obtained using TDIS was 0.811 within several minutes using the time and frequency domains, and was perfectly consistent with the result of the IS method. In conclusion, the TDIS is highly appropriate in estimating zT directly using only proper electrometric measurements, and without any heat measurements.
Comparison of gene expression profiles among caste differentiations in the termite Reticulitermes speratus
Authors: Saiki Ryota , Hayashi Yoshinobu , Toga Kouhei , Yaguchi Hajime , Masuoka Yudai , Suzuki Ryutaro , Fujiwara Kokuto , Shigenobu Shuji , Maekawa Kiyoto
Published: July 2022

Termite castes express specialized phenotypes for their own tasks and are a good example of insect polyphenism. To understand the comprehensive gene expression profiles during caste differentiation, RNA-seq analysis based on the genome data was performed during the worker, presoldier, and nymphoid molts in Reticulitermes speratus. In this species, artificial induction methods for each molt have already been established, and the time scale has been clarified. Three different periods (before the gut purge (GP), during the GP, and after the molt) were discriminated in each molt, and two body parts (head and other body regions) were separately sampled. The results revealed that many differentially expressed genes (head: 2884, body: 2579) were identified in each molt. Based on the independent real-time quantitative PCR analysis, we confirmed the different expression patterns of seven out of eight genes in the presoldier molt. Based on the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, the expressions of genes related to juvenile hormone titer changes (e.g., JH acid methyltransferase), nutrition status (e.g., Acyl-CoA Delta desaturase), and cell proliferation (e.g., insulin receptor), were shown to specifically fluctuate in each molt. These differences may have a crucial impact on caste differentiation. These data are important resources for future termite sociogenomics.
Rapid, in-field deployable, avian influenza virus haemagglutinin characterisation tool using MinION technology
Authors: de Vries Ellen M. , Cogan Noel O. I , Gubala Aneta J. , Mee Peter T. , O’Riley Kim J. , Rodoni Brendan C. , Lynch Stacey E.
Published: July 2022

Outbreaks of avian influenza virus (AIV) from wild waterfowl into the poultry industry is of upmost significance and is an ongoing and constant threat to the industry. Accurate surveillance of AIV in wild waterfowl is critical in understanding viral diversity in the natural reservoir. Current surveillance methods for AIV involve collection of samples and transportation to a laboratory for molecular diagnostics. Processing of samples using this approach takes more than three days and may limit testing locations to those with practical access to laboratories. In potential outbreak situations, response times are critical, and delays have implications in terms of the spread of the virus that leads to increased economic cost. This study used nanopore sequencing technology for in-field sequencing and subtype characterisation of AIV strains collected from wild bird faeces and poultry. A custom in-field virus screening and sequencing protocol, including a targeted offline bioinformatic pipeline, was developed to accurately subtype AIV. Due to the lack of optimal diagnostic MinION packages for Australian AIV strains the bioinformatic pipeline was specifically targeted to confidently subtype local strains. The method presented eliminates the transportation of samples, dependence on internet access and delivers critical diagnostic information in a timely manner.
A novel nomogram model to predict the overall survival of patients with retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma: a large cohort retrospective study
Authors: Huang Chao , Yu Qiu-Ping , Li Hao , Ding Zichuan , Zhou Zongke , Shi Xiaojun
Published: July 2022

Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas (RLS) are the second most common type of retroperitoneal sarcoma and one of the most aggressive tumours. The lack of early warning signs and delay in regular checkups lead to a poor prognosis. This study aims to create a nomogram to predict RLS patients' overall survival (OS). Patients diagnosed with RLS in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2018 were enrolled in this study. First, univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors, followed by constructing a nomogram to predict patients' OS at 1, 3, and 5 years. Secondly, the nomogram's distinguishability and prediction accuracy were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves. Finally, the decision curve analysis (DCA) investigated the nomogram's clinical utility. The study included 305 RLS patients, and they were divided into two groups at random: a training set (216) and a validation set (89). The training set's multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that surgery, tumour size, tumour grade, and tumour stage were independent prognostic factors. ROC curves demonstrated that the nomogram had a high degree of distinguishability. In the training set, area under the curve (AUC) values for 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.800, 0.806, and 0.788, respectively, while in the validation set, AUC values for 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.738, 0.780, and 0.832, respectively. As evidenced by the calibration curve, the nomogram had high prediction accuracy. Moreover, DCA revealed that the nomogram had high clinical utility. Furthermore, the risk stratification system based on the nomogram could effectively categorise patients into three mortality risk subgroups. Therefore, the developed nomogram and risk stratification system may aid in optimising the treatment decisions of RLS patients to improve treatment prognosis and maximise their healthcare outcomes.
Single-cell transcriptional pharmacodynamics of trifluridine in a tumor-immune model
Authors: Selvin Tove , Fasterius Erik , Jarvius Malin , Fryknäs Mårten , Larsson Rolf , Andersson Claes R.
Published: July 2022

Understanding the immunological effects of chemotherapy is of great importance, especially now that we have entered an era where ever-increasing pre-clinical and clinical efforts are put into combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy to combat cancer. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has proved to be a powerful technique with a broad range of applications, studies evaluating drug effects in co-cultures of tumor and immune cells are however scarce. We treated a co-culture comprised of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the nucleoside analogue trifluridine (FTD) and used scRNA-seq to analyze posttreatment gene expression profiles in thousands of individual cancer and immune cells concurrently. ScRNA-seq recapitulated major mechanisms of action previously described for FTD and provided new insight into possible treatment-induced effects on T-cell mediated antitumor responses.
Purification of the full-length, membrane-associated form of the antiviral enzyme viperin utilizing nanodiscs
Authors: Patel Ayesha M. , Koebke Karl J. , Grunkemeyer Timothy J. , Riordan Colleen M. , Kim Youngsoo , Bailey Ryan C. , Marsh E. Neil G.
Published: July 2022

Viperin is a radical S-adenosylmethionine enzyme that catalyzes the formation of the antiviral ribonucleotide, 3’-deoxy-3’,4’-didehydroCTP. The enzyme is conserved across all kingdoms of life, and in higher animals viperin is localized to the ER-membrane and lipid droplets through an N-terminal extension that forms an amphipathic helix. Evidence suggests that the N-terminal extension plays an important role in viperin’s interactions with other membrane proteins. These interactions serve to modulate the activity of various other enzymes that are important for viral replication and constitute another facet of viperin’s antiviral properties, distinct from its catalytic activity. However, the full-length form of the enzyme, which has proved refractory to expression in E. coli, has not been previously purified. Here we report the purification of the full-length form of viperin from HEK293T cells transfected with viperin. The purification method utilizes nanodiscs to maintain the protein in its membrane-bound state. Unexpectedly, the enzyme exhibits significantly lower catalytic activity once purified, suggesting that interactions with other ER-membrane components may be important to maintain viperin’s activity.
The Campsis-Icterus association as a model system for avian nectar-robbery studies
Authors: Graves Gary R.
Published: July 2022

Avian nectar-robbing is common in some floras but its impact on plant-pollinator mutualisms, flowering phenology, and the evolution of floral traits remains largely unexplored. Surprisingly, there have been no quantitative studies of the topography and extent of floral damage inflicted on any flowering species by nectar-robbing birds. I studied nectar-robbing of orchard oriole (Icteridae: Icterus spurius) on the large reddish-orange flowers of trumpet creeper (Bignoniaceae: Campsis radicans), an ornithophilous liana of eastern North America. Floral traits that inhibit nectar-robbery by hummingbirds and bees, such as the thickened calyx and sympetalous corolla, are ineffective in deterring orioles. Orioles target the zygomorphic trumpet-shaped corollas at the 11:00 h or 01:00 h positions with a closed-bill puncture and then enlarge the incision with bill-gaping to reach the nectary. More than 92% of flowers were robbed when orioles were present. Fruit set was nil until orioles departed on fall migration in late July-early August. The timing suggests oriole nectary-robbery may be a potent selection agent for an extended flowering season or delay in the onset of flowering. The biological and geographic attributes of the Campsis-Icterus association make it a promising model system for studying the consequences of avian nectar-robbery on pollination biology and floral trait evolution.
Spatiotemporal expression of HMGB2 regulates cell proliferation and hepatocyte size during liver regeneration
Authors: Yano Koichi , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Ikenoue Makoto , Fidya  , Fukaya Tomohiro , Sato Katsuaki , Lee Deokcheol , Taniguchi Noboru , Chosa Etsuo , Nanashima Atsushi , Hishikawa Yoshitaka
Published: July 2022

Liver regeneration is an extraordinarily complex process involving a variety of factors; however, the role of chromatin protein in hepatocyte proliferation is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the functional role of high-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2), a chromatin protein in liver regeneration using wild-type and HMGB2-knockout (KO) mice. Liver tissues were sampled after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx), and analyzed by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and flow cytometry using various markers of cell proliferation. In WT mice, hepatocyte proliferation was strongly correlated with the spatiotemporal expression of HMGB2; however, cell proliferation was significantly delayed in hepatocytes of HMGB2-KO mice. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 mRNAs were significantly decreased in HMGB2-KO mice livers. Interestingly, hepatocyte size was significantly larger in HMGB2-KO mice at 36–72 h after PHx, and these results suggest that hepatocyte hypertrophy appeared in parallel with delayed cell proliferation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that cell proliferation was significantly decreased in HMGB2-KO cells. A significant delay in cell proliferation was also found in HMGB2-siRNA transfected cells. In summary, spatiotemporal expression of HMGB2 is important for regulation of hepatocyte proliferation and cell size during liver regeneration.
Dynamic manipulation of microwave polarization based on anisotropic graphene meta-device
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Zhenfei , Zhang Chiben , Shao Linda , Zhu Weiren
Published: July 2022

As a unique two-dimensional atomic material, graphene offers excellent mechanical properties, dynamically tunable surface conductivity, ultra-high carrier mobility, and optical transparency, making it great potential for novel electromagnetic devices. However, dynamic manipulation of microwave polarization has not been experimentally realized in a graphene-assisted metasurface. In this paper, we present a general strategy for designing graphene-based active meta-device for achieving dynamic polarization control at microwave frequencies. When illuminated by a linear-polarized incident wave, the polarization angle of the reflected wave can be dynamically controlled by shifting the bias voltage applied to graphene. The simulated and measured results reveal that the proposed graphene-based meta-device offers a novel approach to the manipulation of microwave polarization and has potential applications in antenna, sensing, and communications.
Graphene electronic tattoos 2.0 with enhanced performance, breathability and robustness
Authors: Kireev Dmitry , Kampfe Jameson , Hall Alena , Akinwande Deji
Published: July 2022

Graphene electronic tattoos (GETs) have recently emerged as unique tools for personalized healthcare. The monolayer GETs have been used to monitor human electrophysiological signals, including brain, heart, and muscle activities, skin temperature, and hydration level. However, a few drawbacks of the earlier GETs hindered their perception by clinical and biomedical experts: they were not permeable to sweat, and the tattoo performance varied greatly. In this work, we introduce GETs 2.0: the skin wearable tattoo sensors with superior electrical properties, permeability to sweat, and robustness. We report on the categorical analysis of the graphene tattoos of different layer constitutions. When stacking the graphene monolayers within a single tattoo, we see a drastic enhancement in their electronic properties. The older monolayer GETs were susceptive to minor growth- or transfer-related discrepancies, resulting in highly scattered electrical properties. In this work, the GETs 2.0 with the addition of graphene nanoscrolls (GNS) or multilayer (2 L and 3 L) graphene structures exhibit 3.5-fold decreased sheet resistance, 2.5-fold lower skin impedance, and 5-fold reduced standard deviations of these values. In addition, we introduced holes into the tattoo, enabling healthy sweat evaporation without a substantial decrease in electrical properties. Furthermore, we show that microholes allow for advanced biplanar contact with graphene tattoos. Finally, we show that multilayer GETs 2.0 can be used as efficient skin-wearable electronic heaters, exhibiting heating efficiency of ~6 mW/°C.
Substrate-restricted methanogenesis and limited volatile organic compound degradation in highly diverse and heterogeneous municipal landfill microbial communities
Authors: Sauk Alexandra H , Hug Laura A
Published: July 2022

Microbial communities in landfills transform waste and generate methane in an environment unique from other built and natural environments. Landfill microbial diversity has predominantly been observed at the phylum level, without examining the extent of shared organismal diversity across space or time. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to examine the taxonomic and functional diversity of the microbial communities inhabiting a Southern Ontario landfill. The microbial capacity for volatile organic compound degradation in leachate and groundwater samples was correlated with geochemical conditions. Across the landfill, 25 bacterial and archaeal phyla were present at >1% relative abundance within at least one landfill sample, with Patescibacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria dominating. Methanogens were neither numerous nor particularly abundant, and were predominantly constrained to either acetoclastic or methylotrophic methanogenesis. The landfill microbial community was highly heterogeneous, with 90.7% of organisms present at only one or two sites within this interconnected system. Based on diversity measures, the landfill is a microbial system undergoing a constant state of disturbance and change, driving the extreme heterogeneity observed. Significant differences in geochemistry occurred across the leachate and groundwater wells sampled, with calcium, iron, magnesium, boron, meta and para xylenes, ortho xylenes, and ethylbenzene concentrations contributing most strongly to observed site differences. Predicted microbial degradation capacities indicated a heterogeneous community response to contaminants, including identification of novel proteins implicated in anaerobic degradation of key volatile organic compounds.
Cooperative triple catalysis enables regioirregular formal Mizoroki–Heck reactions
Authors: Liu Kun , Leifert Dirk , Studer Armido
Published: July 2022

The Mizoroki–Heck reaction between alkenes and aryl halides represents one of the most important methods for C−C bond formation in synthetic chemistry. Governed by their electronic and steric nature, alkenes are generally arylated with high regioselectivity, which conversely hampers diversity, in particular, if the regioirregular isomer is targeted. Usually, electron-poor alkenes selectively afford the corresponding β-coupled products, and achieving the opposite regioselectivity to obtain their α-arylated congeners is highly challenging. It would be desirable to access the irregular α-regioisomer by simple variation of the reaction conditions, keeping the standard substrates, thereby significantly enlarging the product space. Herein, we describe an intermolecular α-arylation of electron-poor alkenes through cooperative nickel, photoredox and sulfinate catalysis. This triple catalysis system operates under mild conditions and features excellent functional group tolerance. The orchestration of radical, transition metal and ionic bond-forming and -cleaving reactions in a single process is highly challenging, but certainly opens valuable doors in terms of reactivity. Moreover, the intermolecular α-arylation, α-alkenylation and α-alkynylation of styrenes could also be achieved through a one-pot process.
Compressibility and crystalline structures of PVDF membranes under elevated gravity acceleration by two-axis spin coating technology
Authors: Mahmoodi Soroosh , Hamedi Parisa , Zhong Shengwen , Weidner David , Li Wei
Published: July 2022

The elevation of gravity affects the polymeric structure of PVDF membranes. The compression and the faster evaporation of solvents are the main reasons for the compressibility of the PVDF membranes and thickness reduction at higher elevated gravities.
Signalling molecules inducing metamorphosis in marine organisms
Authors: Rischer Maja , Guo Huijuan , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: July 2022

Schematic representation of interkingdom-interactions mediated through bacterial signalling molecules present within a biofilm microenvironment.
Tuning plasmonic properties by promoting the inward Hg diffusion via oxygen plasma treatment in gold nanorods coated with a mesoporous silica shell
Authors: Alizar Yola Yolanda , Ramasamy Mukunthan , Ha Ji Won
Published: July 2022

Oxygen plasma treatment was presented as an effective approach to control the LSPR properties by promoting the inward Hg diffusion in amalgamated AuNRs@mSiO2.
Acetylenedicarboxylate as a linker in the engineering of coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks: challenges and potential
Authors: Matemb Ma Ntep Tobie J. , Gramm Verena K. , Ruschewitz Uwe , Janiak Christoph
Published: July 2022

Despite its simplicity as a short and rod-like linear linker, acetylenedicarboxylate has for a long time been somewhat overlooked in the engineering of coordination polymers and especially in the construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
On the role of pore constrictions in gas diffusion electrodes
Authors: Bozzetti Michele , Berger Anne , Girod Robin , Chen Yen-Chun , Büchi Felix N. , Gasteiger Hubert A. , Tileli Vasiliki
Published: July 2022

A descriptor for the characteristic size of constrictions is introduced to evaluate the water saturation properties of gas diffusion electrodes.
A perspective on the controlled synthesis of iron-based nanoalloys for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Huang Xiaoxiao , Wang Chunxia , Hou Yanglong
Published: July 2022

In this feature, our recent progress on controllable Fe-based nanoalloy structures (iron–platinum (Fe–Pt), iron carbide (Fe–C), and iron nitride (Fe–N)) and their applications as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electro-catalysts have been illustrated.
Electrochemical alkene azidocyanation via 1,4-nitrile migration
Authors: Seastram Alex C. , Hareram Mishra Deepak , Knight Thomas M. B. , Morrill Louis C.
Published: July 2022

An organic oxidant free electrochemical method for the azidocyanation of alkenes via 1,4-nitrile migration has been developed.
Application of machine-learning-based global optimization: potential-dependent co-electrosorbed structure and activity on the Pd(110) surface
Authors: Wang Li-Yuan , Fang Ya-Hui
Published: July 2022

Electrodes can adsorb different reaction intermediates under electrochemical conditions, which in turn significantly affect their electrochemical performance.
Investigation of highly ferromagnetic Mn2Ge4 and Mn2Ge5 clusters via photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations
Authors: Zhao Li-Juan , Xu Hong-Guang , Xu Xi-Ling , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: July 2022

The structural, bonding, and magnetic properties of Mn2Ge4−/0 and Mn2Ge5−/0 are investigated by anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Both Mn2Ge4 and Mn2Ge5 clusters exhibit ferromagnetic characteristics with a magnetic moment as high as 10 μB.
Bimetallic ruthenium–rhodium particles supported on carbon nanotubes for the hydrophosphinylation of alkenes and alkynes
Authors: Jawale Dhanaji V. , Fossard Frédéric , Miserque Frédéric , Geertsen Valérie , Doris Eric , Gravel Edmond
Published: July 2022

RuRh bimetallic particles supported on carbon nanotubes were applied to the hydrophosphinylation of alkenes and alkynes. This recyclable system operates under sustainable conditions: low catalyst loading, room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Cleaner and stronger: how 8-quinolinolate facilitates formation of Co(iii)–thiolate from Co(ii)–disulfide complexes
Authors: Marvelous Christian , de Azevedo Santos Lucas , Siegler Maxime A. , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Bouwman Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

The strong ligand-field effect exerted by the exogenous ligand 8-quinolinolate is an important factor contributing to the clean formation of Co(iii)–thiolate complexes from Co(ii)–disulfide compounds in quantitative yields.
Single atoms meet metal–organic frameworks: collaborative efforts for efficient photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Hongda , Cheng Min , Liu Yang , Wang Jun , Zhang Gaoxia , Li Ling , Du Li , Wang Guangfu , Yang Suzhao , Wang Xinya
Published: July 2022

MOF-supported single atom materials offer great potential for design and engineering of advanced photocatalysts for energy conversion applications. State-of-the-art and prospects in recent breakthroughs are presented in this review.
A highly active and stable 3D dandelion spore-structured self-supporting Ir-based electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis fabricated using structural reconstruction
Authors: Yeo Kyeong-Rim , Lee Kug-Seung , Kim Hoyoung , Lee Jinwoo , Kim Soo-Kil
Published: July 2022

A highly active and stable 3D dandelion spore-structured self-supporting Ir-based electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis fabricated using structural reconstruction.
Ionogel-perovskite matrix enabling highly efficient and stable flexible solar cells towards fully-R2R fabrication
Authors: Kang Yifei , Li Rong , Wang Anran , Kang Jianye , Wang Zisheng , Bi Weihui , Yang Yang , Song Yilong , Dong Qingfeng
Published: July 2022

A multi-functional ionogel modified perovskite film was fabricatedin situby a R2R-compatible fabrication method and an efficiency of 21.76% was achieved in flexible solar cells with excellent operational, mechanical and water-resistant stability.
Ex situ Ge-doping of CZTS nanocrystals and CZTSSe solar absorber films
Authors: Naylor Matthew C. , Tiwari Devendra , Sheppard Alice , Laverock Jude , Campbell Stephen , Ford Bethan , Xu Xinya , Jones Michael D. K. , Qu Yongtao , Maiello Pietro , Barrioz Vincent , Beattie Neil S. , Fox Neil A. , Fermin David J. , Zoppi Guillaume
Published: July 2022

Ge doping is employed to aid the recrystallisation of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals. Opto-electrical properties are presented to describe Ge incorporation with a focus on the electronic interface between the Ge:Cu2ZnSn(S, Se), absorber and CdS buffer layer.
A solid acid catalysed one-pot selective approach for 2,5-diformylfuran synthesis from fructose/carbohydrate feedstocks
Authors: Chauhan Arvind Singh , Kumar Ajay , Bains Rohit , Das Pralay
Published: July 2022

A user-friendly and recyclable solid acid (Amberlite IR 120 H+form resin) was explored for 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) synthesis directly from low-cost feedstocks such as fructose, table sugar, sugarcane molasses and jaggery.
Redox-neutral ketyl radical coupling/cyclization of carbonyls withN-aryl acrylamides through consecutive photoinduced electron transfer
Authors: Qu Zhonghua , Tian Tong , Tan Yongbo , Ji Xiaochen , Deng Guo-Jun , Huang Huawen
Published: July 2022

Redox-neutral ketyl couplings: a metal- and additive-free ConPET photocatalytic system allows highly efficient coupling/cyclization ofN-aryl acrylamides and carbonyls with formal 100% atom economy.
A chip-based array for high-resolution fluorescence characterization of free-standing horizontal lipid membranes under voltage clamp
Authors: Ensslen Tobias , Behrends Jan C.
Published: July 2022

A chip-based microelectrode cavity array facilitates simultaneous high resolution optical and electrical analysis of free-standing lipid membranes.
para-Azaquinodimethane based quinoidal polymers for opto-electronic applications: impact of donor units on the opto-electronic properties
Authors: Dyaga Bharath , Mayarambakam Sasikumar , Ibraikulov Olzhas A. , Zimmermann Nicolas , Fall Sadiara , Boyron Olivier , Heiser Thomas , Leclerc Nicolas , Berton Nicolas , Schmaltz Bruno
Published: July 2022

para-Azaquinodimethane (p-AQM) based quinoidal–donor (Q–D) polymers have been synthesized following a strategy for enhancing the backbone planarity and control the bond length alternation (BLA).