bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research progress of ultrabright γ-ray radiation and electron-positron pair production driven by extremely intense laser fields
Authors: Zhu Xing-Long , Wang Wei-Min , Yu Tong-Pu , He Feng , Chen Min , Weng Su-Ming , Chen Li-Ming , Li Yu-Tong , Sheng Zheng-Ming , Zhang Jie ,   Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   Department of Physics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center for IFSA, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   Department of Physics, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China,   Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Published: April 2021

The advent of high-power ultra-short ultra-intense laser pulses opens up the new frontiers of relativistic nonlinear optics, high-field physics, laser-driven inertial confined fusion, etc. In recent years, with the construction of high power laser facilities at a multi-petawatt (PW) level and above, the interaction between laser and matter enters into a new realm of high field physics, where extremely rich nonlinear physics is involved. In addition to classical nonlinear physics involving wave-particle interactions, relativistic effects, and ponderomotive force effects, the quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects occur, such as radiation reaction force, electron-positron pair production, strong γ-ray radiation, QED cascades, and vacuum polarization. This paper presents a brief overview of electron-positron pair creation and bright γ-ray emission driven by the extremely intense laser fields.
YEAR 1
Authors: Buck-Morss Susan
Published: April 2021

Reclaiming the first century as common ground rather than the origin of deeply entrenched differences: liberating the past to speak to us in another way.

Conventional readings of antiquity cast Athens against Jerusalem, with Athens standing in for “reason” and Jerusalem for “faith.” And yet, Susan Buck-Morss reminds us, recent scholarship has overturned this separation. Naming the first century as a zero point—“year one”—that divides time into before and after is equally arbirtrary, nothing more than a convenience that is empirically meaningless. In YEAR 1, Buck-Morss liberates the first century so it can speak to us in another way, reclaiming it as common ground rather than the origin of deeply entrenched differences.

Buck-Morss aims to topple various conceptual givens that have shaped modernity as an episteme and led us into some unhelpful postmodern impasses. She approaches the first century through the writings of three thinkers often marginalized in current discourse: Flavius Josephus, historian of the Judaean War; the neo-Platonic philosopher Philo of Alexandria; and John of Patmos, author of Revelation, the last book of the Christian Bible. Also making appearances are Antigone and John Coltrane, Plato and Bulwer-Lytton, al-Farabi and Jean Anouilh, Nicholas of Cusa and Zora Neale Hurston—not to mention Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Kristeva, and Derrida.

Buck-Morss shows that we need no longer partition history as if it were a homeless child in need of the protective wisdom of Solomon. Those inhabiting the first century belong together in time, and therefore not to us.
Quantifying noxious-evoked baseline sensitivity in neonates to optimise analgesic trials
Authors: Cobo Maria M , Hartley Caroline , Gursul Deniz , Andritsou Foteini , van der Vaart Marianne , Schmidt Mellado Gabriela , Baxter Luke , Duff Eugene P , Buckle Miranda , Evans Fry Ria , Green Gabrielle , Hoskin Amy , Rogers Richard , Adams Eleri , Moultrie Fiona , Slater Rebeccah
Published: April 2021

Despite the high burden of pain experienced by hospitalised neonates, there are few analgesics with proven efficacy. Testing analgesics in neonates is experimentally and ethically challenging and minimising the number of neonates required to demonstrate efficacy is essential. EEG (electroencephalography)-derived measures of noxious-evoked brain activity can be used to assess analgesic efficacy; however, as variability exists in neonate’s responses to painful procedures, large sample sizes are often required. Here, we present an experimental paradigm to account for individual differences in noxious-evoked baseline sensitivity which can be used to improve the design of analgesic trials in neonates. The paradigm is developed and tested across four observational studies using clinical, experimental, and simulated data (92 neonates). We provide evidence of the efficacy of gentle brushing and paracetamol, substantiating the need for randomised controlled trials of these interventions. This work provides an important step towards safe, cost-effective clinical trials of analgesics in neonates.
Allosteric communication in DNA polymerase clamp loaders relies on a critical hydrogen-bonded junction
Authors: Subramanian Subu , Gorday Kent , Marcus Kendra , Orellana Matthew R , Ren Peter , Luo Xiao Ran , O'Donnell Michael E , Kuriyan John
Published: April 2021

Clamp loaders are AAA+ ATPases that load sliding clamps onto DNA. We mapped the mutational sensitivity of the T4 bacteriophage sliding clamp and clamp loader by deep mutagenesis, and found that residues not involved in catalysis or binding display remarkable tolerance to mutation. An exception is a glutamine residue in the AAA+ module (Gln 118) that is not located at a catalytic or interfacial site. Gln 118 forms a hydrogen-bonded junction in a helical unit that we term the central coupler, because it connects the catalytic centers to DNA and the sliding clamp. A suppressor mutation indicates that hydrogen bonding in the junction is important, and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that it maintains rigidity in the central coupler. The glutamine-mediated junction is preserved in diverse AAA+ ATPases, suggesting that a connected network of hydrogen bonds that links ATP molecules is an essential aspect of allosteric communication in these proteins.
Lipoprotein DolP supports proper folding of BamA in the bacterial outer membrane promoting fitness upon envelope stress
Authors: Ranava David , Yang Yiying , Orenday-Tapia Luis , Rousset François , Turlan Catherine , Morales Violette , Cui Lun , Moulin Cyril , Froment Carine , Munoz Gladys , Rech Jérôme , Marcoux Julien , Caumont-Sarcos Anne , Albenne Cécile , Bikard David , Ieva Raffaele
Published: April 2021

In Proteobacteria, integral outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are crucial for the maintenance of the envelope permeability barrier to some antibiotics and detergents. In Enterobacteria, envelope stress caused by unfolded OMPs activates the sigmaE (σE) transcriptional response. σE upregulates OMP biogenesis factors, including the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) that catalyses OMP folding. Here we report that DolP (formerly YraP), a σE-upregulated and poorly understood outer membrane lipoprotein, is crucial for fitness in cells that undergo envelope stress. We demonstrate that DolP interacts with the BAM complex by associating with outer membrane-assembled BamA. We provide evidence that DolP is important for proper folding of BamA that overaccumulates in the outer membrane, thus supporting OMP biogenesis and envelope integrity. Notably, mid-cell recruitment of DolP had been linked to regulation of septal peptidoglycan remodelling by an unknown mechanism. We now reveal that, during envelope stress, DolP loses its association with the mid-cell, thereby suggesting a mechanistic link between envelope stress caused by impaired OMP biogenesis and the regulation of a late step of cell division.
Exploring risk factors at the molecular level
Authors: Rudnicki Martina , Haas Tara L
Published: April 2021

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases trigger molecular changes that harm the endothelial cells in the heart, but exercise can suppress these effects.
Meiogyne oligocarpa (Annonaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: Xue Bine , Shao Yun-Yun , Xiao Chun-Fen , Liu Ming-Fai , Li Yongquan , Tan Yun-Hong
Published: April 2021

Meiogyne oligocarpa sp. nov. (Annonaceae) is described from Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It is easily distinguished from all previously described Meiogyne species by the possession of up to four carpels per flower, its bilobed, sparsely hairy stigma, biseriate ovules and cylindrical monocarps with a beaked apex. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to confirm the placement of this new species within Meiogyne. Meiogyne oligocarpa represents the second species of Meiogyne in China: a key to the species of Meiogyne in China is provided to distinguish it from Meiogyne hainanensis. Paraffin sectioning was undertaken to study the anatomy of the corrugations on the inner petals of Meiogyne oligocarpa to verify whether they are glandular.
Age and growth ofPalaeoloxodon huaihoensisfrom Penghu Channel, Taiwan: significance of their age distribution based on fossils
Authors: Kang Jia-Cih , Lin Chien-Hsiang , Chang Chun-Hsiang
Published: April 2021

Dental material attributed toPalaeoloxodon huaihoensisfrom the Middle to Late Pleistocene were recovered over decades from the Penghu Channel during commercial fisheries activities. The National Museum of Nature Science (NMNS) has a collection of such dental material, which differs in size and morphology and likely represents ontogenetic variation and growth trajectory of various age groups ofP. huaihoensis. However, little is known regarding age determination. By using length of dental material, enamel thickness (ET), and plate counts, we established the method to distinguish the age of the species, which is directly derived from the extant African forest elephantLoxodonta africana. When measuring signs of allometric growth, we found that in both the upper and lower jaws, tooth width was correlated negatively with lamellar frequency but positively with ET. In the same age group, the number of lamellae was higher inP. huaihoensisthan inL. africana. The reconstructed age distribution indicated no difference in the upper or lower jaw. Notably, within our sample,P. huaihoensisis skewed towards adult and older individuals with median age between 33–34.5 years and differed significantly from that ofMammuthus primigeniusin the European Kraków Spadzista site. This age distribution pattern is speculated to be related to the harsh environmental conditions and intense intraspecific competition amongP. huaihoensisduring the last ice age.
Effect of Carotid Stenting on Neurocognitive Function in Patients with Atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Soni Brijesh Kumar , Patel Rajneesh Kumar , Pant Rochan , Khatri Mukesh
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Stroke is among the leading cause of death worldwide. Carotid stenosis has been identified as a risk factor for stroke. The prevalence of carotid stenosis increases with age in both women and men. To reduce the risk of stroke, Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) are performed. Aim: To find the effect of carotid stenting on neurocognitive function in Atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital, over a 12-months duration. Twenty five patients were included in the study, after getting their informed consent. The patients underwent Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination preoperatively and were reassessed on 28 days and three months, postoperatively. The pre and postoperative scores were compared with the help of the paired t-test. Qualitative data were analysed with the help of frequency and percentage tables. Association among the study groups was assessed with the help of Bivariate analysis and Chi-square test and a p-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.52±9.34 years. Twenty two patients in the study group were male and three were female. Addenbrooke’s Score improved at 28 days and three months, postoperatively. There was a positive and significant correlation between preoperative Addenbrooke’s Score and postoperative Addenbrooke’s Score (r=0.748 and r=0.442, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant correlation noted with age, sex, and co-morbid condition like diabetes and hypertension and postoperative Addenbrooke’s score. Conclusion: The study showed that stent placement for patients with carotid stenosis improved the cognitive function.
Bone Mineral Density in Stroke Survivors: An Observational Study
Authors: Gorle Sujatha , Athani BD , Jain Sakshi , Jain Shweta
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Stroke is frequently followed by bone loss, causing increased fracture risk in patients. Bone loss starts within days of vascular brain injury, progresses till fourth month and then lowers until the end of first year after stroke. Aim: To assess the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in hip, spine and wrist and its difference between paretic and nonparetic side in ambulatory stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 subjects, from January 2015 to June 2016 in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Biochemical markers, x-rays and BMD were recorded in all patients along with demographic profile in a pre-structured proforma after taking informed consent. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Software version 14.0. Results: Out of 40 subjects (mean age: 53.9±10.9 years), 82.5% were males with nearly equal distribution in 41-50, 51-60 and 61-70 years age groups. Around 65% stroke survivors presented within 1-3 years of stroke with 68% having right sided involvement. Bone mineral densities over hip with a mean of -2.14±1.57 and lower end of radius with a mean of -4.85±2.01 were less on paretic side as compared to the nonparetic side. DEXA scanning of spine showed 52.5% subjects were osteopenic and 37.5% were osteoporotic. Conclusion: BMD over hip and lower end of radius was less on paretic side as compared to the nonparetic side but it was insignificant statistically.
Estimation of Total Fluoride Concentration, Total Soluble Fluoride Concentration and pH among Various Brands of Toothpastes
Authors: Rani Praneetha D , Hegde Vijaya
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Fluoride toothpastes are a major reason for the decline in dental caries globally. For fluoride toothpaste to be effective, an adequate amount of Total Soluble Fluoride (TSF) must be available in the toothpastes. Aim: To determine and compare the Total Fluoride (TF), TSF and pH among various toothpaste brands. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study was conducted during October 2019 on 20 toothpaste samples, which belonged to four groups namely, herbal toothpastes group, nonherbal toothpastes group, medicated toothpastes group and kids toothpastes group. Analysis of the samples was done at the Department of Environmental Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Karnataka, India. The TF and the TSF concentration was determined using fluoride ion electrode. The pH was determined using pH meter. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19.0). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used by Tukey’s post-hoc test to determine the difference between groups. The level of significance was kept at 0.05. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the toothpaste types for mean TF concentration (p=0.004). The post-hoc test showed that there was a significant difference between herbal and nonherbal toothpastes (p=0.041) where the mean TF concentration for nonherbal toothpastes was 1095.20 ppm when compared to herbal toothpastes was 704.40 ppm. The results showed that there was a siginificant difference between the toothpaste types for Mean TSF concentration (p<0.003). There was a significant difference between medicated and kids toothpastes (p=0.024) where the mean total soluble fluoride concentration for medicated toothpastes was 938.60 ppm when compared to the kids toothpastes was 521.20 ppm. Conclusion: The present study showed that pH of all the toothpastes were either neutral or alkaline and the TSF concentration was less when compared to TF concentrations.
Rare Association of Semilobar Holoprosencephaly and Frontonasal Encephalocoele in a Neonate of Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Rangankar Varsha , Singh Anmol , Khaladkar Sanjay
Published: April 2021

Holoprosencephaly is a rare intracranial malformation seen in newborns, resulting from a failure of separation of the forebrain into separate cerebral hemispheres. It is divided into three subtypes-alobar, semilobar and lobar. Encephalocele is a rare neural tube defect characterised by a defect in the cranial vault with herniation of brain parenchyma along with the overlying meninges. Author has reported a case of a male neonate born of a twin pregnancy to a 29-year-old primigravida presenting with a midline swelling in the frontal region. On imaging studies, the patient was diagnosed with semilobar holoprosencephaly and frontonasal encephalocele with dural arteriovenous fistula. Holoprosencephaly and encephalocoele are important congenital malformations; however association of the two conditions has been rarely described in the literature.
Sciatic Nerve and Lumbar Plexus Block for Below Knee Amputation- Newer Approach for Better Haemodynamic Stability and Patient Safety
Authors: Mehta Jigisha Bharatbhai , Naik Ganesh , Chauhan Dinesh
Published: April 2021

Patients undergoing lower extremity amputation may have multiple co-morbid conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal disorders and are at risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity. Peripheral nerve blocks are associated with minimal haemodynamic changes, improved regional blood flow and are ideal for high risk patients who cannot tolerate slightest attenuation in haemodynamic response. The present report is of a 50-year-old female patient admitted for below knee amputation surgery. Sciatic nerve and lumbar plexus block were the mode of anaesthesia. It was found that regional anaesthesia in the form of nerve block provided adequate anaesthesia and analgesia, provided greater haemodynamic stability and patient safety.
Chronic Pain and Depression: A Community Based Study in a Rural Area of West Bengal
Authors: Banerjee Niladri , DE Rajesh , Basu Rivu
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Chronic pain is one of the most neglected health problems throughout the world. A close association of depression with chronic pain adds to the burden. There is severe dearth of epidemiological studies regarding depression in chronic pain among general population in India. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic pain among the selected rural population and to find out association between chronic pain and depression, if any. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done with the objective of studying the relationships between socio-demographic factors, depression with characteristics of chronic pain among adult population in a community setting. Data was collected from 697 adult (>18 years) chronic pain (>12 weeks duration) sufferers chosen randomly with proportionate representation from all 81 villages of Amdanga block, West Bengal, through a household-based survey in cross-sectional design. A pre-designed, pre-tested structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic information where Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Physical Functional Ability Questionnaire (FAQ-5) were used. During analysis, indices representing perceived pain, impairment and functional ability were generated from the questionnaire by principal component analysis. Results: Low Back Pain (LBP) was found to be significantly higher among females that is 57.7% (p-value=0.022), followed by knee pain (54.8%). Age (p<0.001), Educational level (p<0.001), Income (p<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with perceived pain, impairment, and functional ability, which again show significant monotonic relationship with severity of depression. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is found in 9.04% (95% CI: 7.95%-10.13%) of chronic pain sufferers. Conclusion: Frequency of knee pain increases with aging, this points towards its degenerative nature. Perceived pain and impairment get higher while functional ability gets lower as the severity of depression increases.
Почему Земля вращается неравномерно и как это влияет на счет времени, "Природа"
Authors: Зотов Л.В. , Бизуар К.
Published: April 2021

2020 год признан научным климатическим сообществом одним из самых жарких на планете в последние десятилетия. Одновременно наблюдалось аномальное ускорение во вращении Земли. Продолжительность суток достигла минимума. В статье говорится о факторах, влияющих на вращение Земли, об их возможных взаимосвязях и следствиях.
Effect of Long-Term Quarantine on Mental Health Practices
Authors: Siva Jayant
Published: April 2021

The “Type of Article” of this paper is “Letter to the Editor”. This paper discuses about: “Effect of Long-Term Quarantine on Mental Health Practices”. No formal abstract is available. Readers are requested to read the full article.
Quantitative and Qualitative Impacts of Selected Arthropod Venoms on the Larval Haemogram of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Ghoneim Karem , Hamadah Khalid , Tanani Mohammad , Emam Dyaa
Published: April 2021

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the most destructive pest of honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), throughout the world. The present study was conducted to determine the quantitative and qualitative impairing effects of the arthropod venoms, viz., death stalker scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) venom (SV), oriental Hornet (wasp) Vespa orientalis Linnaeus venom (WV) and Apitoxin of A. mellifera (AP) on the larval haemogram. For this purpose, the 3rd instar larvae were treated with LC50 of each of these venoms (3428.9, 2412.6, and 956.16 ppm, respectively). The haematological investigation was conducted in haemolymph of the 5th and 7th (last) instar larvae. The important results could be summarized as follows. Five basic types of the freely circulating haemocytes in the haemolymph of last instar (7th) larvae of G. mellonella had been identified: Prohemocytes (PRs), Plasmatocytes (PLs), Granulocytes (GRs), Spherulocytes (SPs) and Oenocytoids (OEs). All venoms unexceptionally prohibited the larvae to produce normal hemocyte population (count). No certain trend of disturbance in the differential hemocyte counts of circulating hemocytes in larvae of G. mellonella after treatment with the arthropod venoms. Increasing or decreasing population of the circulating hemocytes seemed to depend on the potency of the venom, hemocyte type and the larval instar.  In PRs of last instar larvae, some cytopathological features had been observed after treatment with AP or WV, but SV failed to cause cytopathological features. With regard to PLs, some cytopathological features had been observed after treatment with AP while both SV and WV failed to cause cytopathological features in this hemocyte type. No venom exhibited cytopathological effects on GRs, SPs or OEs.
Synovial Fluid Analysis and Biopsy in Diagnosis of Joint Diseases
Authors: Singh Veena , Ganapathy Hemalatha , Thanka J.
Published: April 2021

Worldwide, Arthritis is a communal clinical incidence of joints, and very predominant chronic disease in India. To evaluate to affect 1% of world’s adult population. Biopsies of Synovial fluid are being done as an adjuvant technique to assist in the diagnosis of arthritis. It offers a non-invasive method to diagnose any condition of the joint like traumatic, non-inflammatory/ inflammatory. Cytomorphological examination of Synovial fluids received   in   the   Department   of   Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. To examine the   gross,   microscopic, biochemical and    microbiologic variations in   the   synovial fluid in percutaneous synovial biopsy along with synovial fluid analysis was studied in 102 enrolled cases of arthritis. The liquefied was subjected to physical, biochemical and cytological analysis. To correlate synovial fluid cytology with biopsies whenever possible to increase the accuracy   of diagnosis. Synovial fluid analysis plays an important role in categorizing various arthritis and thereby helps in arriving at a diagnosis early.
Soil health indicators and crop yield in a long‐term cropping system experiment
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Liptzin Daniel , Allen Brett L. , Rana‐Dangi Sadikshya
Published: April 2021

Soil health indicators that link to ecosystem services, such as water and nutrient cycling, crop yield, environmental quality, and biodiversity, are needed. We measured 65 soil physical, chemical, and biological properties as potential soil health indicators from a 36‐yr‐old tillage and cropping system experiment and related these properties to crop yield in eastern Montana. Tillage and cropping systems were fall and spring‐till continuous spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (FSTCW), no‐till continuous spring wheat (NTCW), no‐till spring wheat–barley (Hordeum vulgare L., 1984–1999) replaced by spring wheat–pea (Pisum sativum L., 2000–2019) (NTWP), and spring till spring wheat–fallow (STWF, traditional system). Soil aggregation and stability, Al, Cd, Fe, Mn, P, and Pb concentrations, soil organic matter, water‐extractable C and N, CO2 flush, β‐glucosidase, and autoclaved citrate‐extractable protein (ACEP) were lower, but bulk density was greater with STWF than other treatments. Mean crop yield across years was also lower with STWF than other treatments. Multivariate analysis indicated that most promising soil health indicators that related to crop yield were CO2 flush, KMnO4–extractable C, and Ca, Al, and Fe concentrations. Absence of crops during the fallow period reduced soil health indicators and crop yield with STWF compared to NTCW and NTWP. Because of significant response to management practices and relationship to crop yield, soil biological properties may be used in a routine test to measure soil health in addition to physical and chemical properties.
Liquid mixing intensification by adding swirling flow in the transverse jet mixer
Authors: Wu Bin , Li Chunhui , Zhang Mengxue , Luo Peicheng
Published: April 2021

In this study, effect of swirling addition on the liquid mixing behavior of multiorifice‐impinging transverse jet mixer has been investigated by planar laser‐induced fluorescence as well as large eddy simulation (LES). In the case of swirling addition into the jet flow, there exists an optimized swirling jet angle or optimized jet‐to‐cross velocity ratio for the fixed mixer configuration. A larger swirling jet angle will make the flow dominated by the swirling, resulting in a slower mixing process. Interaction of swirling crossflow with no‐swirling‐injected streams, or with swirling‐injected streams in the opposite direction is beneficial for the mixing. LES predictions show that many small vortices are produced homogenously due to intensified impingement in the case of opposite swirling directions, leading to a relative fast mixing process in few milliseconds. Whereas the mixing is restrained when the swirling directions of two flows are the same.
Light‐Controlled Tyrosine Nitration of Proteins
Authors: Long Tengfang , Liu Lei , Tao Youqi , Zhang Wanli , Quan Jiale , Zheng Jie , Hegemann Julian D. , Uesugi Motonari , Yao Wenbing , Tian Hong , Wang Huan
Published: April 2021

Tyrosine nitration of proteins is one of the most important oxidative post‐translational modifications in vivo. A major obstacle for its biochemical and physiological studies is the lack of efficient and chemoselective protein tyrosine nitration reagents. Herein, we report a generalizable strategy for light‐controlled protein tyrosine nitration by employing biocompatible dinitroimidazole reagents. Upon 390 nm irradiation, dinitroimidazoles efficiently convert tyrosine residues into 3‐nitrotyrosine residues in peptides and proteins with fast kinetics and high chemoselectivity under neutral aqueous buffer conditions. The incorporation of 3‐nitrotyrosine residues enhances the thermostability of lasso peptide natural products and endows murine tumor necrosis factor‐α with strong immunogenicity to break self‐tolerance. The light‐controlled time resolution of this method allows the investigation of the impact of tyrosine nitration on the self‐assembly behavior of α‐synuclein.
Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of some properties of the new symmetrical bisimine Ni(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) complexes derived from the monoimine ligand
Authors: Dilmen Portakal Eylem , Kaya Yeliz , Demirayak Emire , Karacan Yeldir Elif , Erçağ Ayşe , Kaya İsmet
Published: April 2021

The new symmetrical bisimine (ONNO donor, salen type) Ni(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) complexes were synthesized in one step from metal ions and monoimine ligand (HL: 4‐amino‐3‐{[(2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)methylidene]amino}phenyl)(phenyl)methanone). The complexes were characterized by analytical, spectral, conductance, magnetic, and thermal data. According to these analysis results, while the bisimine ligand, spontaneously forming during complexation, is attached to the metal by two nitrogen atoms and two phenolic oxygen atoms (N2O2) in all complexes, in the Fe(III) complex, the fifth coordination is completed by the chlorine molecule. A square pyramidal geometry for [FeLCl] and a square planar geometry for [NiL], [ZnL] were proposed. The three‐dimensional structure of [FeLC1] was also evaluated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and the square pyramidal structure was clearly revealed. The molar conductivity data of the complexes confirmed their nonelectrolytic nature. Poly(imine) (PL) was obtained by the oxidative polymerization reaction of HL, and some of its properties were investigated. The electrochemical properties of the ligand and the complexes were studied by means of cyclic voltammetry. Highest and lowest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energy levels and electrochemical band gaps were calculated. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) of the synthesized compounds were carried out. TGA results showed that the thermal stability of the complexes is high. The solid‐state electrical conductivities of the iodine doped states of the synthesized compounds were measured by the four‐point probe technique. PL has approximately 35 times higher electrical conductivity than the HL and complexes. Fluorescence‐sensor properties of HL were also investigated and predicted that HL could be a selective fluorescence probe for Pb2+.
Multivariate process control charts based on the Lp depth
Authors: Pandolfo Giuseppe , Iorio Carmela , Staiano Michele , Aria Massimo , Siciliano Roberta
Published: April 2021

Even if large historical dataset could be available for monitoring key quality features of a process via multivariate control charts, previous knowledge may not be enough to reliably identify or adopt a unique model for all the variables. When no specific parametric model turns out to be appropriate, some alternative solutions should be adopted and exploiting non‐parametric methods to build a control chart appears a reasonable choice. Among the possible non‐parametric statistical techniques, data depth functions are gaining a growing interest in multivariate quality control. Within the literature, several notions of depth are effective for this purpose, even in the case of deviation from the normality assumption. However, the use of the Lp depth for constructing non‐parametric multivariate control charts has been surprisingly neglected so far. Hence, the goal of this work is to investigate the behavior the Lp depth in the statistical process control and to compare its performances to those of the Mahalanobis depth, which is often adopted to build depth‐based control charts.
The Effect of GSM Electromagnetic Field Exposure on the Waking Electroencephalogram: Methodological Influences
Authors: Dalecki Anna , Verrender Adam , Loughran Sarah P. , Croft Rodney J.
Published: April 2021

Although there is consistent evidence that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) increases the spontaneous resting alpha spectral power of the electroencephalogram (EEG), the reliability of this evidence is uncertain as some studies have also failed to observe this effect. The present study aimed to determine whether the effect of RF‐EMF exposure on EEG alpha power depends on whether EEG is derived from eyes open or closed conditions and assessed earlier (<5‐min) versus later (>25‐min) in the exposure interval. Thirty‐six adults participated in three experimental sessions, each involving one exposure: “Sham,” “Low,” and “High” RF‐EMF corresponding to peak spatial specific absorption rates averaged over 10 g of 0, 1, and 2 W/kg, respectively. Resting EEG was recorded at baseline (no exposure), during, and after exposure. Alpha power increase was found to be greater for the eyes open than eyes closed EEG during both the High (P = 0.04) and Low (P = 0.04) RF‐EMF exposures. There was also a trend toward it being larger at the end, versus the start of the “High” 30‐min exposure (P < 0.01; eyes open condition). This suggests that the use of eyes closed conditions, and insufficient RF‐EMF exposure durations, are likely explanations for the failure of some studies to detect an RF‐EMF exposure‐related increase in alpha power, as such methodological choices decrease signal‐to‐noise ratios and increase type II error.
Development and teaching of a bioinformatics course to biochemistry major students in a Nigerian University during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Umar Aliyu Rabi'u , Hassan Wara Sanusi , Umar Dandare Shamsudeen , Salihu Shinkafi Tijjani , Yusha'u Muhammad Awwal , Hassan Yankuzo Mohammed
Published: April 2021

The influence of bioinformatics is pervasive affecting many biological disciplines resulting in changes in biosciences globally but not so in, Nigeria as the course is never taught in any public tertiary institution. This article describes development and teaching of bioinformatics integrated into bachelor's degree programme in biochemistry, during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Resources from the course are available for use by colleagues and students.
Applications of western blot technique: From bench to bedside
Authors: Meftahi Gholam Hossein , Bahari Zahra , Zarei Mahmoudabadi Ali , Iman Maryam , Jangravi Zohreh
Published: April 2021

Western blot (WB) or immunoblot is a workhorse method. It is commonly used by biologists for study of different aspects of protein biomolecules. In addition, it has been widely used in disease diagnosis. Despite some limitations such as long time, different applications of WB have not been limited. In the present review, we have summarized scientific and clinical applications of WB. In addition, we described some new generation of WB techniques.
Using the Interaction between Copper and Manganese to Stabilize Copper Single‐atom for CO Oxidation.
Authors: Jiang Mingzhu , Chen Jing , Gao Yanxia , Lv Xuelong , Yan Dongxu , Jia Hongpeng
Published: April 2021

The interaction between Cu and Mn has been used to immobilize the Cu single‐atom on MnO2 surface by redox‐driven hydrolysis. Comprehensive structure and property characterizations demonstrate that the existence of an Cu−Mn interaction on the catalyst surface can effectively restrain the aggregation of Cu single atoms and improve carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation activity. The interaction of forming the Cu−O−Mn entity is beneficial for CO catalytic activity as the migration of reactive oxygen species and the coordination effect of active centers accelerate the reaction. In particular, 3%‐Cu1/MnO2 shows an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) value (342.75 μmol/g) more than ten times that of pure MnO2 (27.79 μmol/g) and has high CO catalytic activity (T90%=80 °C), it can maintain CO conversion of 95 % after 15 cycles. This work offers a reliable method for synthesizing Cu single‐atom catalysts and deepens understanding of the interaction effect between single transition metal atoms and supports that can improve the catalytic activity of CO oxidation.
A hybrid fuzzy weighted centroid and extreme learning machine with crow‐particle optimization approach for solving localization problem in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Saravanan T. R.
Published: April 2021

The sensor nodes localization is very advantageous in wireless sensor network (WSN). This allows effective data transfer between the sensor node networks. Therefore, it saves energy and prolongs network life. Here, a hybrid FWCELM‐CPO method is proposed for solving the sensor node localization problem in WSN. The proposed hybrid method is executed in MATLAB, and the performance is analyzed with different existing algorithms like centroid, fuzzy centroid, and ELM. The simulation results show that the proposed FWCELM‐CPO method attains the higher detection rate of 14.117%, 5.435%, and 11.494%, higher segmentation accuracy of 9.556%, 26.41%, and 16%, lower execution time of 66.667%, 75%, and 70.37%, higher segmented region of 65.957%, 20%, and 44.444%, and higher precision of 34.72%, 18.29%, and 8.78% compared to the existing algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can be able to find the optimal global solutions efficiently with accurately.
Modulating Charge Carrier Efficient Separation Enabled by Lewis Base Modification in Paper‐based Photoelectrochemical Sensor
Authors: Yu Haihan , Sun Shubo , Tan Xiaoran , Zhang Lina , Gao Chaomin
Published: April 2021

The separation efficiency of charge carriers determines the analytical sensitivity of the paper‐based photoelectrochemical sensor. Herein, the Lewis base modification strategy is proposed to promote the carrier separation through an in‐situ ion exchange method. Firstly, three‐dimensional paper‐based hierarchically TiO2 (PHT) arrays are prepared with the one‐step hydrothermal method. With the aid of Lewis base, the photo‐induced charge separation efficiency and the photocurrent signal are obviously increased. Ultimately, sensitive sensing of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is achieved and the linear range is 1 pg/mL–100 ng/mL with the detection limitation of 0.3 pg/mL.
Electroformation of Pd‐modified Thin Film Electrocatalysts Using E‐ALD Technique
Authors: Mkhohlakali A. C. , Fuku X. , Modibedi R. M. , Khotseng L. E. , Mathe M. K.
Published: April 2021

Electrochemical atomic layer deposition was used to form bimetallic (BiPd, CuPd) and trimetallic (CuBiPd) thin films via surface‐confined reactions. Pd thin films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the alloy formation with preferred Au/Pd(111) orientation was confirmed by XRD. AFM revealed uniform grain distribution, with 3D islands growing on CuBiPd. EDX verified the presence of all deposited elements. Compared to other prepared catalysts, CuBiPd catalyst showed higher activity and stability towards the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), as confirmed by the peak current and onset potential trends, respectively: CuBiPd (1.35 mA, −0.450 V)>CuPd (0.6016 mA, −0.442 V)>BiPd (0.275 mA, −0.384 V)>Pd (0.186 mA, −0.350 V). The EOR current on CuBiPd improved by 2.5 folds relative to Pd. The results show that CuBiPd electrocatalyst is a promising material for EOR with enhanced catalytic properties for direct ethanol fuel cell
Inside Cover
Authors: Lazniewska Joanna , Darby Jack R. T. , Holman Stacey L. , Sorvina Alexandra , Plush Sally E. , Massi Massimiliano , Brooks Doug A. , Morrison Janna L.
Published: April 2021

Sheep models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were utilised to investigate metabolic changes in fetal perirenal adipose tissue (PAT). Using two‐photon microscopy, a decreased redox ratio was detected in IUGR fat. This was accompanied by changes in lipid droplet morphology, detected by confocal microscopy, and by altered expression of metabolic‐related genes. The results indicate that metabolic imbalance of fetal PAT may increase the chance of survival of growth‐restricted neonates.

Further details can be found in the article by Joanna Lazniewska, Jack R. T. Darby, Stacey L. Holman, Alexandra Sorvina, Sally E. Plush, Massimiliano Massi, Doug A. Brooks, and Janna L. Morrison (e202000322).

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Inside Cover
Authors: Subramanian Kaushikaram , Petzold Heike , Seelbinder Benjamin , Hersemann Lena , Nüsslein Ina , Kreysing Moritz
Published: April 2021

Biological cells are highly light scattering, largely precluding the optical access of light microscopes into living tissues. Using a scheme of mutation and high throughput optical selection, the authors present the directed evolution of mammalian cells towards increased transparency. The evolved cells replicate and reflect a physiological state, while showing strongly reduced light scattering, which motivates the authors to propose the generation of genetically enhanced, optically superior tissues (GHOSTs) to advance life microscopy.

Further details can be found in the article by Kaushikaram Subramanian, Heike Petzold, Benjamin Seelbinder, LenaHersemann, Ina Nüsslein, and Moritz Kreysing. (e202000457).

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Inside Cover
Authors: Won Jungeun , Porter Ryan G. , Novak Michael A. , Youakim Jon , Sum Ada , Barkalifa Ronit , Aksamitiene Edita , Zhang Anqi , Nolan Ryan , Shelton Ryan , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: April 2021

Air pressure‐driven movements of the eardrum were captured with a handheld probe‐based OCT system. The pneumaticdriven stiffness and time lag were compared between the normal ear and the ear with a middle ear infection.

Further details can be found in the article by Jungeun Won, Ryan G. Porter, Michael A. Novak, Jon Youakim, Ada Sum, Ronit Barkalifa, Edita Aksamitiene, Anqi Zhang, Ryan M. Nolan, Ryan L. Shelton, and Stephen A. Boppart (e202000215).

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A cost‐effective fluorination method for enhancing the performance of metal oxide thin‐film transistors
Authors: Deng Sunbin , Dong Shou‐Cheng , Chen Rongsheng , Zhong Wei , Li Guijun , Zhang Meng , Yeung Fion Sze Yan , Wong Man , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: April 2021

Fluorination is a common technique for enhancing the performance of metal oxide (MO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs). However, it usually requires extra processing steps under harsh conditions and brings about a high thermal budget. This work reports a mild fluorination method for MO TFTs using a fluorinated polyimide (F‐PI) in an industry‐standard planarization (PLN) process. During the thermal curing of the F‐PI, fluorine‐containing fragments diffused into MO channels and significantly improved the electrical performance of MO‐TFTs. Channel fluorination was observed in both bottom‐ and top‐gated devices, exemplifying the effectiveness of this method. A 2.2‐in., monochrome AMOLED prototype display was fabricated using the fluorinated MO TFTs. This method provides a mild and low‐thermal‐budget fluorination technique and is useful for the cost‐effective production of active‐matrix flat‐panel display panels.
Effect of latency on simulator sickness in smartphone virtual reality
Authors: Tošić Ivana , Hoffman David , Balram Nikhil
Published: April 2021

Virtual reality (VR) technologies have experienced rapid development in recent years, leading to low‐cost consumer smartphone VR systems (with 3DoF tracking). One issue with the smartphone VR systems, which rely on existing generic displays, is simulator sickness, which arises due to factors that induce sensory conflicts, especially related to visual–vestibular conflict. Display update latency with respect to head position is one of the most widely implicated factors for simulator sickness. However, studies of the effects of latency on simulator sickness have given inconsistent results. Moreover, these studies were done on systems with latencies much higher than current smartphone VR systems. Therefore, it is hard to generalize those results to today's VR systems. To address this, we present in this paper a study on the effect of latency on simulator sickness for latency levels around 20 ms. We present a systematic evaluation of simulator sickness in smartphone VR, testing for a difference between conditions with latencies of 18 and 28 ms, on a task of natural game playing in smartphone VR. We noted differences between individuals in their reported simulator sickness for the two latency conditions but no sample‐wide significant difference.
Through‐space 11B–27Al correlation: Influence of the recoupling channel
Authors: Zheng Mingji , Xin Shaohui , Wang Qiang , Trébosc Julien , Xu Jun , Qi Guodong , Feng Ningdong , Lafon Olivier , Deng Feng
Published: April 2021

Through‐space heteronuclear correlation (D‐HETCOR) experiments based on heteronuclear multiple‐quantum correlation (D‐HMQC) and refocused insensitive nuclei enhanced by polarization transfer (D‐RINEPT) sequences have been proven to be useful approaches for the detection of the spatial proximity between half‐integer quadrupolar nuclei in solids under magic‐angle spinning (MAS) conditions. The corresponding pulse sequences employ coherence transfers mediated by heteronuclear dipolar interactions, which are reintroduced under MAS by radiofrequency irradiation of only one of the two correlated nuclei. We investigate herein using numerical simulations of spin dynamics and solid‐state NMR experiments on magnesium aluminoborate glass how the choice of the channel to which the heteronuclear dipolar recoupling is applied affects the transfer efficiency of D‐HMQC and D‐RINEPT sequences between 11B and 27Al nuclei. Experimental results show that maximum transfer efficiency is achieved when the recoupling scheme is applied to the channel, for which the spin magnetization is parallel to the B0 axis in average.
Urodynamic evaluation before and after to RARP to identify pre and intraoperative factors affecting postoperative continence
Authors: Majima Tsuyoshi , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Funahashi Yasuhito , Kato Masashi , Sassa Naoto , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: April 2021

Aims

To investigate factors contributing to pre and postoperative urethral function in male patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the urethral pressure profile (UPP).

Methods

Study A

A total of 313 patients who underwent RARP between April 2013 and March 2015 were prospectively investigated. UPP was performed preoperatively in all patients. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate predictive factors for low preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP).

Study B

To validate the predictive factors for low preoperative MUCP obtained in Study A, 755 patients who underwent RARP between May 2010 and October 2017 were retrospectively examined. Relationships between the time to pad‐free status and the following factors were investigated: number of predictive factors, nerve‐sparing surgery, and vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) methods (barbed vs. nonbarbed suture).

Results

Study A

A total of 187 patients were enrolled. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, large prostate volume, low erectile function domain scores in International Index Erectile Function 15, and use of calcium channel blockers were significantly associated with low preoperative MUCP.

Study B

A total of 515 patients were included. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the number of predictive factors and VUA method were significantly associated with the time to pad‐free status.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that older age, larger prostate volume, poor erectile function, and calcium channel blocker use could be predictive markers for recovery from postprostatectomy urinary incontinence.