bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling students’ performance using graph convolutional networks
Authors: Mubarak Ahmed A. , Cao Han , Hezam Ibrahim M. , Hao Fei
Published: January 2022

Many models were recently proposed to classify students, relying on a large amount of pre-labeled data to verify their classification effectiveness. However, those models lack to accurately classify students into various behavioral patterns, employing nominal class labels, rather than ordinal ones. Meanwhile, such models cannot analyze high-dimensional learning behaviors among learners according to students’ interaction with course videos. Since online learning data are huge, the main challenges associated with data are insufficient labeling and classification using nominal class labels. In this study, we proposed a model based on Graph Convolutional Network, as a semi-supervised classification task to classify students’ engagement in various behavioral patterns. First, we proposed a label function to label datasets instead of manual labeling, in which input and output data are labeled for classification to provide a learning foundation for future data processing. Accordingly, we hypothesized four behavioral patterns, namely (“High-engagement”, “Normal-engagement”, “At-risk”, and “Potential-At-risk”) based on students' engagement with course videos and their performance on the assessments/quizzes conducted after. Then, we built a heterogeneous knowledge graph representing learners, course videos as entities, and capturing semantic relationships among students according to shared knowledge concepts in videos. Our model intrinsically works for heterogeneous knowledge graphs as a semi-supervised node classification task. It was evaluated on a real-world dataset across multiple settings to achieve a better predictive classification model. Experiment results showed that the proposed model can predict with an accuracy of 84% and an f1-score of 78% compared to baseline approaches.
Civil Dispute Resolution
Authors: Willis Sonya
Published: January 2022

Understanding how to resolve conflicts between private parties is essential for Australian lawyers. Civil Dispute Resolution: Balancing Themes and Theory presents a comprehensive framework within which both civil procedure and alternative dispute resolution are addressed. This framework, based on balancing competing objectives of dispute resolution, simplifies and explains the many aspects of resolving disagreements between private parties. The book guides readers through every aspect of civil dispute resolution including the interaction between negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation as means to resolve civil disputes and the many stages of litigation, from the commencement of proceedings through to judgment and enforcement. The balancing themes are applied to demystify the resolution of civil disputes, including the role of specialist courts and tribunals, alternatives to court, pleadings, gathering documentary and witness evidence, legal costs, and trial preparation and attendance.
The Kind of Blame Skeptics Should Be Skeptical About
Authors: Menges Leonhard
Published: January 2022

Skepticism about blameworthiness says that there is good reason to doubt that, in our world, humans are ever blameworthy for their deeds. A significant problem for the discussion of this view is that it is unclear how to understand the kind of blame that should be at issue. This paper makes a new proposal. The basic idea is that the kind of blame skeptics should be skeptical about is constituted by responses that can violate the targets’ claims and by the responders’ thought that the targets have forfeited this claim because of their morally objectionable actions and because of how they were when they performed them. This view identifies an important part of our everyday lives and frames discussions about skepticism about blameworthiness in a new way.
Stokes flows in three-dimensional fluids with odd and parity-violating viscosities
Authors: Khain Tali , Scheibner Colin , Fruchart Michel , Vitelli Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

The Stokes equation describes the motion of fluids when inertial forces are negligible compared with viscous forces. In this article, we explore the consequence of parity-violating and non-dissipative (i.e. odd) viscosities on Stokes flows in three dimensions. Parity-violating viscosities are coefficients of the viscosity tensor that are not invariant under mirror reflections of space, while odd viscosities are those which do not contribute to dissipation of mechanical energy. These viscosities can occur in systems ranging from synthetic and biological active fluids to magnetized and rotating fluids. We first systematically enumerate all possible parity-violating viscosities compatible with cylindrical symmetry, highlighting their connection to potential microscopic realizations. Then, using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, we analyse the effects of parity-violating viscosities on the Stokeslet solution, on the flow past a sphere or a bubble and on many-particle sedimentation. In all the cases that we analyse, parity-violating viscosities give rise to an azimuthal flow even when the driving force is parallel to the axis of cylindrical symmetry. For a few sedimenting particles, the azimuthal flow bends the trajectories compared with a traditional Stokes flow. For a cloud of particles, the azimuthal flow impedes the transformation of the spherical cloud into a torus and the subsequent breakup into smaller parts that would otherwise occur. The presence of azimuthal flows in cylindrically symmetric systems (sphere, bubble, cloud of particles) can serve as a probe for parity-violating viscosities in experimental systems.
Staff Augmentation during Disaster Response
Authors: Fairley Romeo , Emanuel Tatiana , Goettl Bradley
Published: January 2022

This article outlines a disaster medicine team response to the Texas-Mexico border during a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge. The team consisted of emergency medicine attending providers, as well as a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant, who were asked to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) under the guidance of an intensivist. The article highlights the medicolegal and ethical implications of providers working outside of their designated scope of practice. A framework for future staff augmentation during a disaster is explained.
Linking Total Precipitable Water to Precipitation Extremes Globally
Authors: Kim Seokhyeon , Sharma Ashish , Wasko Conrad , Nathan Rory
Published: January 2022

The relationship between extreme precipitation (EP) and precipitable water (W) is useful to assess design extremes and speculate on their expected changes with rising global temperatures. This study investigates the relationship between daily and longer‐duration EP and corresponding W at a global scale by analyzing remote‐sensed and reanalysis data sets from 2003 to 2019. An assessment of the consistency in the temporal trend across various W data sets reveals a consistent statistically significant upward trend during the period. This upward trend, while predominant worldwide, is especially significant over tropical land regions. W is found to generally be positively correlated with surface (dew point) temperature, suggesting a rise in temperature will cause a greater W over time. To assess whether EPs occur coincident with extreme W, the Concurrent Extremes Index (CEI) is proposed, which compares the cumulative distribution functions between the two variables and assumes a value of unity if ranks of the EP series are identical to that of the coincident W series, and zero with no correspondence. For EP (defined as the five largest 1‐day events per year on average), a high CEI is pronounced across the tropics, except for rainforests. The W‐EP relationship is noticeably weakened in nontropics, except the inland regions of North America and East Asia. An assessment indicates that as the duration of the EP becomes longer, the influence of W on EP decreases. However, the contrast in the W‐EP relationship between the tropics and nontropics is found to become more pronounced as longer‐duration EPs are considered.
Iron Exports From Catchments Are Constrained by Redox Status and Topography
Authors: Tittel Jörg , Büttner Olaf , Friese Kurt , Lechtenfeld Oliver J. , Schuth Stephan , von Tümpling Wolf , Musolff Andreas
Published: January 2022

Fe(III) hydroxides stabilize organic carbon (OC) and P in soils. Observations of rising stream Fe concentrations are controversially posited to result from a flushing of iron‐rich deeper soil layers or a decrease of competing electron acceptors inhibiting Fe reduction (and). Here, we argue that catchment topography constrains the release of Fe, OC, and P to streams. We therefore incubated organic topsoil and mineral subsoil and modified the availability of. We found that Fe leaching was highest in topsoil. Fe, OC, and P released at quantities proportional to their ratios in the source soil. Supply ofreduced Fe leaching to 18% and increased pore water OC:Fe and P:Fe ratios. Subsoil, however, was an insignificant Fe source (<0.5%). Here, the leached quantities of Fe, OC and P were highly disproportionate to the soil source with an excess of released OC and P. We tested if experimental findings scale up using data from 88 German catchments representing gradients inconcentration and topography. Average stream Fe concentrations increased with decreasingand were high in catchments with shallow topography where high groundwater levels support reductive processes and topsoils are hydrologically connected to streams; but Fe concentrations were low in catchments with steep topography where flow occurs primarily through subsoils. OC:Fe and P:Fe ratios in the streams similarly varied byand topography. This corroborates the findings from the laboratory experiment and suggests that catchment topography and competing electron acceptors constrain the formation of Fe‐reducing conditions and control the release of Fe, OC, and P to streams.
Pinpointing Early Signs of Impending Slope Failures From Space
Authors: Zhou Shuo , Tordesillas Antoinette , Intrieri Emanuele , Di Traglia Federico , Qian Guoqi , Catani Filippo
Published: January 2022

A promised potential of spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radars (InSAR) is a capability for regularly monitoring ground deformation with millimeter accuracy, for timely forecasting of impending natural hazards such as landslides. The main limitation in InSAR being actually capable of unleashing this potential for hazard prediction is that key precursory ground displacements are, in the majority of cases, a very small subset of the entire big data set provided by the method over large regions. Consequently, pinpointing a single impending failure may become very difficult or impossible. We develop a data‐driven framework that can handle such imbalanced spatiotemporal data based on the concept of outlying aspects mining, to find a subset of features out of a collection of potential features, which best distinguishes the landslide source area from the others. We show that the identified feature subspace can be used to find anomalous areas across multiple spatial scales, such that Sentinel‐1 satellite monitoring points which persistently lie in these areas can accurately detect the location of the Xinmo landslide (China) almost 1 year in advance—without false alarms. In a second case study, we identify the area affected by rockfalls on Stromboli volcano, a task that is generally infeasible with traditional methods applied to InSAR data. With continuing improvements in the spatial and temporal resolution from the new generation of satellites, such as Sentinel‐1, this approach opens the door to reliable and early prediction of failure over a broad range of slope instabilities.
Explaining Structural Difference Between the Eastern and Western Zones of the Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea: Insights From Scaled Physical Models
Authors: Yang Gengxiong , Yin Hongwei , Gan Jun , Wang Wei , Zhu Jitian , Jia Dong , Xiong Xiaofeng , Xu Wenqiao
Published: January 2022

The western and eastern zones of the Qiongdongnan Basin (China) show clear contrasts in sub‐basin distribution, fault orientation, and structural styles. Generally, pre‐existing structures are considered to control such differences, that is, NE‐striking main faults in the western zone underwent orthogonal stretching, while E–W‐ and NE‐striking faults in the eastern zone underwent oblique stretching. In addition to the influence of the pre‐existing structures, we suggest that depth‐dependent stretching controlled by the strength of the lower crust together with a change in extension direction may also affect the structural differences of the western and eastern Qiongdongnan Basin. In this study, we use physical analog modeling to explain the structural differences between the eastern and western zones of the Qiongdongnan Basin with the main variables being the strength of the lower crust and a change in extension direction. The model with weak lower crust is successful in accounting for the observed first‐order structural characteristics of this basin. This finding indicates that the rift formation is depth‐dependent and controlled by the orientation of the velocity discontinuities (VDs) and thus the extension direction. Experiment with a change of the extensional direction and weak lower crust reveal that the pre‐existing VDs mainly control the structural belts’ location and fault strikes; some minor structures (late features) respond to the extension change, whereas the main faults are inherited and developed from the previous stage of deformation.
Trophic flexibility of marine diplonemids - switching from osmotrophy to bacterivory
Authors: Prokopchuk Galina , Korytář Tomáš , Juricová Valéria , Majstorović Jovana , Horák Aleš , Šimek Karel , Lukeš Julius
Published: January 2022

Diplonemids are one of the most abundant groups of heterotrophic planktonic microeukaryotes in the world ocean and, thus, are likely to play an essential role in marine ecosystems. So far, only few species have been introduced into a culture, allowing basic studies of diplonemid genetics, morphology, ultrastructure, metabolism, as well as endosymbionts. However, it remains unclear whether these heterotrophic flagellates are parasitic or free-living and what are their predominant dietary patterns and preferred food items. Here we show that cultured diplonemids, maintained in an organic-rich medium as osmotrophs, can gradually switch to bacterivory as a sole food resource, supporting positive growth of their population, even when fed with a low biovolume of bacteria. We further observed remarkable differences in species-specific feeding patterns, size-selective grazing preferences, and distinct feeding strategies. Diplonemids can discriminate between low-quality food items and inedible particles, such as latex beads, even after their ingestion, by discharging them in the form of large waste vacuoles. We also detected digestion-related endogenous autofluorescence emitted by lysosomes and the activity of a melanin-like material. We present the first evidence that these omnipresent protists possess an opportunistic lifestyle that provides a considerable advantage in the generally food resource-limited marine environments.
Intra-crystalline mesoporous zeolite encapsulation-derived thermally robust metal nanocatalyst in deep oxidation of light alkanes
Authors: Peng Honggen , Dong Tao , Yang Shenyou , Chen Hao , Yang Zhenzhen , Liu Wenming , He Chi , Wu Peng , Tian Jinshu , Peng Yue , Chu Xuefeng , Wu Daishe , An Taicheng , Wang Yong , Dai Sheng
Published: January 2022

Zeolite-confined metal nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention owing to their superior sintering resistance and broad applications for thermal and environmental catalytic reactions. However, the pore size of the conventional zeolites is usually below 2 nm, and reactants are easily blocked to access the active sites. Herein, a facile in situ mesoporogen-free strategy is developed to design and synthesize palladium (Pd) NPs enveloped in a single-crystalline zeolite (silicalite-1, S-1) with intra-mesopores (termed Pd@IM-S-1). Pd@IM-S-1 exhibited remarkable light alkanes deep oxidation performances, and it should be attributed to the confinement and guarding effect of the zeolite shell and the improvement in mass-transfer efficiency and active metal sites accessibility. The Pd−PdO interfaces as a new active site can provide active oxygen species to the first C−H cleavage of light alkanes. This work exemplifies a promising strategy to design other high-performance intra-crystalline mesoporous zeolite-confined metal/metal oxide catalysts for high-temperature industrial thermal catalysis.
Modeling uniquely human gene regulatory function via targeted humanization of the mouse genome
Authors: Dutrow Emily V. , Emera Deena , Yim Kristina , Uebbing Severin , Kocher Acadia A. , Krenzer Martina , Nottoli Timothy , Burkhardt Daniel B. , Krishnaswamy Smita , Louvi Angeliki , Noonan James P.
Published: January 2022

The evolution of uniquely human traits likely entailed changes in developmental gene regulation. Human Accelerated Regions (HARs), which include transcriptional enhancers harboring a significant excess of human-specific sequence changes, are leading candidates for driving gene regulatory modifications in human development. However, insight into whether HARs alter the level, distribution, and timing of endogenous gene expression remains limited. We examined the role of the HARHACNS1(HAR2) in human evolution by interrogating its molecular functions in a genetically humanized mouse model. We find thatHACNS1maintains its human-specific enhancer activity in the mouse embryo and modifies expression ofGbx2, which encodes a transcription factor, during limb development. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrate thatGbx2is upregulated in the limb chondrogenic mesenchyme ofHACNS1homozygous embryos, supporting thatHACNS1alters gene expression in cell types involved in skeletal patterning. Our findings illustrate that humanized mouse models provide mechanistic insight into how HARs modified gene expression in human evolution.
Deciphering the mechanism of processive ssDNA digestion by the Dna2-RPA ensemble
Authors: Shen Jiangchuan , Zhao Yiling , Pham Nhung Tuyet , Li Yuxi , Zhang Yixiang , Trinidad Jonathan , Ira Grzegorz , Qi Zhi , Niu Hengyao
Published: January 2022

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) commonly occurs as intermediates in DNA metabolic pathways. The ssDNA binding protein, RPA, not only protects the integrity of ssDNA, but also directs the downstream factor that signals or repairs the ssDNA intermediate. However, it remains unclear how these enzymes/factors outcompete RPA to access ssDNA. Using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, we find that Dna2 — a key nuclease in DNA replication and repair — employs a bimodal interface to act with RPA both in cis and in trans. The cis-activity makes RPA a processive unit for Dna2-catalyzed ssDNA digestion, where RPA delivers its bound ssDNA to Dna2. On the other hand, activity in trans is mediated by an acidic patch on Dna2, which enables it to function with a sub-optimal amount of RPA, or to overcome DNA secondary structures. The trans-activity mode is not required for cell viability, but is necessary for effective double strand break (DSB) repair.
Bridging pico-to-nanonewtons with a ratiometric force probe for monitoring nanoscale polymer physics before damage
Authors: Kotani Ryota , Yokoyama Soichi , Nobusue Shunpei , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Osuka Atsuhiro , Yabu Hiroshi , Saito Shohei
Published: January 2022

Understanding the transmission of nanoscale forces in the pico-to-nanonewton range is important in polymer physics. While physical approaches have limitations in analyzing the local force distribution in condensed environments, chemical analysis using force probes is promising. However, there are stringent requirements for probing the local forces generated before structural damage. The magnitude of those forces corresponds to the range below covalent bond scission (from 200 pN to several nN) and above thermal fluctuation (several pN). Here, we report a conformationally flexible dual-fluorescence force probe with a theoretically estimated threshold of approximately 100 pN. This probe enables ratiometric analysis of the distribution of local forces in a stretched polymer chain network. Without changing the intrinsic properties of the polymer, the force distribution was reversibly monitored in real time. Chemical control of the probe location demonstrated that the local stress concentration is twice as biased at crosslinkers than at main chains, particularly in a strain-hardening region. Due to the high sensitivity, the percentage of the stressed force probes was estimated to be more than 1000 times higher than the activation rate of a conventional mechanophore.
Mechanically robust supramolecular polymer co-assemblies
Authors: Sautaux Julien , Marx Franziska , Gunkel Ilja , Weder Christoph , Schrettl Stephen
Published: January 2022

Supramolecular polymers are formed through non-covalent, directional interactions between monomeric building blocks. The assembly of these materials is reversible, which enables functions such as healing, repair, or recycling. However, supramolecular polymers generally fail to match the mechanical properties of conventional commodity plastics. Here we demonstrate how strong, stiff, tough, and healable materials can be accessed through the combination of two metallosupramolecular polymers with complementary mechanical properties that feature the same metal-ligand complex as binding motif. Co-assembly yields materials with micro-phase separated hard and soft domains and the mechanical properties can be tailored by simply varying the ratio of the two constituents. On account of toughening and physical cross-linking effects, this approach affords materials that display higher strength, toughness, or failure strain than either metallosupramolecular polymer alone. The possibility to combine supramolecular building blocks in any ratio further permits access to compositionally graded objects with a spatially modulated mechanical behavior.
53BP1 regulates heterochromatin through liquid phase separation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Geng Xinran , Wang Fangfang , Tang Jinshan , Ichida Yu , Sharma Arishya , Jin Sora , Chen Mingyue , Tang Mingliang , Pozo Franklin Mayca , Wang Wenxiu , Wang Janet , Wozniak Michal , Guo Xiaoxia , Miyagi Masaru , Jin Fulai , Xu Yongjie , Yao Xinsheng , Zhang Youwei
Published: January 2022

Human 53BP1 is primarily known as a key player in regulating DNA double strand break (DSB) repair choice; however, its involvement in other biological process is less well understood. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized function of 53BP1 at heterochromatin, where it undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with the heterochromatin protein HP1α in a mutually dependent manner. Deletion of 53BP1 results in a reduction in heterochromatin centers and the de-repression of heterochromatic tandem repetitive DNA. We identify domains and residues of 53BP1 required for its LLPS, which overlap with, but are distinct from, those involved in DSB repair. Further, 53BP1 mutants deficient in DSB repair, but proficient in LLPS, rescue heterochromatin de-repression and protect cells from stress-induced DNA damage and senescence. Our study suggests that in addition to DSB repair modulation, 53BP1 contributes to the maintenance of heterochromatin integrity and genome stability through LLPS.
Solution-processable, soft, self-adhesive, and conductive polymer composites for soft electronics
Authors: Tan Peng , Wang Haifei , Xiao Furui , Lu Xi , Shang Wenhui , Deng Xiaobo , Song Huafeng , Xu Ziyao , Cao Junfeng , Gan Tiansheng , Wang Ben , Zhou Xuechang
Published: January 2022

Soft electronics are rising electronic technologies towards applications spanning from healthcare monitoring to medical implants. However, poor adhesion strength and significant mechanical mismatches inevitably cause the interface failure of devices. Herein we report a self-adhesive conductive polymer that possesses low modulus (56.1-401.9 kPa), high stretchability (700%), high interfacial adhesion (lap-shear strength >1.2 MPa), and high conductivity (1-37 S/cm). The self-adhesive conductive polymer is fabricated by doping the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) composite with a supramolecular solvent (β-cyclodextrin and citric acid). We demonstrated the solution process-based fabrication of self-adhesive conductive polymer-based electrodes for various soft devices, including alternating current electroluminescent devices, electromyography monitoring, and an integrated system for the visualization of electromyography signals during muscle training with an array of alternating current electroluminescent devices. The self-adhesive conductive polymer-based electronics show promising features to further develop wearable and comfortable bioelectronic devices with the physiological electric signals of the human body readable and displayable during daily activities.
Mid-infrared emissivity of partially dehydrated asteroid (162173) Ryugu shows strong signs of aqueous alteration
Authors: Hamm M. , Grott M. , Senshu H. , Knollenberg J. , de Wiljes J. , Hamilton V. E. , Scholten F. , Matz K. D. , Bates H. , Maturilli A. , Shimaki Y. , Sakatani N. , Neumann W. , Okada T. , Preusker F. , Elgner S. , Helbert J. , Kührt E. , Ho T.-M. , Tanaka S. , Jaumann R. , Sugita S.
Published: January 2022

The near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu, the target of Hayabusa2 space mission, was observed via both orbiter and the lander instruments. The infrared radiometer on the MASCOT lander (MARA) is the only instrument providing spectrally resolved mid-infrared (MIR) data, which is crucial for establishing a link between the asteroid material and meteorites found on Earth. Earlier studies revealed that the single boulder investigated by the lander belongs to the most common type found on Ryugu. Here we show the spectral variation of Ryugu’s emissivity using the complete set of in-situ MIR data and compare it to those of various carbonaceous chondritic meteorites, revealing similarities to the most aqueously altered ones, as well as to asteroid (101955) Bennu. The results show that Ryugu experienced strong aqueous alteration prior to any dehydration.
Evidence that the Ser192Tyr/Arg402Gln in cis Tyrosinase gene haplotype is a disease-causing allele in oculocutaneous albinism type 1B (OCA1B)
Authors: Lin Siying , Sanchez-Bretaño Aida , Leslie Joseph S. , Williams Katie B. , Lee Helena , Thomas N. Simon , Callaway Jonathan , Deline James , Ratnayaka J. Arjuna , Baralle Diana , Schmitt Melanie A. , Norman Chelsea S. , Hammond Sheri , Harlalka Gaurav V. , Ennis Sarah , Cross Harold E. , Wenger Olivia , Crosby Andrew H. , Baple Emma L. , Self Jay E.
Published: January 2022

Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1) is caused by pathogenic variants in theTYR(tyrosinase) gene which encodes the critical and rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. It is the most common OCA subtype found in Caucasians, accounting for ~50% of cases worldwide. The apparent ‘missing heritability’ in OCA is well described, with ~25–30% of clinically diagnosed individuals lacking two clearly pathogenic variants. Here we undertook empowered genetic studies in an extensive multigenerational Amish family, alongside a review of previously published literature, a retrospective analysis of in-house datasets, and tyrosinase activity studies. Together this provides irrefutable evidence of the pathogenicity of two commonTYRvariants, p.(Ser192Tyr) and p.(Arg402Gln) when inherited incisalongside a pathogenicTYRvariant intrans. We also show that homozygosity for the p.(Ser192Tyr)/p.(Arg402Gln)TYRhaplotype results in a very mild, but fully penetrant, albinism phenotype. Together these data underscore the importance of including theTYRp.(Ser192Tyr)/p.(Arg402Gln) incishaplotype as a pathogenic allele causative of OCA, which would likely increase molecular diagnoses in this missing heritability albinism cohort by 25–50%.
A 6-mRNA host response classifier in whole blood predicts outcomes in COVID-19 and other acute viral infections
Authors: Buturovic Ljubomir , Zheng Hong , Tang Benjamin , Lai Kevin , Kuan Win Sen , Gillett Mark , Santram Rahul , Shojaei Maryam , Almansa Raquel , Nieto Jose Ángel , Muñoz Sonsoles , Herrero Carmen , Antonakos Nikolaos , Koufargyris Panayiotis , Kontogiorgi Marina , Damoraki Georgia , Liesenfeld Oliver , Wacker James , Midic Uros , Luethy Roland , Rawling David , Remmel Melissa , Coyle Sabrina , Liu Yiran E. , Rao Aditya M. , Dermadi Denis , Toh Jiaying , Jones Lara Murphy , Donato Michele , Khatri Purvesh , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Sweeney Timothy E.
Published: January 2022

Predicting the severity of COVID-19 remains an unmet medical need. Our objective was to develop a blood-based host-gene-expression classifier for the severity of viral infections and validate it in independent data, including COVID-19. We developed a logistic regression-based classifier for the severity of viral infections and validated it in multiple viral infection settings including COVID-19. We used training data (N = 705) from 21 retrospective transcriptomic clinical studies of influenza and other viral illnesses looking at a preselected panel of host immune response messenger RNAs. We selected 6 host RNAs and trained logistic regression classifier with a cross-validation area under curve of 0.90 for predicting 30-day mortality in viral illnesses. Next, in 1417 samples across 21 independent retrospective cohorts the locked 6-RNA classifier had an area under curve of 0.94 for discriminating patients with severe vs. non-severe infection. Next, in independent cohorts of prospectively (N = 97) and retrospectively (N = 100) enrolled patients with confirmed COVID-19, the classifier had an area under curve of 0.89 and 0.87, respectively, for identifying patients with severe respiratory failure or 30-day mortality. Finally, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal gene expression assay for the 6-messenger-RNA panel to facilitate implementation as a rapid assay. With further study, the classifier could assist in the risk assessment of COVID-19 and other acute viral infections patients to determine severity and level of care, thereby improving patient management and reducing healthcare burden.
Improving the anti-ageing activity of coenzyme Q10 through protransfersome-loaded emulgel
Authors: Ayunin Qurrota , Miatmoko Andang , Soeratri Widji , Erawati Tristiana , Susanto Joni , Legowo Djoko
Published: January 2022

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally produced organic molecule which acts as an antioxidant agent, including in skin anti-ageing, and plays a major role in the social determinants of health. However, its level in the body will decrease during ageing. Therefore, an external supplement is required to repair damaged skin, especially the skin dermis layer. This study aims to evaluate the use of a protransfersomal emulgel to improve the skin delivery and stability of CoQ10 which demonstrates low water solubility, poor permeability and instability. CoQ10 was initially dissolved in oleic acid at a weight ratio of 1:56. Protransfersome was then loaded with CoQ10 (Protransf-CoQ10) and prepared using a composition of L-α-Phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80 at a molar ratio of 85:15. The Protransf-CoQ10 was dispersed in an emulgel base consisting of Tween 80 and Span 80 to produce Protransf-CoQ10 emulgel. The in vivo studies of anti-aging activity and irritability were further evaluated by applying daily 200 mg of emulgels twice a day to a 4 cm2 section on the back of a UV-ray aging-induced male Balb/c mouse 20 min before irradiation. The results showed that Protransf-CoQ10 could transform into transfersomal vesicles with particle sizes of approximately 201.5 ± 6.1 nm and a zeta potential of − 11.26 ± 5.14 mV. The dispersion of Protransf-CoQ10 into emulgel base resulted in stable Protransf-CoQ10 Emulgel during 28 days of observation at low temperatures. Moreover, the in vivo study revealed that Protransf-CoQ10 Emulgel successfully increases the collagen density and number of fibroblast cells in UV radiation skin-aged induced-mice which reflects its potential for repairing the skin ageing process. In addition, the 24-h topical application of Protransf-CoQ10 Emulgel showed that no erythema or skin rash was observed during the study. In conclusion, loading CoQ10 into protransfersomal Emulgel successfully enhanced the stability and anti-ageing efficacy enabling its potential use as anti-ageing cosmetics.
A retrospective study of sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium in critically ill patients in the ICU
Authors: Bologheanu Răzvan , Lichtenegger Paul , Maleczek Mathias , Laxar Daniel , Schaden Eva , Kimberger Oliver
Published: January 2022

Sugammadex has been approved for reversal of neuromuscular blockade by vecuronium and rocuronium in adults undergoing surgery. Although widely used in the operating room, sugammadex has not been investigated in the intensive care unit setting. This study aimed to evaluate the use of sugammadex in critically ill patients with a focus on known drug-related adverse reactions. In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, 91 critically ill patients who were administered sugammadex while in the ICU were evaluated. Electronic health records were reviewed, and baseline data, as well as indication and incidence of complications possibly related to sugammadex, were retrospectively collected. The most common procedures requiring neuromuscular blockade followed by reversal with sugammadex were bronchoscopy, percutaneous dilatative tracheostomy, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Within 2 h following administration of sugammadex, skin rash and use of antihistamines were reported in 4 patients (4.4%) in total; bradycardia was observed in 9 patients (9.9%), and respiratory adverse events were described in 3 patients (3.3%). New-onset bleeding up to 24 h after sugammadex was reported in 7 patients (7.7%), 3of whom received transfusions of packed red blood cells. Sugammadex was well tolerated in critically ill patients and could be considered for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in this population. Larger prospective studies are required to determine the safety profile and evaluate the potential benefit and indications of sugammadex in the critical care setting.
A template-free, more environmentally friendly approach for glass micro-texturing
Authors: Jin Yuhui , Li Aize , Stewart Ross J. , Hancock Robert R. , Baker David E. , Yongsunthon Ruchirej , Hughes Kelleen K. , Weidman David L.
Published: January 2022

Micron and nanometer size textured silicate glass surfaces are of interest in consumer electronics, photovoltaics, and biosensing applications. Typically, texturing glass surfaces requires applying a patterned mask or a pre-etching treatment (e.g. sandblasting) on the glass substrate, followed by a mask transferring or etching process using a fluoride-containing compound. The major challenges of such a process are the complexity and cost of masking, and the safety and environmental concerns around the usage and disposal of hydrofluoric acid. Here, we describe a template-free method to construct micron-sized and submicron-sized texture on isotropic glass surfaces in one step. The new texturing mechanisms are well supported by experimental data and peridynamic simulations. With this novel strategy, the etchant uses fluoride-free chemicals such as citric acid to texture silicate glass. Etchant concentration, etch temperature, time, and additives are the primary parameters that dictate the texturing process. Surface feature size and depth can be independently controlled by tuning the leaching and chemical polishing process. We hope this study can trigger more research on novel and more environmentally friendly texturing of isotropic materials.
Two short low complexity regions (LCRs) are hallmark sequences of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant spike protein
Authors: Becerra Arturo , Muñoz-Velasco Israel , Aguilar-Cámara Abelardo , Cottom-Salas Wolfgang , Cruz-González Adrián , Vázquez-Salazar Alberto , Hernández-Morales Ricardo , Jácome Rodrigo , Campillo-Balderas José Alberto , Lazcano Antonio
Published: January 2022

Low complexity regions (LCRs) are protein sequences formed by a set of compositionally biased residues. LCRs are extremely abundant in cellular proteins and have also been reported in viruses, where they may partake in evasion of the host immune system. Analyses of 28,231 SARS-CoV-2 whole proteomes and of 261,051 spike protein sequences revealed the presence of four extremely conserved LCRs in the spike protein of several SARS-CoV-2 variants. With the exception of Iota, where it is absent, the Spike LCR-1 is present in the signal peptide of 80.57% of the Delta variant sequences, and in other variants of concern and interest. The Spike LCR-2 is highly prevalent (79.87%) in Iota. Two distinctive LCRs are present in the Delta spike protein. The Delta Spike LCR-3 is present in 99.19% of the analyzed sequences, and the Delta Spike LCR-4 in 98.3% of the same set of proteins. These two LCRs are located in the furin cleavage site and HR1 domain, respectively, and may be considered hallmark traits of the Delta variant. The presence of the medically-important point mutations P681R and D950N in these LCRs, combined with the ubiquity of these regions in the highly contagious Delta variant opens the possibility that they may play a role in its rapid spread.
A prospective randomized study, use of closed suction drainage after revision hip arthroplasty may lead to excessive blood loss
Authors: Bartosz Paweł , Grzelecki Dariusz , Chaberek Sławomir , Para Marcin , Marczyński Wojciech , Białecki Jerzy
Published: January 2022

Suction drainage after primary total hip arthroplasties (THA) offers no benefits. Revision hip arthroplasties (RHA) are more demanding procedures and associated with greater blood loss compared to primary cases. There is still a lack of literature regarding the application of drainage in RHA. A total of 40 patients who underwent RHA were included in this prospective study. Simple randomization with an allocation ratio 1:1 was performed. Primary outcomes: total blood loss, hemoglobin drop, joint hematoma size in USG, infection. Secondary outcomes: blood transfusion rate, soft tissue hematomas, C-reactive protein levels, Visual Analogue Scale before and on 3rd day after surgery, Harris Hip Score before and 6 weeks after surgery. An intention to treat analysis was performed, with a 2-year follow up. Statistically significant differences between groups was in blood loss: drainage 1559.78 ml, non-drainage 1058.27 ml, (p = 0.029) and hemoglobin level on 1st day after surgery: drainage 10.58 g/dl, non-drainage 11.61 g/dl (p = 0.0496). In terms of the other analyzed parameters, statistical differences were not found. Our study revealed that the use of suction drainage may lead to higher blood loss in the early postoperative period. Further studies are needed to evaluate our results.
Oral Processing: A Dental Perspective
Authors: Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas
Published: January 2022

The dental aspects of oral processing include the systematic size reduction of food particles, the oral physiology of mastication, the biomechanics of the masticatory act, and the subjective and objective methods of assessing mastication. The main body parts involved in mastication are the dentition, the temporomaandibular joints, the masticatory muscles, the tongue and other accessory organs, the saliva, and the neuronal control of all these parts. Mastication is typically described as a four-step procedure, starting with the transport of food from the front teeth to the molars (stage I transport), followed by two discrete, but coordinated, actions (mastication) that are repeated until a swallowable bolus is formed. Typical chewing cycles result from rhythmic jaw movements that reduce the food to a bolus via tooth intercuspation and strong jaw-closer muscle activity. The assessment of mastication is a complex task performed through both subjective and objective means. Changes in dentition status and ageing lead to serious changes in mastication, which may be reversible through prosthodontic interventions. Maintaining or incorporating teeth with an accentuated occlusal profile and an individualized occlusal concept may help aged masticatory systems to retain some of their initial effectiveness.
Biophysics of Flavour Perception
Authors: Pu Xiaolu , Wolf Bettina
Published: January 2022

This chapter introduces the perception of food flavour, mainly aroma and taste, across the disciplines of biology and physics. Biology explains how the basic biological receptors in the nose or on the tongue, when in contact with aroma compounds or tastants, provide sensory stimuli for the brain. Olfaction and gustation are the main sensations with respect to aroma and taste perception, although olfactory–gustatory interactions, vision and the oral somatosensory system also contribute. Physics explains the transport of aromas and tastants to the receptors on the surface of the pharynx or tongue, which are affected by both thermodynamics and kinetics. Thermodynamics defines the partition coefficients of aroma compounds and their interactions with the food components that modify aroma partitioning. Kinetics are important in the function of saliva during eating and the impact of food form, which link to the modification of the flow properties of a food in the mouth, affecting aroma or tastant transport. This chapter emphasizes the biophysics of aroma and taste perception in relation to human oral processing and food structure.
Oral Processing of Wine
Authors: Pozo-Bayón M. A. , Muñoz-González C.
Published: January 2022

Wine is a complex beverage containing many different types of chemical stimuli that can elicit a wide array of orosensory and retro-olfactive sensations. The role of these chemicals in the perception of the flavours of wine has generally been studied without considering their interactions with the physiological parameters that might occur during wine consumption. There is now strong evidence of the role of oral processing in the delivery of these chemical stimuli from the wine matrix to the oro- and olfactive sensory receptors under the influence of many oral physiological parameters (e.g. saliva). This chapter reviews the impact of oral processing on wine flavour perception, highlighting the importance of understanding the in-mouth chemical and biochemical processes during wine consumption in explaining individual differences in flavour perception, which could be responsible for consumer preferences and choices.
Introduction to Photothermal Nanomaterials
Authors: Tee Si Yin , Win Khin Yin , Goh Shermin S. , Teng Choon Peng , Tang Karen Yuanting , Regulacio Michelle D. , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi
Published: January 2022

Photothermal nanomaterials with a unique light-to-heat conversion property have great technological implications in a variety of areas ranging from biomedical to environmental applications. This book chapter summarizes the recent development of various light absorbing materials with photothermal effects into four functional categories, including plasmonic metals, semiconductors, carbon-, and polymer-based materials. The photothermal materials of these categories can be assembled and form hybrids or composites for enhanced photothermal performance. The different mechanisms of photothermal conversion as well as the potential applications in photothermal therapy, photothermal sterilization, and solar-driven water evaporation are discussed. Special attention is devoted to strategies that have been developed for improving the light absorption and light-to-heat conversion capabilities of these photothermal materials by tailoring the size, shape, composition, surface functionalities, bandgap, etc. Finally, the perspectives and challenges of the future development of photothermal materials are presented.
Polymer–Quantum Dot Hybrid Materials
Authors: Aguila Mae Joanne B. , Nguyen Van Khiem , Pham Duy Khanh , Tran Ngoc Quyen , Nguyen Van Toan , Nguyen Thanh Mien , Thi Luong Bich
Published: January 2022

Quantum dots are nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals that exhibit distinct optical and electronic properties. These nanocrystals have been used in a variety of fields, including optoelectronics, sensing, energy conversion, and biomedicine. In many of these applications, polymers are used to coat the quantum dots to improve their solubility and stability while also decreasing their inherent toxicity, making them more environmentally and biologically compatible. Among the many remarkable properties of these polymer–quantum dot hybrids, their excellent absorption properties that are readily tunable make them good candidates as photothermal agents for targeted cancer cell therapy. In this chapter, we present different strategies for the synthesis of polymer–quantum dot hybrids, providing some examples for each approach. We also highlight how polymer–quantum dot hybrids are applied in photothermal therapy.
Carbon-based Nanomaterials
Authors: Chi Hong , Wang Yaoguang , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi
Published: January 2022

Due to the full spectral absorption characteristics, versatile functionalization method, unique physical properties, biological compatibility, and high photothermal conversion efficiency, carbon-based nanomaterials are widely used in photothermal conversion. This chapter introduces the mechanism of photothermal conversion of carbon materials, shortlists and compares various hybrid carbon nanomaterials, and begins with the preparation of various carbon nanocomposites, with the properties of carbon dots, graphene, and carbon nanotube-supported metals, including semiconductors and polymer nanocomposites being of key interest. It then goes on to focus on photo-thermal catalytic conversion, seawater desalination, photothermal therapy, and photoacoustic/fluorescence imaging applications.
Rapid characterization of drugs in a single hair using thermal desorption ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Kong Ran , Li Le , Liu Wanhui , Xiang Ping , Zhao Junbo
Published: January 2022

The thermal desorption ionization mass spectrometry (TDI-MS) technique provides a new orientation for forensic scientists to study drugs in a single hair that is found at a crime scene, on a suspect, or on a victim.
Effects of potassium on propylene epoxidation by molecular oxygen on Cu2O (111): a DFT study
Authors: Song Yang-Yang , Wang Gui-Chang
Published: January 2022

Propylene epoxidation catalyzed by cuprous oxide (Cu2O) with molecular oxygen is significant in the industrial field, and strategies to improve the selectivity of the target product propylene oxide (PO) are highly desired.
Oxygen-vacancy-mediated photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under weak visible-light irradiation over hierarchical Bi2MoO6@Bi2O3 core–shell fibers
Authors: Zhang Liruhua , Shen Qianhong , Zhan Renyuan , Zheng Suhua , Sheng Jiansong , Yang Hui
Published: January 2022

Novel oxygen-vacancy-rich Bi2MoO6@Bi2O3 core–shell fibers with 3D hierarchical structures have been successfully synthesized, and exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities for degrading the antibiotic TC under weak visible-light illumination.
A route to engineered high aspect-ratio silicon nanostructures through regenerative secondary mask lithography
Authors: Michalska Martyna , Laney Sophia K. , Li Tao , Tiwari Manish K. , Parkin Ivan P. , Papakonstantinou Ioannis
Published: January 2022

A versatile fabrication platform is presented to achieve tailored silicon nanostructures (pillars, sharp/truncated/re-entrant cones), of pitch down to ∼50 nm, and high-aspect ratio (>10), enabling exceptional tuning of nanopattern-induced properties.
Pd-Catalyzed cross-coupling synthesis of 4-aryl-3-formylcoumarins
Authors: L. N. Rao Maddali , Nand Sachchida
Published: January 2022

The chemoselective and threefold cross-coupling reactivity of triarylbismuth reagents with 4-chloro-3-formylcoumarins is disclosed under Pd-catalyzed conditions.