bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine phytoplankton downregulate core photosynthesis and carbon storage genes upon rapid mixed layer shallowing
Authors: Diaz Ben P , Zelzion Ehud , Halsey Kimberly , Gaube Peter , Behrenfeld Michael , Bidle Kay D
Published: May 2023

Marine phytoplankton are a diverse group of photoautotrophic organisms and key mediators in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton physiology and biomass accumulation are closely tied to mixed layer depth, but the intracellular metabolic pathways activated in response to changes in mixed layer depth remain less explored. Here, metatranscriptomics was used to characterize the phytoplankton community response to a mixed layer shallowing (from 233 to 5 m) over the course of two days during the late spring in the Northwest Atlantic. Most phytoplankton genera downregulated core photosynthesis, carbon storage, and carbon fixation genes as the system transitioned from a deep to a shallow mixed layer and shifted towards catabolism of stored carbon supportive of rapid cell growth. In contrast, phytoplankton genera exhibited divergent transcriptional patterns for photosystem light harvesting complex genes during this transition. Active virus infection, taken as the ratio of virus to host transcripts, increased in the Bacillariophyta (diatom) phylum and decreased in the Chlorophyta (green algae) phylum upon mixed layer shallowing. A conceptual model is proposed to provide ecophysiological context for our findings, in which integrated light limitation and lower division rates during transient deep mixing are hypothesized to disrupt resource-driven, oscillating transcript levels related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and carbon storage. Our findings highlight shared and unique transcriptional response strategies within phytoplankton communities acclimating to the dynamic light environment associated with transient deep mixing and shallowing events during the annual North Atlantic bloom.
Neutralization of excessive levels of active TGF-β1 reduces MSC recruitment and differentiation to mitigate peritendinous adhesion
Authors: Li YuSheng , Wang Xiao , Hu Bo , Sun Qi , Wan Mei , Carr Andrew , Liu Shen , Cao Xu
Published: May 2023

Peritendinous adhesion formation (PAF) can substantially limit the range of motion of digits. However, the origin of myofibroblasts in PAF tissues is still unclear. In this study, we found that the concentration of active TGF-β1 and the numbers of macrophages, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and myofibroblasts in human and mouse adhesion tissues were increased. Furthermore, knockout of TGF-β1 in macrophages or TGF-β1R2 in MSCs inhibited PAF by reducing MSC and myofibroblast infiltration and collagen I and III deposition, respectively. Moreover, we found that MSCs differentiated into myofibroblasts to form adhesion tissues. Systemic injection of the TGF-β–neutralizing antibody 1D11 during the granulation formation stage of PAF significantly reduced the infiltration of MSCs and myofibroblasts and, subsequently, PAF. These results suggest that macrophage-derived TGF-β1 recruits MSCs to form myofibroblasts in peritendinous adhesions. An improved understanding of PAF mechanisms could help identify a potential therapeutic strategy.
Inositol pyrophosphates activate the vacuolar transport chaperone complex in yeast by disrupting a homotypic SPX domain interaction
Authors: Pipercevic Joka , Kohl Bastian , Gerasimaite Ruta , Comte-Miserez Véronique , Hostachy Sarah , Müntener Thomas , Agustoni Elia , Jessen Henning Jacob , Fiedler Dorothea , Mayer Andreas , Hiller Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Many proteins involved in eukaryotic phosphate homeostasis are regulated by SPX domains. In yeast, the vacuolar transporter chaperone (VTC) complex contains two such domains, but mechanistic details of its regulation are not well understood. Here, we show at the atomic level how inositol pyrophosphates interact with SPX domains of subunits Vtc2 and Vtc3 to control the activity of the VTC complex. Vtc2 inhibits the catalytically active VTC subunit Vtc4 by homotypic SPX–SPX interactions via the conserved helix α1 and the previously undescribed helix α7. Binding of inositol pyrophosphates to Vtc2 abrogates this interaction, thus activating the VTC complex. Accordingly, VTC activation is also achieved by site-specific point mutations that disrupt the SPX–SPX interface. Structural data suggest that ligand binding induces reorientation of helix α1 and exposes the modifiable helix α7, which might facilitate its post-translational modification in vivo. The variable composition of these regions within the SPX domain family might contribute to the diversified SPX functions in eukaryotic phosphate homeostasis.
Switching imidazole reactivity by dynamic control of tautomer state in an allosteric foldamer
Authors: Tilly David P. , Heeb Jean-Paul , Webb Simon J. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Molecular biology achieves control over complex reaction networks by means of molecular systems that translate a chemical input (such as ligand binding) into an orthogonal chemical output (such as acylation or phosphorylation). We present an artificial molecular translation device that converts a chemical input – the presence of chloride ions – into an unrelated chemical output: modulation of the reactivity of an imidazole moiety, both as a Brønsted base and as a nucleophile. The modulation of reactivity operates through the allosteric remote control of imidazole tautomer states. The reversible coordination of chloride to a urea binding site triggers a cascade of conformational changes in a chain of ethylene-bridged hydrogen-bonded ureas, switching the chain’s global polarity, that in turn modulates the tautomeric equilibrium of a distal imidazole, and hence its reactivity. Switching reactivities of active sites by dynamically controlling their tautomer states is an untapped strategy for building functional molecular devices with allosteric enzyme-like properties.
Tailoring vapor film beneath a Leidenfrost drop
Authors: Li An , Li Huizeng , Lyu Sijia , Zhao Zhipeng , Xue Luanluan , Li Zheng , Li Kaixuan , Li Mingzhu , Sun Chao , Song Yanlin
Published: May 2023

For a drop on a very hot solid surface, a vapor film will form beneath the drop, which has been discovered by Leidenfrost in 1756. The vapor escaping from the Leidenfrost film causes uncontrollable flows, and actuates the drop to move around. Recently, although numerous strategies have been used to regulate the Leidenfrost vapor, the understanding of surface chemistry for modulating the phase-change vapor dynamics remains incomplete. Here, we report how to rectify vapor by “cutting” the Leidenfrost film using chemically heterogeneous surfaces. We demonstrate that the segmented film cut by a Z-shaped pattern can spin a drop, since the superhydrophilic region directly contacts the drop and vaporizes the water, while a vapor film is formed on the superhydrophobic surrounding to jet vapor and reduce heat transfer. Furthermore, we reveal the general principle between the pattern symmetry design and the drop dynamics. This finding provides new insights into the Leidenfrost dynamics modulation, and opens a promising avenue for vapor-driven miniature devices.
A sensory memory processing system with multi-wavelength synaptic-polychromatic light emission for multi-modal information recognition
Authors: Shan Liuting , Chen Qizhen , Yu Rengjian , Gao Changsong , Liu Lujian , Guo Tailiang , Chen Huipeng
Published: May 2023

Realizing multi-modal information recognition tasks which can process external information efficiently and comprehensively is an urgent requirement in the field of artificial intelligence. However, it remains a challenge to achieve simple structure and high-performance multi-modal recognition demonstrations owing to the complex execution module and separation of memory processing based on the traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) architecture. Here, we propose an efficient sensory memory processing system (SMPS), which can process sensory information and generate synapse-like and multi-wavelength light-emitting output, realizing diversified utilization of light in information processing and multi-modal information recognition. The SMPS exhibits strong robustness in information encoding/transmission and the capability of visible information display through the multi-level color responses, which can implement the multi-level pain warning process of organisms intuitively. Furthermore, different from the conventional multi-modal information processing system that requires independent and complex circuit modules, the proposed SMPS with unique optical multi-information parallel output can realize efficient multi-modal information recognition of dynamic step frequency and spatial positioning simultaneously with the accuracy of 99.5% and 98.2%, respectively. Therefore, the SMPS proposed in this work with simple component, flexible operation, strong robustness, and highly efficiency is promising for future sensory-neuromorphic photonic systems and interactive artificial intelligence.
Hepatic stellate cell stearoyl co-A desaturase activates leukotriene B4 receptor 2 - β-catenin cascade to promote liver tumorigenesis
Authors: Sinha Sonal , Aizawa Satoka , Nakano Yasuhiro , Rialdi Alexander , Choi Hye Yeon , Shrestha Rajan , Pan Stephanie Q. , Chen Yibu , Li Meng , Kapelanski-Lamoureux Audrey , Yochum Gregory , Sher Linda , Monga Satdarshan Paul , Lazaris Anthoula , Machida Keigo , Karin Michael , Guccione Ernesto , Tsukamoto Hidekazu
Published: May 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 3rd most deadly malignancy. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSC) give rise to cancer-associated fibroblasts in HCC and are considered a potential therapeutic target. Here we report that selective ablation of stearoyl CoA desaturase-2 (Scd2) in aHSC globally suppresses nuclear CTNNB1 and YAP1 in tumors and tumor microenvironment and prevents liver tumorigenesis in male mice. Tumor suppression is associated with reduced leukotriene B4 receptor 2 (LTB4R2) and its high affinity oxylipin ligand, 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHTrE). Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of LTB4R2 recapitulates CTNNB1 and YAP1 inactivation and tumor suppression in culture and in vivo. Single cell RNA sequencing identifies a subset of tumor-associated aHSC expressing Cyp1b1 but no other 12-HHTrE biosynthetic genes. aHSC release 12-HHTrE in a manner dependent on SCD and CYP1B1 and their conditioned medium reproduces the LTB4R2-mediated tumor-promoting effects of 12-HHTrE in HCC cells. CYP1B1-expressing aHSC are detected in proximity of LTB4R2-positive HCC cells and the growth of patient HCC organoids is blunted by LTB4R2 antagonism or knockdown. Collectively, our findings suggest aHSC-initiated 12-HHTrE-LTB4R2-CTNNB1-YAP1 pathway as a potential HCC therapeutic target.
Suboptimally controlled asthma in patients treated with inhaled ICS/LABA: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Zhang Shiyuan , White John , Hunter Alyssa Goolsby , Hinds David , Fowler Andrew , Gardiner Frances , Slade David , Murali Sharanya , Meeraus Wilhelmine
Published: May 2023

This observational claims-linked survey study assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for suboptimal asthma control and healthcare utilization in adults with asthma receiving fixed-dose combination (FDC) inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA). Commercially insured adults from the Optum Research Database were invited to complete the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Among participants (N = 428), 36.4% (ACT-assessed) and 55.6% (ACQ-6-assessed) had inadequately controlled asthma. Asthma-related quality of life was worse and asthma-related healthcare resource utilization was higher in poorly controlled asthma. Factors associated with ACT-defined suboptimal asthma control in multivariate analysis included: frequent short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) use, asthma-related outpatient visits, lower treatment adherence, and lower education levels. During follow-up, factors associated with asthma exacerbations and/or high SABA use included: inadequately controlled asthma (ACT-assessed), body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, and high-dose ICS/LABA. Approximately 35–55% of adults with asthma were inadequately controlled despite FDC ICS/LABA; poor control was associated with worse disease outcomes.
An ancestral molecular response to nanomaterial particulates
Authors: del Giudice G. , Serra A. , Saarimäki L. A. , Kotsis K. , Rouse I. , Colibaba S. A. , Jagiello K. , Mikolajczyk A. , Fratello M. , Papadiamantis A. G. , Sanabria N. , Annala M. E. , Morikka J. , Kinaret P. A. S. , Voyiatzis E. , Melagraki G. , Afantitis A. , Tämm K. , Puzyn T. , Gulumian M. , Lobaskin V. , Lynch I. , Federico A. , Greco D.
Published: May 2023

The varied transcriptomic response to nanoparticles has hampered the understanding of the mechanism of action. Here, by performing a meta-analysis of a large collection of transcriptomics data from various engineered nanoparticle exposure studies, we identify common patterns of gene regulation that impact the transcriptomic response. Analysis identifies deregulation of immune functions as a prominent response across different exposure studies. Looking at the promoter regions of these genes, a set of binding sites for zinc finger transcription factors C2H2, involved in cell stress responses, protein misfolding and chromatin remodelling and immunomodulation, is identified. The model can be used to explain the outcomes of mechanism of action and is observed across a range of species indicating this is a conserved part of the innate immune system.
Hypoimmune induced pluripotent stem cells survive long term in fully immunocompetent, allogeneic rhesus macaques
Authors: Hu Xiaomeng , White Kathy , Olroyd Ari G. , DeJesus Rowena , Dominguez Antonia A. , Dowdle William E. , Friera Annabelle M. , Young Chi , Wells Frank , Chu Elaine Y. , Ito Cade Ellis , Krishnapura Harini , Jain Surbhi , Ankala Ramya , McGill Trevor J. , Lin August , Egenberger Kyla , Gagnon Allison , Michael Rukstalis J. , Hogrebe Nathaniel J. , Gattis Corie , Basco Ron , Millman Jeffrey R. , Kievit Paul , Davis Mark M. , Lanier Lewis L. , Connolly Andrew J. , Deuse Tobias , Schrepfer Sonja
Published: May 2023

Genetic engineering of allogeneic cell therapeutics that fully prevents rejection by a recipient’s immune system would abolish the requirement for immunosuppressive drugs or encapsulation and support large-scale manufacturing of off-the-shelf cell products. Previously, we generated mouse and human hypoimmune pluripotent (HIP) stem cells by depleting HLA class I and II molecules and overexpressing CD47 (B2M−/−CIITA−/−CD47+). To determine whether this strategy is successful in non-human primates, we engineered rhesus macaque HIP cells and transplanted them intramuscularly into four allogeneic rhesus macaques. The HIP cells survived unrestricted for 16 weeks in fully immunocompetent allogeneic recipients and differentiated into several lineages, whereas allogeneic wild-type cells were vigorously rejected. We also differentiated human HIP cells into endocrinologically active pancreatic islet cells and showed that they survived in immunocompetent, allogeneic diabetic humanized mice for 4 weeks and ameliorated diabetes. HIP-edited primary rhesus macaque islets survived for 40 weeks in an allogeneic rhesus macaque recipient without immunosuppression, whereas unedited islets were quickly rejected.
Centaurea triumfetii essential oil chemical composition, comparative analysis, and antimicrobial activity of selected compounds
Authors: Carev Ivana , Gelemanović Andrea , Glumac Mateo , Tutek Klaudia , Dželalija Mile , Paiardini Alessandro , Prosseda Gianni
Published: May 2023

The essential oils from the Centaurea genus are well known for their pharmacological properties. The most abundant and dominant chemical components in Centaurea essential oils are ß-caryophyllene, hexadecanoic acid, spathulenol, pentacosane, caryophyllene oxide, and phytol. However, whether these dominant components are the key drivers for observed antimicrobial activity remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was dual. Here we provide comprehensive, literature-based data to correlate the chemical compounds in Centaurea essential oils with the tested antimicrobial activity. Secondly, we characterized the essential oil of Centaurea triumfettii All. squarrose knapweed using coupled system gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and tested its phytochemicals for antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. epidermis using disc diffusion assay and monitoring their growth in Muller Hinton broth. The most abundant compounds in C. triumfettii essential oil were hexadecanoic acid (11.1%), spathulenol (10.8%), longifolene (8.8%), germacrene D (8.4%), aromadendrene oxide (6.0%) and linoleic acid (5.3%). Based on our analysis of literature data from other Centaurea essential oils, they were positively correlated with antimicrobial activity. Using an agar disk diffusion method, tested chemical constituents did not show experimental evidence to support this positive correlation to antimicrobial activity when we tested them as pure components. The antibacterial effect of essential oil constituents may be related to a complex synergistic, rather than a single component as suggested by performed network pharmacology analysis, underlying the theoretical interactions between the essential oil phytochemicals listed as potentially responsible for antimicrobial activity and should be confirmed in further in-depth studies. This is the first report on the comparative analysis of Centaurea essential oils with good antimicrobial activity, as well as the first analysis of chemical components of the essential oil from C. triumfettii and the first report of antimicrobial activity of the representative, pure components: aromadendrene, germacrene D, spathulenol, longifolene, and the mixture of selected chemical compounds. This work contributes to the body of knowledge on the genus Centaurea and C. triumfettii species.
Mito-nuclear discordance within Anthozoa, with notes on unique properties of their mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Quattrini Andrea M. , Snyder Karen E. , Purow-Ruderman Risa , Seiblitz Isabela G. L. , Hoang Johnson , Floerke Natasha , Ramos Nina I. , Wirshing Herman H. , Rodriguez Estefanía , McFadden Catherine S.
Published: May 2023

Whole mitochondrial genomes are often used in phylogenetic reconstruction. However, discordant patterns in species relationships between mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies are commonly observed. Within Anthozoa (Phylum Cnidaria), mitochondrial (mt)-nuclear discordance has not yet been examined using a large and comparable dataset. Here, we used data obtained from target-capture enrichment sequencing to assemble and annotate mt genomes and reconstruct phylogenies for comparisons to phylogenies inferred from hundreds of nuclear loci obtained from the same samples. The datasets comprised 108 hexacorals and 94 octocorals representing all orders and > 50% of extant families. Results indicated rampant discordance between datasets at every taxonomic level. This discordance is not attributable to substitution saturation, but rather likely caused by introgressive hybridization and unique properties of mt genomes, including slow rates of evolution driven by strong purifying selection and substitution rate variation. Strong purifying selection across the mt genomes caution their use in analyses that rely on assumptions of neutrality. Furthermore, unique properties of the mt genomes were noted, including genome rearrangements and the presence of nad5 introns. Specifically, we note the presence of the homing endonuclease in ceriantharians. This large dataset of mitochondrial genomes further demonstrates the utility of off-target reads generated from target-capture data for mt genome assembly and adds to the growing knowledge of anthozoan evolution.
Comparing resting state and task-based EEG using machine learning to predict vulnerability to depression in a non-clinical population
Authors: Kaushik Pallavi , Yang Hang , Roy Partha Pratim , van Vugt Marieke
Published: May 2023

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects a large portion of the population and levies a huge societal burden. It has serious consequences like decreased productivity and reduced quality of life, hence there is considerable interest in understanding and predicting it. As it is a mental disorder, neural measures like EEG are used to study and understand its underlying mechanisms. However most of these studies have either explored resting state EEG (rs-EEG) data or task-based EEG data but not both, we seek to compare their respective efficacy. We work with data from non-clinically depressed individuals who score higher and lower on the depression scale and hence are more and less vulnerable to depression, respectively. Forty participants volunteered for the study. Questionnaires and EEG data were collected from participants. We found that people who are more vulnerable to depression had on average increased EEG amplitude in the left frontal channel, and decreased amplitude in the right frontal and occipital channels for raw data (rs-EEG). Task-based EEG data from a sustained attention to response task used to measure spontaneous thinking, an increased EEG amplitude in the central part of the brain for individuals with low vulnerability and an increased EEG amplitude in right temporal, occipital and parietal regions in individuals more vulnerable to depression were found. In an attempt to predict vulnerability (high/low) to depression, we found that a Long Short Term Memory model gave the maximum accuracy of 91.42% in delta wave for task-based data whereas 1D-Convolution neural network gave the maximum accuracy of 98.06% corresponding to raw rs-EEG data. Hence if one has to look at the primary question of which data will be good for predicting vulnerability to depression, rs-EEG seems to be better than task-based EEG data. However, if mechanisms driving depression like rumination or stickiness are to be understood, task-based data may be more effective. Furthermore, as there is no consensus as to which biomarker of rs-EEG is more effective in the detection of MDD, we also experimented with evolutionary algorithms to find the most informative subset of these biomarkers. Higuchi fractal dimension, phase lag index, correlation and coherence features were also found to be the most important features for predicting vulnerability to depression using rs-EEG. These findings bring up new possibilities for EEG-based machine/deep learning diagnostics in the future.
Achromatic and chromatic contrast discrimination in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tsai Li-Ting , Chen Chien-Chung , Hou Chiun-Ho , Liao Kuo-Meng
Published: May 2023

Effects of type 2 diabetes on achromatic and chromatic contrast sensitivity (CS) are still controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate CS in patients without diabetic retinopathy (no-DR) and in those with non-proliferative DR (NPDR) and proliferative DR (PDR) using psychophysical methods with transient and sustained achromatic stimuli and color patches. Achromatic CS was measured with the pulsed pedestal (PP) paradigm (7, 12, and 19 cd/m2) and pedestal-△-pedestal (P-△-P) paradigm (11.4, 18, and 28.5 cd/m2). A chromatic discrimination paradigm that assesses protan, deutan, and tritan color vision was adopted. Forty-two patients (no-DR n = 24, NPDR n = 12, PDR = 6; male n = 22, mean age = 58.1 y/o) and 38 controls (male n = 18, mean age = 53.4 y/o) participated. In patients, mean thresholds were higher than in controls and linear trends were significant in most conditions. For the PP paradigm, differences were significant in the PDR and NPDR groups in the 7 and 12 cd/m2 condition. For the P-△-P paradigm, differences were only significant in the PDR group in the 11 cd/m2 condition. Chromatic contrast loss was significant in the PDR group along the protan, deutan and tritan axes. The results suggest independent involvements of achromatic and chromatic CS in diabetic patients.
Enhancing cognitive control in amnestic mild cognitive impairment via at-home non-invasive neuromodulation in a randomized trial
Authors: Jones Kevin T. , Ostrand Avery E. , Gazzaley Adam , Zanto Theodore P.
Published: May 2023

Individuals with multi-domain amnestic mild cognitive impairment (md-aMCI) have an elevated risk of dementia and need interventions that may retain or remediate cognitive function. In a feasibility pilot study, 30 older adults aged 60–80 years with md-aMCI were randomized to 8 sessions of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with simultaneous cognitive control training (CCT). The intervention took place within the participant’s home without direct researcher assistance. Half of the participants received prefrontal theta tACS during CCT and the other half received control tACS. We observed high tolerability and adherence for at-home tACS + CCT. Within 1-week, only those who received theta tACS exhibited improved attentional abilities. Neuromodulation is feasible for in-home settings, which can be conducted by the patient, thereby enabling treatment in difficult to reach populations. TACS with CCT may facilitate cognitive control abilities in md-aMCI, but research in a larger population is needed to validate efficacy.
Plasma-based one-step synthesis of tungsten oxide nanoparticles in short time
Authors: Baharlounezhad F. , Mohammadi M. A. , Zakerhamidi M. S.
Published: May 2023

Nanostructured tungsten oxide as a semiconductor metal oxide has attracted considerable attention due to its promising and notable properties. Tungsten oxide nanoparticles can be used in a wide range of technology and applications such as catalysts, sensors, supercapacitors, etc. In this study, nanoparticles were prepared via a simple method using an atmospheric glow discharge. This modern approach had many advantages such as high efficiency and straightforward function. Synthesis performance was done in only one step and a short time which started at 2 min and had been continued for 8 min. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the formation $${\mathrm{WO}}_{3}$$

WO
3

at atmospheric pressure. The synthesized particle size was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. According to the experimental results, the synthesis was greatly influenced by the applied voltage, gas type, and plasma forming side over the water surface. Increases in electrical potential difference and thermal conductivity of the gas led to a greater rate of synthesis, while this rate was reduced by decreasing the atomic weight of the gas.
Pooled RNA-extraction-free testing of saliva for the detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Allicock Orchid M. , Yolda-Carr Devyn , Todd John A. , Wyllie Anne L.
Published: May 2023

The key to limiting SARS-CoV-2 spread is to identify virus-infected individuals (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) and isolate them from the general population. Hence, routine weekly testing for SARS-CoV-2 in all asymptomatic (capturing both infected and non-infected) individuals is considered critical in situations where a large number of individuals co-congregate such as schools, prisons, aged care facilities and industrial workplaces. Such testing is hampered by operational issues such as cost, test availability, access to healthcare workers and throughput. We developed the SalivaDirect RT-qPCR assay to increase access to SARS-CoV-2 testing via a low-cost, streamlined protocol using self-collected saliva. To expand the single sample testing protocol, we explored multiple extraction-free pooled saliva testing workflows prior to testing with the SalivaDirect RT-qPCR assay. A pool size of five, with or without heat inactivation at 65 °C for 15 min prior to testing resulted in a positive agreement of 98% and 89%, respectively, and an increased Ct value shift of 1.37 and 1.99 as compared to individual testing of the positive clinical saliva specimens. Applying this shift in Ct value to 316 individual, sequentially collected, SARS-CoV-2 positive saliva specimen results reported from six clinical laboratories using the original SalivaDirect assay, 100% of the samples would have been detected (Ct value < 45) had they been tested in the 1:5 pool strategy. The availability of multiple pooled testing workflows for laboratories can increase test turnaround time, permitting results in a more actionable time frame while minimizing testing costs and changes to laboratory operational flow.
Transmission dynamics of a novel HIV/AIDS model through a higher-order Galerkin time discretization scheme
Authors: Attaullah  , Zeb Kamil , Khan Ilyas , Ahmad Riaz , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: May 2023

There are numerous contagious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that have the propensity to culminate in fatal consequences. A communicable disease is an illness caused by a contagion agent or its toxins and spread directly or indirectly to a susceptible animal or human host by an infected person, animal, vector, or immaterial environment. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hepatitis A, B, and C, and measles are all examples of communicable diseases. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a communicable disease caused by HIV infection that has become the most severe issue facing humanity. The research work in this paper is to numerically explore a mathematical model and demonstrate the dynamics of HIV/AIDS disease transmission using a continuous Galerkin–Petrov time discretization of a higher-order scheme, specifically the cGP(2)-scheme. Depict a graphical and tabular comparison between the outcomes of the mentioned scheme and those obtained through other classical schemes that exist in the literature. Further, a comparison is performed relative to the well-known fourth-order Ruge–Kutta (RK4) method with different step sizes. By contrast, the suggested approach provided more accurate results with a larger step size than RK4 with a smaller step size. After validation and confirmation of the suggested scheme and code, we implement the method to the extended model by introducing a treatment rate and show the impact of various non-linear source terms for the generation of new cells. We also determined the basic reproduction number and use the Routh-Hurwitz criterion to assess the stability of disease-free and unique endemic equilibrium states of the HIV model.
An assessment of energy system transformation pathways to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions in Switzerland
Authors: Panos Evangelos , Kannan Ramachandran , Hirschberg Stefan , Kober Tom
Published: May 2023

Switzerland has one of the lowest carbon intensities among industrialised countries. However, its transition to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions is complicated by limited domestic mitigation options, which tend to increase costs, raise energy security concerns, and trigger socio-economic barriers in policy implementation. Research on these issues is relevant to the societal and political debates on energy transition worldwide. Here we apply a well-established techno-economic energy systems model and highlight the challenges of the Swiss energy transition under different technical, socio-economic, and geopolitical contexts. We suggest feasible technical solutions based on low-carbon technologies, efficiency, and flexibility. We find that import independency and net-zero emissions by 2050 require an additional cumulative discounted investment, compared to a business-as-usual scenario, of 300 billion CHF2019 in energy efficiency, negative emissions and renewable technologies. The average per capita costs of net-zero emissions are 320–1390 CHF2019/yr. from 2020 to 2050, depending on exploited domestic mitigation options, integration into international energy markets, and energy security ambition.
Hydrothermal topotactic epitaxy of SrTiO3 on Bi4Ti3O12 nanoplatelets: understanding the interplay of lattice mismatch and supersaturation
Authors: Čontala Alja , Daneu Nina , Gupta Suraj , Spreitzer Matjaž , Meden Anton , Maček Kržmanc Marjeta
Published: May 2023

Understanding the interplay between lattice mismatch and supersaturation in the hydrothermal topochemical transformation from Bi4Ti3O12 to SrTiO3 nanoplatelets in view of nucleation–crystallization theory and atomic scale interfacial analysis.
A fast and simple extraction method for analysing levoglucosan and its isomers in sediments by ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Stevens Harrison , Sanz Rodriguez Estrella , Paull Brett , Bowie Andrew R. , Chase Zanna , Barmuta Leon A. , Proemse Bernadette C.
Published: May 2023

This work describes a fast, simple, and environmentally friendly method based on ultrasound probe extraction (UPS) and IC-MS analysis for the quantitation of levoglucosan and its isomers in sediments.
Simultaneous determination of 22 fatty acids in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) components by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Authors: Chico Retrato Mark Dennis , Qiu Siyuan , Lundquist Anna , Muratovic Aida Zuberovic , Rad Farshid Mashayekhy , Ubhayasekera S. J. Kumari A. , Bergquist Jonas
Published: May 2023

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method is developed and validated in analyzing 22 fatty acids (FAs) in pharmaceutically-grade raw materials in producing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) products aiming for critically-ill patient care.
Electric-field induced second harmonic generation responses of push–pull polyenic dyes: experimental and theoretical characterizations
Authors: Naim Carmelo , Vangheluwe Raphaël , Ledoux-Rak Isabelle , Champagne Benoît , Tonnelé Claire , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Matito Eduard , Castet Frédéric
Published: May 2023

The second-order nonlinear optical properties of four series of amphiphilic cationic chromophores have been investigated by means of electric field induced second harmonic generation and by combining molecular dynamics and quantum chemical calculations.
Concluding remarks: Sustainable nitrogen activation – are we there yet?
Authors: MacFarlane Douglas R. , Simonov Alexandr N. , Vu Thi Mung , Johnston Sam , Azofra Luis Miguel
Published: May 2023

In this paper we set out to provide an overview of different approaches to activation of dinitrogen and their commonalities.
Fatty acids and their sn-2 positional distribution in breast milk and their association with edible oils in maternal diet: a study of five regions in China
Authors: Wang Fangmin , Yu Jiahui , Wang Li , Wang Shuai , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Qingyun , Wei Wei , Wang Xingguo
Published: May 2023

This study analyzed total fatty acids and their sn-2 positional distribution in triacylglycerol in breast milk from three lactational stages in five regions of China, and their association with the type of edible oil consumed by lactating mothers.
Synthesis of F-doped materials and applications in catalysis and rechargeable batteries
Authors: Huo Jiale , Zhang Yaofang , Kang Weimin , Shen Yan , Li Xiang , Yan Zirui , Pan Yingwen , Sun Wei
Published: May 2023

Elemental doping is one of the most essential techniques for material modification.
A fluorescence “turn-on” probe for the detection of HSO3− based on a pyrene-functionalized mesoporous silica material
Authors: Zhao Xinyue , Zhao Qian , Lu Yating , Xu Wen , Wang Jing
Published: May 2023

An organic-inorganic hybrid mesoporous material PYA-SBA-15 was developed as a fluorescent probe for HSO3− with high selectivity and sensitivity, which was attributed to the Michael addition reaction between the carbon-nitrogen double bond and HSO3−.
Development of a by-product-free strategy for the synthesis of oxazoline from N-acetylglucosamine
Authors: Zhou Sen , Bo Ma , Tang Feng , Liu Wenqiang , Li Xin , Chen Baoquan , Shang Shiying , Huang Wei , Li Yaohao , Tan Zhongping
Published: May 2023

This study focused on the CDMBI-mediated synthesis of GlcNAc oxazoline.
Single-layer HNb3O8 with strong and nearby Lewis and Brønsted acid sites boosts amide bond hydrolysis for urease mimicking
Authors: Sun Guohan , Yuan Bo , Wu Xinyu , Lau Shun Ying , Tian Linyuan , Lee Jung-Hoon , Nakagawa Keizo , Peng Yung-Kang
Published: May 2023

Single-layer HNb3O8 with strong and nearby Lewis and Brønsted acid sites mimicking urease can excellently catalyze amide bond hydrolysis. This material even outperforms urease in urea hydrolysis at 50 °C due to its high thermal stability.
Enhanced catalytic performance derived from coordination-driven structural switching between homometallic complexes and heterometallic polymeric materials
Authors: Kurpik Gracjan , Walczak Anna , Markiewicz Grzegorz , Harrowfield Jack , Stefankiewicz Artur R.
Published: May 2023

A series of switchable polymeric materials based on Ag(i), Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) and ambidentate ligand has been synthesized and showed enhanced catalytic activity in Heck reaction in comparison with their mononuclear counterparts.
Significant surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect of Ag-loaded iron hydroxide enabled by coordination effect between Ag and hydroxyl group
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Yu Jian , Wu Jingjing , Wang Yuening , Song Xiaoyu , Xu Ziyan , Li Anran , Qiu Lin , Lin Jie , Wang Xiaotian
Published: May 2023

Fe(OH)3 presents prominent coordination ability with Ag, resulting in the prominent adjustability of dielectric environment and energy band structure. Ag/Fe(OH)3 present an excellent trace detection capability for PAAB.
Chlorine retention enables the indoor light harvesting of triple halide wide bandgap perovskites
Authors: Wang Shaoyang , Edwards Paul R. , Abdelsamie Maged , Brown Peter , Webster David , Ruseckas Arvydas , Rajan Gopika , Neves Ana I. S. , Martin Robert W. , Sutter-Fella Carolin M. , Turnbull Graham A. , Samuel Ifor D. W. , Jagadamma Lethy Krishnan
Published: May 2023

Chlorine incorporation in triple halide perovskites reduces trap density and enhances the efficiency of indoor light harvesting.
PEDOT coated microneedles towards electrochemically assisted skin sampling
Authors: Ajmal Mokhtar Siti Musliha , Yamada Miko , Prow Tarl W , Moore Mark , Strudwick Xanthe L , Evans Drew R
Published: May 2023

Electrochemically active microneedles are formed from plastic coated with PEDOT. A pair of these form a skin sampler and evaluated in the hydrated excised skin. This provides additional information on the interstitial fluid extracted from the skin.
Beamforming design for max‐min SINR in RIS‐based hybrid relaying
Authors: Xu Mengjie , Mao Minghe , Feng Ye , Li Tianhe , Shi Rui , He Yang
Published: May 2023

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technology is regarded as one of the important technologies for future 6G mobile communication networks. However, RIS can only passively reflect signals, rather than actively process received signals like the traditional relay. Therefore, a hybrid decode‐and‐forward (DF) relay and RIS‐assisted multiple‐input single‐output (MISO) multiuser downlink communication system is considered to combine the advantages of both. Then the beamforming at the base station (BS), the DF relay, and the phase vector of the RIS elements is jointly designed, aiming at achieving max‐min signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR). Due to the non‐convexity caused by coupling between the beamforming vectors, the optimization problem is split into three semidefinite relaxation (SDR) sub‐problems, and then the alternate optimization method is adopted to solve the non‐convex problem. The numerical results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed optimization algorithm in improving system performance compared with other benchmark schemes.
Modelling and control of current full compensation system‐based controllable voltage source
Authors: Liu Hongwen , Zeng Xiangjun , yang Qing , Chai Chenchao
Published: May 2023

Current active suppression technology of arc overvoltage in distribution network has small capacity of controllable voltage source and complex control and cannot flexibly adjust the zero‐sequence voltage of neutral point. This study proposes a controllable voltage source system to fully compensate the arc current of ground fault for solving these problems. A controllable voltage source model based on passive supply voltage converter is established, utilising Dyn transformer to carry unbalanced load for a long time. The model output voltage is the same amplitude and frequency as that of single‐phase ground fault phase, but opposite phase. The compensation switch is operated when a ground fault occurs. The output voltage amplitude of the controllable voltage source is controlled, the fault phase voltage is controlled to be 0 in the closed loop, the grounding fault arc current is eliminated and the arc grounding overvoltage is suppressed. The control strategy was verified by the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation model of single‐phase grounding fault arc in 10 kV distribution network and the real single‐phase fault experiment platform of 0.4 kV distribution network. Results proved the model and strategy's accuracy and effectiveness. It provides an engineering practical method for active suppression of arc grounding overvoltage in distribution network.
Towards Bi‐Dimensional driver models for automated driving system safety requirements: Validation of a kinematic model for evasive lane‐change maneuvers
Authors: Donà Riccardo , Mattas Konstantinos , Ciuffo Biagio
Published: May 2023

Preventing traffic accidents is of paramount importance for society's well‐being. The topic is particularly relevant for driving automation given the high expectations about automated vehicles and the difficulty in estimating reliable safety figures for those complex systems. Under this premise, the present manuscript investigates how to derive a safety benchmark model for evasive lane‐change maneuvers that can also be applied in microsimulation frameworks. The approach leverages a jerk‐limited bang‐bang kinematic model for lane‐change and validates its minimum time prediction against other kinematic approaches and vehicle dynamical models based on a robust minimum‐time optimal control formulation. It is shown how kinematic modeling does not embrace steering angle constraints (at low‐speed) and misses the inertia effect (at high‐speed) thus introducing discrepancies. However, due to the introduction of a braking model, it can be safely claimed that the low‐speed discrepancy between the kinematic and the dynamic models lies in a region where stopping is still the most efficient reaction. Moreover, a method is shown to compute the effective lateral acceleration for a kinematic model to match the dynamical system's maneuvering. The kinematic lane‐change model can thus constitute a valid performance benchmark provided that conservative assumptions are used when calibrating its maximum lateral acceleration.
A control strategy of microgrid voltage source inverter based on self‐learning sliding mode control
Authors: Zhang Zunyang , Li Xuesheng , Sun Ying
Published: May 2023

In island mode, voltage source inverter (VSI) supports the frequency and voltage of microgrid. After the complex load is connected, the VSI control performance is degraded, and the output voltage has deviation, negative sequence, waveform distortion and other problems, which further deteriorate the power quality of the microgrid. Different from the traditional strategy that only focus on a single problem, the strategy proposed in this paper can deal with these three power quality problems simultaneously. In this paper, a self‐learning sliding mode control strategy is proposed. First, a nonlinear smooth function is used to design an expansion observer, which can estimate the expansion state of the internal uncertainties and external disturbances of the control system. Second, the extended observer is combined with the self‐learning synovial control technology to realize the self‐learning synovial disturbance rejection control of VSI control strategy. This strategy can improve the stability of voltage control under various working conditions without precise mathematical model. The simulation results show that, compared with the traditional control strategy, this strategy has good robustness under different working conditions.
Biofilm’s Characteristics and Ways to Inhibit
Authors: Lyu Peilin
Published: May 2023

Most bacteria in nature do not exist as free-floating isolated cells; instead, they usually have to do with surfaces. These microbial communities, or biofilms, are made of bacteria that are encased in self-generated Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). Biofilms can exhibit extreme integrity and resistance to environmental pressures. This is mainly because of factors including their physiological condition, cell density, the presence of quorum sensing, the significant role of drug efflux pumps, mutations and overexpression of genes, and the persistent cells. From the mitigation effect of biofilms to the application of beneficial biofilms, the unique characteristics of biofilms have triggered a lot of discussion and research. In this paper, we combine various reading materials to discuss how the structure and properties of biofilms confer the ability to be utilized. Then, with reference to the research paper of Manisha Mukherjee et al., the prospect of inhibiting biofilm formation by engineering quorum quenching biofilm was discussed.
Retracted Article: Ankrd36 Inhibits Nuclear Factor-κB Activation and Inflammation in Mice Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xue Yuanyuan
Published: May 2023

The authors have expressed the wish to retract this article on the ground that they have inadvertently used material without proper authorization. They apologized for the inconvenience caused.

The Publisher and Editor(s) approved to the retraction.
The effect of southwest monsoon on the meso-scale biogeographic patterns of the bacteria in the northeast of South China Sea
Authors: Shi Yue , Shao Qianwen , Zhang Linjie , Huang Xinyu , Sun Dong
Published: May 2023

Complicated physical systems and strong seasonal monsoons are features of the north-east South China Sea (SCS). To understand how monsoon-driven changes affect the bacterial community structure and distribution in the surface water from shelf to slope in the northeast SCS (NESCS), we collected water samples during the intermonsoon (Spring, 2021) and Southwest monsoon (May, 2021) respectively. In our research, we found that α diversity of bacteria did not differ significantly during intermonsoon and monsoon periods, nor did it differ significantly between shelf and slope. However, bacterial community were well differentiated between groups (Shelf-I, Slope-I, Shelf-M, and Slope-M). In both seasons, there was a significant geographical distance decay relationship, but the monsoon did not change the biogeographic pattern of bacteria. Finally, all environmental factors in both seasons, except salinity, have a significant impact on bacteria, and the correlation is enhanced during the monsoon.
Evaluation of Biosynthetic Pathway and Engineered Biosynthesis of Morphine with CRISPR
Authors: Hao Luyang
Published: May 2023

As a secondary metabolite produced by opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), morphine is a valuable subject for research and application purposes within the medical field. Thanks to the research conducted throughout the past few decades, the main pathway for the biosynthesis of morphine has been thoroughly elucidated. In addition, whole genome sequencing and evolutionary genomics of opium poppy have provided us with crucial information regarding specific details of such a pathway on the molecular level, which includes coding regions and functions of key enzymes that play vital roles in the production of specific metabolites. These advantages can be combined with the application of current genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR, to allow the regulated and optimized production of desirable metabolites through manipulating particular genes. This research focuses on the functional evaluation of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of morphine in opium poppy, further exploring possibilities of regulated production of morphine with CRISPR.