bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative transcriptome and proteome analyses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma develop a prognostic classifier associated with thrombus
Authors: Shi Xiaolei , Pang Qingyang , Nian Xinwen , Jiang Aimin , Shi Haoqing , Liu Wenqiang , Gan Xinxin , Gao Yisha , Yang Yiren , Ji Jin , Tan Xiaojie , Xiao Chengwu , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT) is associated with poor prognosis. Our integrative analyses of transcriptome and proteome reveal distinctive molecular features of ccRCC with VTT, and yield the development of a prognostic classifier to facilitate ccRCC molecular subtyping and treatment. The RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry were performed in normal-tumor-thrombus tissue triples of five ccRCC patients. Statistical analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction network construction were used to interpret the transcriptomic and proteomic data. A six-gene-based classifier was developed to predict patients’ survival using Cox regression, which was validated in an independent cohort. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1131 tumorigenesis-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 856 invasion-associated DEGs. Overexpression of transcription factor EGR2 in VTT indicated its important role in tumor invasion. Furthermore, proteomic analysis showed 597 tumorigenesis-associated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 452 invasion-associated DEPs. The invasion-associated DEPs showed unique enrichment in DNA replication, lysine degradation, and PPAR signaling pathway. Integration of transcriptome and proteome reveals 142 tumorigenesis-associated proteins and 84 invasion-associated proteins displaying changes consistent with corresponding genes in transcriptomic profiling. Based on their different expression patterns among normal-tumor-thrombus triples, RAB25 and GGT5 were supposed to play a consistent role in both tumorigenesis and invasion processes, while SHMT2 and CADM4 might play the opposite roles in tumorigenesis and thrombus invasion. A prognostic classifier consisting of six DEGs (DEPTOR, DPEP1, NAT8, PLOD2, SLC7A5, SUSD2) performed satisfactorily in predicting survival of ccRCC patients (HR = 4.41, P < 0.001), which was further validated in an independent cohort of 40 cases (HR = 5.52, P = 0.026). Our study revealed the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of ccRCC patients with VTT, and identified the distinctive molecular features associated with VTT. The six-gene-based prognostic classifier developed by integrative analyses may facilitate ccRCC molecular subtyping and treatment.
A novel prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on pyruvate metabolism-related genes
Authors: Shi Qingmiao , Xue Chen , Zeng Yifan , Gu Xinyu , Wang Jinzhi , Li Lanjuan
Published: June 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, accounting for over 90% of cases. As pyruvate metabolic pathways are often dysregulated in cancer cells, investigating pyruvate metabolism-related genes may help identify prognostic gene signature and develop potential strategies for the management of patients with HCC. The mRNA expression profile, gene mutation data, and clinical information of HCC were obtained from open-source databases. A list of pyruvate metabolism-related genes was downloaded from the MSigDB dataset. Our findings revealed that certain pyruvate metabolism-related genes had copy number variations and single nucleotide variations in patients with liver cancer. Based on pyruvate metabolism-related genes, we stratified patients with HCC into three subtypes with different prognoses, clinical features, mutation profiles, functional annotation, and immune infiltration status. Next, we identified 13 key pyruvate metabolism-related genes significantly correlated with the prognosis of HCC using six machine learning algorithms and constructed a risk model. We also observed that the risk score was positively associated with a worse prognosis and increased immune infiltration. In summary, our study established a prognostic risk model for HCC based on pyruvate metabolism-related genes, which may contribute to the identification of potential prognostic targets and the development of new clinical management strategies for HCC.
Artificial intelligence achieves easy-to-adapt nonlinear global temperature reconstructions using minimal local data
Authors: Wegmann Martin , Jaume-Santero Fernando
Published: June 2023

Understanding monthly-to-annual climate variability is essential for adapting to future climate extremes. Key ways to do this are through analysing climate field reconstructions and reanalyses. However, producing such reconstructions can be limited by high production costs, unrealistic linearity assumptions, or uneven distribution of local climate records. Here, we present a machine learning-based non-linear climate variability reconstruction method using a Recurrent Neural Network that is able to learn from existing model outputs and reanalysis data. As a proof-of-concept, we reconstructed more than 400 years of global, monthly temperature anomalies based on sparse, realistically distributed pseudo-station data and show the impact of different training data sets. Our reconstructions show realistic temperature patterns and magnitude reproduction costing about 1 hour on a middle-class laptop. We highlight the method’s capability in terms of mean statistics compared to more established methods and find that it is also suited to reconstruct specific climate events. This approach can easily be adapted for a wide range of regions, periods and variables.
Hybrid immunity in older adults is associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 infections following BNT162b2 COVID-19 immunisation
Authors: Pallett Scott J. C. , Heskin Joseph , Keating Fergus , Mazzella Andrea , Taylor Hannah , Patel Aatish , Lamb Georgia , Sturdy Deborah , Eisler Natalie , Denny Sarah , Charani Esmita , Randell Paul , Mughal Nabeela , Parker Eleanor , de Oliveira Carolina Rosadas , Rayment Michael , Jones Rachael , Tedder Richard , McClure Myra , Groppelli Elisabetta , Davies Gary W. , O’Shea Matthew K. , Moore Luke S. P.
Published: June 2023

Background

Older adults, particularly in long-term care facilities (LTCF), remain at considerable risk from SARS-CoV-2. Data on the protective effect and mechanisms of hybrid immunity are skewed towards young adults precluding targeted vaccination strategies.

Methods

A single-centre longitudinal seroprevalence vaccine response study was conducted with 280 LCTF participants (median 82 yrs, IQR 76-88 yrs; 95.4% male). Screening by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction with weekly asymptomatic/symptomatic testing (March 2020-October 2021) and serology pre-/post-two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccination for (i) anti-nucleocapsid, (ii) quantified anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies at three time-intervals, (iii) pseudovirus neutralisation, and (iv) inhibition by anti-RBD competitive ELISA were conducted. Neutralisation activity: antibody titre relationship was assessed via beta linear-log regression and RBD antibody-binding inhibition: post-vaccine infection relationship by Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

Here we show neutralising antibody titres are 9.2-fold (95% CI 5.8–14.5) higher associated with hybrid immunity (p < 0.00001); +7.5-fold (95% CI 4.6-12.1) with asymptomatic infection; +20.3-fold, 95% (CI 9.7-42.5) with symptomatic infection. A strong association is observed between antibody titre: neutralising activity (p < 0.00001) and rising anti-RBD antibody titre: RBD antibody-binding inhibition (p < 0.001), although 18/169 (10.7%) participants with high anti-RBD titre (>100BAU/ml), show inhibition <75%. Higher RBD antibody-binding inhibition values are associated with hybrid immunity and reduced likelihood of infection (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Hybrid immunity in older adults was associated with considerably higher antibody titres, neutralisation and inhibition capacity. Instances of high anti-RBD titre with lower inhibition suggests antibody quantity and quality as independent potential correlates of protection, highlighting added value of measuring inhibition over antibody titre alone to inform vaccine strategy.
Sleep quality and temperament in association with autism spectrum disorder among infants in Japan
Authors: Kikuchi Kimiyo , Michikawa Takehiro , Morokuma Seiichi , Hamada Norio , Suetsugu Yoshiko , Ikeda Subaru , Nakahara Kazushige , Kato Kiyoko , Ochiai Masayuki , Shibata Eiji , Tsuji Mayumi , Shimono Masayuki , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Ohga Shouichi , Kusuhara Koichi ,   The Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: June 2023

Background

Sleep problems and irritable temperaments are common among infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prospective association between such sleep problems and irritable temperaments and ASDs needs to be determined for elucidating the mechanism and exploring the future intervention study. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether sleep quality and temperament in 1-month-old infants are associated with the onset of ASD in 3-year-old children. We also assessed its sex-stratified associations.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study using data from 69,751 mothers and infants from a large-cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. We examined the prospective association between infant sleep quality and temperament at 1 month of age and ASD diagnosis by 3 years of age.

Results

Here we show infants with longer daytime sleep have a higher risk of later ASD than those with shorter daytime sleep (risk ratio [RR]: 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.75). Infants who experienced intense crying have a higher risk of ASD than those who did not (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00–1.72). There is a difference in sex in the association between a bad mood and later ASD. In particular, female infants experiencing bad moods have a higher risk of ASD than others (RR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.91–6.75).

Conclusions

The study findings provide important information for future intervention to reduce the risk of future ASD.
Multimodal MRI improves diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity to longitudinal change in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pisharady Pramod Kumar , Eberly Lynn E. , Adanyeguh Isaac M. , Manousakis Georgios , Guliani Gaurav , Walk David , Lenglet Christophe
Published: June 2023

Background

Recent advances in MRI acquisitions and image analysis have increased the utility of neuroimaging in understanding disease-related changes. In this work, we aim to demonstrate increased sensitivity to disease progression as well as improved diagnostic accuracy in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with multimodal MRI of the brain and cervical spinal cord.

Methods

We acquired diffusion MRI data from the brain and cervical cord, and T1 data from the brain, of 20 participants with ALS and 20 healthy control participants. Ten ALS and 14 control participants, and 11 ALS and 13 control participants were re-scanned at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups respectively. We estimated cross-sectional differences and longitudinal changes in diffusion metrics, cortical thickness, and fixel-based microstructure measures, i.e. fiber density and fiber cross-section.

Results

We demonstrate improved disease diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity through multimodal analysis of brain and spinal cord metrics. The brain metrics also distinguished lower motor neuron-predominant ALS participants from control participants. Fiber density and cross-section provided the greatest sensitivity to longitudinal change. We demonstrate evidence of progression in a cohort of 11 participants with slowly progressive ALS, including in participants with very slow change in ALSFRS-R. More importantly, we demonstrate that longitudinal change is detectable at a six-month follow-up visit. We also report correlations between ALSFRS-R and the fiber density and cross-section metrics.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that multimodal MRI is useful in improving disease diagnosis, and fixel-based measures may serve as potential biomarkers of disease progression in ALS clinical trials.
Highly drug resistant clone of Salmonella Kentucky ST198 in clinical infections and poultry in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mashe Tapfumanei , Thilliez Gaetan , Chaibva Blessmore V. , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Bawn Matt , Nyanzunda Moses , Robertson Valerie , Tarupiwa Andrew , Al-Khanaq Haider , Baker Dave , Gosa Moishe , Kock Marleen M. , Midzi Stanley , Witson Mwamakamba Lusubilo , Jorge Matheu , Jensen Jacob Dyring , Aarestrup Frank M. , Weill François-Xavier , Hendriksen Rene S. , Ehlers Marthie M. , Kingsley Robert A.
Published: June 2023

A highly multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella enterica serotype Kentucky (S. Kentucky) of sequence type (ST)198 emerged in North Africa and has since spread widely. To investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of S. Kentucky in Zimbabwe and identify potential sources of infection, the whole-genome sequence of 37 S. Kentucky strains isolated from human clinical infections and from poultry farms between 2017 and 2020 was determined. Of 37 S. Kentucky isolates, 36 were ST198 and one was ST152. All ST198 isolates had between six and fifteen antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and 92% carried at least ten AMRs. All ST198 isolates harbored the Salmonella genomic island K-Israel variant (SGI1-KIV) integrated into the chromosome with aac(3)-ld, aac(6)-laa, aadA7, blaTEM-1, sul1, and tetA genes, with occasional sporadic loss of one or more genes noted from five isolates. All ST198 isolates also had mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of the gyrA and parC genes. The blaCTX-M-14.1 and fosA3 genes were present in 92% of the ST198 isolates, conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and fosfomycin, respectively, were present on an IncHI2 plasmid with the aadA2b, aadA1, aph(3’)-Ib, aph(6’)-Id, cmlA1 and sul3 AMR genes. S. Kentucky ST198 isolates from Zimbabwe formed a closely related phylogenetic clade that emerged from a previously reported global epidemic population. The close genetic relationship and population structure of the human clinical and poultry isolates of ST198 in Zimbabwe are consistent with poultry being an important source of highly resistant strains of S. Kentucky in Zimbabwe.
F-doped NiCo2O4@CoMoO4 as an advanced electrode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Cen Ze , Yang Fang , Wan Jie , Xu Kaibing
Published: June 2023

Heterostructure engineering and element doping is a trustworthy route to attain outstanding aqueous Zn-ion battery electrode materials.
Energy decomposition analysis methods for intermolecular interactions with excited states
Authors: Tang Zhen , Shao Boxiao , Wu Wei , Su Peifeng
Published: June 2023

Energy decomposition analysis methods for intermolecular interactions with excited states are proposed based on TD-DFT calculations.
Ferrocene/ferrocenium, cobaltocene/cobaltocenium and nickelocene/nickelocenium: from gas phase ionization energy to one-electron reduction potential in solvated medium
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , Pan Yi , Lau Kai-Chung
Published: June 2023

Absolute reduction potential () predictions for Cp2M+/Cp2M, where M = Fe, Co and Ni.
Tandem cells for unbiased photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Shujie , Zhang Gong , Gong Zichen , Wu Bo , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong
Published: June 2023

This review describes the fundamentals of PEC tandem cells and the current status of optimised photoelectrodes for PEC tandem cells. The challenges and perspectives of tandem cells for unbiased PEC water splitting are discussed.
Cancer stem cell activity of copper(ii)-terpyridine complexes with aryl sulfonamide groups
Authors: Singh Karampal , Northcote-Smith Joshua , Singh Kuldip , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: June 2023

Here we report the synthesis, characterisation, and anti-breast cancer stem cell properties of a series of copper(ii)-terpyridine complexes containing aryl sulfonamide groups.
Combined effect of polycan, a β-glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans, and regular resistance exercise on muscle strength, biomarkers, and fitness profiles in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hyun Jun , Shin Jae Suk , Kim Won Gyeong , Lee Sang Yeoup
Published: June 2023

The combination of APβG and regular resistance exercise enhanced knee flexion and hand grip strength in adults in adults with relative sarcopenia. However, it had no apparent favorable effects on muscle mass status.
Apple peel polyphenol alleviates antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis by modulating tight junction proteins, the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and intestinal flora
Authors: He Ziqian , Deng Na , Zheng Bisheng , Gu Yingjie , Chen Jian , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai , Yuan Ling , Li Wenzhi
Published: June 2023

After antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis, APP treatment can strengthen the biological, mechanical and immune barriers of the intestine by regulating its flora and inflammatory factors.
A new reference material for O–Sr isotope determination in epidote using a micro-beam
Authors: Huang Chao , Chen Jingyuan , Yang Yueheng , Xie Liewen , Wu Shitou , Xu Lei , Wang Hao , Yang Jinhui
Published: June 2023

A new natural epidote reference material, PSV, sourced from Alchuri village, Shigar valley, Haramosh mountains, Gilgit, Pakistan, is characterized in this study for O and Sr isotope composition analysis by micro-beam analytical techniques.
Multifaceted mutational immunotherapeutic approach to design therapeutic mAbs to combat monkeypox disease via integrated screening algorithms and antibody engineering
Authors: Singh Satyendra , Rao Abhishek , Mishra Anshuman , Mishra Amit , Prajapati Vijay Kumar
Published: June 2023

Development of therapeutic mAbs against the monkeypox virus targeting critical enzymes. The mutational immunotherapy improves the efficacy. This study provides potential therapy, emphasizing the advantages of mAbs over small molecule inhibitors.
Fabrication of a 3D bacterial cellulose intercalated MoS2@rGO nanocomposite for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Tian Jingyang , Hao Ruihua , Yang Chundi , Ge Xiangbin , Tang Xueyang , Liu Zhirui , Wang Jingwei , Cao Minghui , Jiang Yuanping , Lin Chong
Published: June 2023

A 3D bacterial cellulose intercalated MoS2@graphene nanocomposite is fabricated for supercapacitors.
Facile synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from eggshell biowaste usingAzadirachta indicaextract as a green template
Authors: Upadhyay Punita , Ullah Aman
Published: June 2023

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) were successfully synthesized from eggshell waste by microwave-assisted (MW) as well as conventional heating precipitation methods and a green template i.e., Azadirachta indica (AI) (neem) leaf extract.
Secondary doping of Mn/Co bimetallic ZIF-derived catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Guo Lingli , Hu Yuekun , Zhao Xiaowei , Peng Xingkai , Zhang Xinghua , Yu Xiaofei , Yang Xiaojing , Lu Zunming , Li Lanlan
Published: June 2023

We report a bimetallic catalyst Mn0.1Co0.3/NC-2, which excellent ORR activity in alkaline and acidic electrolytes, due to the increased number of M–Nx active sites by secondary doping and the synergistic effect of the Mn and Co bimetals.
Non-stoichiometric hybrid halide perovskite film for gaseous NH3and HCl sensing
Authors: Li Guishun , Hou Guangning , Zhang Xinghan , Yu Chongyu , Han Dianrong , Jing Chengbin , Chu Junhao
Published: June 2023

The PbI2-rich MAPbI3film is proposed for selective NH3and HCl detections, due to the active PbI-terminated surface of MAPbI3with abundant iodine vacancies.
Carrier tuning of 2D electron gas in field-effect devices based on Al2O3/ZnO heterostructures
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , Zhang Tianbao , He Yongjie , Liu Yuhang , Zhu Hao
Published: June 2023

The impact of the annealing process and oxide thickness on the 2DEG formed in the Al2O3/ZnO heterostructure is studied. FET device application with improved electrical performance is further realized based on the carrier tuning of the 2DEG system.
Results of an interlaboratory comparison for characterization of Pt nanoparticles using single-particle ICP-TOFMS
Authors: Hendriks Lyndsey , Brünjes Robert , Taskula Sara , Kocic Jovana , Hattendorf Bodo , Bland Garret , Lowry Gregory , Bolea-Fernandez Eduardo , Vanhaecke Frank , Wang Jingjing , Baalousha Mohammed , von der Au Marcus , Meermann Björn , Holbrook Timothy Ronald , Wagner Stephan , Harycki Stasia , Gundlach-Graham Alexander , von der Kammer Frank
Published: June 2023

This study describes an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) among nine (9) laboratories to evaluate and validate the standard operation procedure for single-particle (sp) ICP-TOFMS developed within the context of the Horizon 2020 project ACEnano.
A high-index facet gold 12 tip nanostar for an improved electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation reaction with superior CO tolerance
Authors: Rajagopal Sanjeevan , Thangudu Suresh , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: June 2023

In this work, we developed a high-index facet gold 12 tip nanostar for electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation reactions.
Preparation of mechanically tough poly(dimethyl siloxane) through the incorporation of acetylated cyclodextrin-based topologically movable cross-links
Authors: Yoshida Daichi , Park Junsu , Yamashita Naoki , Ikura Ryohei , Kato Nobu , Kamei Masanao , Ogura Kentaro , Igarashi Minoru , Nakagawa Hideo , Takashima Yoshinori
Published: June 2023

Incorporating appropriate amount of movable cross-links in poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) resulted in simultanous improvement of Young's modulus and toughness.
Unveiling the mechanisms of epoxide polymerization with N–Al adduct catalysts: a comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Safaie Niloofar , Rodriguez Austin , Jana Gourhari , Smak Jessica , Mendoza-Cortes Jose L. , Ferrier Robert C.
Published: June 2023

Combining theory and experiments, the full mechanism has been determined for the polymerization of functional epoxides with aluminum-based catalysts.
Semi-enzymatic acceleration of oxidative protein folding by N-methylated heteroaromatic thiols
Authors: Okada Shunsuke , Matsumoto Yosuke , Takahashi Rikana , Arai Kenta , Kanemura Shingo , Okumura Masaki , Muraoka Takahiro
Published: June 2023

We report the first example of a synthetic thiol-based compound that promotes oxidative protein folding upon 1-equivalent loading to the disulfide bonds in the client protein to afford the native form in over 70% yield.
Site-selective carbonylation of arenesviaC(sp2)–H thianthrenation: direct access to 1,2-diarylethanones
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Wang Le-Cheng , Bao Zhi-Peng , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2023

Herein, a new reaction for the site-selective carbonylation of arenesviaC(sp2)–H thianthrenation under mild conditions has been developed.
Rapid fingerprinting of bacterial species using nanocavities created on screen-printed electrodes modified by β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Haghighian Niloofar , Kataky Ritu
Published: June 2023

Rapid and precise identification of infectious microorganisms is important across a range of applications where microbial contamination can cause serious issues ranging from microbial resistance to corrosion.
Constructing SnO2–MoSe2heterojunction nanoflowers as high-rate and ultrastable anodes for sodium-ion half/full batteries
Authors: Li Shengkai , Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Shangshang , Wan Yan
Published: June 2023

Heterostructure engineering is one of the most promising modification strategies to enhance the thermodynamic stability and electrochemical kinetics of anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
Effects of solvent on pyrolysis-assisted catalytic hydrogenolysis of softwood lignin for high-yield production of monomers and phenols, as studied using coniferyl alcohol as a major primary pyrolysis product
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Minami Eiji , Kawamoto Haruo
Published: June 2023

Solvents affect the monomer yield and product selectivity via altering pyrolytic and catalytic reactions during pyrolysis-assisted catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignin.
A flexible and scalable Li-ion conducting film using a sacrificial template for high-voltage all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Kim Jongwoo , Kim Dowan , Kim Youngsik , Lee Wang-Geun
Published: June 2023

To improve the safety concerns of lithium-ion batteries, a flexible scalable composite electrolyte film (FSCEF) was fabricated based on a fiber-shaped ceramic and polymer support.
Oxygen deficient yolk–shell structured Co3O4 microspheres as an oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst for anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Authors: Kim In Tae , Kim Sang-Hyun , Ha Jun Seok , Kim Tae Ha , Cho Jungho , Park Gi Dae , Park Yoo Sei
Published: June 2023

A yolk–shell structured Co3O4, with abundant voids and large surface areas, facilitated efficient mass transport and enabled the implementation of high-performance anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer at high current density.
An erythrocyte membrane-modified biomimetic synergistic nanosystem for cancer anti-vascular therapy and initial efficacy monitoring
Authors: Zhang Jieying , Li Fang , Su Lili , Hu Qian , Li Jianfeng , Zhu Xingjun
Published: June 2023

In this work, a biomimetic nanosystem consisting of erythrocyte membrane modified nanocomposites is developed for synergistic anti-vascular cancer therapy and initial efficacy monitoring.
Direction specific ambisonics source separation with end-to-end deep learning
Authors: Lluís Francesc , Meyer-Kahlen Nils , Chatziioannou Vasileios , Hofmann Alex
Published: June 2023

Ambisonics is a scene-based spatial audio format that has several useful features compared to object-based formats, such as efficient whole scene rotation and versatility. However, it does not provide direct access to the individual source signals, so that these have to be separated from the mixture when required. Typically, this is done with linear spherical harmonics (SH) beamforming. In this paper, we explore deep-learning-based source separation on static Ambisonics mixtures. In contrast to most source separation approaches, which separate a fixed number of sources of specific sound types, we focus on separating arbitrary sound from specific directions. Specifically, we propose three operating modes that combine a source separation neural network with SH beamforming: refinement, implicit, and mixed mode. We show that a neural network can implicitly associate conditioning directions with the spatial information contained in the Ambisonics scene to extract specific sources. We evaluate the performance of the three proposed approaches and compare them to SH beamforming on musical mixtures generated with the musdb18 dataset, as well as with mixtures generated with the FUSS dataset for universal source separation, under both anechoic and room conditions. Results show that the proposed approaches offer improved separation performance and spatial selectivity compared to conventional SH beamforming.
Effect of Office Design Characteristics and Anthropometrics on Thermal Comfort in Malaysian Universities Air-Conditioned Buildings
Authors: Md Taib Noor Syazwanee , Zaki Sheikh Ahmad , Rijal Hom Bahadur , Abd Razak Azli , Yakub Fitri , Mat Ali Mohamed Sukri , Othman Nor’azizi
Published: June 2023

Apart from indoor environmental and personal factors, contextual factors have significantly influenced several thermal comfort studies. In air-conditioned spaces, thermal comfort is conveniently attainable by adjusting the temperature settings, but indoor design elements might alter thermal perceptions and provide adaptive opportunities. This study examines the influence of office design characteristics and anthropometrics on thermal comfort parameters and perceptions. Nineteen university offices in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam, comprised of twelve shared and seven private spaces, were investigated, and 628 responses were collected from 42 participants with even gender distributions. The results showed that room occupancy and size were statistically significant with Griffiths’ comfort temperature. Offices with five or more people had lower mean comfort temperature (24.1 ℃) than private offices (25.0 ℃). The mean comfort temperature in offices larger than 80 m2 was 23.7 ℃ with warmer thermal preference, while offices smaller than 40 m2 were approximately one-degree Celsius higher. Offices with no shading device, window blinds opened, and tiled floorings had mean comfort temperatures higher than 25.0 ℃. The findings also indicated that offices with more than a 60% glazing ratio have a slightly higher mean comfort temperature at 24.9 ℃. The thermal sensation during closed blinds was much cooler than opened ones. The anthropometry of the human body impacts how heat is regulated; thus, respondents with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and above-average body surface area (higher than 1.7 m2) had significantly lower comfort temperatures and preferred more humid surroundings. Mean comfort temperature was statistically significant with BMI with a noticeable difference between underweight (25.1 ℃), normal (24.5 ℃), and obese (23.9 ℃) BMIs. In this study, it is recommended that BMI be considered when positioning occupants in shared offices, and window blinds are an integral shading device for adjusting indoor thermal comfort levels.
Impacts of Respiratory Activities on Infection Risk of COVID-19 in a Passenger Elevator
Authors: Du Chengbo , Chen Qingyan
Published: June 2023

Contaminant transport and flow distribution are very important during an elevator ride, as the reduced social distancing may increase the infection rate of airborne diseases such as COVID-19. This investigation used a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the RNG k–ϵ turbulence model to predict airflow and particle transport in an elevator-lobby area with moving passengers. The CFD results showed a complex airflow pattern due to the downwash air supply from the ceiling and the upward thermal plumes generated by passengers. This investigation studied different respiratory activities of the index patient, i.e., breathing, coughing with and without a mask, and speaking. The results quantitatively compare the risk of infection among different respiratory activities. During an elevator ride, the infection risk was generally low because of the short duration. However, if the index patient talked in an elevator, the infection risk would be relatively high, as two passengers in the closest proximity to distance would be infected.
Comparison of particles leakage with different types of masks using a coughing simulator in a negative pressure isolation room
Authors: Jo Yelim , Jo Seongmin , Kim Jehyun , Sung Minki
Published: June 2023

Although the rate of wearing masks has increased to 97.9%, there is a possibility that a gap between mask and face may occur because it does not completely fit to face, or that the virus may spread due to the poor performance of the mask. Accordingly, many studies are being conducted to evaluate performance of masks, or to measure the flow rate of coughing with PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry). However, most of these studied the performance inside or on the surface of a mask, and research on particle emitting after wearing masks is insufficient. Therefore, in this study, the particle concentration leaked after wearing masks in the negative pressure isolation room experimental chamber was measured, using particle counters and low-cost sensors. A manikin was installed on a bed to release aerosols, and the tendency of particles to decrease after one cough was analyzed. As a result, most of the particles were removed within 10 minutes. The low-cost sensors and particle counters installed in the centre and right wall exhaust diffuser show that with N95 mask on, particles were removed the fastest, and with surgical mask on, particles leaked the most immediately after coughing and were removed the slowest.
Effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels on response speed in cognitive test
Authors: Chen Didong , Bagkeris Emmanouil , Mumovic Dejan , Huebner Gesche , Ucci Marcella
Published: June 2023

To explore the associations of exposure to carbon dioxide with adults’ response speed, 69 participants were invited to participate in the experiment conducted in an environmentally controlled chamber. Participants were exposed alone in three separate sessions, each lasting one hour, with a fixed ventilation rate, temperature and relative humidity level and the CO2 levels fixed at 600ppm, 1500ppm and 2100ppm, respectively. A validated neurobehavioral test battery, the Behavioural Assessment and Research System (BARS) was used to assess participants’ cognitive performance, and response times were collected. Response speed was assessed in ten different tests. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, and education), results showed no significant differences in eight out of the ten neurobehavioral tests. For the Selective Attention test, participants responded faster (lower response time) under CO2 levels of 2100ppm compared to 600ppm (adj.β-coef. -17.57, 95% CI (-29.45, -5.68), p-value=0.004). For the Progressive Ratio Test, participants’ response times significantly decreased with CO2 levels increased. Results indicate no statistical link between CO2 levels and response speed, with only two out of ten comparisons being significant.
Ventilation effectiveness in classroom infection risk control
Authors: Kiil Martin , Valgma Indrek , Võsa Karl-Villem , Simson Raimo , Mikola Alo , Tark Teet , Kurnitski Jarek
Published: June 2023

The benefits of a good ventilation in classrooms are a well-studied topic regarding health and learning outcomes. However, many studies still show poor results regarding air quality, air change rate and air velocities. In this paper, typical Estonian classroom air distribution solutions were studied in an air distribution laboratory at Tallinn University of Technology. The air change efficiency was measured with CO2 tracer gas concentration decay method. For determining the contaminant removal effectiveness, continuous dose method was used to create a constant contaminant source. In addition, by using air velocity probes, we conducted draught measurements in the mock-up classroom. Tests were conducted using dedicated room-based air handling unit and thermal mannequins for imitating heat sources from students. We found that all solutions studied ensured the air change efficiency roughly corresponding to fully mixing air distribution, but local ventilation effectiveness values of contaminant removal showed large variation from 0.6 to 1.7 stressing the impact of source location. Grouped ceiling supply circular diffusers and single vertical supply grille air distribution commonly used in renovated educational buildings resulted in higher draught risk on the border of the occupied zone. High air velocities recorded in some areas of the classroom perimeter, well explain why draught is considered as one of the main reasons why the airflow rates are reduced, or supply air temperatures are lifted compared to designed values. Perforated duct diffusers resulted in acceptable air velocities. In conclusion, local ventilation effectiveness of contaminant removal showed that fully mixing is not a case with a point source, although air change efficiency determined with equally distributed source showed fully mixing conditions. Therefore, in those cases, the air change rate should be increased to achieve the same ventilation effectiveness. Based on the experiments conducted, a point source ventilation effectiveness measurement method for the breathing zone is proposed. This value determined at least with two source locations can be used in infection risk-based ventilation design.
Occupant Feedback and Control Behavior with a Newly Developed Personalized Environmental Control System (PECS)
Authors: Shinoda Jun , Bogatu Dragos-Ioan , Kazanci Ongun B. , Watanabe Futa , Kaneko Yosuke , Olesen Bjarne W.
Published: June 2023

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS) allow control over indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters of the microclimate around individual occupants. The present study reports on the results of human subject experiments evaluating a prototype of PECS. The tested prototype had heating, cooling, and ventilation (air circulation through a filter and an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation component) functions. The objective of the present experiment was to obtain the occupants' subjective responses and physiological parameters such as skin temperature, with and without the use of PECS. The occupants' interaction with the PECS prototype was also observed. Experiments were conducted with 24 university students (12 male and 12 female subjects) over a 5-week period between February and March 2022. Different ambient temperature settings between 18 and 28 °C were tested each week. In each week, subjects participated in two 3-hour sessions, once with PECS and once without it. Subjects with PECS were able to adjust the PECS functions freely throughout the measurements, and the changes they made were recorded in an internal log of the PECS. Subjective responses such as thermal sensation and acceptability were compared with their PECS operation to evaluate the effect of PECS, together with each occupant’s interaction with PECS.
Research on Differences Between Multiple Workspaces in ABW Offices on Productivity and Communication, Psychological and Physiological Quantities
Authors: Tanaka Teppei , Chikamoto Tomoyuki , Sakata Hideaki , Kobayashi Yuusuke
Published: June 2023

In this study, we will investigate the effects of different work environments on intellectual productivity and communication in an Activity-Based-Working (ABW) oriented B-site office of Company A, which has multiple workspaces with different settings for the purpose of improving productivity and health. In this paper, we use a subject experiment and report on the effects of different work environments on the intellectual productivity and physiological and psychological quantities of the subjects in the ABW office, based on the outline of the building where the subject experiments were conducted and the results of objective and subjective evaluations of the subject experiments conducted in the middle and summer periods.
Performance of Air Curtain located at the top of entrance opening - Diﬀerence among indoor/outdoor/double-sided installation
Authors: Furuya Chihiro , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Yamanaka Toshio , Choi Narae , Omoto Kazuo , Mizuno Keizo
Published: June 2023

Large openings of buildings are often used open, which results in heat loss due to intrusion of outdoor airﬂow and leakage of indoor air through the opening. To reduce air-conditioning load and to improve thermal environment in such a building, installing an air curtain at the opening can be a beneﬁcial technique. The airﬂow blowing out of the device suppresses the heat exchange by buoyancy-induced convection through the opening. The impact of temperature difference, blowing speed, and installation position of the air curtain on temperature distribution and invasion flow rate of outdoor air was investigated by full-scale experiment under heating operation. Thermocouples were installed to measure vertical temperature distribution. Outdoor air infiltration was measured using tracer-gas method. The amount of outdoor air inﬁltration was evaluated based on both temperature diﬀerence and CO2 concentration. Comparing the results, it was found that the indoor air curtain was able to suppress the airﬂow through the opening. The indoor-outdoor temperature diﬀerence and CO2 concentration were highest when the air velocity was 4 m/s, suggesting that there is an optimal air velocity at which the air curtain can eﬀectively suppress the airﬂow through the opening.
Cooling indicators for free floating buildings – quantifying the impact of inhabitants’ actions using Temporal Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Gondian Léa , Woloszyn Monika , Goffart Jeanne , Buhé Catherine , Maréchal Philippe , Wurtz Étienne
Published: June 2023

In the coming years, heat waves will be more and more frequent and severe. New buildings must ensure thermal comfort to the occupants despite hot summer conditions, using passive elements, such as solar shadings, night ventilation, limitations of heat gains. The real performance of such systems is very sensitive to occupants’ actions in the case of un-automated systems. In order to better understand and quantify the influence of different occupants’ actions (window opening, solar shading closing, etc) on the building thermal response, novel cooling indicators are proposed based on building energy simulation and global temporal sensitivity analyses. Partial signed variances are used to quantify the impact of each action in terms of intensity and duration. In the present work two indicators are proposed and discussed: cooling indicator and global cooling indicator. They are applied on a case study of an energy efficient detached house constructed in France. 1000 simulations are run, with random selection of actions’ parameters. Maximal temperatures in the main bedroom reach values between 27 and 33°C and are strongly impacted by night ventilation. The proposed cooling indicators aggregate the vast amount of information provided by the simulations and temporal sensitivity analyses and facilitate detailed investigations and comparative studies.
Investigation of thermal comfort in bedrooms in Qatar
Authors: Indraganti Madhavi
Published: June 2023

Good quality sleep is essential for overall health and productivity of human beings. In a field survey in bedrooms in Qatar, 833 sets of occupant responses on thermal comfort and sleep quality before going to bed and after getting up were made together with the corresponding environmental measurements and occupant’s clothing and bedding information. Subject’s thermal sensation was on the cooler side with a preference for warmer environments mostly. People generally felt comfortable, with Griffiths comfort temperature (Tc) being 24.3 °C. and 20.2 °C in free-running (FR) and air-conditioned (AC) modes respectively. Adaptive use of air-conditioners was noted. In 82.7% cases in (AC) mode, the comfort temperature was below the lower limit of the international standard. The quality of sleep was good and overall self-declared sleep quality increased with thermal acceptability. Higher depth of sleep was noted when ACs were on. Qatar bedrooms recorded high mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score in general (mean = 10.7), indicating good quality sleep. It was higher in free-running mode (mean = 11) than in AC mode (mean 10.4). It increased as subjects liked their HVAC systems, indicating the occupants perception of performance of AC systems affecting the sleep quality. This study highlights the need reduce overcooling in spring and to increase air-movement to enable free-running mode, without reducing the sleep quality.
Analysis of fine particulate matter blocking effect by air curtain at school entrance through experimental measurement
Authors: Jung Woo Cheol , Na HooSeung , Kim Sihyeon , Gwak Jonguk , Kim and Taeyeon
Published: June 2023

Fine particulate matter is classified as a first-class carcinogen and is receiving global attention. In particular, particulate matter (PM2.5, and PM10) are more fatal in students at a growing age while their respiratory system develops than in ordinary adults. During school hours, the main entrance is often left open for the convenience of students and staff. In this situation, the inflow of PM2.5 through the main entrance increases significantly. Thus, air curtains are widely used at the main entrance to block the inflow of PM2.5. However, few experimental studies have examined the effect of blocking PM2.5 through such air curtains. This study analyzed the effectiveness of reducing PM2.5 inflow by installing an air curtain at the main entrance of a school. The efficiency in blocking PM2.5 was determined by analyzing the average I/O ratio of PM2.5 at the respiratory height through experimental measurements. The average I/O ratio of PM2.5 in the school entrance was 0.84 before the installation of the air curtain, which was reduced to 0.46 after installing the air curtain. The blockage efficiency of the air curtain was 42%. This study quantitatively confirms that air curtains effectively reduce the inflow of PM2.5 in schools.
Influence of Repeated Odor Adaptation Experience on the Olfactory Response
Authors: Fukumoto Shuichiro , Yamanaka Toshio , Choi Narae , Takemura Akihisa , Kobayashi Tomohiro
Published: June 2023

Recent studies have reported that essential oils and fragrances sprayed indoors affect psychologica evaluation and intellectual productivity. However, the effects of long-term exposure to fragrances on the human body have not been well studied, and there are still many unresolved issues. Therefore, in this study, the effects of repeated exposure to fragrances on changes in the perception of fragrances as a study for long-term operation of fragrance environments were investigated. In order to investigate the effect of fragrance repetition on threshold and odor perception, a panel experiment with 19 subjects was conducted using rosemary essential oil and scatole. The Rosemary was be exposed and the Scatole was not. The conditions were repetition frequency of adaptation. Regarding thresholds, several panels showed an increase in thresholds for rosemary with exposure and a decrease in thresholds for scatole, indicating a long-term acclimation trend due to repeated exposure to fragrances. As for the subjective evaluation of fragrance, the evaluation of fragrance preference and pleasantness/ unpleasantness tended to change to the neutral side in the case of lower frequency and longer duration. In the future, experiments that tend to increase the number of conditions of the frequencies and duration of repeated exposure will be conducted.
Organophosphorus flame retardants in children’s car seats: Implications for vehicle air quality
Authors: Zhu Jiping , Das Dharani
Published: June 2023

Flame retardants (FRs) are used in many consumer products for fire safety reasons. Their use in children’s car seats may result in children’s and vehicle occupants’ exposure to these compounds including inhalation exposure through poor vehicle air quality. We have tested several children’s car seats from local retailers for the presence of FRs. A number of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) were identified in the extracts (dichloromethane) of eight foam materials taken from the seats. They included several organophosphates (triethyl phosphate (TEP) (detected in all 8 samples) followed by tris(butoxyethyl) phosphate (2), triphenyl phosphate (1), di-(t-butylphenyl) phenyl phosphate (1) butyl diethyl phosphate (1) and tris(4-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (1)) and organophosphonates (two isomers of 5-ethyl-2-methyl-2-oxido-1,3,2-dioxaphosphinan-5-yl)methyl methyl methylphosphonate (PMMMP) (detected in 5 of the 8 samples) followed by diethyl ethylphosphonate (1) and 4-methoxy-2-methylbutyl ethyl butylphosphonate (1)). TEP was the most frequently detected among these OPFRs. Due to its relatively high vapour pressure (0.39 mm Hg at 25 °C) among detected OPFRs, TEP is most likely to emit into vehicle interior air during product use, which could result in inhalation exposure for the children using the car seat and other passengers. We therefore have tested the emission rate of TEP in a micro-chamber at 40 °C for estimating potential exposure of vehicle occupants. The emission profile shows the concentrations of TEP in the chamber reached a maximum within the first few hours and then decreased over time. There was a lack of correlation between 24-hour average emission rate and concentrations of TEP in the product. The exact health risk to children and other vehicle occupants in this case requires further research to quantify.