bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine D2 receptor regulates cortical synaptic pruning in rodents
Authors: Zhang Ya-Qiang , Lin Wei-Peng , Huang Li-Ping , Zhao Bing , Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Yin Dong-Min
Published: November 2021

Synaptic pruning during adolescence is important for appropriate neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. Aberrant synaptic pruning may underlie a variety of brain disorders such as schizophrenia, autism and anxiety. Dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2) is associated with several neuropsychiatric diseases and is the target of some antipsychotic drugs. Here we generate self-reporting Drd2 heterozygous (SR-Drd2+/−) rats to simultaneously visualize Drd2-positive neurons and downregulate Drd2 expression. Time course studies on the developing anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) from control and SR-Drd2+/−rats reveal important roles of Drd2 in regulating synaptic pruning rather than synapse formation. Drd2 also regulates LTD, a form of synaptic plasticity which includes some similar cellular/biochemical processes as synaptic pruning. We further demonstrate that Drd2 regulates synaptic pruning via cell-autonomous mechanisms involving activation of mTOR signaling. Deficits of Drd2-mediated synaptic pruning in the ACC during adolescence lead to hyper-glutamatergic function and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood. Taken together, our results demonstrate important roles of Drd2 in cortical synaptic pruning.
Structural basis of the interaction between SETD2 methyltransferase and hnRNP L paralogs for governing co-transcriptional splicing
Authors: Bhattacharya Saikat , Wang Suman , Reddy Divya , Shen Siyuan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Ning , Li Hua , Washburn Michael P. , Florens Laurence , Shi Yunyu , Workman Jerry L. , Li Fudong
Published: November 2021

The RNA recognition motif (RRM) binds to nucleic acids as well as proteins. More than one such domain is found in the pre-mRNA processing hnRNP proteins. While the mode of RNA recognition by RRMs is known, the molecular basis of their protein interaction remains obscure. Here we describe the mode of interaction between hnRNP L and LL with the methyltransferase SETD2. We demonstrate that for the interaction to occur, a leucine pair within a highly conserved stretch of SETD2 insert their side chains in hydrophobic pockets formed by hnRNP L RRM2. Notably, the structure also highlights that RRM2 can form a ternary complex with SETD2 and RNA. Remarkably, mutating the leucine pair in SETD2 also results in its reduced interaction with other hnRNPs. Importantly, the similarity that the mode of SETD2-hnRNP L interaction shares with other related protein-protein interactions reveals a conserved design by which splicing regulators interact with one another.
Optical deciphering of multinary chiral compound mixtures through organic reaction based chemometric chirality sensing
Authors: Hassan Diandra S. , Wolf Christian
Published: November 2021

The advances of high-throughput experimentation technology and chemometrics have revolutionized the pace of scientific progress and enabled previously inconceivable discoveries, in particular when used in tandem. Here we show that the combination of chirality sensing based on small-molecule optical probes that bind to amines and amino alcohols via dynamic covalent or click chemistries and powerful chemometric tools that achieve orthogonal data fusion and spectral deconvolution yields a streamlined multi-modal sensing protocol that allows analysis of the absolute configuration, enantiomeric composition and concentration of structurally analogous—and therefore particularly challenging—chiral target compounds without laborious and time-consuming physical separation. The practicality, high accuracy, and speed of this approach are demonstrated with complicated quaternary and octonary mixtures of varying chemical and chiral compositions. The advantages over chiral chromatography and other classical methods include operational simplicity, increased speed, reduced waste production, low cost, and compatibility with multiwell plate technology if high-throughput analysis of hundreds of samples is desired.
A versatile computational algorithm for time-series data analysis and machine-learning models
Authors: Chomiak Taylor , Rasiah Neilen P. , Molina Leonardo A. , Hu Bin , Bains Jaideep S. , Füzesi Tamás
Published: November 2021

Here we introduce Local Topological Recurrence Analysis (LoTRA), a simple computational approach for analyzing time-series data. Its versatility is elucidated using simulated data, Parkinsonian gait, and in vivo brain dynamics. We also show that this algorithm can be used to build a remarkably simple machine-learning model capable of outperforming deep-learning models in detecting Parkinson’s disease from a single digital handwriting test.
The Swiss data cube, analysis ready data archive using earth observations of Switzerland
Authors: Chatenoux Bruno , Richard Jean-Philippe , Small David , Roeoesli Claudia , Wingate Vladimir , Poussin Charlotte , Rodila Denisa , Peduzzi Pascal , Steinmeier Charlotte , Ginzler Christian , Psomas Achileas , Schaepman Michael E. , Giuliani Gregory
Published: November 2021

Since the opening of Earth Observation (EO) archives (USGS/NASA Landsat and EC/ESA Sentinels), large collections of EO data are freely available, offering scientists new possibilities to better understand and quantify environmental changes. Fully exploiting these satellite EO data will require new approaches for their acquisition, management, distribution, and analysis. Given rapid environmental changes and the emergence of big data, innovative solutions are needed to support policy frameworks and related actions toward sustainable development. Here we present the Swiss Data Cube (SDC), unleashing the information power of Big Earth Data for monitoring the environment, providing Analysis Ready Data over the geographic extent of Switzerland since 1984, which is updated on a daily basis. Based on a cloud-computing platform allowing to access, visualize and analyse optical (Sentinel-2; Landsat 5, 7, 8) and radar (Sentinel-1) imagery, the SDC minimizes the time and knowledge required for environmental analyses, by offering consistent calibrated and spatially co-registered satellite observations. SDC derived analysis ready data supports generation of environmental information, allowing to inform a variety of environmental policies with unprecedented timeliness and quality.
Albino mice with the point mutation at the tyrosinase locus show high cholesterol diet-induced NASH susceptibility
Authors: Kulathunga Kaushalya , Wakimoto Arata , Hiraishi Yukiko , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Gentleman Kyle , Warabi Eiji , Sakasai Tomoki , Miwa Yoshihiro , Mizuno Seiya , Takahashi Satoru , Hamada Michito
Published: November 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a metabolic disorder with high worldwide prevalence and increasing incidence. The inflammatory progressive state, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leads to liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Here, we evaluated whether tyrosinase mutation underlies NASH pathophysiology. Tyrosinase point-mutated B6 (Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J mice (B6 albino) and C57BL/6J black mice (B6 black) were fed with high cholesterol diet (HCD) for 10 weeks. Normal diet-fed mice served as controls. HCD-fed B6 albino exhibited high NASH susceptibility compared to B6 black, a phenotype not previously reported. Liver injury occurred in approximately 50% of B6 albino from one post HCD feeding, with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. NASH was induced following 2 weeks in severe-phenotypic B6 albino (sB6), but B6 black exhibited no symptoms, even after 10 weeks. HCD-fed sB6 albino showed significantly higher mortality rate. Histological analysis of the liver revealed significant inflammatory cell and lipid infiltration and severe fibrosis. Serum lipoprotein analysis revealed significantly higher chylomicron and very low-density lipoprotein levels in sB6 albino. Moreover, significantly higher small intestinal lipid absorption and lower fecal lipid excretion occurred together with elevated intestinal NPC1L1 expression. As the tyrosinase point mutation represents the only genetic difference between B6 albino and B6 black, our work will facilitate the identification of susceptible genetic factors for NASH development and expand the understanding of NASH pathophysiology.
Novel phase distributions for large electronically beam-scanning reflectarrays
Authors: Sheikholeslami Ahad , Atlasbaf Zahra
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the hybrid combination of genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization (GAPSO) is used to optimize the phase distribution (PD) of beam-scanning reflectarray. The GAPSO takes advantage of both conventional algorithms and it could cover their weaknesses. Two novel PDs are proposed in this paper which constant phase elements (CPEs) and ordinary elements (OEs) are two basic kinds of elements used in them. The phases of CPEs are fixed and it is not changed during beam scanning and only OEs’ phase could be adjusted to scan the main beam. In this work GAPSO and two novel PDs are applied to array factor’s PD of a 30 × 30 reflectarray antenna to displace the main beam electronically in the vertical plane from − 40° to 40°. Also, in these two novel PDs, 28.8% of total elements are selected as CPEs. In the first one with only CPEs, the phase of OEs (71.2% of total elements) could adjust, but in the second novel PD with CPEs and phase symmetry plane 35.5% of the total elements’ phase could be changed to scan the beam. Optimization results show that the novel PD and hybrid algorithm have appropriate performance in the electronically beam scanning of reflectarrays.
Readout for simple and precise analog acoustic impact initialization
Authors: Sotner Roman , Polak Ladislav , Jerabek Jan , Lahiri Abhirup , Jaikla Winai
Published: November 2021

An economic concept of acoustic shock wave sensing readout system for simple computer processing is introduced in this work. Its application can be found in precise initialization of the stopwatch from the starter sound, handclap or gun in competitive sport races but also in many other places. The proposed device consists of several low-cost commercially available components and it is powered by a 9 V battery. The proposed device reliably reacts on incoming acoustic shock wave by generation of explicit impulse having controllable duration. It significantly overcomes basic implementations using only a microphone and amplifier (generating parasitic burst instead of defined and distinct impulse) or systems allowing a limited number of adjustable features (gain and/or threshold of the comparator—our concept offers the adjustment of gain, cut-off frequency, threshold level and time duration of active state). In comparison with standard methods, the proposed approach simplifies and makes sensing device less expensive and universal for any powder-based starting gun (without necessity to adapt starting gun). The proposed device, among others, has the following features: impulse duration can be controlled from hundreds of μs up to 2.3 s, the gain range of linear part of processing from 6 to 40 dB and open-collector output compatible with 5 V TTL or 3.3 V CMOS logic. The initialization has been tested in the range from tens of centimeters up to four meters. In order to highlight the important spectral components, the spectral character of the signal can be optimally reduced by a low-pass filter. The quiescent power consumption of the designed simple analog circuit reaches 90 mW. Several use cases, response of the designed system on gunshot signature, talking, hand-clapping and hit on the sensing microphone, are studied and compared to each other. Simulation and experimental results confirm functionality of the realized system.
Restorative potential of (−)-epicatechin in a rat model of Gulf War illness muscle atrophy and fatigue
Authors: Ramirez-Sanchez Israel , Navarrete-Yañez Viridiana , Garate-Carrillo Alejandra , Lara-Hernandez Modesto , Espinosa-Raya Judith , Moreno-Ulloa Aldo , Gomez-Diaz Benjamin , Cedeño-Garcidueñas Ana Lilia , Ceballos Guillermo , Villarreal Francisco
Published: November 2021

We examined in a rat model of Gulf War illness (GWI), the potential of (−)-epicatechin (Epi) to reverse skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy and dysfunction, decrease mediators of inflammation and normalize metabolic perturbations. Male Wistar rats (n = 15) were provided orally with pyridostigmine bromide (PB) 1.3 mg/kg/day, permethrin (PM) 0.13 mg/kg/day (skin), DEET 40 mg/kg/day (skin) and were physically restrained for 5 min/day for 3 weeks. A one-week period ensued to fully develop the GWI-like profile followed by 2 weeks of either Epi treatment at 1 mg/kg/day by gavage (n = 8) or water (n = 7) for controls. A normal, control group (n = 15) was given vehicle and not restrained. At 6 weeks, animals were subjected to treadmill and limb strength testing followed by euthanasia. SkM and blood sampling was used for histological, biochemical and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine and metabolomics assessments. GWI animals developed an intoxication profile characterized SkM atrophy and loss of function accompanied by increases in modulators of muscle atrophy, degradation markers and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Treatment of GWI animals with Epi yielded either a significant partial or full normalization of the above stated indicators relative to normal controls. Plasma metabolomics revealed that metabolites linked to inflammation and SkM waste pathways were dysregulated in the GWI group whereas Epi, attenuated such changes. In conclusion, in a rat model of GWI, Epi partially reverses detrimental changes in SkM structure including modulators of atrophy, inflammation and select plasma metabolites yielding improved function.
Water column structure influences long-distance latitudinal migration patterns and habitat use of bumphead sunfish Mola alexandrini in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chang Ching-Tsun , Chiang Wei-Chuan , Musyl Michael K. , Popp Brian N. , Lam Chi Hin , Lin Shian-Jhong , Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Ho Yuan-Hsing , Chen June-Ru
Published: November 2021

Satellite-tracking of adult bumphead sunfish, Mola alexandrini, revealed long-distance latitudinal migration patterns covering thousands of kilometers. Horizontal and vertical movements of four bumphead sunfish off Taiwan were recorded with pop-up satellite archival tags in 2019–2020. Two individuals moved northward and traveled to Okinawa Island and Kyushu, Japan and two moved southwards; crossing the equator, to Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. During daytime, bumphead sunfish descended below the thermocline and ascended to mixed layer depths (MLD) during nighttime. The N–S migrants, however, demonstrated different habitat utilization patterns. Instead of using prevailing currents, the northward movements of sunfish cohorts exhibited extensive use of mesoscale eddies. Fish in anticyclonic eddies usually occupied deeper habitats whereas those in cyclonic eddies used near-surface habitats. On northward excursions, fish spent most of their time in regions with high dissolved oxygen concentrations. Southward movement patterns were associated with major currents and thermal stratification of the water column. In highly stratified regions, fish stayed below the thermocline and frequently ascended to MLD during daytime either to warm muscles or repay oxygen debts. These results for bumphead sunfish present important insights into different habitat use patterns and the ability to undergo long-distance migrations over varying spatial-temporal scales and features.
Assessment of cleaning methods on bacterial burden of hospital privacy curtains: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cadogan Kianna , Bashar Sabrin , Magnusson Saul , Patidar Rakesh , Embil John , Gawaziuk Justin P. , Gawthrop Monika , Liu Song , Kumar Ayush , Logsetty Sarvesh
Published: November 2021

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important global issue, leading to poor patient outcomes. A potential route of transmission of HAIs is through contact with hospital privacy curtains. The aim of this study is to evaluate cleaning on reduction of curtain bacterial burden. In this pilot cluster randomized controlled trial we compared the bacterial burden between three groups of 24 curtains on a regional burn/plastic surgery ward. A control group was not cleaned. Two groups were cleaned at 3–4 day intervals with either disinfectant spray or wipe. The primary outcome was the difference in mean CFU/cm2 between day 0 to day 21. The secondary outcome was the proportion of curtains contaminated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By day 21, the control group was statistically higher (2.2 CFU/cm2) than spray (1.3 CFU/cm2) or wipe (1.5 CFU/cm2) (p < 0.05). After each cleaning at 3–4 day intervals, the bacterial burden on the curtains reduced to near day 0 levels; however, the level increased again over the intervening 3–4 days. By day 21, 64% of control curtains were contaminated with MRSA compared to 10% (spray) and 5% (wipe) (p < 0.05). This study show that curtains start clean and progressively become contaminated with bacteria. Regularly cleaning curtains with disinfectant spray or wipes reduces bacterial burden and MRSA contamination.
Effect of partial substitution of fishmeal with insect meal (Hermetia illucens) on gut neuromuscular function in Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Bosi Annalisa , Banfi Davide , Moroni Federico , Ceccotti Chiara , Giron Maria Cecilia , Antonini Micaela , Giaroni Cristina , Terova Genciana
Published: November 2021

Alternative nutrient sources to fishmeal for fish feed, such as insect meals, represent a promising sustainable supply. However, the consequences for fish digestive function have not been exhaustively investigated. In the present study we evaluated the effect of partial fishmeal substitution with 10% Hermetia illucens (Hi10) larvae meal on the neuromuscular function of proximal and distal intestine in gilthead sea bream. In animals fed with insect meal, weight and growth parameters were similar to controls fed with conventional fishmeal. In addition, no anomalies in intestinal gross morphology and no overt signs of inflammation were observed. The gastrointestinal transit was significantly reduced in Hi10 fed animals. In the proximal and distal intestine longitudinal muscle, Hi10 feeding downregulated the excitatory cholinergic and serotoninergic transmission. Sodium nitroprusside-induced inhibitory relaxations increased in the proximal intestine and decreased in the distal intestine after Hi10 meal. Changes in the excitatory and inhibitory components of peristalsis were associated with adaptive changes in the chemical coding of both proximal and distal intestine myenteric plexus. However, these neuromuscular function alterations were not associated with considerable variations in morphometric growth parameters, suggesting that 10% Hi meal may represent a tolerable alternative protein source for gilthead sea bream diets.
Study on a horizontal axial flow pump during runaway process with bidirectional operating conditions
Authors: Kan Kan , Zhang Qingying , Xu Zhe , Chen Huixiang , Zheng Yuan , Zhou Daqing , Binama Maxima
Published: November 2021

The ultra-low head pump stations often have bidirectional demand of water delivery, so there is a risk of runaway accident occurring in both conditions. To analyze the difference of the runaway process under forward runaway condition (FRC) and backward runaway condition (BRC), the whole flow system of a horizontal axial flow pump is considered. The Shear-Stress Transport (SST) k–ω model is adopted and the volume of fluid (VOF) model is applied to simulate the water surface in the reservoirs. Meanwhile, the torque balance equation is introduced to obtain the real time rotational speed, then the bidirectional runaway process of the pump with the same head is simulated. In addition, the vortex transport equation and swirl number are proposed to reveal the flow characteristics during the runaway process. The results show that the runaway process can be divided into five stages: the drop, braking, rising, convergence and runaway stages, according to the changing law of torque curve. In the rising stage, the pressure difference on the blade surface continues to increase, which contributes to the abnormal torque increase. In this stage, the flow hits the pressure surface (PS) at a faster speed enlarging the pressure on PS, and the flow separation takes place on the suction surface (SS) weakening the pressure on SS. During the convergence and runaway stage, the pulsation amplitude of torque and axial force under FRC is obviously larger than those under BRC. This is because the rotation frequency of the vortex rope is the same as main pressure fluctuation frequency in impeller under FRC, which enhances the pulsation amplitude. Whereas the vortices are broken due to the inhibitive effect from guide vanes under BRC.
Enhanced wound healing properties of guar gum/curcumin-stabilized silver nanoparticle hydrogels
Authors: Bhubhanil Sakkarin , Talodthaisong Chanon , Khongkow Mattaka , Namdee Katawut , Wongchitrat Prapimpun , Yingmema Werayut , Hutchison James A. , Lapmanee Sarawut , Kulchat Sirinan
Published: November 2021

Biocompatible materials that act as scaffolds for regenerative medicine are of enormous interest. Hydrogel-nanoparticle composites have great potential in this regard, however evaluations of their wound healing and safety in vivo in animal studies are scarce. Here we demonstrate that a guar gum/curcumin-stabilized silver nanoparticle hydrogel composite is an injectable material with exceptional wound healing and antibacterial properties. We show that the curcumin-bound silver nanoparticles themselves exhibit low cytotoxicity and enhance proliferation, migration, and collagen production in in vitro studies of human dermal fibroblasts. We then show that the hydrogel-nanoparticle composite promotes wound healing in in vivo studies on rats, accelerating wound closure by > 40% and reducing bacterial counts by 60% compared to commercial antibacterial gels. Histopathology indicates that the hydrogel composite enhances transition from the inflammation to proliferation stage of healing, promoting the formation of fibroblasts and new blood vessels, while target gene expression studies confirm that the accelerated tissue remodeling occurs along the normal pathways. As such these hydrogel composites show great promise as wound dressing materials with high antibacterial capacity.
Deletion of Plasmodium falciparum ubc13 increases parasite sensitivity to the mutagen, methyl methanesulfonate and dihydroartemisinin
Authors: Maneekesorn Supawadee , Knuepfer Ellen , Green Judith L. , Prommana Parichat , Uthaipibull Chairat , Srichairatanakool Somdet , Holder Anthony A.
Published: November 2021

The inducible Di-Cre system was used to delete the putative ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 13 gene (ubc13) of Plasmodium falciparum to study its role in ubiquitylation and the functional consequence during the parasite asexual blood stage. Deletion resulted in a significant reduction of parasite growth in vitro, reduced ubiquitylation of the Lys63 residue of ubiquitin attached to protein substrates, and an increased sensitivity of the parasite to both the mutagen, methyl methanesulfonate and the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA), but not chloroquine. The parasite was also sensitive to the UBC13 inhibitor NSC697923. The data suggest that this gene does code for an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme responsible for K63 ubiquitylation, which is important in DNA repair pathways as was previously demonstrated in other organisms. The increased parasite sensitivity to DHA in the absence of ubc13 function indicates that DHA may act primarily through this pathway and that inhibitors of UBC13 may both enhance the efficacy of this antimalarial drug and directly inhibit parasite growth.
Different gene rearrangements of the genus Dardanus (Anomura: Diogenidae) and insights into the phylogeny of Paguroidea
Authors: Zhang Ying , Meng Lei , Wei Liming , Lu Xinting , Liu Bingjian , Liu Liqin , Lü Zhenming , Gao Yang , Gong Li
Published: November 2021

Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) can provide useful information for phylogenetic relationships, gene rearrangement, and molecular evolution. In this study, the complete mitogenomes of two hermit crabs,Dardanus arrosorandDardanus aspersus, were sequenced for the first time and compared with other published mitogenomes of Paguroidea. Each of the two mitogenomes contains an entire set of 37 genes and a putative control region, but they display different gene arrangements. The different arrangements of the two mitogenomes might be the result of transposition, reversal, and tandem duplication/random loss events from the ancestral pancrustacean pattern. Genome sequence similarity analysis reveals the gene rearrangement in 15 Paguroidea mitogenomes. After synteny analysis between the 15 Paguroidea mitogenomes, an obvious rearranged region is found inD. aspersusmitogenome. Across the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) tested,COIhas the least andND6has the largest genetic distances among the 15 hermit crabs, indicating varied evolution rates of PCGs. In addition, the dN/dS ratio analysis shows that all PCGs are evolving under purifying selection. The phylogenetic analyses based on both gene order and sequence data present the monophyly of three families (Paguridae, Coenobitidae, and Pylochelidae) and the paraphyly of the family Diogenidae. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic tree based on the nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs shows that twoDardanusspecies formed a sister group with five Coenobitidae species. These findings help to better understand the gene rearrangement and phylogeny of Paguroidea, as well as provide new insights into the usefulness of mitochondrial gene order as a phylogenetic marker.
Estimating severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome transmission using machine learning methods in South Korea
Authors: Cho Giphil , Lee Seungheon , Lee Hyojung
Published: November 2021

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease in China, Japan, and Korea. This study aimed to estimate the monthly SFTS occurrence and the monthly number of SFTS cases in the geographical area in Korea using epidemiological data including demographic, geographic, and meteorological factors. Important features were chosen through univariate feature selection. Two models using machine learning methods were analyzed: the classification model in machine learning (CMML) and regression model in machine learning (RMML). We developed a novel model incorporating the CMML results into RMML, defined as modified-RMML. Feature importance was computed to assess the contribution of estimating the number of SFTS cases using modified-RMML. Aspect to the accuracy of the novel model, the performance of modified-RMML was improved by reducing the MSE for the test data as 12.6–52.2%, compared to the RMML using five machine learning methods. During the period of increasing the SFTS cases from May to October, the modified-RMML could give more accurate estimation. Computing the feature importance, it is clearly observed that climate factors such as average maximum temperature, precipitation as well as mountain visitors, and the estimation of SFTS occurrence obtained from CMML had high Gini importance. The novel model incorporating CMML and RMML models improves the accuracy of the estimation of SFTS cases. Using the model, climate factors, including temperature, relative humidity, and mountain visitors play important roles in transmitting SFTS in Korea. Our findings highlighted that the guidelines for mountain visitors to prevent SFTS transmissions should be addressed. Moreover, it provides important insights for establishing control interventions that predict early identification of SFTS cases.
Effect of refractive error type in the amblyopic eyes on factors for treatment success in anisometropic amblyopia
Authors: Choi Daye Diana , Kim Dae Hee , Kim Ungsoo Samuel , Baek Seung-Hee
Published: November 2021

To investigate the factors for treatment success in anisometropic amblyopia according to the spherical equivalent (SE) type of amblyopic eyes. Medical records of 397 children with anisometropic amblyopia aged 3 to 12 years who presented in a secondary referral eye hospital during 2010 ~ 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Anisometropia was defined as ≥ 1 diopter (D) difference in SE, or ≥ 1.5 D difference of cylindrical error between the eyes. According to the SE of amblyopic eyes, patients were categorized into hyperopia (SE ≥ 1D), emmetropia (− 1 < SE <  + 1) and myopia (SE ≤ − 1D) groups. Treatment success was defined as achieving interocular logMAR visual acuity difference < 0.2. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors for treatment success. Significant factors for the amblyopia treatment success in hyperopia group (n = 270) were younger age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval, CI) = 0.529 (0.353, 0.792)], better BCVA in amblyopic eyes at presentation [aOR (95% CI) 0.004 (0, 0.096)], longer follow-up period [aOR (95%CI) = 1.098 (1.036, 1.162)], and no previous amblyopia treatment history [aOR (95% CI) 0.059 (0.010, 0.364)]. In myopia group (n = 68), younger age [aOR (95% CI) 0.440 (0.208, 0.928)] and better BCVA in amblyopic eyes [aOR (95% CI) 0.034 (0.003, 0.469)] were associated with higher odds of treatment success. There was no significant factor for treatment success in emmetropia group (n = 59) in this population. The refractive error type of amblyopic eyes at presentation affects the factors for treatment success in anisometropic amblyopia.
The impact of extraction protocol on the chemical profile of cannabis extracts from a single cultivar
Authors: Bowen Janina K. , Chaparro Jacqueline M. , McCorkle Alexander M. , Palumbo Edward , Prenni Jessica E.
Published: November 2021

The last two decades have seen a dramatic shift in cannabis legislation around the world. Cannabis products are now widely available and commercial production and use of phytocannabinoid products is rapidly growing. However, this growth is outpacing the research needed to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of the myriad of chemical compounds found primarily in the flower of the female cannabis plant. This lack of research and corresponding regulation has resulted in processing methods, products, and terminology that are variable and confusing for consumers. Importantly, the impact of processing methods on the resulting chemical profile of full spectrum cannabis extracts is not well understood. As a first step in addressing this knowledge gap we have utilized a combination of analytical approaches to characterize the broad chemical composition of a single cannabis cultivar that was processed using previously optimized and commonly used commercial extraction protocols including alcoholic solvents and super critical carbon dioxide. Significant variation in the bioactive chemical profile was observed in the extracts resulting from the different protocols demonstrating the need for further research regarding the influence of processing on therapeutic efficacy as well as the importance of labeling in the marketing of multi-component cannabis products.
Subthalamic stimulation breaks the balance between distal and axial signs in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Cavazzini Émilie , Zénon Alexandre , Legou Thierry , Witjas Tatiana , Fluchère Frédérique , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Baunez Christelle , Pinto Serge , Eusebio Alexandre
Published: November 2021

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the effects of both Ldopa and subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) are known to change cost-valuation. However, this was mostly studied through reward-effort task involving distal movements, while axial effort, less responsive to treatments, have been barely studied. Thus, our objective was to compare the influence of both Ldopa and STN-DBS on cost-valuation between two efforts modalities: vowel production (as an example of axial movement) and hand squeezing (as an example of distal movement). Twelve PD patients were recruited to participate in this study. The task consisted in deciding whether to accept or reject trials based on a reward-effort trade-off. Participants performed two blocks with hand squeezing, and two with vowel production, in the four treatment conditions (LdopaOn/Off; STN-DBS On/Off). We found that STN-DBS changed the ratio difference between hand and phonation efforts. Vowel production effort was estimated easier to perform with STN-DBS alone, and harder when associated with Ldopa. The difference between hand and phonation efforts was correlated with quality of life in Off/Off and On Ldopa alone conditions, and with impulsive assessment On STN-DBS alone. We highlighted that STN-DBS could introduce an imbalance between the actual motor impairments and their subjective costs. With this finding, we also suggest paying particular attention to the different treatment effects that should be expected for axial and distal movement dysfunctions.
Developing an in-vivo physiological porcine model of inducing acute atraumatic compartment syndrome towards a non-invasive diagnosis using shear wave elastography
Authors: Kang Jong Woo , Park Jong Woong , Lim Tae Hyun , Kim Keun Tae , Lee Song Joo
Published: November 2021

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a pathological event caused by elevated intracompartmental pressure (ICP); however, changes from the onset of inducing atraumatic CS remained unclear. The study aimed to investigate the physiological changes in a newly developed in vivo porcine acute atraumatic CS model. CS was induced by ischemia–reperfusion injury in the left hind leg of fourteen pigs divided into an echogenicity group (EG) and a shear wave elastography group (SEG). Echogenicity was measured in EG, and shear elastic modulus (SEM) was measured in SEG seven times before, at the onset of inducing CS, and every 30 min after the onset over eight hours. Simultaneously, ICP, blood pressure, and muscle perfusion pressure (MPP) were also measured in both groups. Our results indicate that SEM of the experimental leg in SEG significantly increased as CS developed compared to the control leg (p = 0.027), but no statistical difference in the echogenicity in EG was found between the experimental leg and control leg. There were also significant correlations between SEM and ICP (p < 0.001) and ICP and MPP (p < 0.001). Our method and findings can be a basis to develop a non-invasive diagnostic tool using a shear wave elastography for atraumatic CS.
Minority carrier decay length extraction from scanning photocurrent profiles in two-dimensional carrier transport structures
Authors: Wei Yu-Chien , Chu Cheng-Hao , Mao Ming-Hua
Published: November 2021

Carrier transport was studied both numerically and experimentally using scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) in two-dimensional (2D) transport structures, where the structure size in the third dimension is much smaller than the diffusion length and electrodes cover the whole terminal on both sides. Originally, one would expect that with increasing width in 2D transport structures, scanning photocurrent profiles will gradually deviate from those of the ideal one-dimensional (1D) transport structure. However, the scanning photocurrent simulation results surprisingly showed almost identical profiles from structures with different widths. In order to clarify this phenomenon, we observed the spatial distribution of carriers. The simulation results indicate that the integrated carrier distribution in the 2D transport structures with finite width can be well described by a simple-exponential-decay function with the carrier decay length as the fitting parameter, just like in the 1D transport structures. For ohmic-contact 2D transport structures, the feasibility of the fitting formula from our previous 1D analytical model was confirmed. On the other hand, the application of a simple-exponential-decay function in scanning photocurrent profiles for the diffusion length extraction in Schottky-contact 2D transport structures was also justified. Furthermore, our simulation results demonstrate that the scanning photocurrent profiles in the ohmic- or Schottky-contact three-dimensional (3D) transport structures with electrodes covering the whole terminal on both sides will reduce to those described by the corresponding 1D fitting formulae. Finally, experimental SPCM on a p-type InGaAs air-bridge two-terminal thin-film device was carried out. The measured photocurrent profiles can be well fitted by the specific fitting formula derived from our previous 1D analytical model and the extracted electron mobility-lifetime product of this thin-film device is 6.6 × 10–7 cm2·V−1. This study allows us to extract the minority carrier decay length and to obtain the mobility-lifetime product which can be used to evaluate the performance of 2D carrier transport devices.
Identifying the climatic drivers of honey bee disease in England and Wales
Authors: Rowland Ben W. , Rushton Stephen P. , Shirley Mark D. F. , Brown Mike A. , Budge Giles E.
Published: November 2021

Honey bee colony health has received considerable attention in recent years, with many studies highlighting multifactorial issues contributing to colony losses. Disease and weather are consistently highlighted as primary drivers of colony loss, yet little is understood about how they interact. Here, we combined disease records from government honey bee health inspections with meteorological data from the CEDA to identify how weather impacts EFB, AFB, CBP, varroosis, chalkbrood and sacbrood. Using R-INLA, we determined how different meteorological variables influenced disease prevalence and disease risk. Temperature caused an increase in the risk of both varroosis and sacbrood, but overall, the weather had a varying effect on the six honey bee diseases. The risk of disease was also spatially varied and was impacted by the meteorological variables. These results are an important step in identifying the impacts of climate change on honey bees and honey bee diseases.
The effects of cis and trans butenedioic acid on the physicochemical behavior of lumefantrine
Authors: Tomar Devendrasingh , Lodagekar Anurag , Gunnam Anilkumar , Allu Suryanarayana , Chavan Rahul B. , Tharkar Minakshi , Ajithkumar T. G. , Nangia Ashwini K. , Shastri Nalini R.
Published: November 2021

A study of the differences in the effects of cis (maleic acid) and trans (fumaric acid) isomers of butenedioic acid on the crystallinity, amorphous nature, and pharmaceutical behaviour of the antimalarial drug lumefantrine is provided.
Light-induced synthesis of unsymmetrical organic carbonates from alcohols, methanol and CO2 under ambient conditions
Authors: Saini Sandhya , Gour Nand Kishor , Khan Shafiur Rehman , Deka Ramesh Chandra , Jain Suman L
Published: November 2021

An organic base mediated reaction of CO2 with alcohols and methanol under light irradiation leads to unsymmetrical organic carbonates under atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature conditions.
Quantifying oxygen induced surface enrichment of a dilute PdAu alloy catalyst
Authors: Karatok Mustafa , Madix Robert J. , van der Hoeven Jessi E. S. , Aizenberg Joanna , Reece Christian
Published: November 2021

The surface composition of dilute PdAu catalysts is dynamic and difficult to resolve. Using CO pulse titration, we determine that after oxygen treatment a three-fold enrichment of Pd is seen on the surface of a dilute PdAu catalyst.
A new magnetic adsorbent of eggshell-zeolitic imidazolate framework for highly efficient removal of norfloxacin
Authors: Zhong Yuyu , Chen Chen , Liu Si , Lu Chengyu , Liu Dong , Pan Ying , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Muddassir Mohd. , Liu Jianqiang
Published: November 2021

A new Fe3O4-ES/ZIF-8 was synthesized via a facile method and was used to remove the norfloxacin with a high efficiency of 80.13%. The magnetic nature of the adsorbent caused to an easy separation from aqueous solution.
Applications of hydrogen as a collision and reaction cell gas for enhanced measurement capability applied to low level stable and radioactive isotope detection using ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Russell B. , Goddard S. L. , Mohamud H. , Pearson O. , Zhang Y. , Thompkins H. , Brown R. J. C.
Published: November 2021

Applications of hydrogen as a collision/reaction gas for enhanced interference removal and expanding the number of pollutants measurable.
Drug delivery, biodistribution and anti-EGFR activity: theragnostic nanoparticles for simultaneousin vivodelivery of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and kinase activity biosensors
Authors: Bofinger Robin , Weitsman Gregory , Evans Rachel , Glaser Matthias , Sander Kerstin , Allan Helen , Hochhauser Daniel , Kalber Tammy L. , Årstad Erik , Hailes Helen C. , Ng Tony , Tabor Alethea B.
Published: November 2021

We report the development of targeted theragnostic lipid/peptide/DNA lipopolyplexes for delivery of both a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and plasmid DNA coding for a biosensor. These are used to quantify EGFR inhibition in cancer cell linesin vivo.
Gauging surface charge distribution of live cell membrane by ionic current change using scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Chen Feng , He Jin , Manandhar Prakash , Yang Yizi , Liu Peidang , Gu Ning
Published: November 2021

Simultaneous mapping of nanoscale topography and surface charge of living cells under physiological conditions.
Progresses in synthetic technology development for the production of l-lactide
Authors: Meng Xiangkun , Yu Lei , Cao Yitao , Zhang Xu , Zhang Yiyang
Published: November 2021

l-Lactide is an important intermediate for the industrial production of polylactic acid (PLA). This mini-review aims to summarize typical works on its related synthetic technology development in recent years.
Double C–S bond formation via multiple Csp3–H bond cleavage: synthesis of 4-hydroxythiazoles from amides and elemental sulfur under metal-free conditions
Authors: Chen Liang , Xuchen Xinyu , Wang Fei , Yang Yuan , Deng Guobo , Liu Yilin , Liang Yun
Published: November 2021

A convenient and practical approach for the synthesis of 4-hydroxythiazoles from amides and elemental sulfur is described via the cleavage of multiple Csp3–H bonds under metal-free conditions.
In situ construction of FeNi2Se4-FeNi LDH heterointerfaces with electron redistribution for enhanced overall water splitting
Authors: Yu Hanzhi , Xie Yaoyi , Deng Liming , Huang Hongjiao , Song Junnan , Yu Deshuang , Li Linlin , Peng Shengjie
Published: November 2021

The abundant heterogeneous interfaces between the FeNi2Se4 and FeNi LDH can provide enriched active sites and accelerate reaction kinetics, which improves the overall water splitting performance.
Enantioselective total syntheses of marine natural products (+)-cylindricines C, D, E and their diastereomers
Authors: Huang Ying-Hong , Liu Zhan-Jiang , Huang Pei-Qiang
Published: November 2021

On the basis of the amide strategy, we have achieved the concise enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-cylindricines D, C, and E, and their 2-epimers in seven, eight, and nine steps, respectively.
Insight into the mechanism of the arylation of arenes via norbornene relay palladation through meta- to para-selectivity
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Wang Qiong , Huang Fang , Wang Wenjuan , Yang Chong , Liu Jianbiao , Chen Dezhan
Published: November 2021

A theoretical insight was shown into the origin of site-selectivity in the arylation of arenes by a norbornene relay palladation through meta- to para-selectivity.
Effect of Ce doping on the structure–activity relationship of MoVOx composite metal oxides
Authors: Deng Luyao , Li Shuangming , Liu Yongwei , Lu Zixuan , Fan Yaoxin , Yan Yunong , Yu Sansan
Published: November 2021

Ce-doped MoVOx with disperse rod-shaped exhibits excellent catalytic performance in selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.
Concentrating rare earth elements in brown coal humic acids by mechanochemical treatment
Authors: Skripkina Tatiana , Belokozenko Margarita , Shatskaya Svetlana , Tikhova Vera , Lomovskiy Igor
Published: November 2021

Mechanochemical oxidation leads to concentration of rare earth elements in soluble humic acids fraction.
Computational and data driven molecular material design assisted by low scaling quantum mechanics calculations and machine learning
Authors: Li Wei , Ma Haibo , Li Shuhua , Ma Jing
Published: November 2021

Low scaling quantum mechanics calculations and machine learning can be employed to efficiently predict the molecular energies, forces, and optical and electrical properties of molecular materials and their aggregates.
Ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones
Authors: Lv Leiyang , Qian Huijun , Ma Yangyang , Huang Shiqing , Yan Xiaoyu , Li Zhiping
Published: November 2021

A robust Pd/NHC ligand synergistic strategy that enables the exquisite regioselective and chemodivergent C–F bond functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones, is reported.
A study on electroactive PVDF/mica nanosheet composites with an enhanced γ-phase for capacitive and piezoelectric force sensing
Authors: Khalifa Mohammed , Schoeffmann Elisabeth , Lammer Herfried , Mahendran Arunjunai Raj , Wuzella Guenter , Anandhan S.
Published: November 2021

A PVDF/mica nanocomposite prepared via a facile synthesis strategy with an enhanced γ-phase and dielectric properties for highly sensitive, wearable capacitance and piezoelectric-based sensing.
Continuum percolation in colloidal dispersions of hard nanorods in external axial and planar fields
Authors: Pihlajamaa Ilian , de Bruijn René , van der Schoot Paul
Published: November 2021

Long rod-like particles in external planar and axial quadrupole fields display highly complex percolation behaviour, featuring multiple re-entrant effects and triaxial connected clusters.
Mechanical strength enhancement by grain size reduction in a soft colloidal polycrystal
Authors: Mourchid Ahmed , Boucenna Imane , Carn Florent
Published: November 2021

We manufacture colloidal polycrystals where the grain size is varied and the mechanical properties evolve according to the Hall–Petch law. The yield stress follows a linear variation as a function of the inverse square root of the grain size.
In situ forming asymmetric bi-functional gel polymer electrolyte in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Yu-Jie , Wang Rui , Xue Jin-Xin , Liu Feng-Quan , Yan Jun , Jia Si-Xin , Xiang Tian-Qi , Huo Hong , Zhou Jian-Jun , Li Lin
Published: November 2021

An asymmetric gel polymer electrolyte with dual functions of immobilizing polysulfides and promoting uniform Li deposition.
Facile synthesis of a three-dimensional hydroxyapatite monolith for protein adsorption
Authors: Lyu Yanting , Asoh Taka-Aki , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

A hard template method was developed to prepare a porous HA monolith with a hierarchical pore structure and the HA monolith was explored to study the adsorption and release properties of bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Capturing excitonic and polaronic effects in lead iodide perovskites using many-body perturbation theory
Authors: Basera Pooja , Singh Arunima , Gill Deepika , Bhattacharya Saswata
Published: November 2021

Lead iodide perovskites have attracted considerable interest as promising energy-materials. However, to date, several electronic and optical properties such as effective mass, exciton binding energy and radiative exciton lifetime are largely unknown.