bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designed peptides as nanomolar cross-amyloid inhibitors acting via supramolecular nanofiber co-assembly
Authors: Taş Karin , Volta Beatrice Dalla , Lindner Christina , El Bounkari Omar , Hille Kathleen , Tian Yuan , Puig-Bosch Xènia , Ballmann Markus , Hornung Simon , Ortner Martin , Prem Sophia , Meier Laura , Rammes Gerhard , Haslbeck Martin , Weber Christian , Megens Remco T. A. , Bernhagen Jürgen , Kapurniotu Aphrodite
Published: August 2022

Amyloid self-assembly is linked to numerous devastating cell-degenerative diseases. However, designing inhibitors of this pathogenic process remains a major challenge. Cross-interactions between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), key polypeptides of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), have been suggested to link AD with T2D pathogenesis. Here, we show that constrained peptides designed to mimic the Aβ amyloid core (ACMs) are nanomolar cross-amyloid inhibitors of both IAPP and Aβ42 and effectively suppress reciprocal cross-seeding. Remarkably, ACMs act by co-assembling with IAPP or Aβ42 into amyloid fibril-resembling but non-toxic nanofibers and their highly ordered superstructures. Co-assembled nanofibers exhibit various potentially beneficial features including thermolability, proteolytic degradability, and effective cellular clearance which are reminiscent of labile/reversible functional amyloids. ACMs are thus promising leads for potent anti-amyloid drugs in both T2D and AD while the supramolecular nanofiber co-assemblies should inform the design of novel functional (hetero-)amyloid-based nanomaterials for biomedical/biotechnological applications.
Radial bound states in the continuum for polarization-invariant nanophotonics
Authors: Kühner Lucca , Sortino Luca , Berté Rodrigo , Wang Juan , Ren Haoran , Maier Stefan A. , Kivshar Yuri , Tittl Andreas
Published: August 2022

All-dielectric nanophotonics underpinned by the physics of bound states in the continuum (BICs) have demonstrated breakthrough applications in nanoscale light manipulation, frequency conversion and optical sensing. Leading BIC implementations range from isolated nanoantennas with localized electromagnetic fields to symmetry-protected metasurfaces with controllable resonance quality (Q) factors. However, they either require structured light illumination with complex beam-shaping optics or large, fabrication-intense arrays of polarization-sensitive unit cells, hindering tailored nanophotonic applications and on-chip integration. Here, we introduce radial quasi-bound states in the continuum (radial BICs) as a new class of radially distributed electromagnetic modes controlled by structural asymmetry in a ring of dielectric rod pair resonators. The radial BIC platform provides polarization-invariant and tunable high-Q resonances with strongly enhanced near fields in an ultracompact footprint as low as 2 µm2. We demonstrate radial BIC realizations in the visible for sensitive biomolecular detection and enhanced second-harmonic generation from monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides, opening new perspectives for compact, spectrally selective, and polarization-invariant metadevices for multi-functional light-matter coupling, multiplexed sensing, and high-density on-chip photonics.
Strong and Localized Luminescence from Interface Bubbles Between Stacked hBN Multilayers
Authors: Lee Hae Yeon , Sarkar Soumya , Reidy Kate , Kumar Abinash , Klein Julian , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , LeBeau James M. , Ross Frances M. , Gradečak Silvija
Published: August 2022

Extraordinary optoelectronic properties of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures can be tuned via strain caused by mechanical deformation. Here, we demonstrate strong and localized luminescence in the ultraviolet region from interface bubbles between stacked multilayers of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Compared to bubbles in stacked monolayers, bubbles formed by stacking vdW multilayers show distinct mechanical behavior. We use this behavior to elucidate radius- and thickness-dependent bubble geometry and the resulting strain across the bubble, from which we establish the thickness-dependent bending rigidity of hBN multilayers. We then utilize the polymeric material confined within the bubbles to modify the bubble geometry under electron beam irradiation, resulting in strong luminescence and formation of optical standing waves. Our results open a route to design and modulate microscopic-scale optical cavities via strain engineering in vdW materials, which we suggest will be relevant to both fundamental mechanical studies and optoelectronic applications.
Discrete subicular circuits control generalization of hippocampal seizures
Authors: Fei Fan , Wang Xia , Xu Cenglin , Shi Jiaying , Gong Yiwei , Cheng Heming , Lai Nanxi , Ruan Yeping , Ding Yao , Wang Shuang , Chen Zhong , Wang Yi
Published: August 2022

Epilepsy is considered a circuit-level dysfunction associated with imbalanced excitation-inhibition, it is therapeutically necessary to identify key brain regions and related circuits in epilepsy. The subiculum is an essential participant in epileptic seizures, but the circuit mechanism underlying its role remains largely elusive. Here we deconstruct the diversity of subicular circuits in a mouse model of epilepsy. We find that excitatory subicular pyramidal neurons heterogeneously control the generalization of hippocampal seizures by projecting to different downstream regions. Notably, anterior thalamus-projecting subicular neurons bidirectionally mediate seizures, while entorhinal cortex-projecting subicular neurons act oppositely in seizure modulation. These two subpopulations are structurally and functionally dissociable. An intrinsically enhanced hyperpolarization-activated current and robust bursting intensity in anterior thalamus-projecting neurons facilitate synaptic transmission, thus contributing to the generalization of hippocampal seizures. These results demonstrate that subicular circuits have diverse roles in epilepsy, suggesting the necessity to precisely target specific subicular circuits for effective treatment of epilepsy.
Selective suppression of melanoma lacking IFN-γ pathway by JAK inhibition depends on T cells and host TNF signaling
Authors: Shen Hongxing , Huang Fengyuan , Zhang Xiangmin , Ojo Oluwagbemiga A. , Li Yuebin , Trummell Hoa Quang , Anderson Joshua C. , Fiveash John , Bredel Markus , Yang Eddy S. , Willey Christopher D. , Chong Zechen , Bonner James A. , Shi Lewis Zhichang
Published: August 2022

Therapeutic resistance to immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) in melanoma patients is a pressing issue, of which tumor loss of IFN-γ signaling genes is a major underlying mechanism. However, strategies of overcoming this resistance mechanism have been largely elusive. Moreover, given the indispensable role of tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) in ICBs, little is known about how tumor-intrinsic loss of IFN-γ signaling (IFNγR1KO) impacts TILs. Here, we report that IFNγR1KOmelanomas have reduced infiltration and function of TILs. IFNγR1KOmelanomas harbor a network of constitutively active protein tyrosine kinases centered on activated JAK1/2. Mechanistically, JAK1/2 activation is mediated by augmented mTOR. Importantly, JAK1/2 inhibition with Ruxolitinib selectively suppresses the growth of IFNγR1KObut not scrambled control melanomas, depending on T cells and host TNF. Together, our results reveal an important role of tumor-intrinsic IFN-γ signaling in shaping TILs and manifest a targeted therapy to bypass ICB resistance of melanomas defective of IFN-γ signaling.
Mechanism of peptides from rice hydrolyzed proteins hindering starch digestion subjected to hydrothermal treatment
Authors: Lu Xiaoxue , Ma Rongrong , Zhan Jinling , Jin Zhengyu , Tian Yaoqi
Published: August 2022

Clarifying the interactions between food components is critical in designing carbohydrate-based foods with low digestibility. To date, the hindering effect of starch-protein interactions on starch digestion has attracted extensive attention. In this study, rice proteins were further hydrolyzed, and rice peptides (RP) with different molecular weights were obtained by ultrafiltration. The effects and possible mechanisms of RP with different molecular weights on the structure, thermal properties, and in vitro digestibility of cooked rice starch were investigated. All peptides slowed the digestion of rice starch in a concentration-dependent manner. A concentration of 10% RP>10 decreased the rapidly digestible starch content from 68.02 to 45.90 g/100 g, and increased the resistant starch content from 17.54 to 36.54 g/100 g. The addition of RP improved the thermal stability of the starch and reduced the amount of leached amylose. Infrared analysis shows that strong hydrogen bonds formed between RP (especially RP>10) and starch during co-gelatinization. In addition, RP improved the compactness of aggregated structure and played an important role in hindering the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. These results enrich the theory of starch-protein interactions and have important implications for the development of carbohydrate-based foods with low digestibility and protein functional foods.
Directed information flow during laparoscopic surgical skill acquisition dissociated skill level and medical simulation technology
Authors: Kamat Anil , Makled Basiel , Norfleet Jack , Schwaitzberg Steven D. , Intes Xavier , De Suvranu , Dutta Anirban
Published: August 2022

Virtual reality (VR) simulator has emerged as a laparoscopic surgical skill training tool that needs validation using brain–behavior analysis. Therefore, brain network and skilled behavior relationship were evaluated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) from seven experienced right-handed surgeons and six right-handed medical students during the performance of Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) pattern of cutting tasks in a physical and a VR simulator. Multiple regression and path analysis (MRPA) found that the FLS performance score was statistically significantly related to the interregional directed functional connectivity from the right prefrontal cortex to the supplementary motor area with F (2, 114) = 9, p < 0.001, and R2 = 0.136. Additionally, a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) found a statistically significant effect of the simulator technology on the interregional directed functional connectivity from the right prefrontal cortex to the left primary motor cortex (F (1, 15) = 6.002, p = 0.027; partial η2 = 0.286) that can be related to differential right-lateralized executive control of attention. Then, MRPA found that the coefficient of variation (CoV) of the FLS performance score was statistically significantly associated with the CoV of the interregionally directed functional connectivity from the right primary motor cortex to the left primary motor cortex and the left primary motor cortex to the left prefrontal cortex with F (2, 22) = 3.912, p = 0.035, and R2 = 0.262. This highlighted the importance of the efference copy information from the motor cortices to the prefrontal cortex for postulated left-lateralized perceptual decision-making to reduce behavioral variability.
A comprehensive data set of physical and human-dimensional attributes for China’s lake basins
Authors: Chen Tan , Song Chunqiao , Fan Chenyu , Cheng Jian , Duan Xuejun , Wang Lei , Liu Kai , Deng Shulin , Che Yue
Published: August 2022

Lakes provide water-related ecosystem services that support human life and production. Nevertheless, climate changes and anthropogenic interventions remarkably altered lake and basin hydrology in recent decades, which pose a significant threat to lacustrine ecosystems. Therefore, assessments of lacustrine ecosystems require the spatial and temporal characteristics of key physical and human-dimensional attributes for lakes and lake basins. To facilitate stakeholders obtaining comprehensive data of lake basins in China, we compiled the comprehensive data set for China’s lake basins (CODCLAB) mostly from publicly available data sources based on spatial analysis and mathematical statistics methods in this study. The CODCLAB is available in three data formats, including raster layers (Level 1) in “tiff” format, vector shapefiles (Level 2), and attribute tables (Level 3). It covers 767 lakes (>10 km2) in China and their basin extent associating with 34 variables organized into five categories: Hydrology, Topography, Climate, Anthropogenic, and Soils. This unique database will provide basic data for research on the physical processes and socioeconomic activities related to these lakes and their basins in China and expect to feed a broad user community for their application in different areas.
Australian wildfires cause the largest stratospheric warming since Pinatubo and extends the lifetime of the Antarctic ozone hole
Authors: Damany-Pearce Lilly , Johnson Ben , Wells Alice , Osborne Martin , Allan James , Belcher Claire , Jones Andy , Haywood Jim
Published: August 2022

Global mean lower stratosphere temperatures rose abruptly in January 2020 reaching values not experienced since the early 1990s. Anomalously high lower stratospheric temperatures were recorded for 4 months at highly statistically significant levels. Here, we use a combination of satellite and surface-based remote sensing observations to derive a time-series of stratospheric biomass burning aerosol optical depths originating from intense SouthEastern Australian wildfires and use these aerosol optical depths in a state-of-the-art climate model. We show that the S.E. Australian wildfires are the cause of this lower stratospheric warming. We also investigate the radiatively-driven dynamical response to the observed stratospheric ozone perturbation and find a significant strengthening of the springtime Antarctic polar vortex suggesting that biomass burning aerosols play a significant role in the observed anomalous longevity of the ozone hole in 2020.
Nanosheet-type tin oxide gas sensor array for mental stress monitoring
Authors: Choi Pil Gyu , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: August 2022

Mental stress management has become significantly important because excessive and sustained mental stress can damage human health. In recent years, various biomarkers associated with mental stress have been identified. One such biomarker is allyl mercaptan. A nanosheet-type tin oxide exhibited high gas selectivity for allyl mercaptan; thus, in this study, a sensor array comprising nanosheet-type tin oxide gas sensors was fabricated to detecting allyl mercaptan. Supervised learning algorithms were use to build gas classification models based on the principal component analysis of the sensor signal responses from the sensor array. The comprehensive data provided by the classification models can be used to forecast allyl mercaptan with high accuracy.
Resting-state functional connectivity does not predict individual differences in the effects of emotion on memory
Authors: Kandaleft Dona , Murayama Kou , Roesch Etienne , Sakaki Michiko
Published: August 2022

Emotion-laden events and objects are typically better remembered than neutral ones. This is usually explained by stronger functional coupling in the brain evoked by emotional content. However, most research on this issue has focused on functional connectivity evoked during or after learning. The effect of an individual’s functional connectivity at rest is unknown. Our pre-registered study addresses this issue by analysing a large database, the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience, which includes resting-state data and emotional memory scores from 303 participants aged 18–87 years. We applied regularised regression to select the relevant connections and replicated previous findings that whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity can predict age and intelligence in younger adults. However, whole-brain functional connectivity predicted neither an emotional enhancement effect (i.e., the degree to which emotionally positive or negative events are remembered better than neutral events) nor a positivity bias effect (i.e., the degree to which emotionally positive events are remembered better than negative events), failing to support our pre-registered hypotheses. These results imply a small or no association between individual differences in functional connectivity at rest and emotional memory, and support recent notions that resting-state functional connectivity is not always useful in predicting individual differences in behavioural measures.
SARS-CoV-2 genome variations and evolution patterns in Egypt: a multi-center study
Authors: Jalal Deena , Elzayat Mariam G. , El-Shqanqery Hend E. , Diab Aya A. , Yahia Abdelrahman , Samir Omar , Bakry Usama , Amer Khaled , ElNaqeeb Mostafa , Hassan Wael , Talat Hala S. , Farawela Hala M. , Hamdy Mona S. , Soliman May S. , El Sissy Maha H. , Ezzelarab Moushira H. , El khateeb Sara M. , Soliman Lamyaa H. , Haddad Sara E. , Hatem Ashraf , Ismail Mohamed S. , Hossam Maha , Mansour Tarek , Shalaby Lobna , Soliman Sonia , Hassan Reem , Hammad Mahmoud , Abdo Ibrahim , Magdeldin Sameh , ElHaddad Alaa , Abouelnaga Sherif , Sayed Ahmed A.
Published: August 2022

A serious global public health emergency emerged late November 2019 in Wuhan City, China, by a new highly pathogenic virus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus evolution spread has been tracked by three developing databases: GISAID, Nextstrain and PANGO to understand its circulating variants. In this study, 110 diagnosed positive COVID-19 patient’s samples, were collected from Kasr Al-Aini Hospital and the Children Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 between May 2020 and January 2021, with clinical severity ranging from mild to severe. The viral genomes were sequenced by next generation sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was performed to understand viral transmission dynamics. According to Nextstrain clades, most of our sequenced samples belonged to clades 20A and 20D, which in addition to clade 20B were present from the beginning of sample collection in May 2020. Clades 19A and 19B, on the other hand, appeared in the mid and late 2020 respectively, followed by the disappearance of clade 20B at the end of 2020. We identified a relatively high prevalence of the D614G spike protein variant and novel patterns of mutations associated together and with different clades. We also identified four mutations, spike H49Y, ORF3a H78Y, ORF8 E64stop and nucleocapsid E378V, associated with higher disease severity. Altogether, our study contributes genetic, phylogenetic, and clinical correlation data about the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Egypt.
A patient-cohort study of numerical analysis on sacroiliac joint stress distribution in pre- and post-operative hip dysplasia
Authors: Toyohara Ryota , Kaneuji Ayumi , Takano Noriyuki , Kurosawa Daisuke , Hammer Niels , Ohashi Toshiro
Published: August 2022

In acetabular dysplasia, the cartilaginous roof on the acetabular side does not fully cover the femoral head, which may lead to abnormal stress distribution in both the femoral head and pelvis. These stress changes may have implications to the adjacent sacroiliac joint (SIJ). The SIJ has a minimal range of motion and is closely coupled to the adjacent spine and pelvis. In consequence, the SIJ may react sensitively to changes in stress distribution at the acetabulum, with hypermobility-induced pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stress distribution of the SIJ in acetabular dysplasia, and to gain insight into the cause and mechanisms of hypermobility-induced pain at the SIJ. Finite element models of pre- and postoperative pelves of four patients with acetabular dysplasia were created and analyzed in double leg standing positions. The preoperative models were relatively inflare, the sacral nutation movement, SIJ cartilage equivalent stress, and the load on the surrounding ligaments decreased with increased posterior acetabular coverage. Acetabular morphology was shown to affect the SIJ, and improvement of the posterior acetabular coverage may help normalize load transmission of the pelvis and thus improve the stress environment of the SIJ in acetabular dysplasia.
Plant health index as an anomaly detection tool for oil refinery processes
Authors: Al-Anzi Fawaz S. , Lababidi Haitham M. S. , Al-Sharrah Ghanima , Al-Radwan Suad A. , Seo Ho Joon
Published: August 2022

Early detection of significant abnormal changes is highly desirable for oil refinery processes, which consist of sophisticated unit operations handling hazardous and flammable inventories and operating at high temperature and pressure. Close monitoring and anomaly detection are vital for avoiding major accidents and losses and enable intervention before failure occurrence. A new big data analytics tool called Plant Health Index (PHI) is proposed in this work. PHI is a statistical anomaly detection software that trains its model using online normal plant operation, then uses statistical analytics to detect anomalies. For detecting the anomalies, a combined method of multivariate analysis of residuals and nonparametric models of the process is employed. The methodology provides a structured representation of the plant variables to ease the detection of problems along with the detection of operation changes of the system. The PHI system has been tested on a hydrotreating units in a refinery, which consists of catalytic reactors and separators. The current implementation tagged 170 process variables and proved effective in capturing the normal operational conditions of the plant. When placed online, PHI was able of detecting anomalies that are difficult to detect using the control system and before being detected by the alarm system.
The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic approach for the management of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones in patients with prior biliary tract surgical interventions
Authors: Liu Ying-Yu , Li Tian-Yu , Wu Shuo-Dong , Fan Ying
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic and open reoperation for intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones patients with previous biliary tract surgical procedures. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones patients with previous biliary tract surgical procedures who underwent reoperation in the Second General Surgery Department of China Medical University from January 2012 to February 2018. 44 eligible cases were selected. In accordance with the surgical procedures, they were divided into a laparoscopy group (n = 23) and an open surgery group (n = 21). No statistically significant differences were found in the preoperative general clinical data between the two group. Two patients in the laparoscopy group were converted to open surgery. Comparisons between the two groups showed that the intraoperative blood loss [90.87 ± 62.95 (ml) vs. 152.38 ± 118.82 (ml)], the proportion of postoperative analgesia [10/23 (43.5%) vs. 16/21 (76.2%)], and the length of stay [7.19 ± 5.32 (d) vs. 11.00 ± 4.66 (d)] in the laparoscopy group were significantly lower than those in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). Laparoscopic biliary reoperation for intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones was feasible. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery has the advantages of less bleeding, a shorter postoperative length of stay, and a lower rate of additional postoperative analgesia.
Predicting genes associated with RNA methylation pathways using machine learning
Authors: Tsagkogeorga Georgia , Santos-Rosa Helena , Alendar Andrej , Leggate Dan , Rausch Oliver , Kouzarides Tony , Weisser Hendrik , Han Namshik
Published: August 2022

RNA methylation plays an important role in functional regulation of RNAs, and has thus attracted an increasing interest in biology and drug discovery. Here, we collected and collated transcriptomic, proteomic, structural and physical interaction data from the Harmonizome database, and applied supervised machine learning to predict novel genes associated with RNA methylation pathways in human. We selected five types of classifiers, which we trained and evaluated using cross-validation on multiple training sets. The best models reached 88% accuracy based on cross-validation, and an average 91% accuracy on the test set. Using protein-protein interaction data, we propose six molecular sub-networks linking model predictions to previously known RNA methylation genes, with roles in mRNA methylation, tRNA processing, rRNA processing, but also protein and chromatin modifications. Our study exemplifies how access to large omics datasets joined by machine learning methods can be used to predict gene function.
The membrane-active polyaminoisoprenyl compound NV716 re-sensitizes Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics and reduces bacterial virulence
Authors: Wang Gang , Brunel Jean-Michel , Preusse Matthias , Mozaheb Negar , Willger Sven D. , Larrouy-Maumus Gerald , Baatsen Pieter , Häussler Susanne , Bolla Jean-Michel , Van Bambeke Françoise
Published: August 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosais intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics due to the impermeability of its outer membrane and to the constitutive expression of efflux pumps. Here, we show that the polyaminoisoprenyl compound NV716 at sub-MIC concentrations re-sensitizesP. aeruginosato abandoned antibiotics by binding to the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of the outer membrane, permeabilizing this membrane and increasing antibiotic accumulation inside the bacteria. It also prevents selection of resistance to antibiotics and increases their activity against biofilms. No stable resistance could be selected to NV716-itself after serial passages with subinhibitory concentrations, but the transcriptome of the resulting daughter cells shows an upregulation of genes involved in the synthesis of lipid A and LPS, and a downregulation of quorum sensing-related genes. Accordingly, NV716 also reduces motility, virulence factors production, and biofilm formation. NV716 shows a unique and highly promising profile of activity when used alone or in combination with antibiotics againstP. aeruginosa, combining in a single molecule anti-virulence and potentiator effects. Additional work is required to more thoroughly understand the various functions of NV716.
Affinity of anti-spike antibodies to three major SARS-CoV-2 variants in recipients of three major vaccines
Authors: Macdonald Patrick J. , Schaub Jeffrey M. , Ruan Qiaoqiao , Williams Carroll L. , Prostko John C. , Tetin Sergey Y.
Published: August 2022

Background

Measuring anti-viral antibody affinity in blood plasma or serum is a rational quantitative approach to assess humoral immune response and acquired protection. Three common vaccines against SARS-CoV-2—Comirnaty developed by Pfizer/BioNTech, Spikevax developed by Moderna/NIAID, and Jcovden (previously Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine) developed by Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J)—induce antibodies to a variety of immunogenic epitopes including the epitopes located in the ACE2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Blocking RBD with antibodies interferes with the binding of the virus to ACE2 thus protecting against infection.

Methods

We perform measurements in the serum of the recipients of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines, and we compare the apparent affinities of vaccine-induced antibodies against the RBD of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta and Omicron variants. We use our recently published method to determine the apparent affinity of anti-spike protein antibodies directly in human serum. This involves probing antibody-antigen equilibria with a small number of antigen-coated magnetic microparticles and imaging them on a fluorescence microscope.

Results

Recipients of two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as recipients of the single-dose J&J vaccine, develop high-affinity antibodies toward RBD derived from ancestral SARS-CoV-2. Affinities of these antibodies to Delta-RBD are approximately 10 times weaker, and even more drastically reduced (∼1000-fold) toward Omicron-RBD.

Conclusions

Vaccine-induced antibodies against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 RBD demonstrate ~10-fold and ~1000-fold weaker affinities toward Delta- and Omicron-RBD, respectively. Our approach offers a direct means for evaluating vaccine-induced adaptive immunity and can be helpful in designing or updating vaccines.
A multicomponent reaction platform towards multimodal near-infrared BODIPY dyes for STED and fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Fernandez Antonio , Kielland Nicola , Makda Ashraff , Carragher Neil O. , González-García M. Carmen , Espinar-Barranco Laura , González-Vera Juan A. , Orte Angel , Lavilla Rodolfo , Vendrell Marc
Published: August 2022

By combining synthetic multicomponent reactions and cell-based screenings, we identified NIRBD-62c as a multimodal probe for STED and fluorescence lifetime imaging of the vesicular traffic between intracellular compartments and the plasma membrane.
Chemo- and regio-selective amidation of indoles with isocyanates using borane Lewis acids
Authors: Dasgupta Ayan , Guerzoni Michael G. , Alotaibi Nusaybah , van Ingen Yara , Farshadfar Kaveh , Richards Emma , Ariafard Alireza , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: August 2022

A metal-free synthetic route using boranes has been developed for the amidation of indoles. A detailed mechanistic study was carried out to understand the reaction mechanism.
Crystallization of zeolite Beta in the presence of an anionic surfactant AESA
Authors: Hao Wenming , Zhang Lei , Ma Jinghong , Li Ruifeng
Published: August 2022

The addition of an anionic surfactant AESA in zeolite synthesis resulted in zeolite Beta with improved crystallinity and crystal completeness, increased framework Si/Al ratio, increased yield and enrichment of polymorph-A.
Distinct modes of Si–H binding to Rh in complexes of a phosphine-diarylamido-silane (SiNP) pincer ligand
Authors: Rain Talosig A. , Cosio Mario N. , Morse Benjamin , Nguyen Vinh T. , Kosanovich Alex J. , Pell Christopher J. , Li Chun , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Zhou Jia , Larsen Anna S. , Ozerov Oleg. V.
Published: August 2022

Two distinct Si-H binding modes were observed upon complexation of a silane-amido-phosphine SiNP pincer ligand with monovalent Rh.
Nonequilibrium interfacial diffusion across microdroplet interface
Authors: Khoeini Davood , He Vincent , Boyd Ben J. , Neild Adrian , Scott Timothy F.
Published: August 2022

Increases in complexity attainable in molecular self-assembly necessitates both advanced molecular design as well as microenvironmental control.
In vitro evaluation of the biodegradability of chitosan–genipin hydrogels
Authors: Reay Sophie L. , Jackson Emma L. , Ferreira Ana M. , Hilkens Catharien M. U. , Novakovic Katarina
Published: August 2022

Lysozyme hydrolyses β-(1,4) linkages between d-glucosamine and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine units in chitosan, and degrades one of the bifunctional crosslinks in chitosan–genipin hydrogels. Degraded particles have potential to be renally excreted in vivo.
Periodically spaced CaF2 semi-insulating thin ribbons growth study on the Si(100) surface
Authors: Duverger Eric , Riedel Damien
Published: August 2022

The epitaxy of the Si(100) surface with CaF2 can show periodically spaced (55 Å) thin (26 Å) ribbons having semi-insulating properties. They can extend up to several hundreds of nanometers.
Effect of manganese substitution of ferrite nanoparticles on particle grain structure
Authors: Yan Zichun , Chaluvadi Anish , FitzGerald Sara , Spence Sarah , Bleyer Christopher , Zhu Jiazhou , Crawford Thomas M. , Getman Rachel B. , Watt John , Huber Dale L. , Mefford O. Thompson
Published: August 2022

Manganese substitution induces crystallite shrinkage and loss of saturation magnetization for the manganese ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition.
Synthesis and structural studies of Cu(i) methylthiosalicylate complexes and their catalytic application in thiol-yne click reaction
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Tiwari Priyanka , Kant Rajni , Bhattacharya Subrato
Published: August 2022

Three complexes of Cu(i), [Cu(PPh3)2(mts)] (1), [Cu(dppf)(mts)] (2) and [Cu(dppe)(mts)]2 (3) (mts = methylthiosalicylate; dppf = diphenylphosphinoferrocene; dppe = diphenylphosphinoethane), have been synthesized and characterized.
Construction of Ni@polypyrrole nanochains/Ti3C2Txternary composites with excellent microwave absorption properties
Authors: Dai Bo , Dong Feng , Yu Jia , Feng Shixuan , Wang Haowen , Li Tingxi , Ma Mingliang , Ding Jianxu , Ma Yong
Published: August 2022

Ni@PPy NCs/Ti3C2Txternary composites are successfully fabricated by the combination of solvothermal method, hydrothermal method and vacuum-assisted filtration, showing the optimum RLminof −62.61 dB at 6.82 GHz and 2.71 mm.
Improved experimental method for electroless deposition of iridium using a platinum sublayer to form a catalyst coated membrane
Authors: Gill Aseem Partap Singh , Kwan Jason Tai Hong , Wilkinson David P.
Published: August 2022

Two-step electroless process to form uniform deposition of Ir on Pt at various loadings. Creation of a functional multi-catalyst layer coated membrane (CCM).
Synthesis of poly(2,6-diaminopyridine) using a rotating packed bed toward efficient production of polypyrrole-derived electrocatalysts
Authors: Deng Long , Jiao Yiran , Pu Yuan , Liu Dong , Wang Dan
Published: August 2022

A straightforward and controllable synthesis method based on a high gravity rotating packed bed reactor is highly favored to efficiently manipulate the structural and electronic properties of polypyrrole-derived electrocatalysts.
Ternary layered double hydroxide cathode materials for electrochemical energy storage: a review and perspective
Authors: Hu Xi , Zheng Wanying , Wu Mengcheng , He Qingqing , Zhan Feiyang , Chen Lingyun
Published: August 2022

The crystal structure and preparation of ternary layered double hydroxides are reviewed, with an emphasis on their morphology, structural engineering, derivatives and composites, and their applications in electrochemical energy storage.
A direct field‐circuit coupled analytical modelling method for permanent magnet motor operation performance analysis
Authors: Zheng Bining , Zhang Zhen , Yan Dong , Shi Tingna , Xia Changliang
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the analytical relationship among supply voltage, current, and structure parameters of the permanent magnet (PM) motor is cleverly deduced by using an intermediate‐flux linkage. After further consideration of boundary conditions, the direct field‐circuit coupled analytical model in integrated matrix form is subsequently constructed. Using this model, the vector potentials and currents of the motor can be calculated simultaneously, and the electromagnetic performance, such as the output torque, winding flux linkage, and so on can be further calculated by the vector potentials. Because the control parameters and motor structure parameters are both considered in the derivation process, the proposed analytical model can be used to analyse the motor operation performance under different control strategies. Its validity is finally verified on a 10‐pole/12‐slot PM motor. The results of the proposed direct field‐circuit coupled analytical model are compared with those of field‐circuit coupled time‐stepping finite element model and experiment under speed‐current double closed‐loop and current closed‐loop control strategies, respectively. The results of the proposed model are proved well with finite element simulation and experimental results.
Distributed reinforcement learning for dynamic spectrum allocation in cognitive radio‐based internet of things
Authors: Elhachmi Jamal
Published: August 2022

Cognitive Radio (CR) with other advancements such as the Internet of things and machine learning has recently emerged as the main involved technique to use spectrum in an efficient manner. It can access the spectrum in a fully dynamic way and exploit the unused spectrum resources without creating any harm to cognitive users. In this paper, the authors develop a CR access strategy founded on the implementation of an efficient Deep Multi‐user Reinforcement Learning algorithm based on a combination of a Deep neural network, Q‐learning, and cooperative multi‐agent systems. The proposed approach consists of two stages: the user choice algorithm to set up an agent's activation order, and the frequency choice method to select the optimal channel on the appropriate bandwidth. Reasonable implementation is proposed, and the obtained results demonstrate that the authors’ approach can improve wireless communication for all CR terminals. It shows satisfactory performances in terms of user satisfaction degree and the number of used channels and can keep the channel allocation plan always in the appropriate state.
An extendable soft‐switched high step‐up converter with near zero‐ripple input current suitable for fuel cell‐powered applications
Authors: Dezhbord Morteza , Babalou Milad , Mohseni Parham , Islam Md. Rabiul , Vafaei Lida Ebrahimi , Hosseini Seyed Hossein
Published: August 2022

In this paper, an extendable high step‐up topology is presented for the low input voltage applications, that is, fuel cell (FC) source. The proposed converter eliminates the pulsating input current and reduces the high input current ripple. Thus, the lifetime of this non‐linear source and energy flow is significantly improved. The high output voltage is achieved by using voltage multiplier cells (VMC) and a coupled inductor (CI) with reduced elements. Moreover, an auxiliary circuit is applied due to restoring the energy of leakage inductance in the CI. Therefore, not only all power switching devices are turned on under zero voltage switching (ZVS) but also the input current ripple is remarkably reduced to zero. Furthermore, normalized semiconductors’ voltage stresses are diminished. The reverse recovery problem of diodes and their turn‐off power losses at high frequencies are alleviated owing to their zero current switching (ZCS) turn‐off. In this paper, the performance of the proposed structure is investigated and compared with the traditional converters considering their voltage gain and voltage stress. Eventually, a 500‐W prototype of the proposed converter is built and tested to validate mathematical analyses.
Smart city technologies from the perspective of technology acceptance
Authors: Dirsehan Taşkın , van Zoonen Liesbet
Published: August 2022

Most studies in the literature aim to discuss and examine the technologies in smart cities. Much less is known about the dynamics of their acceptance by citizens. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies examining the acceptance of smart city technologies (SCTs), focussing particularly on Technology User Acceptance Models (TAM). Using a novel framework of SCTs based on the technology visibility and citizen interaction, we categorise them as individual‐based explicit SCTs, collective‐purpose explicit SCTs, digitising SCTs, and infrastructure SCTs. We assess that studies about citizen acceptation of SCTs have been mainly focussed on individual technologies. Also, the review shows that the field is nascent and fragmented, and that a wide variety of variables have been used to predict the adoption of individual‐based explicit SCTs, with the classic ones of TAM (perceived use and perceived usefulness) unmistakably being relevant in the smart city context as well. As a result of the fragmentation of the field, our review was not yet able to identify generalisable knowledge about the acceptance of the smart city and its technologies by citizens. We end with some suggestions for future research approaches and designs.
Black hole mass estimation using X-ray variability measurements in Seyfert galaxies
Authors: Akylas A. , Papadakis I. , Georgakakis A.
Published: August 2022

Aims. Our objective is to critically assess the X-ray flux variability as a tool for measuring the black hole (BH) mass in active galactic nuclei (AGN). We aim to establish a prescription for estimating BH masses based on measurements of the normalised excess variance from X-ray data. We discuss the minimum requirements in terms of the light-curve duration and X-ray signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) to enable a reliable determination that is comparable to what can be derived from the continuum and emission line reverberation studies.

Methods. We used the light curves of local Seyfert from the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array hard X-ray mission (NuSTAR), to compute the normalised excess variance (σNXV2) in the 3–10 and 10–20 keV bands, thus extending the analysis to an energy band higher than 10 keV. The excess variance measurements were then combined with independent BH mass estimates from the literature to establish the MBH vs. σNXV2 relation for different samples and weigh its accuracy in terms of the light-curve duration and X-ray S/N.

Results. We find that it is possible to accurately measure the BH mass in AGN using excess variance measurements in the 3–10 and the 10–20 keV bands, however, strong quality requirements should be applied. The minimum necessary S/N and duration of the light curves used to compute the excess variance ought to be ∼3 and ∼80 − 100 ks, respectively. We provide a linear relationship between the normalised excess variance and the black hole mass that can be used to estimate the latter, with an average uncertainty of the order of 0.4 − 0.25 dex (depending on the adopted light-curve segment duration). In general, BH mass estimates from 3–10 keV and 10–20 keV band light curves are expected to be similar. The 10–20 keV band is preferred for sources that are heavily absorbed and the 3–10 keV band is preferred for sources that may be dominated by the X-ray reflection component at energies above 10 keV.
Effect of anti-hail net on production and quality of ‘Rose Niagara’ grapes grown in Serra Gaúcha region, south Brazil
Authors: Forte Bruna F. , Susin Eliane , Silvestre Wendel P. , Corrêa Henrique C.
Published: August 2022

In the Serra Gaúcha region, South Brazil, the occurrence of hail is common due to relief and the cold air currents coming from polar regions. Nowadays, the use of anti-hail nets to protect fruit production is increasing, but the real effects of using this coverture on vines are largely unknown. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the impact of the use of an anti-hail net on the productivity and quality parameters of ‘Rose Niagara’ grapes grown in the region, in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 harvests. The studied parameters were production, number of bunches per plant, bunch length, berry diameter, mass of 100 berries, average bunch mass, juice pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, phenolic compounds content, total anthocyanins content, and photosynthetically active radiation. The results showed that the anti-hail net influenced some quality parameters, but this change was not consistent in the two harvests, indicating a larger influence of edaphoclimatic conditions than of the use of the net. Thus, the anti-hail net may be an alternative to protect vineyards from hail and other bad weather conditions, without having important negative impacts on the production and quality of ‘Rose Niagara’ grapes.
Does High-Dose Thromboprophylaxis Improve Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients? A Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Elsebaie Maha A. T. , Baral Binav , Elsebaie Mai , Shrivastava Trilok , Weir Catherine , Kumi Dennis , Birch Noah W.
Published: August 2022

Background Thromboembolism remains a detrimental complication of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) despite the use of prophylactic doses of anticoagulation

Objectives This study aimed to compare different thromboprophylaxis strategies in COVID-19 patients

Methods We conducted a systematic database search until June 30, 2022. Eligible studies were randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies that compared prophylactic to intermediate or therapeutic doses of anticoagulation in adult patients with COVID-19, admitted to general wards or intensive care unit (ICU). Primary outcomes were mortality, thromboembolism, and bleeding events. Data are analyzed separately in RCTs and non-RCTs and in ICU and non-ICU patients.

Results. We identified 682 studies and included 53 eligible studies. Therapeutic anticoagulation showed no mortality benefit over prophylactic anticoagulation in four RCTs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–2.54). Therapeutic anticoagulation didn't improve mortality in ICU or non-ICU patients. Risk of thromboembolism was significantly lower among non-ICU patients who received enhanced (therapeutic/intermediate) anticoagulation (OR = 0.21, 95% CI, 0.06–0.74). Two additional RCTs (Multiplatform Trial and HEP-COVID), not included in quantitative meta-analysis, analyzed non-ICU patients, and reported a similar benefit with therapeutic-dose anticoagulation. Therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with a significantly higher risk of bleeding events among non-randomized studies (OR = 3.45, 95% CI, 2.32–5.13). Among RCTs, although patients who received therapeutic-dose anticoagulation had higher numbers of bleeding events, these differences were not statistically significant. Studies comparing prophylactic and intermediate-dose anticoagulation showed no differences in primary outcomes.

Conclusion There is a lack of mortality benefit with therapeutic-dose over prophylactic-dose anticoagulation in ICU and non-ICU COVID-19 patients. Therapeutic anticoagulation significantly decreased risk of thromboembolism risk in some of the available RCTs, especially among non-ICU patients. This potential benefit, however, may be counter balanced by higher risk of bleeding. Individualized assessment of patient's bleeding risk will ultimately impact the true clinical benefit of anticoagulation in each patient. Finally, we found no mortality or morbidity benefit with intermediate-dose anticoagulation.
Comparison of Poynting’s vector and the power flow used in electrical engineering
Authors: Mörée G. , Leijon M.
Published: August 2022

This paper will analyze how the energy flux of Poynting’s vector is compared to the power flow in electrical engineering, where the power, instead, is defined by voltages and currents. There are alternatives to Poynting’s energy flux vector that agree more with circuit theory methods such that the energy flow is in the current conductor and not in the insulation surrounding it. One such basic formulation would only consist of the total current density and the voltage potential, but it would need an alternative theorem for energy transfer. Another formulation proposed by Slepian would instead still agree with Poynting’s energy transfer theorem, but it needs to add the power of alternating magnetic vector potential. The alternatives to Poynting’s vector may better illustrate the energy flow in electrical engineering, but two things could be considered in their generality. First, since they are expressed by potentials, they are gauge invariant and depend on the definition of the potentials. Second, Poynting’s vector is used to formulate the electromagnetic momentum, and any alternative energy flow vectors would not. These two notes are of minor importance in electrical engineering, and the alternatives could be used as good alternatives for describing power flow. The main purpose of this paper is to bridge the differences between the physical theory of energy flux and the methods in electrical power engineering. This could simplify the use of energy flux and Poynting’s vector in engineering problems.
Conservative dynamics in a novel class of 3D generalized thermostatted systems
Authors: Cang Shijian , Shan Yueyue , Wang Zenghui
Published: August 2022

This paper reports a method to derive a novel class of 3D generalized thermostatted oscillators from a simple damped harmonic oscillator. Its detailed procedure is obtained through a mathematical derivation. Then, we propose an example system to show the effectiveness of the method. Furthermore, the numerical analysis is performed to investigate its rich conservative dynamics, including chaotic sea, hierarchical invariant tori, and the coexistence of chaotic seas and invariant tori with islands-around-islands hierarchy, even if there are three dissipative terms in the example system. To verify the existence of conservative chaos at the physical level, an analog circuit is presented to observe the existing conservative chaotic flows in National Instruments multisim. We finally provide two systems, which can produce conservative chaotic flows with more complicated topologies, and draw our conclusions.