bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of noise on quenching of some models arising in MEMS technology
Authors: DROSINOU OURANIA , KAVALLARIS NIKOS I. , NIKOLOPOULOS CHRISTOS V.
Published: August 2022

In the current work, we study a stochastic parabolic problem. The presented problem is motivated by the study of an idealised electrically actuated MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) device in the case of random fluctuations of the potential difference, a parameter that actually controls the operation of MEMS device. We first present the construction of the mathematical model, and then, we deduce some local existence results. Next for some particular versions of the model, relevant to various boundary conditions, we derive quenching results as well as estimations of the probability for such singularity to occur. Additional numerical study of the problem in one dimension follows, which also allows the further investigation the problem with respect to its quenching behaviour.
Public perception of the tax on sweetened beverages in France
Authors: Sarda Barthélemy , Debras Charlotte , Chazelas Eloi , Péneau Sandrine , Le Bodo Yann , Hercberg Serge , Touvier Mathilde , Julia Chantal
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To assess in 2021 the acceptance and perception of the French tax on sweetened beverages, following its revision in 2018, and factors associated with a higher level of acceptance.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey within the NutriNet-Santé cohort study. Participants were invited to complete a self-reported questionnaire in March 2021. Weighting was applied to the sample to allow inferences on the French population. Individual characteristics associated with support for the tax were investigated using logistic regression modelling.

Settings:

NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort study.

Participants:

Adults engaged in the NutriNet-Santé cohort, aged 18 years or older (n 28 344), living in mainland France.

Results:

Almost two-thirds (63·4 %) of the participants were aware of the existence of a tax on sweetened beverages, although less than a quarter had specific knowledge regarding its design and the 2018 revision. In turn, 64·7 % of participants expressed a favourable opinion towards the taxation scheme. This proportion was higher if tax revenues were used to finance health-related measures (respectively 68·8 % of favourable opinion if used to finance a reduction in prices of healthy products and 76·4 % if used to finance the healthcare system). Multivariable analyses showed that support towards the tax varied among subgroups of the population. Groups who tended to be less financially affected by the measure and those who perceived sugar-sweetened beverages as having detrimental effects were more likely to support the tax.

Conclusion:

The revised French sugar-sweetened beverage tax appeared to be favourably received and perceived by the public.
When does women’s political power matter? Women’s representation and legal gender equality of economic opportunity across contexts
Authors: Kim Nam Kyu
Published: August 2022

This article explores how women’s descriptive representation affects legal gender equality of economic opportunity. Building on existing studies on women’s descriptive and substantive representation, we argue that as the proportion of female legislators and ministers increases, legal gender equality of economic opportunity improves. Additionally, we expect that a country’s institutional context significantly shapes the influence of women in different positions of power on legal gender equality. The higher the legislature’s law-making power, the greater the effect of female legislators on legal gender equality; under the same condition, its relative influence compared to female cabinet ministers is also greater. Similarly, we hypothesize that the higher the level of democracy, the more effective female legislators compared to female ministers. To test these arguments, we draw on the database that provides cross-national information on legal discrimination against women in economic opportunities and provide supporting evidence for our arguments.
Herausforderungen und Einflussfaktoren bei der autismusspezifischen Diagnostik im Kleinkindalter
Authors: Kloidt Birgit , Blatz Lisa , Flemming Marion , von Spee Lidwin , Giersdorf Matthias
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Welche Faktoren erschweren im klinischen Alltag eine frühe Diagnosestellung bei Kleinkindern? Welche Empfehlungen lassen sich daraus für die Praxis ableiten? Methodik: 31 Kleinkinder im Alter von 2 bis 3 Jahren wurden zur ambulanten Diagnostik bei Verdacht auf Vorliegen einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung zweimal im Abstand von 6 bis 9 Monaten im interdisziplinären sozialpädiatrischen Team untersucht. Ergänzend führten wir eine Onlinebefragung weiterer Expert_innen anderer Diagnostikzentren durch. Ergebnisse: Nach der Erstvorstellung konnte bei 8 von 31 (26 %) Kindern eine gesicherte Diagnose vergeben werden. Komorbide Störungen, familiäre Besonderheiten sowie Besonderheiten das Untersuchungssetting und die Anamneseerhebung betreffend erschwerten eine sichere klinische Einordnung. Diskussion: Die Daten unserer Studie legen nahe, dass bei Kleinkindern erst nach Aufnahme einer oder mehrerer Therapien und regelmäßiger Durchführung dieser über einen Zeitraum von 6 bis 9 Monaten sowie ggf. auch nach erfolgten strukturellen Veränderungen (Betreuung im Kindergarten, Implementierung von Jugendhilfemaßnahmen o. Ä.) eine valide Diagnosestellung im Rahmen einer Verlaufsbeurteilung erfolgen kann.
A Transition Towards an Unusually Wet Condition Will Not Alleviate Water Scarcity Risk in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Feng Yingying , Wang Tao , Chen Yaning , Zuo Lijun , Li Xichen , Xu Chaoyi , Zhao Yutong , Zhang Taotao
Published: August 2022

The arid Xinjiang region of China exemplifies severe water scarcity regions with a burgeoning agriculture. Whether or not the ongoing wetting, unprecedented in instrumental hydroclimatic records, will become routine has implications for regional oasis economy and China's Go West plan. Here, we show that Xinjiang experienced a one‐third increase in precipitation since the 1980s, and that this increase is primarily due to sea surface warming in the Bay of Bengal‐west Pacific and tropical North Atlantic. Using the historical precipitation‐sea surface temperature relationship to constrain future precipitation changes under a moderate warming scenario, annual precipitation over Xinjiang is projected to increase by 56% relative to the present‐day, and the levels of wetness of exceptional years, such as 2010 and 2016, will potentially become a new norm in terms of regional mean within the next few decades. However, such a large precipitation‐induced increase in freshwater resources will still be insufficient to rescue the Tarim and Junggar basins from their severe water scarcity dilemma within the next few decades, unless the most‐efficient water‐saving irrigation strategies are implemented.
Early Wintertime CO2 Uptake in the Western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Murata A. , Inoue J. , Nishino S. , Yasunaka S.
Published: August 2022

To investigate CO2 uptake in the western Arctic Ocean (north of 65°N), we conducted underway, ship‐based observations of the partial pressures of CO2 (pCO2) and total dissolved inorganic carbon (TCO2) in surface seawater in early winter (November 2018). From these two properties of the seawater inorganic carbon system, we calculated total alkalinity (TA). In the early winter, surface seawater pCO2 in most places was lower than atmospheric pCO2. The weighted mean of the air‐sea influxes of CO2 were calculated to be 7.5 ± 1.6 mmol m−2 d−1. The calculated influxes imply that the area acted as a moderate sink for atmospheric CO2 in early winter, and its rate of CO2 uptake was comparable to that (8.0 ± 1.7 mmol m−2 d−1) in summer (late August−September 2017). Spatial variations of surface seawater pCO2 in the early winter could be attributed mostly to conservative mixing changes of TCO2 and TA, which together accounted for more than 70% of the pCO2 variations. In the marginal ice zone, however, there was a decrease of surface seawater pCO2 by 70–90 μatm because of horizontal advection of water with an anomalously high temperature from the Pacific Ocean and its subsequent cooling. We concluded that mixing of water masses was as important as biological processes in causing spatial variations of pCO2 and CO2 uptake in the western Arctic Ocean, especially during seasons and in areas associated with little biological activity.
Review of Brown Carbon Aerosols in China: Pollution Level, Optical Properties, and Emissions
Authors: Wang Qiaoqiao , Zhou Yuyi , Ma Nan , Zhu Yong , Zhao Xiaocong , Zhu Shaowen , Tao Jiangchuan , Hong Juan , Wu Wenjie , Cheng Yafang , Su Hang
Published: August 2022

Brown carbon (BrC) has been recognized as an important contributor to global warming due to its absorption of solar radiation with strong wavelength dependence. While early studies mostly consider biomass burning as a major emission source, a few recent studies have suggested coal combustion and vehicle exhaust as important contributors to BrC emissions. Considering dominant coal consumption, large residential biofuel usage, and the increasing number of vehicles, BrC pollution could result in remarkable regional climate effects in China. This study gives an overview of sources, chemical composition and absorption properties of BrC, focusing on BrC categorization and its absorption measurement techniques. The basic pollution features of BrC in China, including surface concentrations, column burden, sources and associated absorbing properties are then summarized and compared to other countries. BrC emissions as well as its optical emission at 365 nm from the primary sources in China are also summarized to provide a more straightforward understanding of the light‐absorbing properties of BrC in China. With a detailed comparison of existing publications, the study gives deeper insight into the uncertainties in BrC measurements and will improve the understanding of the climate effect of BrC. The review also recommends key research areas for further investigation of BrC in the future.
Effects of Convective Mergers on the Evolution of Microphysical and Electrical Activity in a Severe Squall Line Simulated by WRF Coupled With Explicit Electrification Scheme
Authors: Lu Jingyu , Qie Xiushu , Xiao Xian , Jiang Rubin , Mansell Edward R. , Fierro Alexandre O. , Liu Dongxia , Chen Zhixiong , Yuan Shanfeng , Sun Mengyu , Yu Han , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Dongfang , Yair Yoav
Published: August 2022

To investigate the process of convective merger (CM) and its effect on thunderstorms evolution and corresponding electrical activity, a severe squall line that took place on 27 July 2015 over the Beijing Metropolitan Region (BMR) is simulated and studied using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with an explicit electrification lightning scheme (E‐WRF). The model‐simulated radar reflectivity reasonably captured the whole squall line evolution, including the merging of individual cells and storms. The variation of normalized flash frequency simulated by E‐WRF is highly consistent with the occurrence of a prominent flash rate surge during the CM both in the observation and the simulation. Cloud bridge is one of the regions where lightning events increase most. The upstream anvil and the sinking outflow led to the rapid connection and formation of new convective cells between the two older main storms. Subsequently, the mass of graupel and snow increased substantially at the middle level, and the mass of upper‐level ice was horizontally advected from upstream. During the merger, the in‐cloud charge distribution evolved from a staggered charge pocket structure into a vertically stratified five‐layer structure. This study supports the hypothesized role of CM in enhancing lightning activity, and further expands our understanding of CM effects on microphysics and charge‐redistribution.
Anomalous Responses of the F2 Layer Over the Brazilian Equatorial Sector During a Counter Electrojet Event: A Case Study
Authors: Santos A. M. , Brum C. G. M. , Batista I. S. , Sobral J. H. A. , Abdu M. A. , Souza J. R. , Chen S. S. , Denardini C. M. , de Jesus R. , Venkatesh K. , Nogueira P. A. B.
Published: August 2022

In this work, we report the ionospheric F‐layer responses over the Brazilian equatorial sector to a counter electrojet event that occurred during the solar minimum period of June 2009. The data collected by the Digisonde over São Luis (2.33°S; 44°W; I: −4751°; Dip. Lat. 238°S) showed a strong modification in the ionospheric F2 layer trace, which in this case appeared to be “broken in half.” In this process, the first part of the F2 layer (lower frequency) was thrown down whilst the upper part remained at higher altitudes. Such characteristics occurred simultaneously with an abrupt decrease in the strength of equatorial electrojet and with intensification in the auroral activity. The origin of this phenomenon seems to have a local nature and seems not to be connected to any magnetic disturbance since similar responses were not observed in other longitudinal and latitudinal sectors. Excluding this possibility, we assume that the strong changes observed in the F layer over São Luis had been caused probably by the gravity wave (GW) propagation, as seen in the downward phase propagation of the altitude contours with time over São Luis and Fortaleza and the remarkable signatures in ionograms over both regions, such as the forking traces that are typically caused by GWs.
Simulation of the Effect of Small‐Scale Mountains on Weather Conditions During the May 2021 Ultramarathon in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Xue Haile , Li Jian , Zhang Qinghong , Gu Hongping
Published: August 2022

Hypothermia killed 21 participants of the 100 km cross‐country Ultramarathon Mountain race in Baiyin, Gansu Province in northwestern China on 22 May 2021, when a large‐scale cold front passed by the race site. The hypothermia was caused by low temperatures, high winds, and hail‐like precipitation, as reported by survivors. However, there is no meteorological station near the race site, leading to a lack of data on the exact weather conditions during the race. Considering the complex topography of the race site, the weather conditions must be re‐built using high‐resolution model simulations, so that the tragedy can be investigated. In this study, the weather conditions in this mountainous area were simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with a 333 m horizontal grid size. The results show that interaction between the mountain wind and orographic precipitation led to a 6.7°C decrease in temperature and a 12 m s−1 increase in wind speed. Precipitation increased owing to orographic accent and convergence, and fell as graupel. High‐speed downslope winds were the result of large‐amplitude trapped lee waves. The combination of low temperatures, high winds, and spillover graupel on the lee resulted in the blizzard‐like weather during the race, thus the hypothermia amongst the runners. The apparent temperature was estimated to be as low as −10°C. Our study shows that mesoscale numerical models with a grid size of hundreds of meters should be used to improve weather forecasts in mountainous regions and prevent future tragedies for special events.
An immunity and pyroptosis gene-pair signature predicts overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kong Weikaixin , He Liye , Zhu Jie , Brück Oscar , Porkka Kimmo , Heckman Caroline A. , Zhu Sujie , Aittokallio Tero
Published: August 2022

Treatment responses of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are known to be heterogeneous, posing challenges for risk scoring and treatment stratification. In this retrospective multi-cohort study, we investigated whether combining pyroptosis- and immune-related genes improves prognostic classification of AML patients. Using a robust gene pairing approach, which effectively eliminates batch effects across heterogeneous patient cohorts and transcriptomic data, we developed an immunity and pyroptosis-related prognostic (IPRP) signature that consists of 15 genes. Using 5 AML cohorts (n = 1327 patients total), we demonstrate that the IPRP score leads to more consistent and accurate survival prediction performance, compared with 10 existing signatures, and that IPRP scoring is widely applicable to various patient cohorts, treatment procedures and transcriptomic technologies. Compared to current standards for AML patient stratification, such as age or ELN2017 risk classification, we demonstrate an added prognostic value of the IPRP risk score for providing improved prediction of AML patients. Our web-tool implementation of the IPRP score and a simple 4-factor nomogram enables practical and robust risk scoring for AML patients. Even though developed for AML patients, our pan-cancer analyses demonstrate a wider application of the IPRP signature for prognostic prediction and analysis of tumor-immune interplay also in multiple solid tumors.
Genetic alterations of Keap1 confers chemotherapeutic resistance through functional activation of Nrf2 and Notch pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Islam Syed S. , Qassem Khawlah , Islam Shafiqul , Parag Rashed R. , Rahman Mohammed Z. , Farhat Walid A. , Yeger Herman , Aboussekhra Abdelilah , Karakas Bedri , Noman Abu Shadat M.
Published: August 2022

Keap1 mutations regulate Nrf2 activity and lead to chemoresistance in cancers. Yet the underlying molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance are poorly explored. By focusing and genotyping head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that had available pathologic and clinical data, we provide evidence that Keap1 displays frequent alterations (17%) in HNSCC. Functional loss of Keap1 results in significant activation of Nrf2 and promotes cancer cell growth, proliferation, and elevated cancer stem cell (CSCs) self-renewal efficiency and resistance to oxidative stress. Furthermore, decreased Keap1 activity in these cells increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and activation of the Notch pathway, causing enhanced transcriptional alterations of antioxidants, xenobiotic metabolism enzymes, and resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment. Limiting the Nrf2 activity by either Keap1 complementation or by Nrf2 silencing increased the sensitivity to chemotherapy in Keap1-mutated cells and repressed the CSC self-renewal activity. Our findings suggest that Keap1 mutations define a distinct disease phenotype and the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway is one of the leading molecular mechanisms for clinical chemotherapeutic resistance. Targeting this pathway may provide a potential and attractive personalized treatment strategy for overcoming chemotherapeutic resistance conferred by Keap1 mutations.
Transferability of genetic loci and polygenic scores for cardiometabolic traits in British Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals
Authors: Huang Qin Qin , Sallah Neneh , Dunca Diana , Trivedi Bhavi , Hunt Karen A. , Hodgson Sam , Lambert Samuel A. , Arciero Elena , Wright John , Griffiths Chris , Trembath Richard C. , Hemingway Harry , Inouye Michael , Finer Sarah , van Heel David A. , Lumbers R. Thomas , Martin Hilary C. , Kuchenbaecker Karoline
Published: August 2022

Individuals with South Asian ancestry have a higher risk of heart disease than other groups but have been largely excluded from genetic research. Using data from 22,000 British Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals with linked electronic health records from the Genes & Health cohort, we conducted genome-wide association studies of coronary artery disease and its key risk factors. Using power-adjusted transferability ratios, we found evidence for transferability for the majority of cardiometabolic loci powered to replicate. The performance of polygenic scores was high for lipids and blood pressure, but lower for BMI and coronary artery disease. Adding a polygenic score for coronary artery disease to clinical risk factors showed significant improvement in reclassification. In Mendelian randomisation using transferable loci as instruments, our findings were consistent with results in European-ancestry individuals. Taken together, trait-specific transferability of trait loci between populations is an important consideration with implications for risk prediction and causal inference.
Ultrafast small-scale soft electromagnetic robots
Authors: Mao Guoyong , Schiller David , Danninger Doris , Hailegnaw Bekele , Hartmann Florian , Stockinger Thomas , Drack Michael , Arnold Nikita , Kaltenbrunner Martin
Published: August 2022

High-speed locomotion is an essential survival strategy for animals, allowing populating harsh and unpredictable environments. Bio-inspired soft robots equally benefit from versatile and ultrafast motion but require appropriate driving mechanisms and device designs. Here, we present a class of small-scale soft electromagnetic robots made of curved elastomeric bilayers, driven by Lorentz forces acting on embedded printed liquid metal channels carrying alternating currents with driving voltages of several volts in a static magnetic field. Their dynamic resonant performance is investigated experimentally and theoretically. These robust and versatile robots can walk, run, swim, jump, steer and transport cargo. Their tethered versions reach ultra-high running speeds of 70 BL/s (body lengths per second) on 3D-corrugated substrates and 35 BL/s on arbitrary planar substrates while their maximum swimming speed is 4.8 BL/s in water. Moreover, prototype untethered versions run and swim at a maximum speed of 2.1 BL/s and 1.8 BL/s, respectively.
Connecting omics signatures and revealing biological mechanisms with iLINCS
Authors: Pilarczyk Marcin , Fazel-Najafabadi Mehdi , Kouril Michal , Shamsaei Behrouz , Vasiliauskas Juozas , Niu Wen , Mahi Naim , Zhang Lixia , Clark Nicholas A. , Ren Yan , White Shana , Karim Rashid , Xu Huan , Biesiada Jacek , Bennett Mark F. , Davidson Sarah E. , Reichard John F. , Roberts Kurt , Stathias Vasileios , Koleti Amar , Vidovic Dusica , Clarke Daniel J. B. , Schürer Stephan C. , Ma’ayan Avi , Meller Jarek , Medvedovic Mario
Published: August 2022

There are only a few platforms that integrate multiple omics data types, bioinformatics tools, and interfaces for integrative analyses and visualization that do not require programming skills. Here we present iLINCS (http://ilincs.org), an integrative web-based platform for analysis of omics data and signatures of cellular perturbations. The platform facilitates mining and re-analysis of the large collection of omics datasets (>34,000), pre-computed signatures (>200,000), and their connections, as well as the analysis of user-submitted omics signatures of diseases and cellular perturbations. iLINCS analysis workflows integrate vast omics data resources and a range of analytics and interactive visualization tools into a comprehensive platform for analysis of omics signatures. iLINCS user-friendly interfaces enable execution of sophisticated analyses of omics signatures, mechanism of action analysis, and signature-driven drug repositioning. We illustrate the utility of iLINCS with three use cases involving analysis of cancer proteogenomic signatures, COVID 19 transcriptomic signatures and mTOR signaling.
Structural and biochemical basis for DNA and RNA catalysis by human Topoisomerase 3β
Authors: Yang Xi , Saha Sourav , Yang Wei , Neuman Keir C. , Pommier Yves
Published: August 2022

In metazoans, topoisomerase 3β (TOP3B) regulates R-loop dynamics and mRNA translation, which are critical for genome stability, neurodevelopment and normal aging. As a Type IA topoisomerase, TOP3B acts by general acid-base catalysis to break and rejoin single-stranded DNA. Passage of a second DNA strand through the transient break permits dissipation of hypernegative DNA supercoiling and catenation/knotting. Additionally, hsTOP3B was recently demonstrated as the human RNA topoisomerase, required for normal neurodevelopment and proposed to be a potential anti-viral target upon RNA virus infection. Here we elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of human TOP3B. We delineate the roles of divalent metal ions, and of a conserved Lysine residue (K10) in the differential catalysis of DNA and RNA. We also demonstrate that three regulatory factors fine-tune the catalytic performance of TOP3B: the TOP3B C-terminal tail, its protein partner TDRD3, and the sequence of its DNA/RNA substrates.
Crustal melting in orogenic belts revealed by eclogite thermal properties
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Fei Hongzhan , Ge Jianhua , Zeng Lingsen , Xia Qunke
Published: August 2022

Partial melting in the continental crust may play a critical role on the behavior of continents during collision. However, the occurrence of partial melt in orogenic continental crust is not well understood. Since the temperature of the orogen is controlled by the thermal properties of constituent rocks, we measured the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of eclogite, the most important ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks, as a function of pressure, temperature, composition, and water content, and simulated the thermal structure of the Sulu and Himalaya-Tibet orogens in eastern and southwestern China, respectively. Our results show that the temperature at ~30-km depth beneath the orogens reaches the solidus of wet granite and phengite (~940 K), therefore, the partial melting in the orogenic continental crust is well explained. The melt may facilitate the exhumation of subducted crust, produce the low seismic-velocity zone, and cause the high-conductivity anomaly in the shallow depth of orogenic belts.
A lightweight magnetically shielded room with active shielding
Authors: Holmes Niall , Rea Molly , Chalmers James , Leggett James , Edwards Lucy J. , Nell Paul , Pink Stephen , Patel Prashant , Wood Jack , Murby Nick , Woolger David , Dawson Eliot , Mariani Christopher , Tierney Tim M. , Mellor Stephanie , O’Neill George C. , Boto Elena , Hill Ryan M. , Shah Vishal , Osborne James , Pardington Rosemarie , Fierlinger Peter , Barnes Gareth R. , Glover Paul , Brookes Matthew J. , Bowtell Richard
Published: August 2022

Magnetically shielded rooms (MSRs) use multiple layers of materials such as MuMetal to screen external magnetic fields that would otherwise interfere with high precision magnetic field measurements such as magnetoencephalography (MEG). Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) have enabled the development of wearable MEG systems which have the potential to provide a motion tolerant functional brain imaging system with high spatiotemporal resolution. Despite significant promise, OPMs impose stringent magnetic shielding requirements, operating around a zero magnetic field resonance within a dynamic range of ± 5 nT. MSRs developed for OPM-MEG must therefore effectively shield external sources and provide a low remnant magnetic field inside the enclosure. Existing MSRs optimised for OPM-MEG are expensive, heavy, and difficult to site. Electromagnetic coils are used to further cancel the remnant field inside the MSR enabling participant movements during OPM-MEG, but present coil systems are challenging to engineer and occupy space in the MSR limiting participant movements and negatively impacting patient experience. Here we present a lightweight MSR design (30% reduction in weight and 40–60% reduction in external dimensions compared to a standard OPM-optimised MSR) which takes significant steps towards addressing these barriers. We also designed a ‘window coil’ active shielding system, featuring a series of simple rectangular coils placed directly onto the walls of the MSR. By mapping the remnant magnetic field inside the MSR, and the magnetic field produced by the coils, we can identify optimal coil currents and cancel the remnant magnetic field over the central cubic metre to just |B|= 670 ± 160 pT. These advances reduce the cost, installation time and siting restrictions of MSRs which will be essential for the widespread deployment of OPM-MEG.
Play ontogeny in young chickens is affected by domestication and early stress
Authors: Gabrielle Lundén , Rebecca Oscarsson , Louise Hedlund , Johanna Gjøen , Per Jensen
Published: August 2022

Play is common in young homeotherm animals and has an important role as a tentative indicator of positive states of welfare. Furthermore, during domestication play is believed to have increased in frequency in several species as part of the domestication syndrome. Here, we studied the ontogeny of play in chickens in two experiments. The first compared the behavioural development between domesticated White Leghorn (WL) laying hen chicks and ancestral Red Junglefowl (RJF) and the second compared the same between WL chicks that had experienced the stress of commercial hatchery routines and a control group, hatched under calm conditions. In both experiments, 10 groups of four chicks each from each of the groups were moved twice per week to an enriched and fully enclosed play arena, starting at day 8 and finishing day 39 or 53 after hatch. In the arena, the frequency of play behaviours was recorded during 30 min and divided into object, locomotory and social play. In experiment one, total play as well as object play was significantly more common in WL whereas locomotor and social play was more common in RJF. In experiment two, total play was significantly more frequent in commercially hatched chicks, despite that none of the sub-categories differed significantly between the groups. In conclusion, domestication as well as early stress does affect the occurrence of play in chickens, but the effects are complex and require further research.
Detection of maternal carriers of common α-thalassemia deletions from cell-free DNA
Authors: Doan Phuoc-Loc , Nguyen Duy-Anh , Le Quang Thanh , Hoang Diem-Tuyet Thi , Nguyen Huu Du , Nguyen Canh Chuong , Doan Kim Phuong Thi , Tran Nhat Thang , Ha Thi Minh Thi , Trinh Thu Huong Nhat , Nguyen Van Thong , Bui Chi Thuong , Lai Ngoc-Diep Thi , Duong Thanh Hien , Mai Hai-Ly , Huynh Pham-Uyen Vinh , Huynh Thu Thanh Thi , Le Quang Vinh , Vo Thanh Binh , Dao Thi Hong-Thuy , Vo Phuong Anh , Le Duy-Khang Nguyen , Tran Ngoc Nhu Thi , Tran Quynh Nhu Thi , Van Yen-Linh Thi , Tran Huyen-Trang Thi , Nguyen Hoai Thi , Nguyen Phuong-Uyen , Do Thanh-Thuy Thi , Truong Dinh-Kiet , Tang Hung Sang , Cao Ngoc-Phuong Thi , Lam Tuan-Thanh , Tran Le Son , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Giang Hoa , Phan Minh-Duy
Published: August 2022

α-Thalassemia is a common inherited blood disorder manifested mainly by the deletions of α-globin genes. In geographical areas with high carrier frequencies, screening of α-thalassemia carrier state is therefore of vital importance. This study presents a novel method for identifying female carriers of common α-thalassemia deletions using samples routinely taken for non-invasive prenatal tests for screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies. A total of 68,885 Vietnamese pregnant women were recruited and α-thalassemia statuses were determined by gap-PCR, revealing 5344 women (7.76%) carried deletions including αα/−−SEA (4.066%), αα/−α3.7 (2.934%), αα/−α4.2 (0.656%), and rare genotypes (0.102%). A two-stage model was built to predict these α-thalassemia deletions from targeted sequencing of the HBA gene cluster on maternal cfDNA. Our method achieved F1-scores of 97.14–99.55% for detecting the three common genotypes and 94.74% for detecting rare genotypes (−α3.7/−α4.2, αα/−−THAI, −α3.7/−−SEA, −α4.2/−−SEA). Additionally, the positive predictive values were 100.00% for αα/αα, 99.29% for αα/−−SEA, 94.87% for αα/−α3.7, and 96.51% for αα/−α4.2; and the negative predictive values were 97.63%, 99.99%, 99.99%, and 100.00%, respectively. As NIPT is increasingly adopted for pregnant women, utilizing cfDNA from NIPT to detect maternal carriers of common α-thalassemia deletions will be cost-effective and expand the benefits of NIPT.
A microplate spectrophotometric method for analysis of indole-3-carbinol in dietary supplements using p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMACA) as a chromogenic reagent
Authors: Chaisiwamongkhol Korbua , Phonchai Apichai , Pon-in Sunisa , Bunchuay Thanthapatra , Limbut Warakorn
Published: August 2022

This work presents the development of a microplate spectrophotometric method for determination of indole-3-carbinol in dietary supplements.
From polymerase engineering to semi-synthetic life: artificial expansion of the central dogma
Authors: Sun Leping , Ma Xingyun , Zhang Binliang , Qin Yanjia , Ma Jiezhao , Du Yuhui , Chen Tingjian
Published: August 2022

Nucleic acids have been extensively modified in different moieties to expand the scope of genetic materials in the past few decades, and engineered polymerases greatly facilitate their applicationin vitroandin vivo.
Temporal imaging of drug dynamics in live cells using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy and a perfusion cell culture system
Authors: Tipping William J. , Merchant Andrew S. , Fearon Rebecca , Tomkinson Nicholas C. O. , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan
Published: August 2022

Multimodal imaging of drug uptake and cell viability analysis in the same live cell population is enabled using a perfusion cell culture system.
Correction: Pulse dipolar EPR for determining nanomolar binding affinities
Authors: Ackermann Katrin , Wort Joshua L. , Bode Bela E.
Published: August 2022

Correction for ‘Pulse dipolar EPR for determining nanomolar binding affinities’ by Katrin Ackermann et al., Chem. Commun., 2022, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d2cc02360a.
A sulfonated ultramicroporous membrane with selective ion transport enables osmotic energy extraction from multiform salt solutions with exceptional efficiency
Authors: Zhu Qing , Li Yuanyuan , Qian Qingling , Zuo Peipei , Guiver Michael D. , Yang Zhengjin , Xu Tongwen
Published: August 2022

An ultramicroporous membrane provides highly selective ion transport, enabling power generation from solutions with/without salinity difference, or potentially from wastewater. This extends the concept of extracting Gibbs energy from solution mixing.
Nanosilicon alters oxidative stress and defence reactions in plants: a meta-analysis, mechanism and perspective
Authors: Fan Ningke , Zhao Chunjie , Yue Le , Ji Haihua , Wang Xie , Xiao Zhenggao , Rasmann Sergio , Wang Zhenyu
Published: August 2022

The main goal of this work was to quantify and explore the variation of nanosilicon-mediated effects on the mitigation of oxidative stress in plants against abiotic and biotic stress.
Hydroxy-β-sanshool isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum (Japanese pepper) shortens the period of the circadian clock
Authors: Tomita Tatsunosuke , Kawano Yasuhiro , Kassai Masahiro , Onda Hiroyuki , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Koyomi
Published: August 2022

We showed that an ethanol extract from Zanthoxylum piperitum can shorten the circadian rhythm at the cellular level and that this activity was due to hydroxy-β-sanshool, a secondary metabolite in this plant.
Dietary supplementation of deoxyribonucleic acid derived from chum salmon milt improves liver function in healthy Japanese individuals: a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial
Authors: Takahashi Yoshinori , Konishi Tatsuya , Nishimura Mie , Nishihira Jun
Published: August 2022

Chum salmon milt deoxyribonucleic acid is a food material that shows the potential fatty liver improvement and anti-obesity action and can improved liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio.
Preventive effect of pectic oligosaccharides on acute colitis model mice: modulating epithelial barrier, gut microbiota and Treg/Th17 balance
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Liu Nian , Yang Zizhen , Zhao Kunyi , Pang Hao , Shao Kaidi , Zhou Zihan , Li Shangyong , He Ningning
Published: August 2022

POS significantly alleviated DSS-induced clinical symptoms, gut microbiota dysbiosis, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and Treg/Th17 cell imbalance. Enzymatically degraded POS is a promising therapeutic agent for UC prevention and adjuvant treatment.
Recent advancement in efficient metal oxide-based flexible perovskite solar cells: a short review
Authors: Chander Subhash , Tripathi Surya Kant
Published: August 2022

Solar beams contain solar energy, which releases a great deal of energy.
Fabrication of a 100 × 100 mm2 nanometer-thick graphite pellicle for extreme ultraviolet lithography by a peel-off and camphor-supported transfer approach
Authors: Nam Ki-Bong , Hu Qicheng , Yeo Jin-Ho , Kim Mun Ja , Yoo Ji-Beom
Published: August 2022

We fabricated a non-destructive and residue-free freestanding nanometer-thick graphite (NGF) pellicle (thickness ∼ 20 nm) with a size of 100 × 100 mm2 by developing a method using a peel-off approach combined with camphor-supported transfer.
Nucleic acid-based supramolecular structures: vesicular spherical nucleic acids from a non-phospholipid nucleolipid
Authors: Dimitrov Erik , Toncheva-Moncheva Natalia , Bakardzhiev Pavel , Forys Aleksander , Doumanov Jordan , Mladenova Kirilka , Petrova Svetla , Trzebicka Barbara , Rangelov Stanislav
Published: August 2022

An original hybrid biomacromolecule, consisting of a lipid-mimetic residue and a 21-base long nucleic acid strand, spontaneously self-associates and co-associates with other lipids into nucleic acid-grafted vesicular structures.
Eco-friendly and mechanochemically functionalised graphene with quick and high water dispersibility
Authors: Sayyar Sepidar , Law Jo , Golda Agnieszka , Ryder Gregory , Wallace Gordon
Published: August 2022

This work represents an environmentally sound method to form graphene through ball-milling expanded graphite in the presence of the vitamin B2 derivative Riboflavin Mononucleotide to give a covalently bonded, highly dispersible, low defect graphene.
A tris-tetrazole based nanostructured soft material: studies on self-healing, AIEE, and rheological and fluorometric detection of 3-aminopyridine
Authors: Kyarikwal Reena , Kundu Bidyut Kumar , Chakraborty Argha , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: August 2022

Detection of 3-aminopyridine by tris-tetrazole based organogelator G8 through donor–acceptor mechanism.
Utility of a novel turn-off fluorescence probe for the determination of tranilast, an adjunctive drug for patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Dagher Diaa , Elmansi Heba , Nasr Jenny Jeehan , El-Enany Nahed
Published: August 2022

Tranilast (TR) could be investigated as an anti-inflammatory and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor medication using acriflavine.
Leveraging the gel-to-sol transition of physically crosslinked thermoresponsive polymer hydrogels to enable reactions induced by lowering temperature
Authors: Lobban Romario , Biswas Ankan , Ruiz-Márquez Kevin J. , Bellan Leon M.
Published: August 2022

The gel-to-sol transition that occurs when physically crosslinked thermoresponsive hydrogels are cooled below their solution point can be used to reliably trigger reactions between reagents embedded within.
In situpolymerization and electrical conductivity of polypyrrole/cellulose nanocomposites using Schweizer's reagent
Authors: Fraser Stephanie A. , van Zyl Werner E.
Published: August 2022

Thein situpolymerization of polypyrrole/cellulose nanocomposites using Schweizer's reagent is demonstrated and measured against a number of structural, electrical, and colligative properties.
Catalytic reduction of in-flow aqueous Cr(vi) using a slurry of activated carbon fiber-supported Ni nanoparticles in a coiled flow inverter
Authors: Kajala Rakshit , Tomar Shivam Singh , Verma Nishith , Nigam K. D. P.
Published: August 2022

CFI technology is utilized for the in-flow reduction of Cr(vi) using formic acid as the reducing agent and an aqueous dispersion of Ni/ACF, as an alternative to the conventional packed bed reactors.
Electrically reading a light-driven molecular switch on 2D-Ti3C2Tx MXene via molecular engineering: towards responsive MXetronics
Authors: Muñoz Jose , Palacios-Corella Mario , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2022

2D-Ti3C2Tx MXene was covalently functionalized with a photo-active molecule, azobenzene, to optically write/erase two distinguished electrical states. This work paves the way toward real applicability of 2D-MXenes by providing a new family of “Responsive MXetronics”.
Ultrahigh-temperature film capacitors via homo/heterogeneous interfaces
Authors: Lu Rui , Shen Zhonghui , Ma Chunrui , Duan Tingzhi , Lu Lu , Hu Guangliang , Hu Tian-Yi , You Caiyin , Mi Shaobo , Jia Chun-Lin , Chen Long-Qing , Liu Ming
Published: August 2022

Ultra-high temperature performances are achieved by introducing and engineering homogeneous/heterogeneous interfaces within the capacitors. The ultra-wide working temperature range from −100 to 400 °C is suitable for extreme environments.
Hypoxia inducible factor-1 signaling pathway in macrophage involved angiogenesis in materials-instructed osteo-induction
Authors: Bai Hetian , Guo Xiaodong , Tan Yujie , Wang Yue , Feng Jing , Lei Kexin , Liu Xian , Xiao Yu , Bao Chongyun
Published: August 2022

Activation of HIF-1 signaling pathway in macrophages under hypoxia induces early angiogenesis in osteo-inductive materials in material-instructed bone formation.
Evaluating the consistency of the TRMM over the rain gauge for drought monitoring in the semi-arid region of Karnataka, India, using statistical methods
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Ahmed S. A. , Karkala Jyothika
Published: August 2022

A comparison of the TRMM satellite product and IMD rainfall gridded data is expressed by means of the indices for the study of drought variation in the Tumakuru District of Karnataka, India.
A state‐dependent switching controller design approach for linear systems under control constraints
Authors: Chen Danhong , Peng Yunfei
Published: August 2022

In the present work, a state‐dependent switching controller design approach for controlled systems under control constraints is proposed. First, the controlled system with control gain parameters is converted into a single‐degree‐of‐freedom vibration system by using an invertible transform. Second, based on the physical significance of the single‐degree‐of‐freedom linear vibration systems, two pairs of gain parameters are properly chosen to obtain two subsystems with sufficiently small equivalent negative‐damping coefficients and sufficiently large equivalent stiffness coefficient difference. Third, by introducing an identical invertible transform, two subsystems are converted into the form of vibration systems simultaneously. As such, it is reasonable to compare the two corresponding energy functions directly. Fourth, two switching lines with maximum and minimum energy ratio between two subsystems are derived to construct a state‐dependent switching law. Combining the selected control gain parameters, a state‐dependent switching controller is then designed for stabilizing the original controlled system with control constraints. In the end, the effectiveness and robustness of the developed control approach are illustrated by three numerical examples.
Mobile application tool for remote rehabilitation after discharge from coronavirus disease‐19 rehabilitation unit
Authors: Emedoli Daniele , Alemanno Federica , Houdayer Elise , Brugliera Luigia , Iannaccone Sandro , Tettamanti Andrea
Published: August 2022

A smartphone application (Medico‐Amico) has been developed by the collaboration of San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Khymeia Group S.R.L. with the aim of providing physical exercises and communicating with patients after their hospitalization in a coronavirus disease (COVID)‐rehabilitation unit. Thirty patients used the application for remote rehabilitation for 4 weeks. They were prescribed personalized motor exercises to perform three times a week. Clinicians could interact with each patient by an encrypted video call in order to give encouragement, mental support, modify intensity during training sessions, or to prescribe new exercises. Patients were asked to perform motor exercises and also to monitor their vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, inserting scores in a specific section of the application. After 4 weeks of remote rehabilitation patients showed improvements in independence during activity of daily living and strength. Also, satisfaction and mobile application usability scores reached patients’ appreciation and enjoyment.
Radioactivity and health risk assessments in cement samples commonly used as construction materials in the case of South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Tadesse
Published: August 2022

This work deals with the measurement of the radioactivity concentrations from different cement samples collected from the South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The measurement of naturally occurring radioisotopes and radiation health impact indices caused by these nuclides in cement samples are indisputable in the dwellings. Specifically, the average concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were estimated as 76.53, 81.67, and 407 Bq kg−1, respectively. It was seen that all the measured mean values were greater than the world’s limited levels. External and internal hazard indices are calculated as defined by the European Commission from the corresponding concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K nuclides. Moreover, the natural radionuclides have variety of concentrations which must be caused by the types of raw materials used in the industries for the production of cement.
Experimental study of the influence of the relative humidity of leaves and their link to adhesion losses in the wheel-rail contact
Authors: Guidoum Samy , Merino Pierrick , Saulot Aurélien , Berthier Yves , Hervieu Sylvain
Published: August 2022

Every autumn, low levels of wheel–rail contact adhesion caused by leaves on the railhead surface are reported by train drivers. These incidents cause problems for the safety and regularity of rail traffic and occur predominantly at the beginning and end of the day when high humidity levels are achieved. At those moments the air temperature reaches the dew point temperature creating moisture on the railhead and oxides which react chemically with dead leaves found on the railhead surface. This article presents the results of a test campaign performed on a ring-on-disc tribometer with the aim of reproducing and studying the development of a loss of adhesion at an imposed slip rate. This type of tribometer enables a realistic approximation of the tribological circuit of a rail–wheel contact. Several samples of pollution responsible for adhesion losses were collected on the French railway network during fall and reproduced in a laboratory on a tribometer under imposed relative humidity and slip conditions. The results indicate the presence of reproducible phenomena modulated by variations in hygrometry and imposed slip rates. The decrease in hygrometry of the external third bodies introduced into the contact is at the origin of the generation of debris from the first bodies in contact. This presence of wear debris is reflected by an increase of the power dissipated by friction. Conversely, increasing the hygrometry decreases the ability of the third body to raise adhesion levels on contact and reduces the generation of debris from the first bodies. The results obtained from the analysis of the force and power quantities related to the contact reproduced in the laboratory allow the authors to confirm that the presence of water has a significant effect on the mechanical and physico-chemical evolution of the adhesion of a rail–wheel contact polluted by a third external (leaf-like) body.