bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and selective sweeps in historical and modern Canadian spring wheat cultivars using the 90K SNP array
Authors: Semagn Kassa , Iqbal Muhammad , Alachiotis Nikolaos , N’Diaye Amidou , Pozniak Curtis , Spaner Dean
Published: December 2021

Previous molecular characterization studies conducted in Canadian wheat cultivars shed some light on the impact of plant breeding on genetic diversity, but the number of varieties and markers used was small. Here, we used 28,798 markers of the wheat 90K single nucleotide polymorphisms to (a) assess the extent of genetic diversity, relationship, population structure, and divergence among 174 historical and modern Canadian spring wheat varieties registered from 1905 to 2018 and 22 unregistered lines (hereinafter referred to as cultivars), and (b) identify genomic regions that had undergone selection. About 91% of the pairs of cultivars differed by 20–40% of the scored alleles, but only 7% of the pairs had kinship coefficients of < 0.250, suggesting the presence of a high proportion of redundancy in allelic composition. Although the 196 cultivars represented eight wheat classes, our results from phylogenetic, principal component, and the model-based population structure analyses revealed three groups, with no clear structure among most wheat classes, breeding programs, and breeding periods. FST statistics computed among different categorical variables showed little genetic differentiation (< 0.05) among breeding periods and breeding programs, but a diverse level of genetic differentiation among wheat classes and predicted groups. Diversity indices were the highest and lowest among cultivars registered from 1970 to 1980 and from 2011 to 2018, respectively. Using two outlier detection methods, we identified from 524 to 2314 SNPs and 41 selective sweeps of which some are close to genes with known phenotype, including plant height, photoperiodism, vernalization, gluten strength, and disease resistance.
Viability of cultured human skin cells treated with 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate monomer and its oligomer isocyanurate in different culture media
Authors: Boyer Jayne C. , Taylor Laura W. , Nylander-French Leena A.
Published: December 2021

The isocyanate monomer 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and one of its trimers, HDI isocyanurate, are airway and skin sensitizers contained in polyurethane paint. The toxic response of cultured skin cells to these compounds was measured by evaluating the isocyanate concentrations at which 50% of the cells die (i.e., lethal concentration 50%, LC50) because the relative toxicity of each form of HDI should be considered when exposure limits of HDI-based paints are set. By using a luminescent ATP-viability assay, we compared the cytotoxic effects of HDI monomer and HDI isocyanurate on cultured human skin cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes) after 4-h isocyanate exposures using culture media with varying levels of nutrients in order to also determine the effects of media composition on isocyanate toxicity. Before analysis, experimental wells were normalized to controls containing cells that were cultured with the same vehicle and media. The measured mean LC50 values ranged from 5 to 200 µM across the experimental conditions, in which HDI isocyanurate in protein-devoid media was the most toxic to cells, producing the lowest LC50 values. For HDI monomer, keratinocytes were the most resistant to its toxicity and melanocytes were the most susceptible. However, when exposed to HDI isocyanurate, the opposite was observed, with melanocytes being the most resilient and the keratinocytes and fibroblasts were more susceptible. Depending on the type of skin cells, dose–response data indicated that HDI isocyanurate was 2–6 times more toxic than HDI monomer when using protein-devoid media whereas HDI isocyanurate was 4–13 times more toxic than HDI monomer when protein-rich media was used. Therefore, if the protein-devoid saline medium alone were used for these experiments, then a significant under-estimation of their relative toxicities in protein-rich environments would have resulted. This difference is because HDI monomer toxicity was more attenuated by the presence of protein in the culture media than HDI isocyanurate toxicity. Thus, conclusions based on comparative toxicity studies and consequent inference applied to potential human toxicity can be affected by in vitro culture media conditions. The physiochemical difference in reactivity of the two forms of HDI to biological molecules most likely explains the observed toxicity differences and may have implications for skin penetration, adverse effects like skin sensitization, and systemic responses like asthma. Future studies are warranted to investigate differences in the biological availability, cellular toxicity, and immunologic sensitization mechanisms for HDI monomer and HDI isocyanurate.
Community similarity and species overlap between habitats provide insight into the deep reef refuge hypothesis
Authors: Montgomery Anthony D. , Fenner Douglas , Donahue Megan J. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: December 2021

The deep reef refuge hypothesis (DRRH) postulates that mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) may provide a refuge for shallow coral reefs (SCRs). Understanding this process is an important conservation tool given increasing threats to coral reefs. To establish a better framework to analyze the DRRH, we analyzed stony coral communities in American Sāmoa across MCEs and SCRs to describe the community similarity and species overlap to test the foundational assumption of the DRRH. We suggest a different approach to determine species as depth specialists or generalists that changes the conceptual role of MCEs and emphasizes their importance in conservation planning regardless of their role as a refuge or not. This further encourages a reconsideration of a broader framework for the DRRH. We found 12 species of corals exclusively on MCEs and 183 exclusively on SCRs with another 63 species overlapping between depth zones. Of these, 19 appear to have the greatest potential to serve as reseeding species. Two additional species are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Acropora speciosa and Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa categorized as an occasional deep specialist and a deep exclusive species, respectively. Based on the community distinctiveness and minimal species overlap of SCR and MCE communities, we propose a broader framework by evaluating species overlap across coral reef habitats. This provides an opportunity to consider the opposite of the DRRH where SCRs support MCEs.
Manganese distribution in the Mn-hyperaccumulator Grevillea meisneri from New Caledonia
Authors: Bihanic Camille , Petit Eddy , Perrot Roseline , Cases Lucie , Garcia Armelle , Pelissier Franck , Poullain Cyril , Rivard Camille , Hossaert-McKey Martine , McKey Doyle , Grison Claude
Published: December 2021

New Caledonian endemic Mn-hyperaccumulatorGrevillea meisneriis useful species for the preparation of ecocatalysts, which contain Mn–Ca oxides that are very difficult to synthesize under laboratory conditions. Mechanisms leading to their formation in the ecocatalysts are unknown. Comparing tissue-level microdistribution of these two elements could provide clues. We studied tissue-level distribution of Mn, Ca, and other elements in different tissues ofG. meisneriusing micro-X-Ray Fluorescence-spectroscopy (μXRF), and the speciation of Mn by micro-X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (µXANES), comparing nursery-grown plants transplanted into the site, and similar-sized plants growing naturally on the site. Mirroring patterns in other Grevillea species, Mn concentrations were highest in leaf epidermal tissues, in cortex and vascular tissues of stems and primary roots, and in phloem and pericycle–endodermis of parent cluster roots. Strong positive Mn/Ca correlations were observed in every tissue ofG. meisneriwhere Mn was the most concentrated. Mn foliar speciation confirmed what was already reported for G. exul, with strong evidence for carboxylate counter-ions. The co-localization of Ca and Mn in the same tissues ofG. meisnerimight in some way facilitate the formation of mixed Ca–Mn oxides upon preparation of Eco-CaMnOx ecocatalysts from this plant.Grevillea meisnerihas been successfully used in rehabilitation of degraded mining sites in New Caledonia, and in supplying biomass for production of ecocatalysts. We showed that transplanted nursery-grown seedlings accumulate as much Mn as do spontaneous plants, and sequester Mn in the same tissues, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale transplantation programs for generating Mn-rich biomass.
People that score high on psychopathic traits are less likely to yawn contagiously
Authors: Gallup Andrew C. , Kret Mariska E. , Eldakar Omar Tonsi , Folz Julia , Massen Jorg J. M.
Published: December 2021

Considerable variation exists in the contagiousness of yawning, and numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the proximate mechanisms involved in this response. Yet, findings within the psychological literature are mixed, with many studies conducted on relatively small and homogeneous samples. Here, we aimed to replicate and extend upon research suggesting a negative relationship between psychopathic traits and yawn contagion in community samples. In the largest study of contagious yawning to date (N = 458), which included both university students and community members from across 50 nationalities, participants completed an online study in which they self-reported on their yawn contagion to a video stimulus and completed four measures of psychopathy: the primary and secondary psychopathy scales from the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRPS), the psychopathy construct from the Dirty Dozen, and the Psychopathic Personality Traits Scale (PPTS). Results support previous findings in that participants that yawned contagiously tended to score lower on the combined and primary measures of psychopathy. That said, tiredness was the strongest predictor across all models. These findings align with functional accounts of spontaneous and contagious yawning and a generalized impairment in overall patterns of behavioral contagion and biobehavioral synchrony among people high in psychopathic traits.
Epigenome association study for DNA methylation biomarkers in buccal and monocyte cells for female rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Craig Gary , Kenney Howard , Nilsson Eric E. , Sadler-Riggleman Ingrid , Beck Daniel , Skinner Michael K.
Published: December 2021

Genetics (i.e., mutations) has been assumed to be the major factor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) etiology, but accounts for a minority of the variance in disease risk for RA. In contrast to genetics, the environment can have dramatic impacts on epigenetics that associate with disease etiology. The current study used buccal cells and purified blood monocytes from two different clinical cohorts involving Caucasian or African American female populations with or without arthritis. The differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) between the control and RA populations were identified with an epigenome-wide association study. The DMRs (i.e., epimutations) identified in the buccal cells and monocytes were found to be distinct. The DMR associated genes were identified and many have previously been shown to be associated with arthritis. Observations demonstrate DNA methylation epimutation RA biomarkers are cell type specific and similar findings were observed with the two racial background populations. Rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility epigenetic diagnosis appears feasible and may improve the clinical management of RA and allowpreventative medicine considerations.
Diagnostic value of baseline 18FDG PET/CT skeletal textural features in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Faudemer Julie , Aide Nicolas , Gac Anne-Claire , Damaj Ghandi , Vilque Jean-Pierre , Lasnon Charline
Published: December 2021

At present, 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) cannot be used to omit a bone marrow biopsy (BMB) among initial staging procedures in follicular lymphoma (FL). The additional diagnostic value of skeletal textural features on baseline 18FDG-PET/CT in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients has given promising results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of 18FDG-PET/CT radiomics for the diagnosis of bone marrow involvement (BMI) in FL patients. This retrospective bicentric study enrolled newly diagnosed FL patients addressed for baseline 18FDG PET/CT. For visual assessment, examinations were considered positive in cases of obvious bone focal uptakes. For textural analysis, the skeleton volumes of interest (VOIs) were automatically extracted from segmented CT images and analysed using LifeX software. BMB and visual assessment were taken as the gold standard: BMB −/PET − patients were considered as bone-NEGATIVE patients, whereas BMB +/PET −, BMB −/PET + and BMB +/PET + patients were considered bone-POSITIVE patients. A LASSO regression algorithm was used to select features of interest and to build a prediction model. Sixty-six consecutive patients were included: 36 bone-NEGATIVE (54.5%) and 30 bone-POSITIVE (45.5%). The LASSO regression found variance_GLCM, correlation_GLCM, joint entropy_GLCM and busyness_NGLDM to have nonzero regression coefficients. Based on ROC analysis, a cut-off equal to − 0.190 was found to be optimal for the diagnosis of BMI using PET pred.score. The corresponding sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values were equal to 70.0%, 83.3%, 77.8% and 76.9%, respectively. When comparing the ROC AUCs with using BMB alone, visual PET assessment or PET pred.score, a significant difference was found between BMB versus visual PET assessments (p = 0.010) but not between BMB and PET pred.score assessments (p = 0.097). Skeleton texture analysis is worth exploring to improve the performance of 18FDG-PET/CT for the diagnosis of BMI at baseline in FL patients.
A bench-to-bedside study about trigger asynchronies induced by the introduction of external gas into the non-invasive mechanical ventilation circuit
Authors: Lalmolda Cristina , Flórez Pablo , Grimau Carles , Larrosa Roberto , Corral Marta , Sayas Javier , Luján Manel
Published: December 2021

Treatments that require the introduction of external gas into the non-invasive ventilation (NIV) circuit, such as aerosol and oxygen therapy, may influence the performance of the ventilator trigger system. The aim of the study was to determine the presence and type of asynchronies induced by external gas in the NIV circuit in a bench model and in a group of patients undergoing chronic NIV. Bench study: Four ventilators (one with two different trigger design types) and three gas sources (continuous flow at 4 and 9 l/min and pulsatile flow at 9 l/min) were selected in an active simulator model. The sensitivity of the trigger, the gas introduction position, the ventilatory pattern and the level of effort were also modified. The same ventilators and gas conditions were used in patients undergoing chronic NIV. Bench: the introduction of external gas caused asynchronies in 35.9% of cases (autotriggering 73%, ineffective effort 27%). Significant differences (p < 0.01) were detected according to the ventilator model and the gas source. In seven patients, the introduction of external gas induced asynchrony in 20.4% of situations (77% autotriggering). As in the bench study, there were differences in the occurrence of asynchronies depending on the ventilator model and gas source used. The introduction of external gas produces alterations in the ventilator trigger. These alterations are variable, and depend on the ventilator design and gas source. This phenomenon makes it advisable to monitor the patient at the start of treatment.
A novel sequence-based predictor for identifying and characterizing thermophilic proteins using estimated propensity scores of dipeptides
Authors: Charoenkwan Phasit , Chotpatiwetchkul Warot , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Nantasenamat Chanin , Shoombuatong Watshara
Published: December 2021

Owing to their ability to maintain a thermodynamically stable fold at extremely high temperatures, thermophilic proteins (TTPs) play a critical role in basic research and a variety of applications in the food industry. As a result, the development of computation models for rapidly and accurately identifying novel TTPs from a large number of uncharacterized protein sequences is desirable. In spite of existing computational models that have already been developed for characterizing thermophilic proteins, their performance and interpretability remain unsatisfactory. We present a novel sequence-based thermophilic protein predictor, termed SCMTPP, for improving model predictability and interpretability. First, an up-to-date and high-quality dataset consisting of 1853 TPPs and 3233 non-TPPs was compiled from published literature. Second, the SCMTPP predictor was created by combining the scoring card method (SCM) with estimated propensity scores of g-gap dipeptides. Benchmarking experiments revealed that SCMTPP had a cross-validation accuracy of 0.883, which was comparable to that of a support vector machine-based predictor (0.906–0.910) and 2–17% higher than that of commonly used machine learning models. Furthermore, SCMTPP outperformed the state-of-the-art approach (ThermoPred) on the independent test dataset, with accuracy and MCC of 0.865 and 0.731, respectively. Finally, the SCMTPP-derived propensity scores were used to elucidate the critical physicochemical properties for protein thermostability enhancement. In terms of interpretability and generalizability, comparative results showed that SCMTPP was effective for identifying and characterizing TPPs. We had implemented the proposed predictor as a user-friendly online web server at http://pmlabstack.pythonanywhere.com/SCMTPP in order to allow easy access to the model. SCMTPP is expected to be a powerful tool for facilitating community-wide efforts to identify TPPs on a large scale and guiding experimental characterization of TPPs.
Behavior of magnetoelectric hysteresis and role of rare earth ions in multiferroicity in double perovskite Yb2CoMnO6
Authors: Kim Jong Hyuk , Jeong Ki Won , Oh Dong Gun , Shin Hyun Jun , Hong Jae Min , Kim Jin Seok , Moon Jae Young , Lee Nara , Choi Young Jai
Published: December 2021

Double-perovskite multiferroics have been investigated because alternating orders of magnetic ions act as distinct magnetic origins for ferroelectricity. In Yb2CoMnO6, the frustrated antiferromagnetic order emerging at TN = 52 K induces ferroelectric polarization perpendicular to the c axis through cooperative O2− shifts via the symmetric exchange striction. In our detailed measurements of the magnetoelectric properties of single-crystalline Yb2CoMnO6, we observe full ferromagnetic-like hysteresis loops that are strongly coupled to the dielectric constant and ferroelectric polarization at various temperatures below TN. Unlike Lu2CoMnO6 with non-magnetic Lu3+ ions, we suggest the emergence of additional ferroelectric polarization along the c axis below the ordering temperature of magnetic Yb3+ ions, TYb ≈ 20 K, based on the spin structure established from recent neutron diffraction experiments. While the proposed description for additional ferroelectricity, ascribed to the symmetric exchange striction between Yb3+ and Co2+/Mn4+ magnetic moments, is clearly given, anomalies of dielectric constants along the c axis are solely observed. Our interesting findings on magnetoelectric hysteresis and the possible development of additional ferroelectricity reveal notable characteristics of double perovskites and provide essential guidance for the further examination of magnetoelectric functional properties.
Restricted cement augmentation in unstable geriatric midthoracic fractures treated by long-segmental posterior stabilization leads to a comparable construct stability
Authors: Spiegl Ulrich J. , Weidling Martin , Nitsch Viktoria , Heilmann Robin , Heilemann Martin , Wendler Toni , Schleifenbaum Stefan , Reinhardt Martin , Heyde Christoph-E.
Published: December 2021

The goal of this study is to compare the construct stability of long segmental dorsal stabilization in unstable midthoracic osteoporotic fractures with complete pedicle screw cement augmentation (ComPSCA) versus restricted pedicle screw cement augmentation (ResPSCA) of the most cranial and caudal pedicle screws under cyclic loading. Twelve fresh frozen human cadaveric specimens (Th4–Th10) from individuals aged 65 years and older were tested in a biomechanical cadaver study. All specimens received a DEXA scan and computer tomography (CT) scan prior to testing. All specimens were matched into pairs. These pairs were randomized into the ComPSCA group and ResPSCA group. An unstable Th7 fracture was simulated. Periodic bending in flexion direction with a torque of 2.5 Nm and 25,000 cycles was applied. Markers were applied to the vertebral bodies to measure segmental movement. After testing, a CT scan of all specimens was performed. The mean age of the specimens was 87.8 years (range 74–101). The mean T-score was − 3.6 (range − 1.2 to − 5.3). Implant failure was visible in three specimens, two of the ComPSCA group and one of the ResPSCA group, affecting only one pedicle screw in each case. Slightly higher segmental movement could be evaluated in these three specimens. No further statistically significant differences were observed between the study groups. The construct stability under cyclic loading in flexion direction of long segmental posterior stabilization of an unstable osteoporotic midthoracic fracture using ResPSCA seems to be comparable to ComPSCA.
Photosensitization of a subcutaneous tumour by the natural anthraquinone parietin and blue light
Authors: Mugas María Laura , Calvo Gustavo , Marioni Juliana , Céspedes Mariela , Martinez Florencia , Vanzulli Silvia , Sáenz Daniel , Di Venosa Gabriela , Nuñez Montoya Susana , Casas Adriana
Published: December 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer treatment involving administration of a tumour-localizing photosensitizer, followed by activation by light of a suitable wavelength. In previous work, we showed that the natural anthraquinone (AQ) Parietin (PTN), was a promising photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of leukemic cells in vitro. The present work aimed to analyze the photosensitizing ability of PTN in the mammary carcinoma LM2 cells in vitro and in vivo in a model of subcutaneously implanted tumours. Photodynamic therapy mediated by parietin (PTN-PDT) (PTN 30 µM, 1 h and 1.78 J/cm2 of blue light) impaired cell growth and migration of LM2 cells in vitro. PTN per se induced a significant decrease in cell migration, and it was even more marked after illumination (migration index was 0.65 for PTN and 0.30 for PTN-PDT, *p < 0.0001, ANOVA test followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test), suggesting that both PTN and PTN-PDT would be potential inhibitors of metastasis. Fluorescence microscopy observation indicated cytoplasmic localization of the AQ and no fluorescence at all was recorded in the nuclei. When PTN (1.96 mg) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide was topically applied on the skin of mice subcutaneously implanted with LM2 cells, PTN orange fluorescence was strongly noticed in the stratum corneum and also in the inner layers of the tumour up to approximately 5 mm. After illumination with 12.74 J/cm2 of blue light, one PDT dose at day 1, induced a significant tumour growth delay at day 3, which was not maintained in time. Therefore, we administered a second PTN-PDT boost on day 3. Under these conditions, the delay of tumour growth was 28% both on days 3 and 4 of the experiment (*p < 0.05 control vs. PTN-PDT, two-way ANOVA, followed by Sidak’s multiple comparisons test). Histology of tumours revealed massive tumour necrosis up to 4 mm of depth. Intriguingly, a superficial area of viable tumour in the 1 mm superficial area, and a quite conserved intact skin was evidenced. We hypothesize that this may be due to PTN aggregation in contact with the skin and tumour milieu of the most superficial tumour layers, thus avoiding its photochemical properties. On the other hand, normal skin treated with PTN-PDT exhibited slight histological changes. These preliminary findings encourage further studies of natural AQs administered in different vehicles, for topical treatment of cutaneous malignancies.
Fabrication of easy separable and reusable MIL-125(Ti)/MIL-53(Fe) binary MOF/CNT/Alginate composite microbeads for tetracycline removal from water bodies
Authors: Omer Ahmed M. , Abd El-Monaem Eman M. , El-Subruiti Gehan M. , Abd El-Latif Mona M. , Eltaweil Abdelazeem S.
Published: December 2021

In this investigation, we aimed to fabricate easy separable composite microbeads for efficient adsorption of tetracycline (TC) drug. MIL-125(Ti)/MIL-53(Fe) binary metal organic framework (MOF) was synthetized and incorporated with carbon nanotube (CNT) into alginate (Alg) microbeads to form MIL-125(Ti)/MIL-53(Fe)/CNT@Alg composite microbeads. Various tools including FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, Zeta potential and XPS were applied to characterize the composite microbeads. It was found that the specific surface area of MIL-125(Ti)/MIL-53(Fe)/CNT@Alg microbeads was 273.77 m2/g. The results revealed that the adsorption of TC augmented with rising CNT proportion up to 15 wt% in the microbeads matrix. In addition, the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order and well-fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir models with a maximum adsorption capacity of 294.12 mg/g at 25 ◦C and pH 6. Furthermore, thermodynamic study clarified that the TC adsorption process was endothermic, random and spontaneous. Besides, reusability test signified that MIL-125(Ti)/MIL-53(Fe)/CNT@Alg composite microbeads retained superb adsorption properties for six consecutive cycles, emphasizing its potentiality for removing of pharmaceutical residues.
Correction: A bifunctional DNA probe for sensing pH and microRNA using a nanopore
Authors: Zhang Yun , Song Peng , Guo Bingyuan , Hao Wenying , Liu Lei , Wu Hai-Chen
Published: December 2021

Correction for ‘A bifunctional DNA probe for sensing pH and microRNA using a nanopore’ by Yun Zhang et al., Analyst, 2020, 145, 7025–7029, DOI: 10.1039/D0AN01208D.
Transmetalation of boronic acids and their derivatives: mechanistic elucidation and relevance to catalysis
Authors: Osakada Kohtaro , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: December 2021

The Suzuki–Miyaura reaction (the cross-coupling reaction of boronic acids with organic halides catalysed by Pd complexes) has been recognised as a useful synthetic organic reaction that forms a C(sp2)–C(sp2) bond.
Carbon nanospike coated nanoelectrodes for measurements of neurotransmitters
Authors: Cao Qun , Shao Zijun , Hensley Dale , Venton B. Jill
Published: December 2021

A thin layer of carbon nanospikes is grown on etched metal wires to fabricate nanoelectrodes. This method exhibits promising potential for mass fabricating carbon nanoelectrode sensors.
Modulation of flexo-rigid balance in photoresponsive thymine grafted copolymers towards designing smart healable coating
Authors: Miglani Chirag , Joseph Jojo P. , Gupta Deepika , Singh Ashmeet , Pal Asish
Published: December 2021

Photo-crosslinking using [2 + 2] cycloaddition in thymine grafted low viscosity polymer generates flexorigid domain to result self-healing polymer with increased hydrophobicity for potential use as smart coating material.
Airflow-assisted dielectrophoresis to reduce the resistance mismatch in carbon nanotube-based temperature sensors
Authors: Abdulhameed Abdullah , Halin Izhal Abdul , Mohtar Mohd Nazim , Hamidon Mohd Nizar
Published: December 2021

Airflow-assisted dielectrophoresis (AA-DEP) is a novel dielectrophoresis (DEP) setup used to fabricate sensor devices with minimum resistance variation by assembling and aligning carbon nanotubes (CNTs) across electrode structures.
Linear shrinkage of hydrogel coatings exposed to flow: interplay between dissolution of water and advective transport
Authors: Baumli Philipp , Hauer Lukas , Lorusso Emanuela , Aghili Azadeh Sharifi , Hegner Katharina I. , D’Acunzi Maria , Gutmann Jochen S. , Dünweg Burkhard , Vollmer Doris
Published: December 2021

We investigate the shrinkage of a surface-grafted water-swollen hydrogel under shear flows of oils by laser scanning confocal microscopy.
Atomic-level coupled spinel@perovskite dual-phase oxides toward enhanced performance in Zn–air batteries
Authors: Ran Jiaqi , Wu Jian-Feng , Hu Yongfeng , Shakouri Mohsen , Xia Baorui , Gao Daqiang
Published: December 2021

The interfacial synergy of Co3O4@LaCoO3 provides fast charge transfer paths and kinetics in the oxide/solution interface, which exhibit exceptional bifunctional catalytic activity and robust stability for Zn–air batteries.
Access to luminescent mesophases of chiral gold(i) complexes by thermal or mechanic stimuli: the role of the tertiary carbon
Authors: Barcenilla María , Folcia César L. , Ortega Josu , Etxebarria Jesús , Coco Silverio , Espinet Pablo
Published: December 2021

Chiral gold(i) isocyanide complexes [Au(p-C6F4OR1)(p-CNC6H4(O2CC6H4OR2)] with R1, R2 or both being (R)-2-octyl, display an interesting and unprecedented response to mechanical or thermal stress.
Coupling of molecular vibration and metasurface modes for efficient mid-infrared emission
Authors: Nishijima Yoshiaki , Morimoto Shinya , Balčytis Armandas , Hashizume Tomoki , Matsubara Ryosuke , Kubono Atsushi , To Naoki , Ryu Meguya , Morikawa Junko , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate extraordinarily spectrally selective narrowband mid-infrared radiationviacoupling of plasmon resonance and molecular vibration. Absorbance and thermal emittance with resonant peak FWHM ≤ 124 nm atλ= 5.73 μm, corresponding to aQ-factor of ∼92.3 were obtained.
Unravelling the origin of dual photoluminescence in Au2Cu6 clusters by triplet sensitization and photon upconversion
Authors: Arima Daichi , Niihori Yoshiki , Mitsui Masaaki
Published: December 2021

Ligand-protected Au2Cu6 cluster exhibits not only fluorescence but also phosphorescence at room temperature and serves as a triplet sensitizer in triplet fusion upconversion.
Implications of gas-barrier properties in realizing the self-recovery of photodegraded CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Enomoto Ikumi , Iso Yoshiki , Isobe Tetsuhiko
Published: December 2021

The excellent gas-barrier ability of the EVOH polymer prevents irreversible oxidation of CsPbBr3 NCs upon photodegradation, resulting in their self-recovery.
Setting the Stage for Speech Production: Infants Prefer Listening to Speech Sounds With Infant Vocal Resonances
Authors: Polka Linda , Masapollo Matthew , Ménard Lucie
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Current models of speech development argue for an early link between speech production and perception in infants. Recent data show that young infants (at 4–6 months) preferentially attend to speech sounds (vowels) with infant vocal properties compared to those with adult vocal properties, suggesting the presence of special “memory banks” for one's own nascent speech-like productions. This study investigated whether the vocal resonances (formants) of the infant vocal tract are sufficient to elicit this preference and whether this perceptual bias changes with age and emerging vocal production skills.

Method:

We selectively manipulated the fundamental frequency (f0) of vowels synthesized with formants specifying either an infant or adult vocal tract, and then tested the effects of those manipulations on the listening preferences of infants who were slightly older than those previously tested (at 6–8 months).

Results:

Unlike findings with younger infants (at 4–6 months), slightly older infants in Experiment 1 displayed a robust preference for vowels with infant formants over adult formants whenf0was matched. The strength of this preference was also positively correlated with age among infants between 4 and 8 months. In Experiment 2, this preference favoring infant over adult formants was maintained whenf0values were modulated.

Conclusions:

Infants between 6 and 8 months of age displayed a robust and distinct preference for speech with resonances specifying a vocal tract that is similar in size and length to their own. This finding, together with data indicating that this preference is not present in younger infants and appears to increase with age, suggests that nascent knowledge of the motor schema of the vocal tract may play a role in shaping this perceptual bias, lending support to current models of speech development.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17131805
The eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS)
Authors: Ghirardini Vittorio , Emre Bahar Y. , Bulbul Esra , Liu Ang , Clerc Nicolas , Pacaud Florian , Comparat Johan , Liu Teng , Ramos-Ceja Miriam E. , Hoang Duy , Ider-Chitham Jacob , Klein Matthias , Merloni Andrea , Nandra Kirpal , Ota Naomi , Predehl Peter , Reiprich Thomas H. , Sanders Jeremy , Schrabback Tim
Published: December 2021

Context.Morphological parameters are the estimators for the dynamical state of clusters of galaxies. Surveys performed at different wavelengths through their selection effects may be biased toward, different populations of clusters. For example, X-ray surveys are biased to detecting cool-core clusters as opposed to Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) surveys being more biased toward non-cool-core systems. Understanding the underlying population of clusters of galaxies in surveys is of the utmost importance when these samples are to be used in astrophysical and cosmological studies.

Aims.We present an in-depth analysis of the X-ray morphological parameters of the galaxy clusters and groups detected in the eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS). The eFEDS, completed during the performance verification phase of the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma(SRG)/eROSITA telescope, is designed to provide the first eROSITA X-ray selected sample of galaxy clusters and groups.

Methods.We studied the eROSITA X-ray imaging data for a sample of 325 clusters and groups that were significantly detected in the eFEDS field. We characterized their dynamical properties by measuring a number of dynamical estimators: concentration, central density, cuspiness, centroid shift, ellipticity, power ratios, photon asymmetry, and the Gini coefficient. The galaxy clusters and groups detected in eFEDS cover a luminosity range of more than three orders of magnitude and a wide redshift range out to 1.2. They provide an ideal sample on which the redshift and luminosity evolution of the morphological parameters can be studied and the underlying dynamical state of the sample can be characterized. Based on these measurements, we constructed a new dynamical indicator, the relaxation score, for all the clusters in the sample.

Results.We find no evidence for a bimodality in the distribution of the morphological parameters of our clusters. We instead observe a smooth transition from the cool core to non-cool core and from relaxed to disturbed states, with a preference for skewed distributions or log-normal distributions. A significant evolution in redshift and luminosity is also observed in the morphological parameters we examined after taking the selection effects into account.

Conclusions.We determine that in contrast do ROSAT-based cluster samples, our eFEDS-selected cluster sample is not biased toward cool-core clusters, but contains a similar fraction of cool-cores as SZ surveys.
Color coated glazing for next generation BIPV: performance vs aesthetics
Authors: Riedel Benjamin , Messaoudi Paul , Assoa Ya Brigitte , Thony Philippe , Hammoud Rayan , Perret-Aebi Laure-Emmanuelle , Tsanakas John A.
Published: December 2021

Through the H2020 BE-SMART project, we work on the validation and industrialization of new materials (and processes) for manufacturing next-generation cost-efficient, reliable and highly aesthetic/performing BIPV. On this basis, we aim at introducing novel multifunctional and transformative BIPV elements, in the concept/form of Energy Positive Glazing (EPoG). The project's developments so far indicate the high potential of e.g. using colored encapsulants, interferential filter technique and/or ceramic-based colored glazing for implementing novel “transformative” BIPV with high aesthetic quality. Yet, since BIPV's primary function is electricity production, we need to understand and quantify the impact of such coloration solutions on the performance (and reliability, in longer terms) of future BIPV. In this paper, we present an experimental comparative study on the optical and electrical performance of multiple color coated and patterned BIPV glazing solutions, towards their upscaling and commercialization. In particular, we performed optical transmission measurements and light intensity-/angle-depent IV characterization on 25 different colored glass samples and 10 different colored/patterned glass PV laminates respectively. The measurement results and their discussion presented in this paper provide valuable insights into the optical-electrical performance of the investigated colored BIPV glazing, as well as a first identification of BIPV industry-relevant colors and patterns with the best potential “compromise” between aesthetics and performance, for future energy positive glazing applications.
Research on the estimation method of the point-of-interest (POI) displacement for ultra-precision flexible motion system based on functional optical fiber sensor
Authors: Li Yujie , Zhang Ming , Zhu Yu
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a POI displacement estimation method based on the functional optical fiber sensor and the phase modulation principle to improve the POI displacement estimation accuracy. First, the relation between the object deformation and the optic fiber lightwave phase is explained; the measurement principle of functional optical fiber sensor based on the heterodyne interference principle and its layout optimization method is proposed, and a POI displacement estimation model is presented based on the data approach. Secondly, a beam is taken as the simulation object, the optimal position and length of the optical fiber sensor are determined based on its simulation data. Finally, the experimental device is designed to verify the effectiveness of the POI displacement estimation method based on the optic fiber sensors. The frequency-domain plot of the signals shows that the optical fiber sensors can express the flexible deformation of the analyzed object well. The POI displacement estimation model with the fiber optic sensor signals as one of the inputs is constructed. Through estimating the test data, the error using the optical fiber sensor-based POI displacement estimation method proposed in this paper reduces by more than 61% compared to the rigid body-based assumption estimation method.
Documenter les impacts sanitaires et environnementaux des activités pétrolières : un enjeu pour les sciences participatives
Authors: Le Naour Gwenola , Porhel Vincent
Published: December 2021

Ce texte rend compte d’un colloque international ayant rassemblé des études territorialisées qui toutes prennent leur distance à l’égard d’un récit industrialiste, au profit d’une histoire sociale des concentrations pétrochimiques − les « corridors » – qui interroge les conséquences écologiques, sanitaires et sociales de leurs implantations et met en évidence les ressorts contestataires des populations victimes de ces nuisances.
Long Non-Coding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 5 (SNHG5) Regulates Renal Tubular Damage in Diabetic Nephropathy via Targeting MiR-26a-5p
Authors: Cai Qing , Wang Chao , Huang Li , Wu Chen , Yan BingChao , Chen Ting , Li Qinjun , Wang Ling
Published: December 2021

The study explored the diagnostic value of SNHG5 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and investigated the role and mechanism on DN via establishing the in vitro HK2 cell model. This study recruited 62 types 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, 58 DN patients and 60 healthy controls (HC). The expressions of serum SNHG5 and miR-26a-5p were measured by RT-qPCR analysis. The diagnostic value of SNHG5 in DN was assessed by ROC curve. The in vitro cell model was built to estimate the effects of SNHG5 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, inflammation response and oxidative stress. Serum SNHG5 was increased in DN patients (relative expression: 2.04±0.34) and had the diagnostic value in DN. After HK2 cells were treated with high glucose, the cell viability decreased and apoptosis increased, and the production of inflammatory cytokines and ROS enhanced significantly. It was noticed that inhibition of SNHG5 could reverse the above phenomenon caused by high glucose. Besides, serum miR-26a-5p was diminished in DN patients, and luciferase reporter gene revealed that miR-26a-5p is direct target of SNHG5. These results indicated that inhibition of SNHG5 may mitigate HG-induced renal tubular damage via targeting miR-26a-5p, which providing a new insight into the mechanism of renal tubule damage in DN patients.
Association Between Prediabetes and Retinopathy: A
Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jin Ji , Lu Peirong
Published: December 2021

Diabetes confers an increased risk of microvascular complications, including
retinopathy. However, whether prediabetes is also related to retinopathy has not
been comprehensively examined. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the
relationship between prediabetes and retinopathy. This meta-analysis included
relevant observational studies from Medline, Embase, and Web of Science
databases. A random-effect model after incorporation of the intra-study
heterogeneity was selected to pool the results. Subgroup analyses were applied
to evaluate the influences of study characteristics on relationship. Nine
cross-sectional studies including 14 751 community dwelling adult participants
were included; 3847 (26.1%) of them were prediabetic. Results showed
that prediabetes was associated with a higher prevalence of retinopathy compared
to normoglycemia [odds ratio (OR): 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI):
1.10–2.20, p=0.01, I2=34%].
Sensitivity analysis by excluding one study at a time showed consistent result
(OR: 1.35 to 1.73, p all<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed study
characteristics such as definition of prediabetes, country of study, sample
size, mean age of participants, or univariate or multivariate analyses may not
significantly affect the association (p for subgroup difference
all>0.05). Current evidence suggests that patients with prediabetes may
be associated with higher prevalence of retinopathy as compared to those with
normoglycemia. Although prospective cohort studies are needed to validate these
findings, results of our meta-analysis highlighted the importance of early
prevention of retinopathy in patients with prediabetes.
Anomalous dynamic response of nematic platelets studied by spatially resolved rheo-small angle x-ray scattering in the 1–2 plane
Authors: Korculanin O. , Westermeier F. , Hirsemann H. , Struth B. , Hermida-Merino D. , Wagner U. H. , Donley G. J. , Rogers S. A. , Lettinga M. P.
Published: December 2021

Dispersions of colloidal platelets in the nematic phase display strong wall anchoring, which competes with the reorientational motion of the director when the system is subjected to flow. We show that the mechanical response to large amplitude oscillatory strain and stress depends on the confinement of the system due to this competition. We elucidate the underlying structural response by deflecting a x-ray beam vertically along the vorticity direction of a Couette geometry, such that the structure can be probed throughout the gap with an unprecedented spatial resolution while recording in situ the mechanical response. We observe strong inhomogeneities in terms of the orientation of the nematic director, depending on the extent of the system's yield during an oscillation. At small strain amplitudes, we observe a small region where the director oscillates between wall anchoring and the Leslie angle, while in the bulk, the director tilts out of the flow–flow gradient plane. At large strain amplitudes, the oscillations of the director are symmetric, close to the wall, and propagate into the bulk. Here, a twinning is observed where the director rotates out-of-plane in two opposite directions. Using the sequence of physical process method to analyze the LAOStrain response for both the mechanical and structural response, we locate the yielding in a small time-window around flow reversal and identify that the bulk is the main contributor to the mechanical response. The structural response to LAOStress is much less pronounced even when the stress amplitude causes significant shear thinning.
Efficient low-scaling computation of NMR shieldings at the second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory level with Cholesky-decomposed densities and an attenuated Coulomb metric
Authors: Glasbrenner Michael , Vogler Sigurd , Ochsenfeld Christian
Published: December 2021

A method for the computation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shieldings with second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) is presented which allows to efficiently compute the entire set of shieldings for a given molecular structure. The equations are derived using Laplace-transformed atomic orbital second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory as a starting point. The Z-vector approach is employed for minimizing the number of coupled-perturbed self-consistent-field equations that need to be solved. In addition, the method uses the resolution-of-the-identity approximation with an attenuated Coulomb metric and Cholesky decomposition of pseudo-density matrices. The sparsity in the three-center integrals is exploited with sparse linear algebra approaches, leading to reduced computational cost and memory demands. Test calculations show that the deviations from NMR shifts obtained with canonical MP2 are small if appropriate thresholds are used. The performance of the method is illustrated in calculations on DNA strands and on glycine chains with up to 283 atoms and 2864 basis functions.