bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental folic acid and/or multivitamins in pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of childhood and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yan Yue , Xie Chuanbo , Di Shi , Wang Zhonghao , Wu Minqing , Li Yanhong , Liu Yuying , Jiang Rou
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between prenatal and neonatal period exposures and the risk of childhood and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). From January 2009 to January 2016, a total of 46 patients with childhood and adolescent NPC (i.e., less than 18 years of age) who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were screened as cases, and a total of 45 cancer-free patients who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center were selected as controls. The association between maternal exposures during pregnancy and obstetric variables and the risk of childhood and adolescent NPC was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that compared to children and adolescents without a family history of cancer, those with a family history of cancer had a significantly higher risk of childhood and adolescent NPC [odds ratios (OR) = 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–9.75, P = 0.046], and the maternal use of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of childhood and adolescent NPC in the offspring (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02–0.25, P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only the maternal use of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy remained statistically significant. These findings suggest that maternal consumption of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of childhood and adolescent NPC in the offspring.
Seasonal Variability in Local Carbon Dioxide Biomass Burning Sources Over Central and Eastern US Using Airborne In Situ Enhancement Ratios
Authors: DiGangi Joshua P. , Choi Yonghoon , Nowak John B. , Halliday Hannah S. , Diskin Glenn S. , Feng Sha , Barkley Zachary R. , Lauvaux Thomas , Pal Sandip , Davis Kenneth J. , Baier Bianca C. , Sweeney Colm
Published: November 2021

We present observations of local enhancements in carbon dioxide (CO2) from local emissions sources over three eastern US regions during four deployments of the Atmospheric Carbon Transport‐America (ACT‐America) campaign between summer 2016 and spring 2018. Local CO2 emissions were characterized by carbon monoxide (CO) to CO2 enhancement ratios (i.e., ΔCO/ΔCO2) in air mass mixing observed during aircraft transects within the planetary boundary layer. By analyzing regional‐scale variability of CO2 enhancements as a function of ΔCO/ΔCO2 enhancement ratios, observed relative contributions to CO2 emissions were separated into fossil fuel and biomass burning (BB) regimes across regions and seasons. CO2 emission contributions attributed to biomass burning (ΔCO/ΔCO2 > 4%) were negligible during summer and fall in all regions but climbed to ∼9%–11% of observed combustion contributions in the South during winter and spring. Relative CO2 fire emission trends matched observed winter and spring BB contributions, but conflictingly predicted similar levels of BB during the fall. Satellite fire data from MODIS and VIIRS suggested the use of higher spatial resolution fire data that might improve modeled BB emissions but were not able to explain the bulk of the discrepancy.
Dynamic Rupture Simulations of the 2008 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake: Implication for Heterogeneous Initial Stress and Complex Multifault Geometry
Authors: Tang Rongjiang , Zhu Shoubiao , Gan Lu
Published: November 2021

The 2008 Mw7.9 Wenchuan earthquake ruptured northwest‐dipping imbricate oblique reverse faults along the Longmenshan thrust belt at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and developed one of the most complex coseismic rupture patterns for reverse faulting events ever reported in intraplate settings. To evaluate to what extent complex fault geometry and heterogeneities in initial stress can explain the characteristics of coseismic observations, we simulate spontaneous dynamic rupture propagation governed by slip‐weakening friction law on the geometrically complex multifault system loaded by heterogeneous stress. Our model reproduces many observed features including the multifault ruptures, locations of the maximum slip, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar observations, source time functions and peak ground velocities. Our results suggest that the maximum horizontal principal stress in the northern part of Beichuan Fault (BFC) is rotated approximately counterclockwise compared to that in the southern part of BFC, yet this rotation is not sufficient to produce a supershear rupture. We infer that the fault core zone in the southwestern Beichuan Fault (BCF) may have been more severely damaged than the northeastern counterpart, which provides an explanation that the rupture in the northern BCF propagates faster than in the southern portion. Besides, we find that Coulomb failure stress changes on Wenchuan‐Maoxian Fault (WMF) may be counteracted by the aftershock slips of the Lixian Fault, which suggests Wenchuan earthquake could not significantly push the WMF closer to failure.
From bulk, single-cell to spatial RNA sequencing
Authors: Li Xinmin , Wang Cun-Yu
Published: November 2021

RNA sequencing (RNAseq) can reveal gene fusions, splicing variants, mutations/indels in addition to differential gene expression, thus providing a more complete genetic picture than DNA sequencing. This most widely used technology in genomics tool box has evolved from classic bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq), popular single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to newly emerged spatial RNA sequencing (spRNAseq). Bulk RNAseq studies average global gene expression, scRNAseq investigates single cell RNA biology up to 20,000 individual cells simultaneously, while spRNAseq has ability to dissect RNA activities spatially, representing next generation of RNA sequencing. This article highlights these technologies, characteristic features and suitable applications in precision oncology.
G3BP2 regulated by the lncRNA LINC01554 facilitates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis through stabilizing HDGF transcript
Authors: Zheng Yinli , Wu Jinjun , Deng Ru , Lin Censhan , Huang Yuhua , Yang Xia , Wang Chunhua , Yang Mingming , He Yangfan , Lu Jiabin , Su Xiaodong , Yan Qian , Zhu Yinghui , Guan Xinyuan , Li Yan , Yun Jingping
Published: November 2021

Metastasis is the leading cause of death of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Although an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the involvement of G3BP2 in several human cancers, how G3BP2 interacts with long noncoding RNAs and regulates mRNA transcripts in mediating ESCC metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we uncovered that G3BP2 was upregulated in ESCC. Further analysis revealed that upregulation of G3BP2 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, depth of tumor invasion and unfavorable outcomes in ESCC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo functional assays demonstrated that G3BP2 dramatically enhanced ESCC cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, LINC01554 maintained the high G3BP2 expression in ESCC by protecting G3BP2 from degradation through ubiquitination and the interaction domains within LINC01554 and G3BP2 were identified. In addition, RNA-seq revealed that HDGF was regulated by G3BP2. G3BP2 bound to HDGF mRNA transcript to stabilize its expression. Ectopic expression of HDGF effectively abolished the G3BP2 depletion-mediated inhibitory effect on tumor cell migration. Intriguingly, introduction of compound C108 which can inhibit G3BP2 remarkedly suppressed ESCC cell metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this study describes a newly discovered regulatory axis, LINC01554/G3BP2/HDGF, that facilitates ESCC metastasis and will provide novel therapeutic strategies for ESCC.
BH3-only proteins Puma and Beclin1 regulate autophagic death in neurons in response to Amyloid-β
Authors: Saha Akash , Saleem Suraiya , Paidi Ramesh Kumar , Biswas Subhas C.
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of senile amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles causing progressive loss of synapse and neuronal death. Out of the various neuron death modalities, autophagy and apoptosis are reported to be the major death paradigms in AD. However, how these two processes lead to neuronal loss is still inconspicuous. Here we report that under Aβ toxicity, aberrant autophagy is induced with inefficient autophagic flux in neurons. Simultaneous activation of both autophagy and apoptosis are seen in primary cortical neurons as well as in transgenic mice brains. We found that induction of autophagy by rapamycin is detrimental for neurons; whereas downregulation of Beclin1, an important autophagy inducing protein, provides significant protection in Aβ treated neuronal cells by blocking cytochrome-c release from the mitochondria. We further report that downregulation of Puma, a BH3-only pro-apoptotic protein, inhibits the induction of aberrant autophagy and also ameliorates the autophagy flux under the influence of Aβ. Notably, stereotactic administration of shRNAs against Puma and Beclin1 in adult Aβ-infused rat brains inhibits both apoptotic and autophagic pathways. The regulation of both of the death processes is brought about by the direct interaction between Puma and Beclin1 upon Aβ treatment. We conclude that both Beclin1 and Puma play essential roles in the neuronal death caused by the induction of aberrant autophagy in AD and targeting their interaction could be vital to understand the crosstalk of autophagy and apoptosis as well as to develop a potential therapeutic strategy in AD.
Supplying the trip to antibody production—nutrients, signaling, and the programming of cellular metabolism in the mature B lineage
Authors: Boothby Mark R. , Brookens Shawna K. , Raybuck Ariel L. , Cho Sung Hoon
Published: November 2021

The COVID pandemic has refreshed and expanded recognition of the vital role that sustained antibody (Ab) secretion plays in our immune defenses against microbes and of the importance of vaccines that elicit Ab protection against infection. With this backdrop, it is especially timely to review aspects of the molecular programming that govern how the cells that secrete Abs arise, persist, and meet the challenge of secreting vast amounts of these glycoproteins. Whereas plasmablasts and plasma cells (PCs) are the primary sources of secreted Abs, the process leading to the existence of these cell types starts with naive B lymphocytes that proliferate and differentiate toward several potential fates. At each step, cells reside in specific microenvironments in which they not only receive signals from cytokines and other cell surface receptors but also draw on the interstitium for nutrients. Nutrients in turn influence flux through intermediary metabolism and sensor enzymes that regulate gene transcription, translation, and metabolism. This review will focus on nutrient supply and how sensor mechanisms influence distinct cellular stages that lead to PCs and their adaptations as factories dedicated to Ab secretion. Salient findings of this group and others, sometimes exhibiting differences, will be summarized with regard to the journey to a distinctive metabolic program in PCs.
Homeoprotein SIX1 compromises antitumor immunity through TGF-β-mediated regulation of collagens
Authors: Liu Wancheng , Gao Meiling , Li Lili , Chen Yu , Fan Huimin , Cai Qiaomei , Shi Yueyue , Pan Chaohu , Liu Junxiao , Cheng Lucy S. , Yang Heng , Cheng Genhong
Published: November 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME), including infiltrated immune cells, is known to play an important role in tumor growth; however, the mechanisms underlying tumor immunogenicity have not been fully elucidated. Here, we discovered an unexpected role for the transcription factor SIX1 in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Based on analyses of patient datasets, we found that SIX1 was upregulated in human tumor tissues and that its expression levels were negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration in the TME and the overall survival rates of cancer patients. Deletion of Six1 in cancer cells significantly reduced tumor growth in an immune-dependent manner with enhanced antitumor immunity in the TME. Mechanistically, SIX1 was required for the expression of multiple collagen genes via the TGFBR2-dependent Smad2/3 activation pathway, and collagen deposition in the TME hampered immune cell infiltration and activation. Thus, our study uncovers a crucial role for SIX1 in modulating tumor immunogenicity and provides proof-of-concept evidence for targeting SIX1 in cancer immunotherapy.
Combined administration of laminin-221 and prostacyclin agonist enhances endogenous cardiac repair in an acute infarct rat heart
Authors: Sougawa Nagako , Miyagawa Shigeru , Kawamura Takuji , Matsuura Ryohei , Harada Akima , Sakai Yoshiki , Mochizuki-Oda Noriko , Sato-Nishiuchi Ryoko , Sekiguchi Kiyotoshi , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: November 2021

Although endogenous cardiac repair by recruitment of stem cells may serve as a therapeutic approach to healing a damaged heart, how to effectively enhance the migration of stem cells to the damaged heart is unclear. Here, we examined whether the combined administration of prostacyclin agonist (ONO1301), a multiple-cytokine inducer, and stem cell niche laminin-221 (LM221), enhances regeneration through endogenous cardiac repair. We administered ONO1301- and LM221-immersed sheets, LM221-immersed sheets, ONO1301-immersed sheets, and PBS-immersed sheets (control) to an acute infarction rat model. Four weeks later, cardiac function, histology, and cytokine expression were analysed. The combined administration of LM221 and ONO1301 upregulated angiogenic and chemotactic factors in the myocardium after 4 weeks and enhanced the accumulation of ILB4 positive cells, SMA positive cells, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) and CD90 double-positive cells, leading to the generation of mature microvascular networks. Interstitial fibrosis reduced and functional recovery was prominent in LM221- and ONO1301-administrated hearts as compared with those in ONO1301-administrated or control hearts. LM221 and ONO1301 combination enhanced recruitment of PDGFRα and CD90 double-positive cells, maturation of vessels, and functional recovery in rat acute myocardial infarction hearts, highlighting a new promising acellular approach for the failed heart.
Study the plasmonic property of gold nanorods highly above damage threshold via single-pulse spectral hole-burning experiments
Authors: Wang Zibo , Kan Zhe , Shen Mengyan
Published: November 2021

Intense femtosecond laser irradiation reshapes gold nanorods, resulting in a persistent hole in the optical absorption spectrum of the nanorods at the wavelength of the laser. Single-pulse hole-burning experiments were performed in a mixture of nanorods with a broad absorption around 800 nm with a 35-fs laser with 800 nm wavelength and 6 mJ/pulse. A significant increase in hole burning width at an average fluence of 106 J/m2 has been found, suggesting a tripled damping coefficient of plasmon. This shows that the surface plasmonic effect still occurs at extremely high femtosecond laser fluences just before the nanorods are damaged and the remaining 10% plasmonic enhancement of light is at the fluence of 106 J/m2, which is several orders of magnitude higher than the damage threshold of the gold nanorods. Plasmon–photon interactions may also cause an increase in the damping coefficient.
Identification of ASCL1 as a determinant for human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Earley Aaron M. , Burbulla Lena F. , Krainc Dimitri , Awatramani Rajeshwar
Published: November 2021

During cellular specification, transcription factors orchestrate cellular decisions through gene regulation. By hijacking these transcriptional networks, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be specialized into neurons with different molecular identities for the purposes of regenerative medicine and disease modeling. However, molecular fine tuning cell types to match their in vivo counterparts remains a challenge. Directing cell fates often result in blended or incomplete neuron identities. A better understanding of hPSC to neuron gene regulation is needed. Here, we used single cell RNA sequencing to resolve some of these graded molecular identities during human neurogenesis from hPSCs. Differentiation platforms were established to model neural induction from stem cells, and we characterized these differentiated cell types by 10x single cell RNA sequencing. Using single cell trajectory and co-expression analyses, we identified a co-regulated transcription factor module expressing achaete-scute family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 (ASCL1) and neuronal differentiation 1 (NEUROD1). We then tested the function of these transcription factors in neuron subtype differentiation by gene knockout in a novel human system that reports the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. ASCL1 was identified as a necessary transcription factor for regulating dopaminergic neurotransmitter selection.
Machine learning models for screening carotid atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adults
Authors: Yu Jian , Zhou Yan , Yang Qiong , Liu Xiaoling , Huang Lili , Yu Ping , Chu Shuyuan
Published: November 2021

Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, but duplex ultrasonography isn’t recommended in routine screening for asymptomatic populations according to medical guidelines. We aim to develop machine learning models to screen CAS in asymptomatic adults. A total of 2732 asymptomatic subjects for routine physical examination in our hospital were included in the study. We developed machine learning models to classify subjects with or without CAS using decision tree, random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine (SVM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) with 17 candidate features. The performance of models was assessed on the testing dataset. The model using MLP achieved the highest accuracy (0.748), positive predictive value (0.743), F1 score (0.742), area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (0.766) and Kappa score (0.445) among all classifiers. It’s followed by models using XGBoost and SVM. In conclusion, the model using MLP is the best one to screen CAS in asymptomatic adults based on the results from routine physical examination, followed by using XGBoost and SVM. Those models may provide an effective and applicable method for physician and primary care doctors to screen asymptomatic CAS without risk factors in general population, and improve risk predictions and preventions of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in asymptomatic adults.
Development of FRET-based indicators for visualizing homophilic trans interaction of a clustered protocadherin
Authors: Kanadome Takashi , Hoshino Natsumi , Nagai Takeharu , Matsuda Tomoki , Yagi Takeshi
Published: November 2021

Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs), which are cell adhesion molecules, play a fundamental role in self-recognition and non-self-discrimination by conferring diversity on the cell surface. Although systematic cell-based aggregation assays provide information regarding the binding properties of Pcdhs, direct visualization of Pcdh trans interactions across cells remains challenging. Here, we present Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based indicators for directly visualizing Pcdh trans interactions. We developed the indicators by individually inserting FRET donor and acceptor fluorescent proteins (FPs) into the ectodomain of Pcdh molecules. They enabled successful visualization of specific trans interactions of Pcdh and revealed that the Pcdh trans interaction is highly sensitive to changes in extracellular Ca2+ levels. We expect that FRET-based indicators for visualizing Pcdh trans interactions will provide a new approach for investigating the roles of Pcdh in self-recognition and non-self-discrimination processes.
Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis EgtD target both substrate binding sites to limit hercynine production
Authors: Sudasinghe Thanuja D. , Banco Michael T. , Ronning Donald R.
Published: November 2021

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a low molecular weight histidine betaine essential in all domains of life but only synthesized by selected few organisms. Synthesis of EGT by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) is critical for maintaining bioenergetic homeostasis and protecting the bacterium from alkylating agents, oxidative stress, and anti-tubercular drugs. EgtD, an S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase (AdoMet), catalyzes the trimethylation of L-Histidine to initiate EGT biosynthesis and this reaction has been shown to be essential for EGT production in mycobacteria and for long-term infection of murine macrophages by M. tb. In this work, library screening and structure-guided strategies identified multiple classes of M. tb EgtD inhibitors that bind in various regions of the enzyme active site. X-ray crystal structures of EgtD-inhibitor complexes confirm that L-Histidine analogs bind solely to the L-Histidine binding site while drug-like inhibitors, such as TGX-221, and S-Glycyl-H-1152 span both the L-Histidine and AdoMet binding sites. These enzyme-inhibitor complexes provide detailed structural information of compound scaffolds useful for developing more potent inhibitors that could shorten Tuberculosis treatment regimens by weakening important bacterial defenses.
Synergetic effect of the surface ligand and SiO2 driven photoluminescence stabilization of the CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite magic-sized clusters
Authors: Permatasari Fitri Aulia , Masitoh Hilma Eka , Mahen Ea Cahya Septia , Nuryadin Bebeh Wahid , Aimon Akfiny Hasdi , Syah Yana Maolana , Iskandar Ferry
Published: November 2021

Zero-dimensional Perovskite Magic-size Clusters play crucial roles in understanding and controlling nucleation and growth of semiconductor nanoparticles. However, their metastability behavior is a critical hindrance for reliable characterizations. Here, we report the first demonstration of using an excess amount of surface ligand and SiO2 as novel passivation for synthesizing the magic-sized clusters (MSCs) by the Ligand-assisted reprecipitation method. A synergetic effect between an excessed surface ligand and SiO2 inhibits the protonation and deprotonation reaction between amine-based and acid-based ligand, leading to enhanced PL stability. The obtained CH3NH3PbBr3 PMSCs/SiO2 retain 70% of its initial emission intensity in ambient conditions for 20 days. This passivation approach opens an entirely new avenue for the reliable characterizations of CH3NH3PbBr3 PMSCs, which will significantly broaden their application for understanding and controlling nucleation and growth of semiconductor nanoparticles.
Preferences regarding emerging HIV prevention technologies among Toronto men who have sex with men: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Tan Darrell H. S. , Rana Jayoti , Tengra Zavare , Hart Trevor A. , Wilton James , Bayoumi Ahmed M.
Published: November 2021

New forms of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) include long-acting injectables and topical microbicides, each with unique attributes that may appeal to distinct users. We used a discrete choice experiment to characterize preferences for new PrEP formulations among Toronto men who have sex with men. MSM undergoing anonymous HIV testing completed a discrete choice experiment with 12 choice sets by selecting their preferred option within each set. Each set included “usual methods to prevent HIV” (excluding PrEP) as one alternative and two hypothetical PrEP alternatives, which differed according formulation/dosing, side effects (none/mild), risk of drug resistance (none/low/moderate), and HIV prevention efficacy (50%, 65%, 80% or 99% risk reduction). We used mixed logistic regression to infer preferences for PrEP attributes and calculate the marginal rate of substitution between efficacy and other PrEP attributes. 306 men with median (interquartile range) age = 29 (25, 36) years participated, and reported 6 (3, 10) partners and 0 (0, 2) condomless receptive anal sex acts in the preceding six months. An on-demand pill was the most preferred formulation, followed by a monthly injection, daily pill, and on-demand rectal gel. Drug resistance was an important determinant of preferences if the risk was moderate, but not if it was low. The minimum efficacy required for an on-demand pill to be preferred over no PrEP was 32.6% (95%CI = 21.2–43.9%); for a daily pill, injections, and rectal gel, minimum efficacy was 57.9% (95%CI = 44.1–71.7%), 40.1% (27.0–53.2%), and 71.3% (60.5–82.1%), respectively. Attitudes towards PrEP formulations vary among men who have sex with men, with on-demand pills and monthly injections having the highest average preference scores. Understanding these preferences may help to predict uptake.
Safety and efficacy of 0.02% and 0.01% atropine on controlling myopia progression: a 2-year clinical trial
Authors: Cui Can , Li Xiujuan , Lyu Yong , Wei Li , Zhao Bingxin , Yu Shiao , Rong Junbo , Bai Yanhui , Fu Aicun
Published: November 2021

Four hundred myopic children randomly received atropine 0.02% (n = 138) or 0.01% (n = 142) in both eyes once-nightly or only wore single-vision spectacles (control group) (n = 120) for 2 years. Spherical equivalent refractive error (SER), axial length (AL), pupil diameter (PD), and amplitude of accommodation (AMP) were measured every 4 months. After 2 years, the SER changes were − 0.80 (0.52) D, − 0.93 (0.59) D and − 1.33 (0.72) D and the AL changes were 0.62 (0.29) mm, 0.72 (0.31) mm and 0.88 (0.35) mm in the 0.02% and 0.01% atropine groups and control group, respectively. There were significant differences between changes in SER and AL in the three groups (all P < 0.001). The changes in SER and AL in the 2nd year were similar to the changes in the 1st year in the three groups (all P > 0.05). From baseline to 2 years, the overall decrease in AMP and increase in PD were not significantly different in the two atropine groups, whereas the AMP and PD in the control group remained stable (all P > 0.05). 0.02% atropine had a better effect on myopia control than 0.01% atropine, and its effects on PD and AMP were similar to 0.01% atropine. 0.02% or 0.01% atropine controlled myopia progression and AL elongation synchronously and had similar effects on myopia control each year.
SARS-CoV-2 detection using reverse transcription strand invasion based amplification and a portable compact size instrument
Authors: Rosenstierne Maiken W. , Joshi Shreya , Danielsen E. Thomas , Webb Helen , Luong Dac Mui , Bjerring Julie , Hindkær Julie , Jørgensen Lærke , Blauenfeldt Julie , Bojesen Ask , Holck Flemming , Lau Johnny Weber , Bangsgaard Lars , Lind Jakob Broberg , Dragheim Mette Bjergaard , Jacobsen Mikkel Rohde , Elkjær Robert , Clauwaert Steven , Christensen Kristina , Polacek Charlotta , Fomsgaard Anders , Ojalehto Tuomas , Tullila Antti , Brummer Mirko , Jensen Claus Juel , Jensen Frederikke Holm , Schneider Uffe Vest , Lisby Jan Gorm , Jørgensen Rikke Lind , Warthoe Thomas , Finding Ebbe , Warthoe Peter
Published: November 2021

Rapid nucleic-acid based tests that can be performed by non-professionals outside laboratory settings could help the containment of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 virus and may potentially prevent further widespread lockdowns. Here, we present a novel compact portable detection instrument (the Egoo Health System) for extraction-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 using isothermal reverse transcription strand invasion based amplification (RT-SIBA). The SARS-CoV-2 RT-SIBA assay can be performed directly on crude oropharyngeal swabs without nucleic acid extraction with a reaction time of 30 min. The Egoo Health system uses a capsule system, which is automatically sealed tight in the Egoo instrument after applying the sample, resulting in a closed system optimal for molecular isothermal amplification. The performance of the Egoo Health System is comparable to the PCR instrument with an analytical sensitivity of 25 viral RNA copies per SARS-CoV-2 RT-SIBA reaction and a clinical sensitivity and specificity between 87.0–98.4% and 96.6–98.2% respectively.
Quantum Fourier transform is the building block for creating entanglement
Authors: Mastriani Mario
Published: November 2021

This study demonstrates entanglement can be exclusively constituted by quantum Fourier transform (QFT) blocks. A bridge between entanglement and QFT will allow incorporating a spectral analysis to the already traditional temporal approach of entanglement, which will result in the development of new more performant, and fault-tolerant protocols to be used in quantum computing as well as quantum communication, with particular emphasis in the future quantum Internet.
Estimating LOCP cancer mortality rates in small domains in Spain using its relationship with lung cancer
Authors: Retegui Garazi , Etxeberria Jaione , Ugarte María Dolores
Published: November 2021

The distribution of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx (LOCP) cancer mortality rates in small domains (defined as the combination of province, age group, and gender) remains unknown in Spain. As many of the LOCP risk factors are preventable, specific prevention programmes could be implemented but this requires a clear specification of the target population. This paper provides an in-depth description of LOCP mortality rates by province, age group and gender, giving a complete overview of the disease. This study also presents a methodological challenge. As the number of LOCP cancer cases in small domains (province, age groups and gender) is scarce, univariate spatial models do not provide reliable results or are even impossible to fit. In view of the close link between LOCP and lung cancer, we consider analyzing them jointly by using shared component models. These models allow information-borrowing among diseases, ultimately providing the analysis of cancer sites with few cases at a very disaggregated level. Results show that males have higher mortality rates than females and these rates increase with age. Regions located in the north of Spain show the highest LOCP cancer mortality rates.
Integrative transcription start site analysis and physiological phenotyping reveal torpor-specific expression program in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Deviatiiarov Ruslan , Ishikawa Kiyomi , Gazizova Guzel , Abe Takaya , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Takahashi Masayo , Gusev Oleg , Sunagawa Genshiro A.
Published: November 2021

Mice enter an active hypometabolic state, called daily torpor when they experience a lowered caloric intake under cold ambient temperature. During torpor, the oxygen consumption rate in some animals drops to less than 30% of the normal rate without harming the body. This safe but severe reduction in metabolism is attractive for various clinical applications; however, the mechanism and molecules involved are unclear. Therefore, here we systematically analyzed the gene expression landscape on the level of the RNA transcription start sites in mouse skeletal muscles under various metabolic states to identify torpor-specific transcribed regulatory patterns. We analyzed the soleus muscles from 38 mice in torpid and non-torpid conditions and identified 287 torpor-specific promoters out of 12,862 detected promoters. Furthermore, we found that the transcription factor ATF3 is highly expressed during torpor deprivation and its binding motif is enriched in torpor-specific promoters. Atf3 was also highly expressed in the heart and brown adipose tissue during torpor and systemically knocking out Atf3 affected the torpor phenotype. Our results demonstrate that mouse torpor combined with powerful genetic tools is useful for studying active hypometabolism.
High-sensitivity small-molecule detection of microcystin-LR cyano-toxin using a terahertz-aptamer biosensor
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Walsh Ryan , Cherif Mohamed , Hafez Hassan A. , Ropagnol Xavier , Vidal François , Perreault Jonathan , Ozaki Tsuneyuki
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate the rapid and highly sensitive detection of a small molecule, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) toxin using an aptasensor based on a terahertz (THz) emission technique named the terahertz chemical microscope (TCM).
Sterilization effects of UV laser irradiation onBacillus atrophaeusspore viability, structure, and proteins
Authors: Nguyen My-Chi Thi , Nguyen Huu-Quang , Jang Hanbyeol , Noh Sojung , Lee Seong-Yeon , Jang Kyoung-Soon , Lee Jaebeom , Sohn Youngku , Yee Kiju , Jung Heesoo , Kim Jeongkwon
Published: November 2021

A UV-C laser is capable of sterilizing Bacillus atrophaeus spores.
Preparation of bimetal–polydopamine organic frameworks with core–shell structure and their application in HER2 detection
Authors: Wu Yawen , Chen Xiaolong , Hou Changjun , Lu Peng , Peng Lan , Li Jiawei , Yang Mei , Huo Danqun
Published: November 2021

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the specific markers of breast cancer, which is of great significance to the early diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.
Bimetallic ethynylanthracenyl functionalised carbynes
Authors: Frogley Benjamin J. , Hill Anthony F. , Welsh Steven S.
Published: November 2021

Mono- and bimetallic anthracenes functionised by alkynyl and alkylidynyl substituents are obtained via sequential cross-coupling reactions of the 9-bromoanthracenyl carbyne [W{CC(C6H4)2CBr}(CO)2(Tp*)].
Sn,P-coordinated Ru cation: a robust catalyst for aerobic oxidations of benzylamine and benzyl alcohol
Authors: Aman Michal , Dostál Libor , Růžička Aleš , Tydlitát Jiří , Beckmann Jens , Turek Jan , Jambor Roman
Published: November 2021

A stable ionic κ2Sn,P-coordinated Ru complex was used as an efficient catalyst for aerobic oxidation reactions.
Structural and dynamic insights into Mn4Ca cluster-depleted Photosystem II
Authors: Narzi Daniele , Guidoni Leonardo
Published: November 2021

Photoactivation of Photosystem II requires previous local conformational changes involving the residues surrounding the cluster cavity.
Ga–Ni supported catalytically active liquid metal solutions (SCALMS) for selective ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Søgaard Alexander , de Oliveira Ana Luíza , Taccardi Nicola , Haumann Marco , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: November 2021

Non-precious metal supported catalytically active liquid metal solutions exhibit attractive performance in ethylene oligomerization.
A cyanide-bridged Fe–Co pearl-chain-like single-chain magnet containing 4-coordinate cobalt(ii) ions
Authors: Cheng Yue , Liu Qi , Chen Zi-Yi , Zhang Yuan-Zhu
Published: November 2021

A novel cyanide-bridged Fe–Co single-chain magnet bearing 4-coordinate cobalt(ii) ions has been assembled, and it features a less-common pearl-chain-like structure.
Phosphorescent NIR emitters for biomedicine: applications, advances and challenges
Authors: Chelushkin Pavel S. , Shakirova Julia R. , Kritchenkov Ilya S. , Baigildin Vadim A. , Tunik Sergey P.
Published: November 2021

This review describes the current state of the art in the chemistry of phosphorescent NIR emitters with a particular focus on their application in biomedicine as luminescent probes, sensors and theranostic agents.
Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of novel ferrocene-substituted metallophthalocyanines
Authors: Özdemir Mücahit , Köksoy Baybars , Kuruca Halid , Altındal Ahmet , Durmuş Mahmut , Koyuncu Sermet , Yalçın Bahattin , Bulut Mustafa
Published: November 2021

Bulk heterojunction properties for phthalocyanine compounds substituted with ferrocene with excellent electrochemical properties are investigated utilizing the reported data to make a positive contribution to the knowledge on photovoltaics.
Formation of Bi2Ir nanoparticles in a microwave-assisted polyol process revealing the suboxide Bi4Ir2O
Authors: Smuda Matthias , Finzel Kati , Hantusch Martin , Ströh Jonas , Pienack Nicole , Khadiev Azat , Terraschke Huayna , Ruck Michael , Doert Thomas
Published: November 2021

The new suboxide Bi4Ir2O was found as an intermediate in the formation of the intermetallic phase Bi2Ir by a microwave-assisted polyol process.
M6PS5X (M = Ag, Cu; X = Cl, Br) chalcohalides exhibiting strong nonlinear optical responses and high laser damage resistances
Authors: Gao Lihua , Wu Xiaowen , Yang Daqing , Tian Xinyu , Xu Jingjing , Zhang Bingbing , Wu Kui
Published: November 2021

A series of M6PS5X chalcohalides exhibiting strong nonlinear optical responses and large laser-damage thresholds were systematically investigated.
Fe-Triazole coordination compound-derived Fe2O3 nanoparticles anchored on Fe-MOF/N-doped carbon nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Xing , Gong Yun
Published: November 2021

S-doped Fe2O3/NC/Fe-MOF, derived from an Fe-triazole coordination compound, shows excellent catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction in 1 M KOH solution with overpotential of 185 mV at 10 mA cm−2.
Phase-selective cellulose nanofibril-based oil gelling agent for oil spill recovery
Authors: Shen Yun , Li Bin , Chen Xiuping , Wang Shuangjia , Guan Yihao , Li Yiming
Published: November 2021

A cost-effective powdery oil gelling agent based on cellulose nanofibrils was successfully fabricated and utilized to effectively remove an oil spill from the seawater surface.
A new sterically hindered asymmetric zinc phthalocyanine as an efficient sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Harmandar Kevser , Granados-Tavera Kevin , Gezgin Merve , Nebioğlu Mehmet , Şişman İlkay , Cárdenas-Jirón Gloria , Atilla Devrim , Gürek Ayşe Gül
Published: November 2021

A novel push–pull zinc phthalocyanine dye (KH1) containing 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxy donor groups was synthesized for DSSCs. The DSSC based on the dye exhibited a PCE of 3.12%.
A novel label-free photoelectrochemical aptasensor for the sensitive detection of ampicillin based on carbon-coated Bi2S3 nanorods
Authors: Wang Min , Xue Yadong , Zhu Jian-Hong , Wang Ai-Jun , Mei Li-Ping , Song Pei
Published: November 2021

The prepared Bi2S3@C nanorods with remarkable photoelectrochemical properties served as a PEC sensor platform for the ultrasensitive analysis of ampicillin.
Transition-metal catalyzed oxidative spirocyclization of N-aryl alkynamides with methylarenes under microwave irradiation
Authors: Yuan Jin-Wei , Mou Chen-Xu , Zhang Yang , Hu Wen-Yu , Yang Liang-Ru , Xiao Yong-Mei , Mao Pu , Zhang Shou-Ren , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: November 2021

A variety of 3-benzyl spiro[4,5]trienones were synthesized via Cu/Ag-catalyzed ipso-annulation of alkynes with methylarenes using TBPB as an oxidant under microwave irradiation.
Controlling the band structure and photocatalytic performance of single atom Ag/C3N4 catalysts by variation of silver concentration
Authors: Xin Jiayu , Li Fei , Li Zhen , Zhao Jiaqi , Wang Yu
Published: November 2021

We have investigated the effect of the concentration of single Ag atoms on the electronic structure of C3N4, and the relationship between the energy band structure and photocatalytic performance has been analysed in depth as well.
Generating molecules with optimized aqueous solubility using iterative graph translation
Authors: Bilodeau Camille , Jin Wengong , Xu Hongyun , Emerson Jillian A. , Mukhopadhyay Sukrit , Kalantar Thomas H. , Jaakkola Tommi , Barzilay Regina , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: November 2021

We present a generative modeling framework that can be used to discover new, optimal molecules. Our method involves iteratively 1) training a translation model, and 2) translating all molecules in the training dataset.
Evaluation of dielectric elastomers to develop materials suitable for actuation
Authors: Banet Philippe , Zeggai Nouh , Chavanne Jonathan , Nguyen Giao T. M. , Chikh Linda , Plesse Cédric , Almanza Morgan , Martinez Thomas , Civet Yoan , Perriard Yves , Fichet Odile
Published: November 2021

Commercial dielectric elastomers and their modification methods are reviewed. A method is proposed to overcome the complex interdependency of their properties allowing quick comparison and selection of suitable materials for soft actuator applications.
Tyrosine-based photoluminescent diketopiperazine supramolecular aggregates
Authors: Shimosaraya Noritaka , Sotani Taichi , Miyagi Yu , Mondarte Evan Angelo Quimada , Suthiwanich Kasinan , Hayashi Tomohiro , Nagata Yuuya , Sogawa Hiromitsu , Sanda Fumio
Published: November 2021

A solution of l-tyrosine diketopiperazine in tetrahydrofuran turned into gel state based on intermolecular hydrogen bonding, resulting in π-orbital overlap of the terminal phenyl groups leading to photoluminescence.
Blood vessel-on-a-chip examines the biomechanics of microvasculature
Authors: Salipante Paul F. , Hudson Steven D. , Alimperti Stella
Published: November 2021

We use a three-dimensional (3D) microvascular platform to measure the elasticity and membrane permeability of the endothelial cell layer.
Modeling the drying of polymer coatings
Authors: Punati Venugopala Swami , Tirumkudulu Mahesh S.
Published: November 2021

We model the drying process in thin polymer films and predict the concentration profile and the stress-evolution during drying. The predictions of the polymer concentration profile match well with measurements.
Steady rigid-body rotation of cholesteric droplets and their dumbbell-shaped aggregates driven by heat flux along the helical axes
Authors: Nishiyama Katsu , Bono Shinji , Tabe Yuka
Published: November 2021

The steady unidirectional rotation of a dumbbell-shaped cholesteric droplet driven by a heat flux.
Batch quadratic programming network with maximum entropy constraint for anomaly detection
Authors: Zhou Di , Chen Weigang , Guo Chunsheng , Zhang Mark
Published: November 2021

The difficulty of anomaly detection lies in balancing the impact of noise on the network (noise suppression) and distinguishing the real anomaly from the noise (abnormal exposure). So, a deep anomaly detector Batch Quadratic Programming (BQP) network with Maximum Entropy Constraint is proposed. It imposes quadratic programming constraints on Support Vector Data Description through the BQP output layer to achieve noise suppression. In BQP network processes’ batch data, Maximum Entropy Constraint is used to balance abnormal samples and noise. The experiment compared the shallow method with the currently popular deep method on MNIST and CIFAR‐10 data sets and proved that the BQP network with Maximum Entropy Constraint has excellent performance.
A splitting‐coil‐based IPT system of reefer container for high efficiency wireless charing
Authors: Xu Yefei , Xie Zhaojie , Pan Shuaishuai , Liu Wei , Luo Bo , Chen Yang , Mai Ruikun , He Zhengyou
Published: November 2021

To eliminate the plug‐in/out actions for automatic wharves, a splitting‐coil‐based inductive power transfer (IPT) system is proposed to improve transfer efficiency for reefer container wireless charging. Firstly, the power requirement of a reefer container only hits a few operation points and each operation point is in correspondence to an individual resistance point (IRP); secondly, the maximum efficiency of an IPT system can be achieved with the optimal load resistance (OLR). Therefore, the system efficiency can be improved by transforming the OLR into or near the IRPs. The idea of this work is to create double OLRs of the system by altering the splitting coils operating in parallel mode or series mode with switches, then to select the proper OLRs to match the IRPs for efficiency improvement. A 0.54 kW prototype was built to validate the performance of the proposed approach. The results indicate that with the proposed method, the system can maintain the system efficiency >90.7% from 14 Ω (0.54 kW) to 60 Ω (0.13 kW), with an improvement of 7.0% at most compared with that of the system without the optimisation in the same load resistance range.
Equiripple design of low‐pass filter using stub‐loaded Z‐shaped coupled‐line section
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Zhou Yuting , Jin Xiuhua , Yang Liu , Cheng Chonghu
Published: November 2021

Design procedure of a novel transmission line low‐pass filter is presented. The filter has a flexible rejection response for a prescribed cut‐off frequency and an in‐band ripple factor. It is compact by using a Z‐shaped coupled‐line section, which is loaded with open‐circuited stubs. All of the transmission line elements are identical in electrical length, and the impedances can be calculated by solving certain specific equations according to prescribed in‐band specifications. The simulated results show that the circuit can generate low‐pass responses with third‐, fifth‐, and seventh‐order filtering functions. The filter order depends on the number and position of the loading stubs. For verification, two sample filters with cut‐off frequency of 0.5/0.3 GHz are fabricated using a three‐/five‐layer PCB process, which generate seventh‐order low‐pass filtering responses with good selectivity. The experimental results agree well with the predictions.
Masses, bulk densities, and macroporosities of asteroids (15) Eunomia, (29) Amphitrite, (52) Europa, and (445) Edna based on Gaia astrometry
Authors: Siltala L. , Granvik M.
Published: November 2021

Context. Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) includes milliarcsecond-accuracy astrometry for 14 099 asteroids. One of the main expected scientific applications of these data is asteroid mass estimation via the modeling of perturbations during asteroid-asteroid encounters.

Aims. We explore the practical impact of the Gaia astrometry of asteroids for the purpose of asteroid mass and orbit estimation by estimating the masses individually for four large asteroids. We use various combinations of Gaia astrometry and/or Earth-based astrometry so as to determine the impact of Gaia on the estimated masses. By utilizing published information about estimated volumes and meteorite analogs, we also derive estimates for bulk densities and macroporosities.

Methods. We apply a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm for asteroid mass and orbit estimation by modeling asteroid-asteroid close encounters to four separate large asteroids in an attempt to estimate their masses based on multiple simultaneously studied close encounters with multiple test asteroids. In order to validate our algorithm and data treatment, we apply the MCMC algorithm to pure orbit determination for the main-belt asteroid (367) Amicitia and compare the residuals to previously published ones. In addition, we attempt to estimate a mass for (445) Edna with Gaia astrometry alone based on its close encounter with (1764) Cogshall.

Results. In the case of the orbit of (367) Amicitia, we find a solution that improves on the previously published solution. The study of (445) Edna reveals that mass estimation with DR2 astrometry alone is unfeasible and that it must be combined with astrometry from other sources to achieve meaningful results. We find that a combination of DR2 and Earth-based astrometry results in dramatically reduced uncertainties and, by extension, significantly improved results in comparison to those computed based on less accurate Earth-based astrometry alone.

Conclusions. Our mass estimation algorithm works well with a combination of Gaia DR2 and Earth-based astrometry and provides very impressive results with significantly reduced uncertainties. We note that the DR2 has a caveat in that many asteroids suitable for mass-estimation purposes are not included in the relatively small sample. This limits the number of asteroids to which mass estimation can be applied. However, this issue will largely be corrected with the forthcoming third Gaia data release, which is expected to allow for a wave of numerous accurate mass estimates for a wide range of asteroids.