bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive sliding tracking control for nonlinear uncertain robotic systems with unknown actuator nonlinearities
Authors: Liu Shubo , Liu Guoquan , Wu Shengbiao
Published: December 2021

This study is concerned with the tracking control problem for nonlinear uncertain robotic systems in the presence of unknown actuator nonlinearities. A novel adaptive sliding controller is designed based on a robust disturbance observer without any prior knowledge of actuator nonlinearities and system dynamics. The proposed control strategy can guarantee that the tracking error eventually converges to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of zero. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed strategy.
Memory and habituation to harmful and non-harmful stimuli in a field population of the sensitive plant,Mimosa pudica
Authors: Serpell Ella , Chaves-Campos Johel
Published: December 2021

Mimosa pudicais a Neotropical legume that closes its leaves rapidly in response to touch stimulation, hypothetically as herbivory defence. Habituation to non-harmful stimuli and long-term memory of past events have been demonstrated in this species, the former with relatively heavy objects and the latter under laboratory conditions. This species should not habituate to harmful stimuli if leaf movement is a response to herbivore damage. We tested in Monteverde, Costa Rica, whether (1) memory occurs in wild plants, (2) whether habituation occurs under harmful stimuli: simulated herbivory, and (3) whether wild plants can habituate to light non-harmful stimuli. The degree of closing of the leaflets and time until reopening was measured in response to repeated harmful and non-harmful stimuli. The results showed habituation to repeated non-harmful very light stimuli and showed lack of habituation to simulated leaf damage. Wild plants also showed faster rehabituation to repeated non-harmful stimuli when they had been exposed 15 days previously, suggesting possible long-term memory. These results indicate that wild plants are capable of (1) distinguishing between harmful and non-harmful stimuli (only habituating to the latter), (2) memorizing previous events, and 3) habituating very light tactile stimuli commonly experienced in the field.
Harshness and unpredictability: Childhood environmental links with immune and asthma outcomes
Authors: Lam Phoebe H. , Miller Gregory E. , Hoffer Lauren , Siliezar Rebekah , Dezil Johanna , McDonald Amanda , Chen Edith
Published: December 2021

The environment has pervasive impacts on human development, and two key environmental conditions – harshness and unpredictability – are proposed to be instrumental in tuning development. This study examined (1) how harsh and unpredictable environments related to immune and clinical outcomes in the context of childhood asthma, and (2) whether there were independent associations of harshness and unpredictability with these outcomes. Participants were 290 youth physician-diagnosed with asthma. Harshness was assessed with youth-reported exposure to violence and neighborhood-level murder rate. Unpredictability was assessed with parent reports of family structural changes. Youth also completed measures of asthma control as well as asthma quality of life and provided blood samples to assess immune profiles, including in vitro cytokine responses to challenge and sensitivity to inhibitory signals from glucocorticoids. Results indicated that harshness was associated with more pronounced pro-inflammatory cytokine production following challenge and less sensitivity to the inhibitory properties of glucocorticoids. Furthermore, youth exposed to harsher environments reported less asthma control and poorer quality of life. All associations with harshness persisted when controlling for unpredictability. No associations between unpredictability and outcomes were found. These findings suggest that relative to unpredictability, harshness may be a more consistent correlate of asthma-relevant immune and clinical outcomes.
Prediction of extubation failure in the paediatric cardiac ICU using machine learning and high-frequency physiologic data
Authors: Rooney Sydney R. , Reynolds Evan L. , Banerjee Mousumi , Pasquali Sara K. , Charpie John R. , Gaies Michael G. , Owens Gabe E.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cardiac intensivists frequently assess patient readiness to wean off mechanical ventilation with an extubation readiness trial despite it being no more effective than clinician judgement alone. We evaluated the utility of high-frequency physiologic data and machine learning for improving the prediction of extubation failure in children with cardiovascular disease.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of clinical registry data and streamed physiologic extubation readiness trial data from one paediatric cardiac ICU (12/2016-3/2018). We analysed patients’ final extubation readiness trial. Machine learning methods (classification and regression tree, Boosting, Random Forest) were performed using clinical/demographic data, physiologic data, and both datasets. Extubation failure was defined as reintubation within 48 hrs. Classifier performance was assessed on prediction accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

Of 178 episodes, 11.2% (N = 20) failed extubation. Using clinical/demographic data, our machine learning methods identified variables such as age, weight, height, and ventilation duration as being important in predicting extubation failure. Best classifier performance with this data was Boosting (prediction accuracy: 0.88; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.74). Using physiologic data, our machine learning methods found oxygen saturation extremes and descriptors of dynamic compliance, central venous pressure, and heart/respiratory rate to be of importance. The best classifier in this setting was Random Forest (prediction accuracy: 0.89; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.75). Combining both datasets produced classifiers highlighting the importance of physiologic variables in determining extubation failure, though predictive performance was not improved.

Conclusion:

Physiologic variables not routinely scrutinised during extubation readiness trials were identified as potential extubation failure predictors. Larger analyses are necessary to investigate whether these markers can improve clinical decision-making.
Seasonal Variations and Drivers of Surface Ocean pCO2 in the Seasonal Ice Zone of the Eastern Indian Sector, Southern Ocean
Authors: Tozawa Manami , Nomura Daiki , Nakaoka Shin‐ichiro , Kiuchi Masaaki , Yamazaki Kaihe , Hirano Daisuke , Aoki Shigeru , Sasaki Hiroko , Murase Hiroto
Published: December 2021

To quantitatively assess the inorganic carbon cycle in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (80–150°E, south of 60°S), we measured ocean surface temperature, salinity, total alkalinity (TA), the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and concentrations of chlorophyll‐a (chl a), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and nutrients during the KY18 survey (December 2018–January 2019). The sea–air CO2 flux in this region was −8.3 ± 12.7 mmol m−2 day−1 (−92.1 to +10.6 mmol m−2 day−1). The ocean was therefore a weak CO2 sink. Based on the DIC and TA in the temperature minimum layer, we estimated the change of pCO2 from winter to summer (δpCO2) due to changes in water temperature, salinity, and biological activity (photosynthesis). The spatial distribution of pCO2 in the western part (80–110°E) of the study area was mainly driven by biological activity, which decreased pCO2 from December to early January, and in the eastern part (110–150°E) by temperature, which increased pCO2 from January to February. We also examined the changes in the CO2 concentrations (xCO2) over time by comparing data from 1996 with our data (2018–2019). The oceanic and atmospheric xCO2 increased by 23 and 45 ppm in 23 years, respectively. These changes of ocean xCO2 were mainly driven by an increase in CO2 uptake from the atmosphere as a result of the rise in atmospheric xCO2 and increase in biological activity associated with the change in the water‐mass distribution.
Sidt2 is a key protein in the autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathway and is essential for the maintenance of kidney structure and filtration function
Authors: Geng Meng-ya , Wang Lizhuo , Song Ying-ying , Gu Jing , Hu Xin , Yuan Cheng , Yang Meng , Pei Wen-jun , Zhang Yao , Gao Jia-lin
Published: December 2021

The regulation and homeostasis of autophagy are essential for maintaining organ morphology and function. As a lysosomal membrane protein, the effect of Sidt2 on kidney structure and renal autophagy is still unknown. In this study, we found that the kidneys of Sidt2−/− mice showed changes in basement membrane thickening, foot process fusion, and mitochondrial swelling, suggesting that the structure of the kidney was damaged. Increased urine protein at 24 h indicated that the kidney function was also damaged. At the same time, the absence of Sidt2 caused a decrease in the number of acidic lysosomes, a decrease in acid hydrolase activity and expression in the lysosome, and an increase of pH in the lysosome, suggesting that lysosomal function was impaired after Sidt2 deletion. The accumulation of autophagolysosomes, increased LC3-II and P62 protein levels, and decreased P62 mRNA levels indicated that the absence of the Sidt2 gene caused abnormal autophagy pathway flow. Chloroquine experiment, immunofluorescence autophagosome, and lysosome fusion assay, and Ad-mcherry-GFP-LC3B further indicated that, after Sidt2 deletion, the production of autophagosomes did not increase, but the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes and the degradation of autophagolysosomes were impaired. When incubating Sidt2−/− cells with the autophagy activator rapamycin, we found that it could activate autophagy, which manifested as an increase in autophagosomes, but it could not improve autophagolysosome degradation. Meanwhile, it further illustrated that the Sidt2 gene plays an important role in the smooth progress of autophagolysosome processes. In summary, the absence of the Sidt2 gene caused impaired lysosome function and a decreased number of acidic lysosomes, leading to formation and degradation disorders of the autophagolysosomes, which eventually manifested as abnormal kidney structure and function. Sidt2 is essential in maintaining the normal function of the lysosomes and the physiological stability of the kidneys.
Mitochondrial glutamine metabolism regulates sensitivity of cancer cells after chemotherapy via amphiregulin
Authors: Hwang Sunsook , Yang Seungyeon , Kim Minjoong , Hong Youlim , Kim Byungjoo , Lee Eun Kyung , Jeong Seung Min
Published: December 2021

The DNA damage response is essential for sustaining genomic stability and preventing tumorigenesis. However, the fundamental question about the cellular metabolic response to DNA damage remains largely unknown, impeding the development of metabolic interventions that might prevent or treat cancer. Recently, it has been reported that there is a link between cell metabolism and DNA damage response, by repression of glutamine (Gln) entry into mitochondria to support cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Here, we show that mitochondrial Gln metabolism is a crucial regulator of DNA damage-induced cell death. Mechanistically, inhibition of glutaminase (GLS), the first enzyme for Gln anaplerosis, sensitizes cancer cells to DNA damage by inducing amphiregulin (AREG) that promotes apoptotic cell death. GLS inhibition increases reactive oxygen species production, leading to transcriptional activation of AREG through Max-like protein X (MLX) transcription factor. Moreover, suppression of mitochondrial Gln metabolism results in markedly increased cell death after chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. The essentiality of this molecular pathway in DNA damage-induced cell death may provide novel metabolic interventions for cancer therapy.
Large-scale characterisation of the pregnancy vaginal microbiome and sialidase activity in a low-risk Chinese population
Authors: Ng Sherrianne , Chen Muxuan , Kundu Samit , Wang Xuefei , Zhou Zuyi , Zheng Zhongdaixi , Qing Wei , Sheng Huafang , Wang Yan , He Yan , Bennett Phillip R. , MacIntyre David A. , Zhou Hongwei
Published: December 2021

Vaginal microbiota-host interactions are linked to preterm birth (PTB), which continues to be the primary cause of global childhood mortality. Due to population size, the majority of PTB occurs in Asia, yet there have been few studies of the pregnancy vaginal microbiota in Asian populations. Here, we characterized the vaginal microbiome of 2689 pregnant Chinese women using metataxonomics and in a subset (n = 819), the relationship between vaginal microbiota composition, sialidase activity and leukocyte presence and pregnancy outcomes. Vaginal microbiota were most frequently dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus or L. iners, with the latter associated with vaginal leukocyte presence. Women with high sialidase activity were enriched for bacterial vaginosis-associated genera including Gardnerella, Atopobium and Prevotella. Vaginal microbiota composition, high sialidase activity and/or leukocyte presence was not associated with PTB risk suggesting underlying differences in the vaginal microbiota and/or host immune responses of Chinese women, possibly accounting for low PTB rates in this population.
Elasticity-based-exfoliability measure for high-throughput computational exfoliation of two-dimensional materials
Authors: Jia Xiangzheng , Shao Qian , Xu Yongchun , Li Ruishan , Huang Kai , Guo Yongzhe , Qu Cangyu , Gao Enlai
Published: December 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates for uses in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, only a few high-quality 2D materials have been mechanically exfoliated to date. One of the critical issues is that the exfoliability of 2D materials from their bulk precursors is unknown. To assess the exfoliability of potential 2D materials from their bulk counterparts, we derived an elasticity-based-exfoliability measure based on an exfoliation mechanics model. The proposed measure has a clear physical meaning and is universally applicable to all material systems. We used this measure to calculate the exfoliability of 10,812 crystals having a first-principles calculated elastic tensor. By setting the threshold values for easy and potential exfoliation based on already-exfoliated materials, we predicted 58 easily exfoliable bulk crystals and 90 potentially exfoliable bulk crystals for 2D materials. As evidence, a topology-based algorithm indicates that there is no interlayer bonding topology for 93% predicted exfoliable bulk crystals, and the analysis on packing ratios shows that 99% predicted exfoliable bulk crystals exhibit a relatively low packing ratio value. Moreover, literature survey shows that 34 predicted exfoliable bulk crystals have been experimentally exfoliated into 2D materials. In addition, the characteristics of these predicted 2D materials were discussed for practical use of such materials.
Transition metal on topological chiral semimetal PdGa with tailored hydrogen adsorption and reduction
Authors: Yang Qun , Li Guowei , Zhang Yudi , Liu Jian , Rao Jiancun , Heine Thomas , Felser Claudia , Sun Yan
Published: December 2021

The difficulties in designing high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts lie in the manipulation of adsorption behaviors of transition metals (TMs). Topological chiral semimetals with super-long Fermi arc surface states provide an ideal platform for engineering the catalytic performance of TMs through the metal-support interaction. We found the adsorption trends of TMs can be modified significantly when deposited at the surface of the PdGa chiral crystal. The electron transfer from the TMs to the surface states of the PdGa reshapes the d band structure of TMs and weakens the hydrogen intermediate bonding. Especially, W/PdGa is expected to be a good HER catalyst with close to zero Gibbs free energy. Experimentally, we found a Pt-like exchange current density and turnover frequency when depositing W atoms at the PdGa nanostructures surface. The findings provide a way to develop high-efficient electrocatalysts by the interplay between topological surface states and metal-support interaction.
Whole exome sequencing identifies deleterious rare variants in CCDC141 in familial self-limited delayed puberty
Authors: Saengkaew Tansit , Ruiz-Babot Gerard , David Alessia , Mancini Alessandra , Mariniello Katia , Cabrera Claudia P. , Barnes Michael R. , Dunkel Leo , Guasti Leonardo , Howard Sasha R.
Published: December 2021

Developmental abnormalities of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal network result in a range of conditions from idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to self-limited delayed puberty. We aimed to discover important underlying regulators of self-limited delayed puberty through interrogation of GnRH pathways. Whole exome sequencing (WES) data consisting of 193 individuals, from 100 families with self-limited delayed puberty, was analysed using a virtual panel of genes related to GnRH development and function (n = 12). Five rare predicted deleterious variants in Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 141 (CCDC141) were identified in 21 individuals from 6 families (6% of the tested cohort). Homology modeling predicted all five variants to be deleterious. CCDC141 mutant proteins showed atypical subcellular localization associated with abnormal distribution of acetylated tubulin, and expression of mutants resulted in a significantly delayed cell migration, demonstrated in transfected HEK293 cells. These data identify mutations in CCDC141 as a frequent finding in patients with self-limited delayed puberty. The mis-localization of acetylated tubulin and reduced cell migration seen with mutant CCDC141 suggests a role of the CCDC141-microtubule axis in GnRH neuronal migration, with heterozygous defects potentially impacting the timing of puberty.
Thalamic deep brain stimulation modulates cycles of seizure risk in epilepsy
Authors: Gregg Nicholas M. , Sladky Vladimir , Nejedly Petr , Mivalt Filip , Kim Inyong , Balzekas Irena , Sturges Beverly K. , Crowe Chelsea , Patterson Edward E. , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Lundstrom Brian N. , Leyde Kent , Denison Timothy J. , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Kremen Vaclav , Worrell Gregory A.
Published: December 2021

Chronic brain recordings suggest that seizure risk is not uniform, but rather varies systematically relative to daily (circadian) and multiday (multidien) cycles. Here, one human and seven dogs with naturally occurring epilepsy had continuous intracranial EEG (median 298 days) using novel implantable sensing and stimulation devices. Two pet dogs and the human subject received concurrent thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) over multiple months. All subjects had circadian and multiday cycles in the rate of interictal epileptiform spikes (IES). There was seizure phase locking to circadian and multiday IES cycles in five and seven out of eight subjects, respectively. Thalamic DBS modified circadian (all 3 subjects) and multiday (analysis limited to the human participant) IES cycles. DBS modified seizure clustering and circadian phase locking in the human subject. Multiscale cycles in brain excitability and seizure risk are features of human and canine epilepsy and are modifiable by thalamic DBS.
Finding of the factors affecting the severity of COVID-19 based on mathematical models
Authors: Qu Jiahao , Sumali Brian , Lee Ho , Terai Hideki , Ishii Makoto , Fukunaga Koichi , Mitsukura Yasue , Nishimura Toshihiko
Published: December 2021

Since 2019, a large number of people worldwide have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Among those infected, a limited number develop severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which generally has an acute onset. The treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 is challenging. To optimize disease prognosis and effectively utilize medical resources, proactive measures must be adopted for patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19. We analyzed the data of COVID-19 patients from seven medical institutions in Tokyo and used mathematical modeling of patient blood test results to quantify and compare the predictive ability of multiple prognostic indicators for the development of severe COVID-19. A machine learning logistic regression model was used to analyze the blood test results of 300 patients. Due to the limited data set, the size of the training group was constantly adjusted to ensure that the results of machine learning were effective (e.g., recognition rate of disease severity > 80%). Lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels were the best prognostic indicators of severe COVID-19. The mathematical model developed in this study enables prediction and classification of COVID-19 severity.
Intra-urban differentials of fetal mortality in clusters of social vulnerability in São Paulo Municipality, Brazil
Authors: Marques Lays Janaina Prazeres , da Silva Zilda Pereira , Moura Bárbara Laisa Alves , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , de Almeida Marcia Furquim
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to analyze the distribution of stillbirths by birth weight, type of death, the trend of Stillbirth Rate (SBR), and avoidable causes of death, according to social vulnerability clusters in São Paulo Municipality, 2007–2017. Social vulnerability clusters were created with the k-means method. The Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression was used in the trend of SBR by < 2500 g,  ≥ 2500 g, and total deaths analysis. The Brazilian list of avoidable causes of death was adapted for stillbirths. There was a predominance of antepartum stillbirths (70%). There was an increase in SBR with the growth of social vulnerability from the center to the outskirts of the city. The cluster with the highest vulnerability presented SBR 69% higher than the cluster with the lowest vulnerability. SBR ≥ 2500 g was decreasing in the clusters with the high vulnerability. There was an increase in SBR of avoidable causes of death of the cluster from the lowest to the highest vulnerability. Ill-defined causes of death accounted for 75% of deaths in the highest vulnerability area. Rates of fetal mortality and avoidable causes of death increased with social vulnerability. The trend of reduction of SBR ≥ 2500 g may suggest improvement in prenatal care in areas of higher vulnerability.
Single cell RNA sequencing reveals ferritin as a key mediator of autoimmune pre-disposition in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Younes Subhi Talal , Showmaker Kurt , Johnson Ashley C. , Garrett Michael R. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: December 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating autoimmune disorder characterized by failure of self-tolerance with resultant production of autoreactive antibodies. The etiology of this syndrome is complex, involving perturbations in immune cell signaling and development. The NZBWF1 mouse spontaneously develops a lupus-like syndrome and has been widely used as a model of SLE for over 60 years. The NZBWF1 model represents the F1 generation of a cross between New Zealand Black (NZB) and New Zealand White (NZW) mice. In order to better understand the factors that contribute to the development of autoimmunity, single cell RNA sequencing was conducted using the bone marrow from female NZBWF1 mice prior to the development of overt disease. The results were contrasted with single cell RNA sequencing results from the two parental strains. The expected findings of B cell abundance and upregulation, and evidence of interferon signaling were validated in this model. In addition, several novel areas of inquiry were identified. Most notably, the data showed a marked upregulation of the ferritin light chain across all cell types in the NZBWF1 mice compared to parental controls. This data can serve as a gene expression atlas of all hematopoietic cells in the NZBWF1 bone marrow prior to the development of autoimmunity.
Dispersion pattern of Mansonia in the surroundings of the Amazon Jirau Hydroelectric Power Plant
Authors: de Mello Cecilia Ferreira , Alencar Jeronimo
Published: December 2021

Mansonia spp. are voracious hematophagous mosquitoes whose mature stages usually breed in freshwater bodies containing aquatic vegetation. The reduction in water flow leads to a proliferation in aquatic plants, increasing their populations. Besides, some species are potential vectors of pathogens such as arboviruses and microfilariae. We evaluated the degree of active dispersion of females of Mansonia spp. in the surrounding area of the Jirau hydroelectric power plant in the Amazon, Rondônia, Brazil, using mark-release-recapture techniques. The flight behavior of the recaptured specimens was summarized with a set of average and maximum distances traveled. We show that the dispersal movement of Mansonia spp. is predominantly performed by random, low, and short flights, with a tendency to remain near the breeding sites in certain vegetation fragments. However, the maximum distances traveled were 2000 m from the release point for Mansonia amazonensis during 2018 and Mansonia humeralis during 2019.
Design method of blasthole charge structure based on lithology distribution
Authors: Chen YingXian , Chen Jian , Wang PengFei , Zhou Meng , Yang HongXia , Li JiaYing
Published: December 2021

The density of geological exploration boreholes is one of the main bases for blasthole charge structure design. Due to the low density of geological exploration boreholes, it is impossible to obtain the blast hole rock formations' distribution accurately. With the development and application of intelligent drilling rigs, the lithology distribution data of the blasthole can be accurately obtained, and a blasthole charge structure design method based on the lithology distribution is proposed. The blasthole lithology data collected by the intelligent drilling rig is divided into 7 categories according to the rock hardness, and the adjacent strata with similar lithology are combined and divided into two groups of soft rocks and hard rocks. According to the rock stratum grouping data of the blasthole and the unit explosive consumption of each type of lithology, the explosive amount and charge length required for the soft rock group and the hard rock group can be calculated, respectively. Finally, the blasthole charge structure is designed according to the thickness and charge position of the hard rocks. With the C++ programming language, this method is realized and applied in the Shengli Open-pit Coal Mine of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The application results show that, compared with the traditional hole charging structure design method, this method can realize accurate segmented charging of the hole, improve the blasting effect and the degree of rock fragmentation, and reduce the blasting cost.
A cationic surfactant-decorated liquid crystal-based sensor for sensitive detection of quinoline yellow
Authors: Mohseni-Shahri Fatemeh S. , Moeinpour Farid , Verdian Asma
Published: December 2021

Quinoline yellow (QY) is one of the popular synthetic food colorants and in food industry greatly used. Developing accurate and simple QY detection procedures is of major considerable importance in ensuring food safety. Hence, it is important to detect this food colorant effectively to reduce risk. Herein, an innovative liquid crystal (LC)-based sensor was designed for the label-free and ultra-sensitive detecting of the QY by means of a cationic surfactant-decorated LC interface. The nematic liquid crystal in touch with CTAB revealed a homeotropic alignment, when QY was injected into the LC-cell, the homeotropic alignment consequently altered to a planar one by electrostatic interactions between QY and CTAB. The designed LC-based sensor detected QY at the too much trace level as low as 0.5 fM with analogous selectivity. The suggested LC-based sensor is a rapid, convenient and simple procedure for label-free detection of QY in food industrial and safety control application.
Experimental classical entanglement in a 16 acoustic qubit-analogue
Authors: Hasan M. Arif , Runge Keith , Deymier Pierre A.
Published: December 2021

The possibility of achieving and controlling scalable classically entangled, i.e., inseparable, multipartite states, would fundamentally challenge the advantages of quantum systems in harnessing the power of complexity in information science. Here, we investigate experimentally the extent of classical entanglement in a $$16$$

16

acoustic qubit-analogue platform. The acoustic qubit-analogue, a.k.a., logical phi-bit, results from the spectral partitioning of the nonlinear acoustic field of externally driven coupled waveguides. Each logical phi-bit is a two-level subsystem characterized by two independently measurable phases. The phi-bits are co-located within the same physical space enabling distance independent interactions. We chose a vector state representation of the $$16$$

16

-phi-bit system which lies in a $${2}^{16}$$

2

16

-dimensional Hilbert space. The calculation of the entropy of entanglement demonstrates the possibility of achieving inseparability of the vector state and of navigating the corresponding Hilbert space. This work suggests a new direction in harnessing the complexity of classical inseparability in information science.
Etazene induces developmental toxicity in vivo Danio rerio and in silico studies of new synthetic opioid derivative
Authors: Kurach Łukasz , Chłopaś-Konowałek Agnieszka , Budzyńska Barbara , Zawadzki Marcin , Szpot Paweł , Boguszewska-Czubara Anna
Published: December 2021

Synthetic opioids are gaining more and more popularity among recreational users as well as regular abusers. One of such novel psychoactive substance, is etazene, which is the most popular opioid drug in the darknet market nowadays. Due to limited information available concerning its activity, we aimed to characterize its developmental toxicity, including cardiotoxicity with the use of in vivo Danio rerio and in silico tools. Moreover, we aimed, for the first time, to characterize the metabolite of etazene, which could become a potential marker of its use for future forensic analysis. The results of our study proved severe dose-dependent developmental toxicity of etazene (applied concentrations 10–300 µM), including an increase in mortality, developmental malformations, and serious cardiotoxic effects, as compared with well-known and used opioid—morphine (applied concentrations 1–50 mM). In silico findings indicate the high toxic potential of etazene which may lead to drug-drug interactions and accumulation of substances. Furthermore, phase I metabolite of etazene resulting from N-dealkylation reaction was identified, and therefore it should be considered as a target for toxicological screening. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism of observed effects in response to etazene should be further examined.
Chemokines modulate glycan binding and the immunoregulatory activity of galectins
Authors: Sanjurjo Lucía , Schulkens Iris A. , Touarin Pauline , Heusschen Roy , Aanhane Ed , Castricum Kitty C. M. , De Gruijl Tanja D. , Nilsson Ulf J. , Leffler Hakon , Griffioen Arjan W. , Elantak Latifa , Koenen Rory R. , Thijssen Victor L. J. L.
Published: December 2021

Galectins are versatile glycan-binding proteins involved in immunomodulation. Evidence suggests that galectins can control the immunoregulatory function of cytokines and chemokines through direct binding. Here, we report on an inverse mechanism in which chemokines control the immunomodulatory functions of galectins. We show the existence of several specific galectin-chemokine binding pairs, including galectin-1/CXCL4. NMR analyses show that CXCL4 binding induces changes in the galectin-1 carbohydrate binding site. Consequently, CXCL4 alters the glycan-binding affinity and specificity of galectin-1. Regarding immunomodulation, CXCL4 significantly increases the apoptotic activity of galectin-1 on activated CD8+ T cells, while no effect is observed in CD4+ T cells. The opposite is found for another galectin-chemokine pair, i.e., galectin-9/CCL5. This heterodimer significantly reduces the galectin-9 induced apoptosis of CD4+ T cells and not of CD8+ T cells. Collectively, the current study describes an immunomodulatory mechanism in which specific galectin-chemokine interactions control the glycan-binding activity and immunoregulatory function of galectins.
In situ visualization of glycoside hydrolase family 92 genes in marine flavobacteria
Authors: Zeugner Laura E , Krüger Karen , Barrero-Canosa Jimena , Amann Rudolf I , Fuchs Bernhard M
Published: December 2021

Gene clusters rich in carbohydrate-active enzymes within Flavobacteriia genera provide a competitiveness for their hosts to degrade diatom-derived polysaccharides. One such widely distributed polysaccharide is glucuronomannan, a main cell wall component of diatoms. A conserved gene cluster putatively degrading glucuronomannan was found previously among various flavobacterial taxa in marine metagenomes. Here, we aimed to visualize two glycoside hydrolase family 92 genes coding for α-mannosidases with fluorescently-labeled polynucleotide probes using direct-geneFISH. Reliable in situ localization of single-copy genes was achieved with an efficiency up to 74% not only in the flavobacterial strains Polaribacter Hel1_33_49 and Formosa Hel1_33_131 but also in planktonic samples from the North Sea. In combination with high-resolution microscopy, direct-geneFISH gave visual evidence of the contrasting lifestyles of closely related Polaribacter species in those samples and allowed for the determination of gene distribution among attached and free-living cells. We also detected highly similar GH92 genes in yet unidentified taxa by broadening probe specificities, enabling a visualization of the functional trait in subpopulations across the borders of species and genera. Such a quantitative insight into the niche separation of flavobacterial taxa complements our understanding of the ecology of polysaccharide-degrading bacteria beyond omics-based techniques on a single-cell level.
A biomimetic nanodrug self-assembled from small molecules for enhanced ferroptosis therapy
Authors: Xu Xueming , Chen Yuan , Gui Jinyong , Liu Peilian , Huang Yong , Shao Baihao , Ping Yuan , Li Bowen
Published: December 2021

A cancer cell membrane–coated nanodrug that can generate intercellular ˙OH and inhibit ferroptosis resistance for enhanced ferroptosis therapy.
Frustrated Lewis pair catalyzed hydrodehalogenation of benzyl-halides
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Xu Maotong , Jupp Andrew R. , Chen Shi-Ming , Qu Zheng-Wang , Grimme Stefan , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: December 2021

The FLP B(2,6-C6F2H3)3/tetramethylpiperidine (TMP) in the presence of H2 (or D2) catalyzes the hydrodehalogenation of benzyl-halides affording the corresponding toluene derivatives.
(Plasmonic gold core)@(ultrathin ruthenium shell) nanostructures as antenna-reactor photocatalysts toward nitrogen photofixation
Authors: Jia Henglei , Yang Yuanyuan , Dou Yanrong , Li Fan , Zhao Mengxuan , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: December 2021

We develop an antenna-reactor plasmonic photocatalyst for nitrogen photofixation by precisely tailoring the ultrathin ruthenium shell on gold nanorods.
CRISPR/Cas12a collateral cleavage activity for an ultrasensitive assay of RNase H
Authors: Kim Hansol , Lee Seoyoung , Lee Jinhwan , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: December 2021

We herein describe an ultrasensitive RNase H assay by utilizing CRISPR/Cas12a collateral cleavage activity. Based on this unique design principle, the RNase H activity was successfully determined down to 0.00024 U mL−1.
Asymmetric synthesis of tetrasubstituted cyclic amines via aza-Henry reaction using cinchona alkaloid sulfonamide/zinc(ii) catalysts
Authors: Yasukawa Naoki , Yamanoue Ami , Takehara Tsunayoshi , Suzuki Takeyuki , Nakamura Shuichi
Published: December 2021

Asymmetric aza-Henry reaction of cyclic ketimines, which are easily prepared by the oxidation of commercially available cyclic amino acids with nitroalkanes was accomplished by using our original cinchona alkaloid sulfonamide/zinc(ii) catalyst.
Mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate under uniaxial and biaxial strain conditions: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Tu Yongming , Shi Pan , Liu Dongyun , Wen Rongjia , Yu Qian , Sas Gabriel , Elfgren Lennart
Published: December 2021

By performing uniaxial and biaxial strain simulations into C-S-H, its uniaxial stress–strain relationships and biaxial yield surface are obtained.
Treatment of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen in wastewater by electrocatalytic oxidation: a review of anode material preparation
Authors: Jing Hailong , Yang Haitao , Yu Xiaohua , Hu Chaoquan , Li Rongxing , Li Hongtao
Published: December 2021

The research progress of electrochemical treatment of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen in wastewater is reviewed in this work.
Punicalagin alleviates renal injury via the gut-kidney axis in high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Hua Qinglian , Han Yaling , Zhao Haifeng , Zhang Haowen , Yan Bei , Pei Shengjie , He Xin , Li Yue , Meng Xiangyuan , Chen Lei , Zhong Feng , Li Duo
Published: December 2021

Punicalagin prevents diabetic renal injury most likely through the gut-kidney axis.
Microwave scattering parameters of ferro–nanocarbon composites for tracking range countermeasures
Authors: Alegaonkar Ashwini P. , Baskey Himangshu B. , Alegaonkar Prashant S.
Published: December 2021

Manipulating radar signatures by designing and architecting effective electromagnetic interference shield.
Removal of highly dispersive microspheres from wastewater using modified spirulina hetero-coagulation and their application in flame retardancy
Authors: Zheng Gaoda , Cai Zhihao , Yu Ziyi , Yang Yuqin , Ye Hui , Qin Zheng , Zhang Shiyu , Zuo Xiaobing
Published: December 2021

There is an urgent demand to find an effective solution to microplastic pollution in water.
Challenges of layer-structured cathodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Caihong , Wang Liguang , Chen Xi’an , Li Jun , Wang Shun , Wang Jichang , Jin Huile
Published: December 2021

Recent challenges of layer-structured cathodes for sodium-ion batteries and their corresponding structural and compositional modification strategies have been comprehensively studied in this review aiming at high-performance battery technology.
Screening strain sensitive transition metals using oxygen adsorption
Authors: He Yucheng , Hai Pengqi , Wu Chao
Published: December 2021

Strain can be a useful handle to alter the catalytic properties of strain-sensitive metals (orange).
1D alignment of proteins and other nanoparticles by using reversible covalent bonds on cyclic peptide nanotubes
Authors: Priegue Juan M. , Louzao Iria , Gallego Iván , Montenegro Javier , Granja Juan R.
Published: December 2021

Peptide nanotubes deposit on mica surface can be used for the alignment of proteins thank to the use of dynamic covalent bonds that allow the incorporation of appropriate ligands on nanotube surface.
Construction of axially chiral styrene-type allylaminesviachiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric reductive amination
Authors: Shao You-Dong , Feng Jin-Shuo , Han Dan-Dan , Pan Kang-Hui , Zhang Ling , Wang Yi-Fan , Ma Zhong-Hui , Wang Pei-Ru , Yin Mingjing , Cheng Dao-Juan
Published: December 2021

The first enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral styrene-type allylamines through chiral phosphoric acid mediated atroposelective reductive amination of 1-enal substituted 2-naphthols is achieved.
One-step fabrication of soft calcium superhydrophobic surfaces by a simple electrodeposition process
Authors: Chen Zhi , Hu Yongbo , He Xu , Xu Yihao , Liu Xuesong , Zhou Yizhou , Hao Limei , Ruan Ying
Published: December 2021

We investigated a one-step method for calcium superhydrophobic surface preparation and researched the formation process of loose, flower-like microstructures. Also, we found that the pressing force strongly impacts the dynamics of water droplets.
Role of imine isomerization in the stereocontrol of the Staudinger reaction between ketenes and imines
Authors: Cossío Fernando P. , de Cózar Abel , Sierra Miguel A. , Casarrubios Luis , Muntaner Jaime G. , Banik Bimal K. , Bandyopadhyay Debasish
Published: December 2021

Experimental and computational studies reveal the importance of isomerization pathways in the Staudinger reaction between ketenes and imines. In the studied cases, the stereochemistry is determined by the pre-cycloaddition isomerization step.
Bioinspired super-hydrophobic fractal array via a facile electrochemical route: preparation and corrosion inhibition for Cu
Authors: Miller Robert H. B. , Wei Yinsha , Ma Cong , Li Longyun , Shao Jihan , Hu Shugang , Weamie Sonkarlay J. Y.
Published: December 2021

Super-hydrophobic surfaces (SHS) usually are formed from a combination of low surface energy materials and micro/nanostructures via two-step approaches, and they have promising applications in material corrosion protection.
Strategies for the preparation of non-amplified and amplified genomic dengue gene samples for electrochemical DNA biosensing applications
Authors: Abdul Rashid Jahwarhar Izuan , Yusof Nor Azah , Abdullah Jaafar , Shomiad @ Shueb Rafidah Hanim
Published: December 2021

The application of electrochemical DNA biosensors in real genomic sample detection is challenging due to the existence of complex structures and low genomic concentrations, resulting in inconsistent and low current signals.
Catalytic activity, thermal stability and structural evolution of PdCu single-atom alloy catalysts: the effects of size and morphology
Authors: Liu Qing , Wang Xiaoxu , Li Lu , Song Keke , Wang Yanzhou , Qian Ping
Published: December 2021

Catalytic properties and structure evolution of a PdCu nanoalloy with a novel crown-jewel structure are explored using DFT calculations and MD simulations.
Polylactic acid based Janus membranes with asymmetric wettability for directional moisture transport with enhanced UV protective capabilities
Authors: Gu Yingshu , Wu Jing , Hu Miaomiao , Pi Haohong , Wang Rui , Zhang Xiuqin
Published: December 2021

The PLA-E/TiO2@PDA–PLA Janus membrane with asymmetric wettability exhibits efficient directional moisture transport and excellent UV protective capacity.
Comparison between two anammox fiber fillers under load impact and the effect of HCO3− concentration
Authors: Wang Weiqiang , Zhu Jinghai , Xiong Deqi , Su Yang , Li Yehui , Fu Jinxiang
Published: December 2021

Based on the establishment of a stable anaerobic ammonia oxidation treatment system in 100 days, the impact resistances of two different anammox fiber fillers (the curtain filler: R1 and the bundle filler: BR) were compared.
Plasmonic enhancement of the antibacterial photodynamic efficiency of a zinc tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer/dextran graft polyacrylamide anionic copolymer/Au nanoparticles hybrid nanosystem
Authors: Yeshchenko Oleg A. , Kutsevol Nataliya V. , Tomchuk Anastasiya V. , Khort Pavlo S. , Virych Pavlo A. , Chumachenko Vasyl A. , Kuziv Yulia I. , Naumenko Antonina P. , Marinin Andrey I.
Published: December 2021

A zinc tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer/dextran graft polyacrylamide anionic copolymer/Au nanoparticles (ZnTPP/D-g-PAAan/Au NPs) triple hybrid nanosystem has been proposed as a nanodrug for potential photodynamic therapy applications.
In situ characterization of crystallization and melting of soft, thermoresponsive microgels by small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Lapkin Dmitry , Mukharamova Nastasia , Assalauova Dameli , Dubinina Svetlana , Stellhorn Jens , Westermeier Fabian , Lazarev Sergey , Sprung Michael , Karg Matthias , Vartanyants Ivan A. , Meijer Janne-Mieke
Published: December 2021

By combining thermoresponsive core–shell gold–PNIPAM microgels with USAXS, the crystallization and melting of soft colloidal crystals is investigated in detail with Bragg peak analysis.
Synthetic solid oxide sorbents for CO2 capture: state-of-the art and future perspectives
Authors: Chang Ribooga , Wu Xianyue , Cheung Ocean , Liu Wen
Published: December 2021

Solid oxides have been extensively investigated as possible high-temperature CO2 sorbents by a number of research groups. We summarised the different strategies to develop synthetic solid oxide sorbents.
Green self-activation engineering of metal–organic framework derived hollow nitrogen-doped carbon spheres towards supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jinyang , Wu Dongxu , Zhang Qian , Zhang Anning , Sun Jinfeng , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: December 2021

Hollow nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres are fabricated via a green self-activation strategy, and exhibit attractive electrochemical properties for aqueous supercapacitors.
Upconversion-nanoparticle-functionalized Janus micromotors for efficient detection of uric acid
Authors: Yuan Ye , Gao Changyong , Wang Zhexu , Fan Jianming , Zhou Haofei , Wang Daolin , Zhou Chang , Zhu Baohua , He Qiang
Published: December 2021

We developed enzyme-powered UCNP-functionalized Janus micromotors. These micromotors display efficient motion in urine powered by biocatalytic decomposition of uric acid and simultaneously detect uric acid based on the luminescence quenching effect.
Construction of polymer materials with specific responses to violet and green lights and their potential applications in an artificial visual memory system
Authors: Wang Guan , Li Hua , Zhang Qijian , Zhu Fengjuan , Yuan Junwei , Wang Yuxiang , Lu Jianmei
Published: December 2021

Novelty: a revisable binary to ternary memory behavior is achieved by photoelectric synergy controls in one photochromic polymer device, which greatly enhances storage density and has great potential in optical recognition for artificial retinas.
Molecularly imprinted nanocomposites of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals: an approach towards fast and selective gas sensing of explosive taggants
Authors: Aznar-Gadea Eduardo , Sanchez-Alarcon Ivan , Soosaimanickam Ananthakumar , Rodriguez-Canto Pedro J. , Perez-Pla F. , Martínez-Pastor Juan P. , Abargues Rafael
Published: December 2021

Solid-state luminescent gas sensor based on CsPbBr3 NCs embedded in a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with fast response and high selectivity to nitro compounds.
RNA-binding protein dysfunction in neurodegeneration
Authors: Popper Bastian , Scheidt Tom , Schieweck Rico
Published: December 2021

Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is a prerequisite for cellular viability and plasticity. In particular, post-mitotic cells such as neurons rely on a tightly regulated safeguard system that allows for regulated protein expression. Previous investigations have identified RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) as crucial regulators of protein expression in nerve cells. However, during neurodegeneration, their ability to control the proteome is progressively disrupted.

In this review, we examine the malfunction of key RBPs such as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), Staufen, Pumilio and fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Therefore, we focus on two key aspects of RBP dysfunctions in neurodegeneration: protein aggregation and dysregulation of their target RNAs. Moreover, we discuss how the chaperone system responds to changes in the RBP-controlled transcriptome. Based on recent findings, we propose a two-hit model in which both, harmful RBP deposits and target mRNA mistranslation contribute to neurodegeneration observed in RBPathologies.