bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital plasmonic nanobubble detection for rapid and ultrasensitive virus diagnostics
Authors: Liu Yaning , Ye Haihang , Huynh HoangDinh , Xie Chen , Kang Peiyuan , Kahn Jeffrey S. , Qin Zhenpeng
Published: March 2022

Rapid and sensitive diagnostics of infectious diseases is an urgent and unmet need as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we report a strategy, based on DIgitAl plasMONic nanobubble Detection (DIAMOND), to address this need. Plasmonic nanobubbles are transient vapor bubbles generated by laser heating of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) and allow single-NP detection. Using gold NPs as labels and an optofluidic setup, we demonstrate that DIAMOND achieves compartment-free digital counting and works on homogeneous immunoassays without separation and amplification steps. DIAMOND allows specific detection of respiratory syncytial virus spiked in nasal swab samples and achieves a detection limit of ~100 PFU/mL (equivalent to 1 RNA copy/µL), which is competitive with digital isothermal amplification for virus detection. Therefore, DIAMOND has the advantages including one-step and single-NP detection, direct sensing of intact viruses at room temperature, and no complex liquid handling, and is a platform technology for rapid and ultrasensitive diagnostics.
DLMM as a lossless one-shot algorithm for collaborative multi-site distributed linear mixed models
Authors: Luo Chongliang , Islam Md. Nazmul , Sheils Natalie E. , Buresh John , Reps Jenna , Schuemie Martijn J. , Ryan Patrick B. , Edmondson Mackenzie , Duan Rui , Tong Jiayi , Marks-Anglin Arielle , Bian Jiang , Chen Zhaoyi , Duarte-Salles Talita , Fernández-Bertolín Sergio , Falconer Thomas , Kim Chungsoo , Park Rae Woong , Pfohl Stephen R. , Shah Nigam H. , Williams Andrew E. , Xu Hua , Zhou Yujia , Lautenbach Ebbing , Doshi Jalpa A. , Werner Rachel M. , Asch David A. , Chen Yong
Published: March 2022

Linear mixed models are commonly used in healthcare-based association analyses for analyzing multi-site data with heterogeneous site-specific random effects. Due to regulations for protecting patients’ privacy, sensitive individual patient data (IPD) typically cannot be shared across sites. We propose an algorithm for fitting distributed linear mixed models (DLMMs) without sharing IPD across sites. This algorithm achieves results identical to those achieved using pooled IPD from multiple sites (i.e., the same effect size and standard error estimates), hence demonstrating the lossless property. The algorithm requires each site to contribute minimal aggregated data in only one round of communication. We demonstrate the lossless property of the proposed DLMM algorithm by investigating the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients using administrative claims from the UnitedHealth Group Clinical Discovery Database. We extend this association study by incorporating 120,609 COVID-19 patients from 11 collaborative data sources worldwide.
Hand2 delineates mesothelium progenitors and is reactivated in mesothelioma
Authors: Prummel Karin D. , Crowell Helena L. , Nieuwenhuize Susan , Brombacher Eline C. , Daetwyler Stephan , Soneson Charlotte , Kresoja-Rakic Jelena , Kocere Agnese , Ronner Manuel , Ernst Alexander , Labbaf Zahra , Clouthier David E. , Firulli Anthony B. , Sánchez-Iranzo Héctor , Naganathan Sundar R. , O’Rourke Rebecca , Raz Erez , Mercader Nadia , Burger Alexa , Felley-Bosco Emanuela , Huisken Jan , Robinson Mark D. , Mosimann Christian
Published: March 2022

The mesothelium lines body cavities and surrounds internal organs, widely contributing to homeostasis and regeneration. Mesothelium disruptions cause visceral anomalies and mesothelioma tumors. Nonetheless, the embryonic emergence of mesothelia remains incompletely understood. Here, we track mesothelial origins in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) using zebrafish. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers a post-gastrulation gene expression signature centered onhand2in distinct LPM progenitor cells. We map mesothelial progenitors to lateral-most,hand2-expressing LPM and confirm conservation in mouse. Time-lapse imaging of zebrafishhand2reporter embryos captures mesothelium formation including pericardium, visceral, and parietal peritoneum. We find primordial germ cells migrate with the forming mesothelium as ventral migration boundary. Functionally,hand2loss disrupts mesothelium formation with reduced progenitor cells and perturbed migration. In mouse and human mesothelioma, we document expression of LPM-associated transcription factors including Hand2, suggesting re-initiation of a developmental program. Our data connects mesothelium development to Hand2, expanding our understanding of mesothelial pathologies.
Integrating central nervous system metagenomics and host response for diagnosis of tuberculosis meningitis and its mimics
Authors: Ramachandran P. S. , Ramesh A. , Creswell F. V. , Wapniarski A. , Narendra R. , Quinn C. M. , Tran E. B. , Rutakingirwa M. K. , Bangdiwala A. S. , Kagimu E. , Kandole K. T. , Zorn K. C. , Tugume L. , Kasibante J. , Ssebambulidde K. , Okirwoth M. , Bahr N. C. , Musubire A. , Skipper C. P. , Fouassier C. , Lyden A. , Serpa P. , Castaneda G. , Caldera S. , Ahyong V. , DeRisi J. L. , Langelier C. , Crawford E. D. , Boulware D. R. , Meya D. B. , Wilson M. R.
Published: March 2022

The epidemiology of infectious causes of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa is not well understood, and a common cause of meningitis in this region, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), is notoriously hard to diagnose. Here we show that integrating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) with a host gene expression-based machine learning classifier (MLC) enhances diagnostic accuracy for TB meningitis (TBM) and its mimics. 368 HIV-infected Ugandan adults with subacute meningitis were prospectively enrolled. Total RNA and DNA CSF mNGS libraries were sequenced to identify meningitis pathogens. In parallel, a CSF host transcriptomic MLC to distinguish between TBM and other infections was trained and then evaluated in a blinded fashion on an independent dataset. mNGS identifies an array of infectious TBM mimics (and co-infections), including emerging, treatable, and vaccine-preventable pathogens including Wesselsbron virus, Toxoplasma gondii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Nocardia brasiliensis, measles virus and cytomegalovirus. By leveraging the specificity of mNGS and the sensitivity of an MLC created from CSF host transcriptomes, the combined assay has high sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (86.7%) for the detection of TBM and its many mimics. Furthermore, we achieve comparable combined assay performance at sequencing depths more amenable to performing diagnostic mNGS in low resource settings.
Fabrication of X-ray absorption gratings by centrifugal deposition of bimodal tungsten particles in high aspect ratio silicon templates
Authors: Pinzek Simon , Gustschin Alex , Gustschin Nikolai , Viermetz Manuel , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: March 2022

Grating-based X-ray imaging employs high aspect ratio absorption gratings to generate contrast induced by attenuating, phase-shifting, and small-angle scattering properties of the imaged object. The fabrication of the absorption gratings remains a crucial challenge of the method on its pathway to clinical applications. We explore a simple and fast centrifugal tungsten particle deposition process into silicon-etched grating templates, which has decisive advantages over conventional methods. For that, we use a bimodal tungsten particle suspension which is introduced into a custom designed grating holder and centrifuged at over 1000×g. Gratings with 45 µm period, 450 µm depth, and 170 mm × 38 mm active area are successfully processed reaching a homogeneous absorber filling. The effective absorbing tungsten thickness in the trenches is 207 µm resulting in a filling ratio of 46.6% compared to a voidless filling. The grating was tested in a Talbot–Lau interferometer designed for clinical X-ray dark-field computed tomography, where visibilities up to 33.6% at 60 kV were achieved.
Resting state fast brain dynamics predict interindividual variability in motor performance
Authors: Roshchupkina Liliia , Wens Vincent , Coquelet Nicolas , de Tiege Xavier , Peigneux Philippe
Published: March 2022

Motor learning features rapid enhancement during practice then offline post-practice gains with the reorganization of related brain networks. We hypothesised that fast transient, sub-second variations in magnetoencephalographic (MEG) network activity during the resting-state (RS) reflect early learning-related plasticity mechanisms and/or interindividual motor variability in performance. MEG RS activity was recorded before and 20 min after motor learning. Hidden Markov modelling (HMM) of MEG power envelope signals highlighted 8 recurrent topographical states. For two states, motor performance levels were associated with HMM temporal parameters both in pre- and post-learning resting-state sessions. However, no association emerged with offline changes in performance. These results suggest a trait-like relationship between spontaneous transient neural dynamics at rest and interindividual variations in motor abilities. On the other hand, transient RS dynamics seem not to be state-dependent, i.e., modulated by learning experience and reflect neural plasticity, at least on the short timescale.
First evidence for backcrossing of F1 hybrids in Acropora corals under sperm competition
Authors: Kitanobo Seiya , Iwao Kenji , Fukami Hironobu , Isomura Naoko , Morita Masaya
Published: March 2022

Acropora is a species-rich genus of reef-building corals with highly diverse morphologies. Hybridization among intercrossing species potentially influences species diversity within Acropora. However, the mechanisms that allow hybridization/backcrossing remain unknown. Although we tested a limited number of species, we hypothesized that Acropora gametes in the Indo-Pacific may preferentially fertilize conspecific gametes despite their compatibility with heterospecific gametes, leading to infrequent hybridization between potentially intercrossing species. In this study, F1 hybrids of Acropora florida and A. intermedia showed specific fertilization trends. For example, sperm had the ability to backcross with the parental species even in the presence of sperm from the parental species. Also, eggs of the hybrids produced from A. florida eggs and A. intermedia sperm (“FLOint”) exhibited self-fertilization. Since a low ratio of hybridization between A. florida and A. intermedia is predicted, the population size of hybrids should be small. Therefore, self-fertilization would facilitate reproduction of the hybrid in nature, while remaining sperm could outcompete parental species sperm to backcross with eggs. Although we succeeded in breeding two colonies of hybrids, it is reasonable to speculate that hybrids show a high tendency to choose the most efficient sexual reproduction tactics.
Mutations of the DNA repair gene PNKP in a patient with microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay (MCSZ) presenting with a high-grade brain tumor
Authors: Jiang Bingcheng , Murray Cameron , Cole Bonnie L. , Glover J. N. Mark , Chan Gordon K. , Deschenes Jean , Mani Rajam S. , Subedi Sudip , Nerva John D. , Wang Anthony C. , Lockwood Christina M. , Mefford Heather C. , Leary Sarah E. S. , Ojemann Jeffery G. , Weinfeld Michael , Ene Chibawanye I.
Published: March 2022

Polynucleotide Kinase-Phosphatase (PNKP) is a bifunctional enzyme that possesses both DNA 3′-phosphatase and DNA 5′-kinase activities, which are required for processing termini of single- and double-strand breaks generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), ionizing radiation and topoisomerase I poisons. Even though PNKP is central to DNA repair, there have been no reports linking PNKP mutations in a Microcephaly, Seizures, and Developmental Delay (MSCZ) patient to cancer. Here, we characterized the biochemical significance of 2 germ-line point mutations in the PNKP gene of a 3-year old male with MSCZ who presented with a high-grade brain tumor (glioblastoma multiforme) within the cerebellum. Functional and biochemical studies demonstrated these PNKP mutations significantly diminished DNA kinase/phosphatase activities, altered its cellular distribution, caused defective repair of DNA single/double stranded breaks, and were associated with a higher propensity for oncogenic transformation. Our findings indicate that specific PNKP mutations may contribute to tumor initiation within susceptible cells in the CNS by limiting DNA damage repair and increasing rates of spontaneous mutations resulting in pediatric glioma associated driver mutations such as ATRX and TP53.
Acoustic levitation and rotation of thin films and their application for room temperature protein crystallography
Authors: Kepa Michal. W. , Tomizaki Takashi , Sato Yohei , Ozerov Dmitry , Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Aoyama Koki , Skopintsev Petr , Standfuss Jörg , Cheng Robert , Hennig Michael , Tsujino Soichiro
Published: March 2022

Acoustic levitation has attracted attention in terms of chemical and biochemical analysis in combination with various analytical methods because of its unique container-less environment for samples that is not reliant on specific material characteristics. However, loading samples with very high viscosity is difficult. To expand the scope, we propose the use of polymer thin films as sample holders, whereby the sample is dispensed on a film that is subsequently loaded onto an acoustic levitator. When applied for protein crystallography experiments, rotation controllability and positional stability are important prerequisites. We therefore study the acoustic levitation and rotation of thin films with an aspect ratio (the diameter-to-thickness ratio) of 80–240, which is an order of magnitude larger than those reported previously. For films with empirically optimized shapes, we find that it is possible to control the rotation speed in the range of 1–4 rotations per second while maintaining a positional stability of 12 ± 5 µm. The acoustic radiation force acting on the films is found to be a factor of 26–30 higher than that for same-volume water droplets. We propose use cases of the developed films for protein crystallography experiments and demonstrate data collections for large single crystal samples at room temperature.
Impact of recording length and other arrhythmias on atrial fibrillation detection from wrist photoplethysmogram using smartwatches
Authors: Liao Min-Tsun , Yu Chih-Chieh , Lin Lian-Yu , Pan Ke-Han , Tsai Tsung-Hsien , Wu Yu-Chun , Liu Yen-Bin
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate whether quantitative analysis of wrist photoplethysmography (PPG) could detect atrial fibrillation (AF). Continuous electrocardiograms recorded using an electrophysiology recording system and PPG obtained using a wrist-worn smartwatch were simultaneously collected from patients undergoing catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion. PPG features were extracted from 10, 25, 40, and 80 heartbeats of the split segments. Machine learning with a support vector machine and random forest approach were used to detect AF. A total of 116 patients were evaluated. We annotated > 117 h of PPG. A total of 6475 and 3957 segments of 25-beat pulse-to-pulse intervals (PPIs) were annotated as AF and sinus rhythm, respectively. The accuracy of the 25 PPIs yielded a test area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9676, which was significantly better than the AUC for the 10 PPIs (0.9453; P < .001). PPGs obtained from another 38 patients with frequent premature ventricular/atrial complexes (PVCs/PACs) were used to evaluate the impact of other arrhythmias on diagnostic accuracy. The new AF detection algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.9680. The appropriate data length of PPG for optimizing the PPG analytics program was 25 heartbeats. Algorithm modification using a machine learning approach shows robustness to PVCs/PACs.
Structural insights into the substrate-bound condensation domains of non-ribosomal peptide synthetase AmbB
Authors: Chu Yuan Kee Melissa-Jane , Bharath Sakshibeedu R. , Wee Sheena , Bowler Matthew W. , Gunaratne Jayantha , Pan Shenquan , Zhang Lianhui , Song Haiwei
Published: March 2022

Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) are multi-modular/domain enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of bioactive peptides. A crucial step in the process is peptide elongation accomplished by the condensation (C) domain with the aid of a peptidyl carrier or thiolation (T) domain. Here, we examined condensation reaction carried out by NRPS AmbB involved in biosynthesis of l-2-amino-4-methoxy-trans-3-butenoic acid (AMB) in P. aeruginosa. We determined crystal structures of the truncated T–C bidomain of AmbB in three forms, the apo enzyme with disordered T domain, the holo form with serine linked phosphopantetheine (Ppant) and a holo form with substrate (l-alanine) loaded onto Ppant. The two holo forms feature the T domain in a substrate-donation conformation. Mutagenesis combined with functional assays identified residues essential for the attachment of Ppant, anchoring the Ppant-l-Ala in the donor catalytic channel and the role of the conserved His953 in condensation activity. Altogether, these results provide structural insights into the condensation reaction at the donor site with a substrate-bound C domain of AmbB and lay the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism of condensation which is crucial for AMB synthesis.
Genetic alteration of heparan sulfate in CD11c + immune cells inhibits inflammation and facilitates pathogen clearance during influenza A virus infection
Authors: Kim So Young , Gupta Purva , Johns Scott C. , Zuniga Elina I. , Teijaro John R. , Fuster Mark M.
Published: March 2022

Survival from influenza A virus (IAV) infection largely depends on an intricate balance between pathogen clearance and immunomodulation in the lung. We demonstrate that genetic alteration of the glycan heparan sulfate (HS) in CD11c + cells viaNdst1f/fCD11cCre + mutation, which inhibits HS sulfation in a major antigen presenting cell population, reduces lung inflammation by A/Puerto Rico/8/1934(H1N1) influenza in mice. Mutation was also characterized by a reduction in lung infiltration by CD4+regulatory T (Treg) cells in the late infection/effector phase, 9 days post inoculation (p.i.), without significant differences in lung CD8 + T cells, or Tregcells at an earlier point (day 5) following infection. Induction of under-sulfated HS via Ndst1 silencing in a model dendritic cell line (DC2.4) resulted in up-regulated basal expression of the antiviral cytokine interferon β (IFN-β) relative to control. Stimulating cells with the TLR9 ligand CpG resulted in greater nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) phosphorylation in Ndst1 silenced DC2.4 cells. While stimulating cells with CpG also modestly increased IFN-β expression, this did not lead to significant increases in IFN-β protein production. In further IFN-β protein response studies using primary bone marrow DCs fromNdst1f/fCD11cCre + mutant andCre− control mice, while trace IFN-β protein was detected in response to CpG, stimulation with the TLR7 ligand R848 resulted in robust IFN-β production, with significantly higher levels associated with DCNdst1mutation. In vivo, improved pathogen clearance inNdst1f/fCD11cCre + mutant mice was suggested by reduced IAV AA5H nucleoprotein in lung examined in the late/effector phase. Earlier in the course of infection (day 5 p.i.), mean viral load, as measured by viral RNA, was not significantly different among genotypes. These findings point to novel regulatory roles for DC HS in innate and adaptive immunity during viral infection. This may have therapeutic potential and guide DC targeted HS engineering platforms in the setting of IAV or other respiratory viruses.
Detection and quantification of infectious severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 in diverse clinical and environmental samples
Authors: Lin Yi-Chan , Malott Rebecca J. , Ward Linda , Kiplagat Linet , Pabbaraju Kanti , Gill Kara , Berenger Byron M. , Hu Jia , Fonseca Kevin , Noyce Ryan S. , Louie Thomas , Evans David H. , Conly John M.
Published: March 2022

To explore the potential modes of Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, we collected 535 diverse clinical and environmental samples from 75 infected hospitalized and community patients. Infectious SARS-CoV-2 with quantitative burdens varying from 5 plaque-forming units/mL (PFU/mL) up to 1.0 × 106 PFU/mL was detected in 151/459 (33%) of the specimens assayed and up to 1.3 × 106 PFU/mL on fomites with confirmation by plaque morphology, PCR, immunohistochemistry, and/or sequencing. Infectious virus in clinical and associated environmental samples correlated with time since symptom onset with no detection after 7–8 days in immunocompetent hosts and with N-gene based Ct values ≤ 25 significantly predictive of yielding plaques in culture. SARS-CoV-2 isolated from patient respiratory tract samples caused illness in a hamster model with a minimum infectious dose of ≤ 14 PFU. Together, our findings offer compelling evidence that large respiratory droplet and contact (direct and indirect i.e., fomites) are important modes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Significance of borderline HbA2 levels in β thalassemia carrier screening
Authors: Colaco Stacy , Colah Roshan , Nadkarni Anita
Published: March 2022

Increased HbA2 levels are the characteristic feature of β-thalassemia carriers. A subset of carriers however do not show HbA2 levels in the typical carrier range (≥ 4.0%) but show borderline HbA2 levels. As a result, these carriers escape diagnosis and carry the risk of having β-thalassemia major offspring. Borderline HbA2 values may occur as a consequence of mild β-thalassemia mutations, co-inherited β-thalassemia and α- or δ- thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the cause of borderline HbA2 levels in specific populations. This study aimed to identify the determinants of borderline HbA2 levels (which we have considered as HbA2 3.0–3.9%) in 205 individuals. Primary screening involved detecting the presence of iron deficiency anemia followed by molecular analysis of α, β and δ globin genes. Remarkably, 168 of 205 individuals were positive for a defect. 87% (149/168) of positive individuals were heterozygous for β thalassemia with (59/149) or without (90/149) the presence of co-existing IDA, α or δ gene defects. Notably, 20 of 149 β thalassemia carriers showed HbA2 < 3.5% and MCV > 80fL. 7 of these 20 carriers were married to carriers of hemoglobinopathies. Our findings describe the genetic basis of borderline HbA2 levels and emphasize the necessity of a molecular diagnosis in these individuals in the routine clinical setting.
Deciphering single- and multi-particle trapping dynamics under femtosecond pulsed excitation with simultaneous spatial and temporal resolution
Authors: Devi Anita , Yadav Sumit , De Arijit K.
Published: March 2022

Recent theoretical and experimental studies have shed light on how laser trapping dynamics under femtosecond pulsed excitation are fine-tuned by optical and thermal nonlinearities. Here, we present experimental results of trapping of single and multiple polystyrene beads (of 1 μm diameter). We show how integration and synchronization of bright-field video microscopy with confocal detection of backscatter provide both spatial and temporal resolution required to capture intricate details of nonlinear trapping dynamics. Such spatiotemporal detection is promising to have far-reaching applications in exploring controlled laser trapping and manipulations harnessed by optical and thermal nonlinearities.
Development of a high sensitivity RT-PCR assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in individual and pooled nasopharyngeal samples
Authors: Jayakody Harindi , Rowland Daniel , Pereira Clint , Blackwell Rachel , Lasota Tomasz , Laverick Mark , Tisi Laurence , Leese Hannah S. , Walsham Alistair D. S.
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic requires sensitive detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from samples to ensure accurate detection of infected patients, an essential component of effective national track and trace programs. Due to the scaling challenges of large sample numbers, sample pooling is an attractive solution to reduce both extraction and amplification reagent costs, if high sensitivity can be maintained. We demonstrate that the Erba Molecular ErbaMDx SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit (EM kit) delivers high sensitivity, achieving analytical detection of 5 copies/reaction SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, and 200 copies/mL SARS-CoV-2 inactivated virus spiked into nasopharyngeal swab (NP) samples and extracted through workflow. Furthermore, the EM Kit demonstrates high sensitivity in both pooled (1 in 5) and non-pooled NP samples when compared to an FDA Emergency Use Authorization approved assay, following published FDA guidelines. These findings demonstrate that the EM Kit is suitable for sample pooling, with minimal impact on assay performance. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, high sensitivity assays such as the EM Kit will have an important role in ensuring high throughput and sensitive testing using pooled samples can be maintained, delivering the most cost-effective sample extraction and amplification option for national test and trace programs.
Impacts of plasmonic nanoparticles incorporation and interface energy alignment for highly efficient carbon-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Omrani MirKazem , Keshavarzi Reza , Abdi-Jalebi Mojtaba , Gao Peng
Published: March 2022

This work utilizes a realistic electro-optical coupled simulation to study the (i) impact of mesoporous TiO2 removal; (ii) the embedding of Ag@SiO2 and SiO2@Ag@SiO2 plasmonic nanoparticles; (iii) utilization of solution-processed inorganic p-type copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) layer at the perovskite/carbon interface; and (iv) the increase of the work function of carbon electrodes (via incorporation of suitable additives/binders to the carbon ink) on the performance of carbon-based PSCs. Removal of mesoporous TiO2 increased the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device from 14.83 to 16.50% due to the increase in exciton generation rate and charge carriers’ mobility in the vicinity of the perovskite-compact TiO2 interface. Subsequently, variable mass ratios of Ag@SiO2 and SiO2@Ag@SiO2 plasmonic nanoparticles are embedded in the vicinity of the perovskite-compact TiO2 interface. In the optimum cases, the PCE of the devices increased to 19.72% and 18.92%, respectively, due to light trapping, scattering, and strong plasmonic fields produced by the plasmonic nanoparticles. Furthermore, adding the CuSCN layer remarkably increased the PCE of the device with a 0.93% mass ratio of Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles from 19.72 to 26.58% by a significant improvement of Voc and FF, due to the proper interfacial energy band alignment and the reduction of the recombination current density. Similar results were obtained by increasing the carbon work function, and the cell PCE was enhanced up to 26% in the optimal scenario. Our results pave the way to achieve high efficiencies in remarkably stable printable carbon-based PSCs.
Effect of preparation methods of CeO2 on the properties and performance of Ni/CeO2 in CO2 reforming of CH4
Authors: Ni Zenan , Djitcheu Xavier , Gao Xiaoxu , Wang Jian , Liu Huimin , Zhang Qijian
Published: March 2022

CO2reforming of CH4(CRM) is not only beneficial to environmental protection, but also valuable for industrial application. Different CeO2supports were prepared to investigate the matching between Ni and CeO2over Ni/CeO2and its effect on CRM. The physicochemical properties of Ni/CeO2-C (commercial CeO2), Ni/CeO2-H (hydrothermal method) as well as Ni/CeO2-P (precipitation method) were characterized by XRD, N2adsorption at − 196 °C, TEM, SEM–EDS, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD and XPS. Ni0with good dispersion and CeO2with more oxygen vacancies were obtained on Ni/CeO2-H, proving the influence on Ni/CeO2catalysts caused by the preparation methods of CeO2. The initial conversion of both CO2and CH4of Ni/CeO2-H was more than five times that of Ni/CeO2-P and Ni/CeO2-C. The better matching between Ni and CeO2on Ni/CeO2-H was the reason for its best catalytic performance in comparison with the Ni/CeO2-C and Ni/CeO2-P samples.
Direct visualization of interstitial flow distribution in aortic walls
Authors: Fukui Wataru , Ujihara Yoshihiro , Nakamura Masanori , Sugita Shukei
Published: March 2022

Vascular smooth muscle cells are exposed to interstitial flow across aortic walls. Fluid shear stress changes the phenotype of smooth muscle cells to the synthetic type; hence, the fast interstitial flow might be related to aortic diseases. In this study, we propose a novel method to directly measure the interstitial flow velocity from the spatiotemporal changes in the concentration of a fluorescent dye. The lumen of a mouse thoracic aorta was filled with a fluorescent dye and pressurized in ex vivo. The flow of the fluorescent dye from the intimal to the adventitial sides was successfully visualized under a two-photon microscope. The flow velocity was determined by applying a one-dimensional advection–diffusion equation to the kymograph obtained from a series of fluorescent images. The results confirmed a higher interstitial flow velocity in the aortic walls under higher intraluminal pressure. A comparison of the interstitial flow velocity in the radial direction showed faster flow on the more intimal side, where hyperplasia is often found in hypertension. These results indicate that the proposed method can be used to visualize the interstitial flow directly and thus, determine the local interstitial flow velocity.
Selective effects of psychosocial stress on plan based movement selection
Authors: Stoll Sarah E. M. , Mack Leonie , Scheib Jean P. P. , Pruessner Jens , Randerath Jennifer
Published: March 2022

Efficient movement selection is crucial in everyday activities. Whether this function is governed by our stress system is so far unknown. In the current study, data from thirty-six young male adults were analyzed. They performed rule- and plan-based movement selection tasks before (session 1) and after (session 2) a psychosocial stressor, or after a control condition without additional social stressor. Results showed that the rule-based efficiency advantage which was observed prior to the psychosocial stressor was significantly reduced afterwards in the whole sample, as well as in the stress group. Regression analyses revealed that this effect was due to a modulation of the plan-based approach. Especially variations—both increase and decrease—in the parasympathetic activity (reflected by the heart rate variability measure RMSSD) appeared to be disadvantageous for plan-based movement selection improvement. In contrast, performance in the rule-based movement selection tasks appeared to be rather invariant to external influences. The current results suggest that autonomic nervous system activity might modulate motor-cognitive performance. This modulatory capability might be selective for plan-based approaches, hence the applied strategy to movement selection could be decisive when it comes to the vulnerability of motor-cognitive processes towards psychosocial stress.
Influence of air pollutants on circulating inflammatory cells and microRNA expression in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Cecconi Alberto , Navarrete Gonzalo , Garcia-Guimaraes Marcos , Vera Alberto , Blanco-Dominguez Rafael , Sanz-Garcia Ancor , Lozano-Prieto Marta , Lopez-Melgar Beatriz , Rivero Fernando , Martin Pilar , Sanchez-Madrid Francisco , de la Fuente Hortensia , Jimenez-Borreguero Luis Jesus , Alfonso Fernando
Published: March 2022

Air pollutants increase the risk and mortality of myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory changes in circulating immune cells and microRNAs in MIs related to short-term exposure to air pollutants. We studied 192 patients with acute coronary syndromes and 57 controls with stable angina. For each patient, air pollution exposure in the 24-h before admission, was collected. All patients underwent systematic circulating inflammatory cell analyses. According to PM2.5 exposure, 31 patients were selected for microRNA analyses. STEMI patients exposed to PM2.5 showed a reduction of CD4+ regulatory T cells. Furthermore, in STEMI patients the exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increase of miR-146a-5p and miR-423-3p. In STEMI and NSTEMI patients PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increase of miR-let-7f-5p. STEMI related to PM2.5 short-term exposure is associated with changes involving regulatory T cells, miR-146a-5p and miR-423-3p.
Effects and correctability of pile-up distortion using established figures of merit in time-domain diffuse optics at extreme photon rates
Authors: Avanzi Elisabetta , Behera Anurag , Contini Davide , Spinelli Lorenzo , Dalla Mora Alberto , Di Sieno Laura
Published: March 2022

Time-domain diffuse optics (TD-DO) allows one to probe diffusive media with recognized advantages over other working domains but suffers from a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) resulting from the need to build-up the histogram of single-photon arrival times with maximum count rates (CR) of few percent of the laser pulse rate to avoid the so-called “pile-up” distortion. Here we explore the feasibility of TD-DO under severe pile-up conditions with a systematic in-silico/experimental study evaluating the effects and correctability of the distortion by means of shared figures of merit. In-silico, we demonstrate that pile-up correction allows one the retrieval of homogeneous optical properties with average error < 1% up to a CR > 99%, while the optimal CR needed to detect localized perturbation was found to be 83%. Experiments reported here confirm these findings despite exhibiting higher accuracy errors in the retrieval of homogeneous optical properties and higher noise in the detection of localized absorption perturbations, but in line with the state-of-the-art systems. This work validates a new working regime for TD-DO, demonstrating an increase of the SNR at constant acquisition time, but also potentially leading in the future to previously unrealizable measurements of dynamic phenomena or in spatial scanning applications.
Parafoveal and peripapillary vessel density in pediatric and juvenile craniopharyngioma patients
Authors: Lee Ga-In , Kim Yikyung , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Kong Doo-Sik , Hong Sang Duk
Published: March 2022

We assessed the retinal microvascular alterations detected by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in pediatric and juvenile craniopharyngioma (CP) patients with chiasmal compression. We included 15 eyes of 15 pediatric or juvenile CP patients and 18 eyes of 18 healthy subjects. The evaluation of vessel density from the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), the deep retinal capillary plexus, and the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segments was obtained by OCT-A. The association between vessel density measures and functional and structural measurements was also analyzed. There were significant reductions in the nasal sector of the SRCP (p < 0.0001) and all sectors of the RPC segment vessel density (nasal, temporal, and superior; p < 0.0001, inferior; p = 0.0015) in CP patients postoperatively compared to the healthy subjects. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (r = 0.6602, p = 0.0074) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thicknesses (r = 0.7532, p = 0.0030) were associated with RPC segment vessel density. Visual acuity (r = − 0.5517, p = 0.0330) and temporal visual field sensitivity loss (r = 0.5394, p = 0.0465) showed an association with SRCP vessel density. In pediatric and juvenile patients with CP, parafoveal and peripapillary vascular changes following chiasmal compression were observed. The changes in vascular structures were closely related to structural and functional outcomes.
In vitro ballooned hepatocytes can be produced by primary human hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cell sheets
Authors: Hasui Nobuhiro , Sakaguchi Katsuhisa , Ogawa Tetsuya , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Shimizu Tatsuya
Published: March 2022

Despite the increasing prevalence of Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) worldwide, there is no effective treatment available for this disease. “Ballooned hepatocyte” is a characteristic finding in NASH and is correlated with disease prognosis, but their mechanisms of action are poorly understood; furthermore, neither animal nor in vitro models of NASH have been able to adequately represent ballooned hepatocytes. Herein, we engineered cell sheets to develop a new in vitro model of ballooned hepatocytes. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were co-cultured to produce cell sheets, which were cultured in glucose and lipid containing medium, following which histological and functional analyses were performed. Histological findings showed hepatocyte ballooning, accumulation of fat droplets, abnormal cytokeratin arrangement, and the presence of Mallory–Denk bodies and abnormal organelles. These findings are similar to those of ballooned hepatocytes in human NASH. Functional analysis showed elevated levels of TGFβ-1, SHH, and p62, but not TNF-α, IL-8. Exposure of PHH/HSC sheets to a glucolipotoxicity environment induces ballooned hepatocyte without inflammation. Moreover, fibrosis is an important mechanism underlying ballooned hepatocytes and could be the basis for the development of a new in vitro NASH model with ballooned hepatocytes.
Gene knockdown of CCR3 reduces eosinophilic inflammation and the Th2 immune response by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway in allergic rhinitis mice
Authors: Yuan Jiasheng , Liu Yuehui , Yu Juan , Dai Meina , Zhu Yu , Bao Youwei , Peng Haisen , Liu Ke , Zhu Xinhua
Published: March 2022

The CCR3 gene plays a critical role in allergic airway inflammation, such as allergic rhinitis (AR), and there is an inflammatory signal link between the nasal cavity and the CCR3 gene in bone marrow. However, the effects of the CCR3 gene in bone marrow cells on AR are not clear. The present study investigated the roles and underlying mechanisms of the bone marrow CCR3 gene in AR mice. Conditional knockout of the bone marrow CCR3 gene (CKO) in mice was generated using the Cre-LoxP recombination system, and offspring genotypes were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An ovalbumin-induced AR model was established in CKO and wild-type mice to measure eosinophilic inflammation and the Th2 immune response. The following mechanisms were explored using a specific PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor (Ly294002). We successfully constructed and bred homozygous CKO mice and confirmed a significant increase in CCR3 expression and PI3K/AKT pathway activity in AR mice. Deficiency of the bone marrow CCR3 gene caused a remarkable reduction of CCR3 expression and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activity, inhibited histopathological lesions and eosinophil infiltration of the nasal cavity, and reduced the production of Th2 cytokines in serum, which led to the remission of allergic symptoms in AR mice. Ly294002 treatment also decreased these inflammatory indexes in a concentration-dependent manner and blocked inflammatory signals from CCR3, but it did not affect the high expression of CCR3 in AR mice. Collectively, our results suggest that conditional knockout of the bone marrow CCR3 gene can reduce eosinophilic inflammation and the Th2 immune response, which may be due to inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Associating the blood vitamin A, C, D and E status with tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Xu Fei , Ma Baolan , Wang Dandan , Lu Jialin , Xiong Ke , Wang Jinyu
Published: March 2022

The current meta-analysis suggested significantly lower blood vitamin A, D and E concentrations in the tuberculosis group than in the control group. The difference in the vitamin C status was inconclusive.
An efficient removal mechanism for different hydrophilic antibiotics from aquatic environments by Cu–Al–Fe–Cr quasicrystals
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ai Tian , Tian Xiaoxi , Dai Shujuan
Published: March 2022

Adsorption of three antibiotic drugs (ibuprofen, sulbactamsodium, and terdiazole phosphate) with different hydrophobicity by using Cu–Al–Fe–Cr quasicrystals with multilayer structure as the adsorbent was investigated.
Development of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers with double templates for the rapid and selective determination of carbamazepine and lamotrigine in serum
Authors: Wei Ya-qin , Zhao Lin-lin , You Yu-xin , Zhao Yan-lin , Zheng Xiao-xiao , Du Yan , Tang Dao-quan
Published: March 2022

A dual-template magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (Dt-MMIP) with a specific recognition capability for carbamazepine and lamotrigine was synthesized using methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethylmethacrylate as a cross-linking agent.
Persistent nucleation and size dependent attachment kinetics produce monodisperse PbS nanocrystals
Authors: Abécassis Benjamin , Greenberg Matthew W. , Bal Vivekananda , McMurtry Brandon M. , Campos Michael P. , Guillemeney Lilian , Mahler Benoit , Prevost Sylvain , Sharpnack Lewis , Hendricks Mark P. , DeRosha Daniel , Bennett Ellie , Saenz Natalie , Peters Baron , Owen Jonathan S.
Published: March 2022

In situ X-ray scattering kinetics and population balance modeling of crystal nucleation and growth.
Influence of different microstructures of cobalt on the catalytic activity for amination of ethylene glycol: comparison of HCP cobalt and FCC cobalt
Authors: Xie Zhiyong , An Hualiang , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: March 2022

The fcc-Co catalyst shows high catalytic activity for the synthesis of primary amines by ethylene glycol amination, which is superior to that of the hcp-Co catalyst.
Unique catalytic properties of Ni–Ir alloy for the hydrogenation of N-heteroaromatics
Authors: Bai Jia-qi , Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: March 2022

SiO2-supported Ni–Ir alloy catalysts showed much higher catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of N-heteroaromatics including pyridines and quinolines than monometallic Ir/SiO2 and Ni/SiO2.
Characterization of precipitation from citrus vinegar during ageing: chemical constituents, formation mechanism and anti-proliferative effect
Authors: Hu Feifei , Qin Ye , Zhou Yiqing , Li Lingyue , Wang Yingxi , Deng Zhangshuang
Published: March 2022

Chemical and antiproliferative investigations of the precipitates from fermented citrus vinegar contribute to new insights for polymethoxyflavones enrichment and for reutilizing the precipitates.
Rational design of nickel–borane complexes for methane activation and functionalization
Authors: Yang Linlin , Fan Kangqiao , Zhang Lei , Zeng Guixiang
Published: March 2022

For the methane activation reaction, the mono-phosphine ligand supported Ni–B complex is more active than the traditional ambiphilic ligand supported one.
Enhanced electrocatalytic reduction of CO2to formateviadoping Ce in Bi2O3nanosheets
Authors: Li Xiao , Qian Ningkang , Ji Liang , Wu Xingqiao , Li Junjie , Huang Jingbo , Yan Yucong , Yang Deren , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2022

Ce-doped Bi2O3nanosheets were synthesized and exhibited substantially enhanced catalytic selectivity and activity for ECR relative to undoped ones.
Novel field-portable high-pressure adsorbent tube sampler prototype for the direct in situ preconcentration of trace compounds in gases at their working pressures: application to biomethane
Authors: Lecharlier Aurore , Carrier Hervé , Bouyssiere Brice , Caumette Guilhem , Chiquet Pierre , Le Hécho Isabelle
Published: March 2022

The circulating gas sampling pressure had no impact on the preconcentration of trace compounds on adsorbent tubes.
Surface coating preparation of spherical magnetic materials
Authors: Ma Zixu , Yang Beibei , Yang Junjiao
Published: March 2022

Magnetic materials are being increasingly used in anti-counterfeiting coatings, but the dark colors of magnetic materials greatly limit their applications.
Steps towards highly-efficient water splitting and oxygen reduction using nanostructured β-Ni(OH)2
Authors: Balčiūnaitė Aldona , Upadhyay Kush K. , Radinović Kristina , Santos Diogo M. F. , Montemor M. F. , Šljukić Biljana
Published: March 2022

β-Ni(OH)2 nanoplatelets produced via a hydrothermal method exhibit good performance as trifunctional electrocatalysts for the ORR, OER, and HER in alkaline media along with excellent stability under cathodic/anodic polarisation conditions.
Boosting the electro-oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural on a Co–CoSx heterojunction by intensified spin polarization
Authors: Chen Jianmin , Wang Yajing , Zhou Mingjun , Li Yingwei
Published: March 2022

The intensified spin polarization in Co–CoSx makes the electronic states move to the Fermi level, which affords the favorable d–p coupling between catalysts and reactants/intermediates, achieving an economical energy input for the overall HMFOR.
Rapid access to t-butylalkylated olefins enabled by Ni-catalyzed intermolecular regio- and trans-selective cross-electrophile t-butylalkylation of alkynes
Authors: Zhan Yi-Zhou , Meng Huan , Shu Wei
Published: March 2022

A direct reductive cross-dialkylation of alkynes is achieved to afford trans-dialkylated olefins using two distinct alkyl bromides. The reaction undergoes with exclusive chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity without the use of organometallic reagents.
More complex than originally thought: revisiting the origins of the relaxation processes in dimethylammonium zinc formate
Authors: Peksa Paulina , Nowok Andrzej , Formalik Filip , Zaręba Jan K. , Trzmiel Justyna , Gągor Anna , Mączka Mirosław , Sieradzki Adam
Published: March 2022

Metal formates are a subclass of coordination polymers that is renowned for the rich phase transition behavior arising from the complex interplay of molecular dynamics of organic guests and the surrounding coordination net.
A stable self-powered ultraviolet photodetector using CH3NH3PbCl3 with weak-light detection capacity under working conditions
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Liu Zhiyong , Sun Qiang , Zhang Tao , Yu Haixuan , Zhang Xuning , Dai Letian , Liao Guanglan , Shen Yan , Zhang Xiao-Li , Zhu Jun , Wang Mingkui
Published: March 2022

An UV photodetector with a vertical-structure architecture shows a fast response time of 7.76 μs and a high on/off ratio of over 5 × 103, as well as a weak-light detecting ability with a specific detectivity of 7.08 × 1011 Jones.
A Review of Strategies Associated with Surgical Decompression in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhu Ying-Kang , Lu Fa-Tai , Zhang Guo-Dong , Liu Zun-Peng
Published: March 2022

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is frequent. Timely diagnosis and treatment have reduced the mortality, but the long-term recovery of neurologic functions remains ominous. After TSCI, tissue bleeding, edema, and adhesions lead to an increase in the intraspinal pressure, further causing the pathophysiologic processes of ischemia and hypoxia and eventually accelerating the cascade of secondary spinal cord injury. Timely surgery with appropriate decompression strategies can reduce that secondary injury. However, disagreement about the safety and effectiveness of decompression surgery and the timing of surgery still exists. The level and severity of spinal cord injury do have an impact on the timing of surgery; therefore, TSCI subpopulations may benefit from early surgery. Early surgery perhaps has little effect on recovery from complete TSCI but might be of benefit in patients with incomplete injury. Early decompression should be considered in patients with incomplete cervical TSCI. Patient age should not be used as an exclusion criterion for early surgery. The best time point for early surgery is although influenced by the shortest duration to thoroughly examine the patient's condition and stabilize the patient's state. After the patient's condition is fully evaluated, we can perform the surgical modality of emergency myelotomy and decompression. Therefore, a number of conditions should be considered, such as standardized decompression methods, indications and operation timing to ensure the effectiveness and safety of early surgical intervention, and promotion of the functional recovery of residual nerve tissue.