bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the roles of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in fatty-acid induced steatosis using human cellular models
Authors: Sullivan Kelly E. , Kumar Sheetal , Liu Xin , Zhang Ye , de Koning Emily , Li Yanfei , Yuan Jing , Fan Fan
Published: August 2022

Pyrimidine catabolism is implicated in hepatic steatosis. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) is an enzyme responsible for uracil and thymine catabolism, and DPYD human genetic variability affects clinically observed toxicity following 5-Fluorouracil administration. In an in vitro model of fatty acid-induced steatosis, the pharmacologic inhibition of DPYD resulted in protection from lipid accumulation. Additionally, a gain-of-function mutation of DPYD, created through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) engineering, led to an increased lipid burden, which was associated with altered mitochondrial functionality in a hepatocarcionma cell line. The studies presented herein describe a novel role for DPYD in hepatocyte metabolic regulation as a modulator of hepatic steatosis.
ZnO Nano-swirlings for Azo Dye AR183 photocatalytic degradation and antimycotic activity
Authors: Umar Khalid , Mfarrej Manar Fawzi Bani , Rahman Qazi Inamur , Zuhaib Mohammad , Khan Amir , Zia Qamar , Banawas Saeed , Nadeem Hera , Khan Mohd. Farhan , Ahmad Faheem
Published: August 2022

The sol-gel technique was used to fabricate ZnO Nano-swirlings (ZNsw) at a predetermined agitation rate (of >> 1900 rpm), with around 21.94 gm of zinc acetate dihydrate and 0.2 g cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) and a cationic surfactant (drop-wise). The impact of the predetermined agitation condition on the molecular size and morphology of ZNsw is examined, and the outcomes are dissected by useful characterization tools and techniques viz. XRD, SEM embedded with EDS, TEM, FT-IR and UV–visible. The SEM and TEM results suggest that the product formed into a big cluster of adequate ZNsw, containing a significant quantity of folded long thread-lengths. Each group indicated a fair amount of the volume of these lengths. The photocatalytic process of ZNsw was carried out as a result of the irradiation time due to the deterioration of Azo Dye AR183, resulting in approximately 79 percent dye discoloration following an 80-min UV light irradiation in the presence of ZNsw. Additionally, the synthesized ZNsw was tested for antagonistic activity, and the growth hindrance of two plant pathogenic fungal strains found. Per cent inhibition in growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria alternata were observed in response to ZNsw.
Novel mechanisms underlying inhibition of inflammation-induced angiogenesis by dexamethasone and gentamicin via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/VEGF pathways in acute radiation proctitis
Authors: Li Yousong , Ding Qin , Gao Jinsheng , Li Chunxia , Hou Pengxiao , Xu Jie , Cao Kaiqi , Hu Min , Cheng Lin , Wang Xixing , Yang Xiaoling
Published: August 2022

Acute radiation proctitis (ARP) is one of the most common complications of pelvic radiotherapy attributed to radiation exposure. The mechanisms of ARP are related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and so on. In this study we evaluated the effect of dexamethasone (DXM) combined with gentamicin (GM) enema on ARP mice, and explored its possible mechanisms by transcriptome sequencing, western blot and immunohistochemistry. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: healthy control group, ARP model group, and DXM + GM enema treatment group. ARP mice were established by using a single 6 MV X-ray dose of 27 Gy pelvic local irradiation. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that 979 genes were co-upregulated and 445 genes were co-downregulated in ARP mice compared to healthy mice. According to gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, we firstly found that PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/VEGF pathways were mostly correlated with the inflammation-induced angiogenesis in ARP mice. PI3K/AKT pathway leads to the activation of NF-κB, which promotes the transcription of VEGF and Bcl-2. Interestingly, symptoms and pathological changes of ARP mice were ameliorated by DXM + GM enema treatment. DXM + GM enema inhibited inflammation by downregulating NF-κB and upregulating AQP3, as well as inhibited angiogenesis by downregulating VEGF and AQP1 in ARP mice. Moreover, DXM + GM enema induced apoptosis by increasing Bax and suppressing Bcl-2. The novel mechanisms may be related to the downregulation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/VEGF pathways.
Enhancement in heat transfer due to hybrid nanoparticles in MHD flow of Brinkman-type fluids using Caputo fractional derivatives
Authors: Sheikh Nadeem Ahmad , Ching Dennis Ling Chuan , Khan Ilyas , Sakidin Hamzah bin
Published: August 2022

The flow of fluid through porous media is of great importance in industry and other physical situations, Darcy’s law is one of the most useful laws to describe such situation, however, the flows through a dense swarm of particles or through a very high porous media cannot be elaborated by this law. To overcome this difficulty, Brinkman proposed a new idea of Brinkman-type fluid in highly porous media. In this study, the Brinkman-type fluid flow is analyzed with hybrid nanoparticles (a hybridized mixture of clay and alumina), suspended in water taken as a base fluid under the effect of an applied magnetic field. The fluid motion is taken inside a vertical channel with heated walls. Free convection is induced due to buoyancy. The momentum and energy equations are written in dimensionless form using the non-dimensional variables. The energy equation is modified to fractional differential equations using the generalized Fourier’s law and the Caputo fractional derivatives. The fractional model is solved using the Laplace and Fourier transformation. Variations in velocity and temperature are shown for various fractional parameter values, as well as charts for the classical model. For the volume fractions of nanoparticles, the temperature distribution increases, with maximum values of hybrid nanoparticles with the highest specified volume fractions. Moreover, due to hybrid nanoparticles, the rate of heat transfer is intensified.
Computational simulation of liver fibrosis dynamics
Authors: Yoshizawa Misa , Sugimoto Masahiro , Tanaka Minoru , Sakai Yusuyuki , Nishikawa Masaki
Published: August 2022

Liver fibrosis is a result of homeostasis breakdown caused by repetitive injury. The accumulation of collagens disrupts liver structure and function, which causes serious consequences such as cirrhosis. Various mathematical simulation models have been developed to understand these complex processes. We employed the agent-based modelling (ABM) approach and implemented inflammatory processes in central venous regions. Collagens were individually modelled and visualised depending on their origin: myofibroblast and portal fibroblast. Our simulation showed that the administration of toxic compounds induced accumulation of myofibroblast-derived collagens in central venous regions and portal fibroblast-derived collagens in portal areas. Subsequently, these collagens were bridged between central-central areas and spread all over areas. We confirmed the consistent dynamic behaviour of collagen formulation in our simulation and from histological sections obtained via in vivo experiments. Sensitivity analyses identified dead hepatocytes caused by inflammation and the ratio of residential liver cells functioned as a cornerstone for the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. The validated mathematical model demonstrated here shows virtual experiments that are complementary to biological experiments, which contribute to understanding a new mechanism of liver fibrosis.
Demonstration of speckle resistance using space–time light sheets
Authors: Diouf Mbaye , Lin Zixi , Harling Mitchell , Toussaint, Kimani C.
Published: August 2022

The capacity of self-healing fields to reconstruct after passing through scattering media may prove useful in reducing speckle formation. Here, we study the speckle response of the space–time (ST) light sheet compared to a Gaussian wave packet, Airy beam, and Bessel Gauss beam. We find that the Pearson’s correlation coefficient for the ST light sheet is 50%, 48% and 40% larger than that of the Gaussian, Airy beam and Bessel Gauss beams, respectively, demonstrating a strong correlation to an input beam that has not been speckled. These results suggest that the ST light sheet exhibits considerable resistance to speckle generation. We also investigate the speckle response of the ST light sheet at its second-harmonic frequency and observe a mean Pearson’s correlation coefficient close to 0.6, comparable to the second-harmonic Bessel Gauss beam, and 2.8 × the value obtained for the second-harmonic Gaussian beam. Our results lend themselves to a variety of applications including bioimaging, communications, and optical tweezers.
Demand characteristics challenge effects in embodiment and presence
Authors: Forster Pierre-Pascal , Karimpur Harun , Fiehler Katja
Published: August 2022

The sensations to own and control a body as well as being located in a body describe the relation between ourselves and our body, termed embodiment. Embodiment plays a central role in our everyday actions. However, its assessment is challenging. Recent findings suggest that measures on embodiment are confounded by demand characteristics and suggestibility. To investigate the impact of demand characteristics on embodiment and presence, we compared results from an online experiment measuring participants’ expectations, to the same experiment in virtual reality (VR). In the online experiment, participants watched a video of a participant performing the VR experiment. In the VR experiment, participants performed a soap-bubble-kicking task, which allowed the feelings of embodiment and presence to arise. We manipulated temporo-spatial movement synchrony (Movement: synchronous, asynchronous) and avatar visibility (Visibility: visible, invisible). In addition, we assessed participants’ suggestibility with exercises. The introduced manipulations influenced the ratings in both experiments similarly. Embodiment ratings were additionally affected by suggestibility. Altogether, our results show that participants were aware of the research hypotheses, which indicates that demand characteristics confound embodiment and presence research alike. Overcoming challenges of demand characteristics is crucial to correctly interpret scientific results and to translate these results into applied settings.
Evidence of a genetically driven metabolomic signature in actively inflamed Crohn’s disease
Authors: Mossotto Enrico , Boberska Joanna , Ashton James J. , Stafford Imogen S. , Cheng Guo , Baker Jonathan , Borca Florina , Phan Hang T. T. , Coelho Tracy F. , Beattie R. Mark , Claus Sandrine P. , Ennis Sarah
Published: August 2022

Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterised by chronic inflammation. We aimed to identify a relationship between plasma inflammatory metabolomic signature and genomic data in CD using blood plasma metabolic profiles. Proton NMR spectroscopy were achieved for 228 paediatric CD patients. Regression (OPLS) modelling and machine learning (ML) approaches were independently applied to establish the metabolic inflammatory signature, which was correlated against gene-level pathogenicity scores generated for all patients and functional enrichment was analysed. OPLS modelling of metabolomic spectra from unfasted patients revealed distinctive shifts in plasma metabolites corresponding to regions of the spectrum assigned to N-acetyl glycoprotein, glycerol and phenylalanine that were highly correlated (R2 = 0.62) with C-reactive protein levels. The same metabolomic signature was independently identified using ML to predict patient inflammation status. Correlation of the individual peaks comprising this metabolomic signature of inflammation with pathogenic burden across 15,854 unselected genes identified significant enrichment for genes functioning within ‘intrinsic component of membrane’ (p = 0.003) and ‘inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)’ (p = 0.003). The seven genes contributing IBD enrichment are critical regulators of pro-inflammatory signaling. Overall, a metabolomic signature of inflammation can be detected from blood plasma in CD. This signal is correlated with pathogenic mutation in pro-inflammatory immune response genes.
A weighted energy consumption minimization-based multi-hop uneven clustering routing protocol for cognitive radio sensor networks
Authors: Wang Jihong , Li Conghui
Published: August 2022

Aiming at solving the effective data delivery and energy hole problem in multi-hop cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSNs), a weighted energy consumption minimization-based uneven clustering (ECMUC) routing protocol is proposed in this paper. For the first time, the impact of control overhead on the network performance is taken into consideration, to be specific, the energy consumption of control overhead is integrated with that of data communication to model the network energy consumption. Through effective transformation and theoretical analysis, cluster radius of each ring is derived by minimizing the network energy consumption and balancing the residual energy among nodes in different rings. Distributed cluster heads (CHs) selection and cluster formation are carried out within this range to control the cluster size and the corresponding energy cost. Expected times for being CHs metric is defined to measure nodes’ energy and spectral potential and help select powerful CHs. Simulation results show that ECMUC protocol is superior to most clustering protocols designed for CRSNs in terms of network surveillance capability and network lifetime, and it is also demonstrated that taking control overhead into consideration is beneficial for improving the network performance.
DFT insights into the electronic structure, mechanical behaviour, lattice dynamics and defect processes in the first Sc-based MAX phase Sc2SnC
Authors: Hadi M. A. , Christopoulos S.-R. G. , Chroneos A. , Naqib S. H. , Islam A. K. M. A.
Published: August 2022

Here we employed the density functional theory calculations to investigate some physical properties of first Sc-based MAX phase Sc2SnC including defect processes to compare with those of existing M2SnC phases. The calculated structural properties are in good agreement with the experimental values. The new phase Sc2SnC is structurally, mechanically and dynamically stable. Sc2SnC is metallic with a mixture of covalent and ionic character. The covalency of Sc2SnC including M2SnC is mostly controlled by the effective valence. Sc2SnC in M2SnC family ranks second in the scale of deformability and softness. The elastic anisotropy level in Sc2SnC is moderate compared to the other M2SnC phases. The hardness and melting point of Sc2SnC, including M2SnC, follows the trend of bulk modulus. Like other members of the M2SnC family, Sc2SnC has the potential to be etched into 2D MXenes and has the potential to be a thermal barrier coating material.
Heterogeneity of circulating CD4+CD8+ double-positive T cells characterized by scRNA-seq analysis and trajectory inference
Authors: Choi Sung Min , Park Hi Jung , Choi Eun A , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Lee Jae Il
Published: August 2022

The frequency of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells is highly associated with a variety of diseases. Recently, we used high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing to show that circulating DP T cells in cynomolgus monkeys comprise nine heterogeneous populations. To better understand the characteristics of DP T cells, we analyzed 7601 cells from a rhesus monkey and detected 14,459 genes. Rhesus monkey DP T cells comprised heterogeneous populations (naïve, Treg-, Tfh-, CCR9+ Th-, Th17-, Th2-, Eomes+ Tr1-, CTL-, PLZF+ innate- and Eomes+ innate-like cells) with multiple potential functions. We also identified two new subsets using aggregated scRNA-seq datasets from the rhesus and the cynomolgus monkey: CCR9+ Th-like cells expressing ICAM2 and ITGA1, and PLZF+ innate-like cells that display innate-associated gene signatures such as ZBTB16, TYROBP, MAP3K8, and KLRB1. Trajectory inference of cell differentiation status showed that most DP T cells in the rhesus monkey were found in the mid-to-late pseudotime, whereas DP T cells from the cynomolgus monkey were found in early pseudotime. This suggests that DP T cells in rhesus monkeys may exhibit more diverse differentiation states than those in cynomolgus monkeys. Thus, scRNA-seq and trajectory inference identified a more diverse subset of the circulating DP T cells than originally thought.
Effect of particulate matter 2.5 on QT dispersion in patients with chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Uthaithummakul Thanaphum , Krintratun Sarunsorn , Thongsujaritkul Thananan , Wattananukorn Thanatat , Nantsupawat Teerapat , Pothirat Chaicharn , Inchai Juthamas , Phrommintikul Arintaya
Published: August 2022

PM2.5 air pollutants increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTd) is common in patients with chronic airway disease and is associated with heightened risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. We sought to examine the effect of PM2.5 exposure on QTc and QTd in patients with chronic airway disease. We enrolled 73 patients with chronic airway disease into the study. The 12-lead ECGs were recorded during high-exposure and low-exposure periods of PM2.5. QTc and QTd were compared between 2 periods. Mean age was 70 ± 10 years. Mean FEV1/FVC was 63 ± 14%. There was no difference in QTc between PM2.5 high-exposure and low-exposure periods. However, QTd was significantly increased during PM2.5 high-exposure compared to low-exposure periods in male patients (43.5 ± 15.0 vs. 38.2 ± 12.1 ms, P = 0.044) but no difference was found in females. We found that patients who worked mostly indoor had less QTd than those working outdoor during PM2.5 low-exposure period. In addition, those who wore face mask tended to have less QTd during low-exposure period than those who did not. High PM2.5 exposure increased QTd in male patients with chronic airway disease. Working indoors and wearing face mask were associated with less QTd.
Antiviral effect of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Takeda Ryo , Sawa Hirofumi , Sasaki Michihito , Orba Yasuko , Maishi Nako , Tsumita Takuya , Ushijima Natsumi , Hida Yasuhiro , Sano Hidehiko , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Hida Kyoko
Published: August 2022

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a quaternary ammonium compound, which is present in mouthwash, is effective against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. This study was conducted to explore the antiviral effect of CPC on SARS-CoV-2. There are few reports on the effect of CPC against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 at low concentrations such as 0.001%–0.005% (10–50 µg/mL). Interestingly, we found that low concentrations of CPC suppressed the infectivity of human isolated SARS-CoV-2 strains (Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) even in saliva. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CPC shows anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects without disrupting the virus envelope, using sucrose density analysis and electron microscopic examination. In conclusion, this study provided experimental evidence that CPC may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations.
Evidence of secular variation in Archean crust formation in the Eastern Indian Shield
Authors: Mandal Prantik
Published: August 2022

Understanding the dominant crustal accretion model in any Archean craton is the key to understanding the dominant geodynamic process responsible for early crust formation during the Hadean (> 4.0 Ga) and Archaean (4.0–2.5 Ga). The continental crust has been proposed to have formed through either horizontal/vertical accretion related to subduction or mantle plume tectonic processes. Here, the Moho depths and average crustal Vp/Vs ratios are modelled at 16 broadband stations in the Eastern Indian Shield (EIS) through HK stacking of radial P-receiver functions (PRFs). These modelled parameters are used to test both plume and subduction models, which might have played a key role in the crustal accretion of the EIS throughout the Archean. We observe a correlation between crustal age and composition within the ellipsoidal Paleoarchean cratonic domain in the Singhbhum-Odisha-Craton (SOC), which reveals an increase in age from the younger granitoid core of the SOC (with thinning of felsic crust) to the surrounding older greenstone belts (with thickening of felsic crust). A thinner mafic crust resulting from multiple magmatic events characterizes the neighbouring Meso-Proterozoic Chotanagpur Granitic Gneissic terrain (CGGT). The Common Conversion Point (CCP) image of radial PRFs reveals northward subduction of the Paleoarchean SOC below the Meso-Proterozoic CGGT.
Novel 3D in situ visualization of seal heartworm (Acanthocheilonema spirocauda) larvae in the seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) by X-ray microCT
Authors: Ebmer David , Handschuh Stephan , Schwaha Thomas , Rubio-García Ana , Gärtner Ulrich , Glösmann Martin , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos
Published: August 2022

The seal heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) parasitizes the heart and pulmonary arteries of various phocid seals of the Northern Hemisphere. Over many decades, potential vectors of this parasite have been discussed, and to this date, the life cycle is not fully known. The seal louse Echinophthirius horridus (Anoplura: Echinophthiriidae) is an obligatory, permanent and haematophagous ectoparasite of phocids that has been hypothesized to function as obligate intermediate host for A. spirocauda. We examined 11 adult E. horridus specimens collected from stranded harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in rehabilitation at the Sealcentre Pieterburen by X-ray microCT imaging, aiming to illustrate larval A. spirocauda infection sites in situ. In three of these specimens, thread-like larvae were detected in insect organs. Detailed imaging of the most infected louse revealed a total of 54 A. spirocauda larvae located either in fat bodies or the haemocoel. Histological analysis of the same specimen illustrated nematode cross-sections, confirming X-ray microCT data. The current data strongly suggest that E. horridus is a natural intermediate host for A. spirocauda. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential of X-ray microCT-based imaging as a non-destructive method to analyze host-parasite interactions, especially in the neglected field of marine mammal parasitology.
Assessing preoperative risk of STR in skull meningiomas using MR radiomics and machine learning
Authors: Musigmann Manfred , Akkurt Burak Han , Krähling Hermann , Brokinkel Benjamin , Henssen Dylan J. H. A. , Sartoretti Thomas , Nacul Nabila Gala , Stummer Walter , Heindel Walter , Mannil Manoj
Published: August 2022

Our aim is to predict possible gross total and subtotal resections of skull meningiomas from pre-treatment T1 post contrast MR-images using radiomics and machine learning in a representative patient cohort. We analyse the accuracy of our model predictions depending on the tumor location within the skull and the postoperative tumor volume. In this retrospective, IRB-approved study, image segmentation of the contrast enhancing parts of the tumor was semi-automatically performed using the 3D Slicer open-source software platform. Imaging data were split into training data and independent test data at random. We extracted a total of 107 radiomic features by hand-delineated regions of interest on T1 post contrast MR images. Feature preselection and model construction were performed with eight different machine learning algorithms. Each model was estimated 100 times on new training data and then tested on a previously unknown, independent test data set to avoid possible overfitting. Our cohort included 138 patients. A gross total resection of the meningioma was performed in 107 cases and a subtotal resection in the remaining 31 cases. Using the training data, the mean area under the curve (AUC), mean accuracy, mean kappa, mean sensitivity and mean specificity were 0.901, 0.875, 0.629, 0.675 and 0.933 respectively. We obtained very similar results with the independent test data: mean AUC = 0.900, mean accuracy = 0.881, mean kappa = 0.644, mean sensitivity = 0.692 and mean specificity = 0.936. Thus, our model exposes good and stable predictive performance with both training and test data. Our radiomics approach shows that with machine learning algorithms and comparatively few explanatory factors such as the location of the tumor within the skull as well as its shape, it is possible to make accurate predictions about whether a meningioma can be completely resected by surgery. Complete resections and resections with larger postoperative tumor volumes can be predicted with very high accuracy. However, cases with very small postoperative tumor volumes are comparatively difficult to predict correctly.
CO2-Driven reversible transfer of amine-functionalized ZIF-90 between organic and aqueous phases
Authors: Pei Xiaoyan , Tian Chunyu , Wang Yanning , Li Zhenzhen , Xiong Zhiyan , Wang Huiyong , Ma Xiantao , Cao Xinhua , Li Zhiyong
Published: August 2022

CO2-Driven reversible phase transfer of amine-functionalized ZIF-90 has been used for trans-esterification to achieve efficient coupling of reaction, separation, and component recycling for green sustainable processes.
Rapid identification of the short-lived intermediates in alternating-current electrolysis by mass spectrometry
Authors: Xi Xiao-Jun , Hu Jun , Chen Hong-Yuan , Xu Jing-Juan
Published: August 2022

We report the mass spectrometric identification of short-lived intermediates generated under alternating-current electrolysis,viacombination of bipolar electrochemistry with nanoelectrospray ionization in a hybrid ultramicroelectrode/ion emitter.
Seed surface doping-mediated seeded growth of Au–Ag Janus nanoparticles with tunable sizes and multiple plasmonic absorption modes
Authors: Kong Yuhan , Zhang Gongguo , Wang Chunyu , Ma Yanyun , Zheng Yiqun
Published: August 2022

Gold–silver Janus nanoparticles with tunable sizes are successfully prepared, where the anisotropic deposition is induced by seed surface doping.
Recent advances in solution assisted synthesis of transition metal chalcogenides for photo-electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Gautam Amit , Sk Saddam , Pal Ujjwal
Published: August 2022

Recent developments and future scope in solution-assisted synthesis of transition metal chalcogenides are reviewed from both fundamental and applied aspects in photo-electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Characterization of resonance structures in aromatic rings of benzene and its heavier-element analogues
Authors: Sugahara Tomohiro , Hashizume Daisuke , Tokitoh Norihiro , Matsui Hiroshi , Kishi Ryohei , Nakano Masayoshi , Sasamori Takahiro
Published: August 2022

We present the experimental visualization of the valence-electron-density distribution in benzene and its kinetically stabilized heavier-element analogues, i.e., 1,2-disilabenzene and 1,2-digermabenzene.
Waterproof, breathable and infrared-invisible polyurethane/silica nanofiber membranes for wearable textiles
Authors: Wang Huijia , Fu Yongjing , Liu Rong , Xiong Jie , Li Ni
Published: August 2022

Waterproof and breathable membranes, which have great potential in applications such as membrane distillation, self-cleaning, and multifunctional clothing, have attracted a lot of attention due to their superior performance.
Concluding remarks: emerging inorganic materials in thin-film photovoltaics
Authors: Walsh Aron
Published: August 2022

A summary of progress in the design, discovery and optimisation of sustainable materials for solar energy conversion is presented.
Fabrication of the MnO2/PPS-SDBS catalytic filter material for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Wang Xie , Zhang Yanbing , Guo Hao , Chen Dahai , Wang Huan , Jiang Caihong , Wang Junwei , Zhang Yu , Jiang Xulong
Published: August 2022

The MnO2/PPS-SDBS catalytic filter material can achieve 100% NO conversion at 180 °C under optimal reaction conditions.
Highly sensitive and specific assessment of ochratoxin A in herbal medicines via activator regeneration by electron transfer ATRP
Authors: Cui Zhenzhen , Guo Liang , Jin Zhenyu , Ma Lele , Yang Huaixia , Miao Mingsan
Published: August 2022

A signal-off fluorescence biosensor for highly sensitive detection of OTA was constructed via the ARGET ATRP signal amplification strategy.
A novel signal-on fluorometric sensor based on metal ion-mediated carbon dots for formaldehyde determination and lysosome-targeted bioimaging
Authors: Zhou Xi , Hu Yun , Cao Yufeng , Liu Yuan , Qian Tao
Published: August 2022

Preparation of Ag-M-NSCDs for the fluorometric detection of formaldehyde and lysosome-targeted bioimaging.
Active and thermal fluctuations in multi-scale polymer structure and dynamics
Authors: Ghosh Ashesh , Spakowitz Andrew J.
Published: August 2022

The presence of athermal noise or biological fluctuations control and maintain crucial life-processes.
Interactions between the intrarenal dopaminergic and the renin–angiotensin systems in the control of systemic arterial pressure
Authors: Vaz de Castro Pedro Alves Soares , Jose Pedro A. , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: August 2022

Systemic arterial hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the general population, being a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Although its pathogenesis is complex and still poorly understood, some systems appear to play major roles in its development. This review aims to update the current knowledge on the interaction of the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and dopaminergic system in the development of hypertension, focusing on recent scientific hallmarks in the field. The intrarenal RAS, composed of several peptides and receptors, has a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and, consequently, the development of hypertension. The RAS is divided into two main intercommunicating axes: the classical axis, composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin II, and angiotensin type 1 receptor, and the ACE2/angiotensin-(1–7)/Mas axis, which appears to modulate the effects of the classical axis. Dopamine and its receptors are also increasingly showing an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, as abnormalities in the intrarenal dopaminergic system impair the regulation of renal sodium transport, regardless of the affected dopamine receptor subtype. There are five dopamine receptors, which are divided into two major subtypes: the D1-like (D1R and D5R) and D2-like (D2R, D3R, and D4R) receptors. Mice deficient in any of the five dopamine receptor subtypes have increased BP. Intrarenal RAS and the dopaminergic system have complex interactions. The balance between both systems is essential to regulate the BP homeostasis, as alterations in the control of both can lead to hypertension.
The negative regulation of gene expression by microRNAs as key driver of inducers and repressors of cardiomyocyte differentiation
Authors: Cianflone Eleonora , Scalise Mariangela , Marino Fabiola , Salerno Luca , Salerno Nadia , Urbanek Konrad , Torella Daniele
Published: August 2022

Cardiac muscle damage-induced loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and dysfunction of the remaining ones leads to heart failure, which nowadays is the number one killer worldwide. Therapies fostering effective cardiac regeneration are the holy grail of cardiovascular research to stop the heart failure epidemic. The main goal of most myocardial regeneration protocols is the generation of new functional CMs through the differentiation of endogenous or exogenous cardiomyogenic cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of cardiomyocyte commitment, specification, differentiation and maturation is needed to devise innovative approaches to replace the CMs lost after injury in the adult heart. The transcriptional regulation of CM differentiation is a highly conserved process that require sequential activation and/or repression of different genetic programs. Therefore, CM differentiation and specification have been depicted as a step-wise specific chemical and mechanical stimuli inducing complete myogenic commitment and cell-cycle exit. Yet, the demonstration that some microRNAs are sufficient to direct ESC differentiation into CMs and that four specific miRNAs reprogram fibroblasts into CMs show that CM differentiation must also involve negative regulatory instructions. Here, we review the mechanisms of CM differentiation during development and from regenerative stem cells with a focus on the involvement of microRNAs in the process, putting in perspective their negative gene regulation as a main modifier of effective CM regeneration in the adult heart.
Laboratory spectroscopy of theoretical ices: Predictions for JWST and test for astrochemical models
Authors: Müller B. , Giuliano B. M. , Vasyunin A. , Fedoseev G. , Caselli P.
Published: August 2022

Context. The pre-stellar core L1544 has been the subject of several observations conducted in the past years, complemented by modelling studies focused on its gas and ice-grain chemistry. The chemical composition of the ice mantles reflects the environmental physical changes along the temporal evolution, such as density and temperature. The investigation outcome hints at a layered structure of interstellar ices with abundance of H2O in the inner layers and an increasing concentration of CO near the surface. The morphology of interstellar ice analogues can be investigated experimentally assuming a composition derived from chemical models.

Aims. This research presents a new approach of a three-dimensional fit where observational results are first fitted with a gas-grain chemical model predicting the exact ice composition including infrared (IR) inactive species. Then the laboratory IR spectra are recorded for interstellar ice analogues whose compositions reflect the obtained numerical results, in a layered and in a mixed morphology. These results could then be compared with the results of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations. Special attention is paid to the inclusion of IR inactive species whose presence is predicted in the ice, but is typically omitted in the laboratory obtained data. This stands for N2, one of the main possible constituents of interstellar ice mantles, and O2.

Methods. Ice analogue spectra were recorded at a temperature of 10 K using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. In the case of layered ice we deposited a H2O-CO-N2-O2 mixture on top of a H2O-CH3OH-N2 ice, while in the case of mixed ice we examined a H2O-CH3OH-N2-CO composition. The selected species are the four most abundant ice components predicted by the chemical model. Results. Following the changing composition and structure of the ice, we find differences in the absorption bands for most of the examined vibrational modes. The extent of observed changes in the IR band profiles will allow us to analyse the structure of ice mantles in L1544 from future observations by the JWST.

Conclusions. Our spectroscopic measurements of interstellar ice analogues predicted by our well-received gas-grain chemical codes of pre-stellar cores will allow detailed comparison with upcoming JWST observations. This is crucial in order to put stringent constraints on the chemical and physical structure of dust icy mantles just before the formation of stars and protoplanetary disks, and to explain surface chemistry.
Growing the seeds of pebble accretion through planetesimal accretion
Authors: Lorek Sebastian , Johansen Anders
Published: August 2022

We explore the growth of planetary embryos by planetesimal accretion up to and beyond the point at which pebble accretion becomes efficient at the so-called Hill-transition mass. Both the transition mass and the characteristic mass of planetesimals that formed by the streaming instability increase with increasing distance from the star. We developed a model for the growth of a large planetesimal (embryo) embedded in a population of smaller planetesimals formed in a filament by the streaming instability. The model includes in a self-consistent way the collisional mass growth of the embryo, the fragmentation of the planetesimals, the velocity evolution of all involved bodies, and the viscous spreading of the filament. We find that the embryo accretes all available material in the filament during the lifetime of the protoplanetary disc only in the inner regions of the disc. In contrast, we find little or no growth in the outer parts of the disc beyond 5-10 AU. Overall, our results demonstrate very long timescales for collisional growth of planetesimals in the regions of the protoplanetary disc in which giant planets form. This means that in order to form giant planets in cold orbits, pebble accretion must act directly on the largest bodies present in the initial mass function of planetesimals with little or no help from mutual collisions.
Methanol deuteration in high-mass protostars
Authors: van Gelder M. L. , Jaspers J. , Nazari P. , Ahmadi A. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Beltrán M. T. , Fuller G. A. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Schilke P.
Published: August 2022

Context. The deuteration of molecules forming in the ices such as methanol (CH3OH) is sensitive to the physical conditions during their formation in dense cold clouds and can be probed through observations of deuterated methanol in hot cores.

Aims. The aim is to determine the D/H ratio of methanol for a large sample of 99 high-mass protostars and to link this to the physical conditions during the formation of methanol in the prestellar phases.

Methods. Observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) containing transitions of CH3OH, CH2DOH, CHD2OH, 13CH3OH, and CH318OH are investigated. The column densities of CH2DOH, CHD2OH, and CH3OH are determined for all sources, where the column density of CH3OH is derived from optically thin 13C and 18O isotopologues. Consequently, the D/H ratio of methanol is derived taking statistical effects into account.

Results. Singly deuterated methanol (CH2DOH) is detected at the 3σ level toward 25 of the 99 sources in our sample of the high-mass protostars. Including upper limits, the (D/H)CH3OH ratio inferred from NCH2DOH/NCH3OH was derived for 38 of the 99 sources and varies between ~10−3-10−2. Including other high-mass hot cores from the literature, the mean methanol D/H ratio is 1.1 ± 0.7 × 10−3. This is more than one order of magnitude lower than what is seen for low-mass protostellar systems (2.2 ± 1.2 × 10−2). Doubly deuterated methanol (CHD2OH) is detected at the 3σ level toward 11 of the 99 sources. Including upper limits for 15 sources, the (D/H)CH2DOH ratios derived from NCHD2OH/NCH2DOH are more than two orders of magnitude higher than (D/H)CH3OH with an average of 2.0 ± 0.8 × 10−1 which is similar to what is found for low-mass sources. Comparison with literature GRAINOBLE models suggests that the high-mass prestellar phases are either warm (>20 K) or live shorter than the free-fall timescale. In contrast, for low-mass protostars, both a low temperature of <15 K and a prestellar phase timescale longer than the free-fall timescale are necessary.

Conclusions. The (D/H)CH3OH ratio drops by more than an order of magnitude between low-mass and high-mass protostars due to either a higher temperature during the prestellar phases or shorter prestellar phases. However, successive deuteration toward CHD2OH seems equally effective between low-mass and high-mass systems.
Étude expérimentale sur la dépollution des ETM des sédiments de dragage
Authors: Forogo Banambono Wilfried
Published: August 2022

Les opérations de dragage dans le Nord de la France produisent de grandes quantités de sédiments, dont certains peuvent être pollués, ce qui nécessite des études complexes pour leur réutilisation ou, dans le pire des cas, un stockage spécifique et coûteux. Pour éviter de stocker ces matériaux, un nouveau traitement de dépollution par des bassins équipés de géocomposites électrocinétiques est à l’étude. Cet article présente une étude expérimentale du traitement électrocinétique à travers une cellule expérimentale développée dans le but de simuler le traitement électrocinétique dans des bassins. Le traitement électrocinétique produit des conditions de pH hétérogènes, avec une région basique près de la cathode et une région acide près de l’anode. Le traitement électrocinétique réduit la concentration des éléments traces métalliques (ETM) dans les sédiments (de plus de 50 % pour Cd, Ni et Zn dans la zone acide) ainsi que la concentration d’ETM, après test de lixiviation (100 % pour Cd et Zn dans la région basique) en fonction des conditions physico-chimiques. Cependant, les concentrations de Pb, Cu, As et Sb ne sont pas affectées par le traitement électrocinétique. Le traitement par électrocinétique est enfin comparé à un traitement consistant à l’ajout d’hydroxydes de fer au sédiment.
Do Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist and Sodium-glucose
Co-transporter 2 Inhibitor Prescriptions in Germany Reflect Recommendations for
Type 2 Diabetes with Cardiovascular Disease of the ADA/EASD Consensus
Report?
Authors: Barth Sebastian Dietmar , Kostev Karel , Krensel Magdalene , Mathey Elke , Rathmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

Objectives To analyze whether prescription use of GLP-1RA and SGLT2i in
individuals with type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased
after the ADA/EASD consensus guidelines (2018) in a German Real-World
setting and which clinical characteristics are associated with prescription use
of these drugs.

Methods The Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) comprises a representative
panel of 1,373 general practitioners, diabetologists, and cardiologists
throughout Germany (01/2015-12/2020: 12.6 million patients).
Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (n=45,531) was identified by ICD-10
codes (E11). Matching (1:1) on practice specialty, sex, age, and year of
diabetes diagnosis was performed for CVD. Logistic regression models were fitted
to obtain adjusted odds ratios (OR) for characteristics associated with
prescription use (median follow-up: 1.9 years).

Results Overall, 35% of patients (n=16,006) were treated
with glucose-lowering drugs during the first year after type 2 diabetes
diagnosis (HbA1c≥7.0%: 80%). GLP-1RA (2.4%) and
SGLT2i (8.5%) were rarely prescribed. After the consensus, use of
GLP-1RA and SGLT2i increased, however, almost independently of pre-existing CVD
(12/2019-11/2020 vs. 12/2017-11/2018: yes, no):
GLP-1RA: from 5.7 to 9.2%, 5.2 to 7.6%; SGLT2i: from 13.9 to
20.4%, 12.1 to 16.6%. Among cardiovascular risk factors, the
largest OR for GLP-1RA was for obesity (4.5; 95%CI: 3.2–6.3).
CVD was moderately related with SGLT2i (1.45; 1.32–1.60) and GLP-1RA
(1.35; 1.08–1.69) prescriptions. A weak association was observed between
SGLT2i and heart failure (1.18; 95%CI: 1.05–1.32).

Conclusion National prescription use of GLP-1RA and SGLT2i did not come
close to the recommendation in subjects with CVD issued by the 2018
ADA/EASD consensus.
Perceived Value of the Electronic Health Record and Its Association with Physician Burnout
Authors: Livaudais Maria , Deng Derek , Frederick Tracy , Grey-Theriot Francine , Kroth Philip J.
Published: August 2022

Background There is a common belief that seniority and gender are associated with clinicians' perceptions of the value of electronic health record (EHR) technology and the propensity for burnout. Insufficient evidence exists on the relationship between these variables.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate how seniority/years of practice, gender, and screened burnout status are associated with opinions of EHR use on quality, cost, and efficiency of care.

Methods We surveyed ambulatory primary care and subspecialty clinicians at three different institutions to screen for burnout status and to measure their opinions (positive, none, negative, don't know) on how EHR technology has impacted three important attributes of health care: quality, cost, and efficiency of care. We used chi-square tests to analyze association between years of practice (≤10 years or 11+ years), gender, and screened burnout status and the reported attributes. We used a Bonferroni-corrected α = 0.0167 for significance to protect against type I error among multiple comparisons.

Results Overall, 281 clinicians responded from 640 that were surveyed with 44% overall response rate. There were no significant associations of years in practice (≤10 years or 11+ years) or gender (p > 0.0167 for both) with any of the health care attributes. Clinicians who screened burnout negative (n = 154, 55%) were more likely to indicate that EHR technology has a positive impact on both the quality (p = 0.0025) and efficiency (p = 0.0003) health care attributes compared with those who screened burnout positive (n = 127, 45%).

Conclusion Burnout status is significantly associated with clinicians' perceived value of EHR technologies, while years of practice and gender are not. This contests the popular notion that junior clinicians view EHR technology more favorably than their more senior counterparts. Hence, burnout status may be an important factor associated with the overall value clinicians ascribe to EHR technologies.
Quasi-periodic breathers in Newton’s cradle
Authors: Ge Chuanfang , Geng Jiansheng , Yi Yingfei
Published: August 2022

We consider the parameterized Newton’s cradle lattice with Hertzian interactions in this paper. The positive parameters are {βn : |n| ≤ b} with a fixed integer b ≥ 0, and the Hertzian potential is V(x)=11+α|x|1+α for a fixed real number α > α* ≔ 12b + 25. Corresponding to a large Lebesgue measure set of (βj)|j|≤b∈R+2b+1, we show the existence of a family of small amplitude, linearly stable, quasi-periodic breathers for Newton’s cradle lattice, which are quasi-periodic in time with 2b + 1 frequencies and localized in space with rate 1|n|1+α as |n| ≫ 1. To overcome obstacles in applying the Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser (KAM) method due to the finite smoothness of V, especially when α is not an integer and to obtain a sharp estimate of the localization rate of the quasi-periodic breathers, the proof of our result uses the Jackson–Moser–Zehnder analytic approximation technique but with refined estimates on error bounds, depending on the smoothness and dimension, which provide crucial controls on the convergence of KAM iterations.
Enhancement of torque efficiency and spin Hall angle driven collaboratively by orbital torque and spin–orbit torque
Authors: Xiao Zheng-Yu , Li Yong-Ji , Zhang Wei , Han Yang-Jia , Li Dong , Chen Qian , Zeng Zhong-Ming , Quan Zhi-Yong , Xu Xiao-Hong
Published: August 2022

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) has been extensively applied to magnetization manipulation in low power consumption logic and memory devices. However, it is believed that materials with strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC) are indispensable for magnetic torque generation. Recently, theoretical studies have indicated that the oxides of light materials with weak SOC can provide a sizable orbital torque (OT), inducing magnetization switching. Here, we experimentally report the extreme enhancement of torque efficiency and spin Hall angle through the natural oxidation of Cu with weak SOC in the perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Cu–CuOx multilayers. The values of torque efficiency and spin Hall angle increase by approximately five times by tuning the surface oxidation at room temperature. The comparative analysis of the effective field reveals that the significant enhancement mainly originates from the collaborative drive of the OT at the Cu/CuOx interface and the SOT from the Pt layer. This finding provides a powerful way to engineer the high-efficient spintronic devices through combining OT and SOT to improve the torque efficiency.