bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas-generative potential for the post-Messinian megasequence of Nile Delta Basin: a case study of Tao Field, North Sinai Concession, Egypt
Authors: Sarhan Mohammad Abdelfattah
Published: November 2021

The main aim of the article is to evaluate the gas potentiality for the post-Messinian megasequence in TAO Field, North Sinai Concession, offshore Nile Delta Basin. The detailed petrophysical analysis for three deviated wells in the study area (Tao-3 ST1 Well, Tao-5 STA Well and Tao-7 Well) revealed that the Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation includes eleven gas-bearing zones. These zones were named: A, B, C in Tao-3 ST1 Well and D, E, F in Tao-5 STA Well. In Tao-7 Well, the interesting zones are named G, H, I, J and K. All of these sandy intervals are relatively shallow in depth and differ in thickness between 4 and 56 m. These zones are characterized by shale volume (10%), total porosity (30–40%), effective porosity (30–35%), gas saturation (50–90%), high effective permeability to gas and low permeability to water. The seismic data displayed that listric faults and the associated rollover folds have an important role in forming structural traps for the examined gas-bearing zones in Tao Field and its surroundings. This work revealed that the success rate in discovering new gas prospects within the Pliocene–Pleistocene succession at North Sinai Concession is very high.
Improved theory for shock waves using the OBurnett equations
Authors: Jadhav Ravi Sudam , Gavasane Abhimanyu , Agrawal Amit
Published: November 2021

The main goal of the present study is to thoroughly test the recently derived OBurnett equations for the normal shock wave flow problem for a wide range of Mach number ($3 \leq Ma \leq 9$). A dilute gas system composed of hard-sphere molecules is considered and the numerical results of the OBurnett equations are validated against in-house results from the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. The primary focus is to study the orbital structures in the phase space (velocity–temperature plane) and the variation of hydrodynamic fields across the shock. From the orbital structures, we observe that the heteroclinic trajectory exists for the OBurnett equations for all the Mach numbers considered, unlike the conventional Burnett equations. The thermodynamic consistency of the equations is also established by showing positive entropy generation across the shock. Further, the equations give smooth shock structures at all Mach numbers and significantly improve upon the results of the Navier–Stokes equations. With no tweaking of the equations in any way, the present work makes two important contributions by putting forward an improved theory of shock waves and establishing the validity of the OBurnett equations for solving complex flow problems.
Cholera, British seamen and maritime anxieties in Calcutta, c.1830s–1890s ‘The William Bynum Prize Essay’
Authors: Dutta Manikarnika
Published: November 2021

From the mid-nineteenth century, seamen were increasingly identified as vectors of epidemic diseases such as cholera. The rising acceptance of the germ theories of disease and contagion and the transition from sail to steam at this time increased the fear of the rapid spread of contagious diseases through these mobile people. This article examines how the British naval authorities, ship surgeons and the medical and municipal authorities in the Calcutta sailortown sought to improve maritime health and hygiene to prevent the spread of cholera among and by British seamen. Nineteenth century Calcutta is an ideal context for this study on account of its epidemiological notoriety as a disease entrepot and the sea route between Calcutta and British ports was one of the most closely monitored for disease in the Empire. The article argues that a study of cholera among British seamen can generate important insights into the relationship among disease, medicine and colonialism and in doing so shed light into a neglected aspect of the history of nineteenth century cholera, the British anxiety regarding disease dispersion, practice of hygiene and sanitation and British seamen’s health.
Mapping Total Exceedance PM2.5 Exposure Risk by Coupling Social Media Data and Population Modeling Data
Authors: Cao Zheng , Guo Guanhua , Wu Zhifeng , Li Shaoying , Sun Hui , Guan Wenchuan
Published: November 2021

The PM2.5 exposure risk assessment is the foundation to reduce its adverse effects. Population survey‐related data have been deficient in high spatiotemporal detailed descriptions. Social media data can quantify the PM2.5 exposure risk at high spatiotemporal resolutions. However, due to the no‐sample characteristics of social media data, PM2.5 exposure risk for older adults is absent. We proposed combining social media data and population survey‐derived data to map the total PM2.5 exposure risk. Hourly exceedance PM2.5 exposure risk indicators based on population modeling (HEPEpmd) and social media data (HEPEsm) were developed. Daily accumulative HEPEsm and HEPEpsd ranged from 0 to 0.009 and 0 to 0.026, respectively. Three peaks of HEPEsm and HEPEpsd were observed at 13:00, 18:00, and 22:00. The peak value of HEPEsm increased with time, which exhibited a reverse trend to HEPEpsd. The spatial center of HEPEsm moved from the northwest of the study area to the center. The spatial center of HEPEpsd moved from the northwest of the study area to the southwest of the study area. The expansion area of HEPEsm was nearly 1.5 times larger than that of HEPEpsd. The expansion areas of HEPEpsd aggregated in the old downtown, in which the contribution of HEPEpsd was greater than 90%. Thus, this study introduced various source data to build an easier and reliable method to map total exceedance PM2.5 exposure risk. Consequently, exposure risk results provided foundations to develop PM2.5 pollution mitigation strategies as well as scientific supports for sustainability and eco‐health achievement.
Syn‐Shearing Deformation Mechanisms of Minerals in Partially Molten Metapelites
Authors: Dutta Dripta , Misra Santanu , Mainprice David
Published: November 2021

We investigated an experimentally sheared (γ = 15,  = 3 × 10−4 s−1, 300 MPa, 750°C) quartz‐muscovite aggregate to understand the deformation of parent and new crystals in partially molten rocks. The scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction analyses along the longitudinal axial section of the cylindrical sample suggest that quartz and muscovite melted partially and later produced K‐feldspar, ilmenite, biotite, mullite, and cordierite. Quartz grains became finer, and muscovite was almost entirely consumed in the process. With increasing γ, melt and crystal fractions decreased and increased, respectively. Among the new minerals, K‐feldspar grains (highest area fraction and coarsest) nucleated first, whereas cordierite and mullite grains, finest and least in number, respectively, nucleated last. Fine grain size, weak crystallographic preferred orientations, low intragranular deformation, and equant shapes suggest both initial and new minerals deformed dominantly by melt‐assisted grain boundary sliding, which is further substantiated by higher misorientations between adjacent grains of quartz, K‐feldspar, and ilmenite.
Defining the Internal Component of Atlantic Multidecadal Variability in a Changing Climate
Authors: Deser Clara , Phillips Adam S.
Published: November 2021

The canonical index of “Atlantic Multidecadal Variability” (AMV) is the low‐pass filtered timeseries of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) averaged over the North Atlantic. This index and its associated SSTA spatial pattern confound externally forced climate change and internally generated climate variability. The internal component of AMV is commonly isolated by either subtracting the global‐mean SSTA or removing the pattern of SSTA associated with the global‐mean. This study evaluates the skill of each method with regard to the spatial pattern of internal AMV, using nine coupled model Large Ensembles over the period 1940–2100 as a testbed in which the true internal AMV is known a priori. The first method aliases the structure of forced climate change onto internal AMV, while the second method is generally robust to climate change. The models simulate realistic patterns of internal AMV, although such an assessment is hampered by the brevity of the observational record.
The Influence of Gas Hydrate Morphology on Reservoir Permeability and Geophysical Shear Wave Remote Sensing
Authors: Sahoo Sourav K. , Best Angus I.
Published: November 2021

We show that direct estimates of the permeability of hydrate‐bearing geological formations are possible from remote measurements of shear wave velocity (Vs) and attenuation (Qs−1). We measured Vs, Qs−1 and electrical resistivity at time intervals during methane hydrate formation in Berea sandstone using a laboratory ultrasonic pulse‐echo system. We observed that Vs and Qs−1 both increase with hydrate saturation Sh, with two peaks in Qs−1 at hydrate saturations of around 6% and 20% that correspond to changes in gradient of Vs. We implemented changes in permeability with hydrate saturation into well‐known Biot‐type poro‐elastic models for two‐ and three‐phases for low (Sh < 12%) and high (Sh > 12%) hydrate saturations respectively. By accounting for changes in permeability linked to hydrate morphology, the models were able to describe the Vs and Qs−1 observations. We found that the first Qs−1 peak is caused by a reduction of permeability during hydrate formation associated with a transition from pore‐floating to pore‐bridging hydrate morphology; similarly, the second Qs−1 peak is caused by a permeability reduction associated with a transition from pore‐bridging hydrate morphology to an interlocking network of hydrate in the pores. We inverted for permeability using our poro‐elastic models from Vs and Qs−1. This inverted permeability agrees with permeability obtained independently from electrical resistivity. We demonstrate a good match of our models to shear wave data at 200 Hz and 2 kHz frequencies from the literature, indicating the general applicability of the models.
Influence of Orography Upon Summertime Low‐Level Jet Dust Emission in the Central and Western Sahara
Authors: Caton Harrison Thomas , Washington Richard , Engelstaedter Sebastian , Jones Richard G. , Savage Nick H.
Published: November 2021

Low‐level jets (LLJs) drive frequent emission of mineral dust in the central and western Sahara in boreal summer. A major hotspot for this process is central Algeria, northern Mali and Mauritania, through which blow the dry near‐surface northeasterly Harmattan winds, with a peak in dust emission around the low‐lying Tidihelt region. North African orography is thought to contribute to the strength of the LLJ over the Bodele dust source in Chad, but its influence on erosivity over summertime source regions remains unquantified. In this paper, the contribution of central Saharan orography to the strength of Harmattan LLJs and associated dust emission frequency is tested. An idealized simulation with flattened Hoggar mountains is compared with a control using the Met Office Unified Model at 12 km horizontal resolution. In the absence of the Hoggar mountains, dust emission frequency estimated using an empirical relationship with surface wind speeds is found to decline across the entire northeasterly “LLJ alley,” including by 31% in the Tidihelt where composited jet surface winds drop from 9.0 to 7.3 m s−1 under a more easterly regime. The mountains are linked to a low‐level leeward geopotential height perturbation, with a northern limb reinforcing northeasterlies through the Tidihelt. Dome‐shaped elevated heating situated over the Hoggar mountains explains the difference between the simulated wind fields in the two experiments. These findings suggest that central Saharan orography plays an important role in sustaining erosive dusty conditions during boreal summer.
Aerosol Activation in Radiation Fog at the Atmospheric Radiation Program Southern Great Plains Site
Authors: Wainwright Charlotte , Chang Rachel Y.‐W. , Richter David
Published: November 2021

Environmental supersaturation is a key parameter in the formation of fog and clouds, yet it cannot be measured directly and must be inferred. Calculating the ambient supersaturation in fog requires knowledge of the aerosol hygroscopicity as well as particle size distribution, and relatively few values have been reported in the literature. Here we use κ‐Köhler theory to derive aerosol activation properties based on particle hygroscopicity and dry particle size distributions, and then estimate the effective peak supersaturation during eight cases of radiative fog at the Southern Great Plains site in rural north‐central Oklahoma, USA. The mean hygroscopicity parameter κ of particles likely to act as cloud condensation nuclei varied from 0.14 to 0.43. Ambient effective peak supersaturation during the fog episodes was between 0.01%–0.07%, with most values below 0.04%. The minimum 50% dry activation diameter generally ranged between 300–400 nm with little activation of particles with diameters below 300 nm.
“Ryanopathies” and RyR2 dysfunctions: can we further decipher them using in vitro human disease models?
Authors: Sleiman Yvonne , Lacampagne Alain , Meli Albano C.
Published: November 2021

The regulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is fundamental to maintain normal functions in many cell types. The ryanodine receptor (RyR), the largest intracellular calcium release channel located on the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER), plays a key role in the intracellular Ca2+ handling. Abnormal type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) function, associated to mutations (ryanopathies) or pathological remodeling, has been reported, not only in cardiac diseases, but also in neuronal and pancreatic disorders. While animal models and in vitro studies provided valuable contributions to our knowledge on RyR2 dysfunctions, the human cell models derived from patients’ cells offer new hope for improving our understanding of human clinical diseases and enrich the development of great medical advances. We here discuss the current knowledge on RyR2 dysfunctions associated with mutations and post-translational remodeling. We then reviewed the novel human cellular technologies allowing the correlation of patient’s genome with their cellular environment and providing approaches for personalized RyR-targeted therapeutics.
The MdABI5 transcription factor interacts with the MdNRT1.5/MdNPF7.3 promoter to fine-tune nitrate transport from roots to shoots in apple
Authors: Liu Ya-Jing , Gao Ning , Ma Qi-Jun , Zhang Jiu-Cheng , Wang Xun , Lu Jing , Hao Yu-Jin , Wang Xiao-Fei , You Chun-Xiang
Published: November 2021

Nitrate is a major nitrogen resource for plant growth and development and acts as both a crucial nutrient and a signaling molecule for plants; hence, understanding nitrate signaling is important for crop production. Abscisic acid (ABA) has been demonstrated to be involved in nitrate signaling, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown in apple. In this study, we found that exogenous ABA inhibited the transport of nitrate from roots to shoots in apple, and the transcription of the nitrate transporter MdNRT1.5/MdNPF7.3 was noticeably reduced at the transcriptional level by ABA, which inhibited the transport of nitrate from roots to shoots. Then, it was found that the ABA-responsive transcription factor MdABI5 bound directly to the ABRE recognition site of the MdNRT1.5 promoter and suppressed its expression. Overexpression of MdABI5 inhibited ABA-mediated transport of nitrate from roots to shoots. Overall, these results demonstrate that MdABI5 regulates the transport of nitrate from roots to shoots partially by mediating the expression of MdNRT1.5, illuminating the molecular mechanism by which ABA regulates nitrate transport in apple.
Understanding how Victoria, Australia gained control of its second COVID-19 wave
Authors: Trauer James M. , Lydeamore Michael J. , Dalton Gregory W. , Pilcher David , Meehan Michael T. , McBryde Emma S. , Cheng Allen C. , Sutton Brett , Ragonnet Romain
Published: November 2021

During 2020, Victoria was the Australian state hardest hit by COVID-19, but was successful in controlling its second wave through aggressive policy interventions. We calibrated a detailed compartmental model of Victoria’s second wave to multiple geographically-structured epidemic time-series indicators. We achieved a good fit overall and for individual health services through a combination of time-varying processes, including case detection, population mobility, school closures, physical distancing and face covering usage. Estimates of the risk of death in those aged ≥75 and of hospitalisation were higher than international estimates, reflecting concentration of cases in high-risk settings. We estimated significant effects for each of the calibrated time-varying processes, with estimates for the individual-level effect of physical distancing of 37.4% (95%CrI 7.2−56.4%) and of face coverings of 45.9% (95%CrI 32.9−55.6%). That the multi-faceted interventions led to the dramatic reversal in the epidemic trajectory is supported by our results, with face coverings likely particularly important.
Experimental quantum simulation of superradiant phase transition beyond no-go theorem via antisqueezing
Authors: Chen Xi , Wu Ze , Jiang Min , Lü Xin-You , Peng Xinhua , Du Jiangfeng
Published: November 2021

The superradiant phase transition in thermal equilibrium is a fundamental concept bridging statistical physics and electrodynamics, which has never been observed in real physical systems since the first proposal in the 1970s. The existence of this phase transition in cavity quantum electrodynamics systems is still subject of ongoing debates due to the no-go theorem induced by the so-called A2 term. Moreover, experimental conditions to study this phase transition are hard to achieve with current accessible technology. Based on the platform of nuclear magnetic resonance, here we experimentally simulate the occurrence of an equilibrium superradiant phase transition beyond no-go theorem by introducing the antisqueezing effect. The mechanism relies on that the antisqueezing effect recovers the singularity of the ground state via exponentially enhancing the zero point fluctuation of system. The strongly entangled and squeezed Schrödinger cat states of spins are achieved experimentally in the superradiant phase, which may play an important role in fundamental tests of quantum theory and implementations of quantum metrology.
Community evaluation of glycoproteomics informatics solutions reveals high-performance search strategies for serum glycopeptide analysis
Authors: Kawahara Rebeca , Chernykh Anastasia , Alagesan Kathirvel , Bern Marshall , Cao Weiqian , Chalkley Robert J. , Cheng Kai , Choo Matthew S. , Edwards Nathan , Goldman Radoslav , Hoffmann Marcus , Hu Yingwei , Huang Yifan , Kim Jin Young , Kletter Doron , Liquet Benoit , Liu Mingqi , Mechref Yehia , Meng Bo , Neelamegham Sriram , Nguyen-Khuong Terry , Nilsson Jonas , Pap Adam , Park Gun Wook , Parker Benjamin L. , Pegg Cassandra L. , Penninger Josef M. , Phung Toan K. , Pioch Markus , Rapp Erdmann , Sakalli Enes , Sanda Miloslav , Schulz Benjamin L. , Scott Nichollas E. , Sofronov Georgy , Stadlmann Johannes , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Woo Christina M. , Wu Hung-Yi , Yang Pengyuan , Ying Wantao , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yong , Zhao Jingfu , Zaia Joseph , Haslam Stuart M. , Palmisano Giuseppe , Yoo Jong Shin , Larson Göran , Khoo Kai-Hooi , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Kolarich Daniel , Packer Nicolle H. , Thaysen-Andersen Morten
Published: November 2021

Glycoproteomics is a powerful yet analytically challenging research tool. Software packages aiding the interpretation of complex glycopeptide tandem mass spectra have appeared, but their relative performance remains untested. Conducted through the HUPO Human Glycoproteomics Initiative, this community study, comprising both developers and users of glycoproteomics software, evaluates solutions for system-wide glycopeptide analysis. The same mass spectrometry based glycoproteomics datasets from human serum were shared with participants and the relative team performance for N﻿- and O-glycopeptide data analysis was comprehensively established by orthogonal performance tests. Although the results were variable, several high-performance glycoproteomics informatics strategies were identified. Deep analysis of the data revealed key performance-associated search parameters and led to recommendations for improved ‘high-coverage’ and ‘high-accuracy’ glycoproteomics search solutions. This study concludes that diverse software packages for comprehensive glycopeptide data analysis exist, points to several high-performance search strategies and specifies key variables that will guide future software developments and assist informatics decision-making in glycoproteomics.
Unreferenced spatial localization under monocular and dichoptic viewing conditions
Authors: Karsolia Apoorva , Stevenson Scott B. , Das Vallabh E.
Published: November 2021

Knowledge of eye position in the brain is critical for localization of objects in space. To investigate the accuracy and precision of eye position feedback in an unreferenced environment, subjects with normal ocular alignment attempted to localize briefly presented targets during monocular and dichoptic viewing. In the task, subjects’ used a computer mouse to position a response disk at the remembered location of the target. Under dichoptic viewing (with red (right eye)–green (left eye) glasses), target and response disks were presented to the same or alternate eyes, leading to four conditions [green target–green response cue (LL), green–red (LR), red–green (RL), and red–red (RR)]. Time interval between target and response disks was varied and localization errors were the difference between the estimated and real positions of the target disk. Overall, the precision of spatial localization (variance across trials) became progressively worse with time. Under dichoptic viewing, localization errors were significantly greater for alternate-eye trials as compared to same-eye trials and were correlated to the average phoria of each subject. Our data suggests that during binocular dissociation, spatial localization may be achieved by combining a reliable versional efference copy signal with a proprioceptive signal that is unreliable perhaps because it is from the wrong eye or is too noisy.
Cardiovascular morbidities in postoperative colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Kim Hyangkyoung , Park In Ja , Han Youngjin , Kwon Tae-Won , Cho Yong-Pil
Published: November 2021

This retrospective observational study investigated the long-term prevalence of new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the predictive role of atherosclerotic plaque in the aorta and iliac arteries for CVD in postoperative colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who received surgical treatment between 2014 and 2015. CVD included coronary or cerebrovascular diseases which required treatment and new-onset CVD included peri-and postoperatively diagnosed CVDs or aggravated CVDs that required additional treatment during follow-up. Of the 2,875 patients included in this study, the prevalence of CVD was 8.9% (255/2875) and 141 (4.9%) developed new-onset CVD. Maximum arterial stenosis in the aorta or iliac arteries occurred in 40.8 ± 18.6% of patients with new-onset CVD and 11.6 ± 13.8% of patients without new-onset CVD (p < 0.001). The mean new-onset CVD-free survival time in patients with > 30% and < 30% stenoses were 52.5 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 50.0–54.9] and 66.5 (95% CIs 66.2–66.8) months, respectively (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the maximal arterial stenosis for new-onset CVD was 0.911. These results suggest that CRC patients are at risk for developing new-onset CVD, which is associated with reduced survival. Atherosclerotic burden in the aorta or both iliac arteries may help predict future CVD events.
Automatic integration of numerical formats examined with frequency-tagged EEG
Authors: Marinova Mila , Georges Carrie , Guillaume Mathieu , Reynvoet Bert , Schiltz Christine , Van Rinsveld Amandine
Published: November 2021

How humans integrate and abstract numerical information across different formats is one of the most debated questions in human cognition. We addressed the neuronal signatures of the numerical integration using an EEG technique tagged at the frequency of visual stimulation. In an oddball design, participants were stimulated with standard sequences of numbers (< 5) depicted in single (digits, dots, number words) or mixed notation (dots—digits, number words—dots, digits—number words), presented at 10 Hz. Periodically, a deviant stimulus (> 5) was inserted at 1.25 Hz. We observed significant oddball amplitudes for all single notations, showing for the first time using this EEG technique, that the magnitude information is spontaneously and unintentionally abstracted, irrespectively of the numerical format. Significant amplitudes were also observed for digits—number words and number words—dots, but not for digits—dots, suggesting an automatic integration across some numerical formats. These results imply that direct and indirect neuro-cognitive links exist across the different numerical formats.
An mCARE study on patterns of risk and resilience for children with ASD in Bangladesh
Authors: Rabbani Masud , Haque Munirul M. , Das Dipal Dipranjan , Zarif Md Ishrak Islam , Iqbal Anik , Schwichtenberg Amy , Bansal Naveen , Soron Tanjir Rashid , Ahmed Syed Ishtiaque , Ahamed Sheikh Iqbal
Published: November 2021

Community-wide lockdowns in response to COVID-19 influenced many families, but the developmental cascade for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be especially detrimental. Our objective was to evaluate behavioral patterns of risk and resilience for children with ASD across parent-report assessments before (from November 2019 to February 2020), during (March 2020 to May 2020), and after (June 2020 to November 2020) an extended COVID-19 lockdown. In 2020, our study Mobile-based care for children with ASD using remote experience sampling method (mCARE) was inactive data collection before COVID-19 emerged as a health crisis in Bangladesh. Here we deployed “Cohort Studies”, where we had in total 300 children with ASD (150 test group and 150 control group) to collect behavioral data. Our data collection continued through an extended COVID-19 lockdown and captured parent reports of 30 different behavioral parameters (e.g., self-injurious behaviors, aggression, sleep problems, daily living skills, and communication) across 150 children with ASD (test group). Based on the children’s condition, 4–6 behavioral parameters were assessed through the study. A total of 56,290 behavioral data points was collected (an average of 152.19 per week) from parent cell phones using the mCARE platform. Children and their families were exposed to an extended COVID-19 lockdown. The main outcomes used for this study were generated from parent reports child behaviors within the mCARE platform. Behaviors included of child social skills, communication use, problematic behaviors, sensory sensitivities, daily living, and play. COVID-19 lockdowns for children with autism and their families are not universally negative but supports in the areas of “Problematic Behavior” could serve to mitigate future risk.
A semi-automated, isolation-free, high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase (RT) loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test
Authors: Schmidt Jonas , Berghaus Sandro , Blessing Frithjof , Wenzel Folker , Herbeck Holger , Blessing Josef , Schierack Peter , Rödiger Stefan , Roggenbuck Dirk
Published: November 2021

Shortages of reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reagents and related equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated the need for alternative, high-throughput methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-mass screening in clinical diagnostic laboratories. A robust, SARS-CoV-2 RT-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay with high-throughput and short turnaround times in a clinical laboratory setting was established and compared to two conventional RT-PCR protocols using 323 samples of individuals with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Limit of detection (LoD) and reproducibility of the isolation-free SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP test were determined. An almost perfect agreement (Cohen’s kappa > 0.8) between the novel test and two classical RT-PCR protocols with no systematic difference (McNemar’s test, P > 0.05) was observed. Sensitivity and specificity were in the range of 89.5 to 100% and 96.2 to 100% dependent on the reaction condition and the RT-PCR method used as reference. The isolation-free RT-LAMP assay showed high reproducibility (Tt intra-run coefficient of variation [CV] = 0.4%, Tt inter-run CV = 2.1%) with a LoD of 95 SARS-CoV-2 genome copies per reaction. The established SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assay is a flexible and efficient alternative to conventional RT-PCR protocols, suitable for SARS-CoV-2 mass screening using existing laboratory infrastructure in clinical diagnostic laboratories.
Venatorbacter cucullus gen. nov sp. nov a novel bacterial predator
Authors: Saeedi Ahmed , Cummings Nicola J. , McLean Denise , Connerton Ian F. , Connerton Phillippa L.
Published: November 2021

A novel Gram-stain negative, aerobic, halotolerant, motile, rod-shaped, predatory bacterium ASxL5T, was isolated from a bovine slurry tank in Nottinghamshire, UK usingCampylobacter hyointestinalisas prey. OtherCampylobacterspecies and members of theEnterobacteriaceaewere subsequently found to serve as prey. Weak axenic growth on Brain Heart Infusion agar was achieved upon subculture without host cells. The optimal growth conditions were 37 °C, at pH 7. Transmission electron microscopy revealed some highly unusual morphological characteristics related to prey availability. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate was related to members of theOceanospirillaceaefamily but could not be classified clearly as a member of any known genus. Whole genome sequencing of ASxL5Tconfirmed the relationship to members theOceanospirillaceae. Database searches revealed that several ASxL5Tshare 16S rRNA gene sequences with several uncultured bacteria from marine, and terrestrial surface and subsurface water. We propose that strain ASxL5Trepresents a novel species in a new genus. We propose the nameVenatorbacter cucullusgen. nov., sp. nov. with ASxL5Tas the type strain.
The urinary excretion of epigenetically modified DNA as a marker of pediatric ALL status and chemotherapy response
Authors: Rozalski Rafal , Gackowski Daniel , Skalska-Bugala Aleksandra , Starczak Marta , Siomek-Gorecka Agnieszka , Zarakowska Ewelina , Modrzejewska Martyna , Dziaman Tomasz , Szpila Anna , Linowiecka Kinga , Guz Jolanta , Szpotan Justyna , Gawronski Maciej , Labejszo Anna , Gackowska Lidia , Foksinski Marek , Olinska Elwira , Wasilow Aleksandra , Koltan Andrzej , Styczynski Jan , Olinski Ryszard
Published: November 2021

The active DNA demethylation process may be linked to aberrant methylation and may be involved in leukemogenesis. We investigated the role of epigenetic DNA modifications in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnostics and therapy monitoring. We analyzed the levels of 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-mdC) oxidation products in the cellular DNA and urine of children with ALL (at diagnosis and during chemotherapy, n = 55) using two-dimensional ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (2D UPLC–MS/MS). Moreover, the expression of Ten Eleven Translocation enzymes (TETs) at the mRNA and protein levels was determined. Additionally, the ascorbate level in the blood plasma was analyzed. Before treatment, the ALL patients had profoundly higher levels of the analyzed modified DNA in their urine than the controls. After chemotherapy, we observed a statistically significant decrease in active demethylation products in urine, with a final level similar to the level characteristic of healthy children. The level of 5-hmdC in the DNA of the leukocytes in blood of the patient group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Our data suggest that urinary excretion of epigenetic DNA modification may be a marker of pediatric ALL status and a reliable marker of chemotherapy response.
Microfluidic transfection of mRNA into human primary lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using ultra-fast physical deformations
Authors: Loo Jocelyn , Sicher Ian , Goff Ailin , Kim Ockchul , Clary Nicole , Alexeev Alexander , Sulchek Todd , Zamarayeva Alla , Han Sewoon , Calero-Garcia Miguel
Published: November 2021

Messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery provides gene therapy with the potential to achieve transient therapeutic efficacy without risk of insertional mutagenesis. Amongst other applications, mRNA can be employed as a platform to deliver gene editing molecules, to achieve protein expression as an alternative to enzyme replacement therapies, and to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on immune cells for the treatment of cancer. We designed a novel microfluidic device that allows for efficient mRNA delivery via volume exchange for convective transfection (VECT). In the device, cells flow through a ridged channel that enforces a series of ultra-fast and large intensity deformations able to transiently open pores and induce convective transport of mRNA into the cell. Here, we describe efficient delivery of mRNA into T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), three human primary cell types widely used for ex vivo gene therapy applications. Results demonstrate that the device can operate at a wide range of cell and payload concentrations and that ultra-fast compressions do not have a negative impact on T cell function, making this a novel and competitive platform for the development of ex vivo mRNA-based gene therapies and other cell products engineered with mRNA.
Facet-engineering palladium nanocrystals for remarkable photocatalytic dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Guo Wei , Guo Binbin , Chen Huiling , Liu Cheng , Wu Ling
Published: November 2021

Rationally constructing functionalized cocatalysts for removing chemically inert polychlorinated biphenyls is significant and challenging.
Li7Ba3Al3O11: a new supertetrahedral oxide
Authors: Nishita Yuki , Yamane Hisanori
Published: November 2021

A new lithium barium aluminate Li7Ba3Al3O11 crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with supertetrahedra composed of Li- and/or Al-centered O tetrahedra.
s-Block chemistry in weakly coordinating solvents
Authors: Buchner Magnus R. , Thomas-Hargreaves Lewis R.
Published: November 2021

The chemistry of alkaline earth metal complexes in weakly coordinating solvents is discussed. The constitution, binding modes and reactivity of these compounds leads to a better understanding of s-block metal ligand interactions.
Gastroprotective effect and mechanisms of Chinese sumac fruits (Rhus chinensis Mill.) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice
Authors: Sun Yilin , Ma Nan , Yi Junjie , Zhou Linyan , Cai Shengbao
Published: November 2021

This paper aimed to study the effect of the phenol-rich fraction from Chinese sumac fruits on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice and to further elucidate the potential mechanisms.
Low-temperature synthesis of tetrapod CdSe/CdS quantum dots through a microfluidic reactor
Authors: Xing Weishuo , Zhang Shuang , An Ruoting , Bi Wengang , Geng Chong , Xu Shu
Published: November 2021

Tetrapod CdSe/CdS QDs are synthesized at 120 °C under controlled growth conditions through a microfluidic reactor for light-emitting applications.
Lewis acid-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulations of oxindole based spirocyclic donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with ynamides
Authors: Zhang Dongxin , Cheng Qihang , Chen Lvjia , Deng Huiqing , Cai Hu , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: November 2021

[3 + 2] annulations of spirocyclopropyl oxindoles with ynamides to offer biologically important spirocyclopenteneoxindoles in high yields with good diastereoselectivities were developed.
Al-doped α-MnO2 coated by lignin for high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Jingliang , Hu Xinhang , Alam Md Asraful , Muhammad Gul , Lv Yongkun , Wang Minghai , Zhu Chenjie , Xiong Wenlong
Published: November 2021

Al3+ doping combined with lignin coating improves the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the modified α-MnO2, L + Al@α-MnO2.
Synthesis of anisotropic colloids with concave and convex structures
Authors: Luo Longfei , Liang Chengcheng , Zhang Hong , Zong Yiwu , Zhao Kun
Published: November 2021

We synthesized concave particles and checked the mechanism for concavity formation, and then disclosed the relationship between the morphologies of concave seeds and the final fabricated particles.
Single-atom catalysts for thermal- and electro-catalytic hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Zhang Jingfang , Zhang Hongjuan , Wu Yongmeng , Liu Cuibo , Huang Yi , Zhou Wei , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2021

The review highlights recent advances and remaining challenges in single atom catalysts for thermal- and electro-catalytic hydrogenation reactions.
The emergence of carbon-dots for optical molecular electronics: from sensors to logic gates, memory devices, and security
Authors: Sharma Vinay
Published: November 2021

In this article, the molecular electronics potential of c-dots and their applications as molecular logic gates, keypad lock, memory devices, and complex circuits is elucidated.
Self-powered solar-blind UV/visible dual-band photodetection based on a solid-state PEDOT:PSS/α-Ga2O3 nanorod array/FTO photodetector
Authors: Fan Ming-Ming , Xu Kang-Li , Li Xiu-Yan , He Gao-Hang , Cao Ling
Published: November 2021

A solid-state PEDOT:PSS/α-Ga2O3 nanorod array/FTO photodetector paves a feasible way to realize high-performance self-powered α-Ga2O3 solar-blind UV/visible dual-band photodetection by easy, common and low-cost processes.
Recent progress on organic exciplex materials with different donor–acceptor contacting modes for luminescent applications
Authors: Guo Junfeng , Zhen Yonggang , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2021

In this review, beside the formation mechanism and emission process of exciplexes, we mainly discuss the donor–acceptor contacting modes and luminescence properties, which are important to develop high-performance and multifunctional optoelectronics.
In vivotherapeutic exploring forMori foliumextract against type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats
Authors: Lyu Kaibo , Yue Wei , Ran Junhua , Liu Yunjuan , Zhu Xueliang
Published: November 2021

Background: The study was aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of Mori folium aqueous extracts (MFAE) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in vivo.

Methods and results: A rat model of T2DM was established with the combination of high sugar and high-fat diet (HSFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). The T2DM rats were administrated with low (2 g.kg−1) and high (5 g.kg−1) doses of MFAE for 60 consecutive days. The biochemical indices of glucose metabolism disorders, insulin resistance and oxidative stress were observed. The results indicated that MFAE significantly promoted the synthesis of hepatic glycogen, reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose and fasting blood insulin, and improved the insulin sensitivity index (ISI). MFAE administration also remarkably increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA).

Conclusion: MFAE showed a therapeutic effect on T2DM with the bioative effect of improve glucose metabolism disorders, decrease insulin resistance, and ameliorate the antioxidative ability.
Modelling and performance evaluation of diode‐assisted impedance source networks
Authors: Rezazadeh Hamed , Monfared Mohammad , Nikbahar Ali
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with a family of two‐ and three‐windings coupled inductor‐based impedance source networks. They have been basically derived from the successful quasi‐Y‐source network (q‐YSN) by replacing one of its capacitors with a diode with different combinations of coupled inductors and called diode assisted impedance source networks (DA‐ISNs). The general three‐windings version, called diode‐assisted Y‐source network (DA‐YSN), as the origin of all other simplified versions, is thoroughly investigated from various points of view. From the voltage gain characteristics aspect, it offers a higher voltage gain with the same number of elements as the conventional q‐YSN. Lower magnetizing and input current ripples show the higher power density of DA‐YSN in comparison to q‐YSN. The effectively reduced voltage stress and the total value of capacitors, and a considerable decreased conversion loss of the magnetic element are the other attractive features of DA‐YSN. With the advantages of a low input current ripple and a high voltage gain, DA‐ISNs can be suitable choices for renewable energy and distributed power generation systems. Operating principle, circuit analysis, and parameters design guidelines for DA‐YSN are thoroughly investigated. Also, the small‐signal modelling, analysis and the controller design are presented in this paper. Finally, the theoretical properties of DA‐YSN are scrutinized by performing extensive experiments on a 200 W laboratory prototype.
Illuminating the darkest galaxies
Authors: Simon Joshua D. , Geha Marla
Published: November 2021

The behavior of extremely dim galaxies provides stringent constraints on the nature of dark matter. Establishing those constraints depends on precise stellar-motion measurements.
Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle
Authors: Cajas Yulia N. , Cañón-Beltrán Karina , de la Blanca María Gemma Millán , Sánchez José M. , Fernandez-Fuertes Beatriz , González Encina M. , Rizos Dimitrios
Published: November 2021

The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo–maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
Aging temperature role on precipitation hardening in a non-equiatomic AlCoCrFeNiTi high-entropy alloy
Authors: Nandal Vickey , Hariharan K. , Sarvesha R. , Singh Sudhanshu S. , Huang E.-Wen , Chang Yao-Jen , Yeh An-Chou , Neelakantan Suresh , Jain Jayant
Published: November 2021

In the present study, the influence of aging temperature on precipitation hardening in a non-equiatomic Al0.2Co1.5CrFeNi1.5Ti0.3 high-entropy alloy has been evaluated. The aging curves have been deduced for different aging temperatures (650, 750, and 850°C) as a function of time. The aging response was found to be markedly different with varying aging temperatures. A combined FESEM and transmission electron microscope studies have been performed to understand the evolution of precipitates and their characteristics with aging temperature and time. The variation of precipitate morphology, number density and size of precipitates with aging temperature were correlated with the age-hardening response. Additionally, the role of lattice misfit strain on precipitate morphology has been evaluated.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
L-cysteine functionalized graphene quantum dots for sub-ppb detection of As (III)
Authors: Naseh Md Farhan , Singh Neelam , Ansari Jamilur R , Kumar Ashavani , Sarkar Tapan , Datta Anindya
Published: November 2021

Here, we report functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for the optical detection of arsenic at room temperature. GQDs with the fluorescence of three fundamental colors (red, green, and blue) were synthesized and functionally capped with L-cysteine (L-cys) to impart selectively towards As (III) by exploiting the affinity of L-cys towards arsenite. The optical characterization of GQDs was carried out using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrometry, and the structural characterizations were performed using transmission electron microscopy. The fluorescence results showed instantaneous quenching in intensity when the GQDs came in contact with As (III) for all test concentrations over a range from 0.025 to 25 ppb, which covers the permissible limit of arsenic in drinking water. The experimental results suggested excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards As (III).
Two-dimensional ZnS@N-doped carbon nanoplates for complete lithium ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Heng , Zhang Jie , Zeng Yibo , Chen Yanli , Guo Hang , Li Lei , Chen Xin , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2021

Metal sulfides are promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries because of the high specific capacities and better electrochemical kinetics comparing to their oxide counterparts. In this paper, novel monocrystalline wurtzite ZnS@N-doped carbon (ZnS@N–C) nanoplates, whose morphology and phase are different from the common ZnS particles with cubic phase, are successfully synthesized. The ZnS@N–C nanoplates exhibit long cycle life with a high reversible specific capacity of 536.8 mAh · g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 500 mA · g−1, which is superior to the pure ZnS nanoplates, illustrating the obvious effect of the N-doped carbon coating for mitigating volume change of the ZnS nanoplates and enhancing the electronic conductivity during charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, it is revealed that the ZnS single crystals with wurtzite phase in the ZnS@N–C nanoplates are transformed to the polycrystalline cubic phase ZnS after charge/discharge processes. In particular, the ZnS@N–C nanoplates are combined with the commercial LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode to fabricate a new type of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/ZnS@N–C complete battery, which exhibits good cycling durability up to 120 cycles at a charge/discharge rate of 1 C after the prelithiation treatment on the ZnS@N–C anode, highlighting the potential of the ZnS@N–C nanoplates anode material applied in lithium ion battery.
ZIF-67-derived N-doped double layer carbon cage as efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Zhao Ximeng , Niu Weixing , Yu Hang , Wan Tongtao , Liu Guihua , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Yanji
Published: November 2021

The slow kinetic of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) hampers the practical application of energy conversion devices, such as fuel cells, metal-air batteries. Here, an efficient ORR electrocatalyst consists of Co, Ni co-decorated nitrogen-doped double shell hollow carbon cage (Ni–Co@NHC) was fabricated by pyrolyzing Ni-doped polydopamine wrapped ZIF-67. During the preparation, polydopamine served as a protective layer can effectively prevent the aggregation of Co and Ni nanoparticles during the pyrolysis process, and at the same time forming a carbon layer to grow a double layer carbon cage. This unique hollow structure endows the catalyst with a high specific surface area as well as more exposed active sites. Also benefited from the synergistic effect between Ni and Co nanoparticles, the Ni–Co@NHC catalyst leads to an outstanding ORR performance of half-wave potential (E
1/2, 0.862 V), outperforms that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, when Ni–Co@NHC was used in the cathode for the zinc-air battery, the cell exhibits high power density (108 mW cm−2) and high specific capacity (806 mAh g−1) at 20 mA cm−2 outperforming Pt/C. This work offers a promising design strategy for the development of high-performance ORR electrocatalysts.