bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAS activation induces synthetic lethality of MEK inhibition with mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Decroocq Justine , Birsen Rudy , Montersino Camille , Chaskar Prasad , Mano Jordi , Poulain Laury , Friedrich Chloe , Alary Anne-Sophie , Guermouche Helene , Sahal Ambrine , Fouquet Guillemette , Gotanègre Mathilde , Simonetta Federico , Mouche Sarah , Gestraud Pierre , Lescure Auriane , Del Nery Elaine , Bosc Claudie , Grenier Adrien , Mazed Fetta , Mondesir Johanna , Chapuis Nicolas , Ho Liza , Boughalem Aicha , Lelorc’h Marc , Gobeaux Camille , Fontenay Michaela , Recher Christian , Vey Norbert , Guillé Arnaud , Birnbaum Daniel , Hermine Olivier , Radford-Weiss Isabelle , Tsantoulis Petros , Collette Yves , Castellano Rémy , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , Pasmant Eric , Bouscary Didier , Kosmider Olivier , Tamburini Jerome
Published: March 2022

Despite recent advances in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) molecular characterization and targeted therapies, a majority of AML cases still lack therapeutically actionable targets. In 127 AML cases with unmet therapeutic needs, as defined by the exclusion of ELN favorable cases and of FLT3-ITD mutations, we identified 51 (40%) cases with alterations in RAS pathway genes (RAS+, mostly NF1, NRAS, KRAS, and PTPN11 genes). In 79 homogeneously treated AML patients from this cohort, RAS+ status were associated with higher white blood cell count, higher LDH, and reduced survival. In AML models of oncogenic addiction to RAS-MEK signaling, the MEK inhibitor trametinib demonstrated antileukemic activity in vitro and in vivo. However, the efficacy of trametinib was heterogeneous in ex vivo cultures of primary RAS+ AML patient specimens. From repurposing drug screens in RAS-activated AML cells, we identified pyrvinium pamoate, an anti-helminthic agent efficiently inhibiting the growth of RAS+ primary AML cells ex vivo, preferentially in trametinib-resistant PTPN11- or KRAS-mutated samples. Metabolic and genetic complementarity between trametinib and pyrvinium pamoate translated into anti-AML synergy in vitro. Moreover, this combination inhibited the propagation of RA+ AML cells in vivo in mice, indicating a potential for future clinical development of this strategy in AML.
Reduced neural activity but improved coding in rodent higher-order visual cortex during locomotion
Authors: Christensen Amelia J. , Pillow Jonathan W.
Published: March 2022

Running profoundly alters stimulus-response properties in mouse primary visual cortex (V1), but its effect in higher-order visual cortex is under-explored. Here we systematically investigate how visual responses vary with locomotive state across six visual areas and three cortical layers using a massive dataset from the Allen Brain Institute. Although previous work has shown running speed to be positively correlated with neural activity in V1, here we show that the sign of correlations between speed and neural activity varies across extra-striate cortex, and is even negative in anterior extra-striate cortex. Nevertheless, across all visual cortices, neural responses can be decoded more accurately during running than during stationary periods. We show that this effect is not attributable to changes in population activity structure, and propose that it instead arises from an increase in reliability of single-neuron responses during locomotion.
Controlling of lattice strains for crack-free and strong ferroelectric barium titanate films by post-thermal treatment
Authors: Kim Bogyu , Jeon Young-Uk , Lee Chulwoo , Kim In Soo , Lee Byeong-Hyeon , Kim Young-Hwan , Kim Young Duck , Han Il Ki , Lee Kwanil , Kim Jongbum , Kang JoonHyun
Published: March 2022

In this study, we experimentally demonstrate fabrication of ultra-smooth and crystalline barium titanate (BTO) films on magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates by engineering lattice strain and crystal structure via thermal treatment. We observe that oxygen-depleted deposition allows growth of highly strained BTO films on MgO substrates with crack-free surface. In addition, post-thermal treatment relaxes strain, resulting in an enhancement of ferroelectricity. Surface roughening of the BTO films caused by recrystallization during post-thermal treatment is controlled by chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) to retain their initial ultra-smooth surfaces. From Raman spectroscopy, reciprocal space map (RSM), and capacitance–voltage (C–V) curve measurements, we confirm that the ferroelectricity of BTO films strongly depend on the relaxation of lattice strain and the phase transition from a-axis to c-axis oriented crystal structure.
Study on the cross-linking process of carboxylated polyaldehyde sucrose as an anti-wrinkle finishing agent for cotton fabric
Authors: Lou Jiangfei , Wang Dan , Fan Xuerong
Published: March 2022

Sucrose was oxidized in a two-step oxidation reaction catalyzed by 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO)-laccase and sodium periodate (NaIO4). To generate carboxylated polyaldehyde sucrose (openSu) containing multiple aldehyde and carboxyl groups. The amount of TEMPO and laccase used, as well as the temperature and reaction time were optimized for the oxidation reaction. The successful combination of aldehyde and carboxyl groups of openSu with cellulose was achieved by changing the composition, ratio of the catalyst and the curing conditions. Thereafter, we analyzed the structural characteristics of openSu as well as the aldehyde and carboxyl group content using nuclear magnetic resonance carbon spectroscopy (13C NMR). We found that the optimal finishing conditions were a mixture of magnesium chloride and sodium hypophosphite at a mass concentration ratio of 16 g/L:4 g/L, and curing at 150 °C for 3 min followed by curing at 180 °C for 2 min. There was significant improvement in the anti-wrinkle performance of the openSu-finished fabric, with a wrinkle recovery angle of 258°, whiteness index of 72.1, and a tensile strength rate of more than 65%. We also studied the covalent crosslinking mechanism between openSu and the cotton fabrics.
Tropical origins of the record-breaking 2020 summer rainfall extremes in East Asia
Authors: Kim Sunyong , Park Jae-Heung , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: March 2022

The East Asian countries have experienced heavy rainfalls in boreal summer 2020. Here, we investigate the dynamical processes driving the rainfall extremes in East Asia during July and August. The Indian Ocean basin warming in June can be responsible for the anticyclonic anomalies in the western North Pacific (WNP), which modulate the zonally-elongated rainfalls in East Asia during July through an atmospheric Rossby wave train. In August, the East Asian rainfall increase is also related to the anticyclonic anomalies in the subtropical WNP, although it is located further north. The north tropical Atlantic warming in June partly contributes to the subtropical WNP rainfall decrease in August through a subtropical teleconnection. Then the subtropical WNP rainfall decrease drives the local anticyclonic anomalies that cause the rainfall increase in East Asia during August. The tropical Indian Ocean anomalously warmed in June and the subtropical WNP rainfall decreased in August 2020, which played a role in modulating the WNP anticyclonic anomalies. Therefore, the record-breaking rainfall extremes in East Asia that occurred during summer 2020 can be explained by the teleconnections associated with the tropical origins among the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans and their interbasin interactions.
Placebo induced expectations of mood enhancement generate a positivity effect in emotional processing
Authors: Baker Joshua , Gamer Matthias , Rauh Jonas , Brassen Stefanie
Published: March 2022

A perceptual bias towards negative emotions is a consistent finding in mood disorders and a major target of therapeutic interventions. Placebo responses in antidepressant treatment are substantial, but it is unclear whether and how underlying expectancy effects can modulate response biases to emotional inputs. In a first attempt to approach this question, we investigated how placebo induced expectation can shape the perception of specific emotional stimuli in healthy individuals. In a controlled cross-over design, positive treatment expectations were induced by verbal instructions and a hidden training manipulation combined with an alleged oxytocin nasal spray before participants performed an emotion classification task on happy and fearful facial expressions with varying intensity. Analyses of response criterion and discrimination ability as derived from emotion-specific psychometric functions demonstrate that expectation specifically lowered participants’ threshold for identifying happy emotions in general, while they became less sensitive to subtle differences in emotional expressions. These indications of a positivity bias were directly correlated with participants’ treatment expectations as well as subjective experiences of treatment effects and went along with a significant mood enhancement. Our findings show that expectations can induce a perceptual positivity effect in healthy individuals which is probably modulated by top-down emotion regulation and which may be able to improve mood state. Clinical implications of these promising results now need to be explored in studies of expectation manipulation in patients with mood disorders.
Cistrome and transcriptome analysis identifies unique androgen receptor (AR) and AR-V7 splice variant chromatin binding and transcriptional activities
Authors: Basil Paul , Robertson Matthew J. , Bingman William E. , Dash Amit K. , Krause William C. , Shafi Ayesha A. , Piyarathna Badrajee , Coarfa Cristian , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: March 2022

The constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) splice variant, AR-V7, plays an important role in resistance to androgen deprivation therapy in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Studies seeking to determine whether AR-V7 is a partial mimic of the AR, or also has unique activities, and whether the AR-V7 cistrome contains unique binding sites have yielded conflicting results. One limitation in many studies has been the low level of AR variant compared to AR. Here, LNCaP and VCaP cell lines in which AR-V7 expression can be induced to match the level of AR, were used to compare the activities of AR and AR-V7. The two AR isoforms shared many targets, but overall had distinct transcriptomes. Optimal induction of novel targets sometimes required more receptor isoform than classical targets such as PSA. The isoforms displayed remarkably different cistromes with numerous differential binding sites. Some of the unique AR-V7 sites were located proximal to the transcription start sites (TSS). A de novo binding motif similar to a half ARE was identified in many AR-V7 preferential sites and, in contrast to conventional half ARE sites that bind AR-V7, FOXA1 was not enriched at these sites. This supports the concept that the AR isoforms have unique actions with the potential to serve as biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets.
Influence of beech and spruce on potentially toxic elements-related health risk of edible mushrooms growing on unpolluted forest soils
Authors: Pecina Václav , Valtera Martin , Drápela Karel , Novotný Radek , Vahalík Petr , Komendová Renata , Brtnický Martin , Juřička David
Published: March 2022

Atmospheric deposition-related potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can contaminate mountain forest ecosystems. The influence of tree species is being increasingly recognised as an important factor in the deposition loads in forest soils. However, relevant modelling studies about the forest pollution with PTEs, concerning the tree species composition, are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) on soil and mushroom pollution and the associated health risks to define their significance for pollution modelling. Therefore, topsoil samples and samples of eight edible mushroom species were taken from 51 mature beech- and spruce-dominated stands. The results showed that forest composition had an indirect influence on the PTEs contents in the topsoil; it significantly differentiated the relationship between PTEs and soil C as the beech stands showed significantly increasing PTEs content with increasing C content. Despite the absence of soil pollution, above-limit levels of Cd and Zn were found in mushrooms. The total content of PTEs in mushrooms posed a potential health risk to consumers in 82% of the samples. The most Cd-contaminated and potentially the riskiest species for consumption was Xerocomellus pruinatus (Fr. and Hök) Šutara. The results suggest that the source of PTEs for mushrooms is not only the soil but probably also the current wet deposition. The influence of the forest type on the accumulation of PTEs in mushrooms was confirmed mainly due to the strongly divergent behaviour of Zn in beech- vs. spruce-dominated stands. The results point to the need to evaluate mushroom contamination even in the contamination-unburdened forest areas. For future modelling of PTEs pollution in forests, it is necessary to differentiate the tree species composition.
The superiority of manual over automated methods in identifying bronchial trees on identical CT images
Authors: Takata So , Miyake Kotaro , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare a manual bronchoscopic navigation technique, the direct oblique method (DOM), with conventional virtual bronchoscopic navigation software in terms of bronchial identification ability involving reconstruction of a whole bronchial tree from identical CT images. A whole bronchial tree was drawn using manual bronchial recognition with the DOM. The tree was compared with that reconstructed by SYNAPSE VINCENT bronchoscopic navigation-dedicated software. The number of bronchial generations at each terminal tip was then compared between the two approaches. Physicians spent 20 h tracing all bronchi on CT scan images and obtained a bronchial tree. The hand-made bronchial tree had five times the number of tips as that reconstructed by automatic bronchial recognition (1482 vs. 279 tips, respectively). The number of bronchial generations prior to each terminal tip was larger with the DOM than with VINCENT (median, 10; interquartile range (IQR), 9–11 vs. median, 5; IQR, 5–7, respectively; p-value < 0.001). Using the CT image data in this case, manual bronchial recognition with the DOM identified more bronchi than automatic bronchial recognition. This result implies that manual bronchial recognition is a valid basis for detailed bronchoscopic navigation analysis.
Genetic and phenotypic diversity of fecal Candida albicans strains in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: van Thiel Isabelle A. M. , Stavrou Aimilia A. , de Jong Auke , Theelen Bart , Davids Mark , Hakvoort Theodorus B. M. , Admiraal-van den Berg Iris , Weert Isabelle C. M. , de Kruijs Martine A. M. Hesselink-van , Vu Duong , Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Heinsbroek Sigrid E. M. , Jonkers Daisy M. A. E. , Hagen Ferry , Boekhout Teun , de Jonge Wouter J. , van den Wijngaard René M.
Published: March 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Visceral hypersensitivity is thought to be responsible for pain complaints in a subset of patients. In an IBS-like animal model, visceral hypersensitivity was triggered by intestinal fungi, and lower mycobiota α-diversity in IBS patients was accompanied by a shift toward increased presence of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yet, this shift was observed in hypersensitive as well as normosensitive patients and diversity did not differ between IBS subgroups. The latter suggests that, when a patient changes from hyper- to normosensitivity, the relevance of intestinal fungi is not necessarily reflected in compositional mycobiota changes. We now confirmed this notion by performing ITS1 sequencing on an existing longitudinal set of fecal samples. Since ITS1 methodology does not recognize variations within species, we next focused on heterogeneity within cultured healthy volunteer and IBS-derived C. albicans strains. We observed inter- and intra-individual genomic variation and partial clustering of strains from hypersensitive patients. Phenotyping showed differences related to growth, yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis and gene expression, specifically of the gene encoding fungal toxin candidalysin. Our investigations emphasize the need for strain-specific cause-and-effect studies within the realm of IBS research.
Neuromorphic chip integrated with a large-scale integration circuit and amorphous-metal-oxide semiconductor thin-film synapse devices
Authors: Kimura Mutsumi , Shibayama Yuki , Nakashima Yasuhiko
Published: March 2022

Artificial intelligences are promising in future societies, and neural networks are typical technologies with the advantages such as self-organization, self-learning, parallel distributed computing, and fault tolerance, but their size and power consumption are large. Neuromorphic systems are biomimetic systems from the hardware level, with the same advantages as living brains, especially compact size, low power, and robust operation, but some well-known ones are non-optimized systems, so the above benefits are only partially gained, for example, machine learning is processed elsewhere to download fixed parameters. To solve these problems, we are researching neuromorphic systems from various viewpoints. In this study, a neuromorphic chip integrated with a large-scale integration circuit (LSI) and amorphous-metal-oxide semiconductor (AOS) thin-film synapse devices has been developed. The neuron elements are digital circuit, which are made in an LSI, and the synapse devices are analog devices, which are made of the AOS thin film and directly integrated on the LSI. This is the world's first hybrid chip where neuron elements and synapse devices of different functional semiconductors are integrated, and local autonomous learning is utilized, which becomes possible because the AOS thin film can be deposited without heat treatment and there is no damage to the underneath layer, and has all advantages of neuromorphic systems.
Transcriptome-wide association study reveals increased neuronal FLT3 expression is associated with Tourette’s syndrome
Authors: Liao Calwing , Vuokila Veikko , Catoire Hélène , Akçimen Fulya , Ross Jay P. , Bourassa Cynthia V. , Dion Patrick A. , Meijer Inge A. , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: March 2022

Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by motor and phonic tics. A recent TS genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a genome-wide significant locus. However, determining the biological mechanism of GWAS signals remains difficult. To characterize effects of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in TS and understand biological underpinnings of the disease. Here, we conduct a TS transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) consisting of 4819 cases and 9488 controls. We demonstrate that increased expression ofFLT3in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is associated with TS. We further show that there is global dysregulation ofFLT3across several brain regions and probabilistic causal fine-mapping of the TWAS signal prioritizesFLT3with a posterior inclusion probability of 0.849. After, we proxy the expression with 100 lymphoblastoid cell lines, and demonstrate that TS cells has a 1.72 increased fold change compared to controls. A phenome-wide association study also points towardFLT3having links with immune-related pathways such as monocyte count. We further identify several splicing events inMPHOSPH9,CSGALNACT2andFIP1L1associated with TS, which are also implicated in immune function. This analysis of expression and splicing begins to explore the biology of TS GWAS signals.
Resistance to chemical carcinogenesis induction via a dampened inflammatory response in naked mole-rats
Authors: Oka Kaori , Fujioka Shusuke , Kawamura Yoshimi , Komohara Yoshihiro , Chujo Takeshi , Sekiguchi Koki , Yamamura Yuki , Oiwa Yuki , Omamiuda-Ishikawa Natsuko , Komaki Shohei , Sutoh Yoichi , Sakurai Satoko , Tomizawa Kazuhito , Bono Hidemasa , Shimizu Atsushi , Araki Kimi , Yamamoto Takuya , Yamada Yasuhiro , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Miura Kyoko
Published: March 2022

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) have a very low spontaneous carcinogenesis rate, which has prompted studies on the responsible mechanisms to provide clues for human cancer prevention. However, it remains unknown whether and how NMR tissues respond to experimental carcinogenesis induction. Here, we show that NMRs exhibit extraordinary resistance against potent chemical carcinogenesis induction through a dampened inflammatory response. Although carcinogenic insults damaged skin cells of both NMRs and mice, NMR skin showed markedly lower immune cell infiltration. NMRs harbour loss-of-function mutations in RIPK3 and MLKL genes, which are essential for necroptosis, a type of necrotic cell death that activates strong inflammation. In mice, disruption of Ripk3 reduced immune cell infiltration and delayed carcinogenesis. Therefore, necroptosis deficiency may serve as a cancer resistance mechanism via attenuating the inflammatory response in NMRs. Our study sheds light on the importance of a dampened inflammatory response as a non-cell-autonomous cancer resistance mechanism in NMRs.
Gentamicin at sub-inhibitory concentrations selects for antibiotic resistance in the environment
Authors: Sanchez-Cid Concepcion , Guironnet Alexandre , Keuschnig Christoph , Wiest Laure , Vulliet Emmanuelle , Vogel Timothy M
Published: March 2022

Antibiotics released into the environment at low (sub-inhibitory) concentrations could select for antibiotic resistance that might disseminate to the human microbiome. In this case, low-level anthropogenic sources of antibiotics would have a significant impact on human health risk. In order to provide data necessary for the evaluation of this risk, we implemented river water microcosms at both sub-inhibitory and inhibitory concentrations of gentamicin as determined previously based on bacterial growth in enriched media. Using metagenomic sequencing and qPCR/RT-qPCR, we assessed the effects of gentamicin on water bacterial communities and their resistome. A change in the composition of total and active communities, as well as a gentamicin resistance gene selection identified via mobile genetic elements, was observed during a two-day exposure. We demonstrated the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of gentamicin on bacterial communities and their associated resistome in microcosms (simulating in situ conditions). In addition, we established relationships between antibiotic dose and the magnitude of the community response in the environment. The scope of resistance selection under sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics and the mechanisms underlying this process might provide the basis for understanding resistance dispersion and associated risks in relatively low impacted ecosystems.
Phage-encoded ribosomal protein S21 expression is linked to late-stage phage replication
Authors: Chen Lin-Xing , Jaffe Alexander L , Borges Adair L , Penev Petar I , Nelson Tara Colenbrander , Warren Lesley A , Banfield Jillian F
Published: March 2022

The ribosomal protein S21 (bS21) gene has been detected in diverse viruses with a large range of genome sizes, yet its in situ expression and potential significance have not been investigated. Here, we report five closely related clades of bacteriophages (phages) represented by 47 genomes (8 curated to completion and up to 331 kbp in length) that encode a bS21 gene. The bS21 gene is on the reverse strand within a conserved region that encodes the large terminase, major capsid protein, prohead protease, portal vertex proteins, and some hypothetical proteins. Based on CRISPR spacer targeting, the predominance of bacterial taxonomic affiliations of phage genes with those from Bacteroidetes, and the high sequence similarity of the phage bS21 genes and those from Bacteroidetes classes of Flavobacteriia, Cytophagia and Saprospiria, these phages are predicted to infect diverse Bacteroidetes species that inhabit a range of depths in freshwater lakes. Thus, bS21 phages have the potential to impact microbial community composition and carbon turnover in lake ecosystems. The transcriptionally active bS21-encoding phages were likely in the late stage of replication when collected, as core structural genes and bS21 were highly expressed. Thus, our analyses suggest that the phage bS21, which is involved in translation initiation, substitutes into the Bacteroidetes ribosomes and selects preferentially for phage transcripts during the late-stage replication when large-scale phage protein production is required for assembly of phage particles.
Viral diversity is linked to bacterial community composition in alpine stream biofilms
Authors: Bekliz Meriem , Pramateftaki Paraskevi , Battin Tom Jan , Peter Hannes
Published: March 2022

Biofilms play pivotal roles in fluvial ecosystems, yet virtually nothing is known about viruses in these communities. Leveraging an optimized sample-to-sequence pipeline, we studied the spatiotemporal turnover of dsDNA viruses associated with stream biofilms and found an astounding diversity to be structured by seasons and along the longitudinal gradient in the stream. While some vOTUs were region- or season-specific, we also identified a large group of permanent biofilm phages, taxonomically dominated by Myoviridae. Comparison of the observed viral distribution with predictions based on neutral community assembly indicated that chance and dispersal may be important for structuring stream biofilm viral communities. Deviation from neutral model predictions suggests that certain phages distribute efficiently across distant locations within the stream network. This dispersal capacity appears to be linked to EPS depolymerases that enable phages to efficiently overcome the biofilm barrier. Other phages, particularly vOTUs classified as Siphoviridae, appear locally overrepresented and to rely on a lysogenic life cycle, potentially to exploit the spatial distribution of bacterial populations in stream biofilms. Overall, biofilm viral and bacterial community turnover were significantly coupled. Yet, viral communities were linked to the presence of the most abundant bacterial community members. With this work, we provide a foundational ecological perspective on factors that structure viral diversity in stream biofilms and identify potentially important viral traits related to the biofilm mode of life.
Local charge transfer within a covalent organic framework and Pt nanoparticles promoting interfacial catalysis
Authors: He Yajun , Pan Guodong , Li Liuyi , Zhong Shenghong , Li Lingyun , Liu Zheyuan , Yu Yan
Published: March 2022

A pyridine-functionalized covalent organic framework encapsulating Pt nanoparticles with local charge transfer was developed, which efficiently catalyzed H2production from ammonia borane hydrolysis in water.
Analytical comparisons of handheld LIBS and XRF devices for rapid quantification of gallium in a plutonium surrogate matrix
Authors: Rao Ashwin P. , Jenkins Phillip R. , Auxier John D. , Shattan Michael B. , Patnaik Anil K.
Published: March 2022

Comparing two handheld elemental analyzers for potential use in plutonium manufacturing quality control.
A new approach for baseline correction in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zheng Ronger , Tian Ye , Wang Beibei , Guo Jinjia , Lu Yuan
Published: March 2022

A new method, wavelength artificial shift subtraction, for baseline correction in LIBS.
Permanently polarized hydroxyapatite, an outstanding catalytic material for carbon and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Sans Jordi , Arnau Marc , Turon Pau , Alemán Carlos
Published: March 2022

Permanently polarized hydroxyapatite is a new material with electrical enhanced properties. This review discusses the advances in this material in terms of structure, properties and catalytic activity of green processes.
Transcriptional profiling of the chick retina identifies down-regulation of VIP and UTS2B genes during early lens-induced myopia
Authors: Shan Sze Wan , Wang Pan Feng , Cheung Jimmy Ka Wai , Yu Fengjuan , Zheng Hui , Luo Shumeng , Yip Shea Ping , To Chi Ho , Lam Thomas Chuen
Published: March 2022

Gene expression of the chick retina was examined during the early development of lens-induced myopia (LIM) using whole transcriptome sequencing.
Non-metallic copolymer material-based universal bio-abiotic hybrid platform for boosting the efficient electronic collection of microbial fuel cells
Authors: Dong Rongyao , Chen Zhijun
Published: March 2022

Synthetic cationic-pyrrole copolymer for forming an abio–abiotic hybrid conductive film with microbe cells on graphite felt of the electrode of an MFC, leading to high efficiency performance for electrogenesis.
Electric potential-determined redox intermediates for effective recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hua Yunhui , Xu Zhenghe , Zhao Baojun , Zhang Zuotai
Published: March 2022

Based on an electric potential test, Fe3+ was selected as an intermediate for synergistic salt leaching of valuable metals from spent LFP and NCM cathodes, while keeping PO43− separated in the residue as FePO4.
Synthesis, biological and computational studies of flavonoid acetamide derivatives
Authors: Isika Daniel K. , Özkömeç Fatma Nur , Çeşme Mustafa , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: March 2022

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel class of flavonoid acetamide derivatives (FA) of quercetin, apigenin, fisetin, kaempferol, and luteolin.
AgBiS2 as a photoabsorber for eco-friendly solar cells: a review
Authors: Akhil S. , Balakrishna R Geetha
Published: March 2022

Commercialization of photovoltaic devices can be limited by presence of heavy metals. The use of less toxic quantum dot materials is an attractive strategy to address this issue. Here, we review AgBiS2 as an absorber for eco-friendly solar cells.
A single-crystal nickel-rich material as a highly stable cathode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ran Aihua , Chen Shuxiao , Cheng Ming , Liang Zheng , Li Baohua , Zhou Guangmin , Kang Feiyu , Zhang Xuan , Wei Guodan
Published: March 2022

Compared to polycrystalline Ni-rich cathode materials, single crystal Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 materials have less irreversible structural and phase changes under varied temperature conditions, improving their cycling stability.
Mediating the alloying depth to tune silicon's morphology and lithium-storage performance
Authors: Ma Qiang , Zhao Yan , Guo Yanyang , Zhao Zhuqing , Xie Hongwei , Xing Pengfei , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: March 2022

Regulating the morphology and structure of Si by alloying/dealloying has been proven as an effective way to leverage the Li-storage performance of the Si anode in Li-ion batteries (LIBs).
Synergistic effects of bithiophene ammonium salt for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Chang , Zuo Lijian , Hang Pengjie , Guo Xiangwei , Pan Youwen , Zhou Guanqing , Chen Tianyi , Niu Benfang , Xu Xingqi , Hong Zijian , Wang Dawei , Zhu Haiming , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren , Chen Hongzheng
Published: March 2022

A 2D spacer (2TEAI) has been synthesized and deposited on PVSCs, which led to a significant increase in the efficiency from 21.7% to 23.6%, as well as 21.32% for the up-scaled device (2.25 cm2).
iR drop correction in electrocatalysis: everything one needs to know!
Authors: Anantharaj Sengeni , Noda Suguru
Published: March 2022

This perspective details every single aspects of iRu drop correction in controlled-potential electrocatalysis from fundamentals to the best practices.
High-throughput discovery of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts in the complex solid solution system Co–Cr–Fe–Mo–Ni
Authors: Schumacher Simon , Baha Sabrina , Savan Alan , Andronescu Corina , Ludwig Alfred
Published: March 2022

Discovery of new electrocatalysts requires the combination of high-throughput synthesis and high-throughput screening techniques to explore the vast compositional range of compositionally complex solid solutions (CCSS).
Super-zincophilic additive induced interphase modulation enables long-life Zn anodes at high current density and areal capacity
Authors: Geng Yaheng , Miao Licheng , Yan Zichao , Xin Wenli , Zhang Lei , Peng Huiling , Li Junwei , Zhu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2022

Super-zincophilic di-2-picolylamine has been developed as an effective electrolyte additive to modulate the Zn anode/electrolyte interphase, which enables reversible Zn plating/stripping even under severe cycling conditions.
Morphology evolution via solvent optimization enables all-polymer solar cells with improved efficiency and reduced voltage loss
Authors: Li Zhenye , Peng Feng , Qian Xitang , Li Jingwen , Zhong Zhiming , Ying Lei , Wu Hongbin , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: March 2022

The progress in all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) is often accompanied by morphology evolution of the light-harvesting layer.
Simultaneously enhancing aggregation-induced emission and boosting two-photon absorption of perylene diimides through regioisomerization
Authors: Xu Liang , Long Xueting , Kang Fangyuan , Deng Ziqi , He Jiaxin , Yang Sirui , Wu Jieyu , Yin Lingfeng , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Lu Fushen , Li Ming-De , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2022

We present an isomerism strategy to study the substitution position of perylene diimides on the performances of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and two-photon absorption (2PA). Interestingly, enhanced AIE and 2PA have been achieved.
Imidazolium and picolinium-based electrolytes for electrochemical reduction of CO2 at high pressure
Authors: Messias Sofia , Paz Vitória , Cruz Hugo , Rangel Carmen M. , Branco Luís C. , Reis-Machado Ana S.
Published: March 2022

Ionic liquid-based aqueous electrolytes with reduced IL content for coupling CO2 capture and electrochemical reduction.
Facing a Clinical Challenge: Limited Empirical Support for Toddler Speech Sound Production Intervention Approaches
Authors: DeVeney Shari L. , Peterkin Kristina
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Speech sound production intervention in early childhood is relatively rare despite empirical and theoretical support for providing this type of targeted therapy for toddlers. Challenges perpetuate the present clinical condition including those related to treatment decision making (e.g., intervention approach).

Method:

Although there are numerous speech sound production treatment approaches appropriate for the pediatric population, a much smaller proportion are proposed to be appropriate for children under the age of 3 years. Of these, five approaches (i.e., core vocabulary, cycles, naturalist recast, stimulability, and psycholinguistic intervention) were selected for review because they can be used to treat functional speech sound disorders produced by toddlers and none required additional clinician training for implementation.

Results:

We found the empirical evidence supporting the use of these approaches with children under the age of 3 years scant to nonexistent.

Conclusions:

Due to the lack of empirical evidence, early intervention speech-language pathologists must primarily rely on internal factors (e.g., clinician experience and client/caregiver perspectives) to support evidence-based intervention decisions in the absence of external empirical support. Clinical action steps such as careful documentation of approaches used/discontinued and associated individual client outcomes are necessary for evidence-based decision making until more robust empirical evidence is established.
Control scheme for wind–solar photovoltaic and battery‐based microgrid considering dynamic loads and distorted grid
Authors: Singh Yashi , Singh Bhim , Mishra Sukuma
Published: March 2022

A concern regarding the deterioration in power quality (PQ) has escalated with the high level of integration of renewable energy sources to the utility, primarily in the scenario of a weak distribution grid. This paper presents a modified complex variable filter (MCVF)‐based control to enhance the power quality performance of wind–solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery‐based microgrid under the weak grid and dynamic load conditions. An MCVF attenuates the harmonics and DC bias infected voltage and current and extracts the fundamental components from distorted current and voltage. The control scheme for the voltage source converter (VSC) is presented to meet the active power demand of load/grid and attenuates harmonics to control the power quality issues at the point of common coupling. To achieve the round, the clock operation of the microgrid, a battery is interfaced to support the local loads under off‐grid mode. Therefore, the presented VSC controller supplies the continuous power to the local loads and maintains the total harmonic distortion value of grid current within the PQ Standard IEEE‐519‐2014. The simulated and test results are presented to validate the VSC controller in different operating conditions.
An LC-MS/MS Methodological Framework for Steroid Hormone
Measurement from Human Serum
Authors: Gasbarrino Karina , Daly Edward , Daskalopoulou Stella S.
Published: March 2022

Estrogens and androgens are important regulators of sexual development and
physiological processes in men and women, acting on numerous organs throughout
the body. Moreover, they can contribute to a variety of pathologies, including
osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurologic diseases. Analysis of
estrogens and androgens in biological samples has been commonly performed using
immunoassays for many years. However, these assays are suboptimal, as there is
cross-reactivity with similar analytes, and they have moderate specificity and
sensitivity. Thus, there is a clinical need to develop highly sensitive and
specific methods for the accurate measurement of estrogen and androgen
concentrations. Herein, we describe the development of three liquid
chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry-based methods that incorporate
the use of a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer for quantitative measurement of
endogenous concentrations of various steroid hormones in human serum samples:
(1) the simultaneous measurement of testosterone, androstenedione, and cortisol,
(2) dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and (3) 17β-estradiol
(E2). The use of derivatizing reagents, Girard’s reagent P
and dansyl chloride, allowed for significant gains in sensitivity in the
analysis of DHEA and E2, respectively, relative to the underivatized analyte.
These procedures proved efficient and adequately sensitive for steroid hormone
analysis in extracted patient sera samples from older men and postmenopausal
women, providing reliable data down to low nanogram/ml and
sub-nanogram/ml levels. Moreover, utilizing the combination of highly
specific mass transitions associated with these analytes and their respective
internal deuterated standards provided a high degree of specificity to the
identity of these hormones.
Quality Requirements for Medicinal Cannabis and Respective Products in the European Union – Status Quo
Authors: Veit Markus
Published: March 2022

Medicinal cannabis and respective products have been available in EU member states as single-patient prescriptions without regular marketing authorizations for a couple of years. The
Netherlands was the first member state to realize this; in the meantime other member states have followed. Today, aside from the Netherlands, Germany is the most important market for such
products. The regulatory framework for the approval of medicinal cannabis and its distribution to patients in the EU member states is, however, not harmonized at all, and there are distinct
national regulations. Regarding the quality of such products, the general requirements for herbal medicinal products as defined in the European Pharmacopoeia, national pharmacopoeias, and
the EMA guidance documents in place beside GMP requirements in the EU are applicable. However, for a couple of aspects, every EU member state follows its own interpretation of these
requirements. To facilitate free distribution of such products between EU member states in future and to harmonize requirements for quality and GMP, an EU-wide approach is needed. As a first
step, this should be realized by implementing monographs for cannabis medicinal products in the European Pharmacopoeia.
P-Chloride-Free Synthesis of Phosphoric Esters: Microwave-Assisted Esterification of Alkyl- and Dialkyl Phosphoric Ester-Acids Obtained from Phosphorus Pentoxide
Authors: Keglevich György , Harsági Nikoletta , Kiss Nóra Zsuzsa
Published: March 2022

It is a reasonable endeavour to replace P-chloride starting materials (e.g., POCl3) with greener and cheaper reagents. Our purpose was to start from phosphorus pentoxide, i.e. to utilize its reaction with alcohols in the preparation of (HO)2P(O)(OR) and HOP(O)(OR)2, and to convert the mixtures of the corresponding monoester and diester, so obtained, into the target trialkyl esters. Separate experiments showed that the monobutylphosphate undergo microwave (MW)-assisted esterification with butanol in the presence of [bmim][BF4] catalyst at 200 °C to afford dibutylphosphate in a selective manner (ca. 95%) that, in turn, may be converted into tributylphosphate by alkylation under MW irradiation. In this way, the mixtures of (HO)2P(O)(OR) and HOP(O)(OR)2 obtained by the practical reaction of phosphorus pentoxide and alcohol (ROH) could also be converted in two additional steps into the corresponding trialkyl esters. The three-step synthesis of trialkylphosphates starting from phosphorus pentoxide was also transformed in a one-pot (step 1: preparation of the monoester diester mixture, step 2: diesterification) and telescoping (step 3: triesterification) variation, avoiding the isolation and purification of the intermediates, and affording the triesters­ in 86–93% yields. The three- and two-step P-chloride-free methods developed are ‘green’ and of more general value.
Adding Intermittent Vibration to Varied-intensity Work Intervals: No
Extra Benefit
Authors: Bossi Arthur Henrique , Mesquida Cristian , Hopker James , Rønnestad Bent Ronny
Published: March 2022

Varied-intensity work intervals have been shown to induce higher fractions of
maximal oxygen uptake during high-intensity interval training compared with
constant-intensity work intervals. We assessed whether varied-intensity work
intervals combined with intermittent vibration could further increase
cyclists’ fraction of maximal oxygen uptake to potentially optimise
adaptive stimulus. Thirteen cyclists (V̇O2max:
69.7±7.1 ml·kg−1·min−1)
underwent a performance assessment and two high-intensity interval training
sessions. Both comprised six 5-minute varied-intensity work intervals within
which the work rate was alternated between 100% (3×30-second
blocks, with or without vibration) and 77% of maximal aerobic power
(always without vibration). Adding vibration to varied-intensity work intervals
did not elicit a longer time above ninety percent of maximal oxygen uptake
(415±221 versus 399±209 seconds, P=0.69).
Heart rate- and perceptual-based training-load metrics were also not affected
(all P≥0.59). When considering individual work intervals, no
between-condition differences were found (fraction of maximal oxygen uptake,
P=0.34; total oxygen uptake, P=0.053; mean
minute ventilation, P=0.079; mean heart rate,
P=0.88; blood lactate concentration, P=0.53;
ratings of perceived exertion, P=0.29). Adding intermittent
vibration to varied-intensity work intervals does not increase the fraction of
maximal oxygen uptake elicited. Whether intermittent exposure to vibration can
enhance cyclists’ adaptive stimulus triggered by high-intensity interval
training remains to be determined.
Analysis of light – current characteristics of high-power semiconductor lasers (1060 nm) in a steady-state 2D model
Authors: Slipchenko S.O. , Golovin V.S. , Soboleva O.S. , Lamkin I.A. , Pikhtin N.A.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a 2D model of a high-power semiconductor laser, which takes into account carrier transport across the layers of its heterostructure and longitudinal spatial hole burning (LSHB), an effect related to the nonuniform gain distribution along the cavity axis. We show that the use of the 2D model which takes into account carrier transport across the layers of the heterostructure allows an appreciable contribution of LSHB to saturation of light – current characteristics to be demonstrated. The LSHB effect, causing a decrease in the output optical power of semiconductor lasers, is shown to be stronger at high drive currents and low output mirror reflectivities. In the case of high drive currents, the LSHB-induced drop in power is related to the faster growth of internal optical and recombination losses because of the nonuniform current density distribution along the cavity axis, such that the highest current density can be almost twice the lowest one. LSHB is shown to increase the power stored in a Fabry – Perot cavity, which is an additional mechanism reducing the output optical power.
α-Synuclein phosphorylation at serine 129 occurs after initial protein deposition and inhibits seeded fibril formation and toxicity
Authors: Ghanem Simona S. , Majbour Nour K. , Vaikath Nishant N. , Ardah Mustafa T. , Erskine Daniel , Jensen Nanna Møller , Fayyad Muneera , Sudhakaran Indulekha P. , Vasili Eftychia , Melachroinou Katerina , Abdi Ilham Y. , Poggiolini Ilaria , Santos Patricia , Dorn Anton , Carloni Paolo , Vekrellis Kostas , Attems Johannes , McKeith Ian , Outeiro Tiago F. , Jensen Poul Henning , El-Agnaf Omar M. A.
Published: March 2022

Significance

Converging evidence points to the build-up of phosphorylated α-synuclein (α-syn) at residue serine 129 (pS129) in Lewy body disease, suggesting its central role in the regulation of α-syn aggregation and neuronal degeneration. However, a comprehensive understanding of the role of α-syn phosphorylation at pS129 in α-synuclenopathies pathogenesis is still lacking. Herein, we study the phosphorylation incidence and its effect on α-syn aggregation propensity and cellular toxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that pS129 occurred subsequent to initial α-syn aggregation, lessened aggregation propensity, and attenuated cytotoxicity through diverse assays. Our findings highlight major implications for a better understanding of the role of a molecular modification on protein aggregation.
Bi-functional Ni-doped La2O3 nanosheets: their enhanced photocatalytic performance and antibacterial properties
Authors: Arshad Aqsa , Siddique Sadaf , Shahid M , Zulqurnain M , Niazi R K , Mansoor Q , Nadeem K
Published: March 2022

Contaminated water and antibiotic resistance are global threats that need urgent attention. In this work, we present the sunlight-induced removal of methyl violet (MV) and antibacterial properties of neat La2O3 nanoribbons and Ni (1%, 3%, 5%)-doped La2O3 nanosheets. The increased concentration of Ni dopant not only induces the morphological transformation to quasi-2D-surface-like nanosheets but also greatly improves the optical properties by reducing the bandgap of La2O3, which synergistically serves to enhance the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MV. The 5% Ni-doped La2O3 nanosheets exhibit the maximum photocatalytic efficiency, i.e. 99.15% compared to La2O3 (29%) nanoribbons alone, which makes them an exceptional material for the decontamination of MV polluted water. In addition, at the optimized concentration of Ni, La2O3 nanosheets show robust antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus by inhibiting 83.14% and 84.88% growth, respectively. 5% Ni-doped La2O3 can be a potential bi-functional nanocatalyst and a novel antibacterial material owing to its unique sheet-like morphology that provides high surface interaction with the bacteria and a greater number of adsorption sites for the contaminant dye.