bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sperm preparedness and adaptation to osmotic and pH stressors relate to functional competence of sperm in Bos taurus
Authors: Lavanya Maharajan , Archana Santhanahalli Siddalingappa , Swathi Divakar , Ramya Laxman , Arangasamy Arunachalam , Binsila Balakrishnan , Dhali Arindam , Krishnaswamy Narayanan , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Harendra , Sivaram Muniandy , Selvaraju Sellappan
Published: November 2021

The adaptive ability of sperm in the female reproductive tract micromilieu signifies the successful fertilization process. The study aimed to analyze the preparedness of sperm to the prevailing osmotic and pH stressors in the female reproductive tract. Fresh bovine sperm were incubated in 290 (isosmotic-control), 355 (hyperosmotic-uterus and oviduct), and 420 (hyperosmotic-control) mOsm/kg and each with pH of 6.8 (uterus) and 7.4 (oviduct). During incubation, the changes in sperm functional attributes were studied. Sperm kinematics and head area decreased significantly (p < 0.05) immediately upon exposure to hyperosmotic stress at both pH. Proportion of sperm capacitated (%) in 355 mOsm/kg at 1 and 2 h of incubation were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in 290 mOsm media. The magnitude and duration of recovery of sperm progressive motility in 355 mOsm with pH 7.4 was correlated with the ejaculate rejection rate (R2 = 0.7). Using this information, the bulls were divided into good (n = 5) and poor (n = 5) osmo-adapters. The osmo-responsive genes such asNFAT5, HSP90AB1, SLC9C1, ADAM1BandGAPDHwere upregulated (p < 0.05) in the sperm of good osmo-adapters. The study suggests that sperm are prepared for the osmotic and pH challenges in the female reproductive tract and the osmoadaptive ability is associated with ejaculate quality in bulls.
Functional diversity of Himalayan bat communities declines at high elevation without the loss of phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Chakravarty Rohit , Mohan Ram , Voigt Christian C. , Krishnan Anand , Radchuk Viktoriia
Published: November 2021

Species richness exhibits well-known patterns across elevational gradients in various taxa, but represents only one aspect of quantifying biodiversity patterns. Functional and phylogenetic diversity have received much less attention, particularly for vertebrate taxa. There is still a limited understanding of how functional, phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity change in concert across large gradients of elevation. Here, we focused on the Himalaya—representing the largest elevational gradients in the world—to investigate the patterns of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in a bat assemblage. Combining field data on species occurrence, relative abundance, and functional traits with measures of phylogenetic diversity, we found that bat species richness and functional diversity declined at high elevation but phylogenetic diversity remained unchanged. At the lowest elevation, we observed low functional dispersion despite high species and functional richness, suggesting a niche packing mechanism. The decline in functional richness, dispersion, and divergence at the highest elevation is consistent with patterns observed due to environmental filtering. These patterns are driven by the absence of rhinolophid bats, four congeners with extreme trait values. Our data, some of the first on mammals from the Himalayan region, suggest that in bat assemblages with relatively high species diversity, phylogenetic diversity may not be a substitute to measure functional diversity.
Cuprizone feed formulation influences the extent of demyelinating disease pathology
Authors: Toomey Lillian M. , Papini Melissa , Lins Brittney , Wright Alexander J. , Warnock Andrew , McGonigle Terence , Hellewell Sarah C. , Bartlett Carole A. , Anyaegbu Chidozie , Fitzgerald Melinda
Published: November 2021

Cuprizone is a copper-chelating agent that induces pathology similar to that within some multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The reliability and reproducibility of cuprizone for inducing demyelinating disease pathology depends on the animals ingesting consistent doses of cuprizone. Cuprizone-containing pelleted feed is a convenient way of delivering cuprizone, but the efficacy of these pellets at inducing demyelination has been questioned. This study compared the degree of demyelinating disease pathology between mice fed cuprizone delivered in pellets to mice fed a powdered cuprizone formulation at an early 3 week demyelinating timepoint. Within rostral corpus callosum, cuprizone pellets were more effective than cuprizone powder at increasing astrogliosis, microglial activation, DNA damage, and decreasing the density of mature oligodendrocytes. However, cuprizone powder demonstrated greater protein nitration relative to controls. Furthermore, mice fed control powder had significantly fewer mature oligodendrocytes than those fed control pellets. In caudal corpus callosum, cuprizone pellets performed better than cuprizone powder relative to controls at increasing astrogliosis, microglial activation, protein nitration, DNA damage, tissue swelling, and reducing the density of mature oligodendrocytes. Importantly, only cuprizone pellets induced detectable demyelination compared to controls. The two feeds had similar effects on oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) dynamics. Taken together, these data suggest that demyelinating disease pathology is modelled more effectively with cuprizone pellets than powder at 3 weeks. Combined with the added convenience, cuprizone pellets are a suitable choice for inducing early demyelinating disease pathology.
Experimental strategies to achieve efficient targeted knock-in via tandem paired nicking
Authors: Rahman Md. Lutfur , Hyodo Toshinori , Karnan Sivasundaram , Ota Akinobu , Hasan Muhammad Nazmul , Mihara Yuko , Wahiduzzaman Md , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Hosokawa Yoshitaka , Konishi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Tandem paired nicking (TPN) is a method of genome editing that enables precise and relatively efficient targeted knock-in without appreciable restraint by p53-mediated DNA damage response. TPN is initiated by introducing two site-specific nicks on the same DNA strand using Cas9 nickases in such a way that the nicks encompass the knock-in site and are located within a homologous region between a donor DNA and the genome. This nicking design results in the creation of two nicks on the donor DNA and two in the genome, leading to relatively efficient homology-directed recombination between these DNA fragments. In this study, we sought to identify the optimal design of TPN experiments that would improve the efficiency of targeted knock-in, using multiple reporter systems based on exogenous and endogenous genes. We found that efficient targeted knock-in via TPN is supported by the use of 1700–2000-bp donor DNAs, exactly 20-nt-long spacers predicted to be efficient in on-target cleavage, and tandem-paired Cas9 nickases nicking at positions close to each other. These findings will help establish a methodology for efficient and precise targeted knock-in based on TPN, which could broaden the applicability of targeted knock-in to various fields of life science.
Role of MUC1 rs4072037 polymorphism and serum KL-6 levels in patients with antisynthetase syndrome
Authors: Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , Atienza-Mateo Belén , Ocejo-Vinyals J. Gonzalo , Genre Fernanda , Pulito-Cueto Verónica , Mora-Cuesta Víctor M. , Iturbe-Fernández David , Lera-Gómez Leticia , Pérez-Fernández Raquel , Prieto-Peña Diana , Irure Juan , Romero-Bueno Fredeswinda , Sanchez-Pernaute Olga , Alonso-Moralejo Rodrigo , Nuño Laura , Bonilla Gema , Vicente-Rabaneda Esther F. , Grafia Ignacio , Prieto-González Sergio , Narvaez Javier , Trallero-Araguas Ernesto , Selva-O’Callaghan Albert ,   Spanish Biomarkers of Antisynthetase Syndrome Consortium, Ortego-Centeno Norberto , Pérez-Gómez Nair , Mera Antonio , Martínez-Barrio Julia , Moriano Clara , Díez Elvira , Calvo-Alén Jaime , Balsa Alejandro ,   Spanish Biomarkers of Interstitial Lung Disease Consortium, Ussetti María Piedad , Laporta Rosalía , Berastegui Cristina , Solé Amparo , Gualillo Oreste , Cavagna Lorenzo , Cifrián José M. , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Castañeda Santos , López-Mejías Raquel , González-Gay Miguel A.
Published: November 2021

Mucin 1/Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is proposed as a serum biomarker of several interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), including connective tissue disorders associated with ILD. However, it has not been studied in a large cohort of Caucasian antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) patients. Consequently, we assessed the role of MUC1 rs4072037 and serum KL-6 levels as a potential biomarker of ASSD susceptibility and for the differential diagnosis between patients with ILD associated with ASSD (ASSD-ILD +) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 168 ASSD patients (149 ASSD-ILD +), 174 IPF patients and 523 healthy controls were genotyped for MUC1 rs4072037 T > C. Serum KL-6 levels were determined in a subgroup of individuals. A significant increase of MUC1 rs4072037 CC genotype and C allele frequencies was observed in ASSD patients compared to healthy controls. Likewise, MUC1 rs4072037 TC and CC genotypes and C allele frequencies were significantly different between ASSD-ILD+ and IPF patients. Additionally, serum KL-6 levels were significantly higher in ASSD patients compared to healthy controls. Nevertheless, no differences in serum KL-6 levels were found between ASSD-ILD+ and IPF patients. Our results suggest that the presence of MUC1 rs4072037 C allele increases the risk of ASSD and it could be a useful genetic biomarker for the differential diagnosis between ASSD-ILD+ and IPF patients.
Controlled spermatozoa–oocyte interaction improves embryo quality in sheep
Authors: Anzalone Debora Agata , Palazzese Luca , Czernik Marta , Sabatucci Annalaura , Valbonetti Luca , Capra Emanuele , Loi Pasqualino
Published: November 2021

The current protocols of in vitro fertilization and culture in sheep rely on paradigms established more than 25 years ago, where Metaphase II oocytes are co-incubated with capacitated spermatozoa overnight. While this approach maximizes the number of fertilized oocytes, on the other side it exposes them to high concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by active and degenerating spermatozoa, and positively correlates with polyspermy. Here we set up to precisely define the time frame during which spermatozoa effectively penetrates and fertilizes the oocyte, in order to drastically reduce spermatozoa-oocyte interaction. To do that, in vitro matured sheep oocytes co-incubated with spermatozoa in IVF medium were sampled every 30 min (start of incubation time 0) to verify the presence of a fertilizing spermatozoon. Having defined the fertilization time frame (4 h, data from 105 oocytes), we next compared the standard IVF procedures overnight (about 16 h spermatozoa/oocyte exposure, group o/nIVF) with a short one (4 h, group shIVF). A lower polyspermic fertilization (> 2PN) was detected in shIVF (6.5%) compared to o/nIVF (17.8%), P < 0.05. The o/nIVF group resulted in a significantly lower 2-cell stage embryos, than shIVF [34.6% (81/234) vs 50.6% (122/241) respectively, P < 0.001]. Likewise, the development to blastocyst stage confirmed a better quality [29% (70/241) vs 23.5% (55/234), shIVF vs o/nIVF respectively] and an increased Total Cell Number (TCN) in shIVF embryos, compared with o/n ones. The data on ROS have confirmed that its generation is IVF time-dependent, with high levels in the o/nIVF group. Overall, the data suggest that a shorter oocyte-spermatozoa incubation results in an improved embryo production and a better embryo quality, very likely as a consequence of a shorter exposure to the free oxygen radicals and the ensuing oxidative stress imposed by overnight culture.
A novel mouse model of postpartum depression using emotional stress as evaluated by nesting behavior
Authors: Seki Tomoe , Yamagata Hirotaka , Uchida Shusaku , Kobayashi Ayumi , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Nakagawa Shin
Published: November 2021

Postpartum depression is an important mental health issue not only for the mother but also for the child’s development, other family members, and the society. An appropriate animal model is desired to elucidate the pathogenesis of postpartum depression. However, methods for stress loading during pregnancy have not been established. Behavioral experiments to investigate postpartum depression-like behaviors should be conducted without stress because behavioral tests affect rearing behaviors such as lactation. Therefore, we developed a new mouse model of postpartum depression using a psychological stress method. Mating partners were made to witness their partners experiencing social defeat stress and then listen to their cries. Emotional stress loading during pregnancy significantly increased postpartum depression-like behaviors. Postpartum depression also affected nurturing behaviors and caused disturbances in pup care. Furthermore, nesting behavior was impaired in the stressed group, suggesting that the observation of nesting behavior may be useful for assessing social dysfunction in postpartum depression. These results demonstrate the utility of this new mouse model of postpartum depression.
In search of different categories of abstract concepts: a fMRI adaptation study
Authors: Conca Francesca , Catricalà Eleonora , Canini Matteo , Petrini Alessandro , Vigliocco Gabriella , Cappa Stefano F. , Della Rosa Pasquale Anthony
Published: November 2021

Concrete conceptual knowledge is supported by a distributed neural network representing different semantic features according to the neuroanatomy of sensory and motor systems. If and how this framework applies to abstract knowledge is currently debated. Here we investigated the specific brain correlates of different abstract categories. After a systematic a priori selection of brain regions involved in semantic cognition, i.e. responsible of, respectively, semantic representations and cognitive control, we used a fMRI-adaptation paradigm with a passive reading task, in order to modulate the neural response to abstract (emotions, cognitions, attitudes, human actions) and concrete (biological entities, artefacts) categories. Different portions of the left anterior temporal lobe responded selectively to abstract and concrete concepts. Emotions and attitudes adapted the left middle temporal gyrus, whereas concrete items adapted the left fusiform gyrus. Our results suggest that, similarly to concrete concepts, some categories of abstract knowledge have specific brain correlates corresponding to the prevalent semantic dimensions involved in their representation.
Generation of two multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cell lines capable of osteogenic, mature osteocyte, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Prideaux Matthew , Wright Christian S. , Noonan Megan L. , Yi Xin , Clinkenbeard Erica L. , Mevel Elsa , Wheeler Jonathan A. , Byers Sharon , Wijenayaka Asiri R. , Gronthos Stan , Sankar Uma , White Kenneth E. , Atkins Gerald J. , Thompson William R.
Published: November 2021

Mesenchymal progenitors differentiate into several tissues including bone, cartilage, and adipose. Targeting these cells in vivo is challenging, making mesenchymal progenitor cell lines valuable tools to study tissue development. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from humans and animals; however, obtaining homogenous, responsive cells in a reproducible fashion is challenging. As such, we developed two mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC) lines, MPC1 and MPC2, generated from bone marrow of male C57BL/6 mice. These cells were immortalized using the temperature sensitive large T-antigen, allowing for thermal control of proliferation and differentiation. Both MPC1 and MPC2 cells are capable of osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Under osteogenic conditions, both lines formed mineralized nodules, and stained for alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase, while expressing osteogenic genes includingSost,Fgf23, andDmp1.SostandDmp1mRNA levels were drastically reduced with addition of parathyroid hormone, thus recapitulating in vivo responses. MPC cells secreted intact (iFGF23) andC-terminal (cFGF23) forms of the endocrine hormone FGF23, which was upregulated by 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25D). Both lines also rapidly entered the adipogenic lineage, expressing adipose markers after 4 days in adipogenic media. MPC cells were also capable of chondrogenic differentiation, displaying increased expression of cartilaginous genes including aggrecan,Sox9, andComp. With the ability to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages and mimic in vivo responses of key regulatory genes/proteins, MPC cells are a valuable model to study factors that regulate mesenchymal lineage allocation as well as the mechanisms that dictate transcription, protein modification, and secretion of these factors.
Liver X receptors regulate natural killer T cell population and antitumor activity in the liver of mice
Authors: Endo-Umeda Kaori , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Uno Shigeyuki , Toyoshima Shota , Umeda Naoki , Komine-Aizawa Shihoko , Seki Shuhji , Makishima Makoto
Published: November 2021

The nuclear receptors liver X receptor α (LXRα) and LXRβ are lipid sensors that regulate lipid metabolism and immunity. Natural killer T (NKT) cells, a T cell subset expressing surface markers of both natural killer cells and T lymphocytes and involved in antitumor immunity, are another abundant immune cell type in the liver. The potential function of the metabolic regulators LXRα/β in hepatic NKT cells remains unknown. In this study, we examined the role of LXRα and LXRβ in NKT cells using mice deficient for LXRα and/or LXRβ, and found that hepatic invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are drastically decreased in LXRα/β-KO mice. Cytokine production stimulated by the iNKT cell activator α-galactosylceramide was impaired in LXRα/β-KO hepatic mononuclear cells and in LXRα/β-KO mice. iNKT cell-mediated antitumor effect was also disturbed in LXRα/β-KO mice. LXRα/β-KO mice transplanted with wild-type bone marrow showed decreased iNKT cells in the liver and spleen. The thymus of LXRα/β-KO mice showed a decreased population of iNKT cells. In conclusion, LXRα and LXRβ are essential for NKT cell-mediated immunity, such as cytokine production and hepatic antitumor activity, and are involved in NKT cell development in immune tissues, such as the thymus.
Cooper-pair distribution function $$D_{cp}(\omega ,T_c)$$ for superconducting $$\hbox {D}_3\hbox {S}$$ and $$\hbox {H}_3\hbox {S}$$
Authors: González-Pedreros G. I. , Camargo-Martínez J. A. , Mesa F.
Published: November 2021

Cooper-pair distribution function, $$D_{cp}(\omega ,T_c)$$

D

cp

(
ω
,

T
c

)

, is a recent theoretical proposal that reveals information about the superconductor state through the determination of the spectral regions where Cooper pairs are formed. This is built from the well-established Eliashberg spectral function and phonon density of states, calculated by first-principles. From this function is possible to obtain the $$N_{cp}$$

N

cp

parameter, which is proportional to the total number of Cooper pairs formed at a critical temperature $$T_c$$

T
c

. Herein, we reported $$D_{cp}(\omega ,T_c)$$

D

cp

(
ω
,

T
c

)

function of the compressed $$D_3S$$

D
3

S

and $$H_3S$$

H
3

S

high-$$T_c$$

T
c

conventional superconductors, including the effect of stable sulfur isotopes in $$H_3S$$

H
3

S

. $$D_{cp}(\omega ,T_c)$$

D

cp

(
ω
,

T
c

)

suggests that the vibration energy range of 10–70 meV is where the Cooper pairs are possible for these superconductors, pointing out the possible importance of the low-energy region on the electron–phonon superconductivity. This has been confirmed by the fact that a simple variation in the low-frequency region induced for the substitution of S atoms in $$H_3S$$

H
3

S

by its stable isotopes can lead to important changes in $$T_c$$

T
c

. The results also show proportionality between $$N_{cp}$$

N

cp

parameter and experimental or theoretical $$T_c$$

T
c

values.
Near-infrared spectroscopy of blood plasma with chemometrics towards HIV discrimination during pregnancy
Authors: Freitas Daniel L. D. , Peres Ana F. S. , Silva Lidiane G. , Mariz João V. M. , Santos Marcos G. , Morais Rayanne S. P. , Morais Camilo L. M. , Martin Francis L. , Pascoal Daniel A. V. , de A. S. Camargo Juliana D. , Crispim Janaina C. O. , Lima Kassio M. G.
Published: November 2021

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs have been one of the hallmarks of success in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In Brazil, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy has increased, leading to a reduction in new infections among children. Currently, lifelong ART is available to all pregnant, however yet challenges remain in eliminating mother-to-child transmission. In this paper, we focus on the role of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to analyse blood plasma samples of pregnant women with HIV infection to differentiate pregnant women without HIV infection. Seventy-seven samples (39 HIV-infected patient and 38 healthy control samples) were analysed. Multivariate classification of resultant NIR spectra facilitated diagnostic segregation of both sample categories in a fast and non-destructive fashion, generating good accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. This method is simple and low-cost, and can be easily adapted to point-of-care screening, which can be essential to monitor pregnancy risks in remote locations or in the developing world. Therefore, it opens a new perspective to investigate vertical transmission (VT). The approach described here, can be useful for the identification and exploration of VT under various pathophysiological conditions of maternal HIV. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis as a screening tool for fast and low-cost HIV detection.
Identification, pathogenicity and effects of plant extracts on Neopestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis causing fruit diseases
Authors: Darapanit Angwara , Boonyuen Nattawut , Leesutthiphonchai Wiphawee , Nuankaew Salilaporn , Piasai Onuma
Published: November 2021

Pestalotiopsis and related genera, including Neopestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis have damaged many plants for many decades; however, there is little available information about the fungi on tropical fruit in Thailand. This study isolated and characterized pestalotioid fungi on tropical fruit, investigated host specificity, and screened whether plant extracts could control the fungi. In total, 53 diseased fruit samples were sampled from eight types of fruit trees (jackfruit, rose apple, mangosteen, plum, snake fruit, rambutan, strawberry, and avocado). Based on morphological characteristics, 44 isolates were classified as belonging to pestalotioid taxa. Of these isolates, seven with distinct characteristics were selected for identification using molecular analysis, and six isolates were identified as Neopestalotiopsis and one as Pseudopestalotiopsis. In the cross-inoculation experiment, the isolates exhibited nonhost specificity and could infect at least two host plants. The isolates were used to screen for a potential biocontrol resource using six crude plant extracts (clove, ginger, lemongrass, mangosteen, roselle, and turmeric). All crude extracts except mangosteen could inhibit the growth of Neopestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis. Application of crude plant extracts could be a potential treatment to control these diseases on tropical fruit.
Physiological significance of WDR45, a responsible gene for β-propeller protein associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), in brain development
Authors: Noda Mariko , Ito Hidenori , Nagata Koh-ichi
Published: November 2021

WDR45 plays an essential role in the early stage of autophagy. De novo heterozygous mutations in WDR45 have been known to cause β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a subtype of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Although BPAN patients display global developmental delay with intellectual disability, the neurodevelopmental pathophysiology of BPAN remains largely unknown. In the present study, we analyzed the physiological role of Wdr45 and pathophysiological significance of the gene abnormality during mouse brain development. Morphological and biochemical analyses revealed that Wdr45 is expressed in a developmental stage-dependent manner in mouse brain. Wdr45 was also found to be located in excitatory synapses by biochemical fractionation. Since WDR45 mutations are thought to cause protein degradation, we conducted acute knockdown experiments by in utero electroporation in mice to recapitulate the pathophysiological conditions of BPAN. Knockdown of Wdr45 caused abnormal dendritic development and synaptogenesis during corticogenesis, both of which were significantly rescued by co-expression with RNAi-resistant version of Wdr45. In addition, terminal arbors of callosal axons were less developed in Wdr45-deficient cortical neurons of adult mouse when compared to control cells. These results strongly suggest a pathophysiological significance of WDR45 gene abnormalities in neurodevelopmental aspects of BPAN.
Anti-inflammatory diet consumption reduced fatty liver indices
Authors: Darbandi Mitra , Hamzeh Behrooz , Ayenepour Azad , Rezaeian Shahab , Najafi Farid , Shakiba Ebrahim , Pasdar Yahya
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and non-invasive markers of liver status in adults. This cross-sectional study was performed on 8520 adults, recruited in Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study, western Iran. The DII score was calculated based on participants’ dietary intakes obtained from Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score was calculated by anthropometric measurements and some non-invasive markers of liver status. Linear regression models were applied to estimate the associations and adjust the possible confounding factors. A greater DII score was significantly associated with higher energy intake, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), blood pressure, and FLI (P < 0.001). Participants with the highest DII score had a significantly higher consumption saturated fat, trans fat and red meat than those in the lowest quartile (P < 0.001). After adjustments of age and sex, participants in the highest quartile of the DII score had a greater risk of FLI (β: 0.742, 95% CI: 0.254, 0.601). More pro-inflammatory diet in participants was associated with a higher FLI. The DII score was positively associated with non-invasive liver markers. Thus, having an anti-inflammatory diet can help balance liver enzymes, reduce obesity, and decrease fatty liver.
Seasonal diets supersede host species in shaping the distal gut microbiota of Yaks and Tibetan sheep
Authors: Wei Xiaojuan , Dong Zhen , Cheng Fusheng , Shi Hongmei , Zhou Xuzheng , Li Bing , Wang Ling , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Jiyu
Published: November 2021

Yaks and Tibetan sheep are important and renowned livestock of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Both host genetics and environmental factors can shape the composition of gut microbiota, however, there is still no consensus on which is the more dominant factor. To investigate the influence of hosts and seasons on the gut microbiome diversity component, we collected fecal samples from yaks and Tibetan sheep across different seasons (summer and winter), during which they consumed different diets. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, principal component analysis (PCoA) data showed that PCo1 explained 57.4% of the observed variance (P = 0.001) and clearly divided winter samples from summer ones, while PCo2 explained 7.1% of observed variance (P = 0.001) and mainly highlighted differences in host species. Cluster analysis data revealed that the gut microbiota composition displayed a convergence caused by season and not by genetics. Further, we profiled the gut microbial community and found that the more dominant genera in yak and Tibetan sheep microbiota were influenced by seasonal diets factors rather than genetics. This study therefore indicated that seasonal diet can trump host genetics even at higher taxonomic levels, thus providing a cautionary note for the breeding and management of these two species.
Chain length of bioinspired polyamines affects size and condensation of monodisperse silica particles
Authors: Maddala Sai Prakash , Liao Wei-Chih , Joosten Rick R. M. , Soleimani Mohammad , Tuinier Remco , Friedrich Heiner , van Benthem Rolf A. T. M.
Published: November 2021

Polyamines play a major role in biosilicification reactions in diatoms and sponges. While the effects of polyamines on silicic acid oligomerization and precipitation are well known, the impact of polyamines chain length on silica particle growth is unclear. We studied the effects of polyamine chain length on silica particle growth and condensation in a known, simple, and salt-free biphasic reaction system; with tetraethyl orthosilicate as organic phase and polyamine dissolved in the aqueous phase. The particles at various growth stages were characterized by Cryo- Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Zeta Potential, and solid-state NMR analysis. Polyamines were found co-localized within silica particles and the particle diameter increased with an increase in polyamine chain length, whereas silica condensation showed the opposite trend. Particle growth is proposed to progress via a coacervate intermediate while the final particles have a core shell structure with an amine-rich core and silica-rich shell. The results presented in this paper would of interest for researchers working in the field of bioinspired materials.
Defect-rich boron doped carbon nanotubes as an electrocatalyst for hybrid Li–air batteries
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Yu Mingfu , Zhang Tianyu , Xue Zhichao , Ma Ying , Sun Hong
Published: November 2021

BC3NTs with topological defects improve the performance of hybrid lithium–air batteries, conducive to the ORR and OER.
Emerging investigator series: long-term exposure of amorphous silica nanoparticles disrupts the lysosomal and cholesterol homeostasis in macrophages
Authors: Ma Ronglin , Cai Xiaoming , Zhou Ye , Liu Xi , Wu Di , Zheng Huizhen , Pan Yanxia , Jiang Jun , Xu Shujuan , Xie Qianqian , Jiang Jie , Wang Weili , Tarasenko Nikolai , Wang Fangjun , Li Ruibin
Published: November 2021

Long-term ASiNP exposure led to lysosomal density and size increments as well as protein changes, and autophagosome and cholesterol accumulation in cells.
Remediation of pharmaceuticals from wastewater via computationally selected molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Battell William , Donval Gaël , Castro-Dominguez Bernardo , Herdes Carmelo
Published: November 2021

Pharmaceuticals are vital components of our daily life; however, as micropollutants, they also pose a significant wastewater treatment challenge. Here a computational protocol aids the design of polymers to capture drugs at point sources.
Magnetic-field manipulation of circularly polarized photoluminescence in chiral perovskites
Authors: Pan Ruiheng , Wang Kai , Yu Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2021

A joint experimental and theoretical study is performed for the magnetic field manipulation of circularly polarized photoluminescence in chiral perovskites, in order to reveal the chirality-induced spin–orbit coupling.
Sequence-dependent twist-bend coupling in DNA minicircles
Authors: Kim Minjung , Bae Sehui , Oh Inrok , Yoo Jejoong , Kim Jun Soo
Published: November 2021

Sequence-dependent coupling between DNA bending and its helical twist in DNA minicircles.
CO2 reduction to CH4 on Cu-doped phosphorene: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Hong-ping , Zhang Run , Sun Chenghua , Jiao Yan , Zhang Yaping
Published: November 2021

An effective strategy (i.e., single-atom Cu doping) to improve the performance of a phosphorene-based CO2RR catalyst is investigated.
Electrical control of topological spin textures in two-dimensional multiferroics
Authors: Jiang Jiawei , Li Rui , Mi Wenbo
Published: November 2021

The electrical control of topological magnetism can be realized in two-dimensional magnetoelectric multiferroics.
Acetylation of alcohols and amines under visible light irradiation: diacetyl as an acylation reagent and photosensitizer
Authors: Lian Pengcheng , Li Ruyi , Wan Xiao , Xiang Zixin , Liu Hang , Cao Zhiyu , Wan Xiaobing
Published: November 2021

An unprecedented strategy for the acetylation of alcohols and amines using diacetyl as both an acylation reagent and a photosensitizer was well developed.
Investigations aimed at producing 33% efficient perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells through device simulations
Authors: Shrivastav Nikhil , Madan Jaya , Pandey Rahul , Shalan Ahmed Esmail
Published: November 2021

The conversion efficiencies for silicon-based photovoltaic devices have become stagnant, with the record conversion efficiency of 26.7% achieved in 2017.
Surface plasmon coupling regulated CsPbBr3 perovskite lasers in a metal–insulator–semiconductor structure
Authors: Gong Maogao , Jiang Di , Tao Tao , Chen Feng , Xu Chunxiang , Zhi Ting , Liu Wei , Liu Bin , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: November 2021

A strong coupling effect often occurs between a metal and semiconductor, so micro/nano-lasers based on surface plasmons can break through the optical diffraction limit and realize unprecedented linear and nonlinear enhancement of optical processes.
Synthesis of butadiene/isoprene–styrene di-block copolymer with high cis-1,4 unit content based on a neodymium phosphate ester
Authors: Liu Jie , Zheng Nan , Min Xin , Liu Junhai , Li Zhizhou , Ji Xiaohui
Published: November 2021

A novel synthesis strategy of butadiene/isoprene–styrene di-block copolymer with high cis-1,4 content was explored based on a neodymium phosphate catalyst, by adjusting the electron cloud density of the catalytic active center via triphenyl phosphine.
Green construction of eco-friendly phosphotungstic acid Sr-MOF catalysts for crystal violet removal and synthesis of coumarin and xanthene compounds
Authors: Ibrahim Amr A. , Ali Shaimaa L. , Adly Mina Shawky , El-Hakam S. A. , Samra S. E. , Ahmed Awad I.
Published: November 2021

There is an urgent need to improve engineering and synthetic chemistry, either through the use of eco-friendly starting materials or the proper design of novel synthesis routes.
Comparison of drug release behavior of bacterial cellulose loaded with ibuprofen and propranolol hydrochloride
Authors: Jantarat Chutima , Muenraya Poowadon , Srivaro Suthon , Nawakitrangsan Ananya , Promsornpason Korntep
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the drug release behavior from bacterial cellulose (BC).
A catalytic ozonation process using MgO/persulfate for degradation of cyanide in industrial wastewater: mechanistic interpretation, kinetics and by-products
Authors: Behnami Ali , Croué Jean-Philippe , Aghayani Ehsan , Pourakbar Mojtaba
Published: November 2021

Cyanide-laden wastewaters are extremely toxic and it is of vital importance to treat them prior to discharge to receiving water resources.
Effect of surface acidity and basicity of supported Ni catalysts on theN-alkylation of isopropylamine with isopropanol
Authors: Li Shaozhong , Guo Qing , Li Jin , Hu Yongke
Published: November 2021

The effect of surface acidity and basicity on the adsorption for isopropanol, isopropylamine and diisopropylamine and their interactions on Ni catalyst was revealed, which was related to theN-alkylation of isopropylamine with isopropanol.
Janus 2D materials via asymmetric molecular functionalization
Authors: Montes-García Verónica , Samorì Paolo
Published: November 2021

The asymmetric molecular functionalization of two-dimensional materials on one (supratopic) or both (antaratopic) faces enables the design of new multifunctional Janus materials for applications in opto-electronics, energy storage, and catalysis.
Ultrahigh energy density of poly(vinylidene fluoride) from synergistically improved dielectric constant and withstand voltage by tuning the crystallization behavior
Authors: Guo Ru , Luo Hang , Zhou Xuefan , Xiao Zhida , Xie Haoran , Liu Yuan , Zhou Kechao , Shen Zhonghui , Chen Longqing , Zhang Dou
Published: November 2021

The stretched PVDF films exhibit a substantial and concurrent increase in both permittivity and breakdown strength. The microstructure–property relationship is investigated to provide guidance in PVDF polymers for high-energy storage applications.
Defects and sulfur-doping design of porous carbon spheres for high-capacity potassium-ion storage
Authors: Huang Ruling , Zhang Xixue , Qu Zexi , Zhang Xiaodong , Lin Jiao , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie , Li Li
Published: November 2021

Porous carbon microspheres with different defects and S-doping are synthesized for K-ion batteries. The depth of K-ions insertion, the additional oxidation–reduction reaction, and the adsorption process of K-ions on active sites can be enhanced.
Functionalization of filled radioactive multi-walled carbon nanocapsules by arylation reaction for in vivo delivery of radio-therapy
Authors: Gajewska Agnieszka , Wang Julie T.-W. , Klippstein Rebecca , Martincic Markus , Pach Elzbieta , Feldman Robert , Saccavini Jean-Claude , Tobias Gerard , Ballesteros Belén , Al-Jamal Khuloud T. , Da Ros Tatiana
Published: November 2021

In vivo studies of 153SmCl3@MWCNTs, functionalized with an optimized procedure, show their high accumulation mainly in lung, liver and spleen, prompting the suitability to passively target various tumor types in future efficacy studies in animals.
Chlorine-mediated atomic layer deposition of HfO2 on graphene
Authors: Wilson Peter M. , Chin Matt L. , Ekuma Chinedu E. , Najmaei Sina , Price Katherine M. , Schiros Theanne , Dubey Madan , Hone James
Published: November 2021

The ALD process of deposition of ultrathin high-κ HfO2 on chlorinate graphene.
The effect of molecular aggregation of thermally activated delayed fluorescence sensitizers for hyperfluorescence in organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Park Eun Young , Park Ji Hyun , Kim Yun-Hi , Suh Min Chul
Published: November 2021

DMAC-DPS showing AIE behavior increased TTA and STA, whereas Ph-OBNA showing ACQ behavior showed relatively small TTA and STA values due to the generation of excimers.
Compositional optimization of mixed cation Dion–Jacobson perovskites for efficient green light emission
Authors: Qin Xinshun , Liu Fangzhou , Leung Tik Lun , Sun Wenting , Chan Christopher C. S. , Wong Kam Sing , Kanižaj Lidija , Popović Jasminka , Djurišić Aleksandra B.
Published: November 2021

The use of mixed spacer cations in quasi-2D Dion–Jacobson perovskites results in changes in film phase composition and efficient funneling for optimal composition. Optimal composition devices achieve a maximum EQE of 12.85% with TPPO passivation.
Stability enhancement and discrete‐time resonant controller synthesis for voltage‐controlled Voltage Source Converters
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zhao Jianfeng , Liu Kangli , Shi Zhan , Jin Long
Published: November 2021

As for the voltage‐controlled voltage sources converter (VSC), the inner current loop of dual closed‐loop control is equivalent to a virtual impedance, which provides effective damping for the system. However, the time delay caused by computation and transmission becomes increasingly prominent in the low‐pulse‐ratio cases, which not only limits the achievable bandwidth, but also reduces the stability of the current loop. This paper proposes an enhanced control strategy for current loop by adding the feedback of computation delay into the current controller, to significantly widen the stability region and control bandwidth, and increase the active damping. The parameter design of the current controller is presented based on discrete‐time root locus. Subsequently, the voltage controller is directly deduced in the discrete‐time domain, which eliminates the poles/zeros deviation caused by discretization. The accurate delay compensation is realized by pole‐zero cancellation, thus avoiding the additional phase compensation for fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the enhanced dual‐loop control strategy.
A coarse‐refine segmentation network for COVID‐19 CT images
Authors: Huang Ziwang , Li Liang , Zhang Xiang , Song Ying , Chen Jianwen , Zhao Huiying , Chong Yutian , Wu Hejun , Yang Yuedong , Shen Jun , Zha Yunfei
Published: November 2021

The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) causes a significant impact on public health. It is critical to diagnose COVID‐19 patients so that they can receive reasonable treatments quickly. The doctors can obtain a precise estimate of the infection's progression and decide more effective treatment options by segmenting the CT images of COVID‐19 patients. However, it is challenging to segment infected regions in CT slices because the infected regions are multi‐scale, and the boundary is not clear due to the low contrast between the infected area and the normal area. In this paper, a coarse‐refine segmentation network is proposed to address these challenges. The coarse‐refine architecture and hybrid loss is used to guide the model to predict the delicate structures with clear boundaries to address the problem of unclear boundaries. The atrous spatial pyramid pooling module in the network is added to improve the performance in detecting infected regions with different scales. Experimental results show that the model in the segmentation of COVID‐19 CT images outperforms other familiar medical segmentation models, enabling the doctor to get a more accurate estimate on the progression of the infection and thus can provide more reasonable treatment options.
Image haze removal based on rolling deep learning and Retinex theory
Authors: Huang Shiqi , Xu Jie , Liu Zhigang , Sun Ke , Lu Ying
Published: November 2021

Multispectral remote sensing images are a very important data source, but its acquisition process is often affected by haze weather and other factors, resulting in the decline of image quality, blurred details and poor visual effect, which seriously affect their application and interpretation. To reduce the impact of haze on multispectral remote sensing image and improve the image clarity and the use value, a new haze removal method based on rolling deep learning and Retinex theory (RDLRT) was proposed here. It uses the rolling deep learning theory to realize the preliminary removal of image haze, and then calculates the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) value of the processed image, which is used to judge whether the obtained image is a stage effect image (SEI). Then, on the one hand, the SEI image is processed for colour saturation and brightness; on the other hand, the Retinex theory is used to further filter the haze of the SEI image. Finally, the results of the two processing are fused, and it is used as the restored image after removing the haze. A series of validation experiments were carried out with true multispectral remote sensing images, outdoor colour images and different methods, and good experimental results were obtained. The purpose of removing image haze and improving image quality is achieved. Through the comparison of these experiments, it is concluded that the RDLRT algorithm proposed in this paper can not only effectively remove haze in images, but also maintain good details and colour of the image, which has some popularization values for image pre‐processing and restoration.
CEA-JSI Experimental Benchmark for validation of the modeling of neutron and gamma-ray detection instrumentation used in the JSI TRIGA reactor
Authors: Fausser Clément , Thiollay Nicolas , Destouches Christophe , Barbot Loïc , Fourmentel Damien , Geslot Benoît , De Izarra Grégoire , Gruel Adrien , Grégoire Gilles , Domergue Christophe , Radulović Vladimir , Goričanec Tanja , Ambrožič Klemen , Žerovnik Gasper , Lengar Igor , Trkov Andrej , Štancar Žiga , Pungerčič Anže , Snoj Luka
Published: November 2021

Constant improvements of the computational power and methods as well as demands of accurate and reliable measurements for reactor operation and safety require a continuous upgrade of the instrumentation. In particular, nuclear sensors used in nuclear fission reactors (research or power reactors) or in nuclear fusion facilities are operated under intense mixed neutron and gamma-ray fields, and need to be calibrated and modeled to provide selective and accurate neutron and gamma-ray measurements.

The French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) and the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) have started an experimental program dedicated to a detailed experimental benchmark with analysis using Monte Carlo particle transport calculations and a series of neutron and gamma-ray sensor types used in the JSI TRIGA Mark II reactor.

CEA has setup a simplified TRIPOLI-4® modeling scheme of the JSI TRIGA reactor based on the information available in the IRPhEP benchmark in order to facilitate analysis of future neutron and gamma-ray measurements. These allow the CEA to perform a TRIPOLI-4 instrumentation calculation scheme benchmarked with the JSI MCNP model.

This paper presents the main results of this CEA calculation scheme application and the analysis of their comparison to the JSI results obtained in 2012 with the MCNP5 & ENDF/B-VII.0 calculation scheme. This paper will conclude with some information about the new experimental program to be carried out in 2022 in the TRIGA reactor core.
X-Ray Imaging Calibration for Fuel-Coolant Interaction Experimental Facilities
Authors: Journeau Christophe , Johnson Michael , Singh Shifali , Payot Fréderic , Matsuba Ken-ichi , Emura Yuki , Kamiyama Kenji
Published: November 2021

During a severe accident in either sodium-cooled or water-cooled nuclear reactors, jets of molten nuclear fuel may impinge on the coolant resulting in fuel-coolant interactions (FCI). Experimental programs are being conducted to study this phenomenology and to support the development of severe accident models. Due to the optical opacity of the test section walls, sodium coolant, and the apparent optical opacity of water in the presence of intense ebullition, high-speed X-ray imaging is the preferred technique for FCI visualization. The configuration of these X-ray imaging systems, whereby the test section is installed between a fan-beam X-ray source and a scintillator-image intensifier projecting an image in the visual spectrum onto a high-speed camera, entails certain imaging artefacts and uncertainties. The X-ray imaging configuration requires precise calibration to enable detailed quantitative characterization of the FCI. To this end, ‘phantom’ models have been fabricated using polyethylene, either steel or hafnia powder, and empty cavities to represent sodium, molten fuel and sodium vapor phases respectively. A checkerboard configuration of the phantom enables calibration and correction for lens distortion artefacts which magnify features towards the edge of the field of view. Polydisperse steel ball configurations enable precise determination of the lower limit of detection and the estimation of parallax errors which introduce uncertainty in an object’s silhouette dimensions. Calibration experiments at the MELT facility determined lower limits of detection in the order of 4 mm for steel spheres, and 1.7-3.75 mm for vapor films around a molten jet.