bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential impacts of polymetallic nodule removal on deep-sea meiofauna
Authors: Pape Ellen , Bezerra Tania Nara , Gheerardyn Hendrik , Buydens Marius , Kieswetter Amanda , Vanreusel Ann
Published: October 2021

Deep seabed mining is potentially imminent in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ; northeast Pacific). Seabed collectors will remove polymetallic nodules and the surrounding surface sediments, both inhabited by meiofauna, along their path. To determine potential impacts of polymetallic nodule removal, we investigated the importance of nodule presence for the abundance, composition and diversity of sediment meiofauna, and evaluated the existence and composition of nodule crevice meiofauna in the Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR) exploration contract area. Nodule-free and nodule-rich sediments displayed high biodiversity with many singletons and doubletons, potentially representing rare taxa. Nodule presence negatively influenced sediment meiofaunal abundances but did not markedly affect taxonomic composition or diversity. This is the first report on CCFZ nodule crevice meiofauna, whose abundance related positively to nodule dimensions. Though dominated by the same taxa, nodules and sediments differed regarding the taxonomic and trophic composition of the meio- and nematofauna. Nevertheless, there were no taxa endemic to the nodule crevices and nodule crevice meiofauna added only little to total small-scale (~ cm) meiofaunal abundance and diversity. We formulated environmental management recommendations at the contract area and regional (CCFZ) scale related to sampling effort, set-aside preservation and monitoring areas, and potential rehabilitation measures.
Effect of drug metabolism in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 from an entirely computational perspective
Authors: de Jesus João Paulo Almirão , Assis Letícia Cristina , de Castro Alexandre Alves , da Cunha Elaine Fontes Ferreira , Nepovimova Eugenie , Kuca Kamil , de Castro Ramalho Teodorico , de Almeida La Porta Felipe
Published: October 2021

Understanding the effects of metabolism on the rational design of novel and more effective drugs is still a considerable challenge. To the best of our knowledge, there are no entirely computational strategies that make it possible to predict these effects. From this perspective, the development of such methodologies could contribute to significantly reduce the side effects of medicines, leading to the emergence of more effective and safer drugs. Thereby, in this study, our strategy is based on simulating the electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI-MS) fragmentation of the drug molecules and combined with molecular docking and ADMET models in two different situations. In the first model, the drug is docked without considering the possible metabolic effects. In the second model, each of the intermediates from the EI-MS results is docked, and metabolism occurs before the drug accesses the biological target. As a proof of concept, in this work, we investigate the main antiviral drugs used in clinical research to treat COVID-19. As a result, our strategy made it possible to assess the biological activity and toxicity of all potential by-products. We believed that our findings provide new chemical insights that can benefit the rational development of novel drugs in the future.
Revealing the effect of electrocatalytic performance boost during hydrogen evolution reaction on free-standing SWCNT film electrode
Authors: Kordek-Khalil Karolina , Janas Dawid , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: October 2021

Large-scale sustainable hydrogen production by water electrolysis requires a highly active yet low-cost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst. Conductive carbon nanomaterials with high surface areas are promising candidates for this purpose. In this contribution, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are assembled into free-standing films and directly used as HER electrodes. During the initial 20 h of electrocatalytic performance in galvanostatic conditions, the films undergo activation, which results in a gradual overpotential decrease to the value of 225 mV. Transient physicochemical properties of the films at various activation stages are characterized to reveal the material features responsible for the activity boost. Results indicate that partial oxidation of iron nanoparticles encapsulated in SWCNTs is the major contributor to the activity enhancement. Furthermore, besides high activity, the material, composed of only earth-abundant elements, possesses exceptional performance stability, with no activity loss for 200 h of galvanostatic performance at − 10 mA cm−2. In conclusion, the work presents the strategy of engineering a highly active HER electrode composed of widely available elements and provides new insights into the origins of electrocatalytic performance of SWCNT-based materials in alkaline HER.
Mitochondrial and glycolytic extracellular flux analysis optimization for isolated pig intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Bekebrede A. F. , Keijer J. , Gerrits W. J. J. , de Boer V. C. J.
Published: October 2021

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are crucial to maintain intestinal function and the barrier against the outside world. To support their function they rely on energy production, and failure to produce enough energy can lead to IEC malfunction and thus decrease intestinal barrier function. However, IEC metabolic function is not often used as an outcome parameter in intervention studies, perhaps because of the lack of available methods. We therefore developed a method to isolate viable IECs, suitable to faithfully measure their metabolic function by determining extracellular glycolytic and mitochondrial flux. First, various methods were assessed to obtain viable IECs. We then adapted a previously in-house generated image-analysis algorithm to quantify the amount of seeded IECs. Correcting basal respiration data of a group of piglets using this algorithm reduced the variation, showing that this algorithm allows for more accurate analysis of metabolic function. We found that delay in metabolic analysis after IEC isolation decreases their metabolic function and should therefore be prevented. The presence of antibiotics during isolation and metabolic assessment also decreased the metabolic function of IECs. Finally, we found that primary pig IECs did not respond to Oligomycin, a drug that inhibits complex V of the electron transport chain, which may be because of the presence of drug exporters. A method was established to faithfully measure extracellular glycolytic and mitochondrial flux of pig primary IECs. This tool is suitable to gain a better understanding of how interventions affect IEC metabolic function.
A sulfate-reducing bacterial genus, Desulfosediminicola gen. nov., comprising two novel species cultivated from tidal-flat sediments
Authors: Song Jaeho , Hwang Juchan , Kang Ilnam , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: October 2021

Tidal-flat sediments harbor a diverse array of sulfate-reducing bacteria. To isolate novel sulfate-reducing bacteria and determine their abundance, a tidal-flat sediment sample collected off Ganghwa Island (Korea) was investigated using cultivation-based and culture-independent approaches. Two Gram-stain-negative, strictly anaerobic, rod-shaped, sulfate-reducing bacteria, designated IMCC35004T and IMCC35005T, were isolated from the sample. The two strains reduced sulfate, sulfite, elemental sulfur, thiosulfate, Fe(III) citrate, and Mn(IV) oxide by utilizing several carbon sources, including acetate. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that the tidal-flat sediment contained diverse members of the phylum Desulfobacterota, and the phylotypes related to IMCC35004T and IMCC35005T were < 1%. The two strains shared 97.6% similarity in 16S rRNA gene sequence and were closely related to Desulfopila aestuarii DSM 18488T (96.1–96.5%). The average nucleotide identity, level of digital DNA–DNA hybridization, average amino acid identity, and percentages of conserved proteins determined analyzing the whole-genome sequences, as well as the chemotaxonomic data showed that the two strains belong to two novel species of a novel genus. Additionally, genes related to dissimilatory sulfate reduction were detected in the genomes of the two strains. Unlike the genera Desulfopila and Desulfotalea, IMCC35004T and IMCC35005T contained menaquinone-5 as the major respiratory quinone. Collectively, IMCC35004T and IMCC35005T were concluded to represent two novel species of a novel genus within the family Desulfocapsaceae, for which the names Desulfosediminicola ganghwensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (IMCC35004T = KCTC 15826T = NBRC 114003T) and Desulfosediminicola flagellatus sp. nov. (IMCC35005T = KCTC 15827T = NBRC 114004T) are proposed.
An analysis of urine and serum amino acids in critically ill patients upon admission by means of targeted LC–MS/MS: a preliminary study
Authors: Mierzchała-Pasierb Magdalena , Lipińska-Gediga Małgorzata , Fleszar Mariusz G. , Lewandowski Łukasz , Serek Paweł , Płaczkowska Sylwia , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

Sepsis, defined as a dysregulated host response to infection, causes the interruption of homeostasis resulting in metabolic changes. An examination of patient metabolites, such as amino acids, during the early stage of sepsis may facilitate diagnosing and assessing the severity of the sepsis. The aim of this study was to compare patterns of urine and serum amino acids relative to sepsis, septic shock and survival. Urine and serum samples were obtained from healthy volunteers (n = 15) once or patients (n = 15) within 24 h of a diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock. Concentrations of 25 amino acids were measured in urine and serum samples with liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry. On admission in the whole cohort, AAA, ABA, mHis, APA, Gly-Pro and tPro concentrations were significantly lower in the serum than in the urine and Arg, Gly, His, hPro, Leu, Ile, Lys, Orn, Phe, Sarc, Thr, Tyr, Asn and Gln were significantly higher in the serum than in the urine. The urine Gly-Pro concentration was significantly higher in septic shock than in sepsis. The serum Cit concentration was significantly lower in septic shock than in sepsis. The urine ABA, mHis and Gly-Pro, and serum Arg, hPro and Orn concentrations were over two-fold higher in the septic group compared to the control group. Urine and serum amino acids measured in septic patients on admission to the ICU may shed light on a patient’s metabolic condition during sepsis or septic shock.
Using 4DCBCT simulation and guidance to evaluate inter-fractional tumor variance during SABR for lung tumor within the lower lobe
Authors: Li Yi , Wu Wenjing , He Ruixin , Lu Yongkai , Zhang Yuemei , Wang Long , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: October 2021

Inter-fractional tumor variance would lead to insufficient dosage or overdose in tumor region during lung cancer radiotherapy. However, previous works have not considered influence of inter-fractional tumor amplitude variance at treatment position due to lack of effective evaluation method during radiotherapy, especially for lung tumor within the lower lobe. Our objective was to investigate inter-fractional tumor baseline shift and amplitude variance due to respiratory motion with 4DCBCT simulation and guidance during stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for lung tumor. Subject included 19 patients with lung tumor within the lower lobe. 4DCBCT-simulated images at treatment position were acquired sequentially to determine internal tumor volume (ITV) and reference tumor motion at simulation process. Compared with reference tumor motion, 95 4DCBCT-guided images were acquired during each treatment to evaluate inter-fractional tumor baseline shift and amplitude variance, which were − 0.0 ± 1.3 mm and − 0.2 ± 1.4 mm in left–right(LR) direction, 0.9 ± 2.3 mm and 0.4 ± 2.9 mm in superior-inferior (SI) direction, 0.1 ± 1.5 mm and − 0.4 ± 2.0 mm in anterior–posterior (AP) direction. ITV margin were 3.5 mm, 7.5 mm and 5.3 mm in LR, SI and AP directions with van Herk’s (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 52(5):1407–1422, 2002) formula. 4DCBCT simulation and guidance is a reliable method to evaluate inter-fractional tumor variance during SABR for lung tumor within the lower lobe. ITV margin of 3.5 mm, 7.5 mm and 5.3 mm in LR, SI and AP directions would ensure greater tumor coverage during SABR for lung tumor within the lower lobe.
lncRNA-disease association prediction based on latent factor model and projection
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Chao , Du Xiao-xin , Zhang Jian-fei
Published: October 2021

Computer aided research of lncRNA-disease association is an important way to study the development of lncRNA-disease. The correlation analysis of existing data, the establishment of prediction model, prediction of unknown lncRNA-disease association, can make the biological experiment targeted, improve the accuracy of biological experiment. In this paper, a lncRNA-disease association prediction model based on latent factor model and projection is proposed (LFMP). This method uses lncRNA-miRNA association data and miRNA-disease association data to predict the unknown lncRNA-disease association, so this method does not need lncRNA-disease association data. The simulation results show that under the LOOCV framework, the AUC of LFMP can reach 0.8964. Better than the latest results. Through the case study of lung and colorectal tumors, LFMP can effectively infer the undetected lncRNA-disease association.
Enhancement of the bone-implant interface by applying a plasma-sprayed titanium coating on nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide66 implants in a rabbit model
Authors: Zhong Weiyang , Li Jianxiao , Hu Chenbo , Quan Zhengxue , Jiang Dianming
Published: October 2021

Solid fusion at the bone-implant interface (BII) is considered one of the indicators of a satisfactory clinical outcome for spine surgery. Although the mechanical and physical properties of nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide66 (n-HA/PA66) offers many advantages, the results of long-term follow-up for BIIs remain limited. This study aimed to improve the BII of n-HA/PA66 by applying plasma-sprayed titanium (PST) and assessing the mechanical and histological properties. After the PST coating was applied to n-HA/PA66 implants, the coating had uneven, porous surfaces. The compression results were not significantly different between the two groups. The micro-CT results demonstrated that at 6 weeks and 12 weeks, the bone volume (BV), BV/tissue volume (TV) and trabecular number (Tb.N) values of the n-HA/PA66-PST group were significantly higher than those of the n-HA/PA66 group. The results of undecalcified bone slicing showed that more new bone appeared to form around n-HA/PA66-PST implant than around n-HA/PA66 implant. The bone-implant contact (BIC) and push-out test results of the n-HA/PA66-PST group were better than those of the n-HA/PA66 group. In conclusion, after PST coating, direct and additional new bone-to-implant bonding could be achieved, improving the BII of n-HA/PA66 implants. The n-HA/PA66-PST implants could be promising for repair purposes.
Predictors of post-extubation stridor in patients on mechanical ventilation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tanaka Aiko , Uchiyama Akinori , Horiguchi Yu , Higeno Ryota , Sakaguchi Ryota , Koyama Yukiko , Ebishima Hironori , Yoshida Takeshi , Matsumoto Atsuhiro , Sakai Kanaki , Hiramatsu Daisuke , Iguchi Naoya , Ohta Noriyuki , Fujino Yuji
Published: October 2021

The cuff leak test (CLT) has been widely accepted as a simple and noninvasive method for predicting post-extubation stridor (PES). However, its accuracy and clinical impact remain uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the reliability of CLT and to assess the impact of pre-extubation variables on the incidence of PES. A prospective observational study was performed on adult critically ill patients who required mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h. Patients were extubated after the successful spontaneous breathing trial, and CLT was conducted before extubation. Of the 191 patients studied, 26 (13.6%) were deemed positive through CLT. PES developed in 19 patients (9.9%) and resulted in a higher reintubation rate (8.1% vs. 52.6%, p < 0.001) and longer intensive care unit stay (8 [4.5–14] vs. 12 [8–30.5] days, p = 0.01) than patients without PES. The incidence of PES and post-extubation outcomes were similar in patients with both positive and negative CLT results. Compared with patients without PES, patients with PES had longer durations of endotracheal intubation and required endotracheal suctioning more frequently during the 24-h period prior to extubation. After adjusting for confounding factors, frequent endotracheal suctioning more than 15 times per day was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.97 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–8.77) for PES. In conclusion, frequent endotracheal suctioning before extubation was a significant PES predictor in critically ill patients. Further investigations of its impact on the incidence of PES and patient outcomes are warranted.
Novel chemical stimulation for geothermal reservoirs by chelating agent driven selective mineral dissolution in fractured rocks
Authors: Watanabe Noriaki , Takahashi Kaori , Takahashi Ryota , Nakamura Kengo , Kumano Yusuke , Akaku Kohei , Tamagawa Tetsuya , Komai Takeshi
Published: October 2021

Improving geothermal systems through hydraulic stimulation to create highly permeable fractured rocks can induce seismicity. Therefore, the technique must be applied at a moderate intensity; this has led to concerns of insufficient permeability enhancement. Adding chemical stimulation can mitigate these issues, but traditional methods using strong mineral acids have challenges in terms of achieving mineral dissolution over long distances and highly variable fluid chemistry. Here, we demonstrate a novel chemical stimulation method for improving the permeability of rock fractures using a chelating agent that substantially enhances the dissolution rate of specific minerals to create voids that are sustained under crustal stress without the challenges associated with the traditional methods. Applying this agent to fractured granite samples under confining stress at 200 °C in conjunction with 20 wt% aqueous solutions of sodium salts of environmentally friendly chelating agents (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N, N′, N′-triacetic acid and N, N-bis(carboxymethyl)-l-glutamic acid) at pH 4 was assessed. A significant permeability enhancement of up to approximately sixfold was observed within 2 h, primarily due to the formation of voids based on the selective dissolution of biotite. These results demonstrate a new approach for chemical stimulation.
ATR-FTIR spectrum analysis of saliva samples from COVID-19 positive patients
Authors: Martinez-Cuazitl Adriana , Vazquez-Zapien Gustavo J. , Sanchez-Brito Miguel , Limon-Pacheco Jorge H. , Guerrero-Ruiz Melissa , Garibay-Gonzalez Francisco , Delgado-Macuil Raul J. , de Jesus Maria G. Garcia , Corona-Perezgrovas Miguel A. , Pereyra-Talamantes Armando , Mata-Miranda Monica M.
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the latest biological hazard for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Even though numerous diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 have been proposed, new diagnosis strategies are being developed, looking for less expensive methods to be used as screening. This study aimed to establish salivary vibrational modes analyzed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to detect COVID-19 biological fingerprints that allow the discrimination between COVID-19 and healthy patients. Clinical dates, laboratories, and saliva samples of COVID-19 patients (N = 255) and healthy persons (N = 1209) were obtained and analyzed through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Then, a multivariate linear regression model (MLRM) was developed. The COVID-19 patients showed low SaO2, cough, dyspnea, headache, and fever principally. C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and ferritin were the most important altered laboratory blood tests, which were increased. In addition, changes in amide I and immunoglobulin regions were evidenced in the FTIR spectra analysis, and the MLRM showed clear discrimination between both groups. Specific salivary vibrational modes employing ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were established; moreover, the COVID-19 biological fingerprint in saliva was characterized, allowing the COVID-19 detection using an MLRM, which could be helpful for the development of new diagnostic devices.
Plasmodium metabolite HMBPP stimulates feeding of main mosquito vectors on blood and artificial toxic sources
Authors: Stromsky Viktoria E. , Hajkazemian Melika , Vaisbourd Elizabeth , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Noushin Emami S.
Published: October 2021

Recent data show that parasites manipulate the physiology of mosquitoes and human hosts to increase the probability of transmission. Here, we investigate phagostimulant activity of Plasmodium-metabolite, (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP), in the primary vectors of multiple human diseases, Anopheles coluzzii, An. arabiensis, An. gambiae s.s., Aedes aegypti, and Culex pipiens/Culex torrentium complex species. The addition of 10 µM HMBPP to blood meals significantly increased feeding in all the species investigated. Moreover, HMBPP also exhibited a phagostimulant property in plant-based-artificial-feeding-solution made of beetroot juice adjusted to neutral pH similar to that of blood. The addition of AlbuMAXTM as a lipid/protein source significantly improved the feeding rate of An. gambiae s.l. females providing optimised plant-based-artificial-feeding-solution for delivery toxins to control vector populations. Among natural and synthetic toxins tested, only fipronil sulfone did not reduce feeding. Overall, the toxic-plant-based-artificial-feeding-solution showed potential as an effector in environmentally friendly vector-control strategies.
Widespread bacterial diversity within the bacteriome of fungi
Authors: Robinson Aaron J. , House Geoffrey L. , Morales Demosthenes P. , Kelliher Julia M. , Gallegos-Graves La Verne , LeBrun Erick S. , Davenport Karen W. , Palmieri Fabio , Lohberger Andrea , Bregnard Danaé , Estoppey Aislinn , Buffi Matteo , Paul Christophe , Junier Thomas , Hervé Vincent , Cailleau Guillaume , Lupini Simone , Nguyen Hang N. , Zheng Amy O. , Gimenes Luciana Jandelli , Bindschedller Saskia , Rodrigues Debora F. , Werner James H. , Young Jamey D. , Junier Pilar , Chain Patrick S. G.
Published: October 2021

Knowledge of associations between fungal hosts and their bacterial associates has steadily grown in recent years as the number and diversity of examinations have increased, but current knowledge is predominantly limited to a small number of fungal taxa and bacterial partners. Here, we screened for potential bacterial associates in over 700 phylogenetically diverse fungal isolates, representing 366 genera, or a tenfold increase compared with previously examined fungal genera, including isolates from several previously unexplored phyla. Both a 16 S rDNA-based exploration of fungal isolates from four distinct culture collections spanning North America, South America and Europe, and a bioinformatic screen for bacterial-specific sequences within fungal genome sequencing projects, revealed that a surprisingly diverse array of bacterial associates are frequently found in otherwise axenic fungal cultures. We demonstrate that bacterial associations with diverse fungal hosts appear to be the rule, rather than the exception, and deserve increased consideration in microbiome studies and in examinations of microbial interactions.
Pharmacological inhibition of Mint3 attenuates tumour growth, metastasis, and endotoxic shock
Authors: Sakamoto Takeharu , Fukui Yuya , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Honda Kaori , Shimizu Takeshi , Hara Toshiro , Hayashi Tetsuro , Saitoh Yurika , Murakami Yoshinori , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Osada Hiroyuki , Seiki Motoharu
Published: October 2021

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays essential roles in human diseases, though its central role in oxygen homoeostasis hinders the development of direct HIF-1-targeted pharmacological approaches. Here, we surveyed small-molecule compounds that efficiently inhibit the transcriptional activity of HIF-1 without affecting body homoeostasis. We focused on Mint3, which activates HIF-1 transcriptional activity in limited types of cells, such as cancer cells and macrophages, by suppressing the factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH-1). We identified naphthofluorescein, which inhibited the Mint3–FIH-1 interaction in vitro and suppressed Mint3-dependent HIF-1 activity and glycolysis in cancer cells and macrophages without evidence of cytotoxicity in vitro. In vivo naphthofluorescein administration suppressed tumour growth and metastasis without adverse effects, similar to the genetic depletion of Mint3. Naphthofluorescein attenuated inflammatory cytokine production and endotoxic shock in mice. Thus, Mint3 inhibitors may present a new targeted therapeutic option for cancer and inflammatory diseases by avoiding severe adverse effects.
Widespread loss of mammalian lineage and dietary diversity in the early Oligocene of Afro-Arabia
Authors: de Vries Dorien , Heritage Steven , Borths Matthew R. , Sallam Hesham M. , Seiffert Erik R.
Published: October 2021

Diverse lines of geological and geochemical evidence indicate that the Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) marked the onset of a global cooling phase, rapid growth of the Antarctic ice sheet, and a worldwide drop in sea level. Paleontologists have established that shifts in mammalian community structure in Europe and Asia were broadly coincident with these events, but the potential impact of early Oligocene climate change on the mammalian communities of Afro-Arabia has long been unclear. Here we employ dated phylogenies of multiple endemic Afro-Arabian mammal clades (anomaluroid and hystricognath rodents, anthropoid and strepsirrhine primates, and carnivorous hyaenodonts) to investigate lineage diversification and loss since the early Eocene. These analyses provide evidence for widespread mammalian extinction in the early Oligocene of Afro-Arabia, with almost two-thirds of peak late Eocene diversity lost in these clades by ~30 Ma. Using homology-free dental topographic metrics, we further demonstrate that the loss of Afro-Arabian rodent and primate lineages was associated with a major reduction in molar occlusal topographic disparity, suggesting a correlated loss of dietary diversity. These results raise new questions about the relative importance of global versus local influences in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of Afro-Arabia’s endemic mammals during the Oligocene.
A metformin-based nanoreactor alleviates hypoxia and reduces ATP for cancer synergistic therapy
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Song Jia , Lei Yunfeng , Zhang Xuezhong , Chen Zhixin , Lu Zhuoxuan , Zhang Liming , Wang Zhifei
Published: October 2021

A metformin-based smart responsive gelatin nanoreactor enhances hypoxia-limited photodynamic therapy and amplifies ATP-inhibited photothermal therapy for synergistic tumor therapy.
Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of octreotate conjugates of bioactive synthetic amatoxins for targeting somatostatin receptor (sstr2) expressing cells
Authors: Pryyma Alla , Matinkhoo Kaveh , Bu Yong Jia , Merkens Helen , Zhang Zhengxing , Bénard Francois , Perrin David M.
Published: October 2021

Synthetic amanitin is conjugated to octreotate as a targeting agent: three different linkers and two sites of attachment highlight a robust chemical approach leading to targeted cytotoxicity.
Computational framework for evaluating risk trade-offs in costs associated with legionnaires' disease risk, energy, and scalding risk for hospital hot water systems
Authors: Heida Ashley , Mraz Alexis , Hamilton Mark T. , Weir Mark H. , Hamilton Kerry A.
Published: October 2021

We present a computational framework to evaluate trade-offs in energy, scalding, and Legionnaires' disease illness risk costs. This framework is a foundation for a decision support tool for building operation.
Emerging investigator series: photocatalytic membrane reactors: fundamentals and advances in preparation and application in wastewater treatment
Authors: Ashley Andrew , Thrope Brandon , Choudhury Mahbubhoor R. , Pinto Alexandre H.
Published: October 2021

Photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) can degrade organic compounds in wastewater and in water from different real matrices. The PMR surface can be modified for anti-fouling/self-cleaning properties, enabling reuse and extending lifespan.
First demonstration of the use of open-shell derivatives as organic luminophores for transparent luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Mattiello Sara , Corsini Francesca , Mecca Sara , Sassi Mauro , Ruffo Riccardo , Mattioli Giuseppe , Hattori Yohei , Kusamoto Tetsuro , Griffini Gianmarco , Beverina Luca
Published: October 2021

The use of micellar catalysis enables the sustainable synthesis of persistent, luminescent radicals that are suitable for the preparation of colourless luminescent solar collectors with minimal reabsorption losses and distortion of the transmitted light.
Progress and perspective on chiral plasmonic nanostructures enabled by DNA programming methodology
Authors: Yang Hao , Li Huacheng , Tang Pan , Lan Xiang
Published: October 2021

DNA nanotechnology enables to precisely construct chiroplasmonic assemblies at the nanometer scale. This review aims to look back so far the chiroplasmonic assemblies from a new perspective of the evolution of DNA programming methodology.
Design of ultra-stretchable, highly adhesive and self-healable hydrogels via tannic acid-enabled dynamic interactions
Authors: Mo Jiaying , Dai Yuhang , Zhang Chao , Zhou Yongsen , Li Wanbo , Song Yuxin , Wu Chenyang , Wang Zuankai
Published: October 2021

By leveraging tannic-acid-enabled dynamic interactions, we designed an ionic hydrogel with boosted bulk and interfacial properties such as ultra-stretchability, remarkable self-healing capability and robust adhesion.
Morphology effect of ceria supports on gold nanocluster catalyzed CO oxidation
Authors: Li Zhimin , Zhang Xinyu , Shi Quanquan , Gong Xia , Xu Hui , Li Gao
Published: October 2021

The interfacial perimeter is generally viewed as the catalytically active site for a number of chemical reactions over oxide-supported nanogold catalysts.
ACs5Bi4(PO4)2(P2O7)3 (A = K, Rb and Cs) with two kinds of isolated P–O groups designed by dimensional reduction theory
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Chen Jiale , Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: October 2021

ACs5Bi4(PO4)2(P2O7)3 (A = K, Rb and Cs) were successfully designed and synthesized by dimensional reduction theory with a system of A2O–Bi2O3–P2O5.
Construction of a superhydrophobic microenvironmentviapolystyrene coating: an unexpected way to stabilize CuIagainst oxidation
Authors: Li Yu-Xia , Ji Yu-Nong , Mao Shi-Xian , Jin Meng-Meng , Liu Xiao-Qin , Sun Lin-Bing
Published: October 2021

A superhydrophobic microenvironment in MIL-101(Cr) was constructedviacoating polystyrene, resulting in improved CuIstability and adsorptive desulfurization performance.
Peptide-directed Pd-decorated Au and PdAu nanocatalysts for degradation of nitrite in water
Authors: Mosleh Imann , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: October 2021

In this work, a palladium binding peptide, Pd4, has been used for the synthesis of catalytically active palladium-decorated gold (Pd-on-Au) nanoparticles (NPs) and palladium–gold (PdxAu100−x) alloy NPs exhibiting high nitrite degradation efficiency.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of 4-oxo-2-butenoic acids by aldol-condensation of glyoxylic acid
Authors: Uguen Mélanie , Gai Conghao , Sprenger Lukas J. , Liu Hang , Leach Andrew G. , Waring Michael J.
Published: October 2021

A new method for the synthesis of 4-oxo-2-butenoic acids is described by aldol condensation with methyl ketones. Substrate dependent conditions are rationalised mechanistically with quantum mechanically derived molecular orbital energies.
Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathodes with electrochemical and structural tuning for high capacity all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Sun Zhen , Hu Yaqi , Qin Furong , Lv Na , Li Bingqin , Jiang Liangxing , Zhang Zongliang , Liu Fangyang
Published: October 2021

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathodes with electrochemical and structural tuning used in all-solid state Li–S batteries are evaluated.
pH-Controlled selective synthesis of lactate from pyruvate with a photoredox system of water-soluble zinc porphyrin, an electron mediator and platinum nanoparticles dispersed by polyvinylpyrrolidone
Authors: Kita Yu , Amao Yutaka
Published: October 2021

The pH-controlled visible-light driven selective pyruvate reduction to lactate with a system of triethanolamine, zinc tetraphenylporphyrin tetrasulfonate, methylviologen and colloidal platinum nanoparticles was achieved.
Nitride MXenes as sulfur hosts for thermodynamic and kinetic suppression of polysulfide shuttling: a computational study
Authors: Fan Ke , Ying Yiran , Luo Xin , Huang Haitao
Published: October 2021

The modulation effect of surface terminating groups of nitride MXenes on the thermodynamic and kinetic suppression of polysulfide shuttling is studied by theoretical calculations.
Facile gelation of a fully polymeric conductive hydrogel activated by liquid metal nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Ming , Feng Xiao , Wang Xijun , Hu Songnan , Zhang Cunzhi , Qi Haisong
Published: October 2021

A novel fully polymeric multifunctional hydrogel was developed based on liquid metal nanoparticles (LMNPs) activation with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):sulfonated bacterial cellulose nanofiber (PEDOT:BCNF) nanomaterials as conductive fillers.
Vanadium dioxide–zinc oxide stacked photocathodes for photo-rechargeable zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Deka Boruah Buddha , De Volder Michael
Published: October 2021

Layered zinc oxide–vanadium dioxide photocathodes for high efficiency zinc-ion photo-batteries.
Super-fast in situ formation of hydrogels based on multi-arm functional polyethylene glycols as endotamponade substitutes
Authors: Ran Ruijin , Shi Wenqiang , Gao Yunxia , Wang Ting , Ren Xiang , Chen Yi , Wu Xue , Cao Jun , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2021

The novel hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and high transparency without ocular complications, which could be a promising long-term endotamponade substitute.
Boosting photocatalytic performance for selective oxidation of biomass-derived pentoses and hexoses to lactic acid using hierarchically porous Cu/Cu2O/CuO@CA
Authors: Jin Dongnv , Jiao Gaojie , Ren Wenfeng , Zhou Jinghui , Ma Jiliang , Sun Runcang
Published: October 2021

Boosting photocatalytic performance for selective oxidation of biomass-derived pentoses and hexoses to lactic acid using hierarchically porous Cu/Cu2O/CuO@CA.
Axially chiral bay-tetraarylated perylene bisimide dyes as non-fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells
Authors: Mahlmeister Bernhard , Renner Rebecca , Anhalt Olga , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: October 2021

Chromophore shielding is critical for twisted single core perylene bisimides used as non-fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells. Inherent chirality becomes only important for close packing chromophores as single crystal structure analyses reveal.
Facet-dependent electrical conductivity properties of GaN wafers
Authors: Hsieh Pei-Lun , Kumar Gautam , Wang Yen-Yu , Lu Yu-Jung , Chen Lih-Juann , Huang Michael H.
Published: October 2021

A large conductivity difference exists between the {0001} and {101̄0} faces of a GaN wafer. Current-rectifying I–V curves were obtained with electrodes contacting both faces simultaneously.
An improved capacitor voltage full feedforward control strategy for LCL‐type grid‐connected inverter based on control delay compensation
Authors: Yang Xingwu , Wu Guokuai , Meng Zhicheng , Wang Yani , Ji Liang , Xue Hua , Bian Xiaoyan
Published: October 2021

For the LCL‐type grid‐connected inverter, when the capacitor voltage feedforward is applied, the delay in the digital control system could change the phase characteristics of capacitor voltage feedback and affect the stability of the system. To solve the problem, a delay compensation method based on lead compensator is proposed in this paper, which can reduce the impacts of control delay on the capacitor voltage full feedforward control system. In this study, a lead compensator is introduced into the feedforward channel to compensate the phase lag, and the compensation function is designed to compensate for the phase margin but not change the system amplitude gain. The proposed strategy can keep the phase margin of the system above 25° when the grid impedance changes from 0 to 2.6 mH (0.1 p.u.), which enhances the robustness of the grid‐connected inverter under weak condition. The grid current distortion caused by grid background harmonics is greatly reduced and is kept within 4%. Moreover, the proposed strategy has fast dynamics while ensuring the system stability. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy.
The LSBmax algorithm for boosting resilience of electric grids post (N‐2) contingencies
Authors: Hussain Tanveer , Alam S M Shafiul , Hansen Timothy M. , Suryanarayanan Siddharth
Published: October 2021

A computationally improved algorithm is presented to find the best transmission switching (TS) candidate for boosting resilience of electricity grids subject to (N‐2) contingencies. Here, resilience is computed as the reduction in load shed after the above‐mentioned (N‐) contingencies. TS is a planned line outage, and past research shows that changing the transmission system's topology changes the power flow and removes post contingency violations. Finding the best TS candidate in a computationally suitable time for effectively boosting resilience is a challenge. The best TS candidate is found using a novel heuristic method by decreasing the search space based on proximity to the bus with the maximum load shedding (LSB). The LSB algorithm is faster than existing algorithms in the literature; and, it is compatible with both the AC and DC optimal power flow formulations. To validate the authors' claims of speedup and accuracy, two metrics are used to analyze the results from the IEEE 39‐bus and 118‐bus systems. Finally, the inherent parallelism of the LSB algorithm is leveraged on a high‐performance computing platform and applied to the large‐scale Polish 2383‐bus test system to validate scalability in both size and speedup in computation time.
A 3.5 Mpc long radio relic in the galaxy cluster ClG 0217+70
Authors: Hoang D. N. , Zhang X. , Stuardi C. , Shimwell T. W. , Bonafede A. , Brüggen M. , Brunetti G. , Botteon A. , Cassano R. , de Gasperin F. , Di Gennaro G. , Hoeft M. , Intema H. , Rajpurohit K. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Simionescu A. , van Weeren R. J.
Published: October 2021

Context. Megaparsec-scale radio sources in the form of halos and relics are often detected in dynamically disturbed galaxy clusters. Although they are associated with merger-induced turbulence and shocks, respectively, their formation is not fully understood.

Aims. We aim to identify the mechanisms responsible for particle acceleration and magnetic field amplification in the halo and relics of the galaxy cluster ClG 0217+70.

Methods. We observed ClG 0217+70 with LOFAR at 141 MHz and with VLA at 1.5 GHz, and we combined these observations with VLA 1.4 GHz archival data to study the morphological and spectral properties of the diffuse sources. We added Chandra archival data to examine the thermal and non-thermal properties of the halo.

Results. Our LOFAR and VLA data confirm the presence of a giant radio halo in the cluster centre and multiple relics in the outskirts. The radio and X-ray emission from the halo are correlated, implying a tight relation between the thermal and non-thermal components. The diffuse radio structure in the south-east, with a projected size of 3.5 Mpc, is the most extended radio relic detected to date. The spectral index across the relic width steepens towards the cluster centre, suggesting electron ageing in the post-shock regions. The shock Mach numbers for the relics derived from the spectral index map range between 2.0 and 3.2. However, the integrated spectral indices lead to increasingly high Mach numbers for the relics farther from the cluster centre. This discrepancy could be because the relation between injection and integrated spectra does not hold for distant shocks, suggesting that the cooling time for the radio-emitting electrons is longer than the crossing time of the shocks. The variations in the surface brightness of the relics and the low Mach numbers imply that the radio-emitting electrons are re-accelerated from fossil plasma that could originate in active galactic nuclei.
Re-assessing copper and nickel enrichments as paleo-productivity proxies
Authors: Tribovillard Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) are elements frequently enriched in sedimentary deposits rich in organic matter (OM). In the marine environment, they are mainly supplied to the sediments in association with sedimentary OM (organo-metal complexes). In modern environments, a good correlation between the intensity of phytoplankton productivity and the quantities of Cu and Ni transferred to sediments made it possible to establish paleo-productivity calculations based on the contents of ancient sediments in these two metals. The present study is a re-evaluation of the significance that can be attributed to these two metals as paleo-productivity proxies. The approach adopted here is based on the examination of a large database already available in the scientific literature. The choice was made to favor the examination of a large amount of data by simple means: comparisons of total organic carbon (TOC) content, enrichment in Cu and Ni (or even other trace metals), and value of the Fe:Al ratio that makes it possible to assess the availability of reactive iron. The basic idea is that the examination of a large number of geological formations makes it possible to encompass all kinds of paleo-environmental settings, thus comprising an extreme range of the factors conventionally involved in the mechanisms of accumulation of OM. The aim is to identify strong trends, valid in a large number of paleo-situations, which will have to be carefully taken into account in future detailed paleo-environmental reconstructions. It emerges from this study that, in many cases, Cu and Ni cannot be considered as faithfully reflecting the quantity of OM initially deposited. Several factors acting on the loss of Cu and Ni can be identified, among them, (1) a rapid loss linked to the decomposition of the OM before the conditions conducive to sulfate-reduction set in; (2) a low abundance of reactive iron which limits the quantity of pyrite liable to form, which significantly hampers Cu and Ni fixation in sediments. If Cu and Ni are not reliably retained in the sediments, that is, proportional to the quantity of OM supplied to the sediment, the paleo-environmental reconstitutions involving the concentrations of these metals may provide underestimated values of paleoproductivity. An interesting clue is the Fe:Al ratio that makes it possible to quickly know whether the values of the Cu and Ni enrichments are likely to be “abnormally” low.
A Study On Deep Learning And Machine Learning Techniques On Detection Of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mounika P. , Govinda Rao S.
Published: October 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a sophisticated anxiety malady that impairs movement. Symptoms emerge gradually, initiating with a slight tremor in only one hand occasionally. Tremors are prevalent, although the condition is sometimes associated with stiffness or slowed mobility. In the early degrees of PD, your face can also additionally display very little expression. Your fingers won’t swing while you walk. Your speech can also additionally grow to be gentle or slurred. PD signs and symptoms get worse as your circumstance progresses over time. The goal of this study is to test the efficiency of deep learning and machine learning approaches in order to identify the most accurate strategy for sensing Parkinson’s disease at an early stage. In order to measure the average performance most accurately, we compared deep learning and machine learning methods.
Flexural properties and Cost evaluation of hybrid polymer composites developed from different stacking sequences of fiber laminates
Authors: Dubey Ankit Dhar , Kumar Jogendra , Kesarwani Shivi , Verma Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2021

The stiffness and reduced weight of polymer composites makes them unique from conventional manufacturing materials. The failure modes can vary from tension to compression dominated with the matrix interface. The mechanical strength can be improved with the stacking of different laminates for the development of hybrid composites. This study highlights the fabrication of laminate composite for flexural tests and analysis for stacking sequences of carbon (C) and glass (G) fiber laminates. The fabrication was performed by a cost-effective hand layup method for laminate polymers to observe changes in the properties of the final composites. This work investigates the cost appraisal of the hybrid composites to replace the existing costly material (neat material). The results of flexural properties and experimental study of low-cost composite materials are present in this paper, which integrates an empirical analysis for manufacturing sectors. The cost-effectiveness of composite manufacturing is determining the best stacking configuration for optimal production cost. The proposed laminate composite can be recommended for structural applications, and the addition of different fabric layers could be helpful for the development of a cost-effective product.
A Sustainability Index tool for measuring the Environmental performance of a metropolitan city
Authors: Dhawan Akshay , Gupta Nakul , Kuldeep K. Saxena , Goyal Rajesh
Published: October 2021

This paper targets estimating and evaluating the Indian Cities on the natural execution rules across an expansive scope of classifications and supporting markers. Metropolitan urban areas have different Environmental issues like never-ending suburbia, Deprive of green and characteristic gaps, insufficient H2O supply, sewage water, solid refuse, contamination of air and soil. To combat such issues, the urban communities are being modified by presenting shrewd feasible procedures.

There are various advantages straightforwardly joined to the manageability estimating apparatus such as to limit the natural impression of city, oblige populace development, and protect personal satisfaction of metropolitan occupants today and in future. It additionally assists financial backers with settling on a decision of their area, helps urban communities by being a directing soul to enroll different qualities and shortcomings of the urban communities and in this way helping them in progress by chipping away at their shortcomings and in characterizing and arranging their objectives and to plan pointed toward supporting their involved position and to foster arrangement for what’s to come.