bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases induced by triplet repeat expansion by linked read haplotyping and Bayesian approach
Authors: Liautard-Haag C. , Durif G. , VanGoethem C. , Baux D. , Louis A. , Cayrefourcq L. , Lamairia M. , Willems M. , Zordan C. , Dorian V. , Rooryck C. , Goizet C. , Chaussenot A. , Monteil L. , Calvas P. , Miry C. , Favre R. , Le Boette E. , Fradin M. , Roux A. F. , Cossée M. , Koenig M. , Alix-Panabière C. , Guissart C. , Vincent M. C.
Published: July 2022

The field of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) has undergone significant progress over the last decade. Direct haplotyping has been successfully applied for NIPD of few single-gene disorders. However, technical issues remain for triplet-repeat expansions. The objective of this study was to develop an NIPD approach for couples at risk of transmitting dynamic mutations. This method includes targeted enrichment for linked-read libraries and targeted maternal plasma DNA sequencing. We also developed an innovative Bayesian procedure to integrate the Hoobari fetal genotyping model for inferring the fetal haplotype and the targeted gene variant status. Our method of directly resolving parental haplotypes through targeted linked-read sequencing was smoothly performed using blood samples from families with Huntington’s disease or myotonic dystrophy type 1. The Bayesian analysis of transmission of parental haplotypes allowed defining the genotype of five fetuses. The predicted variant status of four of these fetuses was in agreement with the invasive prenatal diagnosis findings. Conversely, no conclusive result was obtained for the NIPD of fragile X syndrome. Although improvements should be made to achieve clinically acceptable accuracy, our study shows that linked-read sequencing and parental haplotype phasing can be successfully used for NIPD of triplet-repeat expansion diseases.

Trial registration: NCT04698551_date of first registration: 07/01/2021.
A thorough annotation of the krill transcriptome offers new insights for the study of physiological processes
Authors: Urso Ilenia , Biscontin Alberto , Corso Davide , Bertolucci Cristiano , Romualdi Chiara , De Pittà Cristiano , Meyer Bettina , Sales Gabriele
Published: July 2022

The krill species Euphausia superba plays a critical role in the food chain of the Antarctic ecosystem. Significant changes in climate conditions observed in the Antarctic Peninsula region in the last decades have already altered the distribution of krill and its reproductive dynamics. A deeper understanding of the adaptation capabilities of this species is urgently needed. The availability of a large body of RNA-seq assays allowed us to extend the current knowledge of the krill transcriptome. Our study covered the entire developmental process providing information of central relevance for ecological studies. Here we identified a series of genes involved in different steps of the krill moulting cycle, in the reproductive process and in sexual maturation in accordance with what was already described in previous works. Furthermore, the new transcriptome highlighted the presence of differentially expressed genes previously unknown, playing important roles in cuticle development as well as in energy storage during the krill life cycle. The discovery of new opsin sequences, specifically rhabdomeric opsins, one onychopsin, and one non-visual arthropsin, expands our knowledge of the krill opsin repertoire. We have collected all these results into the KrillDB2 database, a resource combining the latest annotation of the krill transcriptome with a series of analyses targeting genes relevant to krill physiology. KrillDB2 provides in a single resource a comprehensive catalog of krill genes; an atlas of their expression profiles over all RNA-seq datasets publicly available; a study of differential expression across multiple conditions. Finally, it provides initial indications about the expression of microRNA precursors, whose contribution to krill physiology has never been reported before.
Next-generation 2D optical strain mapping with strain-sensing smart skin compared to digital image correlation
Authors: Meng Wei , Pal Ashish , Bachilo Sergei M. , Weisman R. Bruce , Nagarajaiah Satish
Published: July 2022

This study reports next generation optical strain measurement with “strain-sensing smart skin” (S4) and a comparison of its performance against the established digital image correlation (DIC) method. S4 measures strain-induced shifts in the emission wavelengths of single-wall carbon nanotubes embedded in a thin film on the specimen. The new S4 film improves spectral uniformity of the nanotube sensors, avoids the need for annealing at elevated temperatures, and allows for parallel DIC measurements. Noncontact strain maps measured with the S4 films and point-wise scanning were directly compared to those from DIC on acrylic, concrete, and aluminum test specimens, including one with subsurface damage. Strain features were more clearly revealed with S4 than with DIC. Finite element method simulations also showed closer agreement with S4 than with DIC results. These findings highlight the potential of S4 strain measurement technology as a promising alternative or complement to existing technologies, especially when accumulated strains must be detected in structures that are not under constant observation.
Irigenin, a novel lead from Iris confusa for management of Helicobacter pylori infection with selective COX-2 and HpIMPDH inhibitory potential
Authors: Abdel-Baki Passent M. , El-Sherei Moshera M. , Khaleel Amal E. , Abdel-Aziz Marwa M. , Okba Mona M.
Published: July 2022

The development of new natural drugs for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) management has recently received significant attention. Iris confusa (I. confusa) was long used for the treatment of bacterial infections and gastritis. This study aimed at evaluating its effect on management of H. pylori infection and exploring its bioactive metabolites. The inhibitory potential of the polar (PF), non-polar (NPF) fractions and the isolated compounds against H. pylori using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in addition to their cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities were assessed. The most biologically active compound was tested for its selective H. pylori inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (HpIMPDH) inhibitory potential. Chromatographic purification of PF and NPF allowed isolation of tectoridin, orientin, irigenin, tectorigenin, isoarborinol and stigmasterol. The PF exhibited significant anti-H. pylori (MIC 62.50 µg/mL), COX-1, COX-2 (IC50 of 112.08 ± 0.60 and 47.90 ± 1.50 µg/mL respectively, selectivity index SI of 2.34), and NO (IC50 47.80 ± 0.89 µg/mL) inhibitory activities, while irigenin was the most potent isolated compound. Irigenin was found to have a promising activity against HpIMPDH enzyme (IC50 of 2.07 ± 1.90 μM) with low activity against human hIMPDH2 (IC50 > 10 μM) than clarithromycin, assuring its selectivity. Overall, I. confusa and its isolated compounds may serve as a potential source of plant-based drugs for H. pylori control. This study scientifically validated the claimed anti-bacterial activity of I. confusa and revealed irigenin potential as a novel lead exhibiting anti H. pylori activity in a first record.
Histological and electrophysiological evidence on the safe operation of a sharp-tip multimodal optrode during infrared neuromodulation of the rat cortex
Authors: Horváth Á. Cs. , Borbély S. , Mihók F. , Fürjes P. , Barthó P. , Fekete Z.
Published: July 2022

Infrared neuromodulation is an emerging technology in neuroscience that exploits the inherent thermal sensitivity of neurons to excite or inhibit cellular activity. Since there is limited information on the physiological response of intracortical cell population in vivo including evidence on cell damage, we aimed to create and to validate the safe operation of a microscale sharp-tip implantable optrode that can be used to suppress the activity of neuronal population with low optical power continuous wave irradiation. Effective thermal cross-section and electric properties of the multimodal microdevice was characterized in bench-top tests. The evoked multi-unit activity was monitored in the rat somatosensory cortex, and using NeuN immunocytochemistry method, quantitative analysis of neuronal density changes due to the stimulation trials was evaluated. The sharp tip implant was effectively used to suppress the firing rate of neuronal populations. Histological staining showed that neither the probe insertion nor the heating protocols alone lead to significant changes in cell density in the close vicinity of the implant with respect to the intact control region. Our study shows that intracortical stimulation with continuous-wave infrared light at 1550 nm using a sharp tip implantable optical microdevice is a safe approach to modulate the firing rate of neurons.
Contextual memory reactivation modulates Ca2+-activity network state in a mushroom body-like center of the crab N. granulata
Authors: Maza Francisco Javier , Urbano Francisco José , Delorenzi Alejandro
Published: July 2022

High-order brain centers play key roles in sensory integration and cognition. In arthropods, much is known about the insect high-order centers that support associative memory processes, the mushroom bodies. The hypothesis that crustaceans possess structures equivalent to the mushroom bodies -traditionally called hemiellipsoid body- has been receiving neuroanatomical endorsement. The recent functional support is limited to the short term: in a structure of the true crab Neohelice granulata that has many insect-like mushroom bodies traits, the plastic learning changes express the context attribute of an associative memory trace. Here, we used in vivo calcium imaging to test whether neuronal activity in this structure is associated with memory reactivation in the long-term (i.e., 24 h after training). Long-term training effects were tested by presenting the training-context alone, a reminder known to trigger memory reconsolidation. We found similar spontaneous activity between trained and naïve animals. However, after training-context presentation, trained animals showed increased calcium events rate, suggesting that memory reactivation induced a change in the underlying physiological state of this center. Reflecting the change in the escape response observed in the paradigm, animals trained with a visual danger stimulus showed significantly lower calcium-evoked transients in the insect-like mushroom body. Protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide administered during consolidation prevented calcium mediated changes. Moreover, we found the presence of distinct calcium activity spatial patterns. Results suggest that intrinsic neurons of this crustacean mushroom body-like center are involved in contextual associative long-term memory processes.
Clinical impact of and microbiological risk factors for qacA/B positivity in ICU-acquired ST5-methicillin-resistant SCCmec type II Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Kim Haein , Park Sunghee , Seo Hyeonji , Chung Hyemin , Kim Eun Sil , Sung Heungsup , Kim Mi-Na , Bae Seongman , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Chong Yong Pil
Published: July 2022

Concern about resistance to chlorhexidine has increased due to the wide use of the latter. The impact of the qacA/B and smr chlorhexidine tolerance genes on the outcome of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is unclear. We evaluated the prevalence and clinical impact of, and microbiological risk factors for, qacA/B tolerance in MRSA bacteremia. MRSA bacteremia that occurred more than two days after intensive care unit admission between January 2009 and December 2018 was identified from a prospective cohort of S. aureus bacteremia in a tertiary-care hospital from South Korea. A total of 183 MRSA blood isolates was identified, and the major genotype found was ST5-MRSA-II (87.4%). The prevalences of qacA/B and smr were 67.2% and 3.8%, respectively. qacA/B-positive isolates were predominantly ST5-MRSA-II (96.7% [119/123]), the dominant hospital clone. In a homogenous ST5-MRSA-II background, qacA/B positivity was independently associated with septic shock (aOR, 4.85), gentamicin resistance (aOR, 74.43), and non-t002 spa type (aOR, 74.12). qacA/B positivity was found to have decreased significantly in ST5-MRSA-II in association with a decline in qacA/B-positive t2460, despite the increasing use of chlorhexidine since 2010 (P < 0.001 for trend). Continuous surveillance of the qac genes, and molecular characterization of their plasmids, are needed to understand their role in MRSA epidemiology.
Outcomes of early versus delayed invasive strategy in older adults with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Cheol Ung , Choi Byoung Geol , Kim Ji Bak , Park Soohyung , Kang Dong Oh , Park Ji Young , Park Sang-Ho , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: July 2022

We evaluated the 3-year clinical outcomes following early invasive (EI) and delayed invasive (DI) strategies in older adults with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing successful new-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) implantation to reflect current real-world practice. Overall, 2437 older adults (age, ≥ 65 years) with NSTEMI were recruited from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health. They were divided into two groups: EI (n = 1750) and DI (n = 687). The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), defined by all-cause death, recurrent MI, any repeat coronary revascularization, and stroke. The secondary clinical outcome was stent thrombosis (ST). After multivariable-adjusted and propensity score-matched analyses, the primary and secondary clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the EI and DI groups. Even after the analysis was confined to those having complex lesions, these major clinical outcomes were similar between these two groups. The EI and DI strategies in older adults with NSTEMI receiving new-generation DES showed comparable results.

Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/; Unique identifier: KCT0000863.
Generalising from conventional pipelines using deep learning in high-throughput screening workflows
Authors: Garcia Santa Cruz Beatriz , Slter Jan , Gomez-Giro Gemma , Saraiva Claudia , Sabate-Soler Sonia , Modamio Jennifer , Barmpa Kyriaki , Schwamborn Jens Christian , Hertel Frank , Jarazo Javier , Husch Andreas
Published: July 2022

The study of complex diseases relies on large amounts of data to build models toward precision medicine. Such data acquisition is feasible in the context of high-throughput screening, in which the quality of the results relies on the accuracy of the image analysis. Although state-of-the-art solutions for image segmentation employ deep learning approaches, the high cost of manually generating ground truth labels for model training hampers the day-to-day application in experimental laboratories. Alternatively, traditional computer vision-based solutions do not need expensive labels for their implementation. Our work combines both approaches by training a deep learning network using weak training labels automatically generated with conventional computer vision methods. Our network surpasses the conventional segmentation quality by generalising beyond noisy labels, providing a 25% increase of mean intersection over union, and simultaneously reducing the development and inference times. Our solution was embedded into an easy-to-use graphical user interface that allows researchers to assess the predictions and correct potential inaccuracies with minimal human input. To demonstrate the feasibility of training a deep learning solution on a large dataset of noisy labels automatically generated by a conventional pipeline, we compared our solution against the common approach of training a model from a small manually curated dataset by several experts. Our work suggests that humans perform better in context interpretation, such as error assessment, while computers outperform in pixel-by-pixel fine segmentation. Such pipelines are illustrated with a case study on image segmentation for autophagy events. This work aims for better translation of new technologies to real-world settings in microscopy-image analysis.
Prediction of benzimidazole therapy duration with PET/CT in inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Husmann Lars , Gruenig Hannes , Reiner Caecilia S. , Deibel Ansgar , Ledergerber Bruno , Liberini Virginia , Skawran Stephan , Muehlematter Urs J. , Messerli Michael , Hasse Barbara , Muellhaupt Beat , Huellner Martin W.
Published: July 2022

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare parasitic disease, most frequently affecting the liver, as a slow-growing tumor-like lesion. If inoperable, long-term benzimidazole therapy is required, which is associated with high healthcare costs and occasionally with increased morbidity. The aim of our study was to determine the role 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in staging of patients with alveolar echinococcosis and to identify quantitative imaging parameters related to patient outcome and/or duration of benzimidazole therapy. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 47 PET/CT performed for staging in patients with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis were analysed. In 43 patients (91%) benzimidazole therapy was initiated and was successfully stopped after a median of 870 days (766–2517) in 14/43 patients (33%). In inoperable patients, tests for trend of survivor functions displayed clear trends for longer benzimidazole therapy duration (p = 0.05; n = 25), and for longer time intervals to reach non-detectable serum concentration of Em-18 antibodies (p = 0.01, n = 15) across tertiles of SUVratio (maximum standardized uptake value in the echinococcus manifestation compared to normal liver tissue). Hence, in inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis, PET/CT performed for staging may predict the duration of benzimidazole therapy.
Microsponge based gel as a simple and valuable strategy for formulating and releasing Tazarotene in a controlled manner
Authors: Khattab Alaa , Nattouf Abdulhakim
Published: July 2022

This study aims to deliver Tazarotene (TZR) in a controlled manner to reduce adverse effects in the form of a microsponge-based gel. It adopts the methodology of a similar study by the undersigned authors with respect to the drug Clindamycin. Under both studies, the methodology used is emulsion solvent diffusion. Accordingly, we altered the concentrations of polymer and emulsifier to generate four formulations of TZR microsponges. Additionally, we used two types of emulsifiers and two types of solvents to develop two further microsponge formulations. We then studied the physical properties of each formulation, as well as drug-polymer interactions. Echoing findings from our prior study of Clindamycin, we found that microsponge formulations coded by T1 and T3 had superior production yield and entrapment efficiency, and their particle size was suitable for dermal application. As in the prior Clindamycin study, each of the T1 and T3 microsponge formulations were incorporated into a Carbopol gel and evaluated in vitro. The optimal formulation was found to be the microsponge formulation gel T8, which released 87.63% of TZR over 12 h. No significant interactions between the drug and excipients were found through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.
Fabric muscle with a cooling acceleration structure for upper limb assistance soft exosuits
Authors: Park Seong Jun , Choi Kyungjun , Rodrigue Hugo , Park Cheol Hoon
Published: July 2022

Soft exosuits used for supporting human muscle strength must be lightweight and wearable. Shape memory alloy (SMA) spring-based fabric muscles (SFM) are light and flexible, making them suitable for soft and shape-conformable exosuits. However, SFMs have a slow actuation speed owing to the slow cooling rate of the SMA spring. This paper proposes a forced air-cooling fan-integrated fabric muscle (FCFM) that improves the cooling rate by arranging a thin-diameter SMA spring bundle with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio inside a breathable fabric with integrated fans. The relaxation time of an FCFM weighing 30 g and containing a 2.6 g SMA spring bundle, which contains 200 thin springs, was reduced by over 70.2% via forced-air cooling using the integrated fans. A 4 kg weight, which is 1530 times the mass of the SMA spring bundle, was hung from the FCFM and was repeatedly actuated in ten-second cycles. An upper limb assistive soft exosuit with FCFMs was fabricated and worn on a mannequin holding a dumbbell, and the arm extension time after flexion was improved by 4.5 times. Additionally, the assistive performance of the exosuits for repetitive tasks in specific scenarios was evaluated, and the strong potential of the proposed FCFM for soft exosuits was verified.
Dual immobilization of magnetite nanoparticles and biosilica within alginate matrix for the adsorption of Cd(II) from aquatic phase
Authors: Safari Mahdi , Rezaee Reza , Soltani Reza Darvishi Cheshmeh , Asgari Esrafil
Published: July 2022

The adsorption of cadmium ions by magnetite (Fe3O4)@biosilica/alginate (MBA nano-hybrid) was the main aim of the present investigation. Herein, MBA nano-hybrid was synthesized via chemical precipitation technique. As-synthesized MBA nano-hybrid was characterized using FT-IR, FESEM and XRD analyzes. Based on the results, the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) was obtained at the initial pH of 7.0. At the initial Cd(II) concentration of 40 mg/L, increasing the reaction time to 180 min led to the Cd adsorption of 35.36 mg/g. Since the removal of Cd(II) after the reaction time of 60 min was insignificant, the reaction time of 60 min was considered as optimum reaction time for performing the experimental runs. According to the results, Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic models were the best fitted models with high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.99). The results of thermodynamic study indicated exothermic (positive ΔH°) and spontaneous nature (negative ΔG°) of the adsorption of Cd(II) on the surface of MBA nano-hybrid. Negligible reduction in the adsorption capacity of the nano-hybrid was observed (16.57%) after fifth experimental runs, indicating high reusability potential of the as-synthesized nano-hybrid adsorbent.
Machine learning to support visual auditing of home-based lateral flow immunoassay self-test results for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
Authors: Wong Nathan C. K. , Meshkinfamfard Sepehr , Turbé Valérian , Whitaker Matthew , Moshe Maya , Bardanzellu Alessia , Dai Tianhong , Pignatelli Eduardo , Barclay Wendy , Darzi Ara , Elliott Paul , Ward Helen , Tanaka Reiko J. , Cooke Graham S. , McKendry Rachel A. , Atchison Christina J. , Bharath Anil A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) are being used worldwide for COVID-19 mass testing and antibody prevalence studies. Relatively simple to use and low cost, these tests can be self-administered at home, but rely on subjective interpretation of a test line by eye, risking false positives and false negatives. Here, we report on the development of ALFA (Automated Lateral Flow Analysis) to improve reported sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

Our computational pipeline uses machine learning, computer vision techniques and signal processing algorithms to analyse images of the Fortress LFIA SARS-CoV-2 antibody self-test, and subsequently classify results as invalid, IgG negative and IgG positive. A large image library of 595,339 participant-submitted test photographs was created as part of the REACT-2 community SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence study in England, UK. Alongside ALFA, we developed an analysis toolkit which could also detect device blood leakage issues.

Results

Automated analysis showed substantial agreement with human experts (Cohen’s kappa 0.90–0.97) and performed consistently better than study participants, particularly for weak positive IgG results. Specificity (98.7–99.4%) and sensitivity (90.1–97.1%) were high compared with visual interpretation by human experts (ranges due to the varying prevalence of weak positive IgG tests in datasets).

Conclusions

Given the potential for LFIAs to be used at scale in the COVID-19 response (for both antibody and antigen testing), even a small improvement in the accuracy of the algorithms could impact the lives of millions of people by reducing the risk of false-positive and false-negative result read-outs by members of the public. Our findings support the use of machine learning-enabled automated reading of at-home antibody lateral flow tests as a tool for improved accuracy for population-level community surveillance.
Functional supramolecular gels based on poly(benzyl ether) dendrons and dendrimers
Authors: Feng Yu , Liu Zhi-Xiong , Chen Hui , Fan Qing-Hua
Published: July 2022

The design strategies and the gelation mechanism of poly(benzyl ether) dendritic gels, along with their potential applications, are discussed.
Local atomic environment of Yb3+ in alkaline-earth fluorohalide nanocrystals
Authors: Amarasinghe Dinesh K. , Dissanayake K. Tauni , Dhanapala B. Dulani , Rabuffetti Federico A.
Published: July 2022

The local atomic environment of Yb3+ ions doped into alkaline-earth fluorohalide nanocrystals was probed using Yb L2 edge EXAFS spectroscopy. Two structural models are proposed for the first coordination shell of Yb3+.
Two polymolybdate-directed Zn(ii) complexes tuned by a new bis-pyridine-bis-amide ligand with a diphenylketone spacer for efficient ampere sensing and dye adsorption
Authors: Wang Xiu-Li , Zhang Yue , Chen Yong-Zhen , Wang Yue , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2022

Two polymolybdate-based Zn(ii) complexes were constructed from a new bis-pyridine-bis-amide ligand, which can be used as electrocatalysts and electrochemical sensors for Cr(vi), KBrO3, H2O2 and AA, and exhibit selective adsorption of CV and MB.
Evolution of microstructures and hydrogen bond interactions within choline amino acid ionic liquid and water mixtures
Authors: Chen Jin , Zeng Xixi , Chen Ling
Published: July 2022

The microstructural evolution of choline amino acid ionic liquid–water mixtures as results of hydrogen bond interaction changes.
The importance of cellular degradation kinetics for understanding mechanisms in targeted protein degradation
Authors: Riching Kristin M. , Caine Elizabeth A. , Urh Marjeta , Daniels Danette L.
Published: July 2022

Targeted protein degradation is a dynamic process regulated not only by the kinetics and mechanisms of the degrader compound, but also the native homeostasis and cellular regulation of the target protein. Image created with BioRender.com.
Acidic medium synthesis of zeolites – an avenue to control the structure-directing power of organic templates
Authors: Fu Guangying , Dib Eddy , Lang Qiaolin , Zhao Haonuan , Wang Songxia , Ding Ruiqin , Yang Xiaobo , Valtchev Valentin
Published: July 2022

The acidic-medium protonated urotropine acts as a structure-directing agent for crystallizing |HMTA+8,F−∼4|[Si136(1–2%)O272]-dodecasil 3C-MTNand is located in the big [51264] cage.
Highly reversible Li2RuO3 cathodes in sulfide-based all solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Wu Yuqi , Zhou Ke , Ren Fucheng , Ha Yang , Liang Ziteng , Zheng Xuefan , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Wu , Zhang Maojie , Luo Mingzeng , Battaglia Corsin , Yang Wanli , Zhu Lingyun , Gong Zhengliang , Yang Yong
Published: July 2022

Highly reversible oxygen redox chemistry of Li2RuO3 enabled by a stabilizing electrode–electrolyte interphase with sulfide solid electrolyte.
Hygroscopicity of nitrogen-containing organic carbon compounds: o-aminophenol and p-aminophenol
Authors: Malek Kotiba A. , Rastogi Dewansh , Al-Abadleh Hind A. , Asa-Awuku Akua A.
Published: July 2022

As nitrogen-containing organic carbon of atmospheric relevance, the water uptake of two phenolic compounds, o-aminophenol and p-aminophenol, is investigated under sub- and supersaturated conditions through the lens of aerosol-cloud interactions.
A bifunctional small molecular photocatalyst with a redox center and a Lewis acid site for one-pot tandem oxidation–acetalization
Authors: Rao Cai-Hui , Ma Shuai , Cui Jing-Wang , Jia Meng-Ze , Yao Xin-Rong , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2022

A bifunctional photocatalyst combining a redox center and a Lewis acid site has been developed for one-pot tandem oxidation–acetalization, which involves pyridinium-mediated molecular oxygen activation, as well as Lewis-acid promoted acetalization.
A novel electromagnetic mill promoted mechanochemical solid-state Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction using ultra-low catalyst loading
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Yunxia , Zhang Lizhi , Dong Yunhui , Liu Qing , Zhang Daopeng , Chen Lei , Zhao Zengdian , Liu Hui
Published: July 2022

The Nobel-prize-winning Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling (SMC) is a practical and attractive strategy for the construction of C–C bonds in both academic and industrial settings.
Coordinated single-molecule micelles: a self-template approach for preparing mesoporous doped carbons
Authors: Ouyang Huijun , Fang Chenhong , Xu Zhi , Li Le , Xiao Guyu
Published: July 2022

Hollow carbon nanospheres with the central mesopore are first prepared using a self-template method and concurrently these nanospheres aggregate into hierarchically porous carbons with uniform mesopores.
Expeditious entry into carbocyclic and heterocyclic spirooxindoles
Authors: Ganesh Madhu , Suraj Shammy
Published: July 2022

Recent advances in the chemistry of base-, metal-, nano-metal and organo-catalyst mediated achiral and chiral versions of the structurally diverse and pharmaceutically relevant spirooxindoles are gently reviewed.
Epoxidation of olefins using diaryltellurium dicarboxylates
Authors: Shibuya Yuga , Ohmura Shiori , Ito Akane , Oba Makoto , Koguchi Shinichi
Published: July 2022

This paper reports an efficient method for the epoxidation of a variety of functionalized olefins using diaryltellurium dicarboxylates as hypervalent tellurium compounds.
Synthesis, column packing and liquid chromatography of molecularly imprinted polymers for the acid black 1, acid black 210, and acid Brown 703 dyes
Authors: Ali Faiz , Shah Zuber , Khan Alamgir , Saadia Maria , AlOthman Zeid A. , Cheong Won Jo
Published: July 2022

MIP synthesis for the recently emerging dyes, a new method for their characterization in liquid chromatography by packing packing the MIP particles in a stainless steel column, and their application in environmental remediation.
Shape controlled synthesis of concave octahedral Au@AuAg nanoparticles to improve their surface-enhanced Raman scattering performance
Authors: Bi Cuixia , Song Yahui , Zhao Hongyan , Liu Guangqiang
Published: July 2022

In this work, a seed mediated strategy has been proposed to design and fabricate uniform octahedral shaped gold@gold-silver nanoparticles (Au@AuAg NPs) with unique concave structure and an AuAg alloy shell.
Fullerene C70/porphyrin hybrid nanoarchitectures: single-cocrystal nanoribbons with ambipolar charge transport properties
Authors: Wakahara Takatsugu , Nagaoka Kahori , Hirata Chika , Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Fujii Kazuko , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Ito Osamu , Takagi Makito , Shimazaki Tomomi , Tachikawa Masanori , Wada Yoshiki , Yagyu Shinjiro , Liu Yubin , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito
Published: July 2022

The one-dimensional porphyrin chains in the cocrystal play a very important role in the hole transport properties of C70/porphyrin nanoribbons.
Improvements in photoelectric performance of dye-sensitised solar cells using ionic liquid-modified TiO2 electrodes
Authors: Inomata Tomohiko , Matsunaga Ayaka , Jin Guangzhu , Kitagawa Takuma , Muramatsu Mizuho , Ozawa Tomohiro , Masuda Hideki
Published: July 2022

The modification of the phosphonium-type ionic liquid onto the TiO2 electrode reduced the amount of dye adsorbed on the electrode and showed significant aggregation effect, thereby improving the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs.
Innovative approach to controlled Pt–Rh bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Jensen M. , Gonano B. , Kierulf-Vieira W. , Kooyman P. J. , Sjåstad A. O.
Published: July 2022

In this work, we establish an innovative protocol for the production of Pt–Rh solid solution/core–shell nanoparticles with excellent control of element distribution and composition, built upon the well-established heat-up method.
Engineering living cells with cucurbit[7]uril-based supramolecular polymer chemistry: from cell surface engineering to manipulation of subcellular organelles
Authors: Huang Fang , Liu Jiaxiong , Liu Yiliu
Published: July 2022

Cucurbit[7]uril-based supramolecular polymer chemistry, which closely integrates host–guest recognition with multifunctional polymeric structures, is a promising toolbox for living cell engineering.
Ni@4H-chromene-based core–shell nanoparticles: highly sensitive and selective chemosensors for the radiosensitizer bromodeoxyuridine
Authors: Bhardwaj Geetika , Kaur Randeep , Saini Sanjeev , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: July 2022

The present sensor fulfils all the conditions of an efficient sensor (easy, cost effective, low detection limit and diverse) as it can be evaluatedviadifferent methods (UV-visible absorption, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry and circular dichroism).
Exploring mechanisms of Chaihu-Shugan-San against liver fibrosis by integrated multi-omics and network pharmacology approach
Authors: Xie Zhihao , Xie Zhiying , Trujillo Nicolas Pineda , Yang Ting , Yang Chunxia
Published: July 2022

Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS), a noted traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a complementary and alternative therapy for liver fibrosis. However, the antifibrotic mechanisms of CHSGS still remain unclear. Thus, we used network pharmacology approach in combination with single cell and bulk transcriptomics to elucidate the antifibrotic mechanisms of CHSGS. We first screened out 134 bioactive ingredients of CHSGS through the defined criteria. Then, 1150 genes were predicted to be targets for CHSGS, while 625 liver fibrosis-associated genes were identified by single cell transcriptomics analysis. Next, 71 intersecting genes of CHSGS and liver fibrosis were defined as the therapeutic targets in CHSGS against liver fibrosis. Further, 21 core targets and 12 core ingredients of CHSGS against liver fibrosis were also identified. Meanwhile, enrichment analyses of core targets highlighted that the key mechanisms of CHSGS against liver fibrosis include modulation of inflammation responses, inhibition of angiogenesis, and regulation of ECM remodeling, of which the most important mechanism was the regulation of ECM remodeling. The molecular docking simulation validated strong binding affinity between the core targets and core ingredients. Furthermore, 62-gene signature may be used for determining the prognosis in cirrhotic patients based on the results of ssGSEA-Cox analysis. In conclusion, the present study revealed the multiple pharmacological targets and therapeutic mechanisms of CHSGS against liver fibrosis, which may thus serve as an effective antifibrotic therapy. Meanwhile, CHSGS may improve survival of patients with liver cirrhosis by the interaction of 62-gene signature.
Casting a wide NET: an update on uncontrolled NETosis in response to COVID-19 infection
Authors: Taylor Erin B.
Published: July 2022

Dysregulation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation has been shown to mediate disease pathology in multiple viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. At the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, Thierry and Roch wrote a perspective on the mechanisms by which severe SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to uncontrolled NET formation that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), systemic vascular permeability, and end organ damage. In this commentary, the progress that has been made in regards to the ideas postulated by the perspective will be discussed, with a focus on the therapeutics that target NET formation.
Spiking and chaotic behaviours of locally active memristor‐based neuron circuit
Authors: Lu Zhenzhou , Liang Yan , Dong Yujiao , Wang Shichang
Published: July 2022

This brief designs an artificial neuron circuit consisting of an inductor and an N‐type locally active memristor (LAM). When the presented neuron circuit is excited by the DC or sine voltage signal, it can pick up the most significant features of a biological neuron: all‐or‐none, spiking oscillation, and chaotic behaviours. Local activity and edge of chaos theories are applied to analyze the electrical characteristics of the neuron circuit. Furthermore, the spiking mechanism of the circuit exhibits is investigated. The circuit implementation of the proposed neuron circuit is presented. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the practicability of the proposed neuron circuit and the validity of the theoretical analysis.
3‐D thermal analysis for the valve‐side bushings of HVDC converter transformer and application in the evaluation of current‐carrying connections defects
Authors: Lin Mu , Liu Kai , Wu Zihao , Tang Hao , Liu Tong , Zhu Minghui , Wu Guangning
Published: July 2022

To analyze the overheating problem of the valve‐side bushings of high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter transformer, which is mainly caused by current‐carrying connections defects at copper–aluminium transition region in the bushing, this paper set up a 3‐D electromagnetic‐thermal analysis model for the valve‐side bushings, and a method was proposed to calculate the thermal distribution of the valve‐side bushings under the influence of current‐carrying connections defects. Based on this model, the details of an example were shown in this paper, and the numerical results agreed with the measured results within 1%. Then, the temperature field distribution characteristics of valve‐side bushing under different working current I, defect degree k, and ambient temperature Tamb were determined. According to the characteristics, the temperature difference ΔT and working current I of the bushing were applied to evaluate contact resistance at the copper–aluminium transition region of the bushing, which can be provided by a novel method to evaluate for current‐carrying connections defects in the valve‐side bushings.
Atmospheric turbulence degraded image restoration using a modified dilated convolutional network
Authors: Su Changdong , Wu Xiaoqing , Guo Yiming , Zhang Shitai , Wang Zhiyuan , Shi Dongfeng
Published: July 2022

Long‐distance imaging is generally blurry and warped due to the presence of atmospheric turbulence, which harms the performance of the photoelectric system. Among these, real‐time restoration based on a single turbulence‐degraded image has always been a challenging topic that everyone is concerned about. The approach performed here optimizes the convolutional neural network using residual learning and smoothed dilated convolutions, which may increase the field of vision under the situation of limited GPU memory. To identify the model's performance, the authors employ training and test data with strong, medium, and weak levels synthesized by the Fried kernel, the real‐time data captured by the Ritchey–Chretien telescope, the Open Turbulent Images Set and the real comparative data. Furthermore, the proposed model is compared to previous state‐of‐the‐art approaches. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed novel model can recover turbulently degraded images more effectively.
Plithogenic multi‐criteria decision making approach on airspace planning scheme evaluation based on ATC‐flight real‐time simulation
Authors: Liang Binbin , Han Songchen , Li Wei , Han Yunxiang , Liu Fan , Zhang Ying , Lin Chen
Published: July 2022

Airspace planning scheme evaluation based on ATC‐Flight real‐time simulation which incorporates air traffic control simulator and flight simulator has become increasingly important. It has irreplaceable advantages of truly simulating and in‐depth evaluating airspace operation, especially for analyzing human factors. As a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, it poses challenges which this study aims to overcome from three aspects. Firstly, the complexity of airspace and the characteristics of ATC‐Flight real‐time simulation are analyzed to build a multi‐criteria evaluation system. The criteria include air traffic flow, airspace operational performance, flight procedure quality, cost, controller workload and pilot workload. Secondly, a novel weighting method based on plithogenic set is presented to derive robust subjective criteria weights from a group of human decision makers. The subjective weights are then combined with objective weights using game theory to determine cumulative criteria weights. Thirdly, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and grey correlation analysis are integrated to perform comprehensive evaluation and ranking. The first series of ATC‐Flight real‐time simulations in China are conducted to illustrate a case study. The results demonstrated that the proposed MCDM approach could improve the accuracy and discriminability of evaluation results, and outperformed other existing well‐known MCDM algorithms.
Curvature prediction of long‐period fibre grating based on random forest regression
Authors: Hu Xingliu , Si Haifei , Ye Quanyi , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2022

This study proposes a long‐period fibre grating (LPFG) curvature estimation method based on random forest regression (RFR) to address the shortcomings of the existing curvature evaluation method, namely, polynomial fitting; these shortcomings cause difficulty in achieving adequate model regularity and application universality. The resonant wavelength and resonant peak amplitude of the LPFG are used as input variables in this method to develop an RFR model for curvature estimation, allowing for accurate curvature prediction of the sample. The results show that the RFR‐based LPFG curvature prediction model can better characterise the input–output regression relationship than back‐propagation neural networks. The average R2 value of the RFR model is 0.9826, and the actual measured curvature value is highly correlated with the model predicted curvature value. Compared to that exhibited by back‐propagation neural networks, the RFR model exhibits higher accuracy for curvature estimation, with average values of 0.1314 and 0.1173 for root mean square and mean absolute errors, respectively. This method can provide a more comprehensive theoretical basis for the application of robot learning in the curvature measurement of LPFG and has practical value.
A robust spatio‐temporal prediction approach for wind power generation based on spectral temporal graph neural network
Authors: He Yuqin , Chai Songjian , Zhao Jian , Sun Yuxin , Zhang Xian
Published: July 2022

At present, the penetration of wind power generation is increasing remarkably worldwide, and the accurate wind power forecasting (WPF) is essential to ensure the reliability and economy of the power system. Most of the current work of WPF only capture temporal correlation in the time domain but ignore the spatial correlation. In this study, a spectral time graph neural network based on the maximum correlation criterion (MCC‐Stem‐GNN) is proposed to improve the accuracy of WPF for multiple sites and horizons. The self‐attentive mechanism in the MCC‐Stem‐GNN automatically learns the correlations between the multivariate sequences. Besides, this model combines the Graph Fourier Transform (GFT) to model spatial correlation and the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to model temporal correlation. The effectiveness of the proposed robust deep learning framework is verified on the simulated wind energy dataset over 16 locations in Ohio, US through considering different sample contamination types and levels, comprehensive case study is carried out to show the superiority of the MCC‐Stem‐GNN over the benchmarks.
Decentralised strategy for energy management of collaborative microgrids using multi‐agent system
Authors: El Zerk Abdallah , Ouassaid Mohammed , Zidani Youssef
Published: July 2022

In this study, the concept of collaborative microgrids (MGs) with shareable resources is introduced. The developed concept enables the householders of an isolated district or neighbourhood to cooperate and communicate intelligently in order to establish a reliable and proprietary MG. Therefore, a multi‐agent system solution for a distributed energy management system is designed. The proposed approach should first supply households while maintaining MG stability. Second, it offers designers decent programing flexibility and ensures system adaptability when households are added or removed. Three agents are developed, the nanogrid (NG) agent which handles the centralised energy management of the NG and messages the Master agent with the necessary information. The Master agent is responsible for the decentralised management of energy over the microgrid and controls the switches. The management strategy using multi‐agent systems aims to encourage customers considered as NG to contribute energy to the MG. The strategy relies on the implementation of a point‐based remuneration model in which the collected points depend on the contribution. The results highlight the importance of the proposed approach, which can be exploited to connect and supply isolated facilities intelligently.