bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top-down control of planktonic ciliates by microcrustacean predators is stronger in lakes than in the ocean
Authors: Lu Xiaoteng , Weisse Thomas
Published: June 2022

Planktonic ciliates are major components of pelagic food webs in both marine and freshwaters. Their population dynamics are controlled ‘bottom-up’ by prey availability and ‘top-down’ by microcrustacean predators. In oceans, copepods are the main ciliate predators while in lakes cladocerans are the typical predators. The efficacy by which these functionally different predators control ciliate population dynamics is debated. We, therefore, investigated experimentally the grazing of three microcrustacean predators with different feeding modes on five freshwater ciliates. We then performed a meta-analysis to assess if our findings can be generalised for aquatic ecosystems. We hypothesized that top-down control is stronger in lakes than in the ocean. We find that: (i) average ingestion rates of marine and freshwater microcrustaceans do not differ; (ii) clearance rates of freshwater cladocerans decrease with ciliate size but increase with ciliate size in freshwater copepods; (iii) clearance rates of the marine microcrustaceans is unrelated to ciliate cell size. These findings have implications for the functioning of freshwater and marine food webs: (i) the ciliate—microcrustacean link is stronger in lakes than in the ocean, and (ii) globally top-down control of ciliates is unlikely in the ocean.
Strain-specific predation of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a higher range for cystic fibrosis than for bacteremia isolates
Authors: Saralegui Claudia , Herencias Cristina , Halperin Ana Verónica , de Dios-Caballero Juan , Pérez-Viso Blanca , Salgado Sergio , Lanza Val F. , Cantón Rafael , Baquero Fernando , Prieto M. Auxiliadora , del Campo Rosa
Published: June 2022

This work aimed to evaluate the predatory activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 109J on clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa selected from well-characterized collections of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung colonization (n = 30) and bloodstream infections (BSI) (n = 48) including strains selected by genetic lineage (frequent and rare sequence types), antibiotic resistance phenotype (susceptible and multidrug-resistant isolates), and colony phenotype (mucoid and non-mucoid isolates). The intraspecies predation range (I-PR) was defined as the proportion of susceptible strains within the entire collection. In contrast, the predation efficiency (PE) is the ratio of viable prey cells remaining after predation compared to the initial inoculum. I-PR was significantly higher for CF (67%) than for BSI P. aeruginosa isolates (35%) probably related to an environmental origin of CF strains whereas invasive strains are more adapted to humans. I-PR correlation with bacterial features such as mucoid morphotype, genetic background, or antibiotic susceptibility profile was not detected. To test the possibility of increasing I-PR of BSI isolates, a polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase deficient B. bacteriovorus bd2637 mutant was used. Global median I-PR and PE values remained constant for both predators, but 31.2% of 109J-resistant isolates were susceptible to the mutant, and 22.9% of 109J-susceptible isolates showed resistance to predation by the mutant, pointing to a predator–prey specificity process. The potential use of predators in the clinical setting should be based on the determination of the I-PR for each species, and the PE of each particular target strain.
Materials informatics approach using domain modelling for exploring structure–property relationships of polymers
Authors: Hara Koki , Yamada Shunji , Kurotani Atsushi , Chikayama Eisuke , Kikuchi Jun
Published: June 2022

In the development of polymer materials, it is an important issue to explore the complex relationships between domain structure and physical properties. In the domain structure analysis of polymer materials, 1H-static solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectra can provide information on mobile, rigid, and intermediate domains. But estimation of domain structure from its analysis is difficult due to the wide overlap of spectra from multiple domains. Therefore, we have developed a materials informatics approach that combines the domain modeling (http://dmar.riken.jp/matrigica/) and the integrated analysis of meta-information (the elements, functional groups, additives, and physical properties) in polymer materials. Firstly, the 1H-static ssNMR data of 120 polymer materials were subjected to a short-time Fourier transform to obtain frequency, intensity, and T2 relaxation time for domains with different mobility. The average T2 relaxation time of each domain is 0.96 ms for Mobile, 0.55 ms for Intermediate (Mobile), 0.32 ms for Intermediate (Rigid), and 0.11 ms for Rigid. Secondly, the estimated domain proportions were integrated with meta-information such as elements, functional group and thermophysical properties and was analyzed using a self-organization map and market basket analysis. This proposed method can contribute to explore structure–property relationships of polymer materials with multiple domains.
One anastomosis gastric bypass as a one-stage bariatric surgical procedure in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2
Authors: Kermansaravi Mohammad , Daryabari Seyed Nooredin , Karami Reza , Setaredan Seyed Amin , Valizadeh Rohollah , Rokhgireh Samaneh , Pazouki Abdolreza
Published: June 2022

In patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, it is difficult to select an appropriate procedure that can lead to optimum results. This study aims to evaluate mid-term weight loss outcomes in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 following one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) as a one-stage procedure. A prospective study was conducted on patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, aged 18 years and above who had undergone primary OAGB from January 2016 to February 2019 with at least two years follow-ups. A total of 197 patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 had underwent OAGB. The mean age was 38 years and the mean pre-operative BMI was 53.7 kg/m2. Mean EWL% were 63.7%, 67.8% and 66.2% at one, two and five years after OAGB respectively. The highest level of EWL% was 68.4%, which was achieved in the 18th month following OAGB. OAGB can be performed safely in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure with acceptable weight loss outcomes and remission of obesity associated medical problems.
Utility of micro-CT for dating post-cranial fractures of known post-traumatic ages through 3D measurements of the trabecular inner morphology
Authors: Viero Alessia , Biehler-Gomez Lucie , Messina Carmelo , Cappella Annalisa , Giannoukos Konstantinos , Viel Guido , Tagliaro Franco , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: June 2022

Fracture dating is an issue at the forefront of forensic sciences. While dating fracture is crucial to understanding and verifying the chronology of events in cases of abuse and violent death, its application is the subject of considerable discussion in the scientific community, filled with limitations and difficulties. Current methods for fracture dating are mainly based on a qualitative assessment through macroscopy, microscopy, and imaging and subject to variations depending on the experience of the observer. In this paper, we investigated the potential of quantifiable micro-CT analysis for fracture dating. Five histomorphometric parameters commonly used for the study of the 3D bone trabecular microarchitecture with micro-CT were calculated based on nine fractures of known post-traumatic ages, including the degree of anisotropy, connectivity density, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation. As a result, trends in the evolution of the microarchitecture of the bone relative to age of the callus could be identified, in particular concerning anisotropy, trabecular separation and connectivity density, consistent with the healing bone process. The findings obtained in this pilot study encourage further research in quantifiable parameters of the bone microarchitecture as they could represent useful features for the construction of objective models for fracture dating.
Diverse cloud radiative effects and global surface temperature simulations induced by different ice cloud optical property parameterizations
Authors: Yi Bingqi
Published: June 2022

The representation of ice cloud optical properties in climate models has long been a difficult problem. Very different ice cloud optical property parameterization schemes developed based on very different assumptions of ice particle shape habits, particle size distributions, and surface roughness conditions, are used in various models. It is not clear as to how simulated climate variables are affected by the ice cloud optical property parameterizations. A total of five ice cloud optical property parameterization schemes, including three based on the ice habit mixtures suitable for general ice clouds, mid-latitude synoptic ice clouds, and tropical deep convective ice clouds, and the other two based on single ice habits (smooth hexagonal column and severely roughened column aggregate), are developed under a same framework and are implemented in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmospheric Model version 5. A series of atmosphere-only climate simulations are carried out for each of the five cases with different ice parameterizations. The differences in the simulated top of the atmosphere shortwave and longwave cloud radiative effects (CREs) are evaluated, and the global averaged net CRE differences among different cases range from − 1.93 to 1.03 Wm−2. The corresponding changes in simulated surface temperature are found to be most prominent on continental regions which amount to several degrees in Kelvin. Our results indicate the importance of choosing a reasonable ice cloud optical property parameterization in climate simulations.
Evaluation of within-host evolution of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by comparing cgMLST and SNP analysis approaches
Authors: Lagos Amaya Campillay , Sundqvist Martin , Dyrkell Fredrik , Stegger Marc , Söderquist Bo , Mölling Paula
Published: June 2022

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) provides high-resolution typing, facilitating surveillance and outbreak investigations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genomic variation rate in MRSA, by comparing commonly used core genome multilocus sequencing (cgMLST) against single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. WGS was performed on 95 MRSA isolates, collected from 20 carriers during years 2003–2019. To assess variation and methodological-related differences, two different cgMLST schemes were obtained using Ridom SeqSphere+ and the cloud-based 1928 platform. In addition, two SNP methods, 1928 platform and Northern Arizona SNP Pipeline (NASP) were used. The cgMLST using Ridom SeqSphere+ and 1928 showed a median of 5.0 and 2.0 allele variants/year, respectively. In the SNP analysis, performed with two reference genomes COL and Newman, 1928 showed a median of 13 and 24 SNPs (including presumed recombination) and 3.8 respectively 4.0 SNPs (without recombination) per individual/year. Accordantly, NASP showed a median of 5.5 and 5.8 SNPs per individual/year. In conclusion, an estimated genomic variation rate of 2.0–5.8 genetic events per year (without recombination), is suggested as a general guideline to be used at clinical laboratories for surveillance and outbreak investigations independently of analysis approach used.
Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis as a risk factor for early periprosthetic joint infection following primary total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Pai Fu-Yuan , Chang Wei-Lin , Tsai Shang-Wen , Chen Cheng-Fong , Wu Po-Kuei , Chen Wei-Ming
Published: June 2022

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis has been suggested for patients who underwent total join arthroplasty (TJA). However, the morbidity of surgical site complications (SSC) and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has not been well evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of VTE prophylaxis on the risk of early postoperative SSC and PJI in a Taiwanese population. We retrospectively reviewed 7511 patients who underwent primary TJA performed by a single surgeon from 2010 through 2019. We evaluated the rates of SSC and PJI in the early postoperative period (30-day, 90-day) as well as 1-year reoperations. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify possible risk factors associated with SSC and PJI, including age, sex, WHO classification of weight status, smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM), rheumatoid arthritis(RA), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), history of VTE, presence of varicose veins, total knee or hip arthroplasty procedure, unilateral or bilateral procedure, or receiving VTE prophylaxis or blood transfusion. The overall 90-day rates of SSC and PJI were 1.1% (N = 80) and 0.2% (N = 16). VTE prophylaxis was a risk factor for 90-day readmission for SSC (aOR: 1.753, 95% CI 1.081–2.842), 90-day readmission for PJI (aOR: 3.267, 95% CI 1.026–10.402) and all 90-day PJI events (aOR: 3.222, 95% CI 1.200–8.656). Other risk factors included DM, underweight, obesity, bilateral TJA procedure, younger age, male sex and RA. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis appears to be a modifiable risk factor for SSC and PJI in the early postoperative period. The increased infection risk should be carefully weighed in patients who received pharmacological VTE prophylaxis.
Method for evaluating the performance of catalytic reactions using renewable-energy-derived materials
Authors: Manaka Yuichi , Nagata Yuki , Kobayashi Keisuke , Kobayashi Daisuke , Nanba Tetsuya
Published: June 2022

Hydrogen produced by electrolysis using electricity derived from renewable energy sources has a fluctuating supply. However, conventional catalyst evaluation methods cannot evaluate catalyst synthesis assuming a fluctuating feedstock. This paper investigates a simple screening method for catalysts that can be used for renewable energy by using a combination of three catalyst evaluation methods: Light-off Performance, equilibrium achievement degree, and maximum ammonia concentration. We examined the combination of evaluation methods and trends for each element, and finally concluded that a three-axis graph combining the three is the easiest graph to obtain the information necessary for catalyst screening intuitively rather than quantitatively.
An interrupted time series analysis of hospital admissions due to alcohol intoxication during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Hadeiy Seyed Kaveh , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca , Rezaei Omidvar , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Gholami Narges , Farnaghi Fariba , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak affected mental health globally. One of the major concerns following the COVID-19 pandemic was increased incidence of risky behaviors including alcohol consumption. This study evaluates the trend of alcohol poisoning in Loghman-Hakim Hospital (LHH), the main referral center of poisoning in Tehran, during the 2-year period from 1 year prior to 1 year after the onset (February 23rd, 2020) of the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran. All patients admitted with alcohol intoxication from February 23rd, 2019 to February 22nd, 2021 were evaluated and patient data extracted from LHH electronic hospital records. Alcohols were categorized as toxic (methyl alcohol) and non-toxic (ethyl alcohol). Of 2483 patients admitted, 796/14,493 (5.49%) and 1687/13,883 (12.15%) had been hospitalized before and after the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, respectively. In total, 140 patients did not survive, of whom 131 (93.6%) were confirmed to have methanol intoxication. Mortality was significantly higher during the outbreak (127 vs 13; P < 0.001; OR: 4.90; CI 95%: 2.75 to 8.73). Among the patients, 503 were younger than age 20. Trend of alcohol intoxication showed increases in children (57 vs 17) and adolescents (246 vs 183) when compared before and after the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak. A total of 955 patients were diagnosed with methanol toxicity which occurred more frequently during the COVID-19 era (877 vs 78; P < 0.001; OR: 10.00; CI 95%: 7.75 to12.82). Interrupted time series analysis (April 2016–February 2021) showed that in the first month of the COVID-19 epidemic (March 2020), there was a significant increase in the alcohol intoxication rate by 13.76% (P < 0.02, CI = [2.42–24.91]). The trend of alcohol intoxication as well as resulting mortality increased in all age groups during the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, indicating urgent need for the prevention of high-risk alcohol use as well as improved treatment.
Associations between classic psychedelics and nicotine dependence in a nationally representative sample
Authors: Jones Grant , Lipson Joshua , Nock Matthew K.
Published: June 2022

Tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable death worldwide, but none of the established treatments aimed at smoking cessation work for a majority of smokers. As such, there is an urgent need for interventions capable of reliably treating nicotine addiction. The use of classic psychedelics has been associated with lower odds of many forms of substance dependence. Here we tested whether lifetime use of classic psychedelics (tryptamine, lysergamide, and phenethylamine) is associated with lower odds of current nicotine dependence. We tested these associations in a sample of 214,505 adult participants in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015–2019) using multivariable logistic regression models. Lifetime psilocybin use was associated with reduced odds of odds of current nicotine dependence (aOR 0.87–0.93). Lifetime use of peyote and mescaline also conferred reduced odds of multiple subdomains of a main nicotine dependence measure (Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS]) (aOR 0.79–0.91). Conversely, lifetime use of LSD was associated with increased odds of nicotine dependence (aOR 1.17–1.24). Psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote use are associated with lowered odds of nicotine dependence. Experimental studies are needed to establish whether these associations are causal. These results make the case for further research into the efficacy of both tryptamine and phenethylamine psychedelics in promoting smoking cessation.
Preparation and in vivo bacteriostatic application of PPDO-coated Ag loading TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Ren Tongyan , Feng Chengmin , Dong Jun , Zhu Hong , Wang Bing
Published: June 2022

Implant-associated infections limit the clinical application of implants therapy; hence, exploiting strategies to prevent biomaterial-associated infections has become important. Therefore, in this study, a series of poly (p-dioxanone) (PPDO)-coated Ag loading TiO2 nanoparticles (Ag@TiO2-PPDO) was synthesized to be applied as bacteriostatic coating materials that could be easily dispersed in organic solvent and coated onto implantable devices via temperate methods such as electrospraying. The lattice parameters of TiO2 were a = 0.504 nm, b = c = 1.05 nm, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degree and the size of crystallite was about 13 nm, indicating that part of Ag has been embedded into crystal defects of TiO2. Both XRD and TEM determinations indicated the successful grating of PPDO on the surface of Ag@TiO2. Among Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles with various Ag loading quantities, 12% Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited relatively higher grafting efficiency and Ag contents on the surface of grafted composites. In addition, 12% Ag@TiO2-PPDO exhibited the best bacteriostatic effect in vitro owing to its higher grafted efficiency and relatively short length of PPDO segments. Subsequently, Ag@TiO2-PPDO was coated on the surface of a poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) electrospun membrane via the electrospraying method. Finally, the in vivo bacteriostatic effect of 12% Ag@TiO2-PPDO coating was verified by implanting 12% Ag@TiO2-PPDO-coated PLGA membrane into a rat subcutaneously combined with an injection of Staphylococcus aureus at implanting sites.
A pilot study demonstrating the impact of surgical bowel preparation on intestinal microbiota composition following colon and rectal surgery
Authors: Nalluri-Butz Harika , Bobel Matthew C. , Nugent Julia , Boatman Sonja , Emanuelson Ryan , Melton-Meaux Genevieve , Madoff Robert D. , Jahansouz Cyrus , Staley Christopher , Gaertner Wolfgang B.
Published: June 2022

The intestinal microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of complications following colorectal surgery, yet perioperative changes in gut microbiome composition are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the perioperative gut microbiome in patients undergoing colonoscopy and colorectal surgery and determine factors influencing its composition. Using Illumina amplicon sequencing coupled with targeted metabolomics, we characterized the fecal microbiota in: (A) patients (n = 15) undergoing colonoscopy who received mechanical bowel preparation, and (B) patients (n = 15) undergoing colorectal surgery who received surgical bowel preparation, composed of mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics, and perioperative intravenous antibiotics. Microbiome composition was characterized before and up to six months following each intervention. Colonoscopy patients had minor shifts in bacterial community composition that recovered to baseline at a mean of 3 (1–13) days. Surgery patients demonstrated substantial shifts in bacterial composition with greater abundances of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus. Compositional changes persisted in the early postoperative period with recovery to baseline beginning at a mean of 31 (16–43) days. Our results support surgical bowel preparation as a factor significantly influencing gut microbial composition following colorectal surgery, while mechanical bowel preparation has little impact.
Self-normalized density map (SNDM) for counting microbiological objects
Authors: Graczyk Krzysztof M. , Pawłowski Jarosław , Majchrowska Sylwia , Golan Tomasz
Published: June 2022

The statistical properties of the density map (DM) approach to counting microbiological objects on images are studied in detail. The DM is given by U$$^2$$

2

-Net. Two statistical methods for deep neural networks are utilized: the bootstrap and the Monte Carlo (MC) dropout. The detailed analysis of the uncertainties for the DM predictions leads to a deeper understanding of the DM model’s deficiencies. Based on our investigation, we propose a self-normalization module in the network. The improved network model, called Self-Normalized Density Map (SNDM), can correct its output density map by itself to accurately predict the total number of objects in the image. The SNDM architecture outperforms the original model. Moreover, both statistical frameworks—bootstrap and MC dropout—have consistent statistical results for SNDM, which were not observed in the original model. The SNDM efficiency is comparable with the detector-base models, such as Faster and Cascade R-CNN detectors.
MiR-4458-loaded gelatin nanospheres target COL11A1 for DDR2/SRC signaling pathway inactivation to suppress the progression of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Liu Jie , Yang Chang-Qing , Chen Qiang , Yu Tong-Yao , Zhang Shi-Long , Guo Wei-Hong , Luo Li-Heng , Zhao Gang , Yin Da-Chuan , Zhang Chen-Yan
Published: June 2022

Gelatin nanospheres could be potentially used to deliver miR-4458 and COL11A1 siRNA for DDR2/SRC signaling pathway inactivation to treat ER+ breast cancer.
A review on biopolymer-derived electrospun nanofibers for biomedical and antiviral applications
Authors: Deshmukh Swapnil , Kathiresan Murugavel , Kulandainathan Manickam Anbu
Published: June 2022

The electrospun polymer and metal ion composite nanofibers exhibit antiviral activities. The present review explores the synthesis of antiviral nanofibers and the mechanism of antiviral activity.
A flexible self-healing Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O-based Zn-ion battery under continuous folding and twisting
Authors: Zhu Yajun , Lin Xirong , Jin Xin , Han Tianli , Zhang Huigang , Liu Jinyun
Published: June 2022

A flexible self-healing Zn-ion battery composed of a Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanosheet cathode working with a hydrogel electrolyte is developed, which displays a stable performance in different working conditions.
Collectivity in ionic liquids: a temperature dependent, polarizable molecular dynamics study
Authors: Szabadi András , Honegger Philipp , Schöfbeck Flora , Sappl Marion , Heid Esther , Steinhauser Othmar , Schröder Christian
Published: June 2022

Polarizable molecular dynamics simulations on the temperature-dependence structural and dynamical properties reveal the importance of collectivity.
Fate of pyrene on mineral surfaces during thermal remediation as a function of temperature
Authors: Oden Cameron P. , Werth Charles J. , Notini Luiza , Katz Lynn E.
Published: June 2022

Transformation mechanisms of pyrene are investigated over a range of temperatures (75–500 °C) in the presence of metal oxide minerals.
A review of simulation experiment techniques used to analyze wildfire effects on water quality and supply
Authors: Brucker Carli P. , Livneh Ben , Minear J. Toby , Rosario-Ortiz Fernando L.
Published: June 2022

This review covers 40 laboratory- and plot-scale wildfire and rainfall simulation experiments which focus on wildfire hydrologic and water quality effects, guiding future researchers in the optimal design of their own simulation experiments.
Dietary intake of one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients and hepatocellular carcinoma survival in the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort
Authors: He Tong-tong , Xiao Hong-wei , Wusiman Maierhaba , Yishake Dinuerguli , Fang Ai-ping , Luo Yan , Liu Xiao-zhan , Liu Zhao-yan , Zhu Hui-lian
Published: June 2022

Dietary intake of one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients has been linked to cancer-related outcomes, but their effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality are still unknown.
Recent development in machine learning of polymer membranes for liquid separation
Authors: Xu Qisong , Jiang Jianwen
Published: June 2022

We summarize the recent development in machine learning studies of polymer membranes for liquid separation and suggest directions for future exploration.
Fast-track computational access to reaction mechanisms provides comprehensive insights into aminolysis postpolymerization modification reactions
Authors: Matsubara Kiho , Chou Li-Chieh , Amii Hideki , Kakuchi Ryohei
Published: June 2022

Activated esters commonly used in polymer synthesis have been systematically characterized at the DLPNO-CCSD(T) level of theory by taking advantage of the recently developed semiempirical method of GFN2-xTB.
Design of peptide-based coronavirus inhibitors that target disruption of 3CLpro protease self-association
Authors: ElSawy Karim M. , Alminderej Fahad M. , Caves Leo S. D.
Published: June 2022

The SGFRKMAF peptide disrupts 3CLpro dimerization via a dual mechanism: binding to the interface (blue) and/or the groove between domains II and III (magenta), with an equilibrium constant, Kin/out ∼0.12. M6F&F8S mutation leads to Kin/out ∼2.5 at 310 K.
The impacts of molecular adsorption on antiferromagnetic MnPS3 monolayers: enhanced magnetic anisotropy and intralayer Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction
Authors: Wang Ke , Ren Kai , Cheng Yuan , Chen Shuai , Zhang Gang
Published: June 2022

In two-dimensional (2D) magnetic systems, significant magnetic anisotropy is required to protect magnetic ordering against thermal fluctuation.
Synthesis, computational and nanoencapsulation studies on eugenol-derived insecticides
Authors: Coelho Catarina M. M. , Pereira Renato B. , Vieira Tatiana F. , Teixeira Cláudia M. , Fernandes Maria José G. , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Pereira David M. , Sousa Sérgio F. , Gil Fortes A. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S. , T. Gonçalves M. Sameiro
Published: June 2022

Semisynthetic eugenol derivatives with insecticidal activity and potential affinity for an odorant binding protein 1 and acetylcholinesterase were efficiently nanoencapsulated and released.
One-pot synthesis of porous crystal structured nanosponge-like pristine copper metal–organic framework for hybrid supercapacitor application
Authors: Balamurugan R. , Siva Shalini S. , Velmathi S. , Chandra Bose A.
Published: June 2022

A porous crystal structured nanosponge-like pristine Cu-MOF is synthesized using a facile one-pot synthesis method. It is adopted as an anode material to fabricate a aqueous hybrid supercapacitor device with a long lifespan and high energy density.
The cross-interface energy-filtering effect at organic/inorganic interfaces balances the trade-off between thermopower and conductivity
Authors: Lin Zizhen , Dang Hao , Zhao Chunyu , Du Yanzheng , Chi Cheng , Ma Weigang , Li Yinshi , Zhang Xing
Published: June 2022

A cooperative 3D carrier transport mode including the 1D metallic transport along the paracrystalline PANI and the 2D cross-interface energy-filtering transport balances the trade-off between thermopower and conductivity.
Electro-organic synthesis: an environmentally benign alternative for heterocycle synthesis
Authors: Devi Suman , Jyoti  , Kiran  , Wadhwa Deepak , Sindhu Jayant
Published: June 2022

In recent years, there has been a gradual shift from traditional methodologies to electrochemically mediated organic synthesis. The present review outlines the utility of electrochemically mediated strategies in heterocylic synthesis.
An oxygen-deficient Li2ZnTi3O8anode for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Xue , Zhang Zhongxue , Wang Lijuan , Meng Zhaohui , Tang Zhiyuan
Published: June 2022

The Li-storage mechanism of LZTO with oxygen vacancies has been revealedviaexperiments and first-principles calculations.
A N-Rich porous carbon nanocube anchored with Co/Fe dual atoms: an efficient bifunctional catalytic host for Li–S batteries
Authors: Xu Mu-Han , Wang Ya-Hui , He Wei-Huan , Li Xiao-Dong , Meng Xin-Hai , Li Cai-Cai , Li Xue-Ting , Kong Qing-Hua , Shen Laifa , Zhang Juan , Zhang Xing , Xin Sen , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: June 2022

Catalysts with two single-atom sites promote reversible conversion reactions between S and Li2S. The Co active site enhances the transformation kinetics of polysulfides upon charging, the Fe active site accelerates the transformation of Li2S to S8.
Direct activation of alcohols via perrhenate ester formation for an intramolecular dehydrative Friedel–Crafts reaction
Authors: Zheng Yuzhu , Fang Xiong , Deng Wen-Hao , Zhao Bin , Liao Rong-Zhen , Xie Youwei
Published: June 2022

A general and highly efficient intramolecular dehydrative Friedel–Crafts reactions via Re2O7 mediated hydroxyl group activation is described for the syntheses of tetrahydronaphthalene, tetrahydroquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, chromane, and isochromane derivatives.
Label-free fluorescent aptasensor for chloramphenicol based on hybridization chain reaction amplification and G-quadruplex/N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX complexation
Authors: Zheng Wentao , Li Yubin , Zhao Liting , Li Ciling , Wang Lei
Published: June 2022

For the sensitive and specific detection of CAP in milk, a label-free fluorescence strategy was established based on guanine (G)-quadruplex/N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) complex formation and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification.
The NKT cell TCR repertoire can accommodate structural modifications to the lipid and orientation of the terminal carbohydrate of iGb3
Authors: Cameron Garth , Cheng Janice M. H. , Godfrey Dale I. , Timmer Mattie S. M. , Stocker Bridget L. , Dangerfield Emma M.
Published: June 2022

The synthesised βG-iGb3 glycolipid, with a terminal 1,3-β linked galactose, induced NKT cell proliferation indicating that the α conformation of the terminal sugar residue of iGb3 is not essential for NKT cell TCR recognition.
Explanation for the selective crystallization from inosine solutions using mid-frequency Raman difference spectra analysis
Authors: Chen Fenghua , Yang Chenmei , Cheng Xinyu , Fan Yingjie , Chen Xinyuan , Ren Shizhao , Xue Rongrong
Published: June 2022

The experimental phenomena that amorphous inosine (IR), α-IR, and IR dihydrate can form from IR aqueous solution and β-IR can crystallize from IR 70 vol% DMSO aqueous solution were explained using mid-frequency Raman difference spectra analysis.
Target-induced activation of DNAzyme for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of bleomycin via DNA scission
Authors: Liao Xiaofei , Li Mengyan , Zou Li
Published: June 2022

A label-free and sensitive colorimetric strategy for bleomycin detection was developed based on target-induced activation of DNAzyme via DNA scission.
A SARS-Cov-2 sensor based on upconversion nanoparticles and graphene oxide
Authors: Alexaki Konstantina , Kyriazi Maria Eleni , Greening Joshua , Taemaitree Lapatrada , El-Sagheer Afaf H. , Brown Tom , Zhang Xunli , Muskens Otto L. , Kanaras Antonios G.
Published: June 2022

A simple and sensitive sensor made of upconversion nanoparticles and graphene oxide to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA rapidly.
Weaving new threads into a chemistry education landscape! The role of Perspective articles in chemistry education research and practice
Authors: Lawrie Gwendolyn
Published: June 2022

Chemistry Education Research and Practice (CERP) publishes both Perspective and Review articles – the difference between these is often queried by authors. The simplest answer is that a Review article is a well-recognised genre that establishes the status of a field based on prior published work; in contrast, a Perspective article can perhaps be regarded as forward thinking, hence will evolve as the research field evolves. Through a survey of previously published Perspective articles in our journal, an eclectic picture is developed in terms of the frequency, purpose and utility of this type of article for our readership. These insights therefore reflect the dynamic nature and the fertility of chemistry education research as a field.
In situ formation and dispersion of lanthanide complexes in wormlike micelles
Authors: Feng Ning , Li Penghui , Xu Aoxue , Yu Longyue , Li Hongguang
Published: June 2022

Wormlike micelles were constructed by mixing C14DMAO and DPA in water. When Eu3+ or Tb3+ was introduced into the micellar solution, complexes formed in situ, leading to the formation of luminescent fluids with high stability.
Object recognition by a heat-resistant core-sheath triboelectric nanogenerator sensor
Authors: Zhong Xiaodi , Sun Ping , Wei Ruichao , Dong Haoran , Jiang Saihua
Published: June 2022

A flexible, heat-resistant and self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator sensor with a core-sheath structure was proposed for object recognition.
Rbfox1 expression in amacrine cells is restricted to GABAergic and VGlut3 glycinergic cells
Authors: Gu Lei , Caprioli Joseph , Piri Natik
Published: June 2022

Rbfox1 is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein that regulates alternative splicing, transcription, mRNA stability, and translation. Rbfox1 is an important regulator of gene networks involved in neurogenesis and neuronal function. Disruption of Rbfox function has been associated with several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We have shown earlier that Rbfox1 is expressed in retinal ganglion and amacrine cells (ACs) and that its down-regulation in adult mouse retinas leads to deficiency of depth perception. In the present study, we used several markers of ACs, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), neuropeptide Y (NPY), glycine transporter (GlyT1), and vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGlut3) to identify types of ACs that express Rbfox1. Expression of Rbfox1 was observed predominantly in GABAergic ACs located in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). All GABAergic/cholinergic starburst ACs and virtually all NPY-positive GABAergic ACs were also Rbfox1-positive. Among glycinergic ACs, a sparse population of Rbfox1/VGlut3-positive cells was identified, indicating that Rbfox1 is expressed in a very small population of glycinergic ACs. These data contribute to our understanding about molecular differences between various types of amacrine cells and the cell-specific gene networks regulated by Rbfox1.
L-Glutamine alleviates osteoarthritis by regulating lncRNA-NKILA expression through the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signalling pathway
Authors: Ma Xiao , Cai Dechao , Zhu Yakun , Zhao Yao , Shang Xianbo , Wang Chen , Zhang Haotian , Bian Ashuai , Yu Haoran , Cheng Wendan
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte formation, and accompanied by the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators and degradation of extracellular matrix. The current treatment for early OA is focused on the relief of symptoms, such as pain, but this treatment cannot delay the pathological process. L-Glutamine (L-Gln), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, is the most abundant amino acid in human blood. However, its role in OA has not been systematically studied. Therefore, the objective of this work was to explore the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of L-Gln on OA. In vitro, we found that L-Gln could up-regulate the expression of the long non-coding RNA NKILA, which is regulated by the transforming growth factor-β1/SMAD2/3 pathway, and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor-κB, thereby decreasing the expression of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). This led to a reduction in the generation of nitrous oxide, prostaglandin E-2, tumour necrosis factor-α, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (i.e. aggrecan and collagen II) in rat OA chondrocytes. Moreover, intragastric administration of L-Gln reduced the degradation of cartilage tissue and expression of MMP-13 in a rat OA model. L-Gln also relieved the clinical symptoms in some patients with early knee joint OA. These findings highlight that L-Gln is a potential therapeutic drug to delay the occurrence and development of OA.
Direct recognition of pathogen effectors by plant NLR immune receptors and downstream signalling
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Rathjen John P. , Dodds Peter N.
Published: June 2022

Plants deploy extracellular and intracellular immune receptors to sense and restrict pathogen attacks. Rapidly evolving pathogen effectors play crucial roles in suppressing plant immunity but are also monitored by intracellular nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat immune receptors (NLRs), leading to effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Here, we review how NLRs recognize effectors with a focus on direct interactions and summarize recent research findings on the signalling functions of NLRs. Coiled-coil (CC)-type NLR proteins execute immune responses by oligomerizing to form membrane-penetrating ion channels after effector recognition. Some CC-NLRs function in sensor–helper networks with the sensor NLR triggering oligomerization of the helper NLR. Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)-type NLR proteins possess catalytic activities that are activated upon effector recognition-induced oligomerization. Small molecules produced by TIR activity are detected by additional signalling partners of the EDS1 lipase-like family (enhanced disease susceptibility 1), leading to activation of helper NLRs that trigger the defense response.
Similarity‐based adversarial knowledge distillation using graph convolutional neural network
Authors: Lee Sungjun , Kim Sejun , Kim Seong Soo , Seo Kisung
Published: June 2022

This letter presents an adversarial knowledge distillation based on graph convolutional neural network. For knowledge distillation, many methods have been proposed in which the student model individually and independently imitates the output of the teacher model on the input data. Our method suggests the application of a similarity matrix to consider the relationship among output vectors, compared to the other existing approaches. The similarity matrix of the output vectors is calculated and converted into a graph structure, and a generative adversarial network using graph convolutional neural network is applied. We suggest similarity‐based knowledge distillation in which a student model simultaneously imitates both of output vector and similarity matrix of the teacher model. We evaluate our method on ResNet, MobileNet and Wide ResNet using CIFAR‐10 and CIFAR‐100 datasets, and our results outperform results of the baseline model and other existing knowledge distillations like KLD and DML.
Development trends in belt transmissions with V-belt
Authors: Krawiec Piotr , Warguła Łukasz , Domek Grzegorz , Matijošius Jonas
Published: June 2022

The continuous increase in the use of the transmissions with V-belt, the introduction of new materials for the production of belts and the development of new manufacturing techniques have become the reason for undertaking research works on the possibilities of increasing the load capacity and durability of belts as well as reducing their influence on the environment. It is important to know the latest mechanical and rheological characteristics of the belts in terms of their strength characteristics and fulfilment of the conditions for the correct operation of the transmission. The results of these works will make it possible to determine the scope of applicability of these belts in propulsion and transport technology as well as to develop new geometrical forms of pulleys and V-belts.
Directions of Development of Adaptive Systems to the Operating Conditions of Mobile Wood Chopping Machines with Low Power Engines
Authors: Warguła Łukasz , Kukla Mateusz , Krawiec Piotr
Published: June 2022

Wood choppers shredding branches equipped with low power drive units (up to 10 kW) are characterized by low technical sophistication. Their work translates into the consumption of non-renewable energy sources and the emission of toxic exhaust compounds into the environment. There are innovative technical solutions that allow you to increase the efficiency of chopping machines while reducing environmental impact. Such systems improve the adaptation of chopping machines working conditions to the demand for the branch cutting process. The article characterizes the innovative speed control system of machines loaded periodically variable. The fuel consumption model was presented and referred to the pilot fuel consumption results of a prototype equipped with an adaptive system. Benefits and development directions of the tested systems have been demonstrated.
SVM Algorithm for Industrial Defect Detection and Classification
Authors: Lalik Krzysztof , Kozek Mateusz , Gut Paweł , Iwaniec Marek , Pawłowski Grzegorz
Published: June 2022

This article presents a new algorithm for recognizing defects and discontinuities. It is a neural classification algorithm of the SVM class used for the vision system in the technological sequence. At the basis of the used method of Support Vector Machines (SVM) lies the concept of decision-making space, which is divided by building boundaries separating objects with different class affiliation, that is, defects and discontinuities. The Support Vector Machines method is supposed to perform classification tasks by constructing in a multidimensional space hyperplane separating cases belonging to different classes.
Analysis of the Decomposition using the Short Degradation Technique of Polylactic Acid/Halloysite Nanotube Biocomposites
Authors: Czarnecka-Komorowska Dorota , Kostecka Ewelina , Bryll Katarzyna , Gawdzińska Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

The article presents results on the decomposition of polylactic acid (PLA)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) biocomposites. Experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions simulating composting in the industrial pile using the so-called short degradation method. In this paper, the effects of the composting process (duration from 30 to 90 days) on the behavior of PLA/HNT composites were studied. In addition, the selected physicochemical properties of PLA/HNTs biocomposites such as the average molecular weight were investigated. The results obtained confirmed the viability of composting PLA with halloysite which contributes to the reduction of plastic waste and the use of this material in technological applications.
Research of Material Properties for the Purposes of Modeling the Fabric Destruction Process
Authors: Berdychowski Maciej , Bydełek Arkadiusz
Published: June 2022

The need to diversify the sources of raw materials used in industry has resulted in the increasing popularity of recycled materials. This situation is also observed in the clothing industry, which shows a growing interest in using recycled down and feathers from old jackets. Because the recovery process was being carried out manually, it is necessary to automate the process. Designing a suitable device requires testing to allow the modeling of the process to be carried out by the machine. The article presents the results of experimental tests whose purpose was to determine the material properties necessary to carry out numerical simulations of the destruction process of polyester fabrics. The article further presents the research methodology together with the research stand and discusses the results obtained.
Efficiency Improvement of Electro-Mechanical Systems
Authors: Oršanský Pavol , Malacká Zuzana
Published: June 2022

A study was performed to investigate the effect of using Euler-Lagrange optimization decreasing energy demands for given electro-mechanical systems exploiting electric drives, which are typical for industrial and transportation applications e.g. robotic arm control, train movement control etc.
Hybridrekonstruktion der Brust nach Mastektomie
Authors: Momeni Arash
Published: June 2022

Die Herausforderung nach Mastektomie ist die sichere Rekonstruktion der Brust von
adäquater Größe und Form, welche weich, symmetrisch und
sensibel ist („6 S“: size, shape, symmetry, softness,
sensation, safety). Traditionell wurden Patientinnen zwei rekonstruktive
Verfahren angeboten, nämlich die Implantat-basierte vs. autologe
Brustrekonstruktion. Obgleich dieses binäre Vorgehen für die
Mehrzahl der Patientinnen adäquat ist, so verbleibt ein Anteil,
für welche dieser recht einfache Entscheidungsalgorithmus keine optimale
Lösung darstellt. Hier bietet die Hybdridrekonstruktion, d. h.
die Kombination von Implantat und mikrochirurgischer Lappenplastik, die
Möglichkeit Patientinnen eine individualisierte Rekonstruktion
anzubieten, welche die einzelnen Limitationen der traditionellen Verfahren durch
Kombination vermeidet. Insofern erweitert die Hybridrekonstruktion das
Indikationsspektrum der mikrochirurgischen Brustrekonstruktion und stellt die
Vorteile der autologen Brustrekonstruktion einer größeren
Patientenpopulation zur Verfügung. In diesem Beitrag wird das operative
Vorgehen der Hybridrekonstruktion vorgestellt mitsamt einer Diskussion wichtiger
Parameter, inklusive der Implantatloge, Zeitpunkt der Implantatplatzierung,
sowie Einfluss der Radiatio.
Infektionsausbruch bei deutschen und finnischen Soldaten während des 2. Weltkriegs im Östlichen Lappland – Erstbeschreibung der Hantavirus-Erkrankung im deutschen Sprachraum
Authors: Mustonen Jukka , Henttonen Heikki , Vaheri Antti , Zöller Lothar , Krüger Detlev H.
Published: June 2022

Vor 8 Jahrzehnten erschien in der Deutschen Medizinischen Wochenschrift ein Bericht über ein „schlammfieberähnliches Krankheitsbild bei deutschen Truppen in Lappland“ im Zusammenhang mit einem im Kriegsjahr 1942 beobachteten Ausbruchsgeschehen. Die Beschreibung dieses Krankheitsbildes, das damals über 1000 Soldaten betraf, dürfte die älteste Beschreibung der Hantavirus-Erkrankung im deutschen Sprachraum sein. Heute ist die Hantavirus-Erkrankung, in Nord- und Mitteleuropa auch als Nephropathia epidemica bekannt, eine der häufigsten meldepflichtigen Viruserkrankungen in Deutschland und Finnland.