bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portable, open-source solutions for estimating wrist position during reaching in people with stroke
Authors: Nie Jeffrey Z. , Nie James W. , Hung Na-Teng , Cotton R. James , Slutzky Marc W.
Published: November 2021

Arm movement kinematics may provide a more sensitive way to assess neurorehabilitation outcomes than existing metrics. However, measuring arm kinematics in people with stroke can be challenging for traditional optical tracking systems due to non-ideal environments, expense, and difficulty performing required calibration. Here, we present two open-source methods, one using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and another using virtual reality (Vive) sensors, for accurate measurements of wrist position with respect to the shoulder during reaching movements in people with stroke. We assessed the accuracy of each method during a 3D reaching task. We also demonstrated each method’s ability to track two metrics derived from kinematics-sweep area and smoothness-in people with chronic stroke. We computed correlation coefficients between the kinematics estimated by each method when appropriate. Compared to a traditional optical tracking system, both methods accurately tracked the wrist during reaching, with mean signed errors of 0.09 ± 1.81 cm and 0.48 ± 1.58 cm for the IMUs and Vive, respectively. Furthermore, both methods’ estimated kinematics were highly correlated with each other (p < 0.01). By using relatively inexpensive wearable sensors, these methods may be useful for developing kinematic metrics to evaluate stroke rehabilitation outcomes in both laboratory and clinical environments.
Efficiency of cell-type specific and generic promoters in transducing oxytocin neurons and monitoring their neural activity during lactation
Authors: Thirtamara Rajamani Keerthi , Leithead Amanda B. , Kim Michelle , Barbier Marie , Peruggia Michael , Niblo Kristi , Barteczko Lara , Lefevre Arthur , Grinevich Valery , Harony-Nicolas Hala
Published: November 2021

Hypothalamic oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) neurons have been at the center of several physiological and behavioral studies. Advances in viral vector biology and the development of transgenic rodent models have allowed for targeted gene expression to study the functions of specific cell populations and brain circuits. In this study, we compared the efficiency of various adeno-associated viral vectors in these cell populations and demonstrated that none of the widely used promoters were, on their own, effective at driving expression of a down-stream fluorescent protein in OXT or AVP neurons. As anticipated, the OXT promoter could efficiently drive gene expression in OXT neurons and this efficiency is solely attributed to the promoter and not the viral serotype. We also report that a dual virus approach using an OXT promoter driven Cre recombinase significantly improved the efficiency of viral transduction in OXT neurons. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the OXT promoter for conducting functional studies on OXT neurons by using an OXT specific viral system to record neural activity of OXT neurons in lactating female rats across time. We conclude that extreme caution is needed when employing non-neuron-specific viral approaches/promoters to study neural populations within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Exploring the potential of machine learning for simulations of urban ozone variability
Authors: Ojha Narendra , Girach Imran , Sharma Kiran , Sharma Amit , Singh Narendra , Gunthe Sachin S.
Published: November 2021

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful technique in the Earth system science, nevertheless, its potential to model complex atmospheric chemistry remains largely unexplored. Here, we applied ML to simulate the variability in urban ozone (O3) over Doon valley of the Himalaya. The ML model, trained with past variations in O3 and meteorological conditions, successfully reproduced the independent O3 data (r2 ~ 0.7). Model performance is found to be similar when the variation in major precursors (CO and NOx) were included in the model, instead of the meteorology. Further the inclusion of both precursors and meteorology improved the performance significantly (r2 = 0.86) and the model could also capture the outliers, which are crucial for air quality assessments. We suggest that in absence of high-resolution measurements, ML modeling has profound implications for unraveling the feedback between pollution and meteorology in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Microfluidic active pressure and flow stabiliser
Authors: Södergren Simon , Svensson Karolina , Hjort Klas
Published: November 2021

In microfluidics, a well-known challenge is to obtain reproducible results, often constrained by unstable pressures or flow rates. Today, there are existing stabilisers made for low-pressure microfluidics or high-pressure macrofluidics, often consisting of passive membranes, which cannot stabilise long-term fluctuations. In this work, a novel stabilisation method that is able to handle high pressures in microfluidics is presented. It is based on upstream flow capacitance and thermal control of the fluid’s viscosity through a PID controlled restrictor-chip. The stabiliser consists of a high-pressure-resistant microfluidic glass chip with integrated thin films, used for resistive heating. Thereby, the stabiliser has no moving parts. The quality of the stabilisation was evaluated with an ISCO pump, an HPLC pump, and a Harvard pump. The stability was greatly improved for all three pumps, with the ISCO reaching the highest relative precision of 0.035% and the best accuracy of 8.0 ppm. Poor accuracy of a pump was compensated for in the control algorithm, as it otherwise reduced the capacity to stabilise longer times. As the dead volume of the stabiliser was only 16 nL, it can be integrated into micro-total-analysis- or other lab-on-a-chip-systems. By this work, a new approach to improve the control of microfluidic systems has been achieved.
Characterization of aerosol particles during a high pollution episode over Mexico City
Authors: Carabali Giovanni , Villanueva-Macias José , Ladino Luis A. , Álvarez-Ospina Harry , Raga Graciela B. , Andraca-Ayala Gema , Miranda Javier , Grutter Michel , Silva Ma. Montserrat , Riveros-Rosas David
Published: November 2021

More than 7 thousand wildfires were recorded over Mexico in 2019, affecting almost 640 thousand hectares. Most of these fires occurred during the spring season generating dense smoke plumes, impacting urban areas in the central part of the Mexican plateau. From May 10 to 17, 2019, biomass burning (BB) plumes affected Mexico City (MC) and diffused across the basin, producing PM2.5 levels ~ 2 times higher than the nation's air quality standards. Average PM2.5 concentrations increased sharply from 29.4 ± 7.2 µg m−3 to 65.1 ± 13.6 µg m−3 when the dense smoke plumes were detected. The higher particle concentration impacted the aerosol optical depth (AOD) as values ~ 3 times greater than the annual mean (0.32 ± 0.12) were measured, which resulted in a 17% loss of global horizontal irradiation (GHI). Under these severe pollution conditions, the visibility (Va) was reduced by ~ 80%. The high incidence of strong absorbent particles, such as soot and tarballs was revealed through electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. These techniques show chemical similarities between MC aerosols and those from the high-altitude (~ 4010 m. a. g. l.) Altzomoni Atmospheric Observatory, evidencing a strong influence of the BB emissions, suggesting a regional transport of these pollutants.
CD8-positive T cells and CD204-positive M2-like macrophages predict postoperative prognosis of very high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Yanai Yoshinori , Kosaka Takeo , Mikami Shuji , Hongo Hiroshi , Yasumizu Yota , Takeda Toshikazu , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Miyauchi Jun , Kitano Shigehisa , Oya Mototsugu
Published: November 2021

To stratify the heterogeneity of prostate cancer (PCa) with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) immunologically after radical prostatectomy focusing on the tumor microenvironment. We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological data of 71 PCa patients with SVI, which is known as a factor of very high-risk PCa. Preoperative clinical variables and postoperative pathological variables were evaluated as predictors of biochemical recurrence (BCR) with a multivariate logistic regression. Immune cell infiltration including the CD8-positive cell (CD8+ cell) and CD204-positive M2-like macrophage (CD204+ cell) was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The cumulative incidence and risk of BCR were assessed with a Kaplan–Meier analysis and competing risks regression. A higher CD8+ cell count in the SVI area significantly indicated a favorable prognosis for cancers with SVI (p = 0.004). A lower CD204+ cell count in the SVI area also significantly indicated a favorable prognosis for cancers with SVI (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the combination of the CD8+ and CD204+ cell infiltration ratio of the SVI area to the main tumor area was a significant factor for BCR in the patients with the PCa with SVI (p = 0.001). In PCa patients with SVI, the combination of CD8+ and CD204+ cell infiltration is useful to predict the prognosis.
De novo transcriptome and tissue specific expression analysis of genes associated with biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in Operculina turpethum (L.)
Authors: Biswal Bhagyashree , Jena Biswajit , Giri Alok Kumar , Acharya Laxmikanta
Published: November 2021

This study reported the first-ever de novo transcriptome analysis of Operculina turpethum, a high valued endangered medicinal plant, using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The de novo assembly generated a total of 64,259 unigenes and 20,870 CDS (coding sequence) with a mean length of 449 bp and 571 bp respectively. Further, 20,218 and 16,458 unigenes showed significant similarity with identified proteins of NR (non-redundant) and UniProt database respectively. The homology search carried out against publicly available database found the best match with Ipomoea nil sequences (82.6%). The KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analysis identified 6538 unigenes functionally assigned to 378 modules with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway as the most enriched among the secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathway followed by terpenoid biosynthesis. A total of 17,444 DEGs were identified among which majority of the DEGs (Differentially Expressed Gene) involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis were found to be significantly upregulated in stem as compared to root tissues. The qRT-PCR validation of 9 unigenes involved in phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis also showed a similar expression pattern. This finding suggests that stem tissues, rather than root tissues, could be used to prevent uprooting of O. turpethum in the wild, paving the way for the plant's effective conservation. Moreover, the study formed a valuable repository of genetic information which will provide a baseline for further molecular research.
Engineer design process assisted by explainable deep learning network
Authors: Hsu Chia-Wei , Yang An-Cheng , Kung Pei-Ching , Tsou Nien-Ti , Chen Nan-Yow
Published: November 2021

Engineering simulation accelerates the development of reliable and repeatable design processes in various domains. However, the computing resource consumption is dramatically raised in the whole development processes. Making the most of these simulation data becomes more and more important in modern industrial product design. In the present study, we proposed a workflow comprised of a series of machine learning algorithms (mainly deep neuron networks) to be an alternative to the numerical simulation. We have applied the workflow to the field of dental implant design process. The process is based on a complex, time-dependent, multi-physical biomechanical theory, known as mechano-regulatory method. It has been used to evaluate the performance of dental implants and to assess the tissue recovery after the oral surgery procedures. We provided a deep learning network (DLN) with calibrated simulation data that came from different simulation conditions with experimental verification. The DLN achieves nearly exact result of simulated bone healing history around implants. The correlation of the predicted essential physical properties of surrounding bones (e.g. strain and fluid velocity) and performance indexes of implants (e.g. bone area and bone-implant contact) were greater than 0.980 and 0.947, respectively. The testing AUC values for the classification of each tissue phenotype were ranging from 0.90 to 0.99. The DLN reduced hours of simulation time to seconds. Moreover, our DLN is explainable via Deep Taylor decomposition, suggesting that the transverse fluid velocity, upper and lower parts of dental implants are the keys that influence bone healing and the distribution of tissue phenotypes the most. Many examples of commercial dental implants with designs which follow these design strategies can be found. This work demonstrates that DLN with proper network design is capable to replace complex, time-dependent, multi-physical models/theories, as well as to reveal the underlying features without prior professional knowledge.
Robust unsupervised deconvolution of linear motifs characterizes 68 protein modifications at proteome scale
Authors: Smith Theodore G. , Uzozie Anuli C. , Chen Siyuan , Lange Philipp F.
Published: November 2021

The local sequence context is the most fundamental feature determining the post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins. Recent technological improvements allow for the detection of new and less prevalent modifications. We found that established state-of-the-art algorithms for the detection of PTM motifs in complex datasets failed to keep up with this technological development and are no longer robust. To overcome this limitation, we developed RoLiM, a new linear motif deconvolution algorithm and webserver, that enables robust and unbiased identification of local amino acid sequence determinants in complex biological systems demonstrated here by the analysis of 68 modifications found across 30 tissues in the human draft proteome map. Furthermore, RoLiM analysis of a large-scale phosphorylation dataset comprising 30 kinase inhibitors of 10 protein kinases in the EGF signalling pathway identified prospective substrate motifs for PI3K and EGFR.
Ice-cream used as cryotherapy during high-dose melphalan conditioning reduces oral mucositis after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jasiński Marcin , Maciejewska Martyna , Brodziak Anna , Górka Michał , Skwierawska Kamila , Jędrzejczak Wiesław W. , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Basak Grzegorz W. , Snarski Emilian
Published: November 2021

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most frequent adverse events of high-dose conditioning chemotherapy with melphalan prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). It significantly reduces the patients’ quality of life. One of the preventive strategies for OM is cryotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed whether commercially available ice-cream could prevent OM during the melphalan infusion. We retrospectively analyzed 74 patients after AHSCT to see whether there is any correlation between OM and cryotherapy (ice-cream), melphalan dose (140 mg/m2 or 200 mg/m2). The incidence of OM in our study inversely correlated with cryotherapy in the form of ice-cream. Out of 74 patients receiving conditioning chemotherapy with high-dose melphalan, 52 received cryotherapy. Fifteen patients in the cryotherapy group (28.84%) developed OM, whereas 13 patients (59.09%) developed it in the group without cryotherapy. In a multiple linear regression test cryotherapy remained a significant protective factor against OM (p = 0.02) We have also seen the relationship between melphalan dose with OM (p < 0.005). Cryotherapy in the form of ice-cream is associated with a lower rate of OM and, therefore, could potentially be used as a cost-effective, less burdensome, and easy to implement method in prevention of oral mucositis.
Factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Irmscher Sarah , Zipfel Svante L. H. , Halder Luke D. , Ivanov Lia , Gonzalez-Delgado Andres , Waldeyer Christoph , Seiffert Moritz , Brunner Fabian J. , von der Heide Monika , Löschmann Ina , Wulf Sonia , Czamara Darina , Papac-Milicevic Nikolina , Strauß Olaf , Lorkowski Stefan , Reichenspurner Hermann , Holers Michael V. , Banda Nirmal K. , Zeller Tania , Binder Elisabeth B. , Binder Christoph J. , Wiech Thorsten , Zipfel Peter F. , Skerka Christine
Published: November 2021

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is a lipid-driven inflammatory disease and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Lipid deposits in the arterial wall lead to the formation of plaques that involve lipid oxidation, cellular necrosis, and complement activation, resulting in inflammation and thrombosis. The present study found that homozygous deletion of theCFHR1gene, which encodes the plasma complement protein factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1), was protective in two cohorts of patients with ACVD, suggesting that FHR-1 accelerates inflammation and exacerbates the disease. To test this hypothesis, FHR-1 was isolated from human plasma and was found to circulate on extracellular vesicles and to be deposited in atherosclerotic plaques. Surface-bound FHR-1 induced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue factor in both monocytes and neutrophils. Notably, plasma concentrations of FHR-1, but not of factor H, were significantly (p < 0.001) elevated in patients with ACVD, and correlated with the expression of the inflammation markers C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein serum amyloid protein A, and neopterin. FHR-1 expression also significantly correlated with plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.0001) but not high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Taken together, these findings suggest that FHR-1 is associated with ACVD.
Right heart exercise-training-adaptation and remodelling in endurance athletes
Authors: Conti Valeria , Migliorini Filippo , Pilone Marco , Barriopedro María I. , Ramos-Álvarez Juan José , Montero Francisco Javer Calderon , Maffulli Nicola
Published: November 2021

Long-term sports training leads to myocardial adaptations, with remodelling of the heart chambers. However, while myocardial adaptations of the left heart are well described, remodelling of the right heart and its impact on the development of arrhythmias is still debated. To conduct a systematic review on right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA) structural and functional changes in athletes who participate in long-term endurance training. Systematic review. A systematic literature search was conducted. All the articles reporting right heart echocardiographic (ECHO) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters evaluated in endurance athletes and sedentary subjects were considered eligible. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate whether age, sex, body surface area (BSA), intensity of training are associated with RV ECHO, CMR parameters and RA ECHO parameters. A positive association between age and right atrium area (RAA) (P = 0.01) was found. This is a negative association to RV E/A (P = 0.004), and RV end diastolic diameter (RVED) longitudinal (P = 0.01). A positive association between BSA and RVED middle (P = 0.001), as well between BSA and RAA (P = 0.05) was found, along with a negative association with RV E/A (P = 0.002). A positive association between intensity of training and RV end systolic area (RVESA) (P = 0.03), RV end diastolic volume indexed (RVEDVI) (P = 0.01), RV end systolic volume indexed (RVESVI) (P = 0.01) was found, along with a negative association with ejection fraction (EF %) (P = 0.01). Endurance athletes demonstrated an association between RV remodelling and age, BSA and intensity of training.
Evaluation of bone formation on orthopedic implant surfaces using an ex-vivo bone bioreactor system
Authors: Dua Rupak , Jones Hugh , Noble Philip C.
Published: November 2021

Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes have allowed the fabrication of intricate implant surfaces to facilitate bony attachment. However, refinement and evaluation of these new design strategies are hindered by the cost and complications of animal studies, particularly during early iterations in the development process. To address this problem, we have previously constructed and validated an ex-vivo bone bioreactor culture system that can maintain the viability of bone samples for an extended period ex-vivo. In this study, we investigated the mineralization of a titanium wire mesh scaffold under both static and dynamic culturing using our ex vivo bioreactor system. Thirty-six cancellous bone cores were harvested from bovine metatarsals at the time of slaughter and divided into five groups under the following conditions: Group 1) Isolated bone cores placed in static culture, Group 2) Unloaded bone cores placed in static culture in contact with a fiber-mesh metallic scaffold, Group 3) Bone cores placed in contact with a fiber-mesh metallic scaffold under the constant pressure of 150 kPa, Group 4) Bone core placed in contact with a fiber-mesh metallic scaffold and exposed to cyclic loading with continuous perfusion flow of media within the ex-vivo culture system and Group 5) Bone core evaluated on Day 0 to serve as a positive control for comparison with all other groups at weeks 4 and 7. Bone samples within Groups 1–4 were incubated for 4 and 7 weeks and then evaluated using histological examination (H&E) and the Live-Dead assay (Life Technologies). Matrix deposits on the metallic scaffolds were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the chemical composition of the matrix was measured using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). We found that the viability of bone cores was maintained after seven weeks of loading in our ex vivo system. In addition, SEM images revealed crystallite-like structures on the dynamically loaded metal coupons (Group 4), corresponding to the initial stages of mineralization. EDX results further confirmed the presence of carbon at the interface and calcium phosphates in the matrix. We conclude that a bone bioreactor can be used as an alternate tool for in-vivo bone ingrowth studies of new implant surfaces or coatings.
Grindability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer using CNT biological lubricant
Authors: Gao Teng , Zhang Yanbin , Li Changhe , Wang Yiqi , An Qinglong , Liu Bo , Said Zafar , Sharma Shubham
Published: November 2021

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) easily realizes the integrated manufacturing of components with high specific strength and stiffness, and it has become the preferred material in the aerospace field. Grinding is the key approach to realize precision parts and matching the positioning surface for assembly and precision. Hygroscopicity limits the application of flood lubrication in CFRP grinding, and dry grinding leads to large force, surface deterioration, and wheel clogging. To solve the above technical bottleneck, this study explored the grindability and frictional behavior of CNT biological lubricant MQL through grinding experiments and friction-wear tests. Results showed that the CNT biological lubricant reduced the friction coefficient by 53.47% compared with dry condition, showing optimal and durable antifriction characteristics. The new lubrication was beneficial to suppressing the removal of multifiber block debris, tensile fracture, and tensile-shear fracture, with the advantages of tribological properties and material removal behavior, the tangential and normal grinding force, and the specific grinding energy were reduced by 40.41%, 31.46%, and 55.78%, respectively, compared with dry grinding. The proposed method reduced surface roughness and obtained the optimal surface morphology by preventing burrs, fiber pull-out, and resin smearing, and wheel clogging was prevented by temperature reduction and lubricating oil film formation. Sa and Sq of the CNT biological lubricant were reduced by 8.4% and 7.9%, respectively, compared with dry grinding. This study provides a practical basis for further application of CNT biological lubricant in CFRP grinding.
Metagenome-assembled genomes and gene catalog from the chicken gut microbiome aid in deciphering antibiotic resistomes
Authors: Feng Yuqing , Wang Yanan , Zhu Baoli , Gao George Fu , Guo Yuming , Hu Yongfei
Published: November 2021

Gut microbial reference genomes and gene catalogs are necessary for understanding the chicken gut microbiome. Here, we assembled 12,339 microbial genomes and constructed a gene catalog consisting of ~16.6 million genes by integrating 799 public chicken gut microbiome samples from ten countries. We found that 893 and 38 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in our dataset were putative novel species and genera, respectively. In the chicken gut,Lactobacillus aviariusandLactobacillus crispatuswere the most common lactic acid bacteria, and glycoside hydrolases were the most abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Antibiotic resistome profiling results indicated that Chinese chicken samples harbored a higher relative abundance but less diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) than European samples. We also proposed the effects of geography and host species on the gut resistome. Our study provides the largest integrated metagenomic dataset from the chicken gut to date and demonstrates its value in exploring chicken gut microbial genes.
Precancerous liver diseases do not cause increased mutagenesis in liver stem cells
Authors: Nguyen Luan , Jager Myrthe , Lieshout Ruby , de Ruiter Petra E. , Locati Mauro D. , Besselink Nicolle , van der Roest Bastiaan , Janssen Roel , Boymans Sander , de Jonge Jeroen , IJzermans Jan N. M. , Doukas Michail , Verstegen Monique M. A. , van Boxtel Ruben , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Cuppen Edwin , Kuijk Ewart
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory liver disease increases the risk of developing primary liver cancer. The mechanism through which liver disease induces tumorigenesis remains unclear, but is thought to occur via increased mutagenesis. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing on clonally expanded single liver stem cells cultured as intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICOs) from patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Surprisingly, we find that these precancerous liver disease conditions do not result in a detectable increased accumulation of mutations, nor altered mutation types in individual liver stem cells. This finding contrasts with the mutational load and typical mutational signatures reported for liver tumors, and argues against the hypothesis that liver disease drives tumorigenesis via a direct mechanism of induced mutagenesis. Disease conditions in the liver may thus act through indirect mechanisms to drive the transition from healthy to cancerous cells, such as changes to the microenvironment that favor the outgrowth of precancerous cells.
Astrocytic ApoE underlies maturation of hippocampal neurons and cognitive recovery after traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Yu Tzong-Shiue , Tensaouti Yacine , Stephanz Elizabeth P. , Chintamen Sana , Rafikian Elizabeth E. , Yang Mu , Kernie Steven G.
Published: November 2021

Polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene confer a major genetic risk for the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and are predictive of outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Alterations in adult hippocampal neurogenesis have long been associated with both the development of AD and recovery following TBI and ApoE is known to play a role in this process. In order to determine how ApoE might influence hippocampal injury-induced neurogenesis, we generated a conditional knockout system whereby functional ApoE from astrocytes was ablated prior to injury. While successfully ablating ApoE just prior to TBI in mice, we observed an attenuation in the development of the spines in the newborn neurons. Intriguingly, animals with a double-hit, i.e. injury and ApoE conditionally inactivated in astrocytes, demonstrated the most pronounced impairments in the hippocampal-dependent Morris water maze test, failing to exhibit spatial memory after both acquisition and reversal training trials. In comparison, conditional knockout mice without injury displayed impairments but only in the reversal phase of the test, suggesting accumulative effects of astrocytic ApoE deficiency and traumatic brain injury on AD-like phenotypes. Together, these findings demonstrate that astrocytic ApoE is required for functional injury-induced neurogenesis following traumatic brain injury.
Introduction to Industrial Wastewater and Allied Treatment Technologies
Authors: Meruvu Haritha
Published: November 2021

Industrial wastewater is generated from the utilization of water in industrial operations like processing, cleaning and cooling activities. Common sources of surplus industrial wastewater include agricultural waste, breweries, dairies, mines and quarries, and paper–pulp, iron–steel, food and chemical, and nuclear industries. Hence there is a quintessential need to treat/recycle wastewater to mitigate the industrial pollutant content, before disposing of it or returning it to the natural ecosystem. Industrial wastewater can be treated through various methods using physical, chemical, thermal or biological means, adopting sequential stages like primary, secondary and tertiary treatments. In this chapter, the various sources of industrial wastewater and the treatment technologies (conventional and advanced) currently being practised for mitigating wastewater pollutants are described briefly, along with a note on the associated challenges involved.
Membrane Bioreactors for Separation of Persistent Organic Pollutants From Industrial Effluents
Authors: Zaman Aisha , Banerjee Priya , Mukhopadhyay Aniruddha , Das Papita , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: November 2021

Unplanned and unmonitored growth of civilization and industry recorded in the previous decades have resulted in the introduction of several persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like polyaromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, pharmaceuticals etc. in adjacent aquatic environments. Bioaccumulation of these pollutants at different stages of the food chain and in potable water has been causing significant alarm across the world. The present chapter reviews and compiles recent reports on membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for separation of POPs from their aqueous phases with emphasis on biodegradation of POPs, advanced configurations of MBRs, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes and application of MBRS for treatments of POP-laden effluents. This study also discusses the cost effectiveness of different processes of nanocomposite-based wastewater treatment discussed herein. This chapter includes a discussion of different strategies of process optimization that ensure efficient treatment of effluents.
Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Khuntia Himanshu K. , Mohapatra Sanjeeb , Sukhani Seema , Chanakya H. N. , Gin Karina Yew-Hoong
Published: November 2021

The less energy-intensive anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR)-based wastewater treatment is a relatively new technology used to treat wastewater from a variety of domestic and industrial sources. Several engineering challenges and limited resource recovery have limited its wide application; however, good effluent quality compared to conventional anaerobic biological processes has increased its suitability as a novel treatment technology. Large-scale field implementation of AnMBRs has been limited and relatively slow despite the rapid developments in membrane manufacturing technologies and scientific publications. The overall performance of the bioreactor under various physicochemical conditions, process optimization, mitigation strategies of membrane fouling, and energy efficiency have not been completely evaluated. This chapter aims to present a basic understanding and the underlying mechanisms of AnMBRs, focusing on the current status and recent developments in their design and operation. It also addresses the research gaps in this area by discussing the different industrial applications of AnMBRs for the treatment of a variety of wastewaters.
Moving Bed Biofilm Systems: A Sustainable Approach for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Satapathy Monalisa , Sahariah Biju Prava , Anandkumar J.
Published: November 2021

In past few years, the substantial growth of industrialization has caused a clean water crisis across the world. Water is a key resource for any industrial process and hence industries discharge considerable amounts of wastewater containing a number of pollutants that are toxic to the environment. Prolonged exposure of the pollutants to ecosystem is the biggest concern of the scientific community trying to develop efficient and sustainable techniques for proper handling of industrial wastewater. Biodegradation as a technique has gained popularity due to its eco-friendly nature, but the presence of recalcitrant compounds in wastewater restricts its large-scale application. In the present scenario, the moving-bed biofilm system has immense potential to deal with the diverse group of pollutants present in industrial wastewater. This chapter gives an overview of the moving-bed biofilm system and its application for the treatment of different industrial wastewaters. Furthermore, it explores the merits and demerits of the available biofilm systems and provides a critical review of recent research developments in the field and the sustainability of biofilm systems for large-scale application. This chapter gives new insights for future research into and development of biofilm systems that will make them a realistic approach to industrial wastewater treatment.
Optical/electrochemical methods for detecting mitochondrial energy metabolism
Authors: Ji Wenhui , Tang Xiao , Du Wei , Lu Yao , Wang Nanxiang , Wu Qiong , Wei Wei , Liu Jie , Yu Haidong , Ma Bo , Li Lin , Huang Wei
Published: November 2021

This review highlights the biological importance of mitochondrial energy metabolism and the applications of multiple optical/electrochemical approaches to determine energy metabolites.
In situmucoadhesive hydrogel capturing tripeptide KPV: the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and repairing effect on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis
Authors: Shao Weifeng , Chen Rui , Lin Gaolong , Ran Kunjie , Zhang Yingying , Yang Jiaojiao , Pan Hanxiao , Shangguan Jianxun , Zhao Yingzheng , Xu Helin
Published: November 2021

In situmucoadhesive hydrogels with inherent antibacterial activity were constructed from temperature-sensitive PPP as a matrix and EGCG as an adhesion enhancer. The hydrogel was designed for cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Recent advances on non-precious metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization of N-heteroarenes
Authors: Bera Atanu , Kabadwal Lalit Mohan , Bera Sourajit , Banerjee Debasis
Published: November 2021

Recent advances on non-precious metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization of N-heteroarenes are discussed.
Modulation of the calcium oxalate dihydrate to calcium oxalate monohydrate phase transition with citrate and zinc ions
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Wenjun , Putnis Christine V. , Wang Lijun
Published: November 2021

Higher concentrations of Ca2+and Ox2−can form COD which then transforms to COM. Citrate forms a protective layer to inhibit COD transition; whereas Zn2+substitutes Ca2+sites to generate a stable COD structure that retards COM formation.
Enhanced plasmonic processes in amino-rich plasma polymer films for applications at the biointerface
Authors: Ferrara Vittorio , Vandenabeele Cédric , Cossement Damien , Snyders Rony , Satriano Cristina
Published: November 2021

A novel planar biosensor coupling the plasmonic properties of nanogold with the mechanical and bioadhesive features of primary amine-based plasma polymer films.
Ultrafast nonequilibrium dynamics of short-range protein electron transfer in flavodoxin
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Yifei , He Ting-Fang , Lu Yangyi , Wang Lijuan , Ding Bei , Zhong Dongping
Published: November 2021

Ultrafast nonequilibrium electron-transfer dynamics in flavodoxin.
Non-traditional solvent effects in organic reactions
Authors: Harper Jason B. , Kirchner Barbara , Pavez Paulina , Welton Tom
Published: November 2021

This special cross-journal collection of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry (OBC) and Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is dedicated to non-traditional solvent effects in organic reactions.
Determination of acid structures on the surface of sulfated monoclinic and tetragonal zirconia through experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Huang Daofeng , Chen Siyue , Ma Sicong , Chen Xin , Ren Yuanhang , Wang Meiyin , Ye Lin , Zhang Li , Chen Xueying , Liu Zhi-Pan , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: November 2021

The acid structures on both tetragonal and monoclinic sulfated zirconia were studied and successfully proposed through experimental and theoretical approaches.
Cu–Organic framework-derived V-doped carbon nanostructures for organic dye removal
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Sa , Zhao Hong-Tian , Liu Yu , Li Wen-Ze , Yang Ai-Ai , Luan Jian
Published: November 2021

In this study, a novel MOF has been constructed as a precursor for the preparation of carbon nanostructures. Moreover, we have used V metal as a doping agent to boost the adsorption and photodegradation activity of the MOF-derived carbon nanostructures.
Suppression on allergic airway inflammation of dehulled adlay (Coix lachryma-jobiL. var.ma-yuenStapf) in mice and anti-degranulation phytosterols from adlay bran
Authors: Chung Cheng-Pei , Lee Ming-Yi , Hsia Shih-Min , Chiang Wenchang , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Hsu Hsin-Yi , Lin Yun-Lian
Published: November 2021

This is the first to demonstrate that dehulled adlay suppressed ovalbumin/methacholine induced acute airway inflammation, and phytosterols may be regarded as the indicative anti-degranulation components on anti-allergy.
Dual-frequency impedance assays for intracellular components in microalgal cells
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Xun , Yuan Yapeng , Kiya Ryota , Shen Yigang , Zhang Tianlong , Suzuki Kengo , Tanaka Yo , Li Ming , Hosokawa Yoichiroh , Yalikun Yaxiaer
Published: November 2021

The capabilities of impedance cytometry to detect intracellular components (i.e., volume and distribution) are investigated, and it is found that non-uniform intracellular distribution causes the tilt tendency of high-frequency impedance pulses.
Preparation of calcium oxalate film on the surface of historic carbonate stone in a humid environment
Authors: He Lu , Wang Lu , Liu Yan , Yang Fuwei , Gao Xiang
Published: November 2021

Preparation of acid-resistant calcium oxalate film in a high-humidity environment without changing the original properties and appearance of carbonate stone.
Computational study on the optical and NLO properties of donor–acceptor interaction molecules containing a triazolobenzothiadiazole or benzothiadiazole central acceptor core
Authors: Gong Lijing , Zhang Xiangyu , Ma Cheng
Published: November 2021

The nonlinear optical properties of the studied compounds were studied with the aid of DFT calculations.
A review on hierarchical Bi2MoO6 nanostructures for photocatalysis applications
Authors: Yin Guoliang , Jia Yulong , Lin Yinhe , Zhang Chenyang , Zhu Zhenghai , Ma Ying
Published: November 2021

This overview provides comprehensive understanding and development trends of hierarchical Bi2MoO6 nanostructures as photocatalysts for efficient photocatalysis applications.
Bz-8HQ: a novel supramolecular fluorochrome exhibiting multiple stimuli-responsiveness
Authors: Siddig Lamia A. , Bojesomo Rukayat , Khasawneh Mohammad A , Samadi Abdelouahid , Paz Alejandro Perez , Saadeh Haythem A. , Saleh Na’il
Published: November 2021

A novel multifunctional fluorescent molecule (Bz-8HQ) was synthesized from the linkage of benzimidazole (Bz) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) molecules and its response to multiple stimuli was investigated spectroscopically.
Hierarchically porous graphene/wood-derived carbon activated using ZnCl2and decorated within situgrown NiCo2O4for high–performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Mei-Jiao , Li Xiaofeng , Hao Shu-Meng , Qu Jin , Li Wei , Wu Jing , Zhao Tianyu , Yu Zhong-Zhen
Published: November 2021

An asymmetric supercapacitor with wood-derived porous carbon-based electrodes exhibits enhanced areal capacitance, high power density and long cycling stability.
Pseudo-single domain colloidal superparamagnetic nanoparticles designed at a physiologically tolerable AC magnetic field for clinically safe hyperthermia
Authors: Kim Ji-wook , Heo Dan , Wang Jie , Kim Hyung-sub , Ota Satoshi , Takemura Yasushi , Huh Chulhaeng , Bae Seongtae
Published: November 2021

Pseudo-single domain superparamagnetic nanoparticles demonstrate highly efficient magnetic hyperthermia performance at the biologically safe and physiologically tolerable range of AC magnetic field (fappl < 120 kHz and Happl < 190 Oe).
Chinese ink: a programmable, dual-responsive and self-sensing actuator using a healing–assembling method
Authors: Lin Jian , Zhou Peidi , Wen Zhiyuan , Zhang Wei , Luo Zhiling , Chen Luzhuo
Published: November 2021

Chinese ink is introduced to fabricate multi-functional actuators with features of dual-responsiveness, programmable shape-morphing, healing and self-sensing function.
Ultra-small gold nanoclusters assembled on plasma polymer-modified zeolites: a multifunctional nanohybrid with anti-haemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: González García Laura E. , Ninan Neethu , Simon Johanna , Madathiparambil Visalakshan Rahul , Bright Richard , Wahono Satriyo K. , Ostrikov Kostya , Mailänder Volker , Landfester Katharina , Goswami Nirmal , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: November 2021

Hemostatic agents are pivotal for managing clinical and traumatic bleeding during emergency and domestic circumstances.
Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed C–H amidation of N,N-dialkyl thiobenzamides by sulfur coordination
Authors: Gao Pengpeng , Zhang Xiaohui , Zheng Qing-Zhong
Published: November 2021

This amidation reaction proceeds with high functional group tolerance under external oxidant free conditions.
The role of substituted pyridine Schiff bases as ancillary ligands in the optical properties of a new series of fac-rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes: a theoretical view
Authors: Morales-Guevara Rosaly , Fuentes Juan A. , Paez-Hernández Dayán , Carreño Alexander
Published: November 2021

Over the last few years, luminescent Re(i) tricarbonyl complexes have been increasingly proposed as fluorophores suitable for fluorescence microscopy to visualize biological structures and cells.
Investigation on the effects of water loss on the solar spectrum reflectance and transmittance of Osmanthus fragrans leaves based on optical experiment and PROSPECT model
Authors: Gao Ying , Tang Bo , Lu Beibei , Ji Guojian , Ye Hong
Published: November 2021

In addition to reducing water content, leaf water loss also exerted three effects on the leaf reflectance and leaf transmittance, i.e., the increases of brown pigment content, leaf refractive index, and leaf internal structure index.
Surface coating of a LiNixCoyAl1−x−yO2 (x > 0.85) cathode with Li3PO4 for applying a water-based hybrid polymer binder during Li-ion battery preparation
Authors: Watanabe Tatsuya , Yokokawa Tamae , Yamada Mitsuru , Kurosumi Shoudai , Ugawa Shinsaku , Lee Hojin , Irii Yuta , Maki Fumihiko , Gunji Takao , Wu Jianfei , Matsumoto Futoshi
Published: November 2021

To produce water-stable Ni-rich lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxides, the formation of trilithium phosphate coated layers on the NCA surfaces was attempted through the use of a surface reaction in a mixture of ethanol and water and a post-heat treatment at 350 and 400 °C.
Colorimetric determination of cysteine and copper based on the peroxidase-like activity of Prussian blue nanocubes
Authors: Kavitha S. , Mary Jelastin Kala S. , Anand Babu Christus A. , Ravikumar A.
Published: November 2021

Prussian blue nanocubes were synthesized via a hydrothermal method.
Study on the mechanism of tunable ferromagnetic composites with different rare earth ions
Authors: Zeng Minli , Thummavichai Kunyapat , Chen Wenting , Liu Guangsheng , Li Zhen , Chen Xiaorong , Feng Chen , Li Yi , Wang Nannan , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: November 2021

After doping RE elements, the corresponding Ms decreases, and the magnetization decreases with the increase of doping concentration. The RE ions were more inclined to replace some Fe2+ ions in the octahedral position from the VSM results.
Preservation of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor activity on heparin-modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted surfaces
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Arisaka Yoshinori , Yui Nobuhiko , Yamato Masayuki , Okano Teruo
Published: November 2021

Activity of HB-EGF bound to a heparin-modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm)-grafted surface was preserved through specific binding to heparin, whereas physisorbed HB-EGF on a PIPAAm-grafted surface greatly diminished its activity.
Aggregation-induced emission spectra of triphenylamine salicylaldehyde derivatives via excited-state intramolecular proton transfer revealed by molecular spectral and dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhang Qing , Li Yuanyuan , Cao Zexing , Zhu Chaoyuan
Published: November 2021

The emission spectra of triphenylamine salicylaldehyde derivatives are weak in solution and strong in the crystal, as interpreted by molecular spectral and dynamics simulations.
Phase diagram of SALR fluids on spherical surfaces
Authors: Franzini Stefano , Reatto Luciano , Pini Davide
Published: November 2021

A DFT study of a fluid of hard disks with competing attractive and repulsive interactions on a spherical surface uncovers a very rich phase diagram, featuring stripes, bubbles, and many cluster phases.
In situ visualisation and analysis of dynamic single atom processes in heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Gai Pratibha L. , Boyes Edward D.
Published: November 2021

Heterogeneous chemical reactions catalyzed over solid surfaces at operating temperatures are used to produce a vital part of energy, food, healthcare products, cleaner environments and chemicals.
High-performance anthraquinone with potentially low cost for aqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: Wu Min , Bahari Meisam , Fell Eric M. , Gordon Roy G. , Aziz Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Alkaline anthraquinone flow battery with active species exhibiting long lifetime and potentially low mass-production cost.
Not the sum of their parts: understanding multi-donor interactions in symmetric and asymmetric TADF emitters
Authors: Danos Andrew , Gudeika Dalius , Kukhta Nadzeya A. , Lygaitis Ramunas , Colella Marco , Higginbotham Heather F. , Bismillah Aisha N. , McGonigal Paul R. , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: November 2021

Electronic communication uncovered between donor groups in a pair of D–A–D TADF emitters lowers their triplet energies, and shows that they cannot be described purely as combinations of the equivalent D–A systems.
Development in liquid crystal microcapsules: fabrication, optimization and applications
Authors: Qu Ruixiang , George Thomas F. , Li Guoqiang
Published: November 2021

In this review, we discuss the fabrication, optimization and applications of liquid crystal microcapsules in detail. The current challenges and potential development directions are also introduced briefly.
Highly polarized [GeOTe3] motif-driven structural order promotion and an enhanced second harmonic generation response in the new nonlinear optical oxytelluride Ba3Ge2O4Te3
Authors: Sun Mengran , Zhang Xingyu , Li Chunxiao , Liu Wenhao , Lin Zheshuai , Yao Jiyong
Published: November 2021

A new NLO-active oxytelluride, Ba3Ge2O4Te3, was successfully synthesized by using Ba2ZnGe2O7 as a parent model. Both experiments and theoretical calculations show that Ba3Ge2O4Te3 is a promising NLO material with well-balanced properties.