bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high-resolution flux-matrix model describes the spread of diseases in a spatial network and the effect of mitigation strategies
Authors: Le Treut Guillaume , Huber Greg , Kamb Mason , Kawagoe Kyle , McGeever Aaron , Miller Jonathan , Pnini Reuven , Veytsman Boris , Yllanes David
Published: September 2022

Propagation of an epidemic across a spatial network of communities is described by a variant of the SIR model accompanied by an intercommunity infectivity matrix. This matrix is estimated from fluxes between communities, obtained from cell-phone tracking data recorded in the USA between March 2020 and February 2021. We apply this model to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by fitting just one global parameter representing the frequency of interaction between individuals. We find that the predicted infections agree reasonably well with the reported cases. We clearly see the effect of “shelter-in-place” policies introduced at the onset of the pandemic. Interestingly, a model with uniform transmission rates produces similar results, suggesting that the epidemic transmission was deeply influenced by air travel. We then study the effect of alternative mitigation policies, in particular restricting long-range travel. We find that this policy is successful in decreasing the epidemic size and slowing down the spread, but less effective than the shelter-in-place policy. This policy can result in a pulled wave of infections. We express its velocity and characterize the shape of the traveling front as a function of the epidemiological parameters. Finally, we discuss a policy of selectively constraining travel based on an edge-betweenness criterion.
Prospective analysis of breast masses using the combined score for quantitative ultrasonography parameters
Authors: Lee Eun Ji , Chang Yun-Woo
Published: September 2022

To investigate the diagnostic value of combined SWE, SMI, and B-mode US scores for distinguishing between benign and malignant masses. A total of 450 breast masses that underwent US-guided core needle biopsies were prospectively enrolled. The breast masses were assessed based on the BI-RADS and quantitative SWE and SMI parameters. The SWEmax, SWEratio, and SMIVI cutoff value were determined using Youden’s index by comparison to the pathological results. The BI-RADS categories were scored on a scale from 1 to 5, and SWEmax, SWEratio, and SMIVI were dichotomized based on each cutoff values (0 or 1). The combined scores (1 to 8) were calculated as the sum of the BI-RADS score and the quantitative scores and compared to the pathologic results using AUROC analysis. The cutoff values were 52.25 kPa for SWEmax, 5.03 for SWEratio, and 2.15% for SMIVI. In AUROC, the combined scores showed significantly better diagnostic performance compared to BI-RADS alone (p < 0.001). The combined score showed significantly increased than BI-RADS alone in specificity (p < 0.001) and accuracy (p < 0.001), but a sensitivity decreased without significance (p = 0.082). When a combined score cutoff value of 4 was used, the false negative rate was 2.7%. Using the combined score, 76.4% of the C4a lesions were considered benign also pathologically diagnosed as benign. The combined scores showed improved diagnostic performance in differentiating between benign and malignant breast masses, which could be helpful for determining a breast biopsy eligibility.
Bell-Evans model and steered molecular dynamics in uncovering the dissociation kinetics of ligands targeting G-protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Akhunzada Muhammad Jan , Yoon Hyun Jung , Deb Indrajit , Braka Abdennour , Wu Sangwook
Published: September 2022

Recently, academic and industrial scientific communities involved in kinetics-based drug development have become immensely interested in predicting the drug target residence time. Screening drug candidates in terms of their computationally predicted residence times, which is a measure of drug efficacy in vivo, and simultaneously assessing computational binding affinities are becoming inevitable. Non-equilibrium molecular simulation approaches are proven to be useful in this purpose. Here, we have implemented an optimized approach of combining the data derived from steered molecular dynamics simulations and the Bell-Evans model to predict the absolute residence times of the antagonist ZMA241385 and agonist NECA that target the A2A adenosine receptor of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein family. We have predicted the absolute ligand residence times on the timescale of seconds. However, our predictions were many folds shorter than those determined experimentally. Additionally, we calculated the thermodynamics of ligand binding in terms of ligand binding energies and the per-residue contribution of the receptor. Subsequently, binding pocket hotspot residues that would be important for further computational mutagenesis studies were identified. In the experiment, similar sets of residues were found to be in significant contact with both ligands under study. Our results build a strong foundation for further improvement of our approach by rationalizing the kinetics of ligand unbinding with the thermodynamics of ligand binding.
Traces of calcium oxalate biomineralization in fossil leaves from late Oligocene maar deposits from Germany
Authors: Malekhosseini Mahdieh , Ensikat Hans-Jürgen , McCoy Victoria E. , Wappler Torsten , Weigend Maximilian , Kunzmann Lutz , Rust Jes
Published: September 2022

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is one of the most common bio-mineral in extant plants and is believed to serve a variety of functions such as calcium storage and herbivore defense. However, traces of CaOx crystals have rarely been identified in fossil plants, and they are primarily known from fossil gymnosperms, where empty cavities of former CaOx crystals or ghost crystals have been reported from leaf cuticles of some Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic conifers. Here we investigate fossil angiosperm leaves from the late Oligocene Rott Fossil Lagerstätte and report ghost crystals of various shapes, sizes and topology (distribution patterns), and cavities. These micromorphological structures of fossil leaves are compared to CaOx deposits in leaves of extant plants: globular structures in fossil leaves resemble CaOx druses (crystal aggregates) in fresh leaves in size and distribution; and angular or brick-shaped structures in the vascular system of fossil leaves closely resemble prismatic CaOx crystals in the vascular system of extant leaves in both size and topology. Chemically, CaOx druses have survived fossilization as cavities only, and were replaced by organic matter and ghost minerals containing Ca, Si, Al, S, and Fe. The identification of former CaOx remains in leaf fossils provides novel insights on the fate of plant bio-minerals during fossilization. More importantly, it provides an additional aspect of the ecophysiology of fossil plants thus improving the accuracy of palaeoecological reconstructions and can provide a broader perspective on the evolution of CaOx and their rule in plant ecology across geological timescales. Alternative interpretations of the fossil microstructures are discussed but ruled out.
Longitudinal associations between physical activity and other health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: a fixed effects analysis
Authors: Mitchell John J. , Bu Feifei , Fancourt Daisy , Steptoe Andrew , Bone Jessica K.
Published: September 2022

Government enforced restrictions on movement during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to have had profound impacts on the daily behaviours of many individuals, including physical activity (PA). Given the associations between PA and other health behaviours, changes in PA during the pandemic may have been detrimental for other health behaviours. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in PA during and after the first national lockdown in the United Kingdom (UK) were associated with concurrent changes in alcohol consumption, sleep, nutrition quality, diet quantity and sedentary time. Data were derived from the UCL COVID-19 Social Study, in which 52,784 adults were followed weekly across 22 weeks of the pandemic from 23rd March to 23rd August 2020. Fixed effects regression models showed that greater PA was positively associated with improved sleep and nutrition quality. However, increases in PA also showed modest associations with increased alcohol consumption and sedentary time. Encouraging people to engage in PA may lead to wider changes in other health behaviours in times of adversity. These associations could be a result of increases in available leisure time for many people during COVID-19 restrictions and are of ongoing importance given the emerging long-term changes to lifestyle and working patterns.
Comparison of microscopic adsorption characteristics of Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) on kaolinite
Authors: Tian Li , Fu Kai-bin , Chen Shu , Yao Jun , Bian Liang
Published: September 2022

In this research, kaolinite was used to investigate the comparative adsorption of copper, lead, and zinc ions through batch control experiments and first principles calculations. Different adsorption conditions were considered as the effect of solution acidity, initial concentration of ions, and contact shaking time. The adsorption system isotherms and kinetic studies were better agreed with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. They reached adsorption equilibrium within two hours and maximum adsorption capacities of Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) on kaolinite were 15.515, 61.523, and 44.659 mg/g, respectively. In addition, the microscopic adsorption changes of Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) on kaolinite were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) were most likely to be adsorbed on the kaolinite surface. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanism of [Zn(OH)]+, [Pb(OH)]+, and [Cu(OH)]+ on the kaolinite (001) surface was systematically studied through first-principles density functional calculations. The adsorption characteristics of different ions were evaluated by calculating the adsorption energy of the equilibrium adsorption configuration, state density, and electron density. The adsorption energy of [Zn(OH)]+, [Pb(OH)]+, and [Cu(OH)]+ were − 0.49,  − 1.17, and − 1.64 eV, respectively. The simulation results indicated that new hybrid orbitals were formed between the metal ions and O atoms on the kaolinite surface, with electron transfer occurring the adsorption processes. The charge transfer direction for [Pb(OH)]+ was opposite those for [Zn(OH)]+ and [Cu(OH)]+. [Zn(OH)]+ was more likely to form polydentate complexes with hydroxyl groups on the kaolinite surface than [Cu(OH)]+ and [Pb(OH)]+. This work further elucidated the interaction mechanism between the adsorption systems and provided fundamental theoretical support for the structural modification and optimization of kaolinite, such as increasing the layer spacing of kaolinite and introducing other active groups on its surface to improve the adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions in water treatment and soil remediation.
FGF receptor inhibitor BGJ398 partially rescues osteoarthritis-like phenotype in older high molecular weight FGF2 transgenic mice via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Hurley Marja M. , Coffin J. Douglas , Doetschman Thomas , Valera Christina , Clarke Kai , Xiao Liping
Published: September 2022

We have used Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) transgenic mice as experimental models for human X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH)-related degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) to investigate the pathogenesis of the disease and to test potential pharmacotherapies for treatment. This study tested the efficacy of BJG398, a small molecule fibroblast growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (FGFRTK) inhibitor, to rescue the knee joint osteoarthritis phenotype in High Molecular Weight fibroblast growth factor 2 transgenic (HMWTgFGF2) mice. BJG398 was administered in vivo to 8-month-old female HMWTgFGF2 mice for six weeks. Histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and micro-CT were used to examine the knee joints in BGJ398-treated and control mice. We assessed: Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) expression and FGFR1 activity; Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and Aggrecanase2 (ADAMTS5) expression; then signaling by SMAD1/5/8-pSMAD6, pERK1/2 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Using PrimePCR arrays, we identified a contributing role for major target genes in the TGFB/BMP2 signaling pathway that were regulated by BGJ398. BGJ398 inhibited HMWFGF2/FGF23-induced increase in bone morphogenic protein receptor-1, bone morphogenic protein-2 and 4 and Serine peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 1. The results from Micro-CT and histology show BGJ398 treatment rescued the OA changes in subchondral bone and knee articular cartilage of HMWTgFGF2 mice. The gene expression and signal transduction results provide convincing evidence that HMWFGF2 generates OA through FGFRTK with characteristic downstream signaling that defines OA, namely: increased FGF23-FGFR1 activity with BMP-BMPR, activation of pSMAD1/5/8-RUNX2 and pERK signaling pathways, then upregulation of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 to degrade matrix. BGJ398 treatment effectively reversed these OA molecular phenotypes, providing further evidence that the OA generated by HMWFGF2 in the transgenic mice is FGFR-mediated and phenocopies the OA found in the Hyp mouse homolog of XLH with a spontaneous mutation in the Phex (phosphate regulating endopeptidase on the X chromosome) gene and human XLH-OA. Overall, the results obtained here explain how the pleotropic effects of FGF2 emanate from the different functions of HMW protein isoforms for cartilage and bone homeostasis, and the pathogenesis of XLH-degenerative osteoarthropathy. BGJ398 inhibits HMWFGF2-induced osteoarthritis via multiple mechanisms. These results provided important scientific evidence for the potential application of BGJ398 as a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis in XLH.
Application of insecticides by soil drenching before seedling transplanting combined with anti-insect nets to control tobacco whitefly in tomato greenhouses
Authors: Mao Liangang , Zhang Lan , Wang Shaoli , Zhang Yanning , Zhu Lizhen , Jiang Hongyun , Liu Xingang
Published: September 2022

Application of chemical pesticides is currently the main effective method to control tobacco whitefly (Bemisa tabaci) in tomato in China. The B. tabaci control efficacy of three systemic insecticides (thiamethoxam, sulfoxaflor and cyantraniliprole) by pre-transplant soil drenching with anti-insect nets throughout the tomato growth period was evaluated in two tomato greenhouses in the suburbs of Beijing, China, in 2018 and 2019. In two greenhouse trials, thiamethoxam 25% water dispersible granules (WDG) at a field rate of 21 g a.i./hm2, sulfoxaflor 22% aqueous suspension (AS) at 18 g a.i./hm2 or cyantraniliprole 10% oil-based suspension concentrate (OD) at 18 g a.i./hm2 applied via soil drenching before seedling transplanting in combination with white anti-insect nets (50 mesh) all effectively controlled the damage to B. tabaci and resulted in a low density of adults and eggs during the entire growing season, which was significantly lower than application of thiamethoxam, sulfoxaflor or cyantraniliprole via soil drenching before seedling transplanting without anti-insect net treatments or anti-insect nets alone (P < 0.05). All of the above treatments provided significantly better results than the untreated control (P < 0.05). All chemically treated tomato fruits had acceptable insecticide residuals that were lower than the corresponding maximum residue limits. The results suggest that application of thiamethoxam 25% WDG at a field rate of 21 g a.i./hm2, sulfoxaflor 22% AS at 18 g a.i./hm2 or cyantraniliprole 10% OD at 18 g a.i./hm2 by pre-transplant soil drenching combined with anti-insect nets could be recommended to control B. tabaci throughout the tomato growth period as part of integrated pest management programs in China.
An ozonesonde evaluation of spaceborne observations in the Andean tropics
Authors: Cazorla María , Herrera Edgar
Published: September 2022

Satellite observations of ozone in the tropics have feedback from in situ measurements at sea level stations, but the tropical Andes is a region that is yet to be included in systematic validations. In this work, ozonesondes launched from the equatorial Andes were used to evaluate total column ozone (TCO) measured by spaceborne sensors TROPOMI/S5P (2018–2021), GOME-2/MetOp-B, OMI/Aura, and OMPS/Suomi NPP (2014–2021). Likewise, we evaluated tropospheric column ozone (TrCO) measured by the first two. Additionally, we evaluated TCO and TrCO from reanalysis products MERRA-2 and CAMS-EAC4. Results indicate that TCO observations by OMPS/Suomi NPP produce the closest comparison to ozonesondes (− 0.2% mean difference) followed by OMI/Aura (+ 1.2% mean difference). Thus, they outperform the sensor with the highest spatial resolution of current satellite measurements, namely TROPOMI/S5P (+ 3.7% mean difference). This overprediction is similar to the one encountered for GOME-2/MetOp-B (+ 3.2% mean difference). A positive bias with respect to soundings was also identified in TrCO measured by TROPOMI/S5P (+ 32.5% mean difference). It was found that the climatology used by TROPOMI overpredicts ozone in the troposphere when compared with the mean of Andes measurements, while both data sets are essentially the same in the stratosphere. Regarding reanalysis products, MERRA-2 compares better to ozonesondes than CAMS, both for TCO and TrCO (mean differences are 1.9% vs. 3.3%, and 11.5% vs. 22.9%, respectively). Identifying spaceborne ozone measurements that currently perform the best over the region is relevant given the present conditions of rapidly changing atmospheric composition. At the same time, ozonesonde data in this work offer an opportunity to improve satellite observations in the Andean tropics, a challenging region for space measurements.
Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity of the left temporal parietal junction is associated with visual temporal order threshold
Authors: Lewandowska Monika , Nikadon Jan , Wolak Tomasz , Tołpa Krzysztof , Piotrowski Tomasz , Chojnowski Mateusz , Dreszer Joanna
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to determine the relationship between the millisecond timing, measured by visual temporal order threshold (TOT), i.e. a minimum gap between two successive stimuli necessary to judge a before-after relation, and resting-state fMRI functional connectivity (rsFC). We assume that the TOT reflects a relatively stable feature of local internal state networks and is associated with rsFC of the temporal parietal junction (TPJ). Sixty five healthy young adults underwent the visual TOT, fluid intelligence (Gf) and an eyes-open resting-state fMRI examination. After controlling for the influence of gender, the higher the TOT, the stronger was the left TPJ’s rsFC with the left postcentral and the right precentral gyri, bilateral putamen and the right supplementary motor area. When the effects of Gfand TOT × Gfinteraction were additionally controlled, the TOT—left TPJ’s rsFC relationship survived for almost all above regions with the exception of the left and right putamen. This is the first study demonstrating that visual TOT is associated with rsFC between the areas involved both in sub-second timing and motor control. Current outcomes indicate that the local neural networks are prepared to process brief, rapidly presented, consecutive events, even in the absence of such stimulation.
NLR, MLR, PLR and RDW to predict outcome and differentiate between viral and bacterial pneumonia in the intensive care unit
Authors: Ng Wincy Wing-Sze , Lam Sin-Man , Yan Wing-Wa , Shum Hoi-Ping
Published: September 2022

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) are emerging biomarkers to predict outcomes in general ward patients. However, their role in the prognostication of critically ill patients with pneumonia is unclear. A total of 216 adult patients were enrolled over 2 years. They were classified into viral and bacterial pneumonia groups, as represented by influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively. Demographics, outcomes, and laboratory parameters were analysed. The prognostic power of blood parameters was determined by the respective area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Performance was compared using the APACHE IV score. Discriminant ability in differentiating viral and bacterial aetiologies was examined. Viral and bacterial pneumonia were identified in 111 and 105 patients, respectively. In predicting hospital mortality, the APACHE IV score was the best prognostic score compared with all blood parameters studied (AUC 0.769, 95% CI 0.705–0.833). In classification tree analysis, the most significant predictor of hospital mortality was the APACHE IV score (adjusted P = 0.000, χ2 = 35.591). Mechanical ventilation was associated with higher hospital mortality in patients with low APACHE IV scores ≤ 70 (adjusted P = 0.014, χ2 = 5.999). In patients with high APACHE IV scores > 90, age > 78 (adjusted P = 0.007, χ2 = 11.221) and thrombocytopaenia (platelet count ≤ 128, adjusted P = 0.004, χ2 = 12.316) were predictive of higher hospital mortality. The APACHE IV score is superior to all blood parameters studied in predicting hospital mortality. The single inflammatory marker with comparable prognostic performance to the APACHE IV score is platelet count at 48 h. However, there is no ideal biomarker for differentiating between viral and bacterial pneumonia.
Clinical outcomes of the immediate reapplication of small-incision lenticule extraction without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss
Authors: Chung Byunghoon , Ryu Ik Hee , Lee In Sik , Kim Jin Kuk , Kim Tae-im , Kim Eung Kweon , Seo Kyoung Yul , Jun Ikhyun
Published: September 2022

This study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of immediate reapplication of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss and to compare the outcomes with contralateral eyes that underwent uneventful SMILE. A total of 74 patients who underwent uneventful SMILE in one eye (Uneventful group) and immediate reapplication of SMILE without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss in the contralateral eye (Suction loss group) were included. Suction loss occurred during the posterior lenticule surface cut in 39 eyes (53%) and the cap cut in 35 eyes (47%). Surgical outcomes, including visual acuity, manifest refraction, keratometry, and corneal wavefront aberrations, were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and spherical equivalent were − 0.02 ± 0.07, − 0.04 ± 0.04, and − 0.10 ± 0.46 diopters (D), respectively, in the Suction loss group and − 0.02 ± 0.07, − 0.04 ± 0.05, and − 0.19 ± 0.53 D, respectively (P = 0.965, 0.519, and 0.265, respectively), in the Uneventful group. Changes between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative total corneal aberrations, spherical aberrations, and horizontal and vertical coma did not significantly differ between the Suction loss and Uneventful groups. Immediate reapplication of SMILE without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss resulted in good surgical outcomes that were comparable with those of uneventful SMILE.
Characterizing 5-oxoproline sensing pathways of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium
Authors: Stern Einav , Shterzer Naama , Mills Erez
Published: September 2022

5-Oxoproline (5OP) is a poorly researched ubiquitous natural amino acid found in all life forms. We have previously shown that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella) responds to 5OP exposure by reducing cyclic-di-GMP levels, and resultant cellulose dependent cellular aggregation in a YfeA and BcsA dependent manner. To understand if 5OP was specifically sensed by Salmonella we compared the interaction of Salmonella with 5OP to that of the chemically similar and biologically relevant molecule, l-proline. We show that l-proline but not 5OP can be utilized by Salmonella as a nutrient source. We also show that 5OP but not l-proline regulates cellulose dependent cellular aggregation. These results imply that 5OP is utilized by Salmonella as a specific signal. However, l-proline is a 5OP aggregation inhibitor implying that while it cannot activate the aggregation pathway by itself, it can inhibit 5OP dependent activation. We then show that in a l-proline transporter knockout mutant l-proline competition remain unaffected, implying sensing of 5OP is extracellular. Last, we identify a transcriptional effect of 5OP exposure, upregulation of the mgtCBR operon, known to be activated during host invasion. While mgtCBR is known to be regulated by both low pH and l-proline starvation, we show that 5OP regulation of mgtCBR is indirect through changes in pH and is not dependent on the 5OP chemical structure similarity to l-proline. We also show this response to be PhoPQ dependent. We further show that the aggregation response is independent of pH modulation, PhoPQ and MgtC and that the mgtCBR transcriptional response is independent of YfeA and BcsA. Thus, the two responses are mediated through two independent signaling pathways. To conclude, we show Salmonella responds to 5OP specifically to regulate aggregation and not specifically to regulate gene expression. When and where in the Salmonella life cycle does 5OP sensing takes place remains an open question. Furthermore, because 5OP inhibits c-di-GMP through the activation of an external sensor, and does not require an internalization step like many studied biofilm inhibitors, 5OP or derivatives might be developed into useful biofilm inhibitors.
Spectral properties of physiological mirror activity: an investigation of frequency features and common input between homologous muscles
Authors: Kenville Rouven , Maudrich Tom
Published: September 2022

During unilateral contractions, muscular activation can be detected in both active and resting limbs. In healthy populations, the latter is referred to as physiological mirror activity (pMA). The study of pMA holds implications for clinical applications as well as the understanding of bilateral motor control. However, the underlying mechanisms of pMA remain to be fully resolved. A commonality of prevailing explanatory approaches is the concept of shared neural input. With this study, we, therefore, aimed to investigate neural input in the form of multiple analyses of surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings in the frequency domain. For this purpose, 14 healthy, right-handed males aged 18–35 years were recruited. All participants performed a pinch-force task with the dominant hand in a blockwise manner. In total, 9 blocks of 5 contractions each were completed at 80% of maximum force output. Muscle activity was recorded via sEMG of the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the active and resting hand. We analyzed (1) spectral features as well as (2) intermuscular coherence (IMC). Our results demonstrate a blockwise increase in median frequency, mean frequency, and peak frequency in both hands. Frequency ratio analyses revealed a higher low-frequency component in the resting hand. Although we were able to demonstrate IMC on an individual level, results varied greatly and grand-averaged IMC failed to reach significance. Taken together, our findings imply an overlap of spectral properties between active and passive hands during repeated unilateral contractions. Combined with evidence from previous studies, this suggests a common neural origin between active and resting hands during unilateral contractions possibly resulting from a reduction in interhemispheric inhibition due to high force demands. Nevertheless, the exploratory nature of this study necessitates the classification of our results through follow-up studies.
The effects of microclimatic winter conditions in urban areas on the risk of establishment for Aedes albopictus
Authors: Ravasi Damiana , Mangili Francesca , Huber David , Cannata Massimiliano , Strigaro Daniele , Flacio Eleonora
Published: September 2022

The tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has adjusted well to urban environments by adopting artificial water containers as oviposition sites. Its spread in temperate regions is favoured by the deposition of cold-tolerant diapausing eggs that survive winter temperatures to a certain degree. The probability of establishment in new geographical areas is estimated using predictive models usually based on meteorological data measured at coarse resolution. Here, we investigated if we could obtain more precise and realistic risk scenarios for the spread of Ae. albopictus when considering the winter microclimatic conditions of catch basins, one of the major sites of oviposition and egg overwintering in temperate urban areas. We monitored winter microclimatic conditions of catch basins in four Swiss cities and developed a regression model to predict the average microclimatic temperatures of catch basins, based on available meteorological parameters, accounting for the observed differences between cities. We then used the microclimatic model to correct the predictions of our previously developed risk model for the prediction of Ae. albopictus establishment. Comparison of the predictive model’s results based on local climate data and microclimate data indicated that the risk of establishment for Ae. albopictus in temperate urban areas increases when microhabitat temperatures are considered.
Identifying driving factors of urban land expansion using Google Earth Engine and machine-learning approaches in Mentougou District, China
Authors: Cheng Lin-Lin , Tian Chao , Yin Ting-Ting
Published: September 2022

The research on driving mechanisms of urban land expansion is hot topic of land science. However, the relative importance of anthropogenic-natural factors and how they affect urban land expansion change are still unclear. Based on the Google Earth Engine platform, this study used the support vector machine classifier to extract land-use datasets of Mentougou district of Beijing, China from 1990 to 2016. Supported by machine-learning approaches, multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forests (RF) were applied and compared to identify the influential factors and their relative importance on urban land expansion. The results show: There was a continuous growth in urban land expansion from 1990 to 2016, the increased area reached 6097.42 ha with an average annual rate of 8.01% and average annual intensity rate of 2.57%, respectively. Factors such as elevation, risk of goaf collapse, accessibility, local fiscal expenditure, industrial restructuring, per capita income in rural area, GDP were important drivers of urban land expansion change. The model comparison indicated that RF had greater ability than MLR to identify the non-linear relationships between urban land expansion and explanatory variables. The influencing factors of urban land expansion should be comprehensively considered to regulate new land policy actions in Mentougou.
Evaluation of candidate reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in blood from red deer developing antlers
Authors: Broggini Camilla , Abril Nieves , Carranza Juan , Membrillo Alberto
Published: September 2022

Sexual selection favors male traits that increase their ability to monopolize the breeding access to several females. Deer antlers are cranial appendages that regenerate annually in males. Throughout life, the phenology of antler growth advances and antler mass increases until the stag reaches, between 8 and 10 years old, maximum body mass and highest reproductive success. The molecular mechanisms of antler development are of great interest in both evolutionary and regenerative medicine studies. To minimize errors in the assessment of gene expression levels by qRT-PCR, we analyzed the stability of a panel of eight candidate reference genes and concluded that qRT-PCR normalization to three stable genes is strongly convenient in experiments performed in red deer antler blood. To validate our proposal, we compared the expression level of three genes linked to red deer antler growth (ANXA2, APOD and TPM1) in fifteen male red deer classified as young (up to 4 years old) and adults (4–6 years old). Our data confirms that B2M, ACTB and RPLP0 are valuable reference genes for future gene expression studies in red deer antler blood, which would provide increased insight into the effects of intrinsic factors that determine antler development in red deer.
Targeting non-coding RNA family members with artificial endonuclease XNAzymes
Authors: Donde Maria J. , Rochussen Adam M. , Kapoor Saksham , Taylor Alexander I.
Published: September 2022

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) offer a wealth of therapeutic targets for a range of diseases. However, secondary structures and high similarity within sequence families make specific knockdown challenging. Here, we engineer a series of artificial oligonucleotide enzymes (XNAzymes) composed of 2’-deoxy-2’-fluoro-β-D-arabino nucleic acid (FANA) that specifically or preferentially cleave individual ncRNA family members under quasi-physiological conditions, including members of the classic microRNA cluster miR-17~92 (oncomiR-1) and the Y RNA hY5. We demonstrate self-assembly of three anti-miR XNAzymes into a biostable catalytic XNA nanostructure, which targets the cancer-associated microRNAs miR-17, miR-20a and miR-21. Our results provide a starting point for the development of XNAzymes as a platform technology for precision knockdown of specific non-coding RNAs, with the potential to reduce off-target effects compared with other nucleic acid technologies.
Photo-crosslinkable methacrylated konjac glucomannan (KGMMA) hydrogels as a promising bioink for 3D bioprinting
Authors: Qin Zainen , Pang Yunfen , Lu Chun , Yang YiFeng , Gao Ming , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: September 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) bioink with favorable printability, strength, and biocompatibility challenged the 3D bioprinting technology in cartilage tissue engineering.
Theoretical insights into graphenylene-based triple-atom catalysts for efficient nitrogen fixation
Authors: Yin Zhili , Fang Xingzi , Liu Ziyang , Gao Yan , Wang Ziqing , Wang Haifeng , Wei Zhong
Published: September 2022

Mo3@GP was predicted as a promising NRR electrocatalyst with the low limiting potential of −0.39 V. The largest electron transfer ability of Mo3atoms and the electronic reservoir function of graphenylene play a key role.
Synergistic strategies for the synthesis of Fe(ii)-based bifunctional fluorescent spin-crossover materials
Authors: Sun Ke , Xue Jin-Peng , Yao Zi-Shuo , Tao Jun
Published: September 2022

Synthetic strategies and progresses in fluorescent spin-crossover materials in the last twenty years are reviewed.
A molecular weight-regulated sequential deposition strategy enabling semitransparent organic solar cells with the light utilization efficiency of over 5%
Authors: Huang Xuexiang , Cheng Yujun , Fang Yuan , Zhang Lifu , Hu Xiaotian , Jeong Sang Young , Zhang Hean , Woo Han Young , Wu Feiyan , Chen Lie
Published: September 2022

In this work, a molecular weight-regulated efficient SD strategy is firstly employed to improve the performance of the ST-OSCs. More importantly, the light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 5.01% is obtained.
2D MXene nanocomposites: electrochemical and biomedical applications
Authors: Ramezani Farani Marzieh , Nourmohammadi Khiarak Behnam , Tao Rui , Wang Zegao , Ahmadi Sepideh , Hassanpour Mahnaz , Rabiee Mohammad , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Lima Eder C. , Rabiee Navid
Published: September 2022

In this review article, key factors about the 2D MXene nanomaterials in electrochemical and biomedical applications have been reviewed and discussed.
Demystifying the two-sided role of inorganic halides in the structure and performance of Ziegler–Natta catalysts
Authors: Jandaghian Mohammad Hossein , Maddah Yasaman , Hosseini Shahin , Eshaghzadeh Fahimeh , Sepahi Abdolhannan , Nikzinat Ehsan , Masoori Maryam , Bazgir Hossein , Rashedi Reza
Published: September 2022

Inorganic halide additives can act as dopants and/or chlorine-donating species in Ziegler–Natta recipes.
Carbon quantum dot synthesis of a Ag/PCQD composite for the visual detection of Hg2+ in dH2O solution and seawater samples
Authors: Wu Lin-Li , Li Xiao-Hong , Liu Ying , Leng Yan-Li , Li Yang , Cai Xiao-Hua
Published: September 2022

The present strategy can improve the on-site analysis of Hg2+ in dH2O solution, seawater samples and potential seafood samples.
Functionalized 1,3,5-triazine derivatives as components for photo- and electroluminescent materials
Authors: Nosova Emiliya V. , Lipunova Galina N. , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Charushin Valery N. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: September 2022

Synthetic approaches for 2,4,6-trisubstituted-1,3,5-triazine systems are analyzed, and their properties attractive to practical applications in fluorescent materials are reviewed.
Characteristic guaiane sesquiterpenes from Daphne penicillata and ECD/NMR-based assignment of C-1 configuration
Authors: Zhao Peng , Xin Ben-Song , Qin Shu-Yan , Li Zhi-Yuan , Lin Bin , Yao Guo-Dong , Song Shao-Jiang , Huang Xiao-Xiao
Published: September 2022

40 compounds including the first C17 homo-guaiane sesquiterpene (1) were isolated from Daphne penicillata and an efficient method using ECD/NMR strategy to access the C-1 configuration of characteristic guaiane sesquiterpenes has been developed.
Advances in circularly polarized electroluminescence based on chiral TADF-active materials
Authors: Li Meng , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: September 2022

This review summarizes the development status of chiral TADF-active materials with CPEL, covering chiral perturbed TADF molecules, intrinsically chiral TADF molecules, and TADFsensitized fluorescent enantiomers.
Unique phase behaviour and self-assembly of a lysine derivative, Fmoc-homoarginine, in water–DMSO mixtures
Authors: Narang Nikesh , Sato Takahiro
Published: September 2022

An amino acid derivative, Fmoc-hArg, dissolved in DMSO–water mixtures exhibits unique phase behaviour, and concentrated-phase droplets in the turbid solutions act as centers of spherulite and needle-like crystal formation.
Doped MXene combinations as highly efficient bifunctional and multifunctional catalysts for water splitting and metal–air batteries
Authors: Anand Rohit , Ram Babu , Umer Muhammad , Zafari Mohammad , Umer Sohaib , Lee Geunsik , Kim Kwang S.
Published: September 2022

First principles calculations are used to systematically screen promising catalysts for water splitting and metal–air batteries. We find that a single atom (Ni/Fe/Cu) embedding into MXenes is able to promote HER, OER, and ORR.
Research on trend prediction of component stock in fuzzy time series based on deep forest
Authors: Li Peng , Gu Hengwen , Yin Lili , Li Benling
Published: September 2022

With the continuous development of machine learning and the increasing complexity of financial data analysis, it is more popular to use models in the field of machine learning to solve the hot and difficult problems in the financial industry. To improve the effectiveness of stock trend prediction and solve the problems in time series data processing, this paper combines the fuzzy affiliation function with stock‐related technical indicators to obtain nominal data that can widely reflect the constituent stocks in the case of time series changes by analysing the S&P 500 index. Meanwhile, in order to optimise the current machine learning algorithm in which the setting and adjustment of hyperparameters rely too much on empirical knowledge, this paper combines the deep forest model to train the stock data separately. The experimental results show that (1) the accuracy of the extreme random forest and the accuracy of the multi‐grain cascade forest are both higher than that of the gated recurrent unit (GRU) model when the un‐fuzzy index‐adjusted dataset is used as features for input, (2) the accuracy of the extreme random forest and the accuracy of the multigranular cascade forest are improved by using the fuzzy index‐adjusted dataset as features for input, (3) the accuracy of the fuzzy index‐adjusted dataset as features for inputting the extreme random forest is improved by 18.89% compared to that of the un‐fuzzy index‐adjusted dataset as features for inputting the extreme random forest and (4) the average accuracy of the fuzzy index‐adjusted dataset as features for inputting multi‐grain cascade forest increased by 5.67%.
A trajectory summarisation generation method based on the mobile robot behaviour analysis
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Ma Liwen , Qu Shaoyong , Peng Zhangming
Published: September 2022

The semantic representation of the trajectory is conducive to enrich the content of trajectory data mining. A trajectory summarisation generation method based on the mobile robot behaviour analysis was proposed to realize the abstract expression and semantic representation of the spatio‐temporal motion features of the robot and its environmental interaction state. First, the behavioural semantic modelling and representation of the mobile robot are completed by modelling the sub‐trajectory and calculating the topological behaviour (TOP). Second, Chinese word segmentation and semantic slot filling methods are used to combine with hierarchical clustering to perform basic word extraction and classification for describing trajectory sentences. Then, the description language frame is extracted based on the TOP, and the final trajectory summarisation is generated. The result shows that the proposed method can semantically represent robot behaviours with different motion features and topological features, extract two verb‐frameworks for describing the sentences according to their topological features, and dynamically adjust the syntactic structure for the different topological behaviours between the target and the environment. The proposed  method can generate semantic information of relatively high quality for spatio‐temporal data and help to understand the higher‐order semantics of moving robot behaviour.
An improved energy storage switched boost grid‐connected inverter for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Liu Shuo , Zhou Xu , Li Jianlin , Li Chengxin , Liu Chenguang
Published: September 2022

When the traditional two‐stage boost inverter is used in photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems, it is necessary to connect additional bidirectional conversion devices, which will increase the loss of the system and increase the complexity of system control. Therefore, an improved energy storage switched boost (ESSB) grid‐connected inverter is proposed in this paper. The system has the advantages of high integration, high gain and dead time immunity. By controlling the duty cycle of the system, the energy management of the battery can be realized. The system consists of three parts: PV cells, ESSB network and grid‐connected inverter. In order to maximize the energy utilization, this paper uses the disturbance observation method to track the maximum power point of PV cells, and formulates a set of energy management strategy to control the energy flow between the three energy units. Simulation and experiments verify the superiority of the topology and the feasibility of the energy storage strategy.
An improved voltage balancing control method for single‐phase cascaded H‐bridge rectifier considering grid‐side DC offset
Authors: Bo Tianci , Ma Lei , Chen Yan , Liu Haoran , Peng Lin , Liao Yongyi
Published: September 2022

An improved voltage balancing control (VBC) method is proposed in this paper to optimize control performance of single‐phase cascaded H‐bridge rectifier (CHBR). Firstly, the steady‐state error of the VBC method based on capacitor energy estimation is analyzed. An error compensation method is therefore presented to eliminate the steady‐state error. The proposed method delivers fast dynamic performance without steady‐state error. In addition, it requires less parameter tuning than traditional proportional‐integral‐based (PI‐based) VBC methods, and coupling effect between the upper‐ and the lower layer control system is also eliminated in both dynamic and steady state. Moreover, a mixed second‐ and third‐order generalized integrator (MSTOGI) method is applied to suppress the dc offset of grid voltage, which may occur in the process of sampling or conversion. Finally, a physical experiment platform is developed and a series of comparisons are given to verify the feasibility of the proposed method.
Innovative Engineering Teaching Unit in International Context
Authors: Deneux Dominique , Goëtz Christian , Kuhn Katja , Raab Lisa , Säteri Jorma , Westacott Robin
Published: September 2022

This communication is intended to disseminate the first learnings and outcomes of an Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project (2018-1-DE1-KA203-00423) realized between Sept. 2018 and Aug. 2021 by 4 European applied sci-ence universities. The InT#Tech (International Transfer of cooperative study programmes in Europe: Scientific expecta-tions, challenges and potentials) project’s aim is the development of an international module for coop-students (appren-tices), focusing on the digital transformation of engineering, i.e. the use of massive electronic data in design, manufactur-ing, mobility and facility management. After comparing the different models of coop-studies and identifying common requirements among the partners, after achieving a first level of cooperation during a Summer School, the most challeng-ing task of the project was to imagine, develop, implement and analyse the execution of an innovative teaching unit, constituted of autonomous and supervised work, individual and team-based tasks in international context, theory and practice, distant and local lectures, academic and industrial inputs, so as to be able to grant ECTS credits to the partici-pating coop-students. The paper includes recommendations to universities willing to implement a similar programme.
Optique et phénomène de moiré : Le moiré comme interféromètre graphique
Authors: Pissondes Jean-Claude
Published: September 2022

Les figures de moiré offrent au regard des images très esthétiques mais aussi des animations très spectaculaires. Dans cette « Pommade », on montre que le mécanisme du moiré constitue pour étudiants et enseignants un moyen simple mais efficace pour illustrer les caractéristiques des phénomènes périodiques, en particulier ceux associés à l'Optique ondulatoire. On mettra en évidence la simplicité des montages et des simulations visuellement très explicites où apparaît un moiré, dans des configurations statiques mais aussi dynamiques. Parmi l'ensemble de ses applications, on exposera la méthode du « moiré d'ombre » dans l'étude d'une surface en la comparant à l'analyse interférométrique d'un relief. Corrélation, modulation et repliement de spectre seront aussi évoqués.
Setting up an IoT lecture for Centrale Lille: A LoRa(WAN)™-based labwork, from data transmission to data visualization
Authors: Trioux Anthony , Pernod Philippe , Boumatar Lacaze Olivier , Dusch Yannick
Published: September 2022

As part of the education reform of the École Centrale de Lille, a new lecture for the “Internet of Things” has been created. Entitled “Mobile networks, IoT and UHS (Ultra High Speed) communications” and taught in English it takes place in the “Advanced communication networks” teaching unit (UE) for the third year students of the École Centrale de Lille engineering curriculum as well as for master students enrolled in Centrale Lille. In this lecture, students acquire knowledge about cellular networks, new LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies such as LoRa™ or Sigfox™ and UHS communications. The labwork focuses on the LoRa(WAN) protocol, where students create their first and complete IoT application, from data transmission to data visualization using popular applications/software. The lab-work is based on a “problem analysis/problem resolution” (PAPR) approach where students first need to analyze what they observe and finally need to propose solutions to avoid encountered problems based on knowledge acquired during the lecture.