bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-precision micro-displacement sensor based on tunnel magneto-resistance effect
Authors: Wang Xuhu , Li Wang , Jin Li , Gong Meimei , Wang Junqiang , Zhong Yujie , Ruan Yi , Guo Chunhong , Xin Chenguang , Li Mengwei
Published: February 2022

A high-precision micro-displacement sensor based on tunnel magneto-resistance effect is reported.We designed and simulated magnetic characteristics of the sensor, and employed chip-level Au-In bonding to implement low-temperature assembly of the TMR devices. We employed the subdivision interpolation technique to enhance the resolution by translating the sine-cosine outputs of a TMR sensor into an output that varies linearly with the displacement. Simultaneously, using the multi-bridge circuit method to suppress external magnetic and geomagnetic interference. Experimental result shows that the micro-displacement sensor has a resolution of 800 nm, accuracy of 0.14$$\%$$
%
and a full-scale range of up to millimeter level. This work enables a high-performance displacement sensor, and provides a significant guide for the design of a micro-displacement sensor in practical applications.
Macromolecular protein crystallisation with biotemplate of live cells
Authors: Sun Mubai , Yang Huaiyu , Miao Xinyu , Wang Weixian , Wang Jinghui
Published: February 2022

Macromolecular protein crystallisation was one of the potential tools to accelerate the biomanufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. In this work, it was the first time to investigate the roles of biotemplates, Saccharomyces cerevisiae live cells, in the crystallisation processes of lysozyme, with different concentrations from 20 to 2.5 mg/mL lysozyme and different concentrations from 0 to 5.0 × 107 (cfu/mL) Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, during a period of 96 h. During the crystallisation period, the nucleation possibility in droplets, crystal numbers, and cell growth and cell density were observed and analysed. The results indicated the strong interaction between the lysozyme molecules and the cell wall of the S. cerevisiae, proved by the crystallization of lysozyme with fluorescent labels. The biotemplates demonstrated positive influence or negative influence on the nucleation, i.e. shorter or longer induction time, dependent on the concentrations of the lysozyme and the S. cerevisiae cells, and ratios between them. In the biomanufacturing process, target proteins were various cells were commonly mixed with various cells, and this work provides novel insights of new design and application of live cells as biotemplates for purification of macromolecules.
Thermal imaging reveals audience-dependent effects during cooperation and competition in wild chimpanzees
Authors: de Vevey Marion , Bouchard Alice , Soldati Adrian , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: February 2022

Accessing animal minds has remained a challenge since the beginnings of modern science. Here, we used a little-tried method, functional infrared thermal imaging, with wild chimpanzees during common social interactions. After removing confounds, we found that chimpanzees involved in competitive events had lower nose skin temperatures whereas those involved in cooperative events had higher temperatures, the latter more so in high- than low-ranking males. Temperatures associated with grooming were akin to those of cooperative events, except when males interacted with a non-reciprocating alpha male. In addition, we found multiple audience effects. Notably, the alpha male’s presence reduced positive effects associated with cooperation, whereas female presence buffered negative effects associated with competition. Copulation was perceived as competitive, especially during furtive mating when other males were absent. Overall, patterns suggest that chimpanzees categorise ordinary social events as cooperative or competitive and that these perceptions are moderated by specific audiences.
Screening methods for enzyme-mediated alcohol oxidation
Authors: Contente Martina L. , Marzuoli Irene , Iding Hans , Wetzl Dennis , Puentener Kurt , Hanlon Steven P. , Paradisi Francesca
Published: February 2022

Alcohol oxidation for the generation of carbonyl groups, is an essential reaction for the preparation of fine chemicals. Although a number of chemical procedures have been reported, biocatalysis is a promising alternative for more sustainable and selective processes. To speed up the discovery of novel (bio)catalysts for industrial applications, efficient screening approaches need to be established. Here, we report on an enzyme-mediated alcohol oxidation screening platform to rapidly detect the activities and selectivities of three classes of biocatalysts; ketoreductases (KREDs), alcohol oxidases (AlcOXs) and laccase-mediator systems (LMSs) with diverse substrates.
Explaining the differences of gait patterns between high and low-mileage runners with machine learning
Authors: Xu Datao , Quan Wenjing , Zhou Huiyu , Sun Dong , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: February 2022

Running gait patterns have implications for revealing the causes of injuries between higher-mileage runners and low-mileage runners. However, there is limited research on the possible relationships between running gait patterns and weekly running mileages. In recent years, machine learning algorithms have been used for pattern recognition and classification of gait features to emphasize the uniqueness of gait patterns. However, they all have a representative problem of being a black box that often lacks the interpretability of the predicted results of the classifier. Therefore, this study was conducted using a Deep Neural Network (DNN) model and Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) technology to investigate the differences in running gait patterns between higher-mileage runners and low-mileage runners. It was found that the ankle and knee provide considerable information to recognize gait features, especially in the sagittal and transverse planes. This may be the reason why high-mileage and low-mileage runners have different injury patterns due to their different gait patterns. The early stages of stance are very important in gait pattern recognition because the pattern contains effective information related to gait. The findings of the study noted that LRP completes a feasible interpretation of the predicted results of the model, thus providing more interesting insights and more effective information for analyzing gait patterns.
The impact of nutritional status on health-related quality of life in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Visiedo Lucia , Rey Laura , Rivas Francisco , López Francisca , Tortajada Begoña , Giménez Rafael , Abilés Jimena
Published: February 2022

Malnutrition is frequent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Nutritional deficiencies may negatively impact quality of life (QOL). This study examines the utility of the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) in detecting nutritional risk (NR) and assesses the correlation between nutritional status and QOL in dialysis patients upon starting a nutritional intervention program (NIP). One hundred and twenty patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The MIS was used to detect NR and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SF) instrument version 1.2 was used to assess QOL. 62% of patients were found to be at NR (MIS > 5). Nutritional status was significantly correlated with all generic QOL sub-scales. On a multiple linear regression analysis, malnutrition showed the highest level of explanation in the Kidney Disease Summary Component which explained 28.9% of the variance; the Physical Component Summary which explained 33% of the variance; and the Mental Component Summary which explained 21.5% of the variance. Malnutrition was found to be the most significant predictor of impaired scores on the KDQOL-SF. The use of MIS to identify patients at NR and a nutritional assessment to detect malnutrition in its early stages are important given the effects a NIP can have on improving QOL in HD patients.
Gini's mean difference and the long-term prognostic value of nodal quanta classes after pre-operative chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer
Authors: Vinh-Hung Vincent , Van Parijs Hilde , Gorobets Olena , Fontaine Christel , Nguyen Nam P. , Keam Bhumsuk , Nguyen Dung Minh , De Ridder Mark
Published: February 2022

Gini's mean difference (GMD, mean absolute difference between any two distinct quantities) of the restricted mean survival times (RMSTs, expectation of life at a given time limit) has been proposed as a new metric where higher GMD indicates better prognostic value. GMD is applied to the RMSTs at 25 years time-horizon to evaluate the long-term overall survival of women with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, comparing a classification based on the number (pN) versus a classification based on the ratio (LNRc) of positive nodes found at axillary surgery. A total of 233 patients treated in 1980–2009 with documented number of positive nodes (npos) and number of nodes examined (ntot) were identified. The numbers were categorized into pN0, npos = 0; pN1, npos = [1,3]; pN2, npos = [4,9]; pN3, npos ≥ 10. The ratios npnx = npos/ntot were categorized into Lnr0, npnx = 0; Lnr1, npnx = (0,0.20]; Lnr2, npnx = (0.20,0.65]; Lnr3, npnx > 0.65. The GMD for pN-classification was 5.5 (standard error: ± 0.9) years, not much improved over a simple node-negative vs. node-positive that showed a GMD of 5.0 (± 1.4) years. The GMD for LNRc-classification was larger, 6.7 (± 0.8) years. Among other conventional metrics, Cox-model LNRc's c-index was 0.668 vs. pN's c = 0.641, indicating commensurate superiority of LNRc-classification. The usability of GMD-RMSTs warrants further investigation.
Geometric-phase-based shearing interferometry for broadband vortex state decoding
Authors: Lyu Ziyao , Wang Changshun
Published: February 2022

Given that spin and orbital angular momenta of photons have been widely investigated in optical communication and information processing systems, efficient decoding of optical vortex states using a single element is highly anticipated. In this work, a wavelength-independent holographic scheme has been proposed for total angular momentum sorting of both scalar and vector vortex states with a stationary broadband geometric-phase waveplate by means of reference-free shearing interferometry. The entangled spin and orbital angular momentum modes can be distinguished simultaneously based on the spin–orbit optical Hall effect in order to realize single-shot vortex detection. The viability of our scheme has also been demonstrated experimentally.
A deeper look at carrier proteome effects for single-cell proteomics
Authors: Ye Zilu , Batth Tanveer S. , Rüther Patrick , Olsen Jesper V.
Published: February 2022

Multiplexing approaches using tandem mass tags with a carrier proteome to boost sensitivity have advanced single cell proteomics by mass spectrometry (SCoPE-MS). Here, we probe the carrier proteome effects in single cell proteomics with mixed species TMTpro-labeled samples. We demonstrate that carrier proteomes, while increasing overall identifications, dictate which proteins are identified. We show that quantitative precision and signal intensity are limited at high carrier levels, hindering the recognition of regulated proteins. Guidelines for optimized mass spectrometry acquisition parameters and best practices for fold-change or protein copy number-based comparisons are provided.
BugSplit enables genome-resolved metagenomics through highly accurate taxonomic binning of metagenomic assemblies
Authors: Chandrakumar Induja , Gauthier Nick P. G. , Nelson Cassidy , Bonsall Michael B. , Locher Kerstin , Charles Marthe , MacDonald Clayton , Krajden Mel , Manges Amee R. , Chorlton Samuel D.
Published: February 2022

A large gap remains between sequencing a microbial community and characterizing all of the organisms inside of it. Here we develop a novel method to taxonomically bin metagenomic assemblies through alignment of contigs against a reference database. We show that this workflow, BugSplit, bins metagenome-assembled contigs to species with a 33% absolute improvement in F1-score when compared to alternative tools. We perform nanopore mNGS on patients with COVID-19, and using a reference database predating COVID-19, demonstrate that BugSplit’s taxonomic binning enables sensitive and specific detection of a novel coronavirus not possible with other approaches. When applied to nanopore mNGS data from cases ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfection, BugSplit’s taxonomic binning accurately separates pathogen sequences from those of the host and microbiota, and unlocks the possibility of sequence typing, in silico serotyping, and antimicrobial resistance prediction of each organism within a sample. BugSplit is available athttps://bugseq.com/academic.
Long-lived period-doubled edge modes of interacting and disorder-free Floquet spin chains
Authors: Yates Daniel J. , Abanov Alexander G. , Mitra Aditi
Published: February 2022

Floquet spin chains have been a venue for understanding topological states of matter that are qualitatively different from their static counterparts by, for example, hosting π edge modes that show stable period-doubled dynamics. However the stability of these edge modes to interactions has traditionally required the system to be many-body localized in order to suppress heating. In contrast, here we show that even in the absence of disorder, and in the presence of bulk heating, π edge modes are long lived. Their lifetime is extracted from exact diagonalization and is found to be non-perturbative in the interaction strength. A tunneling estimate for the lifetime is obtained by mapping the stroboscopic time-evolution to dynamics of a single particle in Krylov subspace. In this subspace, the π edge mode manifests as the quasi-stable edge mode of an inhomogeneous Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model whose dimerization vanishes in the bulk of the Krylov chain.
BNT162b2 vaccination enhances interferon-JAK-STAT-regulated antiviral programs in COVID-19 patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant
Authors: Knabl Ludwig , Lee Hye Kyung , Wieser Manuel , Mur Anna , Zabernigg August , Knabl Ludwig , Rauch Simon , Bock Matthias , Schumacher Jana , Kaiser Norbert , Furth Priscilla A. , Hennighausen Lothar
Published: February 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection activates interferon-controlled signaling pathways and elicits a wide spectrum of immune responses and clinical manifestations in human patients.

Methods

Here, we investigate the impact of prior vaccination on the innate immune response of hospitalized COVID-19 patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant through RNA sequencing of peripheral blood immune cells. Four patients had received the first dose of BNT162b2 about 11 days prior to the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and five patients were unvaccinated. Patients had received dexamethasone treatment. Immune transcriptomes were obtained at days 7-13, 20-32 and 42-60 after first symptomology.

Results

RNA-seq reveals an enhanced JAK-STAT-mediated immune transcriptome response at day 10 in vaccinated patients as compared to unvaccinated ones. This increase subsides by day 35. Expression of the gene encoding the antiviral protein oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) 1, which is inversely correlated with disease severity, and other key antiviral proteins increases in the vaccinated group. We also investigate the immune transcriptome in naïve individuals receiving their first dose of BNT162b2 and identify a gene signature shared with the vaccinated COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that RNA-seq can be used to monitor molecular immune responses elicited by the BNT162b2 vaccine, both in naïve individuals and in COVID-19 patients, and it provides a biomarker-based approach to systems vaccinology.
A modular microfluidic platform for serial enrichment and harvest of pure extracellular vesicles
Authors: Gwak Hogyeong , Park Sunyoung , Yu Haeun , Hyun Kyung-A. , Jung Hyo-Il
Published: February 2022

A modular microfluidic platform is developed to enrich EVs on micron-sized carrier beads immobilized with EV-specific antibodies, based on affinity capture, and elute pure EVs from the carrier beads in a high throughput.
Modular access to substituted germoles by intramolecular germylzincation
Authors: Kassamba Seydou , Perez-Luna Alejandro , Ferreira Franck , Durandetti Muriel
Published: February 2022

Intramolecular alkyne germylzincation giving access to a wide range of germoles is achieved from triarylhydrogermanes in the presence of diethylzinc and AIBN as radical initiator.
Multi-component crystals containing urea: mechanochemical synthesis and characterization by 35Cl solid-state NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Vojvodin Cameron S. , Holmes Sean T. , Watanabe Lara K. , Rawson Jeremy M. , Schurko Robert W.
Published: February 2022

This work discusses the mechanochemical synthesis and characterization of five urea multicomponent crystals by XRD, solid-state NMR, DFT and ab initio molecular dynamics calculations to provide insights into their molecular-level structures.
Complexation of trivalent metal cations (Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, La3+, Lu3+) to cucurbiturils: a DFT/SMD evaluation of the key factors governing the host–guest recognition
Authors: Koleva Iskra Z. , Dobrev Stefan , Kircheva Nikoleta , Dasheva Lyubima , Nikolova Valya , Angelova Silvia , Dudev Todor
Published: February 2022

DFT calculations are employed to investigate the interactions of a series of trivalent metal cations (Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, La3+, Lu3+) to cucurbit[n]urils and to evaluate the main factors controlling the host–guest complexation.
Photoswitching activation of a ferrocenyl-stilbene analogue by its covalent grafting to gold
Authors: Bejarano Francesc , Gutiérrez Diego , Catalán-Toledo José , Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Gierschner Johannes , Veciana Jaume , Mas-Torrent Marta , Rovira Concepció , Crivillers Núria
Published: February 2022

Charge transport measurements through a ferrocene-stilbene based SAM show an improved photoisomerization efficiency upon the molecular switch grafting on an Au surface.
Pressure tuned incommensurability and guest structure transition in compressed scandium from machine learning atomic simulation
Authors: Zhu Sheng-cai , Huang Zhen-bo , Hu Qingyang , Xu Liang
Published: February 2022

We resolve the solid-phase transition between Sc-I and H–G Sc-II phases, which is fully reconstructive in nature, and found that a higher pressure will destabilize the face-centered tetragonal (fct, Sc-IIa) guest structure to a body-centered tetragonal phase (bct, Sc-IIb) while sustaining the host structure.
Dioscin relieves diabetic nephropathy via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and improving mitochondrial quality and quantity control
Authors: Zhong Yujie , Liu Jiayu , Sun Dianjun , Guo Tianmin , Yao Yanpeng , Xia Xiaodong , Shi Chao , Peng Xiaoli
Published: February 2022

Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, mitophagy and mitochondrial fission/fusion contributed to the protective effect of Dioscin on diabetic nephropathy in rat.
Interface modification of NASICON-type Li-ion conducting ceramic electrolytes: a critical evaluation
Authors: Tolganbek Nurbol , Serikkazyyeva Assel , Kalybekkyzy Sandugash , Sarsembina Madina , Kanamura Kiyoshi , Bakenov Zhumabay , Mentbayeva Almagul
Published: February 2022

This review article focuses on the methods to solve the critical issue of reduction in NASICON-type solid electrolytes such as Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 and Li1+xAlxGe2−x(PO4)3 by Li metal.
Haloperoxidase-mimicking CeO2−xnanorods for the deactivation of human coronavirus OC43
Authors: Lang Jiayan , Ma Xiaojing , Chen Pengyu , Serota Max D. , Andre Nicole M. , Whittaker Gary R. , Yang Rong
Published: February 2022

Schematic diagram of virucidal properties of haloperoxidase (HPO)-mimicking CeO2−x nanorods. CeO2−x nanorods catalysed the oxidative bromination of Br− and H2O2 to HOBr, which works as an antiseptic to kill viruses.
Recent advances in photochemical and electrochemically induced thiocyanation: a greener approach for SCN-containing compound formation
Authors: Karmaker Pran Gopal , Alam Md. Asraful , Huo Feng
Published: February 2022

Techniques utilizing photo- and electrochemically induced reactions have been developed to accelerate organic processes.
One-pot synthesis of highly substituted poly(furopyrimidine)s via catalyst-free multicomponent polymerizations of diisocyanides, N,N′-dimethylbarbituric acid, and dialdehyde
Authors: Dong Lichao , Li Nan , Yuan Hang , Wu Meng
Published: February 2022

In this work, the catalyst-free multicomponent polymerizations of diisocyanides, N,N′-dimethylbarbituric acid, and dialdehyde for highly substituted poly(furopyrimidine)s has been achieved.
Recent progress in thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for nondoped organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shi Yi-Zhong , Wu Hao , Wang Kai , Yu Jia , Ou Xue-Mei , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: February 2022

The mechanism, exciton leaking channels, and reported molecular design strategies of TADF emitters for high-performance nondoped OLEDs are summarized. Their molecular structures depending on the functional A groups are further classified.
Nanocomposite tectons as unifying systems for nanoparticle assembly
Authors: Xia Jianshe , Lee Margaret , Santos Peter J. , Horst Nathan , Macfarlane Robert J. , Guo Hongxia , Travesset Alex
Published: February 2022

We show how nanocomposite tectons (NCTs) provide a unification of the two most successful assembly strategies: DNA and solvent evaporation.
A novel sensitive DNAzyme-based optical fiber evanescent wave biosensor for rapid detection of Pb2+ in human serum
Authors: Yi Zhihao , Zhou Yue , Ren Yashuang , Hu Wei , Long Feng , Zhu Anna
Published: February 2022

A portable, sensitive, and regenerable DNAzyme-based optical fiber evanescent-wave biosensor (OFEWB) was developed for the highly sensitive and rapid detection of Pb2+ in human serum.
Ru-Catalyzed C–H alkenylation on the arene ring of pirfenidone using pyridone as a directing group
Authors: Raziullah  , Kumar Mohit , Ahmad Ashfaq , Dutta Himangsu Sekhar , Rastogi Anushka , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Koley Dipankar
Published: February 2022

A method to functionalize the arene ring of pirfenidone has been demonstrated using pyridone as a directing group.
A protein vaccine with Alum/c-GAMP/poly(I:C) rapidly boosts robust immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern
Authors: Zhang Ru-Yan , Yin Xu-Guang , Zhou Shi-Hao , Zhang Hai-Wei , Lu Jie , He Chen-Bin , Wang Jian , Wen Yu , Li Yu-Ting , Liu Yan-Ling , Feng Ran-Ran , Ding Dong , Wei Hua-Wei , Gong Rui , Yang Guang-Fu , Guo Jun
Published: February 2022

A protein vaccine with the ternary adjuvant system Alum/c-GAMP/poly(I:C) and S1 protein rapidly boosts immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and all variants of concern.
Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of nitriles fromN-phthaloyl hydrazones
Authors: Ano Yusuke , Higashino Masaya , Yamada Yuki , Chatani Naoto
Published: February 2022

A palladium-catalyzed reaction ofN-phthaloyl hydrazones derived from aldehydes and cyclobutanones, leading to the production of nitriles, is described.
Recent advances in difunctionalization of alkenes using pyridinium salts as radical precursors
Authors: Wang Yanan , Bao Yanyang , Tang Meifang , Ye Zhegao , Yuan Zheliang , Zhu Gangguo
Published: February 2022

This review summarises recent applications of pyridinium salts in radical-mediated difunctionalization of alkenes. We hope this review will provide a comprehensive overview of this topic and promote the wider development and application of pyridinium salts.
Melamine-induced synthesis of a structurally perfect kagomé antiferromagnet
Authors: Shen Yongbing , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Yamashita Satoshi , Yoshida Takefumi , Nakazawa Yasuhiro , Breedlove Brian K. , Zhang Haitao , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: February 2022

A structurally perfect kagomé antiferromagnet {[Cu3(bpy)6](SiF6)3(melamine)8(H2O)4}n was synthesized by introducing C3 symmetrical melamine molecules.
Photoinduced ligand to metal charge transfer enabling cerium mediated decarboxylative alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Singh Swati , Dagar Neha , Roy Sudipta Raha
Published: February 2022

Photo-induced decarboxylative alkylation utilizing an inexpensive cerium catalyst has been discussed. Here, we utilized unactivated carboxylic acids for the regiospecific alkylation of the C(sp2)–H bond of heterocycles.
Formation of the silver–flavin coordination polymers and their morphological studies
Authors: Mouli M. S. S. Vinod , Mishra Ashutosh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Herein we discuss the formation of 1-D polymeric motifs for the silver–flavin complex achieved via rare bidentate coordination for the modified flavin moiety. Further studies revealed facile transfer of the polymeric motif onto the surface.
The effect of different energy portions on the 2D/3D stability swapping for 13-atom metal clusters
Authors: Guedes-Sobrinho Diego , Orenha Renato P. , Parreira Renato L. T. , Nagurniak Glaucio R. , Da Silva Gabriel Reynald , Piotrowski Maurício J.
Published: February 2022

The complexity of Cu13, Ag13, and Au13coinage-metal clusters was investigated through their energy contributionsviaa density functional theory study, considering improvements in the PBE functional, such as van der Waals (vdW) corrections, spin–orbit coupling (SOC), Hubbard term (+U), and their combinations.
Enhancing thermostability of lipase from Pseudomonas alcaligenes for producing l-menthol by the CREATE strategy
Authors: Yu Zhonglang , Yu Haoran , Xu Jinling , Wang Zhe , Wang Ziyuan , Kang Tingting , Chen Kaitong , Pu Zhongji , Wu Jianping , Yang Lirong , Xu Gang
Published: February 2022

Rapid enhancement of the thermostability of enzymes by the CREATE strategy.
Catalytic synthesis of azoarenes via metal-mediated nitrene coupling
Authors: Kurup Sudheer S. , Groysman Stanislav
Published: February 2022

This article summarizes recent findings in the field of transition metal-mediated nitrene coupling catalysis through the lens of mechanistic and structure–activity studies, and highlights unsolved challenges in the field.
Hierarchical porous carbon derived from coal tar pitch by one step carbonization and activation combined with a CaO template for supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Yuchen , He Zhifeng , Cui Xin , Liu Zeyi , Wan Jiafeng , Liu Yifu , Ma Fangwei
Published: February 2022

Hierarchical porous carbon is synthesized through a one-step carbonization and activation method from coal tar pitch using CaO as the hard template.
DNA self-assembled Au nanoparticle clusters on silver nanorod arrays for high-sensitive and multiplex detection of cancer-related biomarkers
Authors: Yang Yanjun , Song Chunyuan , Zhang Jingjing , Chao Jie , Luong Hoang Mai , Zhao Yiping , Wang Lianhui
Published: February 2022

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor based on a functionalized multiple-armed tetrahedral DNA nanostructure immobilized silver nanorod array substrate and SERS tags is constructed to achieve both multiplex detection and enhanced sensitivity.
IMPDH dysregulation in disease: a mini review
Authors: Burrell Anika L. , Kollman Justin M.
Published: February 2022

Inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a highly conserved enzyme in purine metabolism that is tightly regulated on multiple levels. IMPDH has a critical role in purine biosynthesis, where it regulates flux at the branch point between adenine and guanine nucleotide synthesis, but it also has a role in transcription regulation and other moonlighting functions have been described. Vertebrates have two isoforms, IMPDH1 and IMPDH2, and point mutations in each are linked to human disease. Mutations in IMPDH2 in humans are associated with neurodevelopmental disease, but the effects of mutations at the enzyme level have not yet been characterized. Mutations in IMPDH1 lead to retinal degeneration in humans, and recent studies have characterized how they cause functional defects in regulation. IMPDH1 is expressed as two unique splice variants in the retina, a tissue with very high and specific demands for purine nucleotides. Recent studies have revealed functional differences among splice variants, demonstrating that retinal variants up-regulate guanine nucleotide synthesis by reducing sensitivity to feedback inhibition by downstream products. A better understanding of the role of IMPDH1 in the retina and the characterization of an animal disease model will be critical for determining the molecular mechanism of IMPDH1-associated blindness.
Computational exploration of cellular communication in skin from emerging single-cell and spatial transcriptomic data
Authors: Jin Suoqin , Ramos Raul
Published: February 2022

Tissue development and homeostasis require coordinated cell–cell communication. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing technologies have emerged as a revolutionary method to reveal cellular heterogeneity with unprecedented resolution. This offers a great opportunity to explore cell–cell communication in tissues systematically and comprehensively, and to further identify signaling mechanisms driving cell fate decisions and shaping tissue phenotypes. Using gene expression information from single-cell transcriptomics, several computational tools have been developed for inferring cell–cell communication, greatly facilitating analysis and interpretation. However, in single-cell transcriptomics, spatial information of cells is inherently lost. Given that most cell signaling events occur within a limited distance in tissues, incorporating spatial information into cell–cell communication analysis is critical for understanding tissue organization and function. Spatial transcriptomics provides spatial location of cell subsets along with their gene expression, leading to new directions for leveraging spatial information to develop computational approaches for cell–cell communication inference and analysis. These computational approaches have been successfully applied to uncover previously unrecognized mechanisms of intercellular communication within various contexts and across organ systems, including the skin, a formidable model to study mechanisms of cell–cell communication due to the complex interactions between the different cell populations that comprise it. Here, we review emergent cell–cell communication inference tools using single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics, and highlight the biological insights gained by applying these computational tools to exploring cellular communication in skin development, homeostasis, disease and aging, as well as discuss future potential research avenues.
Role of macrophage extracellular traps in innate immunity and inflammatory disease
Authors: Rasmussen Kristian H. , Hawkins Clare L.
Published: February 2022

Macrophages play an integral role in initiating innate immune defences and regulating inflammation. They are also involved in maintaining homeostasis and the resolution of inflammation, by promoting tissue repair and wound healing. There is evidence that like neutrophils, macrophages can release extracellular traps following exposure to a range of pathogenic and pro-inflammatory stimuli. Extracellular traps are released by a specialised cell death pathway termed ‘ETosis', and consist of a backbone of DNA and histones decorated with a range of other proteins. The composition of extracellular trap proteins can be influenced by both the cell type and the local environment in which the traps are released. In many cases, these proteins have an antimicrobial role and assist with pathogen killing. Therefore, the release of extracellular traps serves as a means to both immobilise and destroy invading pathogens. In addition to their protective role, extracellular traps are also implicated in disease pathology. The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is causally linked to the development of wide range of human diseases. However, whether macrophage extracellular traps (METs) play a similar role in disease pathology is less well established. Moreover, macrophages are also involved in the clearance of extracellular traps, which could assist in the resolution of tissue damage associated with the presence of extracellular traps. In this review, we will provide an overview of the pathways responsible for macrophage extracellular trap release, and discuss the role of these structures in innate immunity and disease pathology and possible therapeutic strategies.
Coupling Hearing Health With Community-Based Group Therapy for Cognitive Health in Low-Income African American Elders
Authors: Postman Whitney Anne , Fischer Maureen , Dalton Kellie , Leisure Kailin , Thompson Samantha , Sankey Laura , Watkins Hailey
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To address disparities in the domains of hearing health and cognitive health experienced by African American elders in early stages of cognitive-communicative decline, a cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group was established. The group intervention was coupled with comprehensive audiology services. This clinical focus article describes the features of the program, its implementation, and outcomes from its first cohort of participants.

Method:

CST is an evidence-based group intervention for elderly individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia. The program was designed to (a) adapt and then apply CST to a target group of low-income African American elders and (b) integrate audiology services and education about hearing health and hearing loss in the context of CST therapy. In partnership with two community health centers in North St. Louis, a CST group was established for 12 elderly African American clients with cognitive-communicative impairments as measured by standardized assessments. During weekly group sessions, culturally informed activities and discussions were conducted with input from staff and participants to stimulate social interaction and cognition. Health topics relevant to age-related sensory and cognitive decline were introduced, with emphasis on management of common chronic diseases such as diabetes that are known to be associated with increased risk of hearing loss. Free hearing health services were provided, including screenings and, as needed, full audiological evaluations, cerumen management, otolaryngology referrals, hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation.

Results:

Participants' self-administered ratings and self-generated comments indicated meaningful increases in actionable knowledge about both hearing and cognitive health that led to enhanced utilization of available health services. They also suggested that audiology services were paramount to their enthusiastic adherence to the combined CST–audiology program.

Conclusion:

Interlinking of interventions for hearing and cognition reduced common barriers to care for this target group of low-income African American elders with cognitive-communicative impairments.
Benefits of Visual Language: How Acquisition of Signed Language Complements Spoken Language Development
Authors: Sanzo Kimberly
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This article provides evidence to refute an assumption often made regarding speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') role in developing language skills in children who are deaf. SLPs are experts in both speech and language development and disorders. When working with children who are deaf, their primary focus is often on developing speech and listening skills with the assumption that this will transfer to overall language development. The intent of this article is to provide evidence that language is dissociable from both speech and listening and that its development can be bolstered through exposure to robust linguistic input in both the oral and signed modalities. Encouraging the use of a signed language alongside a spoken language during the period of language acquisition can be highly beneficial for a child who is deaf for a multitude of reasons. Because these children may not fully access the ambient spoken language in their environment despite the consistent use of listening devices, providing an accessible signed language can help them attain language fluency in at least one language.

Conclusion:

The author suggests that SLPs should be educating parents of children who are deaf on the benefits of bimodal bilingualism and the complementary nature of simultaneous signed and spoken language acquisition.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Practice in Medically Based Settings: Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives
Authors: Stead Amanda , Vinson Monica , Michael Paul , Frank Dane
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Given the impact of COVID-19 on patients and the overall effects of COVID-era precautions on medical systems, the typical practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) has no doubt been impacted. The purpose of this study was to investigate practice patterns, experiences, and changes in referrals to medically based SLPs since the onset of COVID-19. The collective aim is to illuminate the unique perspectives and experiences of medically based SLPs during the COVID-19 era.

Method:

A national Qualtrics survey was conducted to capture the experiences and perspectives of SLPs in medical settings within the United States both before and since the onset of the pandemic. A total of 208 participants responded to the survey, and a mixed-methods design was implemented to examine responses regarding changes in patient populations, experiences with COVID-19 precautions, and overall impression of practice and patient impacts.

Results:

Results indicate SLPs in medical settings have seen a significant self-reported shift in referral patterns since the onset of COVID-19. Results of qualitative analyses revealed clinician perspectives regarding impacts to their settings in regard to COVID-19 precautions; patient flow; patient characteristics; and the mental health of staff, families, and patients.

Conclusions:

Overall, the impacts to SLPs' typical practice in medical systems appears to be pervasively negative and deeply interwoven from the clinician perspective. The relationships between changes in the medical systems as a whole during the pandemic era and patient population, acuity, and outcomes have created difficult practice conditions for practitioners in medical settings from the clinician vantage point.
Five Tips for Implementing Telepractice Interventions With Family Members of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Douglas Sarah N. , Dunkel-Jackson Sarah M. , Bagawan Atikah , Sun Tiantian
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Telepractice has become a popular service delivery option for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, practitioners can face some unique challenges when delivering interventions to young children and their families via telepractice. Furthermore, the use of telepractice requires specific practitioner skills, technologies, and family participation to ensure that interventions are effectively delivered. Drawing on the existing literature and our collective experience implementing telepractice-based interventions with families, we provide five practical tips for supporting families of children with ASD while implementing effective interventions via various telepractice modalities. Telepractice tips include the following: (a) think beyond video conferencing formats, (b) establish a meaningful and culturally responsive relationship with the family, (c) select appropriate interventions to support the child's development, (d) adhere to ethical and professional standards when implementing telepractice, and (e) gain knowledge and skills through professional development to enhance telepractice delivery.

Conclusion:

Using each of these tips will help practitioners support families with children with ASD in effective implementing telepractice interventions.
Embroidered Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Transmission Line for Wireless Body Sensor Network
Authors: Ghaddar Ali , Garnier Baptiste , Rault François , Lheurette Eric , Burgnies Ludovic
Published: February 2022

A wearable Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Transmission Line (SSPP TL) operating at 2.45 GHz designed for embroidery production and on‐body communication is proposed. The SSPP TL supports both even and odd modes launched by near field coupling with a dipole antenna perpendicular and parallel to the TL, respectively. First, the experimental dispersion curves and transmission for the even and odd modes are favourably compared to simulations. Then, experimental transmission for each mode is compared with the Line‐Of‐Sight (LOS) transmission between two parallel‐oriented antennas. At 2.45 GHz, a transmission enhancement of 16 dB is measured for the even mode and it reaches up to 37 dB for the odd mode. A transmission enhancement of 30 dB is also measured at 2.45 GHz between two antennas with orthogonal orientations. Performances of the SSPP TL for Wireless Body Sensor Network are evaluated. Transmission is sustained for the SSPP TL under curvature and right angle bending. Transmission measured when both an arm and a copper plate obstacle between antennas were surrounded by the curved SSPP TL is compared with the obstructed LOS transmission. Measurements show a transmission enhancement up to 22 and 25 dB for the even and odd modes, respectively.
A novel stochastic thermo‐solar model for water demand supply using point estimate method
Authors: Askari Marzieh , Dehghani Moslem , Razmjoui Pouyan , GhasemiGarpachi Mina , Tahmasebi Dorna , Ghasemi Samira
Published: February 2022

Today, many countries are facing water shortage due to population increase as well as groundwater pollution. To overcome this problem, a variety of techniques have been developed and implemented, one of the most recent being the condensation of water from humid air. Aqueous vapour in the Earth's atmosphere includes a significant amount of water that could be used to supply potable water. One of the methods for condensing water vapour in humid air is to use thermoelectric coolers. In this study, production of potable water by thermoelectric coolers, which is one of the optimal methods for trapping moisture in order to produce fresh water by condensation, has been studied. Fundamental concepts in the design of thermoelectric coolers for the production of potable water have been discussed by the thermoelectric element. According to the specification of temperature, pressure, relative humidity and desired geographical location variables, the maximum amount of water production can be achieved. Modelling results demonstrate higher water production with the thermoelectric method for Ramsar (318 L) in comparison to Bandar‐Abbas. Similarly, for this geographical point, the proposed hybrid solar panels efficiency results in 62.67% by mid‐December with 49.33% on thermal efficiency and 13.33% on electrical efficiency.
North Ecliptic Pole merging galaxy catalogue
Authors: Pearson W. J. , Suelves L. E. , Ho S. C.-C. , Oi N. , Brough S. , Holwerda B. W. , Hopkins A. M. , Huang T.-C. , Hwang H. S. , Kelvin L. S. , Kim S. J. , López-Sánchez Á. R. , Małek K. , Pearson C. , Poliszczuk A. , Pollo A. , Rodriguez-Gomez V. , Shim H. , Toba Y. , Wang L.
Published: February 2022

Aims.We aim to generate a catalogue of merging galaxies within the 5.4 sq. deg. North Ecliptic Pole over the redshift range 0.0 <z <0.3. To do this, imaging data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam are used along with morphological parameters derived from these same data.

Methods.The catalogue was generated using a hybrid approach. Two neural networks were trained to perform binary merger non-merger classifications: one for galaxies withz< 0.15 and another for 0.15 ≤z< 0.30. Each network used the image and morphological parameters of a galaxy as input. The galaxies that were identified as merger candidates by the network were then visually checked by experts. The resulting mergers will be used to calculate the merger fraction as a function of redshift and compared with literature results.

Results.We found that 86.3% of galaxy mergers atz< 0.15 and 79.0% of mergers at 0.15 ≤z< 0.30 are expected to be correctly identified by the networks. Of the 34 264 galaxies classified by the neural networks, 10 195 were found to be merger candidates. Of these, 2109 were visually identified to be merging galaxies. We find that the merger fraction increases with redshift, consistent with literature results from observations and simulations, and that there is a mild star-formation rate enhancement in the merger population of a factor of 1.102 ± 0.084.
Kinetic analysis of the growth of semiconductor nanocrystals from the peak wavelength of photoluminescence
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: February 2022

Understanding the rate processes controlling the growth of semiconductor nanocrystals in liquid solutions is of great importance in tailoring the sizes of semiconductor nanocrystals for the applications in optoelectronics, bioimaging and biosensing. In this work, we establish a simple relationship between the photoluminescence (PL) peak wavelength and the growth time of semiconductor nanocrystals under the condition that the contribution of electrostatic interaction to the quantum confinement is negligible. Using this relationship and the data available in the literature for CdSe and CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals, we demonstrate the feasibility of using the PL peak wavelength to analyze the growth behavior of the CdSe and CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals in liquid solutions. The results reveal that the diffusion of monomers in the liquid solution is the dominant rate process for the growth of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals, and the activation energy for the growth of CdSe nanocrystals in the liquid solution is ∼9 kJ/mol. The feasibility to use this approach in the analysis of the thickness growth of core–shell nanocrystals with and without mechanical stress is also discussed. Such an approach opens a new avenue to in-situ monitor/examine the growth of semiconductor nanocrystals in liquid solutions.
Prediction and optimization of performance and emission characteristics of a dual fuel engine using machine learning
Authors: Karunamurthy Krishnasamy , Feroskhan Mohammed Musthafa , Suganya Ganesan , Saleel Ismail
Published: February 2022

The current research in engine, fuel and lubricant development are aiming towards environmental protection by reducing the harmful emissions. The testing under various conditions becomes mandatory before releasing product to meet the sustainable development goals of United Nations. This experimentation and testing under various operating conditions is time-consuming and tiresome process; it also leads to wastage of manpower, money, precious time and scarce resources. Intelligent techniques like Machine Learning (ML) has proven it's usage in almost all domains, trying to simulate the results as trained. This advantage is used to predict the performance and emission characteristics of a dual fuel engine. In this study, the experimental data are obtained from a single cylinder CI engine by operating under dual fuel mode using biogas and diesel as primary and secondary fuel respectively. The input parameters such as biogas flow rate, methane fraction (MF), torque and intake temperature are considered to predict the output parameters. The output parameters of the study includes performance attributes Brake thermal efficiency, secondary fuel energy ratio, and emissions attributes HC, CO, NOx and smoke. The proposed model uses Random forest Regressor and is trained using 324 distinct experiences recorded through physical experimentation. The model is validated using R2 score which is observed to be 0.997 for the given dataset while trained and tested in the ratio of 85:15. The outputs of the model are used to compute the output data for any new values of input attributes. The optimized values of the input parameters that could give maximum thermal efficiency and minimum emission is found using Lagrangian optimization. The optimized values are 12.48 Nm torque, 8.29 lit/min of biogas flow rate, methane fraction of 72.8%, intake temperature of 68.3 °C.