bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Metabolism in Plants to Survive against Abiotic Stress
Authors: Thapa Bharti , Shrestha Abhisek
Published: May 2022

Plants are frequently subjected to several abiotic environmental stresses under natural conditions causing profound impacts on agricultural yield and quality. Plants can themselves develop a wide variety of efficient mechanisms to respond environmental challenges. Tolerance and acclimation of plants are always related to significant changes in protein, cellular localization, posttranscription, and posttranslational modifications. Protein response pathways as well as pathways unique to a given stress condition shared by plants under different stressed environment are discussed in this chapter. The various signaling of protein such as fluctuation, overexpression, and silencing of the protein gene are observed to be modulated in drought-tolerant plants. Similarly, gene expression, RNA processing, and metabolic process take place to cope with drought conditions. For adaption in water-submerged conditions, plants undergo reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell wall modification, proteolysis, and post-recovery protein metabolism. Heat shock protein and protein and lipid contents vary and play pivotal role in resisting low and high temperatures. In a nutshell, this paper provides an overview of several modification, synthesis, degradation, and metabolism of protein in plants to cope with and revive again to normal growing conditions against abiotic stress, emphasizing drought, submerged, extreme cold, and heat temperatures.
Pure Copper: Advanced Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Stepien Lukas , Gruber Samira , Greifzu Moritz , Riede Mirko , Roch Aljoscha
Published: May 2022

This book chapter elaborates on different additive manufacturing (AM) processes of copper and copper alloys. The scope is to give the reader a basic understanding of the state-of-the-art of copper additive manufacturing by different AM technologies, such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), laser metal deposition (LMD), binder jetting (BJ), and metal-fused filament fabrication (M-FFF). Furthermore, we want the reader to be able to use this knowledge to find and assess potential use cases. Recently, with the commercial availability of green laser sources, the difficulties for laser processing of pure copper were overcome, which gave AM technologies, such as LPBF and LMD new momentum and increased interest. AM technologies involving a subsequent sintering step. They are relatively new and gained interest due to fast build-up rates (BJ) or ease of operation (M-FFF). We will cover important material-related properties of copper and its implications for manufacturing and application (e.g. absorption, sinterability, conductivity, and its dependency on impurities). Further, we address applications for AM copper, present the state-of-the-art for above mentioned AM technologies and share our own recent research in this field.
Water Shortages: Cause of Water Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Matchawe Chelea , Bonny Patrice , Yandang Germaine , Cecile Yangoua Mafo Huguette , J. Nsawir Bonglaisin
Published: May 2022

This chapter highlights a high rate of water crisis across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite its huge hydro-potential. Factors contributing to water stress include rainfall deficit and drought, increased water requirements, population growth, urbanization, and poverty. Coupled with the uneven distribution of water resources and mismanagement of water facilities, the gap between the demand for water and available supply has deepened. This has led almost half of the SSA population to drink water from unprotected sources. Moreover, many millions travel far distances and spend several hours daily to collect water. Children and women are mainly involved in water collection. The growing scarcity of water in Africa has a negative impact on economic growth. Besides, water shortages are at the heart of many social crises in SSA and have become directly or indirectly the first cause of death in Africa linked to waterborne diseases. The prevailing water-related diseases include malaria, typhoid fever, cholera, poliomyelitis, etc. To attain the African agenda 2063, national governments in SSA need a multidisciplinary approach integrating, supervising informal settlements of the population in urban and peri-urban areas; improving water storage capacity; increasing irrigation potential for agriculture; and having a good understanding of the epidemiology of waterborne diseases.
Dysbiosis, Tolerance, and Development of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Gradisteanu Pircalabioru Gratiela , Savu Octavian , Mihaescu Grigore , Ovidiu Vrancianu Corneliu , Chifiriuc Mariana-Carmen
Published: May 2022

The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AIDS) is not only attributed to genetic susceptibility, but also to environmental factors, among which, those disturbing gut microbiota have attracted increasing attention lately. Healthy gut microbiota has beneficial effects on the development and activity of the immune system, playing a central role in peripheric tolerance. Compositional and functional changes in gut microbiota were reported in various AIDS, and increasing evidence suggests that disturbed gut microbiota contributes to their immunopathogenesis. Thyroid and intestinal diseases prevalently coexist—for instance, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are the most common autoimmune thyroid diseases and often co-occur with celiac disease. This association can be at least explained by increased intestinal permeability, allowing antigens to cross the barrier more easily and activate the immune system. The passage of microbial antigens into the internal environment may break the self-tolerance, generating the production of autoantibodies and/or autoreactive T cells. In this chapter, we briefly present the roles of intestinal microbiota in human physiology, with a focus on the role of microbiota in immune tolerance.
Transition Metals-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks, Synthesis, and Environmental Applications
Authors: E. Chiñas-Rojas Lidia , Vivar-Vera Guadalupe , F. Cruz-Martínez Yafeth , Limón Colohua Seth , María Rivera José , Houbron Eric
Published: May 2022

This work illustrates examples of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived from transition metals and their environmental applications in areas of catalysis, sorption, and hydrogen evolution. Explanation of some of the techniques employed for their synthesis has been discussed. On the other hand, the advantages of the use of hybrid materials such as the metal-organic frameworks are exposed in this book as well a detailed description of the different linkers and metals used for the synthesis of this kind of porous materials going through the methodologies and techniques utilized by different authors to obtain good-quality crystalline applicable materials. Adjustments of linker geometry, length, ratio, and the functional group can tune the size, shape, and internal surface property of an MOF for a targeted application. The uses of MOFs are exploring new different areas of chemistry such as catalysis, adsorption, carrier systems, hydrogen evolution, photocatalysis, and more. Different examples of MOFs from Scandium to Zinc are well described in this book, and finally, a brief description of some common environmental applications such as metals and azo dyes sorption, hydrogen evolution, and catalyst in the transesterification process of vegetable oils to produce biodiesel is explored and commented.
Imaging of Benign Soft-Tissue Tumors
Authors: D. Abdulwahab Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Soft-tissue tumors account for less than 4% of all tumors in adult patients and 7–10% of all tumors in pediatric age group. The majority of these tumors are benign in nature (more than 99%). Different imaging modalities play a significant role in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these tumors. In this chapter, we will try to cover the imaging appearances of different benign soft-tissue tumors and to demonstrate the differentiation features. In addition, we will demonstrate a systematic approach for the characterization of soft-tissue masses based on different imaging appearances.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza: A Permanent Threat to Poultry Farming in Africa
Authors: Arbani Oumayma , Ducatez Mariette , El Houadfi Mohammed , Fellahi Siham
Published: May 2022

Initially isolated from turkey flocks in Wisconsin in America in 1966, the avian influenza virus H9N2 has become a serious threat not only to the avian industry but also to human health. Since the 90s, the virus spread in chicken flocks in several countries, starting with China in 1992, then in many parts of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Actually, the LPAI H9N2 subtype is believed to be one of the main causes of chicken respiratory diseases in Africa. Since the first introduction of AIV H9N2 in Morocco in 2016, the virus became enzootic and causes outbreaks in different parts of the country. The intensive uses of inactivated vaccines were insufficient to eradicate the disease, which affects intermittently poultry flocks in different parts of the country at different periods with different degrees of severities, depending on concomitant diseases, management, and other environmental factors. The objective of this chapter will be to explain the H9N2 infection with regard to both animal and human health in Africa and to highlight the assessment of African strategies for control of LPAI in poultry.
Traditional Medicinal Plants as the Potential Adjuvant, Prophylactic and Treatment Therapy for COVID-19 Disease: A Review
Authors: Emily Binyane Moleboheng , Hildah Mfengwana Polo-Ma-Abiele
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In an effort to combat the pandemic caused by COVID-19 disease, researchers have identified several traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) as potential adjuvant, prophylactic, and treatment for COVID-19. TMPs reported in this paper were identified based on the findings of molecular docking research and the documented traditional use of these plants for COVID-19-related symptoms, such as fever, coughing, headaches, and tiredness. Secondary metabolites with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity against various SARS-CoV-2 proteases were also identified from the list of South African medicinal plants. This review discusses secondary metabolites of TMPs with pharmacological benefits, which contribute to the management of COVID-19, and these include Acacia Senegal, Artemisia afra, Aspalathus linearis, Clerodendrum splendens, Dioscorea batatas decne, Echinacea purpurea, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Xysmalobium undulatum, Tinospora crispa, Sutherladia frutescens, and Zingiber officinale.
Sustainability of Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Relationships in Dairy and Beef Cattle in Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Medina-Sierra Marisol , Cerón-Muñoz Mario , Galeano-Vasco Luis
Published: May 2022

This chapter has been written with the purpose of increasing knowledge regarding the characteristics of soils dedicated to dairy and beef cattle farming in Antioquia, Colombia. Statistical analysis included several generalised additive models, with additive, smoothing, and tensor effects, such as geographic position and chemical parameters. Findings showed most farms belonged to small producers, 86.5% of cattle farms being family owned. Rotational grazing is the predominant system in 93% of farms; 58% of dairy farms and 94% of beef cattle farms do not fertilise their pastures. Results show high variability of soil chemical parameters. There are high levels of iron and low levels of sodium. Macronutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium show high levels in some dairy subregions and medium to low levels in others. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium levels are low for all subregions, excluding “Urabá” and “Occidente.” Most subregions have organic matter (OM) levels below 13%. The distribution of some chemical parameters is related to geographical location, such as pH and Ca, which change according to latitude and longitude. Different correlations were found amongst OM, total nitrogen, Ca, and exchangeable aluminium. Due to the high variability of soil fertility parameters, management programmes should be implemented for each distinctive production system.
Self-Supervised Contrastive Representation Learning in Computer Vision
Authors: Bastanlar Yalin , Orhan Semih
Published: May 2022

Although its origins date a few decades back, contrastive learning has recently gained popularity due to its achievements in self-supervised learning, especially in computer vision. Supervised learning usually requires a decent amount of labeled data, which is not easy to obtain for many applications. With self-supervised learning, we can use inexpensive unlabeled data and achieve a training on a pretext task. Such a training helps us to learn powerful representations. In most cases, for a downstream task, self-supervised training is fine-tuned with the available amount of labeled data. In this study, we review common pretext and downstream tasks in computer vision and we present the latest self-supervised contrastive learning techniques, which are implemented as Siamese neural networks. Lastly, we present a case study where self-supervised contrastive learning was applied to learn representations of semantic masks of images. Performance was evaluated on an image retrieval task and results reveal that, in accordance with the findings in the literature, fine-tuning the self-supervised training showed the best performance.
Environmental Pollution Originated by the Excessive Use of Agrochemicals in the Production of Granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) Oxapampa District, Pasco, Perú
Authors: Buendía Quispe Benito , Erazo Erazo Raymundo
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the environmental pollution originated by the excessive use of agrochemicals in the production of granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) in the Oxapampa district, Pasco – Peru. The crops of this fruit were chosen in the sectors named: Abra (Ab), Chacos (Ch), Quillazú (Qll), Acuzazú (Ac), Cañera (Ca), San Alberto (SA), Alto Río Pisco (ARP), and Paradise (Pa), where applying the nonexperimental and comparative design, the soil, water, and fruit samples were taken, which were analyzed in the specialized laboratory of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM). A survey was also carried out by the farmers to form groups (ABC), and the results obtained were statistically analyzed by means of the comparative difference of concentration of heavy metals in three groups selected according to intensity of use of agrochemicals, which were between 0.26 and 0.36 mg of Cu/kg of fruit, between 0.001 and 0.003 mg of Cd and Pb/kg of fruit, between 0.0012 and 0.0006 mg As and Hg/kg of fruit, between 19 and 25 mg of Cu/kg of soil, between 0.02 and 0.08 mg of Cd and Pb/kg of soil, between 0.05 and 0.08 mg of As and Hg/kg of soil; between 1 and 1.12 mg of Cu/l of water, between 0.002 and 0.003 mg of Cd and Pb/l of water, between 0.002 and 0.005 mg of As and Hg/l of water; being observed high averages in some heavy metals and whose comparisons were not significant for As, Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu in fruits, soil, and water, and significant only the Cd in fruits and Hg in soils, concluding that there is a potential risk of toxicity due to ingestion of granadilla (P. ligularis).
The Neo-Mechanistic Model of Human Cognitive Computation and Its Major Challenges
Authors: Azevedo Leite Diego
Published: May 2022

The neo-mechanistic theory of human cognition is currently one of the most accepted major theories in fields, such as cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience. This proposal offers an account of human cognitive computation, and it has been considered by its proponents as revolutionary and capable of integrating research concerning human cognition with new evidence provided by fields of biology and neuroscience. However, some complex cognitive capacities still present a challenge for explanations constructed by using this theoretical structure. In this chapter, I make a presentation of some of the central tenets of this framework and show in what dimensions it helps our understanding of human cognition concerning aspects of capacities, such as visual perception and memory consolidation. My central goal, however, is to show that to understand and explain some particular human cognitive capacities, such as self-consciousness and some conscious informal reasoning and decision making, the framework shows substantial limitations. I conclude the chapter by suggesting that to fully understand human cognition we will need much more than what the neo-mechanistic framework is actually able to provide.
Partial response electromyography as a marker of action stopping
Authors: Raud Liisa , Thunberg Christina , Huster René J
Published: May 2022

Response inhibition is among the core constructs of cognitive control. It is notoriously difficult to quantify from overt behavior, since the outcome of successful inhibition is the lack of a behavioral response. Currently, the most common measure of action stopping, and by proxy response inhibition, is the model-based stop signal reaction time (SSRT) derived from the stop signal task. Recently, partial response electromyography (prEMG) has been introduced as a complementary physiological measure to capture individual stopping latencies. PrEMG refers to muscle activity initiated by the go signal that plummets after the stop signal before its accumulation to a full response. Whereas neither the SSRT nor the prEMG is an unambiguous marker for neural processes underlying response inhibition, our analysis indicates that the prEMG peak latency is better suited to investigate brain mechanisms of action stopping. This study is a methodological resource with a comprehensive overview of the psychometric properties of the prEMG in a stop signal task, and further provides practical tips for data collection and analysis.
The LOTUS initiative for open knowledge management in natural products research
Authors: Rutz Adriano , Sorokina Maria , Galgonek Jakub , Mietchen Daniel , Willighagen Egon , Gaudry Arnaud , Graham James G , Stephan Ralf , Page Roderic , Vondrášek Jiří , Steinbeck Christoph , Pauli Guido F , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Bisson Jonathan , Allard Pierre-Marie
Published: May 2022

Contemporary bioinformatic and chemoinformatic capabilities hold promise to reshape knowledge management, analysis and interpretation of data in natural products research. Currently, reliance on a disparate set of non-standardized, insular, and specialized databases presents a series of challenges for data access, both within the discipline and for integration and interoperability between related fields. The fundamental elements of exchange are referenced structure-organism pairs that establish relationships between distinct molecular structures and the living organisms from which they were identified. Consolidating and sharing such information via an open platform has strong transformative potential for natural products research and beyond. This is the ultimate goal of the newly established LOTUS initiative, which has now completed the first steps toward the harmonization, curation, validation and open dissemination of 750,000+ referenced structure-organism pairs. LOTUS data is hosted on Wikidata and regularly mirrored on https://lotus.naturalproducts.net. Data sharing within the Wikidata framework broadens data access and interoperability, opening new possibilities for community curation and evolving publication models. Furthermore, embedding LOTUS data into the vast Wikidata knowledge graph will facilitate new biological and chemical insights. The LOTUS initiative represents an important advancement in the design and deployment of a comprehensive and collaborative natural products knowledge base.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals metabolic changes underly age-dependent declines in digit regeneration
Authors: Tower Robert J , Busse Emily , Jaramillo Josue , Lacey Michelle , Hoffseth Kevin , Guntur Anyonya R , Simkin Jennifer , Sammarco Mimi C
Published: May 2022

De novo limb regeneration after amputation is restricted in mammals to the distal digit tip. Central to this regenerative process is the blastema, a heterogeneous population of lineage-restricted, dedifferentiated cells that ultimately orchestrates regeneration of the amputated bone and surrounding soft tissue. To investigate skeletal regeneration, we made use of spatial transcriptomics to characterize the transcriptional profile specifically within the blastema. Using this technique, we generated a gene signature with high specificity for the blastema in both our spatial data, as well as other previously published single-cell RNA-sequencing transcriptomic studies. To elucidate potential mechanisms distinguishing regenerative from non-regenerative healing, we applied spatial transcriptomics to an aging model. Consistent with other forms of repair, our digit amputation mouse model showed a significant impairment in regeneration in aged mice. Contrasting young and aged mice, spatial analysis revealed a metabolic shift in aged blastema associated with an increased bioenergetic requirement. This enhanced metabolic turnover was associated with increased hypoxia and angiogenic signaling, leading to excessive vascularization and altered regenerated bone architecture in aged mice. Administration of the metabolite oxaloacetate decreased the oxygen consumption rate of the aged blastema and increased WNT signaling, leading to enhanced in vivo bone regeneration. Thus, targeting cell metabolism may be a promising strategy to mitigate aging-induced declines in tissue regeneration.
Binary outcomes of enhancer activity underlie stable random monoallelic expression
Authors: Kissiov Djem U , Ethell Alexander , Chen Sean , Wolf Natalie K , Zhang Chenyu , Dang Susanna M , Jo Yeara , Madsen Katrine N , Paranjpe Ishan , Lee Angus Y , Chim Bryan , Muljo Stefan A , Raulet David H
Published: May 2022

Mitotically stable random monoallelic gene expression (RME) is documented for a small percentage of autosomal genes. We developed an in vivo genetic model to study the role of enhancers in RME using high-resolution single-cell analysis of natural killer (NK) cell receptor gene expression and enhancer deletions in the mouse germline. Enhancers of the RME NK receptor genes were accessible and enriched in H3K27ac on silent and active alleles alike in cells sorted according to allelic expression status, suggesting enhancer activation and gene expression status can be decoupled. In genes with multiple enhancers, enhancer deletion reduced gene expression frequency, in one instance converting the universally expressed gene encoding NKG2D into an RME gene, recapitulating all aspects of natural RME including mitotic stability of both the active and silent states. The results support the binary model of enhancer action, and suggest that RME is a consequence of general properties of gene regulation by enhancers rather than an RME-specific epigenetic program. Therefore, many and perhaps all genes may be subject to some degree of RME. Surprisingly, this was borne out by analysis of several genes that define different major hematopoietic lineages, that were previously thought to be universally expressed within those lineages: the genes encoding NKG2D, CD45, CD8α, and Thy-1. We propose that intrinsically probabilistic gene allele regulation is a general property of enhancer-controlled gene expression, with previously documented RME representing an extreme on a broad continuum.
Nanchangmycin regulates FYN, PTK2, and MAPK1/3 to control the fibrotic activity of human hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Li Wenyang , Chen Jennifer Y , Sun Cheng , Sparks Robert P , Pantano Lorena , Rahman Raza-Ur , Moran Sean P , Pondick Joshua V , Kirchner Rory , Wrobel David , Bieler Michael , Sauer Achim , Ho Sui Shannan J , Doerner Julia F , Rippmann Jörg F , Mullen Alan C
Published: May 2022

Chronic liver injury causes fibrosis, characterized by the formation of scar tissue resulting from excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) myofibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for liver fibrosis, yet there are currently no therapies directed at inhibiting the activity of HSC myofibroblasts. To search for potential anti-fibrotic compounds, we performed a high-throughput compound screen in primary human HSC myofibroblasts and identified 19 small molecules that induce HSC inactivation, including the polyether ionophore nanchangmycin (NCMC). NCMC induces lipid re-accumulation while reducing collagen expression, deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix, cell proliferation, and migration. We find that NCMC increases cytosolic Ca2+ and reduces the phosphorylated protein levels of FYN, PTK2 (FAK), MAPK1/3 (ERK2/1), HSPB1 (HSP27), and STAT5B. Further, depletion of each of these kinases suppress COL1A1 expression. These studies reveal a signaling network triggered by NCMC to inactivate HSC myofibroblasts and reduce expression of proteins that compose the fibrotic scar. Identification of the antifibrotic effects of NCMC and the elucidation of pathways by which NCMC inhibits fibrosis provide new tools and therapeutic targets that could potentially be utilized to combat the development and progression of liver fibrosis.
Cortical adaptation to sound reverberation
Authors: Ivanov Aleksandar Z , King Andrew J , Willmore Ben DB , Walker Kerry MM , Harper Nicol S
Published: May 2022

In almost every natural environment, sounds are reflected by nearby objects, producing many delayed and distorted copies of the original sound, known as reverberation. Our brains usually cope well with reverberation, allowing us to recognize sound sources regardless of their environments. In contrast, reverberation can cause severe difficulties for speech recognition algorithms and hearing-impaired people. The present study examines how the auditory system copes with reverberation. We trained a linear model to recover a rich set of natural, anechoic sounds from their simulated reverberant counterparts. The model neurons achieved this by extending the inhibitory component of their receptive filters for more reverberant spaces, and did so in a frequency-dependent manner. These predicted effects were observed in the responses of auditory cortical neurons of ferrets in the same simulated reverberant environments. Together, these results suggest that auditory cortical neurons adapt to reverberation by adjusting their filtering properties in a manner consistent with dereverberation.
Conditional and unconditional components of aversively motivated freezing, flight and darting in mice
Authors: Trott Jeremy M , Hoffman Ann N , Zhuravka Irina , Fanselow Michael S
Published: May 2022

Fear conditioning is one of the most frequently used laboratory procedures for modeling learning and memory generally, and anxiety disorders in particular. The conditional response (CR) used in the majority of fear conditioning studies in rodents is freezing. Recently, it has been reported that under certain conditions, running, jumping, or darting replaces freezing as the dominant CR. These findings raise both a critical methodological problem and an important theoretical issue. If only freezing is measured but rodents express their learning with a different response, then significant instances of learning, memory, or fear may be missed. In terms of theory, whatever conditions lead to these different behaviors may be a key to how animals transition between different defensive responses and different emotional states. In mice, we replicated these past results but along with several novel control conditions. Contrary to the prior conclusions, running and darting were primarily a result of nonassociative processes and were actually suppressed by associative learning. Darting and flight were taken to be analogous to nonassociative startle or alpha responses that are potentiated by fear. Additionally, associative processes had some impact on the topography of flight behavior. On the other hand, freezing was the purest reflection of associative learning. We also uncovered a rule that describes when these movements replace freezing: when afraid, freeze until there is a sudden novel change in stimulation, then burst into vigorous flight attempts. This rule may also govern the change from fear to panic.
Deciphering a hexameric protein complex with Angstrom optical resolution
Authors: Mazal Hisham , Wieser Franz-Ferdinand , Sandoghdar Vahid
Published: May 2022

Cryogenic optical localization in three dimensions (COLD) was recently shown to resolve up to four binding sites on a single protein. However, because COLD relies on intensity fluctuations that result from the blinking behavior of fluorophores, it is limited to cases where individual emitters show different brightness. This significantly lowers the measurement yield. To extend the number of resolved sites as well as the measurement yield, we employ partial labeling and combine it with polarization encoding in order to identify single fluorophores during their stochastic blinking. We then use a particle classification scheme to identify and resolve heterogenous subsets and combine them to reconstruct the three-dimensional arrangement of large molecular complexes. We showcase this method (polarCOLD) by resolving the trimer arrangement of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and six different sites of the hexamer protein Caseinolytic Peptidase B (ClpB) of Thermus thermophilus in its quaternary structure, both with Angstrom resolution. The combination of polarCOLD and single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) promises to provide crucial insight into intrinsic heterogeneities of biomolecular structures. Furthermore, our approach is fully compatible with fluorescent protein labeling and can, thus, be used in a wide range of studies in cell and membrane biology.
Application of hydrophilic polymers for the preparation of tadalafil solid dispersions: micromeritics properties, release and erectile dysfunction studies in male rats
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Muqtader , Anwer Md Khalid , Soliman Gamal A. , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Mohammed Abdul Aleem , Alshehri Sultan , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Alali Amer S. , Alshetaili Abdullah , Alalaiwe Ahmed , Bukhari Sarah I. , Zafar Ameeduzzafar
Published: May 2022

The objective of the present study was to improve the dissolution rate and aphrodisiac activity of tadalafil by using hydrophilic polymers. Solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation-Rota evaporator using Koliphore 188, Kollidon® VA64, and Kollidon® 30 polymers in a 1:1 ratio. Prepared tadalafil-solid dispersions (SDs) evaluated for yield, drug content, micromeritics properties, physicochemical characterizations, and aphrodisiac activity assessment. The optimized SDs TK188 showed size (2.175 ± 0.24 µm), percentage of content (98.89 ± 1.23%), yield (87.27 ± 3.13%), bulk density (0.496 ± 0.005 g/cm3), true density (0.646 ± 0.003 g/cm3), Carr’s index (23.25 ± 0.81), Hausner ratio (1.303 ± 0.003) and angle of repose (<25°). FTIR spectrums revealed tadalafil doesn’t chemically interact with used polymers. XRD and DSC analysis represents TK188 SDs were in the amorphous state. Drug release was 97.17 ± 2.43% for TK188, whereas it was 32.76 ± 2.65% for pure drug at the end of 2 h with 2.96-fold increase in dissolution and followed release kinetics of Korsmeyer Peppa’s model. MDT and DE were noted to be 17.48 minutes and 84.53%, respectively. Furthermore, TK188 SDs showed relative improvement in the sexual behavior of the male rats. Thus the developed SDs TK188 could be potential tadalafil carriers for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Healthcare applications of single camera markerless motion capture: a scoping review
Authors: Scott Bradley , Seyres Martin , Philp Fraser , Chadwick Edward K. , Blana Dimitra
Published: May 2022

Background

Single camera markerless motion capture has the potential to facilitate at home movement assessment due to the ease of setup, portability, and affordable cost of the technology. However, it is not clear what the current healthcare applications of single camera markerless motion capture are and what information is being collected that may be used to inform clinical decision making. This review aims to map the available literature to highlight potential use cases and identify the limitations of the technology for clinicians and researchers interested in the collection of movement data.

Survey Methodology

Studies were collected up to 14 January 2022 using Pubmed, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus using a systematic search. Data recorded included the description of the markerless system, clinical outcome measures, and biomechanical data mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF). Studies were grouped by patient population.

Results

A total of 50 studies were included for data collection. Use cases for single camera markerless motion capture technology were identified for Neurological Injury in Children and Adults; Hereditary/Genetic Neuromuscular Disorders; Frailty; and Orthopaedic or Musculoskeletal groups. Single camera markerless systems were found to perform well in studies involving single plane measurements, such as in the analysis of infant general movements or spatiotemporal parameters of gait, when evaluated against 3D marker-based systems and a variety of clinical outcome measures. However, they were less capable than marker-based systems in studies requiring the tracking of detailed 3D kinematics or fine movements such as finger tracking.

Conclusions

Single camera markerless motion capture offers great potential for extending the scope of movement analysis outside of laboratory settings in a practical way, but currently suffers from a lack of accuracy where detailed 3D kinematics are required for clinical decision making. Future work should therefore focus on improving tracking accuracy of movements that are out of plane relative to the camera orientation or affected by occlusion, such as supination and pronation of the forearm.
Maximizing Cancer Data—The Future of Cancer Is Now
Authors: Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S.
Published: May 2022

This Viewpoint discusses sharing of cancer data through a national cancer data ecosystem for the benefit of public health.
The impact of COVID‐19 on a high‐volume incident learning system: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Jacqmin Dustin J. , Crosby Jennie S. M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to assess how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic impacted our incident learning system data and communicate the impact of a major exogenous event on radiation oncology clinical practice.

Methods

Trends in our electronic incident reporting system were analyzed to ascertain the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, including any direct clinical changes. Incident reports submitted in the 18 months prior to the pandemic (September 14, 2018 to March 13, 2020) and reports submitted during the first 18 months of the pandemic (March 14, 2020 to September 13, 2021) were compared. The incident reports include several data elements that were evaluated for trends between the two time periods, and statistical analysis was performed to compare the proportions of reports.

Results

In the 18 months prior to COVID‐19, 192 reports were submitted per 1000 planning tasks (n = 832 total). In the first 18 months of the pandemic, 147 reports per 1000 planning tasks were submitted (n = 601 total), a decrease of 23.4%. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant changes among the data elements between the pre‐ and during COVID‐19 time periods. An analysis of the free‐text narratives in the reports found that phrases related to pretreatment imaging were common before COVID‐19 but not during. Conversely, phrases related to intravenous contrast, consent for computed tomography, and adaptive radiotherapy became common during COVID‐19.

Conclusions

The data elements captured by our incident learning system were stable after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, with no statistically significant findings after correction for multiple comparisons. A trend toward fewer reports submitted for low‐risk issues was observed. The methods used in the work can be generalized to events with a large‐scale impact on the clinic or to monitor an incident learning system to drive future improvement activities.
Altered Gut Microbiome in Patients With Dermatomyositis
Authors: Bae Sangmee Sharon , Dong Tien S. , Wang Jennifer , Lagishetty Venu , Katzka William , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Charles‐Schoeman Christina
Published: May 2022

Objective

The study objective was to compare the microbial composition of patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and healthy controls (HCs) and determine whether microbial alterations are associated with clinical manifestations of DM.

Methods

The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed on fecal samples from patients with DM and HCs. Microbial composition and diversity were compared between subjects with DM and HCs and in association with several DM‐specific clinical variables, including myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSAs). Differentially abundant microbial taxa and genes associated with clinical characteristics were identified, and functional analysis was performed using predicted metagenomics. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24‐hour dietary recall.

Results

The fecal microbiome of 36 patients with DM and 26 HCs were analyzed. Patients with DM trended toward lower microbial diversity compared with HCs. The higher physician global damage score was significantly correlated with the lower microbial diversity in patients with DM. Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD)‐associated MSA (antisynthetase antibody (ab), anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 ab, n = 12) had significant differences in microbial composition and lower microbial diversity compared with HCs. Differential abundance testing demonstrated a unique taxonomic signature in the ILD‐MSA subgroup, and predictive metagenomics identified functional alterations in a number of metabolic pathways. A significant increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was positively correlated with multiple pathways involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis and transport in the ILD‐MSA group.

Conclusion

Patients with DM, particularly with ILD‐associated MSAs, have lower microbial diversity and a distinct taxonomic composition compared with HCs. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and elucidate specific pathogenetic mechanisms that link the gut microbiome to clinical and pathological features of DM.
Quantifying the Excitonic Static Disorder in Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Kay Austin M. , Sandberg Oskar J. , Zarrabi Nasim , Li Wei , Zeiske Stefan , Kaiser Christina , Meredith Paul , Armin Ardalan
Published: May 2022

Organic semiconductors are disordered molecular solids, and as a result, their internal charge generation dynamics, charge transport dynamics, and ultimately, the performance of the optoelectronic devices they constitute, are governed by energetic disorder. This is particularly pertinent for emerging photovoltaic technology where the extractable power is directly dependent on these dynamics. To ascertain how energetic disorder impacts charge generation, exciton transport, charge transport, and the performance of organic semiconductor devices, an accurate approach is first required to measure this critical parameter. In this work, it is shown that the static disorder of an organic semiconductor can be obtained from its photovoltaic external quantum efficiency spectrum at wavelengths near the absorption onset. A detailed methodology is presented, alongside a computational framework, for quantifying the static energetic disorder associated with singlet excitons. Moreover, the authors show that minimizing the limiting effects of optical interference is crucial for achieving high‐accuracy quantifications. Finally, transparent devices are employed to estimate the excitonic static disorder in several technologically relevant organic semiconductor donor–acceptor blends, including the high‐efficiency organic photovoltaic system PM6:Y6.
Advancing Performance and Unfolding Mechanism of Lithium and Sodium Storage in SnO2 via Precision Synthesis of Monodisperse PEG‐Ligated Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Shiqiang , He Yanjie , Wang Zewei , Bo Xiaoxu , Hao Shumeng , Yuan Yifei , Jin Huile , Wang Shun , Lin Zhiqun
Published: May 2022

Low conductivity and tin coarsening issues hinder the utility of tin dioxide as anode for lithium and sodium ion batteries. To significantly advance the electrochemical performance and systematically unfold the energy storage mechanism of SnO2, monodisperse poly(ethylene glycol)‐ligated SnO2 nanoparticles are in situ crafted with star‐like poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymers as nanoreactors and uniformly confined in layer‐by‐layer stacked graphene oxide matrix (denoted SnO2@PEG‐GO). Remarkably, SnO2@PEG‐GO nanohybrids manifest fully reversible three‐step lithiation‐delithiation reactions of SnO2 with an ultrahigh 100th discharge capacity of 1523 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. Moreover, SnO2@PEG‐GO nanohybrids exhibit an ultrastable sodium storage capacity of 527 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 50 mA g−1, and the conversion reaction between Sn and SnO is uncovered as the primary reversible sodiation–desodiation reaction of SnO2. Notably, in addition to buffering volume expansion of SnO2 nanoparticles, the synergy between PEG and GO promotes Li+ or Na+ ion and electron transfers and inhibits Sn coarsening at micro and macro scales. This work provides a robust strategy to realizing outstanding electrochemical properties and scrutinizing fundamental mechanisms that underpin the performance of active materials via surface polymer ligation, precise size control, and uniform graphene encapsulation.
4‐bit Multilevel Operation in Overshoot Suppressed Al2O3/TiOxResistive Random‐Access Memory Crossbar Array
Authors: Kim Sungjoon , Park Jinwoo , Kim Tae-Hyeon , Hong Kyungho , Hwang Yeongjin , Park Byung-Gook , Kim Hyungjin
Published: May 2022

To apply resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) to the neuromorphic system and improve performance, each cell in the array should be able to operate independently by reducing device variation. In addition, it is necessary to lower the operating current of the RRAM cell and enable gradual switching characteristics to mimic the low‐energy operations of biological. In most filamentary RRAMs, however, overshoot current occurs in the forming stage, and the RRAM shows large device variation, high operating current, and abrupt set and reset switching characteristics. Herein, the shortcomings occurring in the forming stage are overcome by introducing and optimizing an overshoot suppression layer. Consequently, the RRAM exhibits gradual switching characteristics both in the set and reset regions, thereby enabling implementation of 4‐bit multilevel operation. In addition, the forming step can be easily performed in a 16 × 16 crossbar array owing to its self‐compliance characteristics without disturbing neighboring cells in the array. The tuning and vector–matrix multiplication (VMM) operations are also experimentally verified in the array. Finally, classification performance with off‐chip training is compared in terms of accuracy and robustness to tuning tolerance depending on the number of bits of the implemented multiconductance levels.
Flexible Artificial Synapses Based on Field Effect Transistors: From Materials, Mechanics towards Applications
Authors: Li Xiangxiang , Liu Yixuan , Zhang Jun , Wu Fuming , Hu Mingshuang , Yang Hui
Published: May 2022

Flexible artificial synapses, which use flexible electronic devices to simulate biological synapses, are the cornerstone of brain‐like computers and artificial intelligence systems. Devices based on field‐effect transistors (FETs) are suitable for emulating synaptic functions because of their diverse material selection, controllable parameters, and clear working mechanism. In addition, owing to their material fabrication and structural design, FETs can realize the special operation mechanisms of devices for constructing flexible artificial synapses with multiple functions. Herein, the essential principles of carrier transport in flexible artificial synapses based on FETs are focused. First, the selection of materials, carrier transfer mechanisms, and synaptic functions of flexible synaptic devices based on various transistors are summarized in detail. Subsequently, the applications of flexible synaptic devices in conformal artificial tactile and visual systems are introduced. Finally, future challenges and opportunities of flexible synaptic devices toward artificial neuromorphic electronics are discussed.
Scalable Cryoelectronics for Superconducting Qubit Control and Readout
Authors: Ahmad Meraj , Giagkoulovits Christos , Danilin Sergey , Weides Martin , Heidari Hadi
Published: May 2022

Quantum computing promises an exponentially higher computational power than classical computers; although all the building blocks have become available, certain constraints still prevent quantum advantage. The fundamental challenge in building a practical quantum computer is integrating thousands of highly coherent qubits with the control and readout electronics. The need for a high‐coherence qubit drives the effort for quantum error correction algorithms to create fault‐tolerant quantum systems. Error correction becomes tangible in a quantum processor only in large numbers of qubits. Thus, the other challenge is reducing the number of physical interconnects (coaxial lines) between the quantum–classical interface and bulky room‐temperature electronics. To interface thousands of qubits, interconnects can be reduced by bringing the control and readout electronics near the quantum processor. Cryogenic complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology has been an ideal candidate for this purpose. Integrated control and readout at cryogenic temperatures require low power dissipation circuit designs and techniques such as frequency‐division multiplexing (FDM) due to the finite cooling power of a dilution refrigerator. Herein, an overview of each building block in a superconducting quantum computer is provided, focusing on scalability. Furthermore, this article is concluded with an outlook discussing current challenges and future directions for the scalable superconducting control and readout.
Aqueous Mediated Reactions Involving Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Authors: Soni Rinku , Sihag Monika , Rani Neha , Kinger Mayank , Aneja Deepak Kumar
Published: May 2022

Several reactions mended by hypervalent iodine reagents have been developed in aqueous media recently. The evolution of reactions using hypervalent iodine reagents in aqueous medium is one of the most vital fields in organic synthesis to achieve one of the requirements of green chemistry. Hypervalent iodine reagents have the potential to replace toxic metals in numerous chemical reactions viz. oxidation reactions, coupling reactions, α‐functionaliztion reactions, cyclization reactions and halogenations reactions etc. due to their stability, high selectivity, easy and simple experimentation, less toxic nature. In a chemical reaction solvents are required for several functions viz. in extractions, reactants solubility, washing and separation of final products. Water as a medium represents a safe, non‐toxic, inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to toxic organic solvents for various organic reactions. The evolution of hypervalent iodine reagents with modified reactivities in aqueous phase now enable such chemical reactions which were thought to be illogical only a century ago. Therefore, in the present review, we summarize the various aqueous mediated reactions involving hypervalent iodine reagents.