bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and factors related to hypouricemia and hyperuricemia in schoolchildren: results of a large-scale cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Japan
Authors: Aoki Yuhei , Sofue Tadashi , Kawakami Ryo , Ozaki Takashi , Manabe Masahiro , Kanda Kanae , Yoda Takeshi , Kusaka Takashi , Hirao Tomohiro , Minamino Tetsuo
Published: October 2022

Hypouricemia in children including renal hypouricemia, which is a major cause of exercise-induced acute renal injury (EIAKI), is an important clinical problem, in addition to hyperuricemia. However, no large-scale studies of serum uric acid (UA) concentrations in the general pre-adolescent population have been carried out. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study to measure the prevalences of hypouricemia and hyperuricemia and identify the associated factors. We analyzed 31,822 (16,205 boys and 15,617 girls) 9–10-year-old children who underwent pediatric health check-ups in Kagawa prefecture between 2014 and 2018. Hypouricemia and hyperuricemia were defined using serum UA concentrations of ≤ 2.0 mg/dL and ≥ 6.0 mg/dL, respectively. The prevalence of hypouricemia was 0.38% in both 9- and 10-year-old boys and girls, and was not significantly associated with age, sex, or environmental factors, including overweight. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was significantly higher in boys (2.7%) than in girls (1.9%), and was significantly associated with age, overweight, future diabetes risk, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and liver damage, but not with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Therefore, some pre-adolescent children in the general population in Japan showed hypouricemia. A means of identifying children with hypouricemia and lifestyle guidance measures for the prevention of EIAKI should be established.
The autophagy inducer SMER28 attenuates microtubule dynamics mediating neuroprotection
Authors: Kirchenwitz Marco , Stahnke Stephanie , Grunau Kyra , Melcher Lars , van Ham Marco , Rottner Klemens , Steffen Anika , Stradal Theresia E. B.
Published: October 2022

SMER28 originated from a screen for small molecules that act as modulators of autophagy. SMER28 enhanced the clearance of autophagic substrates such as mutant huntingtin, which was additive to rapamycin-induced autophagy. Thus, SMER28 was established as a positive regulator of autophagy acting independently of the mTOR pathway, increasing autophagosome biosynthesis and attenuating mutant huntingtin-fragment toxicity in cellular- and fruit fly disease models, suggesting therapeutic potential. Despite many previous studies, molecular mechanisms mediating SMER28 activities and its direct targets have remained elusive. Here we analyzed the effects of SMER28 on cells and found that aside from autophagy induction, it significantly stabilizes microtubules and decelerates microtubule dynamics. Moreover, we report that SMER28 displays neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects at the cellular level by inducing neurite outgrowth and protecting from excitotoxin-induced axon degeneration. Finally, we compare the effects of SMER28 with other autophagy-inducing or microtubule-stabilizing drugs: whereas SMER28 and rapamycin both induce autophagy, the latter does not stabilize microtubules, and whereas both SMER28 and epothilone B stabilize microtubules, epothilone B does not stimulate autophagy. Thus, the effect of SMER28 on cells in general and neurons in particular is based on its unique spectrum of bioactivities distinct from other known microtubule-stabilizing or autophagy-inducing drugs.
Common resistance mechanisms are deployed by plants against sap-feeding herbivorous insects: insights from a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Leybourne D. J. , Aradottir G. I.
Published: October 2022

Despite their abundance and economic importance, the mechanism of plant resistance to sap-feeding insects remains poorly understood. Here we deploy meta-analysis and data synthesis methods to evaluate the results from electrophysiological studies describing feeding behaviour experiments where resistance mechanisms were identified, focussing on studies describing host-plant resistance and non-host resistance mechanisms. Data were extracted from 108 studies, comprising 41 insect species across eight insect taxa and 12 host-plant families representing over 30 species. Results demonstrate that mechanisms deployed by resistant plants have common consequences on the feeding behaviour of diverse insect groups. We show that insects feeding on resistant plants take longer to establish a feeding site and have their feeding duration suppressed two-fold compared with insects feeding on susceptible plants. Our results reveal that traits contributing towards resistant phenotypes are conserved across plant families, deployed against taxonomically diverse insect groups, and that the underlying resistance mechanisms are conserved. These findings provide a new insight into plant–insect interaction and highlight the need for further mechanistic studies across diverse taxa.
Energy threshold changes in volcanic activity at Mt. Etna (Italy) inferred from volcanic tremor
Authors: Langer Horst , Falsaperla Susanna , Spampinato Salvatore , Messina Alfio
Published: October 2022

From the 2010s on, pattern classification has proven an effective method for flagging alerts of volcano unrest before eruptive activity at Mt. Etna, Italy. The analysis has been applied online to volcanic tremor data, and has supported the surveillance activity of the volcano that provides timely information to Civil Protection and other authorities. However, after declaring an alert, no one knows how long the volcano unrest will last and if a climactic eruptive activity will actually begin. These are critical aspects when considering the effects of a prolonged state of alert. An example of longstanding unrest is related to the Christmas Eve eruption in 2018, which was heralded by several months of almost continuous Strombolian activity. Here, we discuss the usage of thresholds to detect conditions leading to paroxysmal activity, and the challenges associated with defining such thresholds, leveraging a dataset of 52 episodes of lava fountains occurring in 2021. We were able to identify conservative settings regarding the thresholds, allowing for an early warning of impending paroxysm in almost all cases (circa 85% for the first 4 months in 2021, and over 90% for the whole year). The chosen thresholds also proved useful to predict that a paroxysmal activity was about to end. Such information provides reliable numbers for volcanologists for their assessments, based on visual information, which may not be available in bad weather or cloudy conditions.
Changes in projectile design and size of prey reveal the central role of Fishtail points in megafauna hunting in South America
Authors: Prates Luciano , Rivero Diego , Perez S. Ivan
Published: October 2022

Fishtail projectile points are the earliest widespread projectile type in South America, and share chronology and techno-morphology with Clovis, the oldest North American projectile type. Both were temporally associated with late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions. Although the elusive direct evidence of human exploitation of megafauna in South America had kept Fishtails out of the extinction debate, a recent paper showed a strong relationship between the temporal density and spatial distribution of megafauna and Fishtail projectile points, and proposed that this weapon was designed and used for megafauna hunting, contributing to their extinction. If so, this technology must be distinctly different from post-FPP technologies (i.e., early Holocene projectile points), used for hunting smaller prey, in terms of distribution and functional properties. In this paper, we explore the changes in projectile point technology, as well as the body mass of potential megafaunal prey, and show that Fishtails were strongly related to the largest extinct megafaunal species.
Adaptive-mixture-categorization (AMC)-based g-computation and its application to trace element mixtures and bladder cancer risk
Authors: Li Siting , Karagas Margaret R. , Jackson Brian P. , Passarelli Michael N. , Gui Jiang
Published: October 2022

Several new statistical methods have been developed to identify the overall impact of an exposure mixture on health outcomes. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression assigns the joint mixture effect weights to indicate the overall association of multiple exposures, and quantile-based g-computation is a generalized version of WQS without the restriction of directional homogeneity. This paper proposes an adaptive-mixture-categorization (AMC)-based g-computation approach that combines g-computation with an optimal exposure categorization search using the F statistic. AMC-based g-computation reduces variance within each category and retains the variance between categories to build more powerful predictors. In a simulation study, the performance of association analysis was improved using categorizing by AMC compared with quantiles. We applied this method to assess the association between a mixture of 12 trace element concentrations measured from toenails and the risk of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Our findings suggested that medium-level (116.7–145.5 μg/g) vs. low-level (39.5–116.2 μg/g) of toenail zinc had a statistically significant positive association with bladder cancer risk.
A new performance analysis method for rolling bearing based on the evidential reasoning rule considering perturbation
Authors: Zhang Yunyi , Zhou Guohui , Zhang Wei , He Wei , Wang Yuhe , Zhang Yizhe , Han Peng
Published: October 2022

Rolling Bearing is a key component of the transmission of rotating machinery, and it is widely used in industrial fields. Therefore, it is of vital importance to evaluate the performance and reliability of rolling bearing. Aiming at the interference problems faced by rolling bearings during operation, a performance evaluation model based on the evidential reasoning (ER) rule is proposed in this article. Firstly, the time domain and frequency domain characteristic indicators of bearing vibration signals are taken as evaluation indicators, and the evaluation system is constructed. Secondly, various indicator information is unified into a belief structure, and the reliability and the weight of the indicators are fully considered in the ER rule. Thirdly, to simulate the complex working environment of rolling bearings, the perturbation analysis method is adopted. After determining the maximum perturbation error and perturbation coefficient, the performance reliability of the rolling bearing is analysed, and a performance reliability evaluation model considering perturbation is proposed. Finally, based on the whole-life open data set of rolling bearing from the University of Cincinnati, the validity and reliability of the proposed model are verified in performance analysis.
Inhibition of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway participates in the cardiac protection of exercise training in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Li Mengwei , Zhang Limei , Liu Xinyan , Wang Guoqiang , Lu Jian , Guo Jifeng , Wang Hongjie , Xu Jinpeng , Zhang Yi , Li Na , Zhou You
Published: October 2022

Exercise training (ExT) is capable of improving the heart function of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study was aimed to investigate whether inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway contributes to the cardiac protection by low-intensity ExT in SHRs. The results demonstrated that, compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, SHRs obviously exhibited higher blood pressure, increased heart weight index and thickness of left ventricular wall, decreased left ventricular function, damaged myocardial construction, and increased collagen fiber of left ventricle (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein expression levels of RhoA and ROCK in the heart of SHRs were significantly increased, compared with those of WKY rats (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Interestingly, the pathological changes of heart aforementioned were all improved in SHR-ExT rats compared with SHR-Sed rats (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), indicating the cardiac protection of exercise training. In addition, the cardiac protective effect of exercise training could be blocked by LPA, an activator of Rho/ROCK signaling, and the protective effect in SHR rats could be mimicked by Fasudil, an inhibitor of Rho/ROCK signaling. The results strongly suggest that low-intensity ExT can protect heart against structure and function through inhibiting Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in hypertensive rats.
Subalpine woody vegetation in the Eastern Carpathians after release from agropastoral pressure
Authors: Mitka Józef , Kucharzyk Stanisław , Capelo Jorge , Stachurska-Swakoń Alina
Published: October 2022

The subalpine vegetation in the Eastern Carpathians has been under agropastoral influence as a high-mountain open pasture for about five centuries. Today, the subalpine zone released by human intervention is growing as thickets. In this study, we use a numerical model of tree crowns (CHM, Canopy Height Model) based on laser scanning (LiDAR) and a high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) to delineate the subalpine thicket distribution. Anselin ‘Local Moran's I’ statistic was used to find hot and cold spots in vegetation cover. We used a logistic generalized linear model (GLM) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to set for the historical, climatic and terrain conditions candidates as the predictors of the present-day distribution of vegetation hot spots. We use variance partitioning to assess the interaction of climate and terrain variables. The resulting model suggests key environmental controls that underlie the vegetation pattern. Namely, snow in terrain depressions protects woody vegetation against abrasion and winter drought and increased insolation reduces the site humidity in the summer on S-E exposure hampering re-vegetation. In addition, the increasing distance from the treeline declines the rate of secondary succession. In all, the spatial model predicts the 35% coverage by thickets as a theoretical maximum of available climatic-terrain niches. The results suggest that the growth of the subalpine thicket, in the face of growing global temperature, may be restricted due to the limited number of niches available.
Predation impact on threatened spur-thighed tortoises by golden eagles when main prey is scarce
Authors: Gil-Sánchez José M. , Rodríguez-Caro Roberto C. , Moleón Marcos , Martínez-Pastor María C. , León-Ortega Mario , Eguía Sergio , Graciá Eva , Botella Francisco , Sánchez-Zapata José A. , Martínez-Fernández Julia , Esteve-Selma M. A. , Giménez A.
Published: October 2022

A reduction in adult survival in long-living species may compromise population growth rates. The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a long-lived reptile that is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), whose breeding habitats overlap that of tortoises, may predate them by dropping them onto rocks and breaking their carapaces. In SE Spain, the number of golden eagles has increased in the last decades and the abundance of their main prey (i.e., rabbitsOryctolagus cuniculus) has decreased. Our aims were to 1) describe the role of tortoises in golden eagles’ diet, and 2) estimate the predation impact of golden eagles on tortoises in eagles’ territories and in the regional tortoise population. We collected regurgitated pellets and prey remains under eagle nests and roosts, and obtained information on tortoise abundance and population structure and rabbit abundance. We found that tortoises were an alternative prey to rabbits, so that eagles shifted to the former where the latter were scarce. The average predation rate on tortoises was very low at the two studied scales. However, eagles showed a marked selection for adult female tortoises, which led the tortoise sex ratio to be biased towards males in those eagle territories with higher tortoise predation. Whether this may compromise the spur-thighed tortoise long-term population viability locally deserves further attention.
Calling the amino acid sequence of a protein/peptide from the nanospectrum produced by a sub-nanometer diameter pore
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Dong Zhuxin , Timp Gregory
Published: October 2022

The blockade current that develops when a protein translocates across a thin membrane through a sub-nanometer diameter pore informs with extreme sensitivity on the sequence of amino acids that constitute the protein. The current blockade signals measured during the translocation are called a nanospectrum of the protein. Whereas mass spectrometry (MS) is still the dominant technology for protein identification, it suffers limitations. In proteome-wide studies, MS identifies proteins by database search but often fails to provide high protein sequence coverage. It is also not very sensitive requiring about a femtomole for protein identification. Compared with MS, a sub-nanometer diameter pore (i.e. a sub-nanopore) directly reads the amino acids constituting a single protein molecule, but efficient computational tools are still required for processing and interpreting nanospectra. Here, we delineate computational methods for processing sub-nanopore nanospectra and predicting theoretical nanospectra from protein sequences, which are essential for protein identification.
Carbon-coated iron nanopowder as a sintering aid for water-atomized iron powder
Authors: Manchili Swathi K. , Liu F. , Hryha E. , Nyborg L.
Published: October 2022

The paper examines the influence of carbon coating on iron nanopowder used as a sintering aid for water-atomized iron powder. Iron nanopowder without such a coating was used as a reference sintering aid to isolate the influence of the carbon coating. Both nanopowder variants were characterised using XPS and HRTEM. The results showed a core–shell structure for both variants. The iron nanopowder is covered by a 3–4 nm thick iron oxide layer, while the carbon-coated iron nanopowder is encapsulated with several nanometric carbon layers. Thermogravimetry conducted in a pure hydrogen environment shows a multipeak behaviour for the carbon-coated iron nanopowder, while a single peak behaviour is observed for the iron nanopowder. Two types of micro/nanobimodal powders were obtained by mixing the nanopowder with water-atomized iron powder. Improved linear shrinkage was observed during sintering when the carbon-coated iron nanopowder was added. This can be explained by the reduction in surface diffusion in the nanopowder caused by the carbon coating, which allows the nanopowder to sinter at higher temperatures and improves densification. Carbon and oxygen analysis, density measurements, optical microscopy and JMatPro calculations were also performed.
A novel metagenome-derived viral RNA polymerase and its application in a cell-free expression system for metagenome screening
Authors: Han Yuchen , Kinfu Birhanu M. , Blombach Fabian , Cackett Gwenny , Zhang Hongli , Pérez-García Pablo , Krohn Ines , Salomon Jesper , Besirlioglu Volkan , Mirzaeigarakani Tayebeh , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Chow Jennifer , Werner Finn , Streit Wolfgang R.
Published: October 2022

The mining of genomes from non-cultivated microorganisms using metagenomics is a powerful tool to discover novel proteins and other valuable biomolecules. However, function-based metagenome searches are often limited by the time-consuming expression of the active proteins in various heterologous host systems. We here report the initial characterization of novel single-subunit bacteriophage RNA polymerase, EM1 RNAP, identified from a metagenome data set obtained from an elephant dung microbiome. EM1 RNAP and its promoter sequence are distantly related to T7 RNA polymerase. Using EM1 RNAP and a translation-competent Escherichia coli extract, we have developed an efficient medium-throughput pipeline and protocol allowing the expression of metagenome-derived genes and the production of proteins in cell-free system is sufficient for the initial testing of the predicted activities. Here, we have successfully identified and verified 12 enzymes acting on bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) in a completely clone-free approach and proposed an in vitro high-throughput metagenomic screening method.
Association of complement C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan with reduced photoreceptor degeneration beyond areas of geographic atrophy
Authors: Pfau Maximilian , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Ribeiro Ramiro , Safaei Reza , McKeown Alex , Fleckenstein Monika , Holz Frank G.
Published: October 2022

Preservation of photoreceptors beyond areas of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy is a critical treatment goal in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) to prevent vision loss. Thus, we assessed the association of treatment with the complement C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan with optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based photoreceptor laminae thicknesses in this post hoc analysis of the FILLY trial (NCT02503332). Retinal layers in OCT were segmented using a deep-learning-based pipeline and extracted along evenly spaced contour-lines surrounding areas of GA. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in (standardized) outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness at the 5.16°-contour-line at month 12. Participants treated with pegcetacoplan monthly had a thicker ONL along the 5.16° contour-line compared to the pooled sham arm (mean difference [95% CI] + 0.29 z-score units [0.16, 0.42], P < 0.001). The same was evident for eyes treated with pegcetacoplan every other month (+ 0.26 z-score units [0.13, 0.4], P < 0.001). Additionally, eyes treated with pegcetacoplan exhibited a thicker photoreceptor inner segment layer along the 5.16°-contour-line at month 12. These findings suggest that pegcetacoplan could slow GA progression and lead to reduced thinning of photoreceptor layers beyond the GA boundary. Future trials in earlier disease stages, i.e., intermediate AMD, aiming to slow photoreceptor degeneration warrant consideration.
Descriptive Analysis of Mobile Apps for Management of COVID-19 in Spain and Development of an Innovate App in that field
Authors: Herrera Montano Isabel , Pérez Pacho Javier , Gracia Villar Santos , Aparicio Obregón Silvia , Breñosa Martinez Jose Manuel , de la Torre Díez Isabel
Published: October 2022

To address the current pandemic, multiple studies have focused on the development of new mHealth apps to help in curbing the number of infections, these applications aim to accelerate the identification and self-isolation of people exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus known to cause COVID-19, by being in close contact with infected individuals. The main objectives of this paper are: (1) Analyze the current status of COVID-19 apps available on the main virtual stores: Google Play Store and App Store for Spain, and (2) Propose a novel mobile application that allows interaction and doctor-patient follow-up without the need for real-time consultations (face-to-face or telephone). In this research, a search for eHealth and telemedicine apps related to Covid-19 was performed in the main
online stores: Google Play Store and App Store, until May 2021. Keywords were entered into the search engines of the online stores and relevant apps were selected for study using a PRISMA methodology. For the design and implementation of the proposed app named COVINFO, the main weaknesses of the apps studied were taken into account in order to propose a novel and useful app for healthcare systems. The search yielded a total of 50 apps, of which 24 were relevant to this study, of which 23 are free and 54% are available for Android and iOS operating systems (OS). The proposed app has been developed for mobile devices with Android OS being compatible with Android 4.4 and higher. This app enables doctor-patient interaction and constant monitoring of the patient's progress without the need for calls, chats or face-to-face consultation in real time. This work addresses design and development of an application for the transmission of the user's symptoms to his regular doctor, based on the fact that only 16.6% of existing applications have this functionality. The COVINFO app offers a novel service: asynchronous doctor-patient communication, as well as constant monitoring of the patient’s condition and evolution. This app makes it possible to better manage the time of healthcare personnel and avoid overcrowding in hospitals, with the aim of preventing the collapse of healthcare systems and the spread of the coronavirus.
Impacts of orthophosphate–polyphosphate blends on the dissolution and transformation of lead (II) carbonate
Authors: Locsin Javier A. , Trueman Benjamin F. , Doré Evelyne , Bleasdale-Pollowy Aaron , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: October 2022

Orthophosphate–polyphosphate blends are commonly used to control lead release into drinking water, but little is known about how they interact with lead corrosion scale. Conventional corrosion control practice assumes that orthophosphate controls lead release by forming insoluble Pb-phosphate minerals, but this does not always occur, and under certain conditions, phosphate blends may increase lead release. Here, we used continuously-stirred tank reactors to compare orthophosphate–polyphosphate blends with orthophosphate on the basis of lead (II) carbonate dissolution and transformation at environmentally relevant phosphate concentrations. Three model polyphosphates—tripoly-, trimeta- and hexametaphosphate—were used. Hexametaphosphate was the strongest complexing agent (1.60–2.10 molPb/molPolyphosphate), followed by tripolyphosphate and trimetaphosphate (1.00 and 0.07 molPb/molPolyphosphate, respectively. At equivalent orthophosphate and polyphosphate concentrations (as P), orthophosphate-trimetaphosphate had minimal impact on lead release, while orthophosphate-tripolyphosphate increased dissolved lead. Orthophosphate-hexametaphosphate also increased dissolved lead, but only over a 24-h stagnation. Both orthophosphate-tripolyphosphate and orthophosphate-hexametaphosphate increased colloidal lead after 24-h. Increasing the concentrations of hexameta- and tripoly-phosphate increased dissolved lead release, while all three polyphosphates inhibited the formation of hydroxypyromorphite and reduced the phosphorus content of the resulting lead solids. We attributed the impacts of orthophosphate–polyphosphates to a combination of complexation, adsorption, colloidal dispersion, polyphosphate hydrolysis, and lead mineral precipitation.
Face mask use as a categorical dimension in social perception
Authors: Castelli Luigi , Tumino Matilde , Carraro Luciana
Published: October 2022

Prevention measures aimed at combating COVID-19 pandemic strongly impact several aspects of social life. In particular, interpersonal perception is affected as a function of whether the persons perceived wear or not face masks. In two experimental studies, we here explored whether people rely on the presence vs. absence of face masks when encoding information in memory about other individuals. In a memory confusion paradigm, participants were initially presented with individuals either wearing a face mask or not, each conveying a series of sentences. Next, participants were probed about the identity of the speaker of each sentence. Results showed that it was more likely to erroneously attribute a sentence to a speaker who also was wearing a face mask (or not) as the original speaker, demonstrating that the cue about wearing or not a face mask was spontaneously used to encode information. Study 2 ruled out an alternative explanation based on perceptual processes, suggesting that face masks represent meaningful social objects. Overall, it emerged that participants spontaneously categorize others as a function of whether they wear a mask or not. Findings also confirmed previous research evidence about the more positive evaluation of mask wearers as compared to non-wearers, and the overall detrimental impact that face masks may have on the correct identification of social targets.
Glial cell reactivity and oxidative stress prevention in Alzheimer’s disease mice model by an optimized NMDA receptor antagonist
Authors: Companys-Alemany Júlia , Turcu Andreea L. , Vázquez Santiago , Pallàs Mercè , Griñán-Ferré Christian
Published: October 2022

In Alzheimer's disease pathology, several neuronal processes are dysregulated by excitotoxicity including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS). New therapeutic agents capable of modulating such processes are needed to foster neuroprotection. Here, the effect of an optimised NMDA receptor antagonist, UB-ALT-EV and memantine, as a gold standard, have been evaluated in 5XFAD mice. Following treatment with UB-ALT-EV, nor memantine, changes in the calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway were detected. UB-ALT-EV increased neurotropic factors (Bdnf,VgfandNgf) gene expression. Treatments reduced astrocytic and microglial reactivity as revealed by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) quantification. Interestingly, only UB-ALT-EV was able to reduce gene expression ofTrem2, a marker of microglial activation and NF-κB. Pro-inflammatory cytokinesIl-1β,Ifn-γ, Ccl2andCcl3were down-regulated in UB-ALT-EV-treated mice but not in memantine-treated mice. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory markers of the M2-migroglial phenotype,chitinase-like 3(Ym1) andArginase-1(Arg1),were up-regulated after treatment with UB-ALT-EV. SinceiNOSgene expression decreased after UB-ALT-EV treatment, a qPCR array containing 84 OS-related genes was performed. We found changes inIl-19,Il-22,Gpx6,Ncf1,Aox1andVimgene expression after UB-ALT-EV. Hence, our results reveal a robust effect on neuroinflammation and OS processes after UB-ALT-EV treatment, surpassing the memantine effect in 5XFAD.
Tuning the lattice parameters and porosity of 2D imine covalent organic frameworks by chemically integrating 4-aminobenzaldehyde as a bifunctional linker
Authors: Sun Qing , Niu Hongyun , Shi Yali , Yang Yongliang , Cai Yaqi
Published: October 2022

4-Aminobenzaldehyde can be used as a linker to construct a series of new COFs and can also tune the lattice parameters, crystallinity, and porosity of these COFs.
Shear adhesive strength between epoxy resin and copper surfaces: a density functional theory study
Authors: Sumiya Yosuke , Tsuji Yuta , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: October 2022

Shear adhesive strengths of epoxy resin for copper and copper oxide surfaces are estimated based on quantum chemical calculations. Shear adhesion has periodicity, and its origin is revealed.
Facile preparation of a MXene–graphene oxide membrane and its voltage-gated ion transport behavior
Authors: Ouyang Huifang , Hong Xufeng , Zhou Zhiyuan , Xu Peng , Tang Hui , Ma Zeyu , Wang Zhuqing , Liao Xiaoqiao , He Liang
Published: October 2022

A layered MXene–GO membrane was prepared by facile vacuum filtration, and its change law of interface-specific adsorption is revealed. The ion transport rate of MXene–GO membrane decreases gradually with the increase in gate voltage.
Is Pbam-32 thermodynamically stable compared with diamond and graphite under variable pressure and temperature conditions?
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Chang Yuan , Liu Hongsheng , Li Mengke , Gao Junfeng
Published: October 2022

The carbon allotrope Pbam-32, whose thermodynamic property including entropy and enthalpy changes is clarified, is absent in the carbon phase diagram over a wide range of temperature and pressure, therefore needs kinetic control in its production.
Quadrangular cone carbon-constructed effective 3D network for a lightweight and broadband microwave absorbent
Authors: Fu Hui , Ding Chunyan , Wu Songsong , Shao Chengshuai , Hu Xinsen , Gu Hao , Ren Xiaozhen , Xia Long , Wen Guangwu , Huang Xiaoxiao
Published: October 2022

Quadrangular cone carbon-constructed 3D network shows an excellent broadband performance of 6.7 GHz at an ultra-low filler loading of only 1.04 wt%.
Dietary supplementation of l-carnitine ameliorates metabolic syndrome independent of trimethylamine N-oxide produced by gut microbes in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Gao Xiang , Sun Chengyuan , Zhang Yuling , Hu Shiwei , Li Duo
Published: October 2022

l-carnitine ameliorates the major components of metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet-induced obese mice partially through attenuating gut microbiota dysbiosis and independent of the intestinal microbial production of TMAO.
Antioxidant silicone oils from natural antioxidants
Authors: Brook Michael A. , Yepremyan Akop , Lu Guanhua , Melendez-Zamudio Miguel , Hrabowyj Daniel J. , Gale Cody B.
Published: October 2022

Natural antioxidants, such as vitamin E and eugenol, once grafted to silicone oils maintain their antioxidant activity and dilute the quantity of silicone needed for a given application.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials
Authors: Carter Simon , Clough Robert , Fisher Andy , Gibson Bridget , Russell Ben
Published: October 2022

This review covers advances in the analysis of advanced materials, metals, fuels and lubricants, nanostructures, ceramics, refractories, organic and inorganic chemicals, catalysts and nuclear materials by a range of techniques including X-ray, ICP, LIBS, mass spectrometry, synchrotron-based techniques, plus non-destructive and ablation surface techniques.
Phosphate ion removal from aqueous solution using snail shell dust: biosorption potential of waste shells of edible snails
Authors: Paul Pranesh , Parbat Suprio , Aditya Gautam
Published: October 2022

The waste shells of Filopaludina bengalensis and Pila globosa can be used as an eco-friendly and low-cost biosorbent for phosphate removal from eutrophicated water or industrial wastewater.
Water characterization and structural attribution of different colored opals
Authors: Li Niu , Guo Qingfeng , Wang Qianqian , Liao Libing
Published: October 2022

The structure type and water content of opal will affect its stability and value.
Adsorption of Mn(ii) ions from wastewater using an AgNPs/GO/chitosan nanocomposite material
Authors: El Shahawy Abeer , Mubarak Mahmoud F. , El Shafie Merna , Abdulla Hesham M.
Published: October 2022

Water contaminated with heavy metal ions is extremely poisonous and threatens living organisms. Therefore, scientists place a premium on removing heavy metal ions from water that has already been contaminated. Process for the production of chitosan from crustacean shell waste
Combined aza-Michael and radical photopolymerization reactions for enhanced mechanical properties of 3D printed shape memory polymers
Authors: Halbardier Lucile , Goldbach Emile , Croutxé-Barghorn Céline , Schuller Anne-Sophie , Allonas Xavier
Published: October 2022

A shape memory polymer formed from combined aza-Michael addition and radical photopolymerization.
Wearable, fast-healing, and self-adhesive multifunctional photoactive hydrogel for strain and temperature sensing
Authors: Zhu He , Xu Jing , Sun Xin , Guo Qikai , Guo Qinglei , Jiang Mingshun , Wu Kejun , Cai Rong , Qian Kai
Published: October 2022

A wearable, fast-healing, and self-adhesive hydrogel is prepared to realize the monitoring of full-range human motion and give an impressive thermal response in human body temperature detection for health information collection, as well as tunable photothermal property.
Combining two-photon photoemission and transient absorption spectroscopy to resolve hot carrier cooling in 2D perovskite single crystals: the effect of surface layer
Authors: Lin Weihua , Liang Mingli , Niu Yuran , Chen Zhesheng , Cherasse Marie , Meng Jie , Zou Xianshao , Zhao Qian , Geng Huifang , Papalazarou Evangelos , Marsi Marino , Perfetti Luca , Canton Sophie E. , Zheng Kaibo , Pullerits Tönu
Published: October 2022

We investigate HC cooling in two-dimensional perovskite single-crystals by applying two complementary ultrafast techniques and observe spatial sensitivity of cooling.
Human‐centric multimodal deep (HMD) traffic signal control
Authors: Wang Leizhen , Ma Zhenliang , Dong Changyin , Wang Hao
Published: October 2022

Reinforcement learning (RL)‐based models have been widely studied for traffic signal control with objectives, such as minimizing vehicle delay and queue length, maximizing vehicle throughput, and improving road safety, through tailored reward designs. Despite the advancements in RL‐based signal control models for car traffic, limited research focused on multimodal traffic (e.g. car, bus, pedestrian). The simplified environment of unimodal traffic restrains these models from applications in real‐world cases. In this paper, the authors propose an RL‐based human‐centric multimodal deep (HMD) traffic signal control method to coordinate multimodal traffic at an intersection, with the objective of minimizing the waiting time per capita for multiple traffic modes by taking consideration of the mode capacity to ensure social equity. The method is validated in the simulation of urban mobility (SUMO) simulation environment using real traffic data. The results show the superior performance of HMD over vehicle‐centric (VC) RL‐based methods and traditional signal control schemes. HMD reduces the waiting time per capita by up to 19.2% and 6.3% compared with the fixed timing and VC RL‐based methods. In addition, the experiment results show that the HMD method assigns a higher priority to public transport over low‐occupancy travel modes in passing through intersections compared with unimodal traffic signal control strategies.
Catalogue of solar-like oscillators observed by TESS in 120-s and 20-s cadence
Authors: Hatt Emily , Nielsen Martin B. , Chaplin William J. , Ball Warrick H. , Davies Guy R. , Bedding Timothy R. , Buzasi Derek L. , Chontos Ashley , Huber Daniel , Kayhan Cenk , Li Yaguang , White Timothy R. , Cheng Chen , Metcalfe Travis S. , Stello Dennis
Published: October 2022

Context. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has provided photometric light curves for stars across nearly the entire sky. This allows for the application of asteroseismology to a pool of potential solar-like oscillators that is unprecedented in size.

Aims. We aim to produce a catalogue of solar-like oscillators observed by TESS in the 120-s and 20-s cadence modes. The catalogue is intended to highlight stars oscillating at frequencies above the TESS 30-min cadence Nyquist frequency with the purpose of encompassing the main-sequence and subgiant evolutionary phases. We aim to provide estimates for the global asteroseismic parameters vmax and ∆v.

Methods. We applied a new probabilistic detection algorithm to the 120-s and 20-s light curves of over 250 000 stars. This algorithm flags targets that show characteristic signatures of solar-like oscillations. We manually vetted the resulting list of targets to confirm the presence of solar-like oscillations. Using the probability densities computed by the algorithm, we measured the global asteroseismic parameters vmax and ∆v.

Results. We produce a catalogue of 4177 solar-like oscillators, reporting ∆v and vmax for 98% of the total star count. The asteroseismic data reveal a vast coverage of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, populating the red giant branch, the subgiant regime, and extending towards the main sequence.

Conclusions. A crossmatch with external catalogues shows that 25 of the detected solar-like oscillators are a component of a spectroscopic binary, and 28 are confirmed planet host stars. These results provide the potential for precise, independent asteroseismic constraints on these and any additional TESS targets of interest.
Variations in composition and structure occurring in multicomponent alloy targets during their service term
Authors: Shaginyan Leonid R. , Mironov Mikhail I. , Firstov Sergey A. , Krapivka Nicolay A. , Kremenitsky Valery V. , Novichenko Viktor N.
Published: October 2022

The composition and microstructure of the targets used in the magnetron sputtering (MP) method may change during its operation, especially if the target is a multicomponent alloy. Therefore, the information on the composition and microstructure of the sputtered region of the target, namely, the groove, which forms on the target over time, makes it possible to predict changes in the properties of the film. The targets for our experiments were fabricated from CoCrCuFeNi, CoCrCuFeMnNi and AlCoCrCuFeNiV high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical microanalysis were utilized to study the structure and composition of the grooves on the targets at the beginning and at the end of the targets service life. The results of the investigations allowed to derive the following conclusions: (1) signs of melting found on the surface of the grooves indicate to high temperatures arising on the targets during their sputtering; (2) a new type of preferential sputtering effect has been established, the main condition of which is the presence in the target composition of inclusions of a component whose sputtering coefficient is noticeably higher than that of the others; (3) the formation of a specific microrelief on the target surface is a consequence of the combined action of two factors: high temperature and sputtering.
Sarcopenia does not limit overall survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing interstitial brachytherapy
Authors: Thormann Maximilian , Heitmann Franziska , Wrobel Vanessa , Barajas Ordonez Felix , Pech Maciej , Surov Alexey , Damm Robert , Omari Jazan
Published: October 2022

Purpose Several studies report an association of sarcopenia with survival in oncologic patients. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of sarcopenia on overall survival (OS) in patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing interstitial brachytherapy (iBT)

Methods We identified 144 patients with colorectal liver metastases from our database from 2014–2017. Computed tomography (CT) chest scans at the L3 level were retrospectively analyzed. Psoas muscle area (PMA), psoas muscle index (PMI), and skeletal muscle gauge (SMG) were measured on the CT scan before treatment. Parameters were associated with overall survival.

Results 116 patients were included. Median overall survival was 27 months. Median PMA was 13.79 cm2, median PMI 4.51 cm2/m2. Neither PMA (HR 1.036, 95 % CI 0.996–1.078, p = 0.080), PMI (HR 1.068, 95 % CI 0.922–1.238, p = 0.382), nor SMG (HR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.998–1.003, p = 0.955) were significantly associated with overall survival.

Conclusion Sarcopenic patients undergoing iBT for colorectal liver metastases did not show decreased overall survival. If confirmed by comparative studies, sarcopenia may serve as a biomarker for treatment decision in patients with CRLM.

Key points: Sarcopenia is not a risk factor for survival in patients with CLRM undergoing iBT.

Citation Format
The impact of basic public services on residents’ consumption in China
Authors: Xiong Xing , Yu Xinghou , Wang Yuxin
Published: October 2022

China has the largest market potential in the world, but the resident consumption rate is relatively low. Releasing China’s consumption potential will contribute to the sustainable growth of China’s economy and the global economic recovery. Based on the supply of basic public services, this study analyzes the income and substitution effects of basic public services on residents’ consumption, with a view to finding channels and measures to stimulate residents’ consumption from the public sector. We first used the TOPSIS method of entropy weight to evaluate the public service level of 31 provinces in China, and then built a regression model to analyze the impact of public services on residents’ consumption, urban residents’ consumption, rural residents’ consumption, and the consumption gap between urban and rural residents. The study found that the improvement of public services has a significant positive effect on consumption, while public services also have a positive effect on narrowing the consumption gap between urban and rural residents, but the impact on urban and rural residents is different, and the positive effect on urban residents’ consumption is higher than that of rural residents. Based on the research results, this paper puts forward policy implications. On the one hand, we should increase the expenditure on basic public services, and on the other hand, we should optimize the layout of basic public services between urban and rural areas.
A whole high-accuracy numerical calculation system for the 1D Poisson equation by the interpolation finite difference method
Authors: Fukuchi Tsugio
Published: October 2022

The interpolation finite difference method (IFDM) allows free numerical analysis of elliptic partial differential equations over arbitrary domains. Conventionally, in the finite difference method (FDM), the calculation is performed using the second-order accuracy central difference. For engineering problems, second-order accuracy calculations are often sufficient. On the other hand, much research has been carried out to improve the accuracy of numerical calculations. Although there is much research in the FDM field, the development of numerical calculations by the spectral method is decisive in improving the calculation accuracy. Numerical calculations are usually performed by double precision calculations. If double precision calculations ensure 15 significant digits in floating point computing, such numerical calculations will be the ultimate goal to reach. A numerical calculation that does not seem to have an error even though it originally has an error is defined as a virtual error-zero (VE0) calculation. In this paper, we will examine an overall picture of high-accuracy numerical calculation by the IFDM in the numerical calculation of the 1D Poisson equation. It becomes clear that a VE0 calculation is always possible in the numerical calculation method, defined as the compact interpolation finite difference scheme [(m)].
Numerical simulation of impact-induced mechanical behavior of the PTFE/Al/W reactive materials
Authors: Xu Fengyue , Kang Jun , Wang Haifu
Published: October 2022

Two-dimensional simulation models are established to investigate the impact-induced mechanical behavior of the PTFE/Al/W reactive materials. Random distribution of the metal particles and mesh generation of the specimen are obtained by using ANSYS parametric design language. Moreover, based on the experimental results of the Hopkinson bar, the loading curve in the simulation is simplified. Influences of the tungsten particle size, the particle distribution, and the loading strain rate on the mechanical behavior are analyzed by ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The results show that local severe deformation of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix is generally caused by extrusion and slippage of the metal particles. The generation, growth, and interaction of the cracks are then induced gradually. Finally, many macrocracks form and the specimen dramatically fractures. Results also show that the local deformation of the PTFE matrix, deformation outline, and crack distribution are significantly influenced by the tungsten particle sizes and the particle distribution. In addition, with a decrease in the loading strain rate, the time for initial crack generation gradually delays and the deformation severity of the PTFE matrix shows a decrement.
Near-unity efficiency and photon indistinguishability for the “hourglass” single-photon source using suppression of the background emission
Authors: Gaál Benedek , Jacobsen Martin Arentoft , Vannucci Luca , Claudon Julien , Gérard Jean-Michel , Gregersen Niels
Published: October 2022

An on-going challenge within scalable optical quantum information processing is to increase the collection efficiency ε and the photon indistinguishability η of the single-photon source toward unity. Within quantum dot-based sources, the prospect of increasing the product εη arbitrarily close to unity was recently questioned. In this work, we discuss the influence of the trade-off between efficiency and indistinguishability in the presence of phonon-induced decoherence, and we show that the photonic “hourglass” design allows for improving εη beyond the predicted maximum for the standard micropillar design subject to this trade-off. This circumvention of the trade-off is possible thanks to control of the spontaneous emission into background radiation modes, and our work highlights the importance of engineering of the background emission in future pursuits of near-unity performance of quantum dot single-photon sources.