bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the liquid gliding on vibrating solid liquid interfaces with dynamic nanoslip enactment
Authors: Payam Amir Farokh , Kim Bogyoung , Lee Doojin , Bhalla Nikhil
Published: November 2022

Slip length describes the classical no-slip boundary condition violation of Newtonian fluid mechanics, where fluids glide on the solid surfaces. Here, we propose a new analytical model validated by experiments for characterization of the liquid slip using vibrating solid surfaces. Essentially, we use a microfluidic system integrated with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to investigate the relationship between the slip and the mechanical response of a vibrating solid for a moving fluid. We discover a liquid slip that emerges especially at high flow rates, which is independent of the surface wetting condition, having significant contributions to the changes in resonant frequency of the vibrating solid and energy dissipation on its surface. Overall, our work will lead to consideration of ‘missing slip’ in the vibrating solid-liquid systems such as the QCM-based biosensing where traditionally frequency changes are interpreted exclusively with mass change on the sensor surface, irrespective of the flow conditions.
Graphene e-tattoos for unobstructive ambulatory electrodermal activity sensing on the palm enabled by heterogeneous serpentine ribbons
Authors: Jang Hongwoo , Sel Kaan , Kim Eunbin , Kim Sangjun , Yang Xiangxing , Kang Seungmin , Ha Kyoung-Ho , Wang Rebecca , Rao Yifan , Jafari Roozbeh , Lu Nanshu
Published: November 2022

Electrodermal activity (EDA) is a popular index of mental stress. State-of-the-art EDA sensors suffer from obstructiveness on the palm or low signal fidelity off the palm. Our previous invention of sub-micron-thin imperceptible graphene e-tattoos (GET) is ideal for unobstructive EDA sensing on the palm. However, robust electrical connection between ultrathin devices and rigid circuit boards is a long missing component for ambulatory use. To minimize the well-known strain concentration at their interfaces, we propose heterogeneous serpentine ribbons (HSPR), which refer to a GET serpentine partially overlapping with a gold serpentine without added adhesive. A fifty-fold strain reduction in HSPR vs. heterogeneous straight ribbons (HSTR) has been discovered and understood. The combination of HSPR and a soft interlayer between the GET and an EDA wristband enabled ambulatory EDA monitoring on the palm in free-living conditions. A newly developed EDA event selection policy leveraging unbiased selection of phasic events validated our GET EDA sensor against gold standards.
Surface tension of nanoparticle dispersions unravelled by size-dependent non-occupied sites free energy versus adsorption kinetics
Authors: Machrafi Hatim
Published: November 2022

The surface tension of dispersions presents many types of behaviours. Although some models, based on classical surface thermodynamics, allow partial interpretation, fundamental understanding is still lacking. This work develops a single analytical physics-based formulation experimentally validated for the surface tension of various pure nanoparticle dispersions, explaining the underlying mechanisms. Against common belief, surface tension increase of dispersions appears not to occur at low but rather at intermediate surface coverage, owed by the relatively large size of nanoparticles with respect to the fluid molecules. Surprisingly, the closed-form model shows that the main responsible mechanism for the various surface tension behaviours is not the surface chemical potential of adsorbed nanoparticles, but rather that of non-occupied sites, triggered and delicately controlled by the nanoparticles ‘at a distance’, introducing the concept of the ‘non-occupancy’ effect. The model finally invites reconsidering surface thermodynamics of dispersions and provides for criteria that allow in a succinct manner to quantitatively classify the various surface tension behaviours.
Spatial mapping of the total transcriptome by in situ polyadenylation
Authors: McKellar David W. , Mantri Madhav , Hinchman Meleana M. , Parker John S. L. , Sethupathy Praveen , Cosgrove Benjamin D. , De Vlaminck Iwijn
Published: November 2022

Spatial transcriptomics reveals the spatial context of gene expression, but current methods are limited to assaying polyadenylated (A-tailed) RNA transcripts. Here we demonstrate that enzymatic in situ polyadenylation of RNA enables detection of the full spectrum of RNAs, expanding the scope of sequencing-based spatial transcriptomics to the total transcriptome. We demonstrate that our spatial total RNA-sequencing (STRS) approach captures coding RNAs, noncoding RNAs and viral RNAs. We apply STRS to study skeletal muscle regeneration and viral-induced myocarditis. Our analyses reveal the spatial patterns of noncoding RNA expression with near-cellular resolution, identify spatially defined expression of noncoding transcripts in skeletal muscle regeneration and highlight host transcriptional responses associated with local viral RNA abundance. STRS requires adding only one step to the widely used Visium spatial total RNA-sequencing protocol from 10x Genomics, and thus could be easily adopted to enable new insights into spatial gene regulation and biology.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus)
Authors: Zhang Yawen , Zhang Bo , Zhang Ying , Nie Ruixue , Zhang Jian , Shang Peng , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2022

Bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) are adaptable to plateau environments. In this study, we sequenced and assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the bar-headed goose using PacBio long reads and Hi-C technique, and generated 115.73 Gb of Illumina short-reads and 95.89 Gb of PacBio long-reads. The assembled bar-headed goose genome, with a contig N50 of 5.734 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 65.77 Mb, is 1.129 Gb in length and includes 33 chromosomes and 451 fragments. BUSCO assessment yielded a completeness score of 94.4%. In total, 15,376 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 94.95% had homologs in protein databases. We identified 78 positively selected genes (PSGs) in the bar-headed goose genome, which were mainly enriched in calcium ion and ATP-binding. This bar-headed goose genome will be an important resource for increasing our understanding regarding the genetic basis of adaptation to life at a high altitude.
Association of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and frailty in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Roh Eun , Hwang Soon Young , Song Eyun , Park Min Jeong , Yoo Hye Jin , Baik Sei Hyun , Kim Miji , Won Chang Won , Choi Kyung Mook
Published: November 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an exercise-induced neurotrophin, is an important factor in memory consolidation and cognitive function. This study evaluates the association between plasma BDNF levels and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Plasma BDNF levels were analyzed in a total of 302 individuals aged 70–84 years from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. There were 30 (9.9%) participants with frailty. They were older and had a higher prevalence of dementia and depression than those without frailty. There were no differences in the proportion of male sex between the frail and non-frail groups. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower in participants with frailty than in those without frailty. The presence of frailty was significantly associated with plasma BDNF levels (odds ratio 0.508, 95% confidence interval 0.304–0.849) as well as age, hemoglobin, and the presence of dementia, and depression. After adjustment for confounding factors, the significant association between plasma BDNF and frailty was maintained (0.495, 0.281–0.874). This association remained consistent after exclusion of individuals with dementia, depression, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly associated with frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Our study may suggest the possible role of BDNF as a novel biomarker of frailty.
Principle of relationship between seepage movement and action
Authors: Diao Zhiwang , Wang Changyi , He Keqiang , Guo Lu
Published: November 2022

The seepage is completed under the control of the action. There is a definite relationship between the seepage and its controlling factors. The recharge flow, seepage flow and water level change are unified. In this paper, the exact and complete relationship among seepage flow, recharge flow and water level change is discussed in detail through field observation and repeated tests, and a new equation for clarifying seepage flow law and water level change law is established, it provides more accurate, more convenient and more reliable theoretical basis for solving the problem of seepage flow. At the same time, through the study of seepage movement law, it is found that the method of parameter introduction has some disadvantages, and then a new method is established to study the law of seepage movement.
Event- and biostratigraphic evidence for two independent Ries and Steinheim asteroid impacts in the Middle Miocene
Authors: Buchner Elmar , Sach Volker J. , Schmieder Martin
Published: November 2022

For decades, the Nördlinger Ries and Steinheim Basin in southern Germany have been regarded as a textbook example of a terrestrial impact crater doublet, although the oldest crater lake deposits in both craters suggest a biostratigraphic age difference of ~ 0.5 to 1 Myr. We previously presented stratigraphic arguments that challenged the double impact scenario and favoured a model of two temporally independent impact events in the Mid-Miocene. We here present, for the first time, four localities within a distance of ~ 50–100 km from the Ries and ~ 50–70 km from the Steinheim crater that expose two independent seismite horizons, together unique within the Upper Freshwater Molasse of the North Alpine Foreland Basin, each one featuring impressive water escape structures. The seismite horizons are separated by ~ 10 to 15 m of undisturbed Molasse deposits and, biostratigraphically, by an entire European Land Mammal Zone, thus providing evidence for two independent major seismic events within a time span of ~ 0.5–1 Myr. Both the lower and the upper seismite horizons can be correlated litho- and biostratigraphically with the basal crater lake sediments at the Ries and Steinheim craters, respectively, deposited immediately after the impacts. From a biostratigraphic point of view, the impact event that formed the Steinheim Basin probably occured around 14 Ma, some 0.8 Myr after the ~ 14.81 Ma Ries impact event.
Heroin detection in a droplet hosted in a 3D printed support at the miniaturized electrified liquid-liquid interface
Authors: Borgul Paulina , Sobczak Karolina , Sipa Karolina , Rudnicki Konrad , Skrzypek Slawomira , Trynda Anna , Poltorak Lukasz
Published: November 2022

Simple sensing protocols for the detection of illicit drugs are needed. Electrochemical sensing is especially attractive in this respect, as its cost together with the analytical accuracy aspires to replace still frequently used colorimetric tests. In this work, we have shown that the interfacial transfer of protonated heroin can be followed at the electrified water-1,2-dichloroethane interface. We have comprehensively studied the interfacial behavior of heroin alone and in the presence of its major and abundant cutting agents, caffeine and paracetamol. To maximally increase developed sensing protocol applicability we have designed and 3D printed a platform requiring only a few microliters of the aqueous and the organic phase. The proposed sensing platform was equipped with a cavity hosting a short section of Ag/AgCl electrode, up to 20 µL of the aqueous phase and the end of the micropipette tip being used as a casing of a fused silica capillary having 25 µm as the internal pore diameter. The volume of the organic phase was equal to around 5 µL and was present inside the micropipette tip. We have shown that under optimized conditions heroin can be detected in the presence of caffeine and paracetamol existing in a sample with 10,000 times excess over the analyte of interest. The calculated limit of detection equal to 1.3 µM, linear dynamic range spanning to at least 50 µM, good reproducibility, and very low volume of needed sample is fully in line with forensic demands.
A sensitive and rapid determination of zinc ion (Zn2+) using electrochemical sensor based on f-MWCNTs/CS/PB/AuE in drinking water
Authors: Ringgit Gilbert , Siddiquee Shafiquzzaman , Saallah Suryani , Mohamad Lal Mohammad Tamrin
Published: November 2022

An electrochemical method for detecting the presence of zinc (Zn2+) ions in drinking water was developed using functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and chitosan (CS). Numerous cylinder-shaped graphene molecules make up f-MWCNTs, which have a high mechanical and electrical conductivity. CS benefits from nanomaterials include biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, which are excellent in capacity absorption of metal ions. Dangerous levels of metal ions such as zinc are currently present in drinking water as a result of human and natural activity. Zinc toxicity is associated with a variety of disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, diabetes, and cancer. This study incorporated f-MWCNTs and CS with Prussian blue (PB) immobilised on a gold electrode (AuE). Several parameters, including as buffers, pH, scan rate, redox indicator, accumulation time, and volume, were optimised using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. According to the CV method, the optimal parameters were phosphate buffered saline (0.1 M, pH 2), 5 mM Prussian blue, 200 mVs-1 scan rate, and 5 s accumulation time. Under ideal circumstances, the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method was used to determine the Zn2+ ions concentration range of 0.2–7.0 ppm. The limit of detection (LOD) was 2.60 × 10–7 mol L-1 with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9777. The recovery rate of the developed sensor (f-MWCNTs/CS/PB/AuE) ranged from 95.78 to 98.96%. The developed sensor showed a variety of advantages for detecting Zn2+ in drinking water, including a quick setup process, quick detection, high sensitivity, and mobility. This study developed the essential sensor for monitoring Zn2+ levels in drinking water in the future.
Physical performance and maximum tongue pressure associated with oral intake independence: a retrospective study on hospitalized patients with heart failure
Authors: Yokota Junichi , Takahashi Ren , Endo Ryunosuke , Chiba Takaaki , Sasaki Kosuke , Matsushima Keisuke
Published: November 2022

Dysphagia in patients with heart failure leads to poorer outcomes during hospitalization and after discharge. Therefore, addressing dysphagia is critical for improving patient prognosis. This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate associations between improvements in swallowing dysfunction at the time of hospital discharge and the physical function, cognitive function, nutritional status, and maximum tongue pressure (MTP). Overall, 111 patients who underwent cardiac rehabilitation and were deemed to have oral intake impairment were included. The exclusion criteria comprised the following: pre-admission diagnosis of dysphagia, in-hospital death, and missing data. Patients were categorized based on whether they did (n = 65) or did not (n = 46) exhibit improvements in oral intake impairment, which were determined from the functional oral intake scale (FOIS) score at discharge. Associations between potential explanatory variables and the FOIS score at discharge were assessed using a linear regression model. After adjusting for covariates, such as age, sex, heart failure severity, short physical performance battery score, Mini-Mental State Examination score, transthyretin level, and provision of swallowing therapy, the FOIS score at discharge was significantly associated with the MTP (P = 0.024, confidence interval: 0.006–0.046). In conclusion, the MTP was independently associated with improvements in FOIS in patients with heart failure.
Quality of life and associated factors among family caregivers of individuals with psychiatric illness at DRH, South Wollo, Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Gelaye Habtam , Andualem Atsedemariam
Published: November 2022

Mental illness results in an enormous social and economic burden not only on patients, but also on their families and communities. Many caregivers of patients with mental illnesses suffer from an extremely poor quality of life. In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 71% caregivers suffer from economic burden of severe mental illness. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted on quality of life of caregivers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of life of family caregivers of patients with mental illness at Dessie Referral Hospital. The institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 caregivers selected using a consecutive sampling technique. The World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF was used to assess the quality of life. Logistic regression was performed and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. 189 (47.5%) of family caregivers had poor quality of life. Being divorced, unable to read and write, primary education, being spouse, sibling and children of the patient, poor social support and high perceived stigma were significantly associated with the outcome variable. Because the magnitude of poor quality of life among family caregivers was high, family intervention programs are highly recommended to improve quality of life among caregivers.
Identifying high-risk population of depression: association between metabolic syndrome and depression using a health checkup and claims database
Authors: Imaizumi Takahiro , Toda Takuya , Maekawa Michitaka , Sakurai Daisuke , Hagiwara Yuta , Yoshida Yasuko , Ando Masahiko , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: November 2022

Depression and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are correlated, leading to an increased healthcare burden and decreased productivity. We aimed to investigate the association between MetS-related factors and depression using a health checkup and claims database. Individuals aged 18–75 years who underwent health examinations between 2014 and 2019 were enrolled in the study. Among 76,277 participants, “ever” and “incident” antidepressant users exhibited worse metabolic profiles and were more likely to be prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics than “never” users. In a nested case–control study with a 1:10 ratio of incident users to controls, MetS was associated with incident antidepressant use (odds ratio, 1.53 [95% confidence interval 1.24–1.88]) adjusted for lifestyle information obtained from a self-administered questionnaire, medical history, and medications. Other metabolic traits also showed significant associations: body mass index (1.04 [1.02–1.06]), abdominal circumference per 10 cm (1.17 [1.08–1.27]), high blood pressure (1.17 [1.00–1.37]), glucose intolerance (1.29 [1.05–1.58]), and dyslipidemia (1.27 [1.08–1.51]). A bodyweight increase > 10 kg from age 20 years (1.46 [1.25–1.70]) was also significantly associated with incident antidepressant use. In conclusion, metabolic abnormalities were associated with incident antidepressant use and can be useful in identifying populations at high risk of depression.
Pseudokinase NRP1 facilitates endocytosis of transferrin in the African trypanosome
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Thomas Bryanna , Mensa-Wilmot Kojo
Published: November 2022

Trypanosoma brucei causes human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and nagana in cattle. During infection of a vertebrate, endocytosis of host transferrin (Tf) is important for viability of the parasite. The majority of proteins involved in trypanosome endocytosis of Tf are unknown. Here we identify pseudokinase NRP1 (Tb427tmp.160.4770) as a regulator of Tf endocytosis. Genetic knockdown of NRP1 inhibited endocytosis of Tf without blocking uptake of bovine serum albumin. Binding of Tf to the flagellar pocket was not affected by knockdown of NRP1. However the quantity of Tf per endosome dropped significantly, consistent with NRP1 promoting robust capture and/or retention of Tf in vesicles. NRP1 is involved in motility of Tf-laden vesicles since distances between endosomes and the kinetoplast were reduced after knockdown of the gene. In search of possible mediators of NRP1 modulation of Tf endocytosis, the gene was knocked down and the phosphoproteome analyzed. Phosphorylation of protein kinases forkhead, NEK6, and MAPK10 was altered, in addition to EpsinR, synaptobrevin and other vesicle-associated proteins predicted to be involved in endocytosis. These candidate proteins may link NRP1 functionally either to protein kinases or to vesicle-associated proteins.
From January to June: Birth seasonality across two centuries in a rural Polish community
Authors: Nenko Ilona , Briga Michael , Micek Agnieszka , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: November 2022

Seasonality of births is a worldwide phenomenon, but the mechanisms behind it remain insufficiently explored. Birth seasonality is likely to be driven by seasonal changes in women’s fecundity (i.e. ability to conceive), which is strongly influenced by their energetic status. We tested whether birth seasonality is driven by high workload and/or low access to food using 200 years of birth data, from 1782 until 2004, in an agricultural rural Polish community. First, we analysed the time series of births and within-annual variance in births, a proxy for the extent of seasonality. Secondly, we tested the hypothesis that a high agricultural workload and/or low access to food decreases number of births. We found seasonality of births throughout more than 200 years of observation in an agricultural Polish population, with a dominant birth seasonality in January and February which gradually shifted towards June in the late twentieth century. The observed pattern does not support the hypothesis that birth seasonality resulted from women’s energetic status. We discuss the possible reasons why our results do not support the tested hypothesis and some implications for our understanding of the birth seasonality.
MRI-based delta-radiomic features for prediction of local control in liver lesions treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Jin Will H. , Simpson Garrett N. , Dogan Nesrin , Spieler Benjamin , Portelance Lorraine , Yang Fei , Ford John C.
Published: November 2022

Real-time magnetic resonance image guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (MRgSBRT) is used to treat abdominal tumors. Longitudinal data is generated from daily setup images. Our study aimed to identify delta radiomic texture features extracted from these images to predict for local control in patients with liver tumors treated with MRgSBRT. Retrospective analysis of an IRB-approved database identified patients treated with MRgSBRT for primary liver and secondary metastasis histologies. Daily low field strength (0.35 T) images were retrieved, and the gross tumor volume was identified on each image. Next, images’ gray levels were equalized, and 39 s-order texture features were extracted. Delta-radiomics were calculated as the difference between feature values on the initial scan and after delivered biological effective doses (BED, α/β = 10) of 20 Gy and 40 Gy. Then, features were ranked by the Gini Index during training of a random forest model. Finally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was estimated using a bootstrapped logistic regression with the top two features. We identified 22 patients for analysis. The median dose delivered was 50 Gy in 5 fractions. The top two features identified after delivery of BED 20 Gy were gray level co-occurrence matrix features energy and gray level size zone matrix based large zone emphasis. The model generated an AUC = 0.9011 (0.752–1.0) during bootstrapped logistic regression. The same two features were selected after delivery of a BED 40 Gy, with an AUC = 0.716 (0.600–0.786). Delta-radiomic features after a single fraction of SBRT predicted local control in this exploratory cohort. If confirmed in larger studies, these features may identify patients with radioresistant disease and provide an opportunity for physicians to alter management much sooner than standard restaging after 3 months. Expansion of the patient database is warranted for further analysis of delta-radiomic features.
The arrival of millets to the Atlantic coast of northern Iberia
Authors: González-Rabanal Borja , Marín-Arroyo Ana B. , Cristiani Emanuela , Zupancich Andrea , González-Morales Manuel R.
Published: November 2022

Despite being one of the most important crops in the recent prehistory of Eurasia, the arrival and exploitation of millets in the westernmost part of Europe are still largely underexplored. Here and for the first time, we report multipronged biomolecular evidence of millet consumption along the Atlantic façade of northern Iberia through a combination of radiocarbon dating, stable isotopes, and dental calculus analyses on the human individuals found in the burial site of El Espinoso cave (Asturias, Spain). The high-resolution chronological framework established for individuals placed the burials between 1235 and 1099 cal. BC. The discovery of high δ13C values on their bone collagen and the identification of polyhedral starch grains within their dental plaque underline the relevance of C4plants in their diet and highlights the timing of the systematic consumption of millets in the Late Bronze Age. Our data support previous regional archaeobotanical evidence and establish a more precise chronology of the dispersal of millets into northern Iberia during the Bronze Age, becoming an essential crop until the arrival of maize from America after AD 1492. This study emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary methods to ascertain the origin and development of agricultural practices during recent prehistory.
Discovering cell-active BCL6 inhibitors: effectively combining biochemical HTS with multiple biophysical techniques, X-ray crystallography and cell-based assays
Authors: Pierrat Olivier A. , Liu Manjuan , Collie Gavin W. , Shetty Kartika , Rodrigues Matthew J. , Le Bihan Yann-Vaï , Gunnell Emma A. , McAndrew P. Craig , Stubbs Mark , Rowlands Martin G. , Yahya Norhakim , Shehu Erald , Talbot Rachel , Pickard Lisa , Bellenie Benjamin R. , Cheung Kwai-Ming J. , Drouin Ludovic , Innocenti Paolo , Woodward Hannah , Davis Owen A. , Lloyd Matthew G. , Varela Ana , Huckvale Rosemary , Broccatelli Fabio , Carter Michael , Galiwango David , Hayes Angela , Raynaud Florence I. , Bryant Christopher , Whittaker Steven , Rossanese Olivia W. , Hoelder Swen , Burke Rosemary , van Montfort Rob L. M.
Published: November 2022

By suppressing gene transcription through the recruitment of corepressor proteins, B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) protein controls a transcriptional network required for the formation and maintenance of B-cell germinal centres. As BCL6 deregulation is implicated in the development of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, we sought to discover novel small molecule inhibitors that disrupt the BCL6-corepressor protein–protein interaction (PPI). Here we report our hit finding and compound optimisation strategies, which provide insight into the multi-faceted orthogonal approaches that are needed to tackle this challenging PPI with small molecule inhibitors. Using a 1536-well plate fluorescence polarisation high throughput screen we identified multiple hit series, which were followed up by hit confirmation using a thermal shift assay, surface plasmon resonance and ligand-observed NMR. We determined X-ray structures of BCL6 bound to compounds from nine different series, enabling a structure-based drug design approach to improve their weak biochemical potency. We developed a time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer biochemical assay and a nano bioluminescence resonance energy transfer cellular assay to monitor cellular activity during compound optimisation. This workflow led to the discovery of novel inhibitors with respective biochemical and cellular potencies (IC50s) in the sub-micromolar and low micromolar range.
MR imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma: prospective intraindividual head-to-head comparison of the contrast agents gadoxetic acid and gadoteric acid
Authors: Collettini Federico , Elkilany Aboelyazid , Seta Marta Della , Steffen Ingo G. , Collettini Jasmin Maya , Penzkofer Tobias , Schmelzle Moritz , Denecke Timm
Published: November 2022

The routine use of dynamic-contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of the liver using hepatocyte-specific contrast agent (HSCA) as the standard of care for the study of focal liver lesions is not widely accepted and opponents invoke the risk of a loss in near 100% specificity of extracellular contrast agents (ECA) and the need for prospective head-to-head comparative studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of both contrast agents. The Purpose of this prospective intraindividual study was to conduct a quantitative and qualitative head-to-head comparison of DCE-MRI using HSCA and ECA in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC. Twenty-three patients with liver cirrhosis and proven HCC underwent two 3 T-MR examinations, one with ECA (gadoteric acid) and the other with HSCA (gadoxetic acid). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), wash-in, wash-out, image quality, artifacts, lesion conspicuity, and major imaging features of LI-RADS v2018 were evaluated. Wash-in and wash-out were significantly stronger with ECA compared to HSCA (P < 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). During the late arterial phase (LAP), CNR was significantly lower with ECA (P = 0.005), while SNR did not differ significantly (P = 0.39). In qualitative analysis, ECA produced a better overall image quality during the portal venous phase (PVP) and delayed phase (DP) compared to HSCA (P = 0.041 and 0.008), showed less artifacts in the LAP and PVP (P = 0.003 and 0.034) and a higher lesion conspicuity in the LAP and PVP (P = 0.004 and 0.037). There was no significant difference in overall image quality during the LAP (P = 1), in artifacts and lesion conspicuity during the DP (P = 0.078 and 0.073) or in the frequency of the three major LI-RADS v2018 imaging features. In conclusion, ECA provides superior contrast of HCC—especially hypervascular HCC lesions—in DCE-MR in terms of better perceptibility of early enhancement and a stronger washout.
Active water management brings possibility restoration to degraded lakes in dryland regions: a case study of Lop Nur, China
Authors: Lu Shanlong , Wang Yong , Zhou Jinfeng , Hughes Alice C. , Li Mingyang , Du Cong , Yang Xiaohong , Xiong Yutong , Zi Feng , Wang Wenzhong , Zheng Zhaoxian , Fang Chun , Yu Shunli
Published: November 2022

Protecting and restoring the degraded arid lakes are globally urgent issues. We document a potential recovery of the dried salt-lake, Lop Nur called "the Sea of Death" which is located at the terminus of the largest inland basin in China, the Tarim River Basin. The changes and relationship of surface water with climate parameters and groundwater in the basin over the last 30 years are analyzed, by using satellite remote sensing and land data assimilation products. We find that with increased surface water in the basin, the groundwater level in Lop Nur began to show an obvious positive response in 2015; and the rate of decline of the groundwater level is slowing down. We argue that after a balance is achieved between regional groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration, the Lop Nur ecosystem will gradually recover. This study shows an encouraging case for the protection and restoration of degraded lakes in dryland regions around the world.
Synthesis and evaluation of photocatalytic and photoluminescent properties of Zn2+-doped Bi2WO6
Authors: Lovisa L. X. , Nunes T. B. O. , Wilson R. R. Y. O. V. , Longo E. , Daldind M. , Bomio M. R. D. , Motta F. V.
Published: November 2022

This study consists of the synthesis of zinc-doped Bi2WO6 obtained by the sonochemical method.
Non-targeted identification and semi-quantitation of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in US rainwater
Authors: Kim Yubin , Pike Kyndal A. , Gray Rebekah , Sprankle Jameson W. , Faust Jennifer A. , Edmiston Paul L.
Published: November 2022

Analysis of precipitation finds many emerging PFAS.
Developing a transwell millifluidic device for studying blood–brain barrier endothelium
Authors: Harding Ian C. , O'Hare Nicholas R. , Vigliotti Mark , Caraballo Alex , Lee Claire I. , Millican Karina , Herman Ira M. , Ebong Eno E.
Published: November 2022

To investigate blood–brain barrier function, a millifluidic device was developed for endothelium, astrocyte, and pericyte co-culture on transwell inserts, fluid flow incorporation, and immunocytochemical, western blot, and permeability assays.
Design of a paulownia-biochar/MoS2 composite electrode material for efficient electrosorption removal of Cr(vi) from wastewater
Authors: Ni Yushan , Zhang Jie , You Dongjiang
Published: November 2022

A novel PBC@MoS2 electrode was used for the first time for the electroadsorption of Cr(vi) in simulated-wastewater with a self-made CDI device.
Boron- and phosphorus-containing molecular/nano platforms: exploiting pathological redox imbalance to fight cancer
Authors: Wolfram Anna , Fuentes-Soriano Pablo , Herold-Mende Christel , Romero-Nieto Carlos
Published: November 2022

Due to their unique properties and versatile chemistry, both boron and phosphorous derivatives are lead candidates to access tuneable molecular and nano platforms to fight cancer.
Ring-opening reactions for the solid-phase synthesis of nisin lipopeptide analogues
Authors: Engelhardt Daniel B. , Donnelly Bethan L. , Beadle Jonathan , van Belkum Marco J. , Vederas John C.
Published: November 2022

Strategy for the solid-phase synthesis of nisin lipopeptide analogues using orthogonally protected lanthionines synthesised by ring-opening chemistry, and on-resin formation of dehydroalanine and dehydrobutyrine residues.
Fluorinated leaning pillar[6]arene: synthesis, structure and selective iodide anion binding by anion–π interactions
Authors: Li Weichun , Qin Peng , Zhao Xing-Xing , Qu Wen-Juan , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao , Zhang You-Ming , Liu Yuezhou , Shi Bingbing
Published: November 2022

We have designed and synthesized an electron-deficient fluorinated leaning pillar[6]arene that is capable of selectively recognizing iodide anions by anion–π interactions.
The regioselective Wacker oxidation of internal allylamines: synthesis of functionalized and challenging β-amino ketones
Authors: Garbacz Mateusz , Stecko Sebastian
Published: November 2022

A general protocol for the Pd-catalysed oxidation of internal allylamine derivatives to β-amino ketones is reported. The transformation occurs at mild conditions and shows a wide substrate scope as well as high functional group tolerance.
Synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(phenylisocyanide) copolymers and their self-assembly in solution
Authors: Wang Xiao-Juan , Li Gao-Wei , Mo Ming-Yang , Shi Shuai-Hua , Li Si-Yu , Liu Xin-Yi , Liu Lan-Tao
Published: November 2022

Controlled synthesis of new P3HT-b-poly(phenylisocyanide) copolymer was developed under nickel-catalyzed coordination polymerizations, and their solution self-assembly behaviors were revealed.
Synthesis and characterization of a phosphotungstic acid composite carrier and its application in solid chlorine dioxide disinfectant
Authors: Gao Tiantian , Hu Miaomiao , Tian Jing , Guo Jintang
Published: November 2022

The attapulgite was introduced into phosphotungstic acid and SBA-15 to achieve the slow release of chlorine dioxide and reducing the escape of chlorine dioxide gas to increase the reacting time and improve disinfection efficiency.
Research and progress of chemical depolymerization of waste PET and high-value application of its depolymerization products
Authors: Cao Fan , Wang Liyan , Zheng Rongrong , Guo Liying , Chen Yanming , Qian Xin
Published: November 2022

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) has good transparency, corrosion resistance, gas barrier properties and mechanical properties, and is widely used in beverage bottles, fabrics, food packaging, tires, films, engineering plastics and other fields.
Spatioselective surface chemistry for the production of functional and chemically anisotropic nanocellulose colloids
Authors: Heise Katja , Koso Tetyana , King Alistair W. T. , Nypelö Tiina , Penttilä Paavo , Tardy Blaise L. , Beaumont Marco
Published: November 2022

In this review, we explain the influence and role of the multiscale hierarchy of cellulose fibers in their chemical modifications as exemplified through recent advances in the spatioselective surface chemistry of nanocelluloses.
A visible-light activated ROS generator multilayer film for antibacterial coatings
Authors: Gill Arshdeep Kaur , Shah Sanchita , Yadav Pranjali , Shanavas Asifkhan , Neelakandan Prakash P. , Patra Debabrata
Published: November 2022

Photoactive nanocoatings were developed via layer-by-layer assembly using diiodo-salicylideneimine boron difluoride functionalized polyethyleneimine. These nanocoatings exhibited exceptional antimicrobial activity upon visible light exposure.
3D-plotted zinc silicate/β-tricalcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds enable fast osteogenesis by activating the p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Yuan Xinyuan , Lu Teliang , He Fupo , Wu Tingting , Wang Xiaolan , Ye Jiandong
Published: November 2022

Si and Zn dual ions released from ZS/β-TCP scaffolds significantly enhance the osteogenic differentiation of mBMSCs by activating the p38 signaling pathway directly.
Framing Disparities in Access to Medical Speech-Language Pathology Care in Rural Alabama
Authors: Morton Mariah E. , Gibson-Young Linda , Sandage Mary J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

Rural-living residents of Alabama depend on rural hospitals and clinics staffed with physicians and allied health professionals including speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The purpose of the exploratory study was to examine the speech-language pathology workforce in health care facilities in nonmetropolitan Alabama counties to determine potential disparities in access and identify medical SLP deserts for rural Alabamians.

Method:

The hospitals, rural health clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers for each of the 37 nonmetropolitan counties were identified through the 2020 Alabama Department of Public Health directories, and phone surveys were completed to determine medical SLP staffing at each facility. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted.

Results:

The initial review yielded 229 rural health care facilities with 223 ultimately included in the analysis and 176 facilities completing a phone inquiry (76.68%). Sixty-one (35.88%) reported employing at least one SLP and no facility stated staffing SLP assistants. Linear regression indicated a positive, yet moderate effect size between the reported number of SLPs staffed within each county and specific population of the county (
r
2
= .519). Anecdotally, facilities reported difficulty in hiring and retaining SLPs due to rural geographical location.

Conclusions:

The exploratory findings suggest disparities in access to behavioral communication and swallowing care for rural residents in the state. The methodology employed for data collection and analysis may be applied to other states and U.S. territories, in an effort to frame the issue nationally and support rural health care policy across the United States. Further investigation regarding the cost effectiveness of telepractice, the availability of broadband Internet access, the efficacy of community-based service delivery, and the effectiveness of incentivized rural SLP graduate programs is warranted to mitigate the disparities in access.
Optimality Conditions and Moreau–Yosida Regularization for Almost Sure State Constraints
Authors: Geiersbach Caroline , Hintermüller Michael
Published: November 2022

We analyze a potentially risk-averse convex stochastic optimization problem, where the control is deterministic and the state is a Banach-valued essentially bounded random variable. We obtain strong forms of necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for problems subject to equality and conical constraints. We propose a Moreau-Yosida regularization for the conical constraint and show consistency of the optimality conditions for the regularized problem as the regularization parameter is taken to infinity.
Enzymatic interesterification to produce zero-trans and dialkylketones-free fats from rapeseed oil
Authors: Danthine Sabine , Closset Sébastien , Maes Jeroen , Mascrez Steven , Blecker Christophe , Purcaro Giorgia , Gibon Véronique
Published: November 2022

This study aims to evaluate the potential of applying enzymatic interesterification (EIE) to produce new healthy zero-trans high vitaminic content margarine fats, based on rapeseed oil (RO) only, with a specific focus on process-induced contaminants: the dialkylketones. Three blends made of RO and fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil (60:40, 70:30 and 80:20 wt:wt%) were considered. Compositional and melting properties, polymorphic behavior, appearance and textural characteristics were compared before and after interesterification. Interesterification improved both functional and textural characteristics. Enzymatic interesterification produced fats which presented similar triacylglycerol profile and physicochemical properties as the chemically interesterified one (CIE), however, preserving more tocopherols and without forming dialkylketones (process-induced contaminants). On the contrary, it was shown that after CIE, dialkylketones were formed: C18:1–C18:1 and C18:1–C18 chain-lengths being the major ones, and interestingly, their amount increased with the unsaturation in the blends. Our results indicate the great potential of enzymatic interesterification to produce new healthy fats entirely based on rapeseed oil. This study provides valuable information for the food industry, showing EIE as cutting-edge sustainable technology.
RADCAM—A radiation camera system combining foil bolometers, AXUV diodes, and filtered soft x-ray diodes
Authors: Sheikh U. A. , Simons L. , Duval B. P. , Février O. , Moret D. , Allegrucci A. , Bernert M. , Crisinel F. , Tersztyánszky T. , Villinger O.
Published: November 2022

Measurements of radiated power are critical for characterizing and optimizing tokamak performance. The RADCAM system, comprising arrays of foil bolometers, Absolute eXtreme UltraViolet (AXUV), and filtered soft x-ray diodes, has been constructed to provide improved measurements of plasma radiation on “Tokamak a Configuration Variable” (TCV). An overview of the physical geometry, electronics, and design of the system is provided. The construction of the bolometer foils together with the improved sensitivity characteristics resulting from the inclusion of an anti-reflection carbon coating are presented. The large number of lines of sight in RADCAM are shown to significantly increase the spatial resolution over the legacy system. The system calibration procedure is detailed, and the mean system sensitivity is shown to vary by less than 5% over 1000 discharges. Additionally, the methodology for cross-calibration of the AXUV diodes with the bolometer foils is presented and applied to generate high temporal resolution measurements. The RADCAM radiation camera system is a compact, versatile system that is demonstrated to provide high resolution profiles of the radiated power in TCV.
Ethanol exchange between two graphene surfaces in nanoconfined aqueous solution: Rate and mechanism
Authors: Mondal Sangita , Acharya Subhajit , Mondal Sayantan , Bagchi Biman
Published: November 2022

We observe, by computer simulations, a remarkable long-distance, rare, but repetitive, exchange of ethanol molecules between two parallel graphene surfaces in nanoconfined, aqueous, ethanol solutions. We compute the rate of exchange as a function of the separation (d) between the two surfaces. We discover that the initiating (or, the launching) step in this exchange is the attainment of an instantaneous orientation of the carbon–oxygen bond vector relative to the graphene surface. This observation led us to construct a two-dimensional free energy surface for this exchange, with respect to two order parameters, namely, (i) the perpendicular distance of ethanol molecule from the graphene surfaces, z, and (ii) the orientation of the O–C bond vector, θ, of the tagged ethanol molecule. For d = 3 nm, the rate of exchange is found to be 0.44 ns−1 for the force field used. We also vary the force field and determine the sensitivity of the rate. From the free energy landscape, one could determine the minimum energy pathway. We use both, the transition state theory and Kramers’ theory, to calculate the rate. The calculated rate agrees well with the simulated value as mentioned above. We find that the rate of exchange phenomenon is sensitive to the interaction strength of graphene and the hydrophobic group of ethanol. The free energy landscape exchange shows dependence on the distance separation of the two hydrophobic surfaces and reveals interesting features.
Development and signals simulation of a diamond detector neutral particle analyzer on Huanliu-2A (HL-2A) tokamak
Authors: Qu Y. F. , Zang L. G. , Chen W. , Hou Y. M. , Lu J. , Luo Y.
Published: November 2022

A new neutral particle analyzer (NPA) diagnostic based on single crystal chemical vapor deposition (sCVD) diamond detector that provides measurements of fast ions has been designed and installed on HL-2A tokamak. Diamond detectors have been applied in some magnetic confinement fusion devices due to their outstanding properties of compact size and radiation hardness. This DNPA can measure energies above 13.4 keV. The line of sight (LOS) of the DNPA intersects with the NBI No. 2 with a tangency radius of 154.8 cm. Due to the pitch angle defined by the LOS and geometry of the diagnostic, the DNPA is mainly sensitive to trapped ions. To interpret the energy spectrum and verify the feasibility of the design of the DNPA, a Monte Carlo code called FIDASIM, which is a synthetic diagnostic code that simulates fast ion D-alpha and NPA signals, is applied to model the neutral flux reaching the detector. The results show that the flux is mainly contributed by the low energy fast ions (E < 10 keV) and it is mainly coming from the active components, the passive signal is dominant in the high energy region (E > 15 keV). The modeling features the ability to distinguish between active and passive signals, and the simulated strong passive signals are suggested to come from charge exchange between cold neutrals and fast ions around the plasma edge. In addition, despite the large ratio of halo neutrals, essentially it has a limited contribution to the energy spectrum.