bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D-printed microrobots from design to translation
Authors: Dabbagh Sajjad Rahmani , Sarabi Misagh Rezapour , Birtek Mehmet Tugrul , Seyfi Siamak , Sitti Metin , Tasoglu Savas
Published: October 2022

Microrobots have attracted the attention of scientists owing to their unique features to accomplish tasks in hard-to-reach sites in the human body. Microrobots can be precisely actuated and maneuvered individually or in a swarm for cargo delivery, sampling, surgery, and imaging applications. In addition, microrobots have found applications in the environmental sector (e.g., water treatment). Besides, recent advancements of three-dimensional (3D) printers have enabled the high-resolution fabrication of microrobots with a faster design-production turnaround time for users with limited micromanufacturing skills. Here, the latest end applications of 3D printed microrobots are reviewed (ranging from environmental to biomedical applications) along with a brief discussion over the feasible actuation methods (e.g., on- and off-board), and practical 3D printing technologies for microrobot fabrication. In addition, as a future perspective, we discussed the potential advantages of integration of microrobots with smart materials, and conceivable benefits of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as physical intelligence (PI). Moreover, in order to facilitate bench-to-bedside translation of microrobots, current challenges impeding clinical translation of microrobots are elaborated, including entry obstacles (e.g., immune system attacks) and cumbersome standard test procedures to ensure biocompatibility.
Topologically-imposed vacancies and mobile solid 3He on carbon nanotube
Authors: Todoshchenko I. , Kamada M. , Kaikkonen J.-P. , Liao Y. , Savin A. , Will M. , Sergeicheva E. , Abhilash T. S. , Kauppinen E. , Hakonen P. J.
Published: October 2022

Low dimensional fermionic quantum systems are exceptionally interesting because they reveal distinctive physical phenomena, including among others, topologically protected excitations, edge states, frustration, and fractionalization. Our aim was to confine 3He on a suspended carbon nanotube to form 2-dimensional Fermi-system. Here we report our measurements of the mechanical resonance of the nanotube with adsorbed sub-monolayer down to 10 mK. At intermediate coverages we have observed the famous 1/3 commensurate solid. However, at larger monolayer densities we have observed a quantum phase transition from 1/3 solid to an unknown, soft, and mobile solid phase. We interpret this mobile solid phase as a bosonic commensurate crystal consisting of helium dimers with topologically-induced zero-point vacancies which are delocalized at low temperatures. We thus demonstrate that 3He on a nanotube merges both fermionic and bosonic phenomena, with a quantum phase transition between fermionic solid 1/3 phase and the observed bosonic dimer solid.
Aschoff’s rule on circadian rhythms orchestrated by blue light sensor CRY2 and clock component PRR9
Authors: He Yuqing , Yu Yingjun , Wang Xiling , Qin Yumei , Su Chen , Wang Lei
Published: October 2022

Circadian pace is modulated by light intensity, known as the Aschoff’s rule, with largely unrevealed mechanisms. Here we report that photoreceptor CRY2 mediates blue light input to the circadian clock by directly interacting with clock core component PRR9 in blue light dependent manner. This physical interaction dually blocks the accessibility of PRR9 protein to its co-repressor TPL/TPRs and the resulting kinase PPKs. Notably, phosphorylation of PRR9 by PPKs is critical for its DNA binding and repressive activity, hence to ensure proper circadian speed. Given the labile nature of CRY2 in strong blue light, our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for Aschoff’s rule in plants, i.e., blue light triggers CRY2 turnover in proportional to its intensity, which accordingly releasing PRR9 to fine tune circadian speed. Our findings not only reveal a network mediating light input into the circadian clock, but also unmask a mechanism by which the Arabidopsis circadian clock senses light intensity.
Charge dynamics of a noncentrosymmetric magnetic Weyl semimetal
Authors: Yang R. , Corasaniti M. , Le C. C. , Yue C. , Hu Z. , Hu J. P. , Petrovic C. , Degiorgi L.
Published: October 2022

The interplay of topology with magnetism in Weyl semimetals recently arose to a vanguard topic, because of novel physical scenarios with anomalous transport properties. Here, we address the charge dynamics of the noncentrosymmetric and ferromagnetic (TC ~ 15 K) PrAlGe material and discover that it harbours electronic correlations, which are reflected in a sizeable reduction of the Fermi velocity with respect to the bare band value at low temperatures (T). At T < TC, the optical response registers a band reconstruction, which additionally causes a reshuffling of spectral weight, pertinent to the electronic environment of the type-I Weyl fermions and tracing the remarkable anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC). With the support of first-principles calculations, we provide evidence for the intimate relationship between a topological resonance of the absorption spectrum and the progressively enhanced occupation of non-trivial states with large Berry curvatures, a requirement for AHC.
Arctic Ocean annual high in $${{\boldsymbol{p}}}_{{{\bf{CO}}}_{{\bf{2}}}}$$ could shift from winter to summer
Authors: Orr James C. , Kwiatkowski Lester , Pörtner Hans-Otto
Published: October 2022

Long-term stress on marine organisms from ocean acidification will differ between seasons. As atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) increases, so do seasonal variations of ocean CO2 partial pressure ($${p}_{{{\rm{CO}}}_{2}}$$

p

CO

2

), causing summer and winter long-term trends to diverge1–5. Trends may be further influenced by an unexplored factor—changes in the seasonal timing of $${p}_{{{\rm{CO}}}_{2}}$$

p

CO

2

. In Arctic Ocean surface waters, the observed timing is typified by a winter high and summer low6 because biological effects dominate thermal effects. Here we show that 27 Earth system models simulate similar timing under historical forcing but generally project that the summer low, relative to the annual mean, eventually becomes a high across much of the Arctic Ocean under mid-to-high-level CO2 emissions scenarios. Often the greater increase in summer $${p}_{{{\rm{CO}}}_{2}}$$

p

CO

2

, although gradual, abruptly inverses the chronological order of the annual high and low, a phenomenon not previously seen in climate-related variables. The main cause is the large summer sea surface warming7 from earlier retreat of seasonal sea ice8. Warming and changes in other drivers enhance this century’s increase in extreme summer $${p}_{{{\rm{CO}}}_{2}}$$

p

CO

2

by 29 ± 9 per cent compared with no change in driver seasonalities. Thus the timing change worsens summer ocean acidification, which in turn may lower the tolerance of endemic marine organisms to increasing summer temperatures.
A nationwide exploratory survey assessing perception, practice, and barriers toward pharmaceutical care provision among hospital pharmacists in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rajeev , Palaian Subish , Sapkota Binaya , Shrestha Sunil , Khatiwada Asmita Priyadarshini , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi
Published: October 2022

Pharmaceutical care (PC) services reduce medication errors, improve the use of medicines, and optimize the cost of treatment. It can detect medication-related problems and improve patient medication adherence. However, PC services are not commonly provided in hospital pharmacies in Nepal. Therefore, the present study was done to determine the situation of PC in hospital pharmacies and explore the perception, practice, and barriers (and their determinants) encountered by hospital pharmacists while providing PC. A descriptive online cross-sectional study was conducted from 25th March to 25th October 2021 among pharmacists with a bachelor’s degree and above working in hospital pharmacies using non-probability quota sampling. The questionnaire in English addressed perception and practice regarding PC, and barriers encountered and were validated by experts and pre-tested among 23 pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. Kendall’s correlation was used to explore the correlations among various perception and practice constructs. The scores were also compared among subgroups of respondents using the Mann–Whitney test for subgroups with two categories and Kruskal–Wallis test for greater than two categories. A total of 144 pharmacists participated in the study. Majority of the participants were male, between 22 and 31 years of age, and had work experience between 10 and 20 years. Over 50% had received no training in PC. The perception scores were higher among those with more work experience and the practice scores among those who had received PC training. Participants agreed that there were significant barriers to providing PC, including lack of support from other professionals, lack of demand from patients, absence of guidelines, inadequate training, lack of skills in communication, lack of compensation, problems with access to the patient medical record, lack of remuneration, and problems with accessing objective medicine information sources. A correlation was noted between certain perceptions and practice-related constructs. Hospital pharmacists who participated had a positive perception and practice providing PC. However, PC was not commonly practised in hospital pharmacies. Significant barriers were identified in providing PC. Further studies, especially in the eastern and western provinces, are required. Similar studies may be considered in community pharmacies.
Molecular dynamics simulation on surface modification of quantum scaled CuO nano-clusters to support their experimental studies
Authors: Loya Adil , Stair Jacqueline L. , Uddin Farid , Ren Guogang
Published: October 2022

Interest in nanoparticle modification using functional chemicals has increased rapidly, as it allows more freedom of physiochemical tuning of the nanoparticle’s surface into biomedically oriented and designated properties. However, the observation and detection of the thin molecular layers on the nanoparticle surface are very challenging under current analytical facilities. The focus of this research is to demonstrate fundamental interactions between the surface treated nanoparticles and their host liquid media using lab-based experimentation and simulation. In this research, investigation has been carried out on analyzing the surface compatibility and the diffusivity of modified CuO nanoparticles (CuONPs) with short-chain carboxylate-terminated molecules in biofluids. Moreover, during the current Covid-19 pandemic, the Cu/CuONPs have proved effective in killing SARS-CoV1/2 and other airborne viruses. This research was conducted at the molecular level with joint consideration of experimental and simulation studies for characterization of variables. Experimental tests conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated several spectral ranges of interest, specifically, detection of three major carboxylate attachments (i.e., 1667–1609 cm−1, 1668–1557 cm−1, etc.) were found. From simulation, similar attachment styles were observed by the LAMMPS simulation package that mimicked similar agglomerations with a predicted diffusion coefficient as recorded to be 2.28E−9 m2/s. Viscosities of modified nanofluids were also compared with unmodified nanofluids for defining aggregation kinetics.
Prevalence of H. pylori among patients undergoing coronary angiography (The HP-DAPT prevalence study)
Authors: Huard Karel , Haddad Kevin , Saada Yacine , Nguyen John , Banon David , Matteau Alexis , Mansour Samer , Potter Brian J.
Published: October 2022

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) screening and treatment is recommended for patients on chronic aspirin (ASA) therapy to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Coronary artery disease patients requiring combination antithrombotic therapy (dual antiplatelet therapy; DAPT, or dual pathway inhibition; DPI) are at an even higher risk of GI bleeding. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori among patients referred for angiography and likely to receive DAPT or DPI. This single-center prospective observational study recruited patients undergoing coronary angiography and with the possibility of requiring DAPT or DPI. All included patients underwent H. pylori serology testing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of seropositivity. 195 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 67 years, 50% had known prior CAD, and 49% underwent coronary intervention. H. pylori serology was positive in 36%. Chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24 to 6.15; p = 0.01) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.14 to 5.55; p = 0.02) history were independent predictors of H. pylori seropositivity. Given the clinically significant prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity among patients referred for angiography, systematic screening strategies and eradication of H. pylori could significantly reduce the incidence of GI bleeding in patients requiring DAPT or DPI.
Dynamic algorithm for fitness function greatly improves the optimization efficiency of frequency selective surface for better design of radar
Authors: Pei Yuan , Yu Anran , Qin Jiajun , Yi Ruichen , Yu Xianxi , Liu Shaobo , Zhu Guangrui , Zhu Chunqin , Hou Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2022

Multiple objectives optimization of frequency selective surface (FSS) structures is challenging in electromagnetic wave filter design. For example, one of the sub-objectives, the sidelobe level (SLL), is critical to directional anti-interference, which is complicated and becomes the bottleneck for radar design. Here, we established a dynamic algorithm for fitness function to automatically adjust the weights of multiple objectives in the optimization process of FSS structures. The dynamic algorithm could efficiently evaluate the achieving probability of sub-objectives according to the statistical analysis of the latest individual distribution so that the fitness function could automatically adjusted to focus on the sub-objective difficult to optimize, such as SLL. Computational results from the dynamic algorithm showed that the efficiency of multi-objective optimization was greatly improved by 213%, as compared to the fixed-weighted algorithm of the fitness function. Specifically for SLL, the efficiency rate increased even better, up to 315%. More interestingly, the FSS structures were most improved while picking median value or golden section value as the reference value. Taken together, the current study indicated that the dynamic algorithm with fitness function might be a better choice for FSS structural optimization with SLL suppression and potentially for the better design of lower SLL radar.
Immobilised teicoplanin does not demonstrate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Britton S. , Lee K. , Azizova L. , Shaw G. , Ayre W. Nishio , Mansell J. P.
Published: October 2022

Antibacterial bone biomaterial coatings appeal to orthopaedics, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Achieving the successful, stable conjugation of suitable compounds to biomaterial surfaces is a major challenge. A pragmatic starting point is to make use of existing, approved antibiotics which are known to remain functional in a stationary, immobilised state. This includes the macrocyclic glycopeptide, teicoplanin, following the discovery, in the 1990’s, that it could be used as a chiral selector in chromatographic enantiomeric separations. Importantly teicoplanin works at the level of the bacterial cell wall making it a potential candidate for biomaterial functionalisations. We initially sought to functionalise titanium (Ti) with polydopamine and use this platform to capture teicoplanin, however we were unable to avoid the natural affinity of the antibiotic to the oxide surface of the metal. Whilst the interaction between teicoplanin and Ti was robust, we found that phosphate resulted in antibiotic loss. Before contemplating the covalent attachment of teicoplanin to Ti we examined whether a commercial teicoplanin stationary phase could kill staphylococci. Whilst this commercially available material could bind N-Acetyl-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala it was unable to kill bacteria. We therefore strongly discourage attempts at covalently immobilising teicoplanin and/or other glycopeptide antibiotics in the pursuit of novel antibacterial bone biomaterials.
Non-contact optical in-vivo sensing of cilia motion by analyzing speckle patterns
Authors: Duadi Doron , Shabairou Nadav , Primov-Fever Adi , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: October 2022

Cilia motion is an indicator of pathological-ciliary function, however current diagnosis relies on biopsies. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach for sensing cilia motility. We present an endoscopic configuration for measuring the motion frequency of cilia in the nasal cavity. The technique is based on temporal tracking of the reflected spatial distribution of defocused speckle patterns while illuminating the cilia with a laser. The setup splits the optical signal into two channels; One imaging channel is for the visualization of the physician and another is, defocusing channel, to capture the speckles. We present in-vivo measurements from healthy subjects undergoing endoscopic examination. We found an average motion frequency of around 7.3 Hz and 9.8 Hz in the antero-posterior nasal mucus (an area rich in cilia), which matches the normal cilia range of 7–16 Hz. Quantitative and precise measurements of cilia vibration will optimize the diagnosis and treatment of pathological-ciliary function. This method is simple, minimally invasive, inexpensive, and promising to distinguish between normal and ciliary dysfunction.
Effects of exploring a novel environment on memory across the lifespan
Authors: Schomaker Judith , Baumann Valentin , Ruitenberg Marit F. L.
Published: October 2022

Exploration of a novel environment has been shown to promote memory formation in healthy adults. Studies in animals have suggested that such novelty-induced memory boosts are mediated by hippocampal dopamine. The dopaminergic system is known to develop and deteriorate over the lifespan, but so far, the effects of novelty on memory across the lifespan have not yet been investigated. In the current study, we had children, adolescents, younger, and older adults (n = 439) explore novel and previously familiarized virtual environments to pinpoint the effects of spatial novelty on declarative memory in humans across different age groups. After exploration, words were presented while participants performed a deep or shallow encoding task. Incidental memory was quantified in a surprise test. Results showed that participants in the deep encoding condition remembered more words than those in the shallow condition, while novelty did not influence this effect. Interestingly, however, children, adolescents and younger adults benefitted from exploring a novel compared to a familiar environment as evidenced by better word recall, while these effects were absent in older adults. Our findings suggest that the beneficial effects of novelty on memory follow the deterioration of neural pathways involved in novelty-related processes across the lifespan.
Dynamics of microflow at the plasma–liquid interface
Authors: Kuthanová Lucia , Hoder Tomáš
Published: October 2022

We study the interaction of microplasma with viscous liquid in a narrow gap. The reduced surface tension and viscosity of the liquid droplet from local plasma-heating induce a radial fingering. The introduced methodology enables spatially and temporally resolved quantification of dissipated power density and of resulting velocity of the advancing plasma–liquid interface. For two plasma power scenarios, we demonstrate how the irregular distribution of the two parameters leads to microflow, interface stretching, and to primary droplet fragmentation via capillary instability and end pinching.
The impact of restoration methods for Solidago-invaded land on soil invertebrates
Authors: Perera Peliyagodage Chathura Dineth , Gruss Iwona , Twardowski Jacek , Chmielowiec Cezary , Szymura Magdalena , Szymura Tomasz H.
Published: October 2022

The belowground community structure of soil biota depends on plant composition and may be affected by invasive plant species. We hypothesized that the type of land restoration method applied affects the abundance and composition of soil invertebrates. Our field experiment centred on Solidago species control using different seed mixtures and methods of seed introduction (sowing mixtures: grasses, grasses with legumes, seeds from a seminatural meadow, and application of fresh hay) and different frequencies of mowing (one, two, or three times per year). Soil invertebrates were identified to the taxa, using light microscopes. Richness and diversity indices were calculated, and a redundancy analysis was conducted. Generally, mowing intensity negatively influenced soil organisms, although increased mowing frequency positively affected the abundance of some taxa (Symphyla, Hemiptera). Mowing twice per year decreased the abundance of soil invertebrates, but not their diversity. Soil invertebrate taxa had the greatest abundance in the plots sown with a seed mixture containing grasses with legumes. Among the restoration methods studied, mowing once a year and introducing grasses with legumes represented the least harmful strategy with regard to soil invertebrate abundance. Further studies are needed to investigate the dynamics of soil mesofauna exposed to long-term mowing and changes in vegetation characteristics.
Contribution of autofluorescence from intracellular proteins in multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Malak Monika , James Jeemol , Grantham Julie , Ericson Marica B.
Published: October 2022

Multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (MPM-FLIM) is extensively proposed as a non-invasive optical method to study tissue metabolism. The approach is based on recording changes in the fluorescence lifetime attributed to metabolic co-enzymes, of which nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is of major importance. However, intrinsic tissue fluorescence is complex. Particularly when utilizing two-photon excitation, as conventionally employed in MPM. This increases the possibility for spectral crosstalk and incorrect assignment of the origin of the FLIM signal. Here we demonstrate that in keratinocytes, proteins such as keratin may interfere with the signal usually assigned to NADH in MPM-FLIM by contributing to the lifetime component at 1.5 ns. This is supported by a change in fluorescence lifetime distribution in KRT5- and KRT14-silenced cells. Altogether, our results suggest that the MPM-FLIM data originating from cellular autofluorescence is far more complex than previously suggested and that the contribution from other tissue constituents should not be neglected—changing the paradigm for data interpretation in this context.
Secular trend and risk factors of 30-day COPD-related readmission in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Jiachen , Liang Lirong , Cao Siyu , Rong Hengmo , Feng Lin , Zhang Di , Chu Shuilian , Jing Hang , Tong Zhaohui
Published: October 2022

Readmission due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation contributes significantly to disease burden. Trend in readmission rate among COPD patients in China is not well characterized. We described the secular trend and identify risk factors of COPD-related 30-day readmission in Beijing during 2012–2017. In this retrospective cohort study, we used data from a citywide hospital discharge database in Beijing. We included patients ≥ 40 years with a primary diagnosis of COPD from 2012 to 2017. A total of 131 591 index admissions were identified. COPD-related 30-day readmission was defined as the initial admission with a primary diagnosis of COPD that occurs within 30 days from the discharge date of an index admission. Overall and annual 30-day readmission rates were calculated in the total population and subgroups defined by patient characteristics. We used multivariable logistic models to investigate risk factors for readmission and in-hospital mortality within 30 days. The overall 30-day COPD-related readmission rate was 15.8% (n = 20 808). The readmission rate increased from 11.5% in 2012 to 17.2% in 2017, with a multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI) for annual change to be 1.08 (1.06–1.09) (P trend < 0.001). The upward trend in readmission rate levelled off at about 17% since 2014. The readmission rate of men was higher and increased faster than women. Comorbid osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and cancer were associated with an increased risk of 30-day COPD-related readmission. The 30-day COPD-related readmission rate in Beijing showed an overall increasing trend from 2012 to 2017. Future efforts should be made to further improve care quality and reduce early readmissions of COPD patients.
Endangered animals and plants are positively or neutrally related to wild boar (Sus scrofa) soil disturbance in urban grasslands
Authors: Cabon Valentin , Bùi Miriam , Kühne Henning , Seitz Birgit , Kowarik Ingo , von der Lippe Moritz , Buchholz Sascha
Published: October 2022

Wild boar is increasingly establishing populations in the outskirts of European cities, with the largest German urban population occurring in Berlin. Related soil disturbance in grasslands is common and often considered as damage to biodiversity. However, it is unknown how animal and plant species in urban grasslands respond to wild boar activity - an important limitation for conservation management. We sampled plants, grasshoppers and sand lizards in 22 dry grasslands and measured wild boar activity. We show that plant diversity decreased with rooting intensity, but not species richness, endangered or specialist species. Relationships with animals were mostly positive. Grasshopper diversity, total richness and richness of endangered and specialist species were positively related to rooting, as was sand lizard abundance. These relationships contrast to mostly negative effects in the wild boar’s non-native range. This first multi-taxa study in a large city suggests that soil disturbance by wild boars is not necessarily a threat to biodiversity. An implication for conservation is to consider the context-dependence of biodiversity responses to wild boar activity. For dry grasslands, disturbed patches should be accepted in management plans rather than re-vegetated by seeding.
Unravelling the DNA sequences carried by Streptomyces coelicolor membrane vesicles
Authors: Faddetta Teresa , Vassallo Alberto , Del Duca Sara , Gallo Giuseppe , Fani Renato , Puglia Anna Maria
Published: October 2022

Membrane vesicles (MVs) are spherical particles with nanoscale dimensions and characterized by the presence of diverse cargos, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and cellular metabolites. Many examples of (micro)organisms producing MVs are reported in literature. Among them, bacterial MVs are of particular interest because they are now considered as the fourth mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Streptomyces bacteria are well-known for their ecological roles and ability to synthesize bioactive compounds, with Streptomyces coelicolor being the model organism. It was previously demonstrated that it can produce distinct populations of MVs characterized by different protein and metabolite cargos. In this work we demonstrated for the first time that MVs of S. coelicolor carry both DNA and RNA and that their DNA content represents the entire chromosome of the bacterium. These findings suggest that MV DNA could have a role in the evolution of Streptomyces genomes and that MVs could be exploited in new strain engineering strategies.
Adaptive neural network control for uncertain dual switching nonlinear systems
Authors: Mu Qianqian , Long Fei , Mo Lipo , Liu Liang
Published: October 2022

Dual switching system is a special hybrid system that contains both deterministic and stochastic switching subsystems. Due to its complex switching mechanism, few studies have been conducted for dual switching systems, especially for systems with uncertainty. Usually, the stochastic subsystems are described as Markov jump systems. Based upon the upstanding identity of RBF neural network on approaching nonlinear data, the tracking models for uncertain subsystems are constructed and the neural network adaptive controller is designed. The global asymptotic stability almost surely (GAS a.s.) and almost surely exponential stability (ES a.s.) of dual switching nonlinear error systems are investigated by using the energy attenuation theory and Lyapunov function method. An uncertain dual switching system with two subsystems, each with two modes, is studied. The uncertain functions of the subsystems are approximated well, and the approximation error is controlled to be below 0.05. Under the control of the designed adaptive controller and switching rules, the error system can obtain a good convergence rate. The tracking error is quite small compared with the original uncertain dual switching system.
Medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Kampala city indicate the need to enhance safety frameworks
Authors: Walusansa Abdul , Nakavuma Jesca. L. , Asiimwe Savina , Ssenku Jamilu. E. , Aruhomukama Dickson , Sekulima Tahalu , Kafeero Hussein. M. , Anywar Godwin , Katuura Esther , Nabatanzi Alice , Musisi Nathan. L. , Tugume Arthur. K. , Kakudidi Esezah. K.
Published: October 2022

The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potential drivers of pathogenic bacteria, to inform disease prevention. Kampala is facing a proliferation of herbalists, selling herbal medicine (HM), of largely unregulated microbiological quality. We evaluated the bacterial contamination burden in HM sold in Kampala, to support evidence-based redress. The total viable loads (TVL), total coliform counts (TCC), E. coli counts, and prevalence of selected bacterial strains in 140 HM were examined using conventional culture, following the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA). Data were analyzed using D'Agostino-Pearson test, frequencies, proportions, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test with STATA version-15.0. Fifty (35.7%), fifty-nine (42.1%), and twelve (8.6%) HM were unsafe for human use because they exceeded WHO’s permissible limits for TVL, TCC, and E. coli counts respectively. Solids had significantly higher mean TVL than liquids. Violation of NDA’s guidelines was significantly associated with high TVL. Fifty-nine bacteria, viz., Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 34; 57.6%), Escherichia. coli (12; 20.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (7; 11.9%), Klebsiella oxytoca (3; 5.1%), Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (1; 1.7% each), were isolated from 45 (32.1%) samples. These bacteria can cause severe clinical diseases, and promote deterioration of HM potency.
Printability and microstructure of directed energy deposited SS316l-IN718 multi-material: numerical modeling and experimental analysis
Authors: Ghanavati Reza , Naffakh-Moosavy Homam , Moradi Mahmoud , Eshraghi Mohsen
Published: October 2022

In the present paper, the interrelated aspects of additive manufacturing-microstructure-property in directed energy deposition of SS316L-IN718 multi-material were studied through numerical modeling and experimental evaluation. The printability concept and solidification principles were used for this purpose. The printability analysis showed that the SS316L section is more susceptible to composition change and lack of fusion, respectively due to the high equilibrium vapor pressure of manganese and the more efficient heat loss in the initial layers. However, the IN718 section is more prone to distortion due to the formation of a larger melt pool, with a maximum thermal strain of 3.95 × 10−3 in the last layer. As the process continues, due to heat accumulation and extension of the melt pool, the cooling rate decreases and the undercooling level increases, which respectively result in coarser microstructure and more instability of solidification front in the build direction, as also observed in the experimental results. The difference is that the dendritic microstructure of the IN718 section, due to the eutectic reaction L → γ + Laves, is formed on a smaller scale compared to the cellular microstructure of the SS316L section. Also, the decrease in cooling rate caused the secondary phase fraction in each section (delta ferrite in SS316L and Laves in IN718) to increase almost linearly. However, the hardness calculation and measurement showed similarly, even though with the transition from SS316L to IN718 the hardness is significantly increased due to higher yield strength of the matrix and the presence of Laves intermetallic phase (~ 260 HV0.3), the hardness in each section decreases slightly due to the coarsening of the microstructure from the initial layer to the final.
Folic acid depletion as well as oversupplementation helps in the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Sharma Renuka , Ali Taqveema , Kaur Jyotdeep
Published: October 2022

Folate ingestion below and above the physiologic dose has been shown to play a tumorigenic role in certain cancers. Also, excessive folate supplementation after establishment of pre-established lesions led to an advancement in the growth of a few tumors. However, such information has not yet been achieved in the case of HCC. In our study, HepG2 cells were administered with three different concentrations of folic acid i.e. folic acid normal (FN) (2.27 µM), folic acid deficient (FD) (no folic acid), folic acid oversupplementation (FO) (100 µM) for 10 days. Intracellular folate levels were assayed by Elecsys Folate III kit based method. The migratory and invasive abilities were estimated by transwell migration and matrigel invasion methods respectively. FACS was done to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Agarose-coated plates were used to access cancer stem cells (CSCs) number. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting approaches were used for gene and protein expression of certain tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), respectively. FD cells depicted increased migration, invasion, apoptosis, necrosis and decreased cell viability, CSCs. On the other hand, FO cells showed increased migration, invasion, cell viability and number of CSCs and decreased apoptosis and necrosis. TSGs revealed diminished expression with both FA modulations with respect to FN cells. Thus, FA deficiency as well as abundance enhanced the HCC progression by adapting different mechanisms.
Independent association of Lp(a) with platelet reactivity in subjects without statins or antiplatelet agents
Authors: Liu Huixing , Fu Di , Luo Yonghong , Peng Daoquan
Published: October 2022

The physiological effect of Lp(a) on platelet activity is unclear. Previous studies explored the relationship between Lp(a) and platelet aggregation in patients taking statins and antiplatelet agents, but few was conducted in individuals without the bias of those drugs that either influence Lp(a) or platelet activity. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between Lp(a) levels and platelet aggregation in subjects not taking statins or antiplatelet drugs. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the independent contribution of Lp(a) to platelet activity by controlling the effects of potential confounding factors including lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]. Blood samples were collected from 92 subjects without statins or antiplatelet agents from the Second Xiangya Hospital. The univariate correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between AA-induced average aggregation rate [AAR] and ApoB (r = 0.324, P = 0.002), ApoA1 (r = 0.252, P = 0.015), Lp(a) (r = 0.370, P < 0.001), Lp-PLA2 (r = 0.233, P = 0.025) and platelet counts [PLT] (r = 0.389, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that Lp(a) contributed independently to AA-induced average aggregation rate (β = 0.023, P = 0.027) after controlling for the effects of ApoB, Lp-PLA2 and platelet counts. Lp(a) is positively associated with platelet aggregation independent of Lp-PLA2, which may partly account for the atherothrombotic effect of Lp(a).
Microbiome network in the pelagic and benthic offshore systems of the northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Scicchitano Daniel , Lo Martire Marco , Palladino Giorgia , Nanetti Enrico , Fabbrini Marco , Dell’Anno Antonio , Rampelli Simone , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Candela Marco
Published: October 2022

Because of their recognized global importance, there is now the urgent need to map diversity and distribution patterns of marine microbial communities. Even if available studies provided some advances in the understanding the biogeographical patterns of marine microbiomes at the global scale, their degree of plasticity at the local scale it is still underexplored, and functional implications still need to be dissected. In this scenario here we provide a synoptical study on the microbiomes of the water column and surface sediments from 19 sites in a 130 km2 area located 13.5 km afar from the coast in the North-Western Adriatic Sea (Italy), providing the finest-scale mapping of marine microbiomes in the Mediterranean Sea. Pelagic and benthic microbiomes in the study area showed sector specific-patterns and distinct assemblage structures, corresponding to specific variations in the microbiome network structure. While maintaining a balanced structure in terms of potential ecosystem services (e.g., hydrocarbon degradation and nutrient cycling), sector-specific patterns of over-abundant modules—and taxa—were defined, with the South sector (the closest to the coast) characterized by microbial groups of terrestrial origins, both in the pelagic and the benthic realms. By the granular assessment of the marine microbiome changes at the local scale, we have been able to describe, to our knowledge at the first time, the integration of terrestrial microorganisms in the marine microbiome networks, as a possible natural process characterizing eutrophic coastal area. This raises the question about the biological threshold for terrestrial microorganisms to be admitted in the marine microbiome networks, without altering the ecological balance.
Scalable spin Seebeck thermoelectric generation using Fe-oxide nanoparticle assembled film on flexible substrate
Authors: Kurokawa Yuichiro , Tahara Yusuke , Hamada Yuki , Fujimoto Masahiro , Yuasa Hiromi
Published: October 2022

We fabricated Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP)-assembled films on flexible polyimide sheets with Pt or Ta cap layer using a spin coating method and DC sputtering. The films were elaborated for spin Seebeck thermoelectric generator applications, and their spin Seebeck voltages were observed. We showed that the thermoelectric power of [Pt film/Fe3O4 NP]n multilayered films increases with increasing number of stacking n. Additionally, we prepared spin Seebeck thermopile devices in which the Fe3O4 NP-assembled films capped by Pt and Ta are connected alternately in series. We demonstrated that spin Seebeck voltages of the thermopile devices are larger than those of single [Pt or Ta film/Fe3O4 NP]n piece. Our results indicate that the spin Seebeck thermoelectric power of Fe3O4 NPs can be enhanced using a simple fabrication process without lithography technique.
Malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules according to echotexture and degree of hypoechogenicity: a retrospective multicenter validation study
Authors: Lee Ji Ye , Lee Chang Yoon , Hwang Inpyeong , You Sung-Hye , Park Sun-Won , Lee Boeun , Yoon Ra Gyoung , Yim Younghee , Kim Ji-hoon , Na Dong Gyu
Published: October 2022

Various risk stratification systems show discrepancies in the ultrasound lexicon of nodule echotexture and hypoechogenicity. This study aimed to determine the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules according to their echotexture and degree of hypoechogenicity. From June to September 2015, we retrospectively evaluated 5601 thyroid nodules with final diagnoses from 26 institutions. Nodules were stratified according to the echotexture (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) and degree of hypoechogenicity (mild, moderate, or marked). We calculated the malignancy risk according to composition and suspicious features. Heterogeneous hypoechoic nodules showed a significantly higher malignancy risk than heterogeneous isoechoic nodules (P ≤ 0.017), except in partially cystic nodules. Malignancy risks were not significantly different between homogeneous versus heterogeneous nodules in both hypoechoic (P ≥ 0.086) and iso- hyperechoic nodules (P ≥ 0.05). Heterogeneous iso-hyperechoic nodules without suspicious features showed a low malignancy risk. The malignancy risks of markedly and moderately hypoechoic nodules were not significantly different in all subgroups (P ≥ 0.48). Marked or moderately hypoechoic nodules showed a significantly higher risk than mild hypoechoic (P ≤ 0.016) nodules. The predominant echogenicity effectively stratifies the malignancy risk of nodules with heterogeneous echotexture. The degree of hypoechogenicity could be stratified as mild versus moderate to marked hypoechogenicity.
Preparation of a broad-specific monoclonal antibody and development of an immunochromatographic assay for monitoring of anthranilic diamides in vegetables and fruits
Authors: Xu Xinxin , Guo Lingling , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai , Liu Liqiang
Published: October 2022

A mAb-based lateral flow immunochromatographic strip for the detection of anthranilic diamides in vegetables and fruits was developed. The strip provided cut-off values of 2.5, 5, 10, and 10 ng g−1 for CHL, CYA, CYC, and TEA, respectively.
A robust molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on a Ni–Co nanoarray for the sensitive detection of spiramycin
Authors: Li Yunxiao , Xu Jiwei , Cheng Rongqi , Yang Jinghui , Li ChenChen , Liu Yingchun , Xu Rui , Wei Qin , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2022

A simple and robust molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor for the detection of spiramycin is fabricated based on Ni–Co LDH nanoarrays and is directly used as a sensor platform.
Identifying a selective oligopeptide clamp in the gas phase
Authors: Peng Xiaoru , Du Mengying , Shen Yong , Ye Yu-Xin , Kong Xianglei , Xu Jianqiao , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: October 2022

A new experimental scheme that can both identify selective oligopeptides and resolve their folding conformations is reported, which reveals that a “V” type pentapeptide can provide binding sites that precisely clamp four β2-blockers.
Hydration dynamics and IR spectroscopy of 4-fluorophenol
Authors: Salehi Seyedeh Maryam , Käser Silvan , Töpfer Kai , Diamantis Polydefkis , Pfister Rolf , Hamm Peter , Rothlisberger Ursula , Meuwly Markus
Published: October 2022

Halogenated groups are relevant in pharmaceutical applications and potentially useful spectroscopic probes for infrared spectroscopy.
Revealing the thermal decomposition mechanism of RDX crystals by a neural network potential
Authors: Chu Qingzhao , Chang Xiaoya , Ma Kang , Fu Xiaolong , Chen Dongping
Published: October 2022

A neural network potential (NNP) is developed to investigate the complex reaction dynamics of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) thermal decomposition.
Photoinduced radical cascade reactions for the thioalkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones: an access to β-heteroaryl thioethers under metal- and catalyst-free conditions
Authors: Singh Swati , Dagar Neha , Pal Giriraj , Raha Roy Sudipta
Published: October 2022

Visible light-driven, a radical-cascade process for thioalkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-one utilizing styrene and aryl disulfide derivatives has been discussed.
A hybrid wavelength selection strategy-based quantitative analysis model for LIBS data from standard ground samples of the Curiosity rover on Mars
Authors: Yu Yan , Yao Meibao , Huang Jipeng
Published: October 2022

Component prediction models for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy data of ChemCam are created using a hybrid variable selection strategy.
Recent advances in molecular programming of liquid crystal elastomers with additive manufacturing for 4D printing
Authors: Wang Yueping , An Jongwon , Lee Howon
Published: October 2022

This minireview provides a brief overview of the physical principles underlying the key methods for molecular programming of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and recent advances in additive manufacturing processes for LCE 4D printing.
Discovery of novel and potent tacrine derivatives as CDK2 inhibitors
Authors: Huang Yaoguang , Li Deping , Xu Chang , Zhu Chengze , Wu Limeng , Shen Meiling , Li Yue , Jiang Xiaowen , Liu Wenwu , Zhao Qingchun , Ren Tianshu
Published: October 2022

After optimization of the lead compound, ZLHT-7, a compound with 10-fold higher selectivity for CDK2 over CDK9, was discovered.
Design and synthesis of novel quinazolinone–chalcone hybrids as potential apoptotic candidates targeting caspase-3 and PARP-1:in vitro, molecular docking, and SAR studies
Authors: Madbouly Eman A. , Lashine El-Sayed M. , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Sebaiy Mahmoud M. , Pratsinis Harris , Kletsas Dimitris , Metwally Kamel
Published: October 2022

Novel quinazolinone–chalcone hybrids as potential apoptotic candidates targeting caspase-3 and PARP-1.
Correction: In vivo photoacoustic image-guided tumor photothermal therapy and real-time temperature monitoring using a core–shell polypyrrole@CuS nanohybrid
Authors: Cao Yang , Dumani Diego S. , Chen Ziqun , Emelianov Stanislav Y. , Ran Haitao
Published: October 2022

Correction for ‘In vivo photoacoustic image-guided tumor photothermal therapy and real-time temperature monitoring using a core–shell polypyrrole@CuS nanohybrid’ by Yang Cao et al., Nanoscale, 2022, 14, 12069–12076, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NR02848D.
Correction: Visualization of intercellular cargo transfer using upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Goh Yeongchang , Kim Jongwoo , Park Hye Sun , Jung Taeyoung , Hong Kwan Soo , Nam Sang Hwan , Suh Yung Doug , Lee Kang Taek
Published: October 2022

Correction for ‘Visualization of intercellular cargo transfer using upconverting nanoparticles’ by Yeongchang Goh et al., Nanoscale, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2nr01999j.
Preparation of core–shell nanoparticlesviaemulsion polymerization induced self-assembly using a maleamic acid-α-methyl styrene copolymer as a macro-initisurf
Authors: Chen Chuxuan , Fei Chaozhi , Xu Can , Ma Yuhong , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: October 2022

An amphiphilic maleamic acid-α-methyl styrene copolymer (macro-initisurf) acting as a macroinitiator and emulsifier for the emulsion polymerization induced self-assembly of acrylate monomers to prepare core–shell nanoparticles.
Amorphous CoB nanoarray as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for nitrite reduction to ammonia
Authors: Hu Long , Zhao Donglin , Liu Chengchen , Liang Yimei , Zheng Dongdong , Sun Shengjun , Li Quan , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Liao Yunwen , Xie Lisi , Sun Xuping
Published: October 2022

Amorphous CoB nanoarray is a high-efficiency catalyst for electrocatalytic NO2−-to-NH3 conversion, capable of attaining a large NH3 yield of 233.1 μmol h−1 cm−2 and a high faradaic efficiency of 95.2% at −0.7 V in 0.1 M Na2SO4 with 400 ppm NO2−.
Solid polymorphism and dynamic magnetic properties of a dodecylated vanadyl–porphyrinato complex: spin–lattice relaxations modulated by phase stabilisation
Authors: Horii Yoji , Makino Momo , Yamamoto Taro , Tatsumi Shoichi , Suzuki Hal , Noguchi Mariko , Yoshida Takefumi , Kajiwara Takashi , Li Zhao-Yang , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: October 2022

Phase stabilisation elongates spin–lattice relaxation times.
Supramolecular hyperbranched polymer gels based on pillar[5]arene and their applications in removal of micropollutants from water
Authors: Lv Xiaoqing , Xia Danyu , Cheng Yujie , Liu Yaoming , Zhang Junjie , Wei Xuehong , Wang Pi
Published: October 2022

Two kinds of pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular hyperbranched polymer gels were constructed and applied to efficiently remove micropollutants from water.