bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep fMRI with simultaneous electrophysiology at 9.4 T in male mice
Authors: Yu Yalin , Qiu Yue , Li Gen , Zhang Kaiwei , Bo Binshi , Pei Mengchao , Ye Jingjing , Thompson Garth J. , Cang Jing , Fang Fang , Feng Yanqiu , Duan Xiaojie , Tong Chuanjun , Liang Zhifeng
Published: March 2023

Sleep is ubiquitous and essential, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Studies in animals and humans have provided insights of sleep at vastly different spatiotemporal scales. However, challenges remain to integrate local and global information of sleep. Therefore, we developed sleep fMRI based on simultaneous electrophysiology at 9.4 T in male mice. Optimized un-anesthetized mouse fMRI setup allowed manifestation of NREM and REM sleep, and a large sleep fMRI dataset was collected and openly accessible. State dependent global patterns were revealed, and state transitions were found to be global, asymmetrical and sequential, which can be predicted up to 17.8 s using LSTM models. Importantly, sleep fMRI with hippocampal recording revealed potentiated sharp-wave ripple triggered global patterns during NREM than awake state, potentially attributable to co-occurrence of spindle events. To conclude, we established mouse sleep fMRI with simultaneous electrophysiology, and demonstrated its capability by revealing global dynamics of state transitions and neural events.
Single test-based diagnosis of multiple cancer types using Exosome-SERS-AI for early stage cancers
Authors: Shin Hyunku , Choi Byeong Hyeon , Shim On , Kim Jihee , Park Yong , Cho Suk Ki , Kim Hyun Koo , Choi Yeonho
Published: March 2023

Early cancer detection has significant clinical value, but there remains no single method that can comprehensively identify multiple types of early-stage cancer. Here, we report the diagnostic accuracy of simultaneous detection of 6 types of early-stage cancers (lung, breast, colon, liver, pancreas, and stomach) by analyzing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy profiles of exosomes using artificial intelligence in a retrospective study design. It includes classification models that recognize signal patterns of plasma exosomes to identify both their presence and tissues of origin. Using 520 test samples, our system identified cancer presence with an area under the curve value of 0.970. Moreover, the system classified the tumor organ type of 278 early-stage cancer patients with a mean area under the curve of 0.945. The final integrated decision model showed a sensitivity of 90.2% at a specificity of 94.4% while predicting the tumor organ of 72% of positive patients. Since our method utilizes a non-specific analysis of Raman signatures, its diagnostic scope could potentially be expanded to include other diseases.
A protective measles virus-derived vaccine inducing long-lasting immune responses against influenza A virus H7N9
Authors: Hörner Cindy , Fiedler Anna H. , Bodmer Bianca S. , Walz Lisa , Scheuplein Vivian A. , Hutzler Stefan , Matrosovich Mikhail N. , von Messling Veronika , Mühlebach Michael D.
Published: March 2023

A novel Influenza A virus (subtype H7N9) emerged in spring 2013 and caused considerable mortality in zoonotically infected patients. To be prepared for potential pandemics, broadly effective and safe vaccines are crucial. Recombinant measles virus (MeV) encoding antigens of foreign pathogens constitutes a promising vector platform to generate novel vaccines. To characterize the efficacy of H7N9 antigens in a prototypic vaccine platform technology, we generated MeVs encoding either neuraminidase (N9) or hemagglutinin (H7). Moraten vaccine strain-derived vaccine candidates were rescued; they replicated with efficiency comparable to that of the measles vaccine, robustly expressed H7 and N9, and were genetically stable over 10 passages. Immunization of MeV-susceptible mice triggered the production of antibodies against H7 and N9, including hemagglutination-inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies induced by MVvac2-H7(P) and neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies by MVvac2-N9(P). Vaccinated mice also developed long-lasting H7- and N9-specific T cells. Both MVvac2-H7(P) and MVvac2-N9(P)-vaccinated mice were protected from lethal H7N9 challenge.
The DREAM complex functions as conserved master regulator of somatic DNA-repair capacities
Authors: Bujarrabal-Dueso Arturo , Sendtner Georg , Meyer David H. , Chatzinikolaou Georgia , Stratigi Kalliopi , Garinis George A. , Schumacher Björn
Published: March 2023

The DNA-repair capacity in somatic cells is limited compared with that in germ cells. It has remained unknown whether not only lesion-type-specific, but overall repair capacities could be improved. Here we show that the DREAM repressor complex curbs the DNA-repair capacities in somatic tissues ofCaenorhabditis elegans. Mutations in the DREAM complex induce germline-like expression patterns of multiple mechanisms of DNA repair in the soma. Consequently, DREAM mutants confer resistance to a wide range of DNA-damage types during development and aging. Similarly, inhibition of the DREAM complex in human cells boosts DNA-repair gene expression and resistance to distinct DNA-damage types. DREAM inhibition leads to decreased DNA damage and prevents photoreceptor loss in progeroidErcc1−/−mice. We show that the DREAM complex transcriptionally represses essentially all DNA-repair systems and thus operates as a highly conserved master regulator of the somatic limitation of DNA-repair capacities.
Synthesis of Ag3PO4/Ag4P2O7 by microwave-hydrothermal method for enhanced UV–visible photocatalytic performance
Authors: Promnopas Surin , Promnopas Wonchai , Maisang Wachiraporn , Wannapop Surangkana , Thongtem Titipun , Thongtem Somchai , Wiranwetchayan Orawan
Published: March 2023

Ag3PO4/Ag4P2O7 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by microwave-hydrothermal method. Tuning the properties of photocatalysts was achieved using different amount of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to adjust pH value of precursor solution (pH = 4, 7, 10 and 12). The crystal structure, morphology and optical property of samples were characterized and explained. The photocatalytic activity of sample was determined by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) under a wavelength range of 350–700 nm irradiation. The results demonstrated that the change in shape of particles was not observed whereas the average particle size was decreased with increasing pH value because of the high hydroxide ions (OH−). The sample synthesized in the solution with the pH of 10 exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance and stability because of the highest surface area and the present of Ag4P2O7 on the surface of particles. The highest photodegradation efficiency was 99.34 and 96.12% by degrading RhB and MO, respectively. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4/Ag4P2O7 was discussed. The active species trapping experiments showed that the h+ was the main active species to decompose the dye molecules.
ADAR1 has an oncogenic function and can be a prognostic factor in cervical cancer
Authors: Nakamura Keiichiro , Shigeyasu Kunitoshi , Okamoto Kazuhiro , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Masuyama Hisashi
Published: March 2023

Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), a recently described epigenetic modifier, is believed to play a critical oncogenic role in human cancers. However, its functional role and clinical significance in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. ADAR1 knockdown was performed to investigate its oncogenic functions in SiHa (HPV16), HeLa (HPV18), and Yumoto (non-HPV) CC cell lines. Cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 expression were examined to clarify their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in patients with CC. This resulted in increased apoptosis and necroptosis in HPV16 -type SiHa, HPV18-type HeLa, and non-HPV-type Yumoto CC cell lines. Progression-free survival (PFS) rates of patients exhibiting high cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 expression were poorer than those in the other groups (P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis indicated that the combination of higher cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 expression was an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with CC (P = 0.017). ADAR1 could be a potential therapeutic target for HPV-positive or HPV-negative CC. The combination of cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 comprises a better prognostic factor for CC.
High resolution propagation-based lung imaging at clinically relevant X-ray dose levels
Authors: Albers Jonas , Wagner Willi L. , Fiedler Mascha O. , Rothermel Anne , Wünnemann Felix , Di Lillo Francesca , Dreossi Diego , Sodini Nicola , Baratella Elisa , Confalonieri Marco , Arfelli Fulvia , Kalenka Armin , Lotz Joachim , Biederer Jürgen , Wielpütz Mark O. , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Alves Frauke , Tromba Giuliana , Dullin Christian
Published: March 2023

Absorption-based clinical computed tomography (CT) is the current imaging method of choice in the diagnosis of lung diseases. Many pulmonary diseases are affecting microscopic structures of the lung, such as terminal bronchi, alveolar spaces, sublobular blood vessels or the pulmonary interstitial tissue. As spatial resolution in CT is limited by the clinically acceptable applied X-ray dose, a comprehensive diagnosis of conditions such as interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or the characterization of small pulmonary nodules is limited and may require additional validation by invasive lung biopsies. Propagation-based imaging (PBI) is a phase sensitive X-ray imaging technique capable of reaching high spatial resolutions at relatively low applied radiation dose levels. In this publication, we present technical refinements of PBI for the characterization of different artificial lung pathologies, mimicking clinically relevant patterns in ventilated fresh porcine lungs in a human-scale chest phantom. The combination of a very large propagation distance of 10.7 m and a photon counting detector with $$100\,\upmu \hbox {m}$$

100

μ
m

pixel size enabled high resolution PBI CT with significantly improved dose efficiency, measured by thermoluminescence detectors. Image quality was directly compared with state-of-the-art clinical CT. PBI with increased propagation distance was found to provide improved image quality at the same or even lower X-ray dose levels than clinical CT. By combining PBI with iodine k-edge subtraction imaging we further demonstrate that, the high quality of the calculated iodine concentration maps might be a potential tool for the analysis of lung perfusion in great detail. Our results indicate PBI to be of great value for accurate diagnosis of lung disease in patients as it allows to depict pathological lesions non-invasively at high resolution in 3D. This will especially benefit patients at high risk of complications from invasive lung biopsies such as in the setting of suspected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
A new, rare, small-ranged, and endangered mountain snake of the genus Elaphe from the Southern Levant
Authors: Jablonski Daniel , Ribeiro-Júnior Marco Antônio , Simonov Evgeniy , Šoltys Katarína , Meiri Shai
Published: March 2023

The genus Elaphe Fitzinger, 1833 includes 17 species of charismatic, large-sized, non-venomous, Eurasian snakes. In the Western Palearctic, the genus is represented by three species from the Elaphe quatuorlineata group ranging from the Apennine peninsula to Central Asia. The southernmost population of this group is distributed in the mountains of the Southern Levant, with more than 400 km gap to other Elaphe populations. This population has been known to science for only 50 years and is virtually unstudied due to its extreme rarity. We studied these snakes’ morphological and genetic variation from the three countries where they are known to occur, i.e., Israel (Hermon, the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights), Lebanon, and Syria. We used nine mitochondrial and nuclear genes, complete mitogenome sequences, and a comprehensive morphological examination including published data, our own field observations, and museum specimens, to study its relationship to other species in the group. The three currently recognized species of the group (E. quatuorlineata, E. sauromates, E. urartica), and the Levant population, form four deeply divergent, strongly supported clades. Three of these clades correspond to the abovementioned species while the Southern Levant clade, which is genetically and morphologically distinct from all named congeners, is described here as a new species, Elaphe druzei sp. nov. The basal divergence of this group is estimated to be the Late Miocene with subsequent radiation from 5.1 to 3.9 Mya. The revealed biogeography of the E. quatuorlineata group supports the importance of the Levant as a major center of endemism and diversity of biota in Eurasia. The new species is large-sized and is one of the rarest snakes in the Western Palearctic. Because of its small mountain distribution range, in an area affected by land use and climate change, the new Elaphe urgently needs strict protection. Despite political issues, we hope this will be based on the cooperation of all countries where the new species occurs.
Docking experiments suggest that gloriosine has microtubule-targeting properties similar to colchicine
Authors: Misra Ankita , Chaudhary Mridul Kant , Singh Satyendra Pratap , Tripathi Deepali , Barik Saroj Kanta , Srivastava Sharad
Published: March 2023

Gloriosine, the predominant metabolite of Gloriosa superba L., shares chemical properties with colchicine. We analyze the microtubule-binding affinity of gloriosine at the colchicine binding site (CBS) using an in silico-in vivo approach. The In silico docking of gloriosine showed a binding score of (−) 7.5 kcal/Mol towards β-tubulin at CBS and was validated by overlapping the coupling pose of the docked ligand with co-crystallized colchicine. 2D plots (Ligplot +) showed > 85% overlap between gloriosine and colchicine. The ADMET profile of gloriosine was in accordance with Lipinski’s rule of five. Gloriosine belongs to class II toxicity with anLD50 value of 6 mg/kg. In vivo and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that gloriosine induces abnormalities in cell division such as condensed chromosomes in C-metaphase and enlarged nucleus with increased nuclear material. Gloriosine treated cells exhibited mitotic index of about 14% compared to control of 24% and high anti-proliferative activity i.e. 63.94% cell viability at a low concentration (0.0004 mg/ml). We conclude that gloriosine has a strong affinity for β-tubulin at CBS and thus can be used as a colchicine alternative in cytology and other clinical conditions.
Meta-analysis of the normal diffusion tensor imaging values of the peripheral nerves in the upper limb
Authors: Wade Ryckie G. , Lu Fangqing , Poruslrani Yohan , Karia Chiraag , Feltbower Richard G. , Plein Sven , Bourke Grainne , Teh Irvin
Published: March 2023

Peripheral neuropathy affects 1 in 10 adults over the age of 40 years. Given the absence of a reliable diagnostic test for peripheral neuropathy, there has been a surge of research into diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) because it characterises nerve microstructure and provides reproducible proxy measures of myelination, axon diameter, fibre density and organisation. Before researchers and clinicians can reliably use diffusion tensor imaging to assess the ‘health’ of the major nerves of the upper limb, we must understand the “normal” range of values and how they vary with experimental conditions. We searched PubMed, Embase, medRxiv and bioRxiv for studies which reported the findings of DTI of the upper limb in healthy adults. Four review authors independently triple extracted data. Using the meta suite of Stata 17, we estimated the normal fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusivity (mean, MD; radial, RD; axial AD) values of the median, radial and ulnar nerve in the arm, elbow and forearm. Using meta-regression, we explored how DTI metrics varied with age and experimental conditions. We included 20 studies reporting data from 391 limbs, belonging to 346 adults (189 males and 154 females, ~ 1.2 M:1F) of mean age 34 years (median 31, range 20–80). In the arm, there was no difference in the FA (pooled mean 0.59 mm2/s [95% CI 0.57, 0.62]; I298%) or MD (pooled mean 1.13 × 10–3mm2/s [95% CI 1.08, 1.18]; I299%) of the median, radial and ulnar nerves. Around the elbow, the ulnar nerve had a 12% lower FA than the median and radial nerves (95% CI − 0.25, 0.00) and significantly higher MD, RD and AD. In the forearm, the FA (pooled mean 0.55 [95% CI 0.59, 0.64]; I296%) and MD (pooled mean 1.03 × 10–3mm2/s [95% CI 0.94, 1.12]; I299%) of the three nerves were similar. Multivariable meta regression showed that the b-value, TE, TR, spatial resolution and age of the subject were clinically important moderators of DTI parameters in peripheral nerves. We show that subject age, as well as the b-value, TE, TR and spatial resolution are important moderators of DTI metrics from healthy nerves in the adult upper limb. The normal ranges shown here may inform future clinical and research studies.
Habitat quality influences trade-offs in animal movement along the exploration–exploitation continuum
Authors: Smith Joshua B. , Keiter David A. , Sweeney Steven J. , Miller Ryan S. , Schlichting Peter E. , Beasley James C.
Published: March 2023

To successfully establish itself in a novel environment, an animal must make an inherent trade-off between knowledge accumulation and exploitation of knowledge gained (i.e., the exploration–exploitation dilemma). To evaluate how habitat quality affects the spatio-temporal scale of switching between exploration and exploitation during home range establishment, we conducted experimental trials comparing resource selection and space-use of translocated animals to those of reference individuals using reciprocal translocations between habitat types of differing quality. We selected wild pigs (Sus scrofa) as a model species to investigate hypotheses related to the movement behavior of translocated individuals because they are globally distributed large mammals that are often translocated within their introduced range to facilitate recreational hunting. Individuals translocated to higher quality habitat (i.e. higher proportions of bottomland hardwood habitats) exhibited smaller exploratory movements and began exploiting resources more quickly than those introduced to lower quality areas, although those in lower-quality areas demonstrated an increased rate of selection for preferred habitat as they gained knowledge of the landscape. Our data demonstrate that habitat quality mediates the spatial and temporal scale at which animals respond behaviorally to novel environments, and how these processes may determine the success of population establishment.
Associations of physical activity domains and muscle strength exercise with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a nation-wide cohort study
Authors: Park Yewan , Sinn Dong Hyun , Kim Kyunga , Gwak Geum-Youn
Published: March 2023

It is unclear if various types and domains of exercise have an identical effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, this study aimed to investigate associations of different physical activity domains and muscle strength exercise with NAFLD using a nation-wide cohort database. Adults aged 20–79 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Hepatic steatosis index was used to identify NAFLD. Physical activity was assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Of 21,015 participants, 4942 (23.5%) had NAFLD. Participants with ≥ 150 min/week of total physical activity had a lower risk of NAFLD than those with < 150 min/week (the fully adjusted OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.95). When the individual domain of physical activity was assessed, ≥ 150 min/week of recreation activity was associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD (OR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.67–0.88), whereas ≥ 150 min/week of travel or work activity was not. The fully adjusted OR for NAFLD comparing participants with ≥ 2/week to those with < 2/week of muscle strength exercise was 0.83 (95% CI 0.73–0.94). Muscle strength exercise ≥ 2/week showed a lower risk of NAFLD for all levels of total and each specific domains of physical activity except for ≥ 150 min/week of work activity. An increased level of physical activity and muscle strength exercise was associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD, albeit the effect varied depending on domains of physical activity. Thus, physical activity should be differentiated by domains for the management of NAFLD. Muscle strength exercise could also be a good option for individuals who could not perform moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Differentiation of patient-specific void urine-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells to fibroblasts and skeletal muscle myocytes
Authors: Kibschull M. , Nguyen T. T. N. , Chow T. , Alarab M. , Lye S. J. , Rogers I. , Shynlova O.
Published: March 2023

Cell-based therapy is a major focus for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, derivation of primary cells requires tissue biopsies, which often have adverse effects on patients. A recent study used human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived smooth muscle myocytes for urethral sphincter regeneration in rats. Here, we establish a workflow using iPSC-derived fibroblasts and skeletal myocytes for urethral tissue regeneration: (1) Cells from voided urine of women were reprogrammed into iPSC. (2) The iPSC line U1 and hESC line H9 (control) were differentiated into fibroblasts expressing FSP1, TE7, vinculin, vimentin, αSMA, fibronectin and paxillin. (3) Myogenic differentiation of U1 and H9 was induced by small molecule CHIR99021 and confirmed by protein expression of myogenic factors PAX7, MYOD, MYOG, and MF20. Striated muscle cells enriched by FACS expressed NCAM1, TITIN, DESMIN, TNNT3. (4) Human iPSC-derived fibroblasts and myocytes were engrafted into the periurethral region of RNU rats. Injected cells were labelled with ferric nanoparticles and traced by Prussian Blue stain, human-specific nuclear protein KU80, and human anti-mitochondria antibody. This workflow allows the scalable derivation, culture, and in vivo tracing of patient-specific fibroblasts and myocytes, which can be assessed in rat SUI models to regenerate urethral damages and restore continence.
Structural finite element model updating considering soil-structure interaction using ls-dyna in loop
Authors: Park Gun , Jung Jongwon , Yoon Hyungchul
Published: March 2023

In this study, a finite element model updating method which can consider soil-structure interaction was developed to analyze the effect of soil properties on the structural response while considering interaction between the soil and the structure. Additionally, LS-DYNA, a commercial finite element program, was included in the loop of the proposed technique using MATLAB to conveniently utilize the complex structures updated by the model. To validate the performance of the proposed method, a large-scale shake table test was conducted. The objective of the validation test was to seek how accurately the proposed model updating method can detect the change in the stiffness. To compare the result of the proposed method with the conventional method, the model updating procedure was conducted with and without considering soil-structure interaction. The proposed finite element model updating method which considers the soil-structure interaction estimated the stiffness of the structure with maximum accuracy of 91%, while the conventional finite element model updating without considering the soil-structure interaction showed maximum accuracy of 88%. By comparing the proposed method with the conventional method without considering the soil-structure interaction, it was confirmed that the proposed method had an 3% higher accuracy on average.
Modelling the impact of stigmatisation of Ebola survivors on the disease transmission dynamics
Authors: Juga M. , Nyabadza F. , Chirove F.
Published: March 2023

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is one of the most highly stigmatised diseases in any affected country because of the disease’s high infectivity and case fatality rate. Infected individuals and most especially survivors are often stigmatised by their communities for fear of contagion. We propose and analyse a mathematical model to examine the impact of stigmatisation of Ebola survivors on the disease dynamics. The model captures both the internal stigmatisation experienced by infected individuals after witnessing survivors being stigmatised and the external stigmatisation imposed on survivors by their communities. The results obtained from our analysis and simulations show that both internal and external stigma may lead to an increase in the burden of Ebola virus disease by sustaining the number of infected individuals who hide their infection and the number of unsafe burials of deceased Ebola victims. Strategies that seek to put an end to both forms of stigmatisation and promote safe burials will therefore go a long way in averting the EVD burden.
Study of solid loading of feedstock using trimodal iron powders for extrusion based additive manufacturing
Authors: Oh Heungseok , Im Taehyeob , Pyo Jungsuk , Lee Jai-sung , Lee Caroline Sunyong
Published: March 2023

Volume loading of feedstock using trimodal iron (Fe) powders was investigated for the application of extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM). Fe trimodal powder composed of nano, sub-nano, and micro particles was manufactured via the powder metallurgy process where small particles behave as rolling bearings among large particles, and thereby improving the flow characteristics of feedstock by minimizing friction among the particles. The flow behavior and microstructures of the monomodal feedstock were compared with those of the trimodal feedstock. We have confirmed that the critical powder loading of monomodal powder was measured to be 70 vol.% while trimodal powder showed up to 74 vol.%. Furthermore, trimodal feedstocks of 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80 vol.% Fe powder were prepared to determine the optimal powder content for sintering. As a result, the feedstock with powder content of 70 vol.% gave the highest sintered density of 92.32%, the highest Vickers hardness of 80.67 HV, with the smallest dimensional variation in shrinkage, proposing 70 vol.% of trimodal feedstock to be the suitable powder content for AM. Finally, its microstructural and mechanical comparison with 70 vol.% sintered part using monomodal Fe powder, showed that the sintered part using trimodal feedstock displayed higher hardness, uniform shrinkage as well as smaller grain size, confirming trimodal feedstock to be favorable for the application of extrusion-based AM.
Development of a comfort suit-type soft-wearable robot with flexible artificial muscles for walking assistance
Authors: Piao Jiaoli , Kim Minseo , Kim Jeesoo , Kim Changhwan , Han Seunghee , Back Inryeol , Koh Je-sung , Koo Sumin
Published: March 2023

Anchoring components are added to wearable robots to ensure a stable interaction between the suits and the human body and to minimize the displacement of the suits. However, these components can apply pressure to the body and can cause user dissatisfaction, which can decrease willingness to use the suits. Therefore, this study aims to develop a suit-type soft-wearable robot platform for walking assistance by providing comfortable garment pressure to ensure user satisfaction. The first prototype of a wearable robot suit was developed with anchoring components on the shoulders, waist, and thighs based on previous research results. Wear tests were conducted to measure garment pressure depending on posture using pressure sensors, and satisfaction surveys were conducted. The second prototype design was then developed, and performance tests with flexible artificial muscles and a satisfaction survey were conducted. Regarding the first prototype, the participants felt more than normal pressure in the shoulders and relatively less pressure in the thighs and calves. Thus, compared to the first design, the second design ensured a decreased garment pressure and resulted in an improvement of overall user satisfaction. These results can help provide guidance in the development of wearable robots by taking pressure comfort and user satisfaction into consideration.
Analysis of gadolinium oxide using microwave-enhanced fiber-coupled micro-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Ikeda Yuji , Soriano Joey Kim , Ohba Hironori , Wakaida Ikuo
Published: March 2023

We report on the analysis of pure gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and its detection when mixed in surrogate nuclear debris using microwave-enhanced fiber-coupled micro-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (MWE-FC-MLIBS). The target application is remote analysis of nuclear debris containing uranium (U) inside the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The surrogate nuclear debris used in this study contained gadolinium (Gd), cerium (Ce), zirconium (Zr), and iron (Fe). Ce is a surrogate for U, and Gd2O3 is an excellent hazard index because it is incorporated into some fuel rods. Gd detection is essential for assessing debris prior to the retrieval process. Surrogate debris was ablated by an 849 ps 1064 nm micro-laser under atmospheric pressure conditions while a helical antenna propagated 2.45 GHz 1.0 kW microwaves for 1.0 ms into the laser ablation, which was then characterized by a high-speed camera and high-resolution spectrometers. The results showed that microwave-induced plasma expansion led to enhanced emission signals of Gd I, Zr I, Fe I, Ce I, and Ce II. No self-absorption of Gd emissions was evident from the detection limit calibration graphs. Moreover, microwave irradiation decreased the standard deviations of the Gd and Ce emissions and lowered the Gd detection limit by 60%.
Pediatric-type high-grade neuroepithelial tumors with CIC gene fusion share a common DNA methylation signature
Authors: Sievers Philipp , Sill Martin , Schrimpf Daniel , Abdullaev Zied , Donson Andrew M. , Lake Jessica A. , Friedel Dennis , Scheie David , Tynninen Olli , Rauramaa Tuomas , Vepsäläinen Kaisa L. , Samuel David , Chapman Rebecca , Grundy Richard G. , Pajtler Kristian W. , Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Métais Alice , Varlet Pascale , Snuderl Matija , Jacques Thomas S. , Aldape Kenneth , Reuss David E. , Korshunov Andrey , Wick Wolfgang , Pfister Stefan M. , von Deimling Andreas , Sahm Felix , Jones David T. W.
Published: March 2023

Pediatric neoplasms in the central nervous system (CNS) show extensive clinical and molecular heterogeneity and are fundamentally different from those occurring in adults. Molecular genetic testing contributes to accurate diagnosis and enables an optimal clinical management of affected children. Here, we investigated a rare, molecularly distinct type of pediatric high-grade neuroepithelial tumor (n = 18), that was identified through unsupervised visualization of genome-wide DNA methylation array data, together with copy number profiling, targeted next-generation DNA sequencing, and RNA transcriptome sequencing. DNA and/or RNA sequencing revealed recurrent fusions involving thecapicua transcriptional repressor(CIC) gene in 10/10 tumor samples analyzed, with the most common fusion beingCIC::LEUTX(n = 9). In addition, aCIC::NUTM1fusion was detected in one of the tumors. Apart from the detected fusion events, no additional oncogenic alteration was identified in these tumors. The histopathological review demonstrated a morphologically heterogeneous group of high-grade neuroepithelial tumors with positive immunostaining for markers of glial differentiation in combination with weak and focal expression of synaptophysin, CD56 and CD99. All tumors were located in the supratentorial compartment, occurred during childhood (median age 8.5 years) and typically showed early relapses. In summary, we expand the spectrum of pediatric-type tumors of the CNS by reporting a previously uncharacterized group of rare high-grade neuroepithelial tumors that share a common DNA methylation signature and recurrent gene fusions involving the transcriptional repressorCIC. Downstream functional consequences of the fusion proteinCIC::LEUTXand potential therapeutic implications need to be further investigated.
Efficient capture and storage of ammonia in robust aluminium-based metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Guo Lixia , Hurd Joseph , He Meng , Lu Wanpeng , Li Jiangnan , Crawshaw Danielle , Fan Mengtian , Sapchenko Sergei , Chen Yinlin , Zeng Xiangdi , Kippax-Jones Meredydd , Huang Wenyuan , Zhu Zhaodong , Manuel Pascal , Frogley Mark D. , Lee Daniel , Schröder Martin , Yang Sihai
Published: March 2023

The development of stable sorbent materials to deliver reversible adsorption of ammonia (NH3) is a challenging task. Here, we report the efficient capture and storage of NH3 in a series of robust microporous aluminium-based metal-organic framework materials, namely MIL-160, CAU-10-H, Al-fum, and MIL-53(Al). In particular, MIL-160 shows high uptakes of NH3 of 4.8 and 12.8 mmol g−1 at both low and high pressure (0.001 and 1.0 bar, respectively) at 298 K. The combination of in situ neutron powder diffraction, synchrotron infrared micro-spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals the preferred adsorption domains of NH3 molecules in MIL-160, with H/D site-exchange between the host and guest and an unusual distortion of the local structure of [AlO6] moieties being observed. Dynamic breakthrough experiments confirm the excellent ability of MIL-160 to capture of NH3 with a dynamic uptake of 4.2 mmol g−1 at 1000 ppm. The combination of high porosity, pore aperture size and multiple binding sites promotes the significant binding affinity and capacity for NH3, which makes it a promising candidate for practical applications.
Projected Atlantic overturning slow-down is to be compensated by a strengthened South Atlantic subtropical gyre
Authors: Marcello Fernanda , Tonelli Marcos , Ferrero Bruno , Wainer Ilana
Published: March 2023

The upper limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation brings shallow interocean contributions to replenish the North Atlantic export of deepwaters. It is primarily formed in the southern South Atlantic where the converging entrainment of Pacific and Indian Ocean waters meet and incorporate into the South Atlantic subtropical gyre. Here, we use Community Earth System Model 1 Large Ensemble simulation results along 1920–2100 to investigate the response of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation upper limb and the South Atlantic subtropical gyre to future human-induced climate warming under business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of flow redistribution, we find that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation upper limb weakens not because less waters are being imported from the Pacific and Indian basins — but because waters are being mostly directed to recirculate in the southwestern portion of a distorted South Atlantic subtropical gyre, turning back southward after reaching the South Atlantic western boundary.
Ion mobility mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations unravel the conformational stability of zinc metallothionein-2 species
Authors: Peris-Díaz Manuel David , Barkhanskiy Alexey , Liggett Ellen , Barran Perdita , Krężel Artur
Published: March 2023

We present a molecular dynamics approach to explore the conformational landscape of proteins analyzed by ion mobility-mass spectrometry, providing new insights into the structural properties of metallothioneins, a cellular zinc buffer system.
Stabilization and activation of polyoxometalate over poly(vinyl butylimidazolium) cations towards electrocatalytic water oxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Singh Ganga , Adhikary Subhasis D. , Mandal Debaprasad
Published: March 2023

Sandwich polyoxometalate [WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2]12− (Co-WCo3) heterogenized with a poly(vinyl butyl imidazolium) cation (PVIM+) acts as a stable electrochemical water oxidation catalyst in 1 M KOH with 0.28 V@10 mA cm−2 overpotential and TOF of 6.16 s−1.
Electronic structure and optical properties of doped γ-CuI scintillator: a first-principles study
Authors: Li Meicong , Zhang Zheng , Zhao Qiang , Huang Mei , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: March 2023

Element doping can affect the electronic structure and optical properties of γ-CuI. First principles calculations show that Cs, F, Cl, and Br doping may enhance the detection performance of γ-CuI scintillators.
Influence of graphene oxide on rheology, mechanical, dielectric, and triboelectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite hydrogels prepared via a facile one step process
Authors: Sharma Swati , Adaval Akanksha , Singh Shiva , Maji Pradip K. , Subash Cherumannil Karumuthil , Shafeeq Valiyaveetil Haneefa , Bhattacharyya Arup R.
Published: March 2023

The present investigation aims to develop hydrogels with higher mechanical stability for triboelectric applications by adopting a simple method to fabricate a graphene oxide (GO) incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite hydrogel.
Dynamic CPL switching realized in chiral Mn-based metal halides with reversible thermochromism
Authors: Zhang Tianyong , Kang Huimin , Li Bin , Zhou Jin , Zhao Peisheng , Zhao Tianzhe , Li Xiaolei , Jiang Shuang
Published: March 2023

(R-/S-Br-MBA)3MnBr5shows reversible conversion of CPL emission in wavelength and direction during heating and cooling.
Incorporation and modification of fatty acids in cyanobacterial natural products biosynthesis
Authors: Leão Pedro N. , Martins Teresa P. , Abt Kathleen , Reis João P. A. , Figueiredo Sandra , Castelo-Branco Raquel , Freitas Sara
Published: March 2023

Cyanobacterial secondary metabolite biosynthesis often involves the use of a rich enzymatic arsenal for the incorporation and modification of fatty acid-derived moieties.
Palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of α,β-unsaturated superactive triazine esters
Authors: Lin Dezhi , Yang Hongyu , Zhang Xiao , Sun Huaming , Zhang Xuepeng , Jian Yajun , Zhang Weiqiang , Liu Yunfang , Gao Ziwei
Published: March 2023

Palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura couplings of α,β-unsaturated acid derivatives are challenging due to the susceptibility of their CC bonds adjacent to carbonyl groups.
Unusual magnetic behavior of TiO2-doped CuFeO2 crystals (CuFe1−xTixO2) grown by the optical floating zone method
Authors: Hou Jingwen , Goodman Bernard A. , Lu Yuchen , Zhang Qunyue , Huang Bin , Chen Long , Xu Shoulei , Deng Wen , Xiong Dingkang
Published: March 2023

Crystals of synthetic delafossite with greatly affected magnetic properties can be prepared by doping with a limited range of Ti contents.
Strontium-induced phase, energy band and microstructure regulation in Ba1−xSrxTiO3photocatalysts for boosting visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Han Yan , Wang Shifa , Li Maoyuan , Gao Huajing , Han Mengjun , Yang Hua , Fang Leiming , Angadi V. Jagadeesha , El-Rehim A. F. Abd , Ali Atif Mossad , Li Dengfeng
Published: March 2023

The polyacrylamide gel method has been developed for fabrication of Ba1−xSrxTiO3(BST) photocatalysts. The structure, surface morphology, band gap and photocatalytic activity of BST photocatalysts can be regulated by adjusting thexvalue.
Infrared photodesorption of CO from astrophysically relevant ices studied with a free-electron laser
Authors: Ingman Emily R. , Laurinavicius Domantas , Zhang Jin , Schrauwen Johanna G. M. , Redlich Britta , Noble Jennifer A. , Ioppolo Sergio , McCoustra Martin R. S. , Brown Wendy A.
Published: March 2023

Resonant excitation of CO and water-containing ices with a free-electron laser leads to CO photodesorption.
Impact of sodium pyruvate on the electrochemical reduction of NAD+ biomimetics
Authors: Bruggeman Chase , Gregurash Karissa , Hickey David P.
Published: March 2023

Aqueous electrochemical reduction of an NAD+ mimetic, 1-n-butyl-3-carbamoylpyridinium bromide, to its enzymatically active form, 1,4-dihydro-1-n-butyl nicotinamide, is favored in the presence of sodium pyruvate as a supporting electrolyte.
Gating ion and fluid transport with chiral solvent
Authors: Silva Savannah , Singh Siddharth , Cao Ethan , Fourkas John T. , Siwy Zuzanna S.
Published: March 2023

Nonlinear spectroscopy and electrokinetic measurements reveal that the electrochemical properties of a solid–liquid interface in salt solutions in propylene carbonate are dependent on the solvent chirality.
Sustainable production of active pharmaceutical ingredients from lignin-based benzoic acid derivatives via “demand orientation”
Authors: Dong Yuguo , Dong Lin , Gu Xiaoli , Wang Yanqin , Liao Yuhe , Luque Rafael , Chen Zupeng
Published: March 2023

Catalytic production of several representative active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from lignin.
A site-isolated Lewis acidic aluminium and Brønsted basic amine sites in the dimeric silsesquioxane cage as a reusable homogeneous bifunctional catalyst for one-pot tandem deacetalization/deketalization-Knoevenagel condensation reactions
Authors: Loganathan Pushparaj , Pillai Renjith S. , Jennifer G Abigail , Varathan Elumalai , Kesavan M. , Shanmugan Swaminathan
Published: March 2023

Robust, environment-friendly Al-POSS-NH2 exhibits reusable homogeneous bifunctional catalytic performance towards one-pot tandem reactions due to the synergism and compartmentalization between Lewis acidic aluminium and Brønsted basic amine sites.
Pd/Co3O4–Pd/PdO formed in situ on the surface of the self-assembly ferrocenylimine Pd(ii)/Co(ii) monolayer for catalyzing the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction—formation, synergistic effect, and catalytic mechanism
Authors: Han Penghui , Zhu Shuiqing , Zhang Wenfen , Yang Bowen , Huang Dongmei , Ren Ruirui , Li Tiesheng , Liu Minghua , Wu Yangjie
Published: March 2023

Pd0/Co3O4(CoO/Co2O3)–PdO exhibited the synergistic effect between Pd and Co3O4, and the high activity was mainly induced by Pd(111)/CoO(222).
Tuning the metal valence state of Pd nanoparticles via codoping of B–N for chlorophenol hydrodechlorination
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Chen Xianlang , Yu Jinhua , Fang Zheng , Yan Lele , Wang Zijian , Pan Zhengyu , Li Rongrong , Zhang Li
Published: March 2023

Catalytic hydrodechlorination of chlorophenol over B–N co-doped hierarchically ordered porous carbon with excellent conversion and stability is presented.
Anti-corrosion strategy to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Liang , Guo Zhenyu , Fan Rundong , Zhou Huanping
Published: March 2023

We discuss the lifetimes of perovskite devices from the perspective of corrosion science. Benefiting from a series of anti-corrosion strategies (passivation, surface coatingetc.) used in corrosion science, the stability of the devices is remarkably enhanced.
Direct observation of bicarbonate and water reduction on gold: understanding the potential dependent proton source during hydrogen evolution
Authors: Deng Gang-Hua , Zhu Quansong , Rebstock Jaclyn , Neves-Garcia Tomaz , Baker L. Robert
Published: March 2023

In situVSFG measurements provide direct observation of the Au/electrolyte interface during HER in various electrolytes.
Nano-dimensionality effect on electrochemical aptamer-based sensor performance for MUC1 liquid biopsy
Authors: Koushanpour Ashkan , Harvey Edward J. , Merle Geraldine E.
Published: March 2023

The modularity of electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors has made them useful candidates for real-time and specific determination of molecular targets (irrespective of their chemical reactivity).
By what molecular mechanisms do social determinants impact cardiometabolic risk?
Authors: Baumer Yvonne , Pita Mario A. , Baez Andrew S. , Ortiz-Whittingham Lola R. , Cintron Manuel A. , Rose Raviv R. , Gray Veronica C. , Osei Baah Foster , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M.
Published: March 2023

While it is well known from numerous epidemiologic investigations that social determinants (socioeconomic, environmental, and psychosocial factors exposed to over the life-course) can dramatically impact cardiovascular health, the molecular mechanisms by which social determinants lead to poor cardiometabolic outcomes are not well understood. This review comprehensively summarizes a variety of current topics surrounding the biological effects of adverse social determinants (i.e., the biology of adversity), linking translational and laboratory studies with epidemiologic findings. With a strong focus on the biological effects of chronic stress, we highlight an array of studies on molecular and immunological signaling in the context of social determinants of health (SDoH). The main topics covered include biomarkers of sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation, and the role of inflammation in the biology of adversity focusing on glucocorticoid resistance and key inflammatory cytokines linked to psychosocial and environmental stressors (PSES). We then further discuss the effect of SDoH on immune cell distribution and characterization by subset, receptor expression, and function. Lastly, we describe epigenetic regulation of the chronic stress response and effects of SDoH on telomere length and aging. Ultimately, we highlight critical knowledge gaps for future research as we strive to develop more targeted interventions that account for SDoH to improve cardiometabolic health for at-risk, vulnerable populations.
Renovating a double fence with or without notifying the next door and across the street neighbors: why the biogenic cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-negative bacteria display asymmetry?
Authors: Bogdanov Mikhail
Published: March 2023

The complex two-membrane organization of the envelope of Gram-negative bacteria imposes an unique biosynthetic and topological constraints that can affect translocation of lipids and proteins synthesized on the cytoplasm facing leaflet of the cytoplasmic (inner) membrane (IM), across the IM and between the IM and outer membrane (OM). Balanced growth of two membranes and continuous loss of phospholipids in the periplasmic leaflet of the IM as metabolic precursors for envelope components and for translocation to the OM requires a constant supply of phospholipids in the IM cytosolic leaflet. At present we have no explanation as to why the biogenic E. coli IM displays asymmetry. Lipid asymmetry is largely related to highly entropically disfavored, unequal headgroup and acyl group asymmetries which are usually actively maintained by active mechanisms. However, these mechanisms are largely unknown for bacteria. Alternatively, lipid asymmetry in biogenic IM could be metabolically controlled in order to maintain uniform bilayer growth and asymmetric transmembrane arrangement by balancing temporally the net rates of synthesis and flip-flop, inter IM and OM bidirectional flows and bilayer chemical and physical properties as spontaneous response. Does such flippase-less or ‘lipid only”, ‘passive' mechanism of generation and maintenance of lipid asymmetry exists in the IM? The driving force for IM asymmetry can arise from the packing requirements imposed upon the bilayer system during cell division through disproportional distribution of two negatively curved phospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin, with consistent reciprocal tendency to increase and decrease lipid order in each membrane leaflet respectively.
Secrecy analysis of AF relaying with triple selection over arbitrary Nakagami fading channels
Authors: Lee Donghun
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the secrecy outage probability of amplify and forward (AF) relaying with triple selection over real valued Nakagami fading channels. This paper derives the new upper bound cumulative distribution function expressions of the proposed system for the received signal to noise ratio in which maximal ratio combining and selection combining receivers are considered. Further, this paper derives the lower bound and asymptotic expressions for the secrecy outage probability. An interesting numerical result is that the secrecy performance of the AF relaying with selection combining is superior to the AF relaying with maximal ratio combining over arbitrary Nakagami fading channels.