bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the rainfall infiltration on FOS via a new NSRM for a case study at high rock slope stability
Authors: Zhou Tianbai , Zhang Lingfan , Cheng Jian , Wang Jianming , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Maoyuan
Published: July 2022

Assessing the stability characteristics of high rock slope under rainfall via theoretical research, numerical simulation, and field monitoring is of great implications for safety construction in open-pit mine engineering. Thus, based on the Hoke-Brown criterion, instantaneous internal friction angle and cohesion of high-slope rock mass under high stress conditions were deduced, and a nonlinear strength reduction method for high rock slope was established. The safety factors of the open-pit mine were calculated by COMSOL Multiphysics, which considering the high rock southwest slope and detected rainfall in Dagushan Open-pit Mine, China. The results showed that high rock slope stability could be more accurately analyzed by the proposed method due to its full consideration of slope stress state effect compared with the equivalent Mohr- Coulomb method. When the slope is low, the difference between the calculation results of the equivalent Mohr- Coulomb method and the proposed method is small, but with the increase of the slope height, the difference between the two calculation results gradually increases. When the transient saturated is formed in the slope surface layer and gradually increases, the reduction rate of the factor of safety (FOS) gradually increases. When the total rainfall is the same, the effect of short-term heavy rainfall on slope stability is less than that of long-term ordinary rainfall. The results obtained form this work provided important insights into the stability of high rock slope and rainfall infiltration in open-pit mine, and the safety factor is crucial for guiding the mining process design.
Characterization of mitochondrial dysfunction due to laser damage by 2-photon FLIM microscopy
Authors: Alam Shagufta Rehman , Wallrabe Horst , Christopher Kathryn G. , Siller Karsten H. , Periasamy Ammasi
Published: July 2022

Mitochondria are the central organelles in cellular bio-energetics with key roles to play in energy metabolism and cell fate decisions. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging microscopy (FLIM) is used to track metabolic changes by following the intrinsic co-enzymes NAD(P)H and FAD, present in metabolic pathways. FLIM records-lifetimes and the relative fractions of free (unbound) and bound states of NAD(P)H and FAD are achieved by multiphoton excitation of a pulsed femto-second infra-red laser. Optimization of multiphoton laser power levels is critical to achieve sufficient photon counts for correct lifetime fitting while avoiding phototoxic effects. We have characterized two photon (2p) laser induced changes at the intra-cellular level, specifically in the mitochondria, where damage was assessed at rising 2p laser average power excitation. Our results show that NAD(P)H-a2%—the lifetime-based enzyme bound fraction, an indicator of mitochondrial OXPHOS activity is increased by rising average power, while inducing changes in the mitochondria at higher power levels, quantified by different probes. Treatment response tracked by means of NAD(P)H-a2% can be confounded by laser-induced damage producing the same effect. Our study demonstrates that 2p-laser power optimization is critical by characterizing changes in the mitochondria at increasing laser average power.
Autism-associated mutation in Hevin/Sparcl1 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress through structural instability
Authors: Taketomi Takumi , Yasuda Takunori , Morita Rikuri , Kim Jaehyun , Shigeta Yasuteru , Eroglu Cagla , Harada Ryuhei , Tsuruta Fuminori
Published: July 2022

Hevin is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that is encoded by the SPARCL1 gene. Recent studies have shown that Hevin plays an important role in regulating synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Mutations in the SPARCL1 gene increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the molecular basis of how mutations in SPARCL1 increase the risk of ASD is not been fully understood. In this study, we show that one of the SPARCL1 mutations associated with ASD impairs normal Hevin secretion. We identified Hevin mutants lacking the EF-hand motif through analyzing ASD-related mice with vulnerable spliceosome functions. Hevin deletion mutants accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to the activation of unfolded protein responses. We also found that a single amino acid substitution of Trp647 with Arg in the EF-hand motif associated with a familial case of ASD causes a similar phenotype in the EF-hand deletion mutant. Importantly, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation revealed that this single amino acid substitution triggers exposure of a hydrophobic amino acid to the surface, increasing the binding of Hevin with molecular chaperons, BIP. Taken together, these data suggest that the integrity of the EF-hand motif in Hevin is crucial for proper folding and that ASD-related mutations impair the export of Hevin from the ER. Our data provide a novel mechanism linking a point mutation in the SPARCL1 gene to the molecular and cellular characteristics involved in ASD.
Ensemble perception without phenomenal awareness of elements
Authors: Sekimoto Taisei , Motoyoshi Isamu
Published: July 2022

Humans efficiently recognize complex scenes by grouping multiple features and objects into ensembles. It has been suggested that ensemble processing does not require, or even impairs, conscious discrimination of individual element properties. The present study examined whether ensemble perception requires phenomenal awareness of elements. We asked observers to judge the mean orientation of a line-based texture pattern whose central region was made invisible by backward masks. Masks were composed of either a Mondrian pattern (Exp. 1) or of an annular contour (Exp. 2) which, unlike the Mondrian, did not overlap spatially with elements in the central region. In the Mondrian-mask experiment, perceived mean orientation was determined only by visible elements outside the central region. However, in the annular-mask experiment, perceived mean orientation matched the mean orientation of all elements, including invisible elements within the central region. Results suggest that the visual system can compute spatial ensembles even without phenomenal awareness of stimuli.
Lesion activity assessment of early caries using dye-enhanced quantitative light-induced fluorescence
Authors: Park Seok-Woo , Kang Si-Mook , Lee Hyung-Suk , Kim Sang-Kyeom , Lee Eun-Song , Kim Bo-Ra , de Josselin de Jong Elbert , Kim Baek-Il
Published: July 2022

We aimed to determine whether dye-enhanced quantitative light-induced fluorescence (DEQLF), wherein porous structure of caries lesions is stained with a fluorescent dye, could quantitatively distinguish between active and inactive caries. A total of 126 bovine specimens were prepared to artificially simulate caries activity. Active caries were demineralized with 1% carbopol solution for 3 (A3), 5 (A5), and 10 days (A10). For inactive caries, half specimens in each group were remineralized with 2% NaF and reallocated into three groups (I3, I5, and I10, respectively). Wet specimens were dried with compressed air for 10 s and then dyed with 100-µM sodium fluorescein for 10 s. Fluorescence images of speicmens were captured with a QLF-digital 2 + Biluminator. Fluorescence intensity (ΔG) was measured in fluorescence images of dyed specimens. ΔG between active and inactive groups was compared using independent t-test, and ΔG among active groups (or inactive groups) were compared using ANOVA (α = 0.05). ΔG in the active groups was 33.7–59.0 higher than that in the inactive groups (P < 0.001). Except between I3 and I5, there was significant differences in ΔG according to the demineralization period (P < 0.001). DEQLF might be used to evaluate early caries activity, and longitudinally monitor changes in lesion activity.
Presence of specific SARS-COV2 antibodies in hemodialysis patients and their caregivers after the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Robert Thomas , Lano Guillaume , Resseguier Noémie , Bobot Mickaël , Bouchouareb Dammar , Burtey Stéphane , de Lamballerie Xavier , Dhorne Jean , Dussol Bertrand , Duval Ariane , Faraut Julien , Fourié Toscane , Giaime Philippe , Hallah Mourad , Jaubert Dominique , Jéhel Océane , Legris Tristan , Liotatis Stéphane , Moal Valérie , Ninove Laetitia , Pedinielli Nathalie , Pelletier Marion , Romeu-Giannoli Manon , Saba Mariela , Sallée Marion , Samson Laurent , Saveanu Adriana , Scarfoglière Violaine , Sebahoun Pascale , Vial Romain , Von Kotze Clarissa , Brunet Philippe , Lebrun Gaëtan , Bataille Stanislas , Jourde-Chiche Noémie
Published: July 2022

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk for severe COVID-19 and cannot comply with social distancing. SARS-COV2 seroprevalence in French patients and caregivers after the first wave of COVID-19 is unknown. SeroCOVIDial is a prospective study conducted between June and December 2020. SARS-COV2 seroprevalence was evaluated by a rapid serological test (BIOSYNEX) in HD patients and caregivers, and the presence or not of anti-SARS-COV2 neutralizing or non-neutralizing antibodies in patients was also determined by ELISA and seroneutralization. In June 2020, 451 HD patients and 238 caregivers were included. Overall SARS-COV2 seroprevalence was 8.4% (patients) and 6.7% (caregivers), and was 87.1% (patients) and 90.0% (caregivers) in participants with a previously documented SARS-COV2 infection. Overall seroprevalence reached 13.8% (patients) and 12.6% (caregivers) following the second epidemic wave. During the follow-up, 38 (8.4%) patients died (9 of COVID-19). Among the 44 (10.6%) patients who became infected, only two were seropositive at M0. The levels of anti-SARS-COV2 antibodies decreased over time in patients and caregivers. The BIOSYNEX test showed 82.9% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity. Prevalence of anti-SARS-COV2 antibodies was low in HD patients and caregivers after the first epidemic wave but rose after the second wave. A rapid serological test showed good performances and could be useful for future monitoring of anti-SARS-COV2 antibodies.
Older patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness exhibit fewer emotional disorders and lower vertigo scores
Authors: Zhang Li , Jiang Weiwei , Tang Lu , Liu Hongxing , Li Feng
Published: July 2022

The clinical characteristics of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) vary according to patient age and inducing factors. We aimed to analyze the differences in the clinical characteristics of PPPD with different patient age groups and different etiologies. A total of 122 PPPD patients hospitalized in the vertigo ward of Nanjing Brain Hospital from December 2018 to July 2021 were enrolled. According to whether dizziness symptoms were secondary to organic diseases, PPPD patients were divided into the primary (p-) and secondary (s-) PPPD groups; subgroups were created according to age including youth group, middle-aged group, older adults group 1 and older adults 2. We collected detailed data from each patients, including scores on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), mental state and other clinical data. The ratio of males to females was 1:2. The prevalence of emotional disorders in the middle-aged group was the highest (67.57%) and that in the older adults groups was lower (48.08% in older adults group 1 and 8.70% in older adults group 2, P = 0.000). The proportion of p-PPPD patients with emotional disorders was significantly higher than that of s-PPPD patients (53.48% vs. 30.56%, P = 0.028). The average total DHI score in the middle-aged group was significantly higher than that in older adults group 2 (52.86 vs. 35.04, P = 0.032), and the Beck anxiety score in the middle-aged group was higher than that in older adults group 2 (38.89 vs. 27.65, P = 0.000). The middle-aged group had the highest proportion of women, the highest proportion of patients with emotional disorders and the highest vertigo score. The proportion of patients with emotional disorders and the vertigo scores were lower in the older adults groups.
An integrated mediapipe-optimized GRU model for Indian sign language recognition
Authors: Subramanian Barathi , Olimov Bekhzod , Naik Shraddha M. , Kim Sangchul , Park Kil-Houm , Kim Jeonghong
Published: July 2022

Sign language recognition is challenged by problems, such as accurate tracking of hand gestures, occlusion of hands, and high computational cost. Recently, it has benefited from advancements in deep learning techniques. However, these larger complex approaches cannot manage long-term sequential data and they are characterized by poor information processing and learning efficiency in capturing useful information. To overcome these challenges, we propose an integrated MediaPipe-optimized gated recurrent unit (MOPGRU) model for Indian sign language recognition. Specifically, we improved the update gate of the standard GRU cell by multiplying it by the reset gate to discard the redundant information from the past in one screening. By obtaining feedback from the resultant of the reset gate, additional attention is shown to the present input. Additionally, we replace the hyperbolic tangent activation in standard GRUs with exponential linear unit activation and SoftMax with Softsign activation in the output layer of the GRU cell. Thus, our proposed MOPGRU model achieved better prediction accuracy, high learning efficiency, information processing capability, and faster convergence than other sequential models.
Feasibility of source-free DAS logging for next-generation borehole imaging
Authors: Li David , Huang Lianjie , Zheng Yingcai , Li Yingping , Wannamaker Philip , Moore Joseph
Published: July 2022

Characterizing and monitoring geologic formations around a borehole are crucial for energy and environmental applications. However, conventional wireline sonic logging usually cannot be used in high-temperature environments nor is the tool feasible for long-term monitoring. We introduce and evaluate the feasibility of a source-free distributed-acoustic-sensing (DAS) logging method based on borehole DAS ambient noise. Our new logging method provides a next-generation borehole imaging tool. The tool is source free because it uses ever-present ambient noises as sources and does not need a borehole sonic source that cannot be easily re-inserted into a borehole after well completion for time-lapse monitoring. The receivers of our source-free DAS logging tool are fiber optic cables cemented behind casing, enabling logging in harsh, high-temperature environments, and eliminating the receiver repeatability issue of conventional wireline sonic logging for time-lapse monitoring. We analyze a borehole DAS ambient noise dataset to obtain root-mean-squares (RMS) amplitudes and use these amplitudes to infer subsurface elastic properties. We find that the ambient noise RMS amplitudes correlate well with anomalies in conventional logging data. The source-free DAS logging tool can advance our ability to characterize and monitor subsurface geologic formations in an efficient and cost-effective manner, particularly in high-temperature environments such as geothermal reservoirs. Further validation of the source-free DAS logging method using other borehole DAS ambient noise data would enable the new logging tool for wider applications.
Fractal dimension of retinal vasculature as an image quality metric for automated fundus image analysis systems
Authors: Lyu Xingzheng , Jajal Purvish , Tahir Muhammad Zeeshan , Zhang Sanyuan
Published: July 2022

Automated fundus screening is becoming a significant programme of telemedicine in ophthalmology. Instant quality evaluation of uploaded retinal images could decrease unreliable diagnosis. In this work, we propose fractal dimension of retinal vasculature as an easy, effective and explainable indicator of retinal image quality. The pipeline of our approach is as follows: utilize image pre-processing technique to standardize input retinal images from possibly different sources to a uniform style; then, an improved deep learning empowered vessel segmentation model is employed to extract retinal vessels from the pre-processed images; finally, a box counting module is used to measure the fractal dimension of segmented vessel images. A small fractal threshold (could be a value between 1.45 and 1.50) indicates insufficient image quality. Our approach has been validated on 30,644 images from four public database.
Phase synchronization of chlorophyll and total phosphorus oscillations as an indicator of the transformation of a lake ecosystem
Authors: Rusakov Alexey V. , Adamovich Boris V. , Nurieva Nailya I. , Kovalevskaya Raisa Z. , Mikheyeva Tamara M. , Radchikova Nataly P. , Zhukava Hanna A. , Veres Yulia K. , Zhukova Tatyana V. , Medvinsky Alexander B.
Published: July 2022

The ecosystem of the Naroch Lakes (Belarus) includes three water bodies, Lake Batorino, Lake Myastro and Lake Naroch. These lakes have a common catchment area. At the end of the 80 s, the ecosystem of the Naroch Lakes underwent a transformation, during which the nutrient load on the catchment area decreased, and the concentration of phosphorus as a limiting factor in these water bodies decreased significantly. At the same time, the Naroch Lakes were exposed to zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha Pallas) invasion. In the mid-90 s, the biological and hydrochemical characteristics of the ecosystem of the Naroch Lakes stabilized. We show here that complex processes associated with the transformation of the lake ecosystem and affecting both trophic interactions in the Naroch Lakes and the influence of environmental factors on them can be represented using a single parameter, the phase-locking index, PLI. In this case, a statistically significant numerical value of PLI characterizes the phase synchronization of two processes, oscillations of the concentration of total phosphorus, TP, and oscillations of the concentration of chlorophyll, Chl. We show that the phase synchronization of these processes occurs only after the stabilization of the ecosystem of the Naroch Lakes. In the period preceding the transformation of the lake ecosystem, there was no synchronization. Numerical evaluation of PLI as a holistic parameter allows us to characterize the transformation of the lake ecosystem as a whole without resorting to study of complex interactions of various factors involved in this transformation.
Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet in relation to age-associated poor muscle strength; a cross-sectional study from the Kurdish cohort study
Authors: Pasdar Yahya , Moradi Shima , Saedi Saman , Moradinazar Mehdi , Rahmani Negin , Hamzeh Behrooz , Najafi Farid
Published: July 2022

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is an eating pattern associated with multiple health benefits, including the conservation of skeletal muscle. The Hand Grip Strength (HGS) is the most frequently used indicator of muscle functional capacity and muscle strength for clinical purposes. The current study aims to investigate the association between adherence to MIND diet and prevention of age-associated decline in muscle strength among the Kurdish population in Iran.This cross-sectional study was performed using data from Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study on 3181 adults (48.5% men) aged 35–65 years. The dietary intake of the studied participants was assessed using a 114-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed by RaNCD cohort study. The MIND diet and the major dietary patterns were identified based on the participants’ dietary intake and three dietary patterns emerged including plant-based diet, high protein diet, and unhealthy diet. Hand grip strength (HGS) was measured using a hand-held hydraulic handgrip dynamometer and poor HGS was defined as HGS less than 32.8 and 20.5 kg in men and women, respectively. Compared with participants in the lowest category of MIND diet, those in the highest category had lower odds of poor HGS (OR: 0.65; CI 95%: 0.51–0.83). Furthermore, participants who were in third tertiles of plant-based and high protein diet were more likely 37% and 33% lower odds ratio of poor HGS (OR: 0.63; CI 95%: 0.5–0.79), (OR: 0.67; CI 95%: 0.54–0.84), respectively. On the other hand, greater adherence to the unhealthy diet was increased odds of poor HGS (OR: 1.39; CI 95%: 1.11–1.74). Overall, our findings suggest that adherence to the MIND diet and high protein diet may be associated with higher HGS, while adherence to the unhealthy diet can increase the odds of age-associated poor HGS in the Kurdish population.
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia promotes an immune suppressive microenvironment that can be overcome by IL-12
Authors: Hunter Rae , Imbach Kathleen J. , Zhou Chengjing , Dougan Jodi , Hamilton Jamie A. G. , Chen Kevin Z. , Do Priscilla , Townsel Ashley , Gibson Greg , Dreaden Erik C. , Waller Edmund K. , Haynes Karmella A. , Henry Curtis J. , Porter Christopher C.
Published: July 2022

Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), but the duration of responses is still sub-optimal. We sought to identify mechanisms of immune suppression in B-ALL and strategies to overcome them. Plasma collected from children with B-ALL with measurable residual disease after induction chemotherapy showed differential cytokine expression, particularly IL-7, while single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed the expression of genes associated with immune exhaustion in immune cell subsets. We also found that the supernatant of leukemia cells suppressed T-cell function ex vivo. Modeling B-ALL in mice, we observed an altered tumor immune microenvironment, including compromised activation of T-cells and dendritic cells (DC). However, recombinant IL-12 (rIL-12) treatment of mice with B-ALL restored the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the bone marrow and increased the number of splenic and bone marrow resident T-cells and DCs. RNA-sequencing of T-cells isolated from vehicle and rIL-12 treated mice with B-ALL revealed that the leukemia-induced increase in genes associated with exhaustion, including Lag3, Tigit, and Il10, was abrogated with rIL-12 treatment. In addition, the cytolytic capacity of T-cells co-cultured with B-ALL cells was enhanced when IL-12 and blinatumomab treatments were combined. Overall, these results demonstrate that the leukemia immune suppressive microenvironment can be restored with rIL-12 treatment which has direct therapeutic implications.
The impact of implantation site on procedure success in patients with unresolved facial palsy treated with upper-eyelid gold weight loading
Authors: Nowak-Gospodarowicz Izabela , Koktysz Robert , Rękas Marek
Published: July 2022

Loading of the upper eyelid is a well-established procedure for the correction of incomplete eyelid closure due to unresolved facial palsy. Some incurable complications are attributed to type IV hypersensivity reaction, but there is no confirmation of this hypothesis. The aim of the study was to show the impact of gold weights on eyelid tissues depending on the implantation site. Out of 94 total patients (aged 53 ± 17 years) treated from July 2009–2021, since 2014 thirty consecutive patients were randomised into one of 3 groups: the GLE group (gold weight fixed 2 mm above the eyelash line), the GUE group (gold weight fixed at the border of the tarsus and the levator aponeurosis), and the PUE group (platinum chain fixed in the same way as in the GUE group). In the cases of complications, the explanted weights were evaluated histopathologically. The outcomes were compared between groups. Incomplete eyelid closure was corrected in all patients. Serious complications were noted in 100% of patients in the GLE group and 20% in the GUE group (p < 0.0001). A slight lymphocytic reaction was observed in the GUE group. A moderate to significant lymphocytic reaction was observed in the GLE group (p < 0.001). Adverse reactions of the upper eyelid microenvironment resulting from gold weights seem to be dependent on mechanical damage to the eyelid structures, rather than on implants themselves. The site of placement of the weight in the upper eyelid may be critical for procedure success.
Low anti-Müllerian hormone levels are associated with an increased risk of incident early-onset vasomotor symptoms among premenopausal women
Authors: NamGoung SunJu , Chang Yoosoo , Kim Yejin , Kim Hoon , Cho In Young , Kwon Ria , Lim Ga-Young , Choi Hye Rin , Kang Jeonggyu , Kim Kye-Hyun , Hong Yun Soo , Zhao Di , Park Hyun-Young , Cho Juhee , Guallar Eliseo , Kwon Min-Jung , Ryu Seungho
Published: July 2022

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in incident vasomotor symptoms (VMS) is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AMH levels and the development of early-onset VMS among premenopausal women. Our cohort study comprised 2041 premenopausal women aged 42–52 years free of VMS at baseline whose AMH levels were measured. VMS, including hot flushes and night sweats, were assessed using the Korean version of the Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Early-onset VMS was defined as the occurrence of VMS prior to menopause. Parametric proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI. During a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 708 premenopausal women developed early-onset VMS (incidence rate, 8.0 per 100 person-years). Lower AMH levels were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of early-onset VMS. After adjusting for age and other confounders, multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for incident VMS comparing AMH quintiles 4–1 to the highest quintile were 1.02 (0.78–1.33), 1.37 (1.06–1.76), 1.36 (1.04–1.76), and 2.38 (1.84–3.08), respectively (P for trend < 0.001). Our results support an independent role of serum AMH levels in predicting incident early-onset VMS among premenopausal women in the late reproductive stage.
The influence and acting pattern of China's national carbon emission trading scheme on regional ecologicalization efficiency of industry
Authors: Fu Chun , Huang Yuerong , Zheng Yiwei , Luo Chuanyong
Published: July 2022

To achieve the goal of energy conservation and emission reduction, China has launched its national carbon-emission trading scheme (ETS). Therefore, it is of great significance to evaluate the implementation of ETS from the perspective of regional ecologicalization efficiency of industry. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities from 2007 to 2019, this study takes the SBM-DEA model to measure the regional ecologicalization efficiency of industry, uses the Difference-in-Difference (DID) model to evaluate the influence of ETS on the regional ecologicalization efficiency of industry, and verifies the outcome by propensity score matching method and counterfactual test. The mediating effect model is used to test the acting pattern of ETS on the regional ecologicalization efficiency of industry. The results show that: (1) ETS can significantly improve the ecologicalization efficiency of industry and shows regional heterogeneity. (2) ETS promotes regional energy conservation, emission reduction, and economic development because of the upgrading of structural optimization, agglomeration of resource synergy, and optimization of ecology. This study offers penetrating insights into the positive operation of the carbon market and provides some useful hints for the development of China’s regional economy.
A portable negative pressure unit reduces bone cement fumes in a simulated operating room
Authors: Carroll Gregory T. , Kirschman David L.
Published: July 2022

In this report, we demonstrate a versatile method for the removal of bone cement fumes from the vicinity of health care workers in a simulated operating room. The mixing of two component bone cement in the perimeter of an operating room releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The use of localized negative pressure within proximity of the mixing vessel is expected to reduce the concentration of VOCs dispersed near the airway of operating room personnel. A standard two component bone cement formulation was mixed in the perimeter of a simulated operating room. A median VOC concentration of 19 ppm was detected with a portable VOC detector. When a portable negative pressure unit was stationed near the mixing area at distances of 8 and 36 cm from the mixing vessel, the median VOC rise was reduced by approximately 97% and 83%, respectively, relative to the control. The use of a portable negative pressure unit provides a potential increase in the safety for all staff when working with materials that give off VOCs in the operating room.
Articular surface integrity assessed by ultrasound is associated with biological characteristics of articular cartilage in early-stage degeneration
Authors: Shi Wen , Kanamoto Takashi , Aihara Masaharu , Oka Shiro , Kuroda Sanae , Nakai Tsuyoshi , Mazuka Takeo , Takenaka Keisuke , Sato Yuji , Tsukamoto Masahiro , Ebina Kosuke , Nakata Ken
Published: July 2022

Early diagnosis of articular cartilage damage and repeated evaluation of treatment efficacy are essential for osteoarthritis treatment. In this study, we established a simple ultrasound grading system for early degenerative articular cartilage and investigated its relationship with cartilage biological characteristics. The ultrasound grading system were based on surface integrity (S1a: continuous high-echo lines, S1b: discontinuous or weak high-echo lines, S2: surface irregular) and cartilage echogenicity (E1: with > 50%, E2: < 50% hypoechoic area of total cartilage layer) and verified by surface roughness (Ra; μm) and histological staining. Ra was lower in S1 than in S2, and the percentage of hypoechoic and safranin O-stained areas was positively correlated. Then we examined its relationship with histopathological evaluation (OARSI grade), gene expression, and protein production in responded to pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1ß) stimulation. OARSI grades were different among S grades. The superficial layer of S1 had higher expression of Collagen10, aggrecan, Sox9, and lower expression of Collagen1 and BMP2 than that of S2. S1 responded more pronouncedly to IL-1ß in IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2 production than S2. There was no difference among the E-grades. Taken together, our findings indicate that ultrasound assessment using surface integrity can reflect the biological characteristics of early degenerative articular cartilage.
Probiotic potential characterization and clustering using unsupervised algorithms of lactic acid bacteria from saltwater fish samples
Authors: Mazlumi Atefeh , Panahi Bahman , Hejazi Mohammad Amin , Nami Yousef
Published: July 2022

This research aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria from the bowel of saltwater fish to assess their potential probiotic properties. Nineteen isolates of LAB including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Levilactobacillus brevis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Pediococcus acidilactici were recognized using molecular tools. All the isolates survived in the simulated conditions of the GI tract. Auto-aggregation ranged from 01.3 ± 0.5 to 82.6 ± 1.4% and hydrophobicity with toluene ranged from 3.7 ± 1.6 to 69.4 ± 1.3%, while the range of hydrophobicity with xylene was from 02.2 ± 1.6 to 56.4 ± 2.1%. All the isolates of lactobacilli, pediococci, enterococci, and lactococci indicated variable sensitivity and resistance towards clinical antibiotics. Non-neutralized cell free supernatant of isolates F12 and F15 showed antimicrobial activity against all the 8 evaluated enteric pathogens. Cluster analysis of identified potential probiotic bacteria based on heat-map and PCA methods also highlighted the priority of isolates F3, F7, F12, and F15 as bio-control agents in fishery industry. The findings of this study may essentially contribute to the understanding of the probiotic potential of LAB in saltwater fish, in order to access their probiotic characterization for use as biocontrol in fishery.
pH-Responsive hyaluronic acid-enveloped ZIF-8 nanoparticles for anti-atherosclerosis therapy
Authors: Obaid Essam Abdo Mohammed Saad , Wu Shuai , Zhong Yuan , Yan Meng , Zhu Li , Li Bibo , Wang Yi , Wu Wei , Wang Guixue
Published: July 2022

A ZIF-8 nanoplatform decorated with HA has been developed to selectively deliver a drug into atherosclerotic plaques, and subsequently to enhance local cargo release under acid stimuli for efficient and safe anti-atherosclerosis therapy.
Approaches towards biomaterial-mediated gene editing for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Shannon Sydney R. , Ben-Akiva Elana , Green Jordan J.
Published: July 2022

Non-viral carriers must cross multiple extra- and intracellular delivery barriers to deliver functional gene editing cargo. Leading non-viral biomaterials and CRISPR technology can be integrated to advance immune cell gene editing to treat cancer.
Charge reversal hairpin peptide modified synergy therapeutic nanoplatforms for tumor specific drug shuttling
Authors: Fan Zhechen , Ji Zhongsheng , Zhang Feng , Luo Peng , Zhang Huaqing , Zhou Jianping , Cheng Hao , Ding Yang
Published: July 2022

Graphene oxide nanosheets coupled with acid sensitive “hairpin-like” cell penetrating peptides enable charge reversal in tumor microenvironment to selectively penetrate the nanosheets into tumor cells for synergetic photo-chemotherapy.
Highly efficient lithium adsorption and stable isotope separation by metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Tong Bo , Guo Guijie , Meng Xiangyunxiu , Bai Peng , Lyu Jiafei , Guo Xianghai
Published: July 2022

Highly efficient lithium adsorption and isotopic separation by metal–organic frameworks.
2,3-Diaminophenazine@carbon felt with chemical grafting via amide bonds as an electrode in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Qiu Peimeng , Li Yi , Wang Hongquan , Li Daoyu , Wang Shengping , Yu Jingxian
Published: July 2022

2,3-Diaminophenazine@carbon felt with chemical grafting via amide bonds has low solubility, high electronic conductivity and excellent electrochemical performance.
Chain dimension and crystallization temperature affect the II–I transition of isotactic polybutene-1
Authors: Cui Xiaopeng , Huo Jiaxin , Lv Tongxin , Hu Cunliang , Li Hongfei , Liu Binyuan , Jiang Shichun
Published: July 2022

The molecular weight dependence of the II–I phase transformation shows significant differences between isothermally and non-isothermally crystallized iPB-1.
Solvent effects on the NMR shieldings of stacked DNA base pairs
Authors: Martínez Fernando A. , Adler Natalia S. , Cavasotto Claudio N. , Aucar Gustavo A.
Published: July 2022

Stacking and solvent effects modify the NMR shieldings in stacked DNA base pairs.
Coster–Kronig and super Coster–Kronig transitions from the Xe 4s core-hole state
Authors: Hikosaka Yasumasa , Fritzsche Stephan
Published: July 2022

The Coster–Kronig and super Coster–Kronig decays from the 4s core-hole state in xenon are investigated by coincidence detection of all the emitted electrons and product ions, revealing the branching ratios and the subsequent decay pathways.
Modulation of intrinsic defects in vertically grown ZnO nanorods by ion implantation
Authors: Sikdar Mrinal K. , Singh Avanendra , Bhakta Sourav , Sahoo Madhusmita , Jha S. N. , Shukla D. K. , Kanjilal D. , Sahoo Pratap K.
Published: July 2022

Intrinsic defects in vertically grown ZnO nanorods are modulated by inert Xe gas implantation to tune the optical bandgap.
Synthesis of NiFeOx nanocatalysts from metal–organic precursors for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Nguyen Quyen T. , Robert Francois , Colliere Vincent , Lecante Pierre , Philippot Karine , Esvan Jérome , Tran Phong D. , Amiens Catherine
Published: July 2022

Organometallic synthesis of NiFe oxide nanoparticles provided 4 nm large nanocatalysts with activity in water splitting that depended on their NiFe ratio and surface state and was optimum for a Ni2Fe1 composition and aminophosphonic acid coating.
Difunctionalization of unactivated olefins via selective electrochemical chlorosulfuration or chlorosulfoxidation
Authors: Zhou Pan , Niu Kaikai , Song Hongjian , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Qingmin
Published: July 2022

We introduced a combination of simple graphite electrodes, mild conditions, and a simple workup procedure for the selective preparation of sulfides or sulfoxides via unactivated olefins and thiophenols through a green electrochemical protocol.
Recent advances in seed coating technologies: transitioning toward sustainable agriculture
Authors: Sohail Mariam , Pirzada Tahira , Opperman Charles H. , Khan Saad A.
Published: July 2022

This review provides a sustainability perspective on existing seed coating research through comparing potential agricultural benefits with the associated energy, chemical and environmental footprints.
A sustainable pseudo-homogeneous catalyst from renewable biomass: design, development and catalytic applications
Authors: Rajmohan Rajamani , Rathnakowsiha Ravichandran , Prakadeesh Srinivasan , Vairaprakash Pothiappan
Published: July 2022

Pseudo-homogeneity, sustainability and functional growth in a sustainable raw material derived catalyst.
Exploring the photophysical properties of unusual π-conjugated porphyrin nanohoops
Authors: Si Yanling , Qu Nan , Yang Guochun
Published: July 2022

The electronic structures, UV-vis/CD spectra and the second-order NLO properties of eight π-conjugated nanohoops, which are composed of two porphyrins linked by terphenyl bridges, were investigated by employing DFT/TDDFT methods.
Molecular engineering of fluorescent bichromophore 1,3,5-triaryl-Δ2-pyrazoline and 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide molecular logic gates
Authors: Sammut Darlene , Bugeja Nathalie , Szaciłowski Konrad , Magri David C.
Published: July 2022

Emissive bichromophoric solvatochromatic molecules are introduced as a new platform for the development of fluorescent molecular logic gates.
Bi3+ and Sm3+ co-doped Cs2AgInCl6 perovskite microcrystals with co-enhancement of fluorescence emission
Authors: Rao Zhihui , Li Zhilin , Zhao Xiujian , Gong Xiao
Published: July 2022

Bi3+–Sm3+ co-doped Cs2AgInCl6 MCs show a combination of luminescence in the visible range.
Construction of multi-hydroxyl/ketone lanthanide metal–organic frameworks for understanding mechanochromic luminescence and high proton conductivity
Authors: Hou Baoshan , Yang Shuyi , Li Bo , Li Guangfu , Zheng Haiyan , Qin Chao , Shan Guogang , Su Zhongmin , Wang Xinlong
Published: July 2022

[Zr16-BPDC-Eu1−xTbx] is the first type of lanthanide metal–organic framework with mechanochromic luminescence characteristics. [Zr16-Eu] shows extremely high proton conductivity due to the multi-hydroxyl/ketone functional group.
Delignified wood aerogels as scaffolds coated with an oriented chitosan–cyclodextrin co-polymer for removal of microcystin-LR
Authors: Gomez-Maldonado Diego , Reynolds Autumn Marie , Burnett Daniel J. , Babu R. Jayachandra , Waters Matthew N. , Peresin Maria S.
Published: July 2022

Herein, a preassembled chitosan-cyclodextrin was used as a versatile coating onto delignified wood as an alternative for the removal of microcystin-LR. The addition of β-cyclodextrin proved to allow the nanowood scaffold to adsorb up to 0.12 mg g−1.
Biocatalytic fumarate synthesis from pyruvate and CO2 as a feedstock
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Amao Yutaka
Published: July 2022

The biocatalytic synthesis of fumarate from CO2 and pyruvate vial-malate as an intermediate in an aqueous medium using a biocatalytic system consisting of malate dehydrogenase and fumarase in the presence of NADH is developed.
Probing the methanol-assisted autocatalytic formation of methanol over Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 by high-pressure methanol and methyl formate pulses
Authors: Schwiderowski Philipp , Stürmer Sascha , Muhler Martin
Published: July 2022

Using high-pressure methanol and methyl formate pulses as a surface-sensitive operando method for high-pressure methanol synthesis over Cu/ZnO/Al2O3, the recently found autocatalytic pathway was confirmed.
Understanding of supramolecular solution polymerization and interfacial polymerization via forming multiple hydrogen bonds: a computer simulation study
Authors: Shi Meng-Yu , Li Chu-Xiang , Song Wen-Yuan , Liu Hong , Xue Yao-Hong , Wang Yan
Published: July 2022

We have conducted a detailed simulation study of supramolecular solution polymerization as well as interfacial polymerization employing a coarse-grained model which is closer to the real monomer structure via computer simulations.
Polymer architecture orchestrates the segregation and spatial organization of replicatingE. colichromosomes in slow growth
Authors: Mitra Debarshi , Pande Shreerang , Chatterji Apratim
Published: July 2022

Modifying the DNA–ring-polymer architecture leads to localization of DNA segments within the cylindrical cell as seenin vivoand also gives rise to the macro-domain organization of the chromosome.
Theoretical and experimental exploration of NiM(111) (M = Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) bimetallic catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction
Authors: Yin Pan , Meng Hao , Wang Lei , Lai Yingjie , Jie Yao , Yu Jun , Liu Wei , Zhao Xiaojie , Shen Tianyao , Zhang Xin , Han Jingbin , Yang Yusen , Yan Hong , Wei Min
Published: July 2022

The water gas shift reaction (WGS) process on the NiM(111) bimetallic surfaces (M = Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) are studied by density functional theory method and experimental studies. The NiCo and NiCu exhibit the optimum catalytic activity and CO2selectivity.
Greatly enhanced energy storage and discharge properties of AgNbO3 ceramics with a stable antiferroelectric phase and high breakdown strength using hydrothermally synthesized powders
Authors: Huang Jie , Hou Xu , Gao Shuaibing , Zhou Yuqi , Huang Haitao , He Yunbin , Zhang Qingfeng
Published: July 2022

Hydrothermally synthesized AgNbO3 ceramics possess small grain sizes and high antiferroelectric phase stability, thus exhibiting large breakdown strength, and excellent energy storage and discharge performances.
Electronic structure modification and N-doped carbon shell nanoarchitectonics of Ni3FeN@NC for overall water splitting performance evaluation
Authors: Jeong Dong In , Choi‡ Hyung Wook , Woo Seongwon , Yoo Jung Hyeon , Kang Donghyeon , Kim SeongMin , Lim Byungkwon , Kim Jung Ho , Kim Sang-Woo , Kang Bong Kyun , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: July 2022

Ni3FeN and a N-doped carbon shell have improved electrical conductivity with the electronic structure modified through the extra electrons of nitrogen. Ni3FeN@NC in the water splitting reaction provide excellent electrochemical catalytic properties.
Smart city indexes, criteria, indicators and rankings: An in‐depth investigation and analysis
Authors: Toh Chai Keong
Published: July 2022

There are many indexes and ranking bodies on Smart Cities. However, most of these rankings have their own specific evaluation criteria and ranking methodologies. Currently, there are no uniformly and universally accepted methods for comprehensive and fair evaluation of smart cities. This is a problem as no ranking is widely accepted and universally agreed upon. This not only creates chaos but also confusion as to what indexes to follow. In this paper, 6 current smart city indexes (IMD‐SUTD Smart City Index, AT Kearney Global Cities Index, IESE Cities in Motion Index, EasyPark Cities of the Future Index, Mori‐Foundation Global Power City Index and Smart EcoCity Index) produced by major organisations are examined, discussed, and compared. Commonalities and differences are highlighted, revealing insights into the accuracy, comprehensiveness, shortcomings, acceptance and usage of these indexes and rankings. Finally, new evaluation factors are suggested and the rationale behind them are provided, in addition to the essential 8 criteria of economy, governance, technology, health, transport, environment, living and sustainability.
Gravitational potential energy of a multi-component galactic disk
Authors: Sarkar Suchira , Jog Chanda J.
Published: July 2022

We calculate ab initio the gravitational potential energy per unit area for a gravitationally coupled multi-component galactic disk of stars and gas, which is given as the integration over vertical density distribution, vertical gravitational force, and vertical distance. This is based on the method proposed by Camm for a single-component disk, which we extend here for a multi-component disk by deriving the expression of the energy explicitly at any galactocentric radius R. For a self-consistent distribution, the density and force are obtained by jointly solving the equation of vertical hydrostatic equilibrium and the Poisson equation. Substituting the numerical values for the density distribution and force obtained for the coupled system, we find in the derived expression of the energy that the energy of each component remains unchanged compared to the energy for the corresponding single-component case. We explain this surprising result by simplifying the above expression for the energy of a component analytically, which turns out to be equal to the surface density times the squared vertical velocity dispersion of the component. However, the energy required to raise a unit test mass to a certain height z from the mid-plane is higher in the coupled case. The system is therefore more tightly bound closer to the mid-plane, and hence it is harder to disturb it due to an external tidal encounter.
Validation and atmospheric exploration of the sub-Neptune TOI-2136b around a nearby M3 dwarf
Authors: Kawauchi K. , Murgas F. , Palle E. , Narita N. , Fukui A. , Hirano T. , Parviainen H. , Ishikawa H. T. , Watanabe N. , Esparaza-Borges E. , Kuzuhara M. , Orell-Miquel J. , Krishnamurthy V. , Mori M. , Kagetani T. , Zou Y. , Isogai K. , Livingston J. H. , Howell S. B. , Crouzet N. , de Leon J. P. , Kimura T. , Kodama T. , Korth J. , Kurita S. , Laza-Ramos A. , Luque R. , Madrigal-Aguado A. , Miyakawa K. , Morello G. , Nishiumi T. , Rodríguez G. E. F. , Sánchez-Benavente M. , Stangret M. , Teng H. , Terada Y. , Gnilka C. L. , Guerrero N. , Harakawa H. , Hodapp K. , Hori Y. , Ikoma M. , Jacobson S. , Konishi M. , Kotani T. , Kudo T. , Kurokowa T. , Kusakabe N. , Nishikawa J. , Omiya M. , Serizawa T. , Tamura M. , Ueda A. , Vievard S.
Published: July 2022

Context. The NASA space telescope TESS is currently in the extended mission of its all-sky search for new transiting planets. Of the thousands of candidates that TESS is expected to deliver, transiting planets orbiting nearby M dwarfs are particularly interesting targets since they provide a great opportunity to characterize their atmospheres by transmission spectroscopy.

Aims. We aim to validate and characterize the new sub-Neptune-sized planet candidate TOI-2136.01 orbiting a nearby M dwarf (d = 33.36 ± 0.02pc, Teff = 3373 ± 108 K) with an orbital period of 7.852 days.

Methods. We use TESS data, ground-based multicolor photometry, and radial velocity measurements with the InfraRed Doppler (IRD) instrument on the Subaru Telescope to validate the planetary nature of TOI-2136.01, and estimate the stellar and planetary parameters. We also conduct high-resolution transmission spectroscopy to search for helium in its atmosphere.

Results. We confirm that TOI-2136.01 (now named TOI-2136b) is a bona fide planet with a planetary radius of Rp = 2.20 ± 0.07R⊕ and a mass of Mp = 4.7−2.6+3.1 M⊕. We also search for helium 10830 Å absorption lines and place an upper limit on the equivalent width of <7.8 mÅ and on the absorption signal of <1.44% with 95% confidence.

Conclusions. TOI-2136b is a sub-Neptune transiting a nearby and bright star (J = 10.8 mag), and is a potentially hycean planet, which is a new class of habitable planets with large oceans under a H2-rich atmosphere, making it an excellent target for atmospheric studies to understand the formation, evolution, and habitability of the small planets.