bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of specific role of SNX family in gastric cancer prognosis evaluation
Authors: Hu Beibei , Yin Guohui , Sun Xuren
Published: June 2022

We here perform a systematic bioinformatic analysis to uncover the role of sorting nexin (SNX) family in clinical outcome of gastric cancer (GC). Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis were realized with online tools such as TCGA, GEO, String, Timer, cBioportal and Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Statistical analysis was conducted with R language or Perl, and artificial neural network (ANN) model was established using Python. Our analysis demonstrated that SNX4/5/6/7/8/10/13/14/15/16/20/22/25/27/30 were higher expressed in GC, whereas SNX1/17/21/24/33 were in the opposite expression profiles. GSE66229 was employed as verification of the differential expression analysis based on TCGA. Clustering results gave the relative transcriptional levels of 30 SNXs in tumor, and it was totally consistent to the inner relevance of SNXs at mRNA level. Protein–Protein Interaction map showed closely and complex connection among 33 SNXs. Tumor immune infiltration analysis asserted that SNX1/3/9/18/19/21/29/33, SNX1/17/18/20/21/29/31/33, SNX1/2/3/6/10/18/29/33, and SNX1/2/6/10/17/18/20/29 were strongly correlated with four kinds of survival related tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including cancer associated fibroblast, endothelial cells, macrophages and Tregs. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis based on GEO presented more satisfactory results than that based on TCGA-STAD did, and all the 29 SNXs were statistically significant, SNX23/26/28 excluded. SNXs alteration contributed to microsatellite instability (MSI) or higher level of MSI-H (hyper-mutated MSI or high level of MSI), and other malignancy encompassing mutation of TP53 and ARID1A, as well as methylation of MLH1.The multivariate cox model, visualized as a nomogram, performed excellently in patients risk classification, for those with higher risk-score suffered from shorter overall survival (OS). Compared to previous researches, our ANN models showed a predictive power at a middle-upper level, with AUC of 0.87/0.72, 0.84/0.72, 0.90/0.71 (GSE84437), 0.98/0.66, 0.86/0.70, 0.98/0.71 (GSE66229), 0.94/0.66, 0.83/0.71, 0.88/0.72 (GSE26253) corresponding to one-, three- and five-year OS and recurrence free survival (RFS) estimation, especially ANN model built with GSE66229 including exclusively SNXs as input data. The SNX family shows great value in postoperative survival evaluation of GC, and ANN models constructed using SNXs transcriptional data manifesting excellent predictive power in both OS and RFS prediction works as convincing verification to that.
Genomic and morphological data shed light on the complexities of shared ancestry between closely related duck species
Authors: Brown Joshua I. , Hernández Flor , Engilis Andrew , Hernández-Baños Blanca E. , Collins Dan , Lavretsky Philip
Published: June 2022

Causes for genomic and morphological similarities among recently radiated species are often multifaceted and are further convoluted among species that readily interbreed. Here, we couple genomic and morphological trait comparisons to test the extent that ancestry and gene flow explain the retention of mallard-like traits within a sister species, the Mexican duck. First, we confirm that these taxa remain genetically structured, and that Mexican ducks exhibit an isolation-by-distance pattern. Despite the assumption of wide-spread hybridization, we found only a few late-stage hybrids, all from the southwestern USA. Next, assessing 23 morphological traits, we developed a genetically-vetted morphological key that is > 97% accurate in distinguishing across sex-age cohorts of Mexican ducks, mallards, and hybrids. During key development, we determined that 25% of genetically pure, immature male Mexican ducks of the northern population naturally displayed mallard-like traits in their formative plumage. In fact, applying this key to 55 museum specimens, we identified that only four of the 14 specimens originally classified as phenotypic hybrids were truly hybrids. We discuss how genomic and morphological comparisons shed light into the mechanism(s) underlying the evolution of complex phenotypic traits in recent radiations, and how misunderstanding the true morphological diversity within Mexican ducks resulted in taxonomic revisions that hindered conservation efforts.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) perturbs nitrogen metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Goh Corinna Jie Hui , Cui Liang , Wong Jin Huei , Lewis Jacqueline , Goh Megan , Kong Kiat Whye , Yang Lay Kien , Alfatah Mohammad , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan , Hoon Shawn , Arumugam Prakash
Published: June 2022

Phthalates are ubiquitously used as plasticizers in various consumer care products. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), one of the main phthalates, elicits developmental and reproductive toxicities but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Chemogenomic profiling of DEP in S. cerevisiae revealed that two transcription factors Stp1 and Dal81 involved in the Ssy1-Ptr5-Ssy5 (SPS) amino acid-sensing pathway provide resistance to DEP. Growth inhibition of yeast cells by DEP was stronger in poor nitrogen medium in comparison to nitrogen-rich medium. Addition of amino acids to nitrogen-poor medium suppressed DEP toxicity. Catabolism of amino acids via the Ehrlich pathway is required for suppressing DEP toxicity. Targeted metabolite analyses showed that DEP treatment alters the amino acid profile of yeast cells. We propose that DEP inhibits the growth of yeast cells by affecting nitrogen metabolism and discuss the implications of our findings on DEP-mediated toxic effects in humans.
SEM/EDX analysis of stomach contents of a sea slug snacking on a polluted seafloor reveal microplastics as a component of its diet
Authors: Furfaro Giulia , D’Elia Marcella , Mariano Stefania , Trainito Egidio , Solca Michele , Piraino Stefano , Belmonte Genuario
Published: June 2022

Understanding the impacts of microplastics on living organisms in aquatic habitats is one of the hottest research topics worldwide. Despite increased attention, investigating microplastics in underwater environments remains a problematic task, due to the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic, its multiple modes of interactions with the biota, and to the diversity of the synthetic organic polymers composing microplastics in the field. Several studies on microplastics focused on marine invertebrates, but to date, the benthic sea slugs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) were not yet investigated. Sea slugs are known to live on the organisms on which they feed on or to snack while gliding over the sea floor, but also as users of exogenous molecules or materials not only for nutrition. Therefore, they may represent a potential biological model to explore new modes of transformation and/or management of plastic, so far considered to be a non-biodegradable polymer. In this study we analysed the stomachal content ofBursatella leachii,an aplysiid heterobranch living in the Mar Piccolo, a highly polluted coastal basin near Taranto, in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Microplastics were found in the stomachs of all the six sampled specimens, and SEM/EDX analyses were carried out to characterize the plastic debris. The SEM images and EDX spectra gathered here should be regarded as a baseline reference database for future investigations on marine Heterobranchia and their interactions with microplastics.
Effect of parental supervision of infants at age 4 to 6 months on injuries at age 4 to 12 months
Authors: Lee Won Seok , Lee Kyung Suk , Ha Eun Kyo , Kim Ju Hee , Shim So Min , Lee Seung Won , Han Man Yong
Published: June 2022

This study analyzed the effect of parental supervision of infants at age 4 to 6 months on injuries at age 4 to 12 months. Among all Korean children born during 2008–2009, 464,326 (50.6%) infant had parents who responded to a questionnaire that surveyed their safety and supervision when infant were 4 to 6 months-old. Based on questionnaire score, infant were divided into “safe” or “unsafe” group. 1:1 propensity score matching was used to balance the groups, and injury diagnosis and treatments were analyzed. After matching, we examined the records of 405,862 infant. The unsafe group had significantly increased risk ratios (RRs) for injury of head/neck (RR: 1.06), trunk/abdominopelvic region (RR: 1.12), upper extremities (RR: 1.04), and from burn and frostbite (RR: 1.10). The risks of a wound and fracture and foreign body injury were significantly greater in infant whose parents sometimes left them alone (RR: 1.15 and 1.06, respectively), and whose parents did not always keep their eyes on them (RR: 1.04 and 1.13, respectively). Infant whose parents had a hot drink when carrying them had an increased risk of burn injuries (RR: 1.21). Injuries were less common in infant whose parents provided more supervision.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Strontium doped bioglass
incorporated hydrogel-based scaffold for amplified bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Manoochehri Hamed , Ghorbani Masoud , Moosazadeh Moghaddam Mehrdad , Nourani Mohammad Reza , Makvandi Pooyan , Sharifi Esmaeel
Published: June 2022

Repairing of large bone injuries is an important problem in bone
regeneration field. Thus, developing new therapeutic approaches such as tissue
engineering using 3D scaffolds is necessary. Incorporation of some bioactive materials
and trace elements can improve scaffold properties. We made
chitosan/alginate/strontium-doped bioglass composite scaffolds with optimized properties
for bone tissue engineering. Bioglass (BG) and Sr-doped bioglasses (Sr-BG) were
synthesized using Sol–Gel method. Alginate-Chitosan (Alg/Cs) scaffold and scaffolds
containing different ratio (10%, 20% and 30%) of BG (Alg/Cs/BG10, 20, 30) or Sr-BG
(Alg/Cs/Sr-BG10, 20, 30) were fabricated using freeze drying method. Characterization of
bioglasses/scaffolds was done using zeta sizer, FTIR, XRD, (FE) SEM and EDS. Also,
mechanical strength, antibacterial effect degradation and swelling profile of scaffolds
were evaluated. Bone differentiation efficiency and viability of MSCs on scaffolds were
determined by Alizarin Red, ALP and MTT methods. Cell toxicity and antibacterial effect
of bioglasses were determined using MTT, MIC and MBC methods. Incorporation of BG into
Alg/Cs scaffolds amplified biomineralization and mechanical properties along with
improved swelling ratio, degradation profile and cell differentiation. Mechanical
strength and cell differentiation efficiency of Alg/Cs/BG20 scaffold was considerably
higher than scaffolds with lower or higher BG concentrations. Alg/Cs/Sr-BG scaffolds had
higher mechanical stability and more differentiation efficiency in comparison with
Alg/Cs and Alg/Cs/BG scaffolds. Also, Mechanical strength and cell differentiation
efficiency of Alg/Cs/Sr-BG20 scaffold was considerably higher than scaffolds with
various Sr-BG concentrations. Biomineralization of Alg/Cs/BG scaffolds slightly was
higher than Alg/Cs/Sr-BG scaffolds. Overall, we concluded that Alg/Cs/Sr-BG20 scaffolds
are more suitable for repairing bone major injuries.
Association of weekend catch-up sleep ratio and subjective sleep quality with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among Korean adolescents
Authors: Lee Hyunseo , Kim Yeon-Jeong , Jeon Yong-Hyun , Kim Seung Hoon , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: June 2022

Circadian misalignment caused by differences in sleep duration between weekends and weekdays may be associated with adolescent mental health and sleep quality may be able to compensate for this problem. This study aimed to investigate the association between weekend catch-up sleep (CUS) ratio and sleep quality with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among South Korean adolescents. We used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey 2015–2019 involving 270,619 adolescents. The weekend CUS ratio was calculated by dividing the average weekend sleep duration by the average weekday sleep duration (< 1.00, 1.00 ≤ CUS < 1.50, or ≥ 1.50). Subjective sleep quality was categorized as poor, moderate, or good. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. A weekend CUS ratio of < 1.00 and poor sleep quality was significantly associated with mental health. Absolutely short sleep duration (CUS < 1.00 and weekday sleep duration < 5 h) was most associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, adolescents with a CUS ratio of ≥ 1.50 showed increased odds of depressive symptoms despite having good sleep quality. Appropriate weekend CUS may benefit adolescents’ mental health. When investigating the relationship between adolescents’ sleep and mental health, a weekend CUS ratio should be considered in addition to sleep quality and duration.
Shared and distinct voxel-based lesion-symptom mappings for spasticity and impaired movement in the hemiparetic upper limb
Authors: Frenkel-Toledo Silvi , Levin Mindy F. , Berman Sigal , Liebermann Dario G. , Baniña Melanie C. , Solomon John M. , Ofir-Geva Shay , Soroker Nachum
Published: June 2022

Hemiparesis and spasticity are common co-occurring manifestations of hemispheric stroke. The relationship between impaired precision and force in voluntary movement (hemiparesis) and the increment in muscle tone that stems from dysregulated activity of the stretch reflex (spasticity) is far from clear. Here we aimed to elucidate whether variation in lesion topography affects hemiparesis and spasticity in a similar or dis-similar manner. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) was used to assess the impact of lesion topography on (a) upper limb paresis, as reflected by theFugl-Meyer Assessmentscale for the upper limb and (b) elbow flexor spasticity, as reflected by theTonic Stretch Reflex Threshold, in 41 patients with first-ever stroke. Hemiparesis and spasticity were affected by damage to peri-Sylvian cortical and subcortical regions and the putamen. Hemiparesis (but not spasticity) was affected by damage to the corticospinal tract at corona-radiata and capsular levels, and by damage to white-matter association tracts and additional regions in the temporal cortex and pallidum. VLSM conjunction analysis showed only a minor overlap of brain voxels where the existence of damage affected both hemiparesis and spasticity, suggesting that control of voluntary movement and regulation of muscle tone at rest involve largely separate parts of the motor network.
Universal association between depressive symptoms and social-network structures in the workplace
Authors: Lee Jong-Hyeok , Sato Nobuo , Yano Kazuo , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: June 2022

An unhealthy communication structure at a workplace can adversely affect the mental health of employees. However, little is known about the relationship between communication structures in the workplace and the mental health of employees. Here, we evaluated the face-to-face interaction network among employees (N = 449) in a variety of real-world working environments by using wearable devices and investigated the relationship between social network characteristics and depressive symptoms. We found that the cohesive interaction structure surrounding each individual was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms: a universal relationship regardless of occupation type. This correlation was evident at the group scale and was strongly related to active interactions with abundant body movement. Our findings provide a quantitative and collective perspective on taking a systematic approach to workplace depression, and they suggest that the mental health of employees needs to be addressed systematically, not only individually.
Real-world treatment intensities and pathways of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion in Korea from Common Data Model in ophthalmology
Authors: Mun Yongseok , Park ChulHyoung , Lee Da Yun , Kim Tong Min , Jin Ki Won , Kim Seok , Chung Yoo-Ri , Lee Kihwang , Song Ji Hun , Roh Young-Jung , Jee Donghyun , Kwon Jin-Woo , Woo Se Joon , Park Kyu Hyung , Park Rae Woong , Yoo Sooyoung , Chang Dong-Jin , Park Sang Jun
Published: June 2022

Despite many studies, optimal treatment sequences or intervals are still questionable in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) macular edema. The aim of this study was to examine the real-world treatment patterns of RVO macular edema. A retrospective analysis of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model, a distributed research network, of four large tertiary referral centers (n = 9,202,032) identified 3286 eligible. We visualized treatment pathways (prescription volume and treatment sequence) with sunburst and Sankey diagrams. We calculated the average number of intravitreal injections per patient in the first and second years to evaluate the treatment intensities. Bevacizumab was the most popular first-line drug (80.9%), followed by triamcinolone (15.1%) and dexamethasone (2.28%). Triamcinolone was the most popular drug (8.88%), followed by dexamethasone (6.08%) in patients who began treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. The average number of all intravitreal injections per person decreased in the second year compared with the first year. The average number of injections per person in the first year increased throughout the study. Bevacizumab was the most popular first-line drug and steroids were considered the most common as second-line drugs in patients first treated with anti-VEGF agents. Intensive treatment patterns may cause an increase in intravitreal injections.
In vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity and chemical profiling of sugarcane leaves
Authors: Okokon Jude E. , Mobley Rebecca , Edem Utibe A. , Bassey Augustine I. , Fadayomi Idowu , Drijfhout Falko , Horrocks Paul , Li Wen-Wu
Published: June 2022

Saccharum officinarumLinn. (sugarcane, Family-Poaceae) is employed in Ibibio traditional medicine for the treatment of various infections and diseases such as malaria. We This study aims to assess the antiplasmodial effect of the leaf extract and fractions on human malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) in vitro, and rodent malaria parasite (P. berghei) in vivo, and analyse the bioactive components of the active fraction(s). The leaf extract and fractions ofS. officinarumwere prepared and their growth inhibitory effects tested against the chloroquine resistantP. falciparumstrain (Dd2) andP. bergheiinfection in mice. An acute toxicity of the extract was determined. A combination of gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied for metabolites profiling of crude extract and active fractions. The leaf extract and fractions demonstrated moderate activity againstP. falciparumwith the dichloromethane fraction producing the most potent activity (EC50 = 15.4 µg/mL). The leaf extract (170–510 mg/kg, p.o., LD50 = 1732 mg/kg) and fractions demonstrated significant (p < 0.05–0.001) effect onP. bergheiinfection in prophylactic  tests as well as in established infection withn-butanol fractions producing the highest effect. An unusual sulphur-containing compound, dilaurylthiodipropionate, fatty acids, phenolic acids, flavonoid and flavonoid glycoside were identified in the active fractions. These results give credence to the use of sugarcane leaves as malarial remedy locally by confirming the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial potential of leaf extract/fractions ofS. officinarum.
Epidemiological characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variants in children over the four COVID-19 waves and correlation with clinical presentation
Authors: Alteri Claudia , Scutari Rossana , Costabile Valentino , Colagrossi Luna , Yu La Rosa Katia , Agolini Emanuele , Lanari Valentina , Chiurchiù Sara , Romani Lorenza , Markowich Anna Hermine , Bernaschi Paola , Russo Cristina , Novelli Antonio , Bernardi Stefania , Campana Andrea , Villani Alberto , Perno Carlo Federico
Published: June 2022

Since the start of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, children aged ≤ 12 years have always been defined as underrepresented in terms of SARS-CoV-2 infections’ frequency and severity. By correlating SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics with clinical and virological features in 612 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients aged ≤ 12 years, we demonstrated a sizeable circulation of different SARS-CoV-2 lineages over the four pandemic waves in paediatric population, sustained by local transmission chains. Age < 5 years, highest viral load, gamma and delta clades positively influence this local transmission. No correlations between COVID-19 manifestations and lineages or transmission chains are seen, except for a negative correlation between B.1.1.7 and hospitalization.
Clinical characteristics of external bacterial ocular and periocular infections and their antimicrobial treatment patterns among a Ghanaian ophthalmic population
Authors: Osei Duah Junior Isaiah , Tchiakpe Michel Pascal , Borquaye Lawrence Sheringham , Amoah Kwadwo , Amankwah Francis Kwaku Dzideh , Kumah David Ben , Ofori Linda Aurelia , Danso-Appiah Anthony , Prempeh Bright Owusu , Gbedema Stephen Yao , Munyaneza Justin , Danquah Cynthia Amaning , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu
Published: June 2022

Empirical antimicrobial therapy is linked to a surge in antimicrobial resistant infections. However, an insight on the bacteria etiology of ocular infections is essential in the appropriation of choice of antimicrobial among clinicians, yet there remains a dearth of data from Ghana. We investigated the bacteria etiology of external ocular and periocular infections and antimicrobial treatment patterns among a Ghanaian ophthalmic population. A multicenter study design with purposive sampling approach was employed. Patients demographics and clinical data were collated using a pretested structure questionnaire. Cornea specimens and conjunctival swabs were obtained for bacterial isolation following standard protocols. About 95% (98/103) of ocular samples were positive for bacteria culture. The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria was 58.2%, and the predominant bacteria species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 38.8% and Staphylococcus aureus 27.6%. Conjunctivitis 40.0% and keratitis 75.0% were mostly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The routinely administered antimicrobial therapy were polymyxin B 41.2%, neomycin 35.1% and ciprofloxacin 31.6%. Participants demographic and clinical characteristics were unrelated with positive bacteria culture (p > 0.05). Our results showed a markedly high burden of ocular bacterial infections and variations in etiology. Bacterial infection-control and antimicrobial agent management programs should be urgently institutionalized to prevent the emergence of resistant infections.
Streamlined and quantitative detection of chimerism using digital PCR
Authors: Suchy Fabian P. , Nishimura Toshiya , Seki Shinsuke , Wilkinson Adam C. , Higuchi Maimi , Hsu Ian , Zhang Jinyu , Bhadury Joydeep , Nakauchi Hiromitsu
Published: June 2022

Animal chimeras are widely used for biomedical discoveries, from developmental biology to cancer research. However, the accurate quantitation of mixed cell types in chimeric and mosaic tissues is complicated by sample preparation bias, transgenic silencing, phenotypic similarity, and low-throughput analytical pipelines. Here, we have developed and characterized a droplet digital PCR single-nucleotide discrimination assay to detect chimerism among common albino and non-albino mouse strains. In addition, we validated that this assay is compatible with crude lysate from all solid organs, drastically streamlining sample preparation. This chimerism detection assay has many additional advantages over existing methods including its robust nature, minimal technical bias, and ability to report the total number of cells in a prepared sample. Moreover, the concepts discussed here are readily adapted to other genomic loci to accurately measure mixed cell populations in any tissue.
Mmp13 deletion in mesenchymal cells increases bone mass and may attenuate the cortical bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency
Authors: Ponte Filipa , Kim Ha-Neui , Warren Aaron , Iyer Srividhya , Han Li , Mannen Erin , Gomez-Acevedo Horacio , Nookaew Intawat , Almeida Maria , Manolagas Stavros C.
Published: June 2022

The protective effect of estrogens against cortical bone loss is mediated via direct actions on mesenchymal cells, but functional evidence for the mediators of these effects has only recently begun to emerge. We report that the matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) is the highest up-regulated gene in mesenchymal cells from mice lacking the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). In sham-operated female mice with conditional Mmp13 deletion in Prrx1 expressing cells (Mmp13ΔPrrx1), the femur and tibia length was lower as compared to control littermates (Mmp13f./f). Additionally, in the sham-operated female Mmp13ΔPrrx1 mice cortical thickness and trabecular bone volume in the femur and tibia were higher and osteoclast number at the endocortical surfaces was lower, whereas bone formation rate was unaffected. Notably, the decrease of cortical thickness caused by ovariectomy (OVX) in the femur and tibia of Mmp13f./f mice was attenuated in the Mmp13ΔPrrx1 mice; but the decrease of trabecular bone caused by OVX was not affected. These results reveal that mesenchymal cell–derived MMP13 may regulate osteoclast number and/or activity, bone resorption, and bone mass. And increased production of mesenchymal cell-derived factors may be important mediators of the adverse effect of estrogen deficiency on cortical, but not trabecular, bone.
Death anxiety as mediator of relationship between renunciation of desire and mental health as predicted by Nonself Theory
Authors: Kuo Yi-Fen , Chang Yun-Ming , Lin Mei-Fang , Wu Ming-Lung , Shiah Yung-Jong
Published: June 2022

In the present paper, we report two studies examining the relationships among renunciation of desires, death anxiety, and mental health. In the first study, we constructed the Desire Questionnaire (DQ), which measures success in renouncing certain desire. The DQ has satisfactory psychometric properties. In the second study, 501 adults from a Chinese society ranging in age from 17 to 84 years (M = 35.58, SD = 14.76) completed the DQ, the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ), which measures mental health and the presence of psychiatric symptoms. As predicted, DQ had significant negative correlations with both DAS (p < 0.05) and CHQ (p < 0.01). DAS had a significant positive correlation with CHQ (p < 0.01). In the linear mediation model, DAS was found to partially mediate the relationship between DQ and CHQ (β = − 0.18, p < 0.001). These results suggest that the negative effect of poor control of desires on mental health can be partially accounted for by death anxiety. These findings imply that training in eliminating desires can be a successful strategy to improve mental health. These results also support the Nonself Theory as a theory of death anxiety and show its relevance to the relationship between nonself and mental health.
Irreversibility analysis for flow of nanofluids with aggregation in converging and diverging channel
Authors: Qadeer Muhammad , Khan Umar , Ahmad Sarfraz , Ullah Basharat , Mousa Mohamed , Khan Ilyas
Published: June 2022

In the current research article, the two-dimensional, incompressible, steady fluid flow is considered. The heat transfer rate of water-based aggregated fluid between converging/diverging channels of shrinking/stretching walls due to the effects of thermal radiation has been examined. The strong static magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the radial direction. The modeled governing equations are transformed into non-linear dimensionless ordinary differential equations by considering appropriate similarity transformations. Since the obtained ODEs are strongly non-linear and the exact solution of these equations is not possible, thus we applied the numerical method RK4 combined with the shooting technique to handle the equations. The impacts of several influential parameters on velocity, temperature, and entropy generation profiles are examined graphically.
Horticulture therapy affected the mental status, sleep quality, and salivary markers of mucosal immunity in an elderly population
Authors: Shen Jui-Ling , Hung Bao-Lien , Fang Shih-Hua
Published: June 2022

Horticultural therapy (HT) has been reported to be beneficial to mental and physical health. This study investigated the effects of HT on the psychological status and mucosal immunity of elderly individuals. Twenty-four participants aged 70–93 were recruited from residential facilities and adult day-care services. Six different HT activities were designed and guided by licensed instructors who performed saliva collection and helped the participants complete the questionnaires before and after each activity. The sleep quality scores were collected during the 6 weeks of HT activities. Saliva was collected and analyzed to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, chromogranin A (CgA), α-amylase (AA) and total protein (TP). Comparisons of the questionnaire scores between preactivity and postactivity showed that feelings of satisfaction and happiness were significantly enhanced after each activity. In addition, sleep quality was significantly improved after the 6-week course of HT activities. Regarding mucosal immunity, the preactivity IgA and IgA/TP were significantly increased at week 3 and week 6; in addition, the ratio of lactoferrin/TP was significantly decreased at week 6 compared to week 1. The postactivity AA and CgA levels were significantly enhanced at weeks 2, 3 and 5 compared to the corresponding preactivity levels. In conclusions, HT activities significantly improved the happiness, satisfaction, well-being and sleep quality of the elderly. Moreover, mucosal immunity proteins, including IgA, lactoferrin, CgA and AA, were significantly increased.
Three-dimensional in situ imaging of single-grain growth in polycrystalline In2O3:Zr films
Authors: Dzhigaev Dmitry , Smirnov Yury , Repecaud Pierre-Alexis , Marçal Lucas Atila Bernardes , Fevola Giovanni , Sheyfer Dina , Jeangros Quentin , Cha Wonsuk , Harder Ross , Mikkelsen Anders , Wallentin Jesper , Morales-Masis Monica , Stuckelberger Michael Elias
Published: June 2022

Strain and interactions at grain boundaries during solid-phase crystallization are known to play a significant role in the functional properties of polycrystalline materials. However, elucidating three-dimensional nanoscale grain morphology, kinetics, and strain under realistic conditions is challenging. Here, we image a single-grain growth during the amorphous-to-polycrystalline transition in technologically relevant transparent conductive oxide film of In2O3:Zr with in situ Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging and transmission electron microscopy. We find that the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov theory, which describes the average kinetics of polycrystalline films growth, can be applied to the single grains as well. The quantitative analysis stems directly from imaging results. We elucidate the interface-controlled nature of the single-grain growth in thin films and reveal the surface strains which may be a driving force for anisotropic crystallization rates. Our results bring in situ imaging with coherent X-rays towards understanding and controlling the crystallization processes of transparent conductive oxides and other polycrystalline materials at the nanoscale.
The Application of Nanomaterials in the Built Environment
Authors: Ong Pin Jin , Chua Ming Hui , Yun Debbie Soo Xiang , Zhu Qiang
Published: June 2022

While nanotechnology has been traditionally applied in the fields of material sciences, medicine and microelectronics, its potential applications in the built environment have been growing. The application of nanomaterials in construction and building materials might be the key to replicating features of natural systems that have been improved to perfection over millions of years. It can also help to achieve pollution control by reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and promoting sustainability in the long term. This chapter reviews current knowledge on the application of nanotechnology in certain building components such as windows, brick, stone and wood. In addition, the short- and long-term effects of nanomaterials on the environment and human health will be addressed. Lastly, this chapter will also identify the future challenges and major obstacles for the application of nanomaterials in the built environment.
Bio-refining Through Nanotechnology
Authors: Liu Feng , Ren Yi , Chua Ming Hui , Zhou Hui
Published: June 2022

Bio-refineries are facilities that can convert biomass to fuels, power and high-value chemicals, which are regarded as suitable routes to solve the energy crisis and food crisis caused by the fast-increasing population on this planet. An ideal bio-refinery that can convert various types of biomass feedstocks to prospective products with good conversion yield and selectivity involves the application of nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalysts. Currently, heterogeneous catalysts based on nanoparticles have displayed high potential in catalyzing and modifying the bio-refinery process, affecting the properties of the products and their component distribution. In this chapter, we aim to summarize the latest developments in nano-catalysts and nano-enzymatic supports for greener bio-refinery processing. At the end, the prospects of improved technologies to produce greener nanoparticles and integrate them into biomass feedstocks are discussed.
Unconventional aliphatic fluorophores discovered as the luminescence origin in citric acid–urea carbon dots
Authors: Yao Xiaoxiao , Wang Yinhan , Li Fangjia , Dalluge Joseph J. , Orr Galya , Hernandez Rigoberto , Cui Qiang , Haynes Christy L.
Published: June 2022

An unconventional fluorophore, 5-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid, was discovered as the fluorescence origin of polymeric carbon dots. This unique fluorophore has aggregation-enhanced emission which contributes to carbon dot fluorescence.
Investigation of eight-arm tapered star copolymers prepared by anionic copolymerization and coupling reaction
Authors: Wang Chengmeng , Wu Yibo , Zhu Yihui , Ma Hongbing , Zhang Mingzu , Liu GengXin , He Jinlin , Ni Peihong
Published: June 2022

A series of eight-arm tapered star copolymers 8[P(I-co-S)x]-POSS were synthesized by the coupling reaction between octavinyl POSS and the tapered living copolymer chains obtained from statistical anionic copolymerization.
A facile approach for the preparation of poly(benzothiophene-alt-maleic anhydride) microspheres by self-stabilized precipitation polymerization
Authors: Chang Tianxiao , Qi Hongyi , Liang Chenxi , Huang Yanbin , Yang Wantai
Published: June 2022

Benzothiophene copolymerization with maleic anhydride forming uniform microspheres.
An experimental and theoretical investigation into the self-assembly of a chemically modified high-χ coil–rod diblock copolymer
Authors: Dong Lei , Wylie Kevin , Nabae Yuta , Hayakawa Teruaki
Published: June 2022

A high-χ coil-rod diblock copolymer capable of forming unique anisotropic hexagonally packed cylindrical domains evidenced by experimental and theoretical study.
Supramolecular copolymerization through self-correction of non-polymerizable transient intermediates
Authors: Chen Ganyu , Shi Peichen , Zeng Longhui , Feng Liubin , Wang Xiuxiu , Lin Xujing , Sun Yibin , Fang Hongxun , Cao Xiaoyu , Wang Xinchang , Yang Liulin , Tian Zhongqun
Published: June 2022

Polymerization through the ‘error-correction’ of non-polymerizable transient intermediates was identified in a classical self-sorting supramolecular copolymerization system by employing NMR coupled with a microfluidic technique.
A tunable full-color lanthanide noncovalent polymer based on cucurbituril-mediated supramolecular dimerization
Authors: Yu Hua-Jiang , Zhou Xiao-Lu , Dai Xianyin , Shen Fang-Fang , Zhou Qingyang , Zhang Ying-Ming , Xu Xiufang , Liu Yu
Published: June 2022

A lanthanide noncovalent polymer is constructed by integrating host–guest complexation and metal–ligand coordination, and can exhibit tunable trichromatic emission and multiple excited-state lifetimes under single wavelength excitation.
Cs,Rh-codoped WO3with a core–shell structure responsive up to 600 nm as an O2-evolving photocatalyst forZ-schematic water splitting
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Miseki Yugo , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: June 2022

Expanding the responsive wavelength of WO3as an O2-evolving photocatalyst forZ-schematic solar water splitting by Cs,Rh-codoping.
SAXS-guided unbiased coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulation for identification of self-assembly nanostructures and dimensions
Authors: Pahari Silabrata , Liu Shuhao , Lee Chi Ho , Akbulut Mustafa , Kwon Joseph Sang-Il
Published: June 2022

Determining the nanostructures formed by complex self-assemblies like dynamic binary complex (DBC) using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) guided coarse-grained Mone Carlo simulation.
Silver niobate perovskites: structure, properties and multifunctional applications
Authors: Tian Ye , Song Panpan , Viola Giuseppe , Shi Jindou , Li Jing , Jin Li , Hu Qingyuan , Xu Yonghao , Ge Wanyin , Yan Zhongna , Zhang Dou , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Abrahams Isaac , Wei Xiaoyong , Yan Haixue
Published: June 2022

AgNbO3exhibits anti-/ferroelectricity and narrow bandgap semi-conductivity that lead to active responses under electric field, light and force. Some of these properties are also mutually coupled and could be suited for multifunctional applications.
A novel porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C7N3) substrate: prediction of metal-based π–d conjugated nanosheets toward the highly active and selective electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Xian , Zhang Qiang , Hao Weiju , Fang Chunyao , Zhou Jianyang , Xu Jingcheng
Published: June 2022

The novel porous g-C7N3 offers rich hollow sites for stably anchoring transition-metal atoms to promote single-atom catalysis, which is expected to overcome the great challenges of low activity and selectivity for ammonia synthesis.
Dual-sensitive fluorescent nanoprobes for detection of matrix metalloproteinases and low pH in a 3D tumor microenvironment
Authors: Rainu Simran , Parameswaran Sowmya , Krishnakumar Subramanian , Singh Neetu
Published: June 2022

pH/MMP-9 sensitive fluorescent nanoprobes as non-invasive imaging tool for distinguishing tumor-like microenvironments (low pH and upregulated MMP-9) from non-cancerous microenvironments in 3D microscaffolds.
In situ formation of J-aggregate in the tumor microenvironment using acidity responsive polypeptide nanoparticle encapsulating galactose-conjugated BODIPY dye for NIR-II phototheranostics
Authors: Dang Huiping , Yin Dalong , Tian Youliang , Cheng Quan , Teng Changchang , Xu Yixuan , Yan Lifeng
Published: June 2022

Galactose-conjugated BODIPY dye and polymeric nanoparticles with H-aggregates were obtained. In the tumor microenvironment pH, J-aggregates are formed in situ, which showed efficient switch-on NIR-II imaging-guided photothermal therapy.
Power imbalance‐based droop control for vehicle to grid in primary frequency regulation
Authors: Suh Jaewan , Song Sungyoon , Jang Gilsoo
Published: June 2022

As demand for electric vehicles (EV) grows, interest in vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) is increasing. Although V2G provides additional flexibility for power systems, it can be an inconvenience for the EV owner and shorten the cycle life of EV batteries. In this paper, we propose a power‐imbalance‐based droop control (PIDC) for V2G, which uses estimated active power imbalance between supply and demand, without any communications or dispatch signal from the automatic generation control (AGC). Unlike the existing frequency droop control, the proposed method controls V2G based on the estimated imbalance. The Imbalance between electricity supply and demand was estimated using the swing equation, frequency deviation, and rate of change of frequency (RoCoF). Conventional frequency droop control has a slow response speed because it only considers the frequency deviation. Using the PIDC, the critical frequency drop was discerned faster and the V2G could react more quickly in critical frequency drop situations. Additionally, battery cycle life was preserved in ordinary frequency fluctuations where V2G is unnecessary. This study used MATLAB R2020a to show the effectiveness and performance of PIDC. The case study results showed that PIDC has a faster response speed and preserves EV battery cycle life compared to frequency droop control.
Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE)
Authors: Hansen Jonah T. , Ireland Michael J. ,   the LIFE Collaboration
Published: June 2022

Aims. Optical interferometry from space for the purpose of detecting and characterising exoplanets is seeing a revival, specifically from missions such as the proposed Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE). A default assumption since the design studies of Darwin and TPF-I has been that the Emma X-array configuration is the optimal architecture for this goal. Here, we examine whether new advances in the field of nulling interferometry, such as the concept of kernel-nulling, challenge this assumption.

Methods. We develop a tool designed to derive the photon-limited signal-to-noise ratio of a large sample of simulated planets for different architecture configurations and beam combination schemes. We simulate four basic configurations: the double Bracewell/X-array, and three kernel-nullers with three, four, and five telescopes respectively.

Results. We find that a configuration of five telescopes in a pentagonal shape, using a five-aperture kernel-nulling scheme, outperforms the X-array design in both search (finding more planets) and characterisation (obtaining better signal, faster) when the total collecting area is conserved. This is especially the case when trying to detect Earth twins (temperate, rocky planets in the habitable zone), showing a 23% yield increase over the X-array. On average, we find that a five-telescope design receives 1.2 times more signal than the X-array design.

Conclusions. With the results of this simulation, we conclude that the Emma X-array configuration may not be the best choice of architecture for the upcoming LIFE mission, and that a five-telescope design utilising kernel-nulling concepts will likely provide better scientific return for the same collecting area, provided that technical solutions for the required achromatic phase shifts can be implemented.
Warp and flare of the Galactic disc revealed with supergiants by Gaia EDR3
Authors: Chrobáková Ž. , Nagy R. , López-Corredoira M.
Published: June 2022

Context. The outer Galactic disc contains some features such as the warp and flare, whose origin is still debated. The Gaia data provide an excellent opportunity to probe the Galactic disc at large distances and study these features.

Aims. We derive the density distributions of the average (old) whole population and the supergiants (representative of a young population), and we use them to constrain their warp and flare. By comparing the results, we study how the properties of these phenomena depend on the studied population.

Methods. We used Lucy’s deconvolution method to recover corrected star counts as a function of distance, from which we derive the density distribution.

Results. We find that supergiants have an asymmetric warp, reaching a maximum amplitude of zw = 0.658 kpc and minimum amplitude of zw = −0.717 kpc at a distance of R = [19.5, 20] kpc, which is almost twice as high as the amplitude of the whole population of the disc. We find a significant flare of the whole population, especially in the thick disc. The scale height increases from hz,thick ≈ 0.7 kpc and hz, thin ≈ 0.3 kpc in the solar neighbourhood, to hz, thick ≈ 2.6 kpc and hz, thin ≈ 0.6 kpc in the remote regions of the Milky Way (R ≈ 18 kpc). The supergiants’ population has only a small flare.
Redundant apodization for direct imaging of exoplanets
Authors: Leboulleux Lucie , Carlotti Alexis , N’Diaye Mamadou , Bertrou-Cantou Arielle , Milli Julien , Pourré Nicolas , Cantalloube Faustine , Mouillet David , Vérinaud Christophe
Published: June 2022

Context.Telescope pupil fragmentation from spiders generates specific aberrations that have been observed at various telescopes and are expected on the 30-meter class telescopes under construction. This is known as the island effect, and it induces differential pistons, tips, and tilts on the pupil petals, deforming the instrumental point spread function (PSF); it is one of the main limitations to the direct detection of exoplanets with high-contrast imaging. These petal-level aberrations can have different origins such as the low-wind effect or petaling errors in the adaptive optics reconstruction.

Aims.In this paper, we propose a method for alleviating the impact of the aberrations induced by island effects on high-contrast imaging by adapting the coronagraph design in order to increase its robustness to petal-level aberrations.

Methods.Following a method first developed and applied on robustness to errors due to primary mirror segmentation (e.g., segment phasing errors, missing segments), we developed and tested redundant apodized pupils (RAP): apodizers designed at the petal-scale, then duplicated and rotated to mimic the pupil petal geometry.

Results.We applied this concept to the ELT architecture, made of six identical petals, to yield a 10−6contrast in a dark region from 8 to 40λ/D. Both amplitude and phase apodizers proposed in this paper are robust to differential pistons between petals, with minimal degradation to their coronagraphic PSFs and contrast levels. In addition, they are also more robust to petal-level tip-tilt errors than classical apodizers designed for the whole pupil, with which the limit of contrast of 10−6in the coronagraph dark zone is achieved for constraints up to 2 rad RMS of these petal-level modes.

Conclusions.In this paper the RAP concept proves its robustness to island effects (low-wind effect and post-adaptive optics petaling), with an application to the ELT architecture. It can also be considered for other 8- to 30-m class ground-based units such as VLT/SPHERE, Subaru/SCExAO, GMT/GMagAO-X, and TMT/PSI.