bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Causes of Anomalous Glacier Mass Balance in the Western Kunlun Mountains
Authors: Zhu Meilin , Yao Tandong , Yang Wei , Wu Guanjian , Li Shenghai , Zhao Huabiao , Thompson Lonnie G.
Published: March 2022

Under current global warming, most glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau have shown significant mass loss during 2000–2019. However, the average glacier mass balance in the western Kunlun Mountains (WKM) was positive during this period. The causes of these opposing average status and the temporal glacier mass changes over the last several decades in the WKM continue to be the subject of active debate. The long‐term mass balance of the Guliya Ice Cap (Guliya) in the WKM during 1970–2019 was reconstructed using an energy and mass balance model and calibrated ERA5 data, which was calibrated and validated by in situ measurements and geodetic mass balances. Guliya showed a positive mean mass balance during 2000–2019 because annual snowfall was larger than low ablation‐season meltwater caused by low air temperature (T

a
). At interannual scales, annual mass balances were equally controlled by ablation‐season precipitation and T

a
during 1970–2019. From 1970s–1990s to 1990s–2010s, most Tibetan glaciers showed decreased mass balance due to increased ablation season T

a
, while the WKM glaciers experienced increased mass balance due to increased ablation‐season precipitation related to changes in the Silk Road Pattern. However, during 2000–2019, the annual mass balance of Guliya followed a decreasing trend due to increasing ablation‐season T

a
. The positive mass balance of the WKM glaciers will cease under future warming due to annual snowfall decreasing below ablation‐season meltwater. These changes will threaten lives and livelihoods in the Tarim Basin, whilst also jeopardizing ice core‐derived climate histories from the WKM glaciers.
Exploring Radiation Biases Over the Tropical and Subtropical Oceans Based on Treatments of Frozen‐Hydrometeor Radiative Properties in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Li J.‐L. F. , Xu Kuan‐Man , Lee Wei‐Liang , Jiang J. H. , Fetzer Eric , Stephens Graeme , Wang Yi‐Hui , Yu Jia‐Yuh
Published: March 2022

To explore the impacts of hydrometeor radiative effects over subtropical and tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, we quantify the mean radiation biases in historical climate simulations based on how frozen‐hydrometeors radiative properties are calculated in CMIP6 models. CMIP6 models are divided with cloud ice only (NOS), with combined (SON1), and with separate treatments (SON2) of cloud ice and falling ice (snow) radiative properties. Over the deep convective regions, NOS models overestimate outgoing longwave radiation (RLUT) and surface shortwave irradiance (RSDS), while underestimate top‐of‐atmosphere reflected shortwave radiation (RSUT). SON2 models reduce these biases by 4–14 W m−2. However, this improvement is not seen in SON1 against NOS. Spatially averaged absolute biases in radiative fluxes for SON1 models are larger than those of NOS, suggesting that the SON1 approach of falling ice radiative effects may not produce the expected hydrometeor–radiation interactions. Over the south Pacific trade‐wind regions, both SON2 and SON1 show similar improvements in RLUT, RSUT, and RSDS with positive absolute bias differences up to 20 W m−2 against NOS, leading to improvement of CMIP6 over CMIP5 ensembles. The seasonal cycles are consistent with the annual means over these two regions except with larger differences between subsets of models during January–May than during June–December. In general, improvement from CMIP5 to CMIP6 due to more participating SON2 models is limited because of offset by SON1. These results suggest that a separate treatment of frozen‐hydrometeor radiative properties may be critical for reducing the spread of CMIP models.
Traditional Fertilizers Beat Out Industrial Chemicals in Soil Health Test
Authors: Chapman Andrew
Published: March 2022

New research in western India found that fertilizer based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge made soil more fertile in a head-to-head test with industrial fertilizers.
Covalently grafting first-generation PAMAM dendrimers onto MXenes with self-adsorbed AuNPs for use as a functional nanoplatform for highly sensitive electrochemical biosensing of cTnT
Authors: Liu Xin , Qiu Yong , Jiang Deming , Li Fengheng , Gan Ying , Zhu Yuxuan , Pan Yuxiang , Wan Hao , Wang Ping
Published: March 2022

2D MXene-Ti3C2Tχhas demonstrated promising application prospects in various fields; however, it fails to function properly in biosensor setups due to restacking and anodic oxidation problems. To expand beyond these existing limitations, an effective strategy to for modifying the MXene by covalently grafting first-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimers onto an MXene in situ (MXene@PAMAM) was reported herein. When used as a conjugated template, the MXene not only preserved the high conductivity but also conferred a specific 2D architecture and large specific surface areas for anchoring PAMAM. The PAMAM, an efficient spacer and stabilizer, simultaneously suppressed the substantial restacking and oxidation of the MXene, which endowed this hybrid with improved electrochemical performance compared to that of the bare MXene in terms of favorable conductivity and stability under anodic potential. Moreover, the massive amino terminals of PAMAM offer abundant active sites for adsorbing Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). The resulting 3D hierarchical nanoarchitecture, AuNPs/MXene@PAMAM, had advanced structural merits that led to its superior electrochemical performance in biosensing. As a proof of concept, this MXene@PAMAM-based nanobiosensing platform was applied to develop an immunosensor for detecting human cardiac troponin T (cTnT). A fast, sensitive, and highly selective response toward the target in the presence of a [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−redox marker was realized, ensuring a wide detection of 0.1–1000 ng/mL with an LOD of 0.069 ng/mL. The sensor’s signal only decreased by 4.38% after 3 weeks, demonstrating that it exhibited satisfactory stability and better results than previously reported MXene-based biosensors. This work has potential applicability in the bioanalysis of cTnT and other biomarkers and paves a new path for fabricating high-performance MXenes for biomedical applications and electrochemical engineering.
Abiotic factors modulate interspecies competition mediated by the type VI secretion system effectors in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Tang Ming-Xuan , Pei Tong-Tong , Xiang Qi , Wang Zeng-Hang , Luo Han , Wang Xing-Yu , Fu Yang , Dong Tao
Published: March 2022

Vibrio cholerae, the etiological pathogen of cholera, employs its type VI secretion system (T6SS) as an effective weapon to survive in highly competitive communities. Antibacterial and anti-eukaryotic functions of the T6SS depend on its secreted effectors that target multiple cellular processes. However, the mechanisms that account for effector diversity and different effectiveness during interspecies competition remain elusive. Here we report that environmental cations and temperature play a key role in dictating cellular response and effector effectiveness during interspecies competition mediated by the T6SS of V. cholerae. We found that V. cholerae could employ its cell-wall-targeting effector TseH to outcompete the otherwise resistant Escherichia coli and the V. cholerae immunity deletion mutant ∆tsiH when Mg2+ or Ca2+ was supplemented. Transcriptome and genetic analyses demonstrate that the metal-sensing PhoPQ two-component system is important for Mg2+-dependent sensitivity. Competition analysis in infant mice shows that TseH was active under in vivo conditions. Using a panel of V. cholerae single-effector active mutants, we further show that E. coli also exhibited variable susceptibilities to other T6SS effectors depending on cations and temperatures, respectively. Lastly, V. cholerae effector VasX could sensitize Pseudomonas aeruginosa to its intrinsically resistant antibiotic irgasan in a temperature-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings suggest that abiotic factors, that V. cholerae frequently encounters in natural and host environments, could modulate cellular responses and dictate the competitive fitness conferred by the T6SS effectors in complex multispecies communities.
Comprehensive generation, visualization, and reporting of quality control metrics for single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Hong Rui , Koga Yusuke , Bandyadka Shruthi , Leshchyk Anastasia , Wang Yichen , Akavoor Vidya , Cao Xinyun , Sarfraz Irzam , Wang Zhe , Alabdullatif Salam , Jansen Frederick , Yajima Masanao , Johnson W. Evan , Campbell Joshua D.
Published: March 2022

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can be used to gain insights into cellular heterogeneity within complex tissues. However, various technical artifacts can be present in scRNA-seq data and should be assessed before performing downstream analyses. While several tools have been developed to perform individual quality control (QC) tasks, they are scattered in different packages across several programming environments. Here, to streamline the process of generating and visualizing QC metrics for scRNA-seq data, we built the SCTK-QC pipeline within thesingleCellTKR package. The SCTK-QC workflow can import data from several single-cell platforms and preprocessing tools and includes steps for empty droplet detection, generation of standard QC metrics, prediction of doublets, and estimation of ambient RNA. It can run on the command line, within the R console, on the cloud platform or with an interactive graphical user interface. Overall, the SCTK-QC pipeline streamlines and standardizes the process of performing QC for scRNA-seq data.
Source files of the Carbohydrate Structure Database: the way to sophisticated analysis of natural glycans
Authors: Toukach Philip V. , Egorova Ksenia S.
Published: March 2022

The Carbohydrate Structure Database (CSDB, http://csdb.glycoscience.ru/) is a free curated repository storing various data on glycans of bacterial, fungal and plant origins. Currently, it maintains a close-to-full coverage on bacterial and fungal carbohydrates up to the year 2020. The CSDB web-interface provides free access to the database content and dedicated tools. Still, the number of these tools and the types of the corresponding analyses is limited, whereas the database itself contains data that can be used in a broader scope of analytical studies. In this paper, we present CSDB source data files and a self-contained SQL dump, and exemplify their possible application in glycan-related studies. By using CSDB in an SQL format, the user can gain access to the chain length distribution or charge distribution (as an example) in a given set of glycans defined according to specific structural, taxonomic, or other parameters, whereas the source text dump files can be imported to any dedicated database with a specific internal architecture differing from that of CSDB.
A citizen centred urban network for weather and air quality in Australian schools
Authors: Ulpiani Giulia , Hart Melissa Anne , Di Virgilio Giovanni , Maharaj Angela M. , Lipson Mathew J. , Potgieter Julia
Published: March 2022

High-quality, standardized urban canopy layer observations are a worldwide necessity for urban climate and air quality research and monitoring. The Schools Weather and Air Quality (SWAQ) network was developed and distributed across the Greater Sydney region with a view to establish a citizen-centred network for investigation of the intra-urban heterogeneity and inter-parameter dependency of all major urban climate and air quality metrics. The network comprises a matrix of eleven automatic weather stations, nested with a web of six automatic air quality stations, stretched across 2779 km2, with average spacing of 10.2 km. Six meteorological parameters and six air pollutants are recorded. The network has a focus on Sydney’s western suburbs of rapid urbanization, but also extends to many eastern coastal sites where there are gaps in existing regulatory networks. Observations and metadata are available from September 2019 and undergo routine quality control, quality assurance and publication. Metadata, original datasets and quality-controlled datasets are open-source and available for extended academic and non-academic use.
A comprehensive LFQ benchmark dataset on modern day acquisition strategies in proteomics
Authors: Van Puyvelde Bart , Daled Simon , Willems Sander , Gabriels Ralf , Gonzalez de Peredo Anne , Chaoui Karima , Mouton-Barbosa Emmanuelle , Bouyssié David , Boonen Kurt , Hughes Christopher J. , Gethings Lee A. , Perez-Riverol Yasset , Bloomfield Nic , Tate Stephen , Schiltz Odile , Martens Lennart , Deforce Dieter , Dhaenens Maarten
Published: March 2022

In the last decade, a revolution in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based proteomics was unfolded with the introduction of dozens of novel instruments that incorporate additional data dimensions through innovative acquisition methodologies, in turn inspiring specialized data analysis pipelines. Simultaneously, a growing number of proteomics datasets have been made publicly available through data repositories such as ProteomeXchange, Zenodo and Skyline Panorama. However, developing algorithms to mine this data and assessing the performance on different platforms is currently hampered by the lack of a single benchmark experimental design. Therefore, we acquired a hybrid proteome mixture on different instrument platforms and in all currently available families of data acquisition. Here, we present a comprehensive Data-Dependent and Data-Independent Acquisition (DDA/DIA) dataset acquired using several of the most commonly used current day instrumental platforms. The dataset consists of over 700 LC-MS runs, including adequate replicates allowing robust statistics and covering over nearly 10 different data formats, including scanning quadrupole and ion mobility enabled acquisitions. Datasets are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD028735).
Adsorption behavior and performance of ammonium onto sorghum straw biochar from water
Authors: Xu Huajie , Wang Bing , Zhao Ruohan , Wang Xiangui , Pan Changbin , Jiang Yuting , Zhang Xueyang , Ge Banggui
Published: March 2022

Sorghum has been widely used for liquor production and brewing, but how to make efficiently utilize sorghum straw (SS) has become an urgent problem. Meanwhile, the wastewater produced by winemaking is typical organic wastewater with a high ammonium concentration. To solve the problem of resource utilization of SS and remove ammonium from water, SS was used to prepare biochar as an adsorbent for ammonium adsorption. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the influencing factors and adsorption mechanisms of ammonium onto sorghum straw biochar (SSB). The results showed that the adsorption capacity of SSB was much higher than that of SS. The SSB pyrolyzed at 300 °C had the highest adsorption capacity. The favorable pH was 6–10, and the optimal dosage was 2.5 g/L. The adsorption process and behavior conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm adsorption models. The maximum ammonium adsorption capacity of SSB at 45 °C was 7.09 mg/g, which was equivalent to 7.60 times of SS. The ammonium adsorption of SS and SSB was mainly chemical adsorption. The regeneration test indicated that SSB had good regeneration performance after three adsorption-regeneration cycles. This work suggests that SSB could be potentially applied to sewage treatment containing ammonium to achieve the purpose of resource recycling.
Synergies and prospects for early resolution of the neutrino mass ordering
Authors: Cabrera Anatael , Han Yang , Obolensky Michel , Cavalier Fabien , Coelho João , Navas-Nicolás Diana , Nunokawa Hiroshi , Simard Laurent , Bian Jianming , Nayak Nitish , Ochoa-Ricoux Juan Pedro , Roskovec Bedřich , Chimenti Pietro , Dusini Stefano , Bongrand Mathieu , Karaparambil Rebin , Lebrin Victor , Viaud Benoit , Yermia Frederic , Asquith Lily , Bezerra Thiago J. C. , Hartnell Jeff , Lasorak Pierre , Ling Jiajie , Liao Jiajun , Yu Hongzhao
Published: March 2022

The measurement of neutrino mass ordering (MO) is a fundamental element for the understanding of leptonic flavour sector of the Standard Model of Particle Physics. Its determination relies on the precise measurement of $$\Delta m^2_{31}$$

Δ

m
31
2

and $$\Delta m^2_{32}$$

Δ

m
32
2

using either neutrino vacuum oscillations, such as the ones studied by medium baseline reactor experiments, or matter effect modified oscillations such as those manifesting in long-baseline neutrino beams (LB$$\nu$$
ν
B) or atmospheric neutrino experiments. Despite existing MO indication today, a fully resolved MO measurement ($$\ge 5\sigma$$

≥
5
σ

) is most likely to await for the next generation of neutrino experiments: JUNO, whose stand-alone sensitivity is $$\sim 3\sigma$$

∼
3
σ

, or LB$$\nu$$
ν
B experiments (DUNE and Hyper-Kamiokande). Upcoming atmospheric neutrino experiments are also expected to provide precious information. In this work, we study the possible context for the earliest full MO resolution. A firm resolution is possible even before 2028, exploiting mainly vacuum oscillation, upon the combination of JUNO and the current generation of LB$$\nu$$
ν
B experiments (NOvA and T2K). This opportunity is possible thanks to a powerful synergy boosting the overall sensitivity where the sub-percent precision of $$\Delta m^2_{32}$$

Δ

m
32
2

by LB$$\nu$$
ν
B experiments is found to be the leading order term for the MO earliest discovery. We also found that the comparison between matter and vacuum driven oscillation results enables unique discovery potential for physics beyond the Standard Model.
Aerobic exercise promotes the expression of ATGL and attenuates inflammation to improve hepatic steatosis via lncRNA SRA
Authors: Wu Baoai , Xu Chong , Tian Yiming , Zeng Yu , Yan Feng , Chen AnPing , Zhao Jinfeng , Chen Longchang
Published: March 2022

The role of aerobic exercise in preventing and improving non-alcoholic fatty liver has been widely established. SRA is a long non-coding RNA, which has received increasing attention due to its important role in lipid metabolism. However, it is unclear whether aerobic exercise can prevent and treat hepatic lipid accumulation via SRA. The mice were randomly divided into four groups as follows, normal control group, normal aerobic exercise group, high-fat diet group (HFD), and high-fat diet plus aerobic exercise (8 weeks, 6 days/week, 18 m/min for 50 min, 6% slope) group (HAE). After 8 weeks, the mice in the HAE group showed significant improvement in hepatic steatosis. Body weight as well as blood TC, LDL-C, and liver TG levels were significantly lower in the HAE group than in the HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the expression of SRA was markedly suppressed and the expression of ATGL was significantly increased in the HAE group. Additionally, the JNK/P38 signaling was inhibited, the pro-inflammatory factors were down-regulated, and the anti-inflammatory factor was increased. In addition to this, the same results were shown in experiments with overexpression of SRA. The results of this study provided new support for aerobic exercise to improve hepatic lipid metabolism via lncRNA.
Gluten consumption and inflammation affect the development of celiac disease in at-risk children
Authors: Auricchio Renata , Calabrese Ilaria , Galatola Martina , Cielo Donatella , Carbone Fortunata , Mancuso Marianna , Matarese Giuseppe , Troncone Riccardo , Auricchio Salvatore , Greco Luigi
Published: March 2022

Gene expression, lipidomic and growth impairment findings suggest that the natural history of celiac disease (CD) starts before the gluten-induced immune response. Gluten intake in the first years of life is a controversial risk factor. We aimed to estimate the risk of developing CD associated with the amount of gluten intake and the serum inflammatory profile in genetically predisposed infants. From an Italian cohort of children at risk for CD, we enrolled 27 children who developed CD (cases) and 56 controls matched by sex and age. A dietary interview at 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months was performed. Serum cytokines (INFγ, IL1β, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10 IL12p70, IL17, and TNFα) were analysed at 4 and 36 months. Infants who developed CD by 6 years showed an increase in serum cytokines (INFγ, IL1β, IL2, IL6, IL10, IL12p70 and TNFα) at 4 months of age before gluten introduction. CD cases ate significantly more gluten in the second year of life than controls, and gluten intake in the second year of life was strongly correlated with serum cytokines (INFγ, IL2, IL4, IL12p70, IL17) at 36 months only in CD cases. The dietary pattern of infants who developed CD was characterized by high consumption of biscuits and fruit juices and low intake of milk products, legumes, vegetables and fruits. Genetically predisposed infants who developed CD showed a unique serum cytokine profile at 4 months before gluten consumption. The amount of gluten was strongly correlated with an inflammatory profile in serum cytokines at 36 months only in infants who developed CD.
Integrating protein copy numbers with interaction networks to quantify stoichiometry in clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Duan Daisy , Hanson Meretta , Holland David O. , Johnson Margaret E.
Published: March 2022

Proteins that drive processes like clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) are expressed at copy numbers within a cell and across cell types varying from hundreds (e.g. auxilin) to millions (e.g. clathrin). These variations contain important information about function, but without integration with the interaction network, they cannot capture how supply and demand for each protein depends on binding to shared and distinct partners. Here we construct the interface-resolved network of 82 proteins involved in CME and establish a metric, a stoichiometric balance ratio (SBR), that quantifies whether each protein in the network has an abundance that is sub- or super-stoichiometric dependent on the global competition for binding. We find that highly abundant proteins (like clathrin) are super-stoichiometric, but that not all super-stoichiometric proteins are highly abundant, across three cell populations (HeLa, fibroblast, and neuronal synaptosomes). Most strikingly, within all cells there is significant competition to bind shared sites on clathrin and the central AP-2 adaptor by other adaptor proteins, resulting in most being in excess supply. Our network and systematic analysis, including response to perturbations of network components, show how competition for shared binding sites results in functionally similar proteins having widely varying stoichiometries, due to variations in both abundance and their unique network of binding partners.
Millimeter-scale focal length tuning with MEMS-integrated meta-optics employing high-throughput fabrication
Authors: Han Zheyi , Colburn Shane , Majumdar Arka , Böhringer Karl F.
Published: March 2022

Miniature varifocal lenses are crucial for many applications requiring compact optical systems. Here, utilizing electro-mechanically actuated 0.5-mm aperture infrared Alvarez meta-optics, we demonstrate 3.1 mm (200 diopters) focal length tuning with an actuation voltage below 40 V. This constitutes the largest focal length tuning in any low-power electro-mechanically actuated meta-optic, enabled by the high energy density in comb-drive actuators producing large displacements at relatively low voltage. The demonstrated device is produced by a novel nanofabrication process that accommodates meta-optics with a larger aperture and has improved alignment between meta-optics via flip-chip bonding. The whole fabrication process is CMOS compatible and amenable to high-throughput manufacturing.
Comparative mitogenomics of freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus, obligatory vectors of Schistosoma haematobium, causative agent of human urogenital schistosomiasis
Authors: Zhang Si-Ming , Bu Lijing , Lu Lijun , Babbitt Caitlin , Adema Coen M. , Loker Eric S.
Published: March 2022

Among the snail genera most responsible for vectoring human-infecting schistosomes,Bulinus, Biomphalaria, and Oncomelania, the former is in many respects the most important. Bulinid snails host the most common human blood fluke,Schistosoma haematobium,responsible for approximately two-thirds of the estimated 237 million cases of schistosomiasis. They also support transmission of schistosomes to millions of domestic and wild animals. Nonetheless, our basic knowledge of the 37Bulinusspecies remains incomplete, especially with respect to genome information, even including mitogenome sequences. We determined complete mitogenome sequences forBulinus truncatus,B. nasutus, andB. ugandae, and three representatives ofB. globosusfrom eastern, central, and western Kenya. A difference of the location oftRNA-Aspwas found between mitogenomes from the three species of theBulinus africanusgroup andB. truncatus. Phylogenetic analysis using partialcox1sequences suggests thatB. globosusis a complex comprised of multiple species. We also highlight the status ofB. ugandaeas a distinct species with unusual interactions with theS. haematobiumgroup parasites deserving of additional investigation. We provide sequence data for potential development of genetic markers for specific or intraspecificBulinusstudies, help elucidate the relationships amongBulinusspecies, and suggest ways in which mitogenomes may help understand the complex interactions betweenSchistosomaandBulinussnails and their relatives.
Antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses for long term prognosis of corneal infection by cytomegalovirus in immunocompetent subjects
Authors: Uotani Ryu , Miyazaki Dai , Shimizu Yumiko , Ohtani Fumie , Haruki Tomoko , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Koyama Ayumi , Inoue Yoshitsugu , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: March 2022

Ocular cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in immunocompetent individuals are rare, but its activation can cause chronic and relapsing inflammation in anterior segment of the eye resulting in loss of corneal clarity and glaucoma. Fifty five patients with anterior segment CMV infection were assessed for their clinical characteristics, and CMV corneal endotheliitis was found to cause significant loss of corneal endothelial cells. The disease duration with recurrences was significantly correlated with the maximum intraocular level of CMV DNA. To examine why CMV is activated in healthy immunocompetent individuals and causing corneal endothelial cell damage, assays of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) which directly target infected corneal endothelial cells were performed for 9 HLA-matched CMV corneal endotheliitis patients (HLA-A*2402). When the cell loss was analyzed for associations with CTL responses, CMV-induced endothelial cell damage was mitigated by pp65-specific CTL induction. The recurrence-free time was also prolonged by pp65-specific CTL induction (hazard ratio (HR): 0.93, P = 0.01). In contrast, IE1-specific CTL was associated with endothelial cell damage and reduced the time for corneal transplantation (HR: 1.6, P = 0.003) and glaucoma surgery (HR: 1.5, P = 0.001). Collectively, induction of pp65-specific CTL was associated with improved visual prognosis. However, IE1-specific CTL without proper induction of pp65-specific CTL can cause pathological damage leading to the need of surgical interventions.
Raman scattering enhancement of dielectric microspheres on silicon nitride film
Authors: Ogura Toshihiko
Published: March 2022

Circulating light in the total internal reflection within dielectric spheres or disks is called the whispering gallery mode (WGM), which by itself is highly sensitive to its surface and capable of detecting viruses and single atomic ions. The detection site of the sensors using WGM is created by the evanescent light from the circulating light inside spheres. Here we report anomalous Raman scattering enhancement in dielectric microspheres on a silicon nitride (SiN) film. This Raman enhancement occurs at the periphery of the spheres, and a similar ring of light was also observed under a fluorescence microscope. This is caused by the light circulating around the dielectric spheres as in the WGM. We observed anomalously enhanced Raman spectrum at the periphery of 3 μm diameter polystyrene (PS) microspheres on a SiN film using confocal laser Raman microscopy. The wavelength intensity of this enhanced Raman spectrum was accompanied by periodic changes due to interference. These features may lead to the development of high-sensitive sensors and optical devices.
In-plane current induced nonlinear magnetoelectric effects in single crystal films of barium hexaferrite
Authors: Popov Maksym , Zavislyak Igor , Qu Hongwei , Balbashov A. M. , Page M. R. , Srinivasan G.
Published: March 2022

This report is on the observation and analysis of nonlinear magnetoelectric effects (NLME) for in-plane currents perpendicularly to the hexagonal axis in single crystals and liquid phase epitaxy grown thin films of barium hexaferrite. Measurements involved tuning of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) at 56–58 GHz in the multidomain and single domain states in the ferrite by applying a current. Data on the shift in the resonance frequency with input electric power was utilized to estimate the variations in the magnetic parameter that showed a linear dependence on the input electric power. The NLME tensor coefficients were determined form the estimated changes in the magnetization and uniaxial anisotropy field. The estimated NLME coefficients for in-plane currents are shown to be much higher than for currents flowing along the hexagonal axis. Although the frequency shift of FMR was higher for the single domain resonance, the multi-domain configuration is preferable for device applications since it eliminates the need for a large bias magnetic field. Thus, multidomain resonance with current in the basal plane is favorable for use in electrically tunable miniature, ferrite microwave signal processing devices requiring low operating power.
Enhancing osseointegration and mitigating bacterial biofilms on medical-grade titanium with chitosan-conjugated liquid-infused coatings
Authors: Villegas Martin , Zhang Yuxi , Badv Maryam , Alonso-Cantu Claudia , Wilson David , Hosseinidoust Zeinab , Didar Tohid F.
Published: March 2022

Titanium alloys, in particular, medical-grade Ti-6Al-4 V, are heavily used in orthopaedic applications due to their high moduli, strength, and biocompatibility. Implant infection can result in biofilm formation and failure of prosthesis. The formation of a biofilm on implants protects bacteria from antibiotics and the immune response, resulting in the propagation of the infection and ultimately resulting in device failure. Recently, slippery liquid-infused surfaces (LIS) have been investigated for their stable liquid interface, which provides excellent repellent properties to suppress biofilm formation. One of the current limitations of LIS coatings lies in the indistinctive repellency of bone cells in orthopaedic applications, resulting in poor tissue integration and bone ingrowth with the implant. Here, we report a chitosan impregnated LIS coating that facilitates cell adhesion while preventing biofilm formation. The fabricated coating displayed high contact angles (108.2 ± 5.2°) and low sliding angles (3.56 ± 4.3°). Elemental analysis obtained using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the availability of fluorine and nitrogen, indicating the presence of fluorosilane and chitosan in the final coating. Furthermore, our results suggest that chitosan-conjugated LIS increased cell adhesion of osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells and significantly promoted proliferation (a fourfold increase at 7-day incubation) compared to conventional titanium liquid-infused surfaces. Furthermore, the chitosan conjugated LIS significantly reduced biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by up to 50% and 75% when compared to untreated titanium and chitosan-coated titanium, respectively. The engineered coating can be easily modified with other biopolymers or capture molecules to be applied to other biomaterials where tissue integration and biofilm prevention are needed.
Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea contained nanoparticles on meniscal/ligamentous injury induced osteoarthritis in obese male rats
Authors: Johnson Athira , Huang Yu-Chia , Mao Chien-Feng , Chen Chun-Kai , Thomas Sabu , Kuo Hsiang-Ping , Miao Song , Kong Zwe-Ling
Published: March 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease associated with age, mechanical stress, and obesity. Echinacea purpureais a medicinal plant that shows good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In this study,Echinacea purpureaethanol extract nanoparticles (Nano-EE) were prepared by encapsulatingEchinacea purpureaethanol extract (EE) in chitosan-silica nanoparticles. Obesity (OB) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was induced by fed 40% high-fat diet and then anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury were performed to induce OA. The rats got different doses of samples by oral gavage. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of Nano-EE were 69.1% and 36.1%, respectively. The average size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) of the Nano-EE were 145 ± 11 nm, 0.24 ± 0.01, − 4.57 ± 0.44 mV, respectively. Furthermore, electron microscopic images showed that the particles were spherical and were slightly agglomerated. Moreover, it showed that the leptin content, expression of MMPs, cytokines level, NF-κB level, and iNOS production were decreased whereas collagen II expression was increased after treatment. Besides, Nano-EE ameliorated the pain caused by OA and reduced the proteoglycan loss in cartilage. These results indicated that encapsulated EE (Nano-EE) can ameliorate OA with a low dosage and are more effective than unencapsulated EE.
Effect of contact resistance on the electrical conductivity of polymer graphene nanocomposites to optimize the biosensors detecting breast cancer cells
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: March 2022

This study focuses on the contact regions among neighboring nanoparticles in polymer graphene nanocomposites by the extension of nanosheets. The resistance of graphene and the contact zones represent the total resistance of the prolonged nanosheets. Furthermore, the graphene size, interphase depth, and tunneling distance express the effective volume portion of graphene, while the onset of percolation affects the fraction of percolated nanosheets. Finally, a model is developed to investigate the conductivity of the samples using the graphene size, interphase depth, and tunneling size. In addition to the roles played by certain factors in conductivity, the experimental conductivity data for several samples confirm the conductivity predictions. Generally, the polymer sheet in tunnels determines the total resistance of the extended nanosheets because graphene ordinarily exhibits negligible resistance. In addition, a large tunnel positively accelerates the onset of percolation, but increases the tunneling resistance and attenuates the conductivity of the nanocomposite. Further, a thicker interphase and lower percolation threshold promote the conductivity of the system. The developed model can be applied to optimize the biosensors detecting the breast cancer cells.
Multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles for multi-modal imaging-guided CAR-T immunotherapy and chemo-photothermal combinational therapy of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Shi Bowen , Li Dan , Yao Weiwu , Wang Wenfang , Jiang Jiang , Wang Ruiheng , Yan Fuhua , Liu Han , Zhang Huan , Ye Jian
Published: March 2022

A biocompatible FA-Gd-GERTs@Ibrutinib nanocomposite was developed that exhibits powerful theranostic performance for the CT/MR/SERS-imaging-guided CAR-T cell/chemo/photothermal therapy of tumors.
Anchored complexes of rhodium and iridium for the hydrogenation of alkynes and olefins with parahydrogen
Authors: Skovpin Ivan V. , Kovtunova Larisa M. , Nartova Anna V. , Kvon Ren I. , Bukhtiyarov Valerii I. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: March 2022

Iridium and rhodium complexes anchored on silica gel surface via NH2–(CH2)3– and P(Ph)2–(CH2)2– linker groups achieve high (∼9%) efficiency in pairwise addition of parahydrogen to unsaturated gaseous substrates in heterogeneous hydrogenation processes.
Emerging investigator series: perspectives on toxicokinetics of nanoscale plastic debris in organisms
Authors: Abdolahpur Monikh Fazel , Vijver Martina G. , Kortet Raine , Lynch Iseult , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M.
Published: March 2022

Fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment can lead to the formation of nanoscale plastic debris (NPD) of size < 1 μm.
UV-B radiation enhances the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles to the marine microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa by disrupting the protection function of extracellular polymeric substances
Authors: Zhu Lin , Booth Andy M. , Feng Sulan , Shang Congcong , Xiao Hui , Tang Xuexi , Sun Xuemei , Zhao Xinguo , Chen Bijuan , Qu Keming , Xia Bin
Published: March 2022

Weakened EPS protection of algal cells contributing to the increased internalization of TiO2 nanoparticles was identified as the key mechanism for the enhanced toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles under UV-B irradiation.
A high-fidelity light-powered nanomotor from a chemically fueled counterpart via site-specific optomechanical fuel control
Authors: Liu Xiao Rui , Hu Xinpeng , Loh Iong Ying , Wang Zhisong
Published: March 2022

Optically powered nanomotors are advantageous for clean nanotechnology over chemically fuelled nanomotors.
Water-dispersed CsPbBr3 nanocrystals for single molecule localization microscopy with high location accuracy for targeted bioimaging
Authors: Yang Zhaoyan , Dong Yuhui , Zong Shenfei , Li Lang , Yang Kuo , Wang Zhuyuan , Zeng Haibo , Cui Yiping
Published: March 2022

3 nm location accurate single molecule localization microscopy assisted by biotinylated CsPbBr3 nanocrystals for targeted high-resolution bioimaging.
Nanostructured chromium-based broadband absorbers and emitters to realize thermally stable solar thermophotovoltaic systems
Authors: Abbas Muhammad Aamir , Kim Joohoon , Rana Ahsan Sarwar , Kim Inki , Rehman Bacha , Ahmad Zubair , Massoud Yehia , Seong Junhwa , Badloe Trevon , Park Keunhan , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Zubair Muhammad , Rho Junsuk
Published: March 2022

The efficiency of traditional solar cells is constrained due to the Shockley–Queisser limit, to circumvent this theoretical limit, the concept of solar thermophotovoltaics (STPVs) has been introduced.
Smartly responsive DNA–miRNA hybrids packaged in exosomes for synergistic enhancement of cancer cell apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Isak Albertina N. , Yang Shiqi , Song Yuchen , Ren Lingjie , Feng Chang , Chen Guifang
Published: March 2022

We associate endogenous and exogenous miRNAs to achieve a smart response and a coordinated drug delivery system.
C–H benzylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones via visible-light riboflavin photocatalysis
Authors: Yan Qiuli , Cui Wenwen , Li Junxin , Xu Guiyun , Song Xiuyan , Lv Jian , Yang Daoshan
Published: March 2022

An efficient visible light promoted riboflavin-catalyzed direct benzylation of substituted quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones for the synthesis of various C3-benzylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-one derivatives has been developed under mild conditions.
Samarium(ii) iodide-mediated reactions applied to natural product total synthesis
Authors: Heravi Majid. M. , Nazari Azadeh
Published: March 2022

Natural product synthesis remains a field in which new synthetic methods and reagents are continually being evaluated.
pH-responsive curcumin-based nanoscale ZIF-8 combining chemophotodynamic therapy for excellent antibacterial activity
Authors: Meng Xiaofeng , Guan Jingwei , Lai Shanshan , Fang Liming , Su Jianyu
Published: March 2022

Schematic illustration of the preparation of ZIF@CCM and its application for photodynamic antibacterial response.
The morphological role of ligand inhibitors in blocking receptor- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Agostinelli Daniele , Elfring Gwynn J. , Bacca Mattia
Published: March 2022

Particles that enter cells through receptor- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis can be blocked by the presence of sufficiently large and numerous ligand inhibitors, as dictated by mechanical constraints.
Enhancing mechanism of electron-deficient p states on photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 for CO2 reduction
Authors: Sun Fu-li , Fang Qiao-jun , Yu Yi-fan , Zhang Wei , Pan Jin-kong , Chen Wen-Xian , Zhuang Gui-lin
Published: March 2022

We reveal the mechanism through which electron-deficient p states enhance the photocatalytic properties of g-C3N4 for CO2 reduction.
A comprehensive estimate of the aggregation and transport of nSiO2 in static and dynamic aqueous systems
Authors: Ghosh Debayan , Das Soupam , Gahlot Vikas Kumar , Pulimi Mrudula , Anand Shalini , Chandrasekaran N. , Rai Pramod Kumar , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: March 2022

Influence of several physicochemical factors on the sedimentation and transport of nSiO2 in the aquatic environment.
Simultaneous photocatalytic tetracycline oxidation and chromate reduction via a jointed synchronous pathway upon Z-scheme Bi12O17Cl2/AgBr: insight into intermediates and mechanism
Authors: Zhai Zicheng , Ren Kaixu , Zheng Xiangyang , Chen Yigang , Dong Yuming , Shi Haifeng
Published: March 2022

A 2D/0D Bi12O17Cl2/AgBr Z-scheme photocatalyst provides a jointed synchronous pathway for simultaneous Cr(vi) and TC removal.
A dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence probe for highly selective and simultaneous detection of tetracycline and ferric ions in environmental water samples based on a boron-doped carbon quantum dot/CdTe–Eu3+ composite
Authors: Huang Mengqi , Tong Changlun
Published: March 2022

A dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence probe for the simultaneous detection of tetracycline (TC) and Fe3+ in aqueous solution was fabricated based on a boron-doped carbon quantum dot (B-CQD)/CdTe–Eu3+ composite.
Stretchable, breathable, and highly sensitive capacitive and self-powered electronic skin based on core–shell nanofibers
Authors: Uzabakiriho Pierre Claver , Wang Meng , Ma Chao , Zhao Gang
Published: March 2022

We demonstrated core–shell nanofiber based e-skin, which achieves capacitive and self-powered behavior and has shown potential applications including physiological signal monitoring, joint movement, spatial pressure mapping and energy-harvesting.
Indentation of graphene nano-bubbles
Authors: Faraji Fahim , Neek-Amal Mehdi , Neyts Erik C. , Peeters François M.
Published: March 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effect of an AFM tip when indenting graphene nano bubbles filled by a noble gas (i.e. He, Ne and Ar) up to the breaking point.
Highly stereoselective synthesis of spirocyclopropylthiooxindoles and biological evaluation
Authors: Pan Bo-Wen , Shi Yang , Dong Su-Zhen , He Jun-Xiong , Mu Bo-Shuai , Wu Wen-Biao , Zhou Ying , Zhou Feng , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

We present a novel highly stereoselective Rh-catalyzed cyclopropanation of diazothiooxindoles with a broad range of α-functionalized styrenes, enabling facile access of chiral spirocyclopropylthiooxindoles in high to excellent enantiomeric excess.
Design of ternary additive for organic photovoltaics: a cautionary tale
Authors: Sundaresan Chithiravel , Josse Pierre , Vebber Mário C. , Brusso Jaclyn , Lu Jianping , Tao Ye , Alem Salima , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: March 2022

Silicon phthalocyanines with carbazole axial functional groups were synthesized to improve the miscibility in PCDTBT and for use as ternary additives in organic photovoltaics.
A combined crystallography and DFT study on ring-shaped Cucurbit[n]urils: structures, surface character, and host–guest recognition
Authors: Zhu Guoxun , You Ao , Song Huacan , Li Zhengquan
Published: March 2022

A combined crystallography and DFT study of CB[n]s (n = 5–8, 10) was carried out. Through wavefunction analysis, how the hindered lone pair electrons affect on structures, electrostatics potential distribution and host–guest recognition were disclosed.
Copper/TEMPO-catalyzed continuous aerobic alcohol oxidation in a micro-packed bed reactor
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Duan Xiaonan , Yin Jiabin , Lou Fengyan , Zhang Jisong
Published: March 2022

A micro-packed bed reactor has been developed to demonstrate aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes, utilizing green oxidant O2 and effective Cu/TEMPO-catalyzed system.
Dynamics of the photo-thermo-mechanical actuations in NIR-dye doped liquid crystal polymer networks
Authors: Jayoti Divya , Peeketi Akhil R. , Annabattula Ratna K. , Prasad S. Krishna
Published: March 2022

We describe photo-thermo-mechanical actuation and its dynamics in thin films of a liquid crystal network (LCN) under near infrared (NIR) illumination through experiments and simulations.
Analysis of silica fouling on nonwetting surfaces
Authors: Hatte S. , Pitchumani R.
Published: March 2022

The study introduces a novel class of solid-infused nonwetting surfaces that demonstrate significant reduction in silica fouling compared to conventional surfaces and offer a durable option for fouling mitigation under dynamic flow conditions.
Rheology of liquid crystalline oligomers for 3-D printing of liquid crystalline elastomers
Authors: Bauman Grant E. , Koch Jeremy A. , White Timothy J.
Published: March 2022

A liquid crystalline oligomer displays time-dependent changes in viscosity when subjected to steady shear flow. Temperature and applied shear rate are shown to have an effect on this phenomenon which is relevant to Direct Ink Write printing.
A Pt/SnO2/rGO interface more capable of converting ethanol to CO2 in ethanol electro-oxidation: a detailed experimental/DFT study
Authors: Xu Peiwen , Zhao Shafei , Wang Tingting , Ji Weijie , Chen Zhaoxu , Au Chak-Tong
Published: March 2022

This study both experimentally and theoretically demonstrates the significance of the Pt/SnO2 interface to control the overall activity and in particular, the dominant route in complete/incomplete oxidation for electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Flat band potential determination: avoiding the pitfalls”’ by M. I. Díez-García, D. Monllor-Satoca and R. Gómez, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022, 10, DOI: 10.1039/D1TA06474F
Authors: Hankin Anna , Bedoya-Lora Franky E.
Published: March 2022

Piecing together parameters characterising a semiconductor|liquid interface often highlights incoherence in the findings. Difficulties of obtaining accurate/reproducible parameters continue to be discussed among the community of photoelectrochemists.
Vicinal Co atom-coordinated Fe–N–C catalysts to boost the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Chen Yu-bin , Li Jie-jie , Zhu Yan-ping , Zou Jian , Zhao Hao , Chen Chi , Cheng Qing-qing , Yang Bo , Zou Liang-liang , Zou Zhi-qing , Yang Hui
Published: March 2022

Vicinal Co atoms modulate the electronic structure of the Fe site and adsorption behaviour of the intermediates, boosting ORR performance.
Shifting and breaking scaling relations at transition metal telluride edges for selective electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Brea Courtney , Hu Guoxiang
Published: March 2022

The linear scaling relations can be shifted by the chemical composition and broken by edge reconstructions for selective CO2 reduction.
pH-responsive polyelectrolyte complexation on upconversion nanoparticles: a multifunctional nanocarrier for protection, delivery, and 3D-imaging of therapeutic protein
Authors: De Ranjit , Song Yo Han , Mahata Manoj Kumar , Lee Kang Taek
Published: March 2022

The delicate tertiary structure of proteins, their susceptibility to heat- and enzyme-induced irreversible denaturation, and tendency to get accumulated at the cell membrane during uptake are daunting challenges in proteinaceous therapeutic delivery.
Fluorescence detection of milk allergen β-lactoglobulin based on aptamers and WS2 nanosheets
Authors: Hong Chengyi , Wang Jingjing , Wang Yuying , Huang Zhiyong , Yang Hongfen , Yang Dan , Cai Ren , Tan Weihong
Published: March 2022

A fluorescence assay is designed to detect β-Lg in food samples based on WS2 nanosheets and a fluorescent dye (FAM)-labeled β-Lg aptamer.