bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel technology at hand to measure skin hydration by Biodisplay smartphone touch screen panel
Authors: Choi YoungHwan , Oh Se Jin , Lee Jong Hee
Published: September 2021

Skin hydration is generally evaluated using devices that measure capacitance or conductance. A new technology (Biodisplay) was developed to provide accurate measurements of skin hydration at the contact site. This study aimed to test the reliability of the Biodisplay by comparing its performance results with those of similar devices currently used to objectively assess skin hydration. For each of the 30 participants, skin hydration was measured at each of the defined points on the forearm three times using the Biodisplay and a Hydration probe (HP), an objective measurement device of skin hydration. We also evaluated skin hydration of the arm using both tools after applying moisturizers to evaluate interferences from skin care products. The reliability and reproducibility of each device were analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and the correlation of the two devices was evaluated by Pearson’s correlation coefficients (PCC). The Biodisplay demonstrated moderate-to-excellent reliability (ICC: (0.741–0.980)), but lower reliability than the HP (ICC: (0.953–0.980)). The skin hydration measurements made by the two devices were demonstrated to be significantly correlated, showing moderate correlations (PCC: 0.601). The Biodisplay can provide reasonably reliable and accurate measurements for skin hydration with the strong points of portability and accessibility.
Modified hydrologic regime of upper Ganga basin induced by natural and anthropogenic stressors
Authors: Swarnkar Somil , Mujumdar Pradeep , Sinha Rajiv
Published: September 2021

Climate change and anthropogenic activities pose serious threats to river basin hydrology worldwide. The Ganga basin is home to around half a billion people and has been significantly impacted by hydrological alterations in the last few decades. The increasing high-intensity rainfall events often create flash flooding events. Such events are frequently reported in mountainous and alluvial plains of the Ganga basin, putting the entire basin under severe flood risk. Further, increasing human interventions through hydraulic structures in the upstream reaches significantly alter the flows during the pre-and post-monsoon periods. Here, we explore the hydrological implications of increasing reservoir-induced and climate-related stressors in the Upper Ganga Basin (UGB), India. Flow/sediment duration curves and flood frequency analysis have been used to assess pre-and post-1995 hydrological behaviour. Our results indicate that low and moderate flows have been significantly altered, and the flood peaks have been attenuated by the operation of hydraulic structures in the Bhagirathi (western subbasin). The Alaknanda (eastern subbasin) has experienced an increase in extreme rainfall and flows post-1995. The downstream reaches experience reservoir-induced moderate flow alterations during pre-and post-monsoon and increasing extreme flood magnitudes during monsoon. Furthermore, substantial siltation upstream of the reservoirs has disrupted the upstream–downstream geomorphologic linkages.
Quantum halo states in two-dimensional dipolar clusters
Authors: Guijarro G. , Astrakharchik G. E. , Boronat J.
Published: September 2021

A halo is an intrinsically quantum object defined as a bound state of a spatial size which extends deeply into the classically forbidden region. Previously, halos have been observed in bound states of two and less frequently of three atoms. Here, we propose a realization of halo states containing as many as six atoms. We report the binding energies, pair correlation functions, spatial distributions, and sizes of few-body clusters composed by bosonic dipolar atoms in a bilayer geometry. We find two very distinct halo structures, for large interlayer separation the halo structure is roughly symmetric and we discover an unusual highly anisotropic shape of halo states close to the unbinding threshold. Our results open avenues of using ultracold gases for the experimental realization of halos composed by atoms with dipolar interactions and containing as many as six atoms.
Production of IgG1-based bispecific antibody without extra cysteine residue via intein-mediated protein trans-splicing
Authors: Akiba Hiroki , Ise Tomoko , Nagata Satoshi , Kamada Haruhiko , Ohno Hiroaki , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: September 2021

A major class of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) utilizes heterodimeric Fc to produce the native immunoglobulin G (IgG) structure. Because appropriate pairing of heavy and light chains is required, the design of BsAbs produced through recombination or reassembly of two separately-expressed antigen-binding fragments is advantageous. One such method uses intein-mediated protein trans-splicing (IMPTS) to produce an IgG1-based structure. An extra Cys residue is incorporated as a consensus sequence for IMPTS in successful examples, but this may lead to potential destabilization or disturbance of the assay system. In this study, we designed a BsAb linked by IMPTS, without the extra Cys residue. A BsAb binding to both TNFR2 and CD30 was successfully produced. Cleaved side product formation was inevitable, but it was minimized under the optimized conditions. The fine-tuned design is suitable for the production of IgG-like BsAb with high symmetry between the two antigen-binding fragments that is advantageous for screening BsAbs.
Defined d-hexapeptides bind CUG repeats and rescue phenotypes of myotonic dystrophy myotubes in a Drosophila model of the disease
Authors: Rapisarda Anna , Bargiela Ariadna , Llamusi Beatriz , Pont Isabel , Estrada-Tejedor Roger , Garcia-España Enrique , Artero Ruben , Perez-Alonso Manuel
Published: September 2021

In Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a non-coding CTG repeats rare expansion disease; toxic double-stranded RNA hairpins sequester the RNA-binding proteins Muscleblind-like 1 and 2 (MBNL1 and 2) and trigger other DM1-related pathogenesis pathway defects. In this paper, we characterize four d-amino acid hexapeptides identified together with abp1, a peptide previously shown to stabilize CUG RNA in its single-stranded conformation. With the generalized sequence cpy(a/t)(q/w)e, these related peptides improved three MBNL-regulated exon inclusions in DM1-derived cells. Subsequent experiments showed that these compounds generally increased the relative expression of MBNL1 and its nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution, reduced hyperactivated autophagy, and increased the percentage of differentiated (Desmin-positive) cells in vitro. All peptides rescued atrophy of indirect flight muscles in a Drosophila model of the disease, and partially rescued muscle function according to climbing and flight tests. Investigation of their mechanism of action supports that all four compounds can bind to CUG repeats with slightly different association constant, but binding did not strongly influence the secondary structure of the toxic RNA in contrast to abp1. Finally, molecular modeling suggests a detailed view of the interactions of peptide-CUG RNA complexes useful in the chemical optimization of compounds.
Relative sit-to-stand power cut-off points and their association with negatives outcomes in older adults
Authors: Baltasar-Fernandez Ivan , Alcazar Julian , Mañas Asier , Alegre Luis M. , Alfaro-Acha Ana , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio , Ara Ignacio , García-García Francisco J. , Losa-Reyna Jose
Published: September 2021

The purposes of this study were: (i) to evaluate the association of sit-to-stand (STS) power and body composition parameters [body mass index (BMI) and legs skeletal muscle index (SMI)] with age; (ii) to provide cut-off points for low relative STS power (STSrel), (iii) to provide normative data for well-functioning older adults and (iv) to assess the association of low STSrel with negative outcomes. Cross-sectional design (1369 older adults). STS power parameters assessed by validated equations, BMI and Legs SMI assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were recorded. Sex- and age-adjusted segmented and logistic regression analyses and receiver operator characteristic curves were used. Among men, STSrel showed a negative association with age up to the age of 85 years (− 1.2 to − 1.4%year−1; p < 0.05). In women, a negative association with age was observed throughout the old adult life (− 1.2 to − 2.0%year−1; p < 0.001). Cut-off values for low STSrel were 2.5 W kg−1 in men and 1.9 W kg−1 in women. Low STSrel was associated with frailty (OR [95% CI] = 5.6 [3.1, 10.1]) and low habitual gait speed (HGS) (OR [95% CI] = 2.7 [1.8, 3.9]) in men while low STSrel was associated with frailty (OR [95% CI] = 6.9 [4.5, 10.5]) low HGS (OR [95% CI] = 2.9 [2.0, 4.1]), disability in activities of daily living (OR [95% CI] = 2.1 [1.4, 3.2]), and low quality of life (OR [95%CI] = 1.7 [1.2, 2.4]) in women. STSrel declined with increasing age in both men and women. Due to the adverse outcomes related to STSrel, the reported cut-off points can be used as a clinical tool to identify low STSrel among older adults.
Urinary equol levels are positively associated with urinary estradiol excretion in women
Authors: Fujitani Tomoko , Fujii Yukiko , Lyu Zhaoqing , Harada Sassa Mariko , Harada Kouji H.
Published: September 2021

Isoflavones found in soy products are a promising class of nutrients that may have a positive effect on human health. In particular, the phytoestrogen metabolite equol is associated with a reduced risk of developing female hormone-related diseases. However, the effect of equol on estrogen remains unclear. Equol can modify blood and urinary estradiol (E2) levels. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between urinary estrogen levels, equol levels, and equol production status in Japanese women. We analyzed urine samples from 520 women by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Urinary E2 and 4-hydroxylated E2 levels were higher in equol producers (EQP) than in non-EQPs (P < 0.0001 and P=0.00112, respectively). After adjusting for age and tobacco use by analysis of covariance, the association remained significant (β = 0.299, P < 0.0001). Analysis of covariance demonstrated that equol levels in urine were also positively associated with urinary E2 (β = 0.597, P < 0.0001). The log equol concentration showed a significant, but moderate, negative association with the serum E2 concentration (β = − 0.0225, P = 0.0462). Our findings suggest that equol may promote urinary E2 excretion and modify blood E2 levels in women.
Paraoxonase 1 gene variants concerning cardiovascular mortality in conventional cigarette smokers and non-smokers treated with hemodialysis
Authors: Grzegorzewska Alicja E. , Ostromecka Kamila , Świderska Monika K. , Adamska Paulina , Mostowska Adrianna , Jagodziński Paweł P.
Published: September 2021

Cigarette smoking effects might correspond with paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) single nucleotide variants (SNVs). We investigated the association of PON1 rs705379, rs854560, and rs662 with cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients concerning conventional cigarette smoking. Cardiovascular, cardiac, coronary heart disease (CHD)- and non-CHD-related deaths were analyzed in 206 HD cigarette smokers and 659 HD non-smokers. P-values were adjusted for sex, age, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Among all smokers, the rs705379 TT genotype was associated with cardiovascular (P = 0.028), cardiac (P = 0.046), and cardiac non-CHD-related (P = 0.001) mortality. Non-diabetic smokers showed similar qualitative significance to all smokers concerning mentioned death rates (P-values 0.011, 0.044, and 0.009, respectively). In diabetic non-smokers, the rs705379 T allele correlated with CHD-related deaths (P = 0.020). The rs854560 T allele was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in non-diabetic smokers (P = 0.008). The rs854560 TT genotype showed a negative non-significant correlation with non-CHD-related cardiac death in all non-smokers (P = 0.079). In diabetic smokers, the rs662 G allele was associated with higher cardiac mortality (P = 0.005). In all non-smokers and non-diabetic non-smokers, the rs662 G correlated with cardiovascular deaths (P = 0.020 and P = 0.018, respectively). Genotyping PON1 SNVs may help argue HD smokers harboring the rs705379 TT genotype or T allele and non-smokers possessing the rs662 G allele for prevention against cardiovascular diseases. These groups are more burdened genetically for cardiovascular mortality.
Network pharmacology-based investigation of potential targets of astragalus membranaceous-angelica sinensis compound acting on diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Dong Youzi , Zhao Quanlin , Wang Yuguo
Published: September 2021

To explore the mechanism of the Astragalus membranaceous (AM)-Angelica sinensis (AS) compound in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) we used network pharmacology and molecular docking. Screen the components and targets of the AM-AS compound in the TCMSP and the BATMAN-TCM, and establish a component-target interaction network by Cytoscape 3.7.2. After searching relevant targets of DN in related databases, the common targets of the AM-AS compound and DN were obtained by comparison. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed through David database. Molecular docking was performed by PyMoL2.3.0 and AutoDock Vina software. After screening, 142 main targets of the AM-AS compound in the treatment of DN have been identified. Target network was established and the topology of PPI network was analyzed. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis shows that these targets are related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, etc. Molecular docking shows that the target proteins have good combinations with the main active components of the AM-AS compound. AM-AS compound may treat DN by acting on VEGFA, TP53, IL-6, TNF, MARK1, etc., and regulate apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose, and lipid metabolism processes. The in vivo study results suggest that AM-AS compound can significantly reduce the FBG level of diabetic rats, increase the level of INS, improve renal functions, reduce urinary proteins, inhibit glycogen deposition, granulocyte infiltration and collagen fiber proliferation in renal tissue, and restrain the progress of DN. In vivo study combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking methods provides new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatments of DN.
Genomic background selection to reduce the mutation load after random mutagenesis
Authors: Karunarathna Nirosha L. , Patiranage Dilan S. R. , Harloff Hans-Joachim , Sashidhar Niharika , Jung Christian
Published: September 2021

Random mutagenesis is a standard procedure to increase allelic variation in a crop species, especially in countries where the use of genetically modified crops is limited due to legal constraints. The chemical mutagen EMS is used in many species to induce random mutations throughout the genome with high mutation density. The major drawback for functional analysis is a high background mutation load in a single plant that must be eliminated by subsequent backcrossing, a time and resource-intensive activity. Here, we demonstrate that genomic background selection combined with marker-assisted selection is an efficient way to select individuals with reduced background mutations within a short period. We identified BC1 plants with a significantly higher share of the recurrent parent genome, thus saving one backcross generation. Furthermore, spring rapeseed as the recurrent parent in a backcrossing program could accelerate breeding by reducing the generation cycle. Our study depicts the potential for reducing the background mutation load while accelerating the generation cycle in EMS-induced winter oilseed rape populations by integrating genomic background selection.
Prediction of hospitalization using artificial intelligence for urgent patients in the emergency department
Authors: Lee Jung-Ting , Hsieh Chih-Chia , Lin Chih-Hao , Lin Yu-Jen , Kao Chung-Yao
Published: September 2021

Timely assessment to accurately prioritize patients is crucial for emergency department (ED) management. Urgent (i.e., level-3, on a 5-level emergency severity index system) patients have become a challenge since under-triage and over-triage often occur. This study was aimed to develop a computational model by artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to accurately predict urgent patient outcomes using data that are readily available in most ED triage systems. We retrospectively collected data from the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Eleven variables were used for data analysis and prediction model building, including 1 response, 2 demographic, and 8 clinical variables. A model to predict hospital admission was developed using neural networks and machine learning methodologies. A total of 282,971 samples of urgent (level-3) visits were included in the analysis. Our model achieved a validation area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8004 (95% CI 0.7963–0.8045). The optimal cutoff value identified by Youden's index for determining hospital admission was 0.5517. Using this cutoff value, the sensitivity was 0.6721 (95% CI 0.6624–0.6818), and the specificity was 0.7814 (95% CI 0.7777–0.7851), with a positive predictive value of 0.3660 (95% CI 0.3586–0.3733) and a negative predictive value of 0.9270 (95% CI 0.9244–0.9295). Subgroup analysis revealed that this model performed better in the nontraumatic adult subgroup and achieved a validation AUC of 0.8166 (95% CI 0.8199–0.8212). Our AI model accurately assessed the need for hospitalization for urgent patients, which constituted nearly 70% of ED visits. This model demonstrates the potential for streamlining ED operations using a very limited number of variables that are readily available in most ED triage systems. Subgroup analysis is an important topic for future investigation.
Identification of immune-related subtypes of colorectal cancer to improve antitumor immunotherapy
Authors: Zheng Xiaobo , Gao Yong , Yu Chune , Fan Guiquan , Li Pengwu , Zhang Ming , Yu Jing , Xu Mingqing
Published: September 2021

Immunotherapy involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for enhancing immune system activation is promising for tumor management. However, the patients’ responses to ICIs are different. Here, we applied a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm to establish a robust immune molecular classification system for colorectal cancer (CRC). We obtained data of 1503 CRC patients (training cohort: 488 from The Cancer Genome Atlas; validation cohort: 1015 from the Gene Expression Omnibus). In the training cohort, 42.8% of patients who exhibited significantly higher immunocyte infiltration and enrichment of immune response-associated signatures were subdivided into immune classes. Within the immune class, 53.1% of patients were associated with a worse overall prognosis and belonged to the immune-suppressed subclass, characterized by the activation of stroma-related signatures, genes, immune-suppressive cells, and signaling. The remaining immune class patients belonged to the immune-activated subclass, which was associated with a better prognosis and response to anti-PD-1 therapy. Immune-related subtypes were associated with different copy number alterations, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte enrichment, PD-1/PD-L1 expression, mutation landscape, and cancer stemness. These results were validated in patients with microsatellite instable CRC. We described a novel immune-related class of CRC, which may be used for selecting candidate patients with CRC for immunotherapy and tailoring optimal immunotherapeutic treatment.
Biodiversity and biocatalyst activity of culturable hydrocarbonoclastic fungi isolated from Marac–Moruga mud volcano in South Trinidad
Authors: Ramdass Amanda C. , Rampersad Sephra N.
Published: September 2021

Mud volcanoes (MVs) are visible signs of oil and gas reserves present deep beneath land and sea. The Marac MV in Trinidad is the only MV associated with natural hydrocarbon seeps. Petrogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in its sediments must undergo biogeochemical cycles of detoxification as they can enter the water table and aquifers threatening ecosystems and biota. Recurrent hydrocarbon seep activity of MVs consolidates the growth of hydrocarbonoclastic fungal communities. Fungi possess advantageous metabolic and ecophysiological features for remediation but are underexplored compared to bacteria. Additionally, indigenous fungi are more efficient at PAH detoxification than commercial/foreign counterparts and remediation strategies remain site-specific. Few studies have focused on hydrocarbonoclastic fungal incidence and potential in MVs, an aspect that has not been explored in Trinidad. This study determined the unique biodiversity of culturable fungi from the Marac MV capable of metabolizing PAHs in vitro and investigated their extracellular peroxidase activity to utilize different substrates ergo their extracellular oxidoreductase activity (> 50% of the strains decolourized of methylene blue dye). Dothideomycetes and Eurotiomycetes (89% combined incidence) were predominantly isolated. ITS rDNA sequence cluster analysis confirmed strain identities. 18 indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic strains not previously reported in the literature and some of which were biosurfactant-producing, were identified. Intra-strain variability was apparent for PAH utilization, oil-tolerance and hydroxylase substrate specificity. Comparatively high levels of extracellular protein were detected for strains that demonstrated low substrate specificity. Halotolerant strains were also recovered which indicated marine-mixed substrata of the MV as a result of deep sea conduits. This work highlighted novel MV fungal strains as potential bioremediators and biocatalysts with a broad industrial applications.
A Hopf physical reservoir computer
Authors: Shougat Md Raf E Ul , Li XiaoFu , Mollik Tushar , Perkins Edmon
Published: September 2021

Physical reservoir computing utilizes a physical system as a computational resource. This nontraditional computing technique can be computationally powerful, without the need of costly training. Here, a Hopf oscillator is implemented as a reservoir computer by using a node-based architecture; however, this implementation does not use delayed feedback lines. This reservoir computer is still powerful, but it is considerably simpler and cheaper to implement as a physical Hopf oscillator. A non-periodic stochastic masking procedure is applied for this reservoir computer following the time multiplexing method. Due to the presence of noise, the Euler–Maruyama method is used to simulate the resulting stochastic differential equations that represent this reservoir computer. An analog electrical circuit is built to implement this Hopf oscillator reservoir computer experimentally. The information processing capability was tested numerically and experimentally by performing logical tasks, emulation tasks, and time series prediction tasks. This reservoir computer has several attractive features, including a simple design that is easy to implement, noise robustness, and a high computational ability for many different benchmark tasks. Since limit cycle oscillators model many physical systems, this architecture could be relatively easily applied in many contexts.
Improving the thermal structure predictions in the Yellow Sea by conducting targeted observations in the CNOP-identified sensitive areas
Authors: Liu Kun , Guo Wuhong , Da Lianglong , Liu Jingyi , Hu Huiqin , Cui Baolong
Published: September 2021

Targeted observation is an appealing procedure for improving model predictions. However, studies on oceanic targeted observations have been largely based on modeling efforts, and there is a need for field validating operations. Here, we report the results of a field targeted observation that is designed based on the sensitive areas identified by the Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation approach to improve the 7th day thermal structure prediction in the Yellow Sea. By introducing the technique of cycle data assimilation and the new concept of time-varying sensitive areas, an observing strategy is designed and validated by a set of Observing System Simulation Experiments. Then, the impact of targeted observations was investigated by a choreographed field campaign in the summer of 2019. The results of the in-field Observing System Experiments show that, compared to conventional local data assimilation, conducting targeted observations in the sensitive areas can yield more benefit at the verification time. Furthermore, dynamic analysis demonstrates that the refinement of vertical thermal structures is mainly caused by the changes in the upstream horizontal temperature advection driven by the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass circulation. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted observations on reducing the forecast uncertainty in the ocean.
VCAM1 expression in the myocardium is associated with the risk of heart failure and immune cell infiltration in myocardium
Authors: Wang Tongyu , Tian Jiahu , Jin Yuanzhe
Published: September 2021

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are the two most common etiologies of heart failure (HF). Both forms share common characteristics including ventricle dilation in the final stage. Immune mechanisms in HF are increasingly highlighted and have been implicated in the pathogeneses of IHD and DCM. A better understanding of adhesion molecule expression and correlated immune cell infiltration could enhance disease detection and improve therapeutic targets. This study was performed to explore the common mechanisms underlying IHD and DCM. After searching the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we selected the GSE42955, GSE76701, GSE5406, GSE133054 and GSE57338 datasets for different expressed gene (DEGs) selection and new cohort establishment. We use xcell to calculate immune infiltration degree, ssGSEA and GSEA to calculate the pathway and biological enrichment score, consensus cluster to identify the m6A modification pattern, and LASSO regression to make risk predicting model and use new combined cohort to validate the results. The screening stage revealed that vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) play pivotal roles in regulating DEGs. Subsequent analyses revealed that VCAM1 was differentially expressed in the myocardium and involved in regulating immune cell infiltration. We also found that dysregulated VCAM1 expression was associated with a higher risk of HF by constructing a clinical risk-predicting model. Besides, we also find a connection among the m6A RNA modification ,expression of VCAM1 and immune regulation. Those connection can be linked by the Wnt pathway enrichment alternation. Collectively, our results suggest that VCAM-1 have the potential to be used as a biomarker or therapy target for HF and the m6A modification pattern is associated with the VCAM1 expression and immune regulation.
Evolution of the ε and γ phases in biodegradable Fe–Mn alloys produced using laser powder-bed fusion
Authors: Donik Črtomir , Kraner Jakob , Kocijan Aleksandra , Paulin Irena , Godec Matjaž
Published: September 2021

The key feature of Fe–Mn alloys is gradual degradability and non-magneticity, with laser power bed fusion (LPBF) parameters influencing the microstructure and chemical composition. Our study focuses on biodegradable Fe–Mn alloys produced by mechanically mixing pure metal feedstock powders as part of the LPBF process. The Mn content and, consequently, the γ-ε phase formation in LPBF samples are directly correlated with an adapted energy–density (E) equation by combining the five primary LPBF parameters. We varied laser power (P) in a range of 200–350 W and scanning speed at 400 and 800 mm/s, and a comprehensive study was performed on samples with similar E. The study also showed an almost linear correlation between the LPBF's laser power and the material's hardness and porosity. The corrosion resistance was significantly reduced (from 13 to 400 μm/year) for the LPBF samples compared to a conventionally produced sample due to the dual-phase microstructure, increased porosity and other defects. The static immersion test showed that the process parameters greatly influence the quantity of oxides and the distribution of their diameters in the LPBF samples and, therefore, their corrosion stability. The most challenging part of the study was reducing the amount of ε phase relative to γ phase to increase the non-magnetic properties of the LPBF samples.
Contour features predict valence and threat judgements in scenes
Authors: Damiano Claudia , Walther Dirk B. , Cunningham William A.
Published: September 2021

Quickly scanning an environment to determine relative threat is an essential part of survival. Scene gist extracted rapidly from the environment may help people detect threats. Here, we probed this link between emotional judgements and features of visual scenes. We first extracted curvature, length, and orientation statistics of all images in the International Affective Picture System image set and related them to emotional valence scores. Images containing angular contours were rated as negative, and images containing long contours as positive. We then composed new abstract line drawings with specific combinations of length, angularity, and orientation values and asked participants to rate them as positive or negative, and as safe or threatening. Smooth, long, horizontal contour scenes were rated as positive/safe, while short angular contour scenes were rated as negative/threatening. Our work shows that particular combinations of image features help people make judgements about potential threat in the environment.
Associations of vascular and bone status in arthritis patients
Authors: Pusztai Anita , Hamar Attila , Czókolyová Monika , Gulyás Katalin , Horváth Ágnes , Végh Edit , Pethő Zsófia , Szamosi Szilvia , Balogh Emese , Bodnár Nóra , Bodoki Levente , Szentpétery Ágnes , Bhattoa Harjit Pal , Kerekes György , Juhász Balázs , Szekanecz Éva , Hodosi Katalin , Domján Andrea , Szántó Sándor , Raterman Hennie G. , Lems Willem F. , Szekanecz Zoltán , Szűcs Gabriella
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular (CV) disease and osteoporosis (OP) have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Bone and vascular biomarkers and parameters along with the effect of 1-year anti-TNF therapy on these markers were assessed in order to determine correlations between vascular pathophysiology and bone metabolism in RA and AS. Thirty-six patients treated with etanercept or certolizumab pegol and 17 AS patients treated with ETN were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Bone and vascular markers were previously assessed by ELISA. Bone density was measured by DXA and quantitative CT (QCT). Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) were assessed by ultrasound. Multiple correlation analyses indicated associations between bone and vascular markers. Osteoprotegerin, sclerostin and cathepsin K were significantly associated with FMD, IMT and PWV, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, total and trabecular BMD determined by QCT inversely correlated with IMT (p < 0.05). On the other hand, among vascular parameters, platelet-derived growth factor BB and IMT correlated with DXA femoral and QCT total BMD, respectively (p < 0.05). In the RM-ANOVA analysis, anti-TNF treatment together with baseline osteocalcin, procollagen 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) or vitamin D3 levels determined one-year changes in IMT (p < 0.05). In the MANOVA analysis, baseline disease activity indices (DAS28, BASDAI), the one-year changes in these indices, as well as CRP exerted effects on multiple correlations between bone and vascular markers (p < 0.05). As the pattern of interactions between bone and vascular biomarkers differed between baseline and after 12 months, anti-TNF therapy influenced these associations. We found a great number of correlations in our RA and AS patients undergoing anti-TNF therapy. Some of the bone markers have been associated with vascular pathophysiology, while some vascular markers correlated with bone status. In arthritis, systemic inflammation and disease activity may drive both vascular and bone disease.
Diagnostic accuracy of multiplex polymerase chain reaction on tissue biopsies in periprosthetic joint infections
Authors: Lazic Igor , Feihl Susanne , Prodinger Peter M. , Banke Ingo J. , Trampuz Andrej , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Suren Christian
Published: September 2021

The diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) currently relies on cultures, which are time-consuming and often fail. Multiplex PCR assays promise reliable and prompt results, but have been heterogeneously evaluated. In this study, we analyse multiplex PCR in pathogen identification using only tissue biopsies. 42 patients after revision arthroplasty of the hip or knee were evaluated using multiplex PCR to identify microorganisms. The patients were classified according to the diagnostic criteria published by Zimmerli et al. and the results were compared to the respective microbiological cultures. PJI was detected in 15 patients and 27 revisions were aseptic. The multiplex PCR of tissue biopsies had a sensitivity of 0.3 (95% CI 0.12–0.62), a specificity of 1.0 (0.87–1.0), a positive predictive value of 1.0 (0.48–1.0) and a negative predictive value of 0.73 (0.56–0.86). The diagnostic accuracy of multiplex PCR on tissue biopsy samples is low in comparison to routine microbiological cultures. The evaluation of tissue biopsies using multiplex PCR was prone to false negative results. However, multiplex PCR assays have the advantage of rapid pathogen identification. We therefore recommend further investigation of multiplex PCR in the setting of suspected PJI with a careful choice of specimens.
Effects of robot-assisted versus hand-assisted nephroureterectomy on circulating tumor cells for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Ting Hui-Kung , Cha Tai-Lung , Tsai Yi-Ta , Liu Shu-Yu , Wu Sheng-Tang , Meng En , Tsao Chih-Wei , Kao Chien-Chang , Chen Chin-Li , Sun Guang-Huan , Yu Dah-Shyong , Yang Ming-Hsin
Published: September 2021

To compare perioperative circulating tumor cells (CTC) in primary upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients who underwent hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HANU) or robotic-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU). A total of 29 patients received RANU (n = 10) or HANU (n = 19). Peripheral blood samples were collected before, 24 h after surgery (POh24) and on postoperative day 28 (POD28). The demographic and pathologic data are similar in both groups. RANU had a longer operative time (p = 0.031), less bleeding volume (p = 0.004), and comparable pain sore (p = 0.169). The mean CTC numbers before surgery (2.4 vs. 2.3, p = 0.482), POh24 (2.4 vs. 1.9, p = 0.668) and POD28 (0.5 vs. 0.6, p = 0.280) were not significant different among groups. The amount of CTCs in both groups decreased and reached similar level on POD28. No significant difference of overall and intravesical recurrence rate between the two approaches. In comparison to RANU, more surgical manipulation does not affect tumor cell translocation into the bloodstream in UTUC patients who received HANU. However, a longer follow-up would be needed for the final comparison of tumor recurrence.
High resolution estimates of relative gene abundance with quantitative ratiometric regression PCR (qRR-PCR)
Authors: Trick Alexander Y. , Chen Fan-En , Schares Justin A. , Freml Blake E. , Lor Pa , Yun Yue , Wang Tza-Huei
Published: September 2021

By leveraging characteristic fluorescence ratios of co-amplified gene targets, quantitative ratiometric regression PCR (qRR-PCR) enables high resolution estimates of relative genetic abundance.
Intranasal delivery of phenytoin-loaded nanoparticles to the brain suppresses pentylenetetrazol-induced generalized tonic clonic seizures in an epilepsy mouse model
Authors: Yousfan Amal , Rubio Noelia , Al-Ali Mohammad , Nattouf Abdul Hakim , Kafa Houmam
Published: September 2021

In this work we describe the preparation and characterization of lecithin–chitosan nanoparticles (L10Ci+), and investigate their ability to deliver the anti-epileptic drug phenytoin (PHT) to mouse brain following intranasal (IN) administration.
Co(iii)-catalysed regioselective linear C(8)–H olefination of isoquinolone with terminal aromatic and aliphatic alkynes
Authors: Chandra Devesh , Kumar Nikunj , Sumit  , Parmar Diksha , Gupta Puneet , Sharma Upendra
Published: September 2021

A regioselective C8 linear olefination of isoquinoline-1H-2-one with terminal (aromatic and aliphatic) alkynes is reported under Co(iii) catalysis.
Photodissociation of CH2BrCHBrC(O)Cl at 248 nm: probing Br2 as the primary fragment using cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Balaganesh Muthiah , Song Joseph , Kasai Toshio , Lin King-Chuen
Published: September 2021

The photodissociation of 2,3-dibromopropionyl chloride (CH2BrCHBrC(O)Cl, 2,3-DBPC) at 248 nm was carried out to study Br2 as the primary molecular product in the B3Π+0u ← X1Σ+g transition using cavity ring-down absorption spectroscopy.
Revisiting thiophosphate Pb3P2S8: a multifunctional material combining a nonlinear optical response and photocurrent response
Authors: Ji Bingheng , Guderjahn Elizabeth , Wu Kui , Syed Tajamul Hussain , Wei Wei , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Jian
Published: September 2021

Thiophosphate Pb3P2S8: a multifunctional material combining a good nonlinear optical response and superior photocurrent response.
Mechanistic and multiscale aspects of thermo-catalytic CO2conversion to C1products
Authors: Alam Md. Imteyaz , Cheula Raffaele , Moroni Gianluca , Nardi Luca , Maestri Matteo
Published: September 2021

This review aims to catalog and summarize the advances in the experimental and theoretical approaches for CO2activation and conversion to C1productsviaheterogeneous catalytic routes.
Au/TiO2 nanobelts: thermal enhancement vs. plasmon enhancement for visible-light-driven photocatalytic selective oxidation of amines into imines
Authors: Zhang Kaiyue , Lu Guilong , Chu Feng , Huang Xiubing
Published: September 2021

Au NPs improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 only in a low temperature range. Excessive Au NPs loaded on TiO2 inhibit the photocatalytic amine conversion due to the decreased oxygen vacancies and poor amine adsorption ability.
Investigations of the stability of etched or platinized p-InP(100) photocathodes for solar-driven hydrogen evolution in acidic or alkaline aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Yu Weilai , Richter Matthias H. , Buabthong Pakpoom , Moreno-Hernandez Ivan A. , Read Carlos G. , Simonoff Ethan , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: September 2021

Illuminated etched p-InP photocathode undergoes cathodic corrosion forming metallic In0, while electrodeposited Pt catalyst kinetically stabilizes the electrode surface against such a corrosion pathway.
Arsenic removal from Peruvian drinking water using milk protein nanofibril–carbon filters: a field study
Authors: Bolisetty Sreenath , Rahimi Akram , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: September 2021

A field study was carried out in Peru to remove arsenic from water in arsenic-contaminated regions using milk protein nanofibril filters. Results show that this technology can bring back water to drinking standard in both urban and rural settings.
Anti-inflammatory effects of purple sweet potato anthocyanin extract in DSS-induced colitis: modulation of commensal bacteria and attenuated bacterial intestinal infection
Authors: Mu Jingjing , Xu Jingwen , Wang Linlin , Chen Caifa , Chen Ping
Published: September 2021

Purple sweet potato anthocyanin extract had effective abilities in inhibiting the increase of pathogens to maintain gut homeostasis during DSS-induced chronic colitis.
Mechano-ferroelectric coupling: stabilization enhancement and polarization switching in bent AgBiP2Se6 monolayers
Authors: Shang Jing , Xia Congxin , Tang Chun , Li Chun , Ma Yandong , Gu Yuantong , Kou Liangzhi
Published: September 2021

Two-dimensional ferroelectrics are core candidates for the development of next-generation non-volatile storage devices, which rely highly on ferroelectric stability and feasible approaches to manipulate the ferroelectric polarization and domain.
Bimetallic conjugated microporous polymer derived B,N-doped porous carbon wrapped Co3Fe7 alloy composite as a bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for a breathing Zn–air battery
Authors: Dou Jinli , Luo Haotian , Zhang Chunli , Lu Jingjing , Luan Xiujuan , Guo Wenxue , Zhang Teng , Bian Weiwei , Bai Jingkun , Zhang Xueli , Zhou Baolong
Published: September 2021

A B, N-codoped carbon-based bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst was prepared. This presented outstanding catalytic activity for electrochemical oxygen reduction and evolution reactions and could be used as the catalyst for a breathing Zn–air battery.
Programmable self-assembly of M13 bacteriophage for micro-color pattern with a tunable colorization
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Mien , Kim Won-Geun , Ahn Hyun-Ju , Kim Minjun , Kim Young Do , Devaraj Vasanthan , Kim Ye-Ji , Lee Yujin , Lee Jong-Min , Choi Eun Jung , Oh Jin-Woo
Published: September 2021

Experiment designs have been developed for tunable colorization film by temperature control during self-assembly processing based on the M13 bacteriophage. The micro-color pattern was fabricated and demonstrated for humidity detection.
Sensitive and effective imaging of carbon monoxide in living systems with a near-infrared fluorescent probe
Authors: Xu Zhencai , Song Aibo , Wang Fangwu , Chen Hongwei
Published: September 2021

We design and develop a BODIPY-based NIR fluorescent probe that can be applied to detect and image the dynamic changes of CO levels in living cells.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of exemplary platinum porphyrin and corrole derivatives: metal- versus ligand-centered oxidation
Authors: Matson Benjamin D. , Thomas Kolle E. , Alemayehu Abraham B. , Ghosh Abhik , Sarangi Ritimukta
Published: September 2021

Platinum L3-edge XAS and DFT calculations on three well-characterized Pt porphyrinoid complexes have provided detailed insights into metal- versus ligand-centered oxidation and ligand field effects.
Preparation and piezoelectric catalytic performance of flexible inorganic Ba1−xCaxTiO3via electrospinning
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Xiao-Xiong , Xie Guixu , Ma Junqing , Lv Tianyang , Du Kefan , Hu Han , Zhang Jun , Li Yanqiang , Long Yun-Ze , Ruan Keqing , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2021

We present a generic method for preparing flexible inorganic piezoelectric materials that can be adapted to a variety of surfaces, and successfully applied in the field of piezoelectric catalysis.
Enhancing traffic capacity of multilayer networks with two logical layers by link deletion
Authors: Ma Jinlong , Sun Zhichao , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: September 2021

Improving the traffic capacity of multilayer networks has been the subject of extensive interest and research. This paper proposes an effective strategy to improve traffic capacity of three‐layer networks via the process of removing links linking to nodes with large degrees. In order to improve the traffic capacity, two different link deletion rules are proposed to remove a portion of logical layer links without the change of physical layer topology structure. It is found that the proposed strategy can improve traffic capacity; furthermore, the link deletion rule that two logical layers delete the same number of links at the same time is better than the link deletion rule that only the links of one logical layer are deleted. This work contributes to the design and optimization of realistic multilayer networks. This paper proposes an effective strategy to improve traffic capacity of three‐layer networks via the process of removing links linking to nodes with large degrees. Under the premise that the structure of physical layer in three‐layer networks does not change, some logical layer links between the nodes with large degrees are removed to improve the traffic capacity, and two different link deletion rules are proposed.
PCAF‐Net: A liver segmentation network based on deep learning
Authors: Wu Yanlin , Wang Guanglei , Wang Zhongyang , Wang Hongrui
Published: September 2021

Liver cancer poses a great threat to people's health. Accurate liver segmentation is crucial to the diagnosis of liver cancer. In recent years, great achievements have been made in liver segmentation using a series of improved networks developed based on U‐Net. U‐Net uses a skip connection splices the feature map in the encoder and decoder. However, this method ignores the difference between the two feature maps, which limits the ability of the network to extract liver structures of different sizes. This study proposes a new network structure, the pyramid convolutional attention fusion network (PCAF‐Net), for 2D liver segmentation. The PCAF mechanism was introduced to fuse the feature maps of different receptive field paths after attention mechanism processing to enhance the semantic expression ability of feature maps in skip connection and to improve the segmentation accuracy. The MICCAI 2017 LiTS dataset and CHAOS were used to validate the proposed method. The results of multi‐index evaluation showed that the segmentation performance of the proposed network was superior to those of other networks. PCAF‐Net achieved accurate liver segmentation, providing a reference for artificial intelligenceassisted clinical diagnosis of liver cancer.
A sharing deep reinforcement learning method for efficient vehicle platooning control
Authors: Lu Sikai , Cai Yingfeng , Chen Long , Wang Hai , Sun Xiaoqiang , Jia Yunyi
Published: September 2021

The combination of reinforcement learning and platooning control has been widely studied, which has been considered to be altruistic on the basis of safety. However, the platooning control method based on reinforcement learning is not mature. This paper proposes a platoon sharing deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm (PSDDPG) for a multi‐vehicle network which overcomes the problem of low efficiency of continuous action space exploration. On the basis of the noise of deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, additional platoon noise is added to enhance the diversity of training samples during exploration and avoid using a single‐vehicle data, which could weaken model robustness. The method of using the time sequence information as an input and replay buffer backup is proposed to prevent the problems of insufficient exploration and low sampling efficiency from deteriorating the training effect. The robustness of the proposed algorithm is verified by tests using the Carla simulator. Also, the platoon merging, overtaking, cruising following and obstacle avoidance control of a vehicle platoon is realized under typical traffic flow conditions. The experimental results show that the PSDDPG algorithm can provide an efficient control strategy and thus has the potential to reduce energy consumption and improve road efficiency.