bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial biofilms for electricity generation from water evaporation and power to wearables
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Ueki Toshiyuki , Gao Hongyan , Woodard Trevor L. , Nevin Kelly P. , Fu Tianda , Fu Shuai , Sun Lu , Lovley Derek R. , Yao Jun
Published: July 2022

Employing renewable materials for fabricating clean energy harvesting devices can further improve sustainability. Microorganisms can be mass produced with renewable feedstocks. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to engineer microbial biofilms as a cohesive, flexible material for long-term continuous electricity production from evaporating water. Single biofilm sheet (~40 µm thick) serving as the functional component in an electronic device continuously produces power density (~1 μW/cm2) higher than that achieved with thicker engineered materials. The energy output is comparable to that achieved with similar sized biofilms catalyzing current production in microbial fuel cells, without the need for an organic feedstock or maintaining cell viability. The biofilm can be sandwiched between a pair of mesh electrodes for scalable device integration and current production. The devices maintain the energy production in ionic solutions and can be used as skin-patch devices to harvest electricity from sweat and moisture on skin to continuously power wearable devices. Biofilms made from different microbial species show generic current production from water evaporation. These results suggest that we can harness the ubiquity of biofilms in nature as additional sources of biomaterial for evaporation-based electricity generation in diverse aqueous environments.
Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate controls autophagosome formation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gomez Rodrigo Enrique , Chambaud Clément , Lupette Josselin , Castets Julie , Pascal Stéphanie , Brocard Lysiane , Noack Lise , Jaillais Yvon , Joubès Jérôme , Bernard Amélie
Published: July 2022

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation mechanism critical for plant acclimation to environmental stresses. Central to autophagy is the formation of specialized vesicles, the autophagosomes, which target and deliver cargo to the lytic vacuole. How autophagosomes form in plant cells remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover the importance of the lipid phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate in autophagy using pharmacological and genetical approaches. Combining biochemical and live-microscopy analyses, we show that PI4K activity is required for early stages of autophagosome formation. Further, our results show that the plasma membrane-localized PI4Kα1 is involved in autophagy and that a substantial portion of autophagy structures are found in proximity to the PI4P-enriched plasma membrane. Together, our study unravels critical insights into the molecular determinants of autophagy, proposing a model whereby the plasma membrane provides PI4P to support the proper assembly and expansion of the phagophore thus governing autophagosome formation in Arabidopsis.
Fusion protein strategies for cryo-EM study of G protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Zhang Kaihua , Wu Hao , Hoppe Nicholas , Manglik Aashish , Cheng Yifan
Published: July 2022

Single particle cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is used extensively to determine structures of activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in complex with G proteins or arrestins. However, applying it to GPCRs without signaling proteins remains challenging because most receptors lack structural features in their soluble domains to facilitate image alignment. In GPCR crystallography, inserting a fusion protein between transmembrane helices 5 and 6 is a highly successful strategy for crystallization. Although a similar strategy has the potential to broadly facilitate cryo-EM structure determination of GPCRs alone without signaling protein, the critical determinants that make this approach successful are not yet clear. Here, we address this shortcoming by exploring different fusion protein designs, which lead to structures of antagonist bound A2A adenosine receptor at 3.4 Å resolution and unliganded Smoothened at 3.7 Å resolution. The fusion strategies explored here are likely applicable to cryo-EM interrogation of other GPCRs and small integral membrane proteins.
A three-dimensional flow model of screen channel liquid acquisition devices for propellant management in microgravity
Authors: Wang Zheng , Yang Guang , Wang Ye , Jin Xin , Zhuan Rui , Zhang Hao , Wu Jingyi
Published: July 2022

Screen channel liquid acquisition devices (LADs) are among the most promising technologies for separating liquid and vapor phases in propellant storage tanks under microgravity conditions and thus ensuring vapor-free propellant supply to spacecraft engines. However, the prediction of the critical flow rate of a screen channel LAD relies on the full understanding of the three dimensional distribution of injection velocity. In this study, the flow characteristics at the entrance region of the LAD were investigated via particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and numerical simulations under various working conditions. The experimental results illustrated that the velocity component normal to the porous woven mesh is non-uniform in both streamwise and spanwise directions of channel flow and that this phenomenon has a significant influence on the critical flow rate. Hence, a model that accounts for the three-dimensional flow field was proposed to predict the critical flow rate. The average error in the critical flow rate, which was determined by comparing the proposed model’s predictions and the experimental results, was less than 8.4%.
Automatic scoring of COVID-19 severity in X-ray imaging based on a novel deep learning workflow
Authors: Danilov Viacheslav V. , Litmanovich Diana , Proutski Alex , Kirpich Alexander , Nefaridze Dato , Karpovsky Alex , Gankin Yuriy
Published: July 2022

In this study, we propose a two-stage workflow used for the segmentation and scoring of lung diseases. The workflow inherits quantification, qualification, and visual assessment of lung diseases on X-ray images estimated by radiologists and clinicians. It requires the fulfillment of two core stages devoted to lung and disease segmentation as well as an additional post-processing stage devoted to scoring. The latter integrated block is utilized, mainly, for the estimation of segment scores and computes the overall severity score of a patient. The models of the proposed workflow were trained and tested on four publicly available X-ray datasets of COVID-19 patients and two X-ray datasets of patients with no pulmonary pathology. Based on a combined dataset consisting of 580 COVID-19 patients and 784 patients with no disorders, our best-performing algorithm is based on a combination of DeepLabV3 + , for lung segmentation, and MA-Net, for disease segmentation. The proposed algorithms’ mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.30 is significantly reduced in comparison to established COVID-19 algorithms; BS-net and COVID-Net-S, possessing MAEs of 2.52 and 1.83 respectively. Moreover, the proposed two-stage workflow was not only more accurate but also computationally efficient, it was approximately 11 times faster than the mentioned methods. In summary, we proposed an accurate, time-efficient, and versatile approach for segmentation and scoring of lung diseases illustrated for COVID-19 and with broader future applications for pneumonia, tuberculosis, pneumothorax, amongst others.
Clinical and prognostic implications of rim restriction following glioma surgery
Authors: Berger Assaf , Tzarfati Garry Gali , Serafimova Marga , Valdes Pablo , Meller Aaron , Korn Akiva , Levy Naomi Kahana , Aviram Daniel , Ram Zvi , Grossman Rachel
Published: July 2022

Rim restriction surrounding the resection cavity of glioma is often seen on immediate post-op diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The etiology and clinical impact of rim restriction are unknown. We evaluated the incidence, risk factors and clinical consequences of this finding. We evaluated patients that underwent surgery for low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM) without stroke on post-operative imaging. Analyses encompassed pre- and postoperative clinical, radiological, intraoperative monitoring, survival, functional and neurocognitive outcomes. Between 2013 and 2017, 63 LGG and 209 GBM patients (272 in total) underwent surgical resection and were included in our cohort. Post-op rim restriction was demonstrated in 68 patients, 32% (n = 20) of LGG and 23% (n = 48) of GBM patients. Risk factors for restriction included temporal tumors in GBM (p = 0.025) and insular tumors in LGG (p = 0.09), including longer surgery duration in LGG (p = 0.008). After a 1-year follow-up, LGG patients operated on their dominant with post-op restriction had a higher rate of speech deficits (46 vs 9%, p = 0.004). Rim restriction on postoperative imaging is associated with longer duration of glioma surgery and potentially linked to brain retraction. It apparently has no direct clinical consequences, but is linked to higher rates of speech deficits in LGG dominant-side surgeries.
Social determinants and lifestyle factors for brain health: implications for risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia
Authors: Röhr Susanne , Pabst Alexander , Baber Ronny , Engel Christoph , Glaesmer Heide , Hinz Andreas , Schroeter Matthias L. , Witte A. Veronica , Zeynalova Samira , Villringer Arno , Löffler Markus , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: July 2022

Substantial evidence indicates a huge potential for risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia based on modifiable health and lifestyle factors. To maximize the chances for risk reduction, it is useful to investigate associations of social determinants and lifestyle for brain health. We computed the “LIfestyle for BRAin health” (LIBRA) score for baseline participants of the Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE) Adult Study, a population-based urban cohort in Germany. LIBRA predicts dementia in midlife and early late life populations, comprising 12 modifiable risk factors (heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, diet, depression, cognitive inactivity). Associations of social determinants (living situation, marital status, social isolation, education, net equivalence income, occupational status, socioeconomic status/SES, employment) with LIBRA were inspected using age- and sex-adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis. Z-standardization and sampling weights were applied. Participants (n = 6203) were M = 57.4 (SD = 10.6, range 40–79) years old and without dementia, 53.0% were women. Except for marital status, all considered social determinants were significantly associated with LIBRA. Beta coefficients for the association with higher LIBRA scores were most pronounced for low SES (β = 0.80, 95% CI [0.72–0.88]; p < 0.001) and middle SES (β = 0.55, 95% CI [0.47–0.62]; p < 0.001). Social determinants, particularly socioeconomic factors, are associated with lifestyle for brain health, and should thus be addressed in risk reduction strategies for cognitive decline and dementia. A social-ecological public health perspective on risk reduction might be more effective and equitable than focusing on individual lifestyle behaviors alone.
Isolated effects of patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty and their relation to native patellar geometry
Authors: Sauer Adrian , Thorwaechter Christoph , Dupraz Ingrid , Maas Allan , Steinbrueck Arnd , Grupp Thomas M. , Woiczinski Matthias
Published: July 2022

The isolated effects of patellar resurfacing on patellar kinematics are rarely investigated. Nonetheless, knowing more about these effects could help to enhance present understanding of the emergence of kinematic improvements or deteriorations associated with patellar resurfacing. The aim of this study was to isolate the effects of patellar resurfacing from a multi-stage in vitro study, where kinematics after total knee arthroplasty before and after patellar resurfacing were recorded. Additionally, the influence of the native patellar geometry on these effects was analysed. Eight fresh frozen specimens were tested successively with different implant configurations on an already established weight bearing knee rig. The patello-femoral kinematics were thereby measured using an ultrasonic measurement system and its relation to the native patellar geometries was analysed. After patellar resurfacing, the specimen showed a significantly medialized patellar shift. This medialization of the patellar tracking was significantly correlated to the lateral facet angle of the native patella. The patellar shift after patellar resurfacing is highly influenced by the position of the patellar button and the native lateral patellar facet angle. As a result, the ideal medio-lateral position of the patellar component is affected by the geometry of the native patella.
Deficiency of mature B cells does not alter the atherogenic response to castration in male mice
Authors: Wilhelmson Anna S. , Johansson Inger , Fogelstrand Linda , Fagman Johan Bourghardt , Arnal Jean-Francois , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Tivesten Åsa
Published: July 2022

Testosterone deficiency in men is associated with increased atherosclerosis burden and increased cardiovascular risk. In male mice, testosterone deficiency induced by castration increases atherosclerosis as well as mature B cell numbers in spleen. As B cells are potentially pro-atherogenic, we hypothesized that there may be a link between these effects. To address whether mature B cell deficiency alter the atherogenic response to castration, we studied B cell-deficient μMT and genotype control male mice on an atherosclerosis-prone Apoe−/− background that were castrated or sham-operated pre-pubertally and fed a high-fat diet between 8 and 16 weeks of age to accelerate atherosclerosis development. Genotype did not affect the effects of castration on body weight or weights of fat depots and there were no differences in serum cholesterol levels across the four groups. Atherosclerosis assessed by quantification of lesion area in serial sections of the aortic root was significantly increased by castration and by the μMT mutation, with no significant interaction between genotype and surgery. In conclusion, castration evokes a similar atherogenic response in B cell-deficient μMT and control mice. These data suggest that atherogenesis following castration is unrelated to the effects of androgens on mature B cell numbers.
Modeling innovation in the cryptocurrency ecosystem
Authors: Marzo Giordano De , Pandolfelli Francesco , Servedio Vito D. P.
Published: July 2022

Blockchains are among the most relevant emerging technologies of recent times and, according to many, they will have a central role in shaping the future of our society. Since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, the first notorious blockchain system bound to a cryptocurrency, the blockchain ecosystem has experienced a huge growth, driven by innovations both in conceptual and algorithmic terms, and in the creation of a large number of new cryptocoins. New blockchains and their associated cryptocoins, emerge mostly as the result of forking already existing projects. Here, we show that the appearance of new cryptocoins can be well described by a sub-linear power-law (Heaps’ law) of the total crypto-market capitalization. At the same time, we propose a model that well reproduces the evolution of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our model suggests that each cryptocurrency triggers, on average, the creation of ca. 1.58 novel cryptocoins, a result confirmed by the analysis of the Bitcoin historical forking tree. Moreover, we deduce that the largest cryptocurrency, nowadays Bitcoin, will comprise around the 50% of the whole crypto-market and that this fraction is going to stabilize in the near future, provided that the present fundamental macro-economic conditions do not change radically.
New prediction method of horizontal principal stress of deep tight reservoirs
Authors: Fang Xinxin , Zhang Jianbin , Liu Tao , Zhang Zhen , Li Fengling
Published: July 2022

As the tight reservoir of Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar sag is characterized as large burial depth and poor physical properties, hydraulic fracturing technology is greatly needed to increase the production. Firstly, based on elastic theory, the borehole displacement formula under stress is derived, then the borehole quasi-ellipse characteristic model is proposed, on this basis, the in-situ stress prediction model based on borehole deformation is constructed. Secondly, the force analysis of diamond bit during drilling is performed, and the continuous prediction formula of elastic modulus based on weight on bit (WOB) and torque parameters is derived. Combined with these two steps, a new model of continuous in-situ stress prediction based on borehole deformation and drilling parameters is established. Compared with the values measured by the acoustic emission method in the laboratory, the deviation between the predicted in-situ stress values and those measured by the acoustic emission method is less than 4%, which meets the accuracy requirements of the fracturing in the oil field. The prediction results show that the minimum horizontal principal stress of Lucaogou Formation is 51.1–62.7 MPa, and the maximum horizontal principal stress is 58.9–69.1 MPa, respectively. The maximum horizontal principal stress direction is NW–SE direction with an angle of about 159°. The results show that the fracture direction in the study area is in accordance with the present in-situ stress direction, which is beneficial to the secondary reconstruction of natural fractures and keeps good opening property of fractures. This study provides a theoretical basis for in-situ stress prediction and compressibility evaluation of tight reservoir.
Dynamic photoelectron transport in stepwise-doped GaAs photocathodes
Authors: Zhou Rui , Jani Hemang , Zhang Yijun , Qian Yunsheng , Duan Lingze
Published: July 2022

We present a theoretical model describing photoelectron transport dynamics in stepwise-doped GaAs photocathodes. Built-in electric field caused by the doping structure is analyzed, and the time-evolution of electron concentration in the active layer induced by a femtosecond laser pulse is solved. The predictions of the model show excellent agreement with the experimental data measured with pump-probe transient reflectometry, demonstrating the capability of the theoretical model in predicting photoelectron behaviors in real devices. Comparisons are also made between this stepwise doping model and the conventional gradient doping model with a continuous doping profile, thereby providing the first quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness and the limitation of the gradient doping model in describing actual stepwise-doped devices.
Robust antiviral activity of commonly prescribed antidepressants against emerging coronaviruses: in vitro and in silico drug repurposing studies
Authors: Kutkat Omnia , Moatasim Yassmin , Al‐Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Abulkhair Hamada S. , Gomaa Mokhtar R. , El-Taweel Ahmed N. , Abo Shama Noura M. , GabAllah Mohamed , Mahmoud Dina B. , Kayali Ghazi , Ali Mohamed A. , Kandeil Ahmed , Mostafa Ahmed
Published: July 2022

During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, symptoms of depression are commonly documented among both symptomatic and asymptomatic quarantined COVID-19 patients. Despite that many of the FDA-approved drugs have been showed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro and remarkable efficacy against COVID-19 in clinical trials, no pharmaceutical products have yet been declared to be fully effective for treating COVID-19. Antidepressants comprise five major drug classes for the treatment of depression, neuralgia, migraine prophylaxis, and eating disorders which are frequently reported symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Herein, the efficacy of eight frequently prescribed FDA-approved antidepressants on the inhibition of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV was assessed. Additionally, the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-MERS-CoV activities were evaluated. Furthermore, molecular docking studies have been performed for these drugs against the spike (S) and main protease (Mpro) pockets of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Results showed that Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline had potential anti-viral activities. Our findings suggested that the aforementioned drugs deserve more in vitro and in vivo studies targeting COVID-19 especially for those patients suffering from depression.
Surface code for low-density qubit array
Authors: Tomaru Tatsuya , Yoshimura Chihiro , Mizuno Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

Surface code is a promising candidate for the quantum error corrections needed for fault-tolerant quantum computations because it can operate on a two-dimensional grid of qubits. However, the gates and control lines become dense as more and more qubits are integrated, making their design and control difficult. This problem can be alleviated if the surface code can operate on sparse qubit arrays. Here, we give an solution for an array in which qubits are placed on edges as well as on nodes of a two-dimensional grid. The qubits on the edges are divided into two groups: those in one group act as the deputies of data qubits; the others act as deputies of the syndrome qubits. Syndrome outputs are obtained by multiplying the measured values of the syndrome and edge qubits. The procedure for the quantum part is the same as that of the ordinary surface code, making the surface code applicable to sparse qubit arrays.
Activation of nano-photosensitizers by Y-90 microspheres to enhance oxidative stress and cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Malone Christopher D. , Egbulefu Christopher , Zheleznyak Alexander , Polina Jahnavi , Karmakar Partha , Black Kvar , Shokeen Monica , Achilefu Samuel
Published: July 2022

While radioembolization with yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres is a promising treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lower responses in advanced and high-grade tumors present an urgent need to augment its tumoricidal efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether clinically used Y-90 microspheres activate light-responsive nano-photosensitizers to enhance hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell oxidative stress and cytotoxicity over Y-90 alone in vitro. Singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical production was enhanced when Y-90 microspheres were in the presence of several nano-photosensitizers compared to either alone in cell-free conditions. Both the SNU-387 and HepG2 human HCC cells demonstrated significantly lower viability when treated with low activity Y-90 microspheres (0.1–0.2 MBq/0.2 mL) and a nano-photosensitizer consisting of both titanium dioxide (TiO2) and titanocene (TC) labelled with transferrin (TiO2-Tf-TC) compared to Y-90 microspheres alone or untreated cells. Cellular oxidative stress and cell death demonstrated a linear dependence on Y-90 at higher activities (up to 0.75 MBq/0.2 mL), but was significantly more accentuated in the presence of increasing TiO2-Tf-TC concentrations in the poorly differentiated SNU-387 HCC cell line (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002 respectively) but not the well-differentiated HepG2 cell line. Addition of TiO2-Tf-TC to normal human hepatocyte THLE-2 cells did not increase cellular oxidative stress or cell death in the presence of Y-90. The enhanced tumoricidal activity of nano-photosensitizers with Y-90 microspheres is a potentially promising adjunctive treatment strategy for certain patient subsets. Applications in clinically relevant in vivo HCC models are underway.
Rotavirus vaccination is not associated with incident celiac disease or autoimmune thyroid disease in a national cohort of privately insured children
Authors: Kim Catherine , Yin Zhe , Kamdar Neil , Lee Grace J.
Published: July 2022

Rotavirus infection is a potential trigger for autoimmune diseases, and previous reports note associations between rotavirus vaccination and type 1 diabetes. In this report, we examine the association between rotavirus vaccination and autoimmune diseases associated with type 1 diabetes: celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using de-identified claims data (Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart). Eligible infants were born between 2001 and 2018 and continuously enrolled from birth for at least 365 days (n = 2,109,225). Twenty-nine percent (n = 613,295) of infants were born prior to the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in 2006; 32% (n = 684,214) were eligible for the vaccine but were not vaccinated; 9.6% (n = 202,016) received partial vaccination, and 28.9% received full vaccination (n = 609,700). There were 1379 cases of celiac disease and 1000 cases of autoimmune thyroiditis. Children who were born prior to the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in 2006 had lower risk of celiac disease compared to unvaccinated children born after 2006 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59, 0.85). However, children who were partially vaccinated (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.73, 1.11) or fully vaccinated (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.88, 1.21) had similar risk to eligible, unvaccinated children. Risk of autoimmune thyroiditis was similar by vaccination status. We conclude that rotavirus vaccination is not associated with increased or decreased risk for celiac disease or autoimmune thyroiditis.
Inverse design of compact power divider with arbitrary outputs for 5G applications
Authors: Shadi Maryam , Tavakol Mohammad Reza , Atlasbaf Zahra
Published: July 2022

Since the recent on-demand applications need more sophisticated circuits and subsystems, components with configurable capabilities attract attention more than before in commercial systems, specifically the fifth generation (5G). Power dividers play a crucial role in 5G phased array systems, and their role becomes more significant if the output powers ratio is adjustable. Here, we suggest a design methodology by which planar power splitters with arbitrary output power levels can be designed in light of very simple perturbations, i.e., vias. Through our design procedure, we find an optimized pattern for hybrid vias-some of them are made of PEC, and others are dielectric, e.g., air, high-permittivity materials. Thanks to deep neural networks, we demonstrate that this technique can be employed to design power splitters whose output ports have different amplitudes. In light of the proposed method, we fabricated and measured a 4-way power divider realizing Chebyshev coefficients for sidelobe reduction of a 4-element array at 28 GHz as a proof-of-concept. We believe that this methodology in which hybrid perturbation is the key spot paves a way to implement complex functions in various platforms and other structures, e.g., SIWs, ridge waveguides, rather than the one we investigated (planar/microstrip).
Stochastic models of routing strategies under the class-based storage policy in fishbone layout warehouses
Authors: Zhou Li , Zhao Junhui , Liu Huwei , Wang Fan , Yang Jianglong , Wang Senhao
Published: July 2022

In order to improve the picking efficiency of warehouses, shorten the time cost and promote the development of the logistics industry, this study analyzes the routing strategies in fishbone layout warehouses under the class-based storage strategy. The fishbone layout was divided into three storage areas for class A, class B, and class C items according to the proportion using the straight line, to meet the classification requirements of items. Under the class-based storage strategy, to evaluate the performance of the return routing strategy and the S-shape routing strategy, the stochastic models of the expected walking distance of the two routing strategies in the fishbone layout warehouse are established by calculating the sum of the expected walking distances in diagonal cross-aisles and picking aisles. Finally, the stochastic models of the two routing strategies are simulated and verified, and the impacts of the two routing strategies on walking distances are analyzed by comparing the expected distances under different ordering frequencies and space allocation strategies. The numerical results show that the return routing strategy has an advantage over the S-shape routing strategy when determining the relevant parameters of the fishbone layout and picking orders. Meanwhile, it also provides a theoretical basis for research on stochastic models of routing strategies in fishbone layout warehouses under the class-based storage strategy.
Face specific neural anticipatory activity in infants 4 and 9 months old
Authors: Mento Giovanni , Duma Gian Marco , Valenza Eloisa , Farroni Teresa
Published: July 2022

The possibility of predicting the specific features of forthcoming environmental events is fundamental for our survival since it allows us to proactively regulate our behaviour, enhancing our chance of survival. This is particularly crucial for stimuli providing socially relevant information for communication and interaction, such as faces. While it has been consistently demonstrated that the human brain shows preferential and ontogenetically early face-evoked activity, it is unknown whether specialized neural routes are engaged by face-predictive activity early in life. In this study, we recorded high-density electrophysiological (ERP) activity in adults and 9- and 4-month-old infants undergoing an audio-visual paradigm purposely designed to predict the appearance of faces or objects starting from congruent auditory cues (i.e., human voice vs nonhuman sounds). Contingent negative variation or CNV was measured to investigate anticipatory activity as a reliable marker of stimulus expectancy even in the absence of explicit motor demand. The results suggest that CNV can also be reliably elicited in the youngest group of 4-month-old infants, providing further evidence that expectation-related anticipatory activity is an intrinsic, early property of the human cortex. Crucially, the findings also indicate that the predictive information provided by the cue (i.e., human voice vs nonhuman sounds) turns into the recruitment of different anticipatory neural dynamics for faces and objects.
Assessment of diagnostic utility of serum hemeoxygenase-1 measurement for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonias
Authors: Kata Yuki , Hara Yu , Tagami Yoichi , Yabe Aya , Murohashi Kota , Nagasawa Ryo , Nakashima Kentaro , Fujii Hiroaki , Saigusa Yusuke , Shiida Masafumi , Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: July 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate whether serum heme oxygenase (HO)-1 could be a reliable blood biomarker for diagnosing acute exacerbations (AEs) of both idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) and secondary interstitial pneumonia (SIP). Serum HO-1 levels of newly diagnosed patients with IP were measured, and the relationships between serum HO-1 and other serum biomarkers and high-resolution CT scores, were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from 90 patients with IIP, including 32 having an AE, and 32 with SIP, including 9 having an AE. The patients having an AE had significantly higher HO-1 levels than those not having an AE (35.2 ng/mL vs. 16.4 ng/mL; p < 0.001). On receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis for serum HO-1 ability to detect an AE, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.87 in patients with IIPs and 0.86 in those with SIPs. Also, in patients with both IIPs and SIPs, the combination of the serum HO-1 level and the GGO score showed favorable AUCs (IIPs: 0.92, SIPs: 0.83), though HO-1-not-including model (combination of LDH and GGO) also showed acceptable AUCs. Serum HO-1 could be a clinically useful biomarker for the accurate diagnosis of patients with AEs.
Cytoprotective effect of genistein against dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis
Authors: Suksri Kanchana , Semprasert Namoiy , Limjindaporn Thawornchai , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai , Kooptiwoot Sirirat , Kooptiwut Suwattanee
Published: July 2022

Steroid-induced diabetes is a well-known metabolic side effect of long-term use of glucocorticoid (GC). Our group recently demonstrated dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis via upregulation of TRAIL and TRAIL death receptor (DR5). Genistein protects against pancreatic β-cell apoptosis induced by toxic agents. This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of genistein against dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis in cultured rat insulinoma (INS-1) cell line and in isolated mouse islets. In the absence of genistein, dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis was associated with upregulation of TRAIL, DR5, and superoxide production, but downregulation of TRAIL decoy receptor (DcR1). Dexamethasone also activated the expression of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic proteins, including Bax, NF-κB, caspase-8, and caspase-3, but suppressed the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Combination treatment with dexamethasone and genistein protected against pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, and reduced the effects of dexamethasone on the expressions of TRAIL, DR5, DcR1, superoxide production, Bax, Bcl-2, NF-κB, caspase-8, and caspase-3. Moreover, combination treatment with dexamethasone and genistein reduced the expressions of TRAIL and DR5 in isolated mouse islets. The results of this study demonstrate the cytoprotective effect of genistein against dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis in both cell line and islets via reduced TRAIL and DR5 protein expression.
Real-world size of objects serves as an axis of object space
Authors: Huang Taicheng , Song Yiying , Liu Jia
Published: July 2022

Our mind can represent various objects from physical world in an abstract and complex high-dimensional object space, with axes encoding critical features to quickly and accurately recognize objects. Among object features identified in previous neurophysiological and fMRI studies that may serve as the axes, objects’ real-world size is of particular interest because it provides not only visual information for broad conceptual distinctions between objects but also ecological information for objects’ affordance. Here we use deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), which enable direct manipulation of visual experience and units’ activation, to explore how objects’ real-world size is extracted to construct the axis of object space. Like the human brain, the DCNNs pre-trained for object recognition also encode objects’ size as an independent axis of the object space. Further, we find that the shape of objects, rather than retinal size, context, task demands or texture features, is critical to inferring objects’ size for both DCNNs and humans. In short, with DCNNs as a brain-like model, our study devises a paradigm supplemental to conventional approaches to explore the structure of object space, which provides computational support for empirical observations on human perceptual and neural representations of objects.
Multidecadal, continent-level analysis indicates agricultural practices impact wheat aphid loads more than climate change
Authors: Sun Xiao , Sun Yumei , Ma Ling , Liu Zhen , Wang Qiyun , Wang Dingli , Zhang Chujun , Yu Hongwei , Xu Ming , Ding Jianqing , Siemann Evan
Published: July 2022

Temperature has a large influence on insect abundances, thus under climate change, identifying major drivers affecting pest insect populations is critical to world food security and agricultural ecosystem health. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis with data obtained from 120 studies across China and Europe from 1970 to 2017 to reveal how climate and agricultural practices affect populations of wheat aphids. Here we showed that aphid loads on wheat had distinct patterns between these two regions, with a significant increase in China but a decrease in Europe over this time period. Although temperature increased over this period in both regions, we found no evidence showing climate warming affected aphid loads. Rather, differences in pesticide use, fertilization, land use, and natural enemies between China and Europe may be key factors accounting for differences in aphid pest populations. These long-term data suggest that agricultural practices impact wheat aphid loads more than climate warming.
Global analysis of the energy landscapes of molecular crystal structures by applying the threshold algorithm
Authors: Yang Shiyue , Day Graeme M.
Published: July 2022

Polymorphism in molecular crystals has important consequences for the control of materials properties and our understanding of crystallization. Computational methods, including crystal structure prediction, have provided important insight into polymorphism, but have usually been limited to assessing the relative energies of structures. We describe the implementation of the Monte Carlo threshold algorithm as a method to provide an estimate of the energy barriers separating crystal structures. By sampling the local energy minima accessible from multiple starting structures, the simulations yield a global picture of the crystal energy landscapes and provide valuable information on the depth of the energy minima associated with crystal structures. We present results from applying the threshold algorithm to four polymorphic organic molecular crystals, examine the influence of applying space group symmetry constraints during the simulations, and discuss the relationship between the structure of the energy landscape and the intermolecular interactions present in the crystals.
A uniform and high-voltage stable LiTMPO4 coating layer enabled high performance LiNi0.8Co0.15Mn0.05O2 towards boosting lithium storage
Authors: Dong Hang , Sun Du , Xie Miao , Cai Mingzhi , Zhang Zhuang , Cai Tianxun , Dong Wujie , Huang Fuqiang
Published: July 2022

A multifunctional modification layer of LiTMPO4 (mainly LiNiPO4) has been uniformly coated onto the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.15Mn0.05O2, and NMC@LTMP2 exhibits good capacity retention of 87% (200 cycles) from 2.8–4.5 V.
Comparative NMR metabolomics of the responses of A2780 human ovarian cancer cells to clinically established Pt-based drugs
Authors: Ghini Veronica , Magherini Francesca , Massai Lara , Messori Luigi , Turano Paola
Published: July 2022

A systematic and comparative 1H NMR metabolomics study is carried out to analyse the response of A2780 cancer cells to clinically established Pt drugs. The observed changes are referred to specific alterations of cellular processes.
Correction: Exploring the optimal ratio of elemental components of the Cu/SSZ-13 framework: the reformation of NH3-SCR properties
Authors: Liu Ziqian , Guan Bin , Jiang Han , Wei Yanfei , Wu Xingze , Zhou Jiefei , Lin He , Huang Zhen
Published: July 2022

Correction for ‘Exploring the optimal ratio of elemental components of the Cu/SSZ-13 framework: the reformation of NH3-SCR properties’ by Ziqian Liu et al., New J. Chem., 2022, 46, 13593–13607, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ01132H.
Oxidation behavior of layered FenGeTe2 (n = 3, 4, 5) and Cr2Ge2Te6 governed by interlayer coupling
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhao Yanyan , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun
Published: July 2022

FenGeTe2 exhibits layer-dependent oxidation behavior, while Cr2Ge2Te6 is prone to be oxidized regardless of the thickness. The distinct oxidation behavior of these magnets mainly originates from their different interlayer coupling strengths.
Synthesis of polychloromethylated and halogenated spiro[5,5]trienones via dearomative spirocyclization of biaryl ynones
Authors: Li Jun-Nan , Li Zi-Jie , Shen Liu-Yu , Li Pinhua , Zhang Yicheng , Yang Wen-Chao
Published: July 2022

A selective polychloromethylation and halogenation reaction of alkynes via a radical addition/spirocyclization cascade sequence was developed, in which applying polyhaloalkanes as the precursor of polyhalomethyl and halogen radicals.
Electrochemically-promoted synthesis of benzo[b]thiophene-1,1-dioxides via strained quaternary spirocyclization
Authors: Li Ruitao , Yuan Dafu , Ping Mengqi , Zhu Yuyi , Ni Shaofei , Li Ming , Wen Lirong , Zhang Lin-Bao
Published: July 2022

We report an approach for the synthesis of benzothiophene motifs under electrochemical conditions by the reaction of sulfonhydrazides with internal alkynes.
Symmetry-breaking, motion and bistability of active drops through polarization-surface coupling
Authors: Stegemerten Fenna , John Karin , Thiele Uwe
Published: July 2022

Bulk elasticity and polarity surface coupling compete in structuring active polar liquid droplets and are responsible for bistable behavior: resting and moving droplets coexist, reminiscent of hysteresis in cell crawling.
Enhanced lifetime of the zinc–iodine batteries using hydrocarbon cation-exchange polymer-protected zinc anodes
Authors: Wei Qiliang , Schibli Eric , Chen Binyu , Holdcroft Steven
Published: July 2022

The electrochemical performance of the zinc–iodine battery is enhanced by employing a zinc anode protected by fluorine-free, cation-exchange polymer – sPPB.
Durabilité du foncier irrigué en zones steppiques d’Algérie, le risque de l’effondrement hydraulique
Authors: Derderi Alaeddine , Daoudi Ali , Colin Jean-Philippe
Published: July 2022

L’article analyse la durabilité de l’exploitation du foncier irrigué dans une commune steppique d’Algérie, Rechaïga, où la dynamique de développement de l’agriculture irriguée semble ralentir depuis quelques années, après une phase de forte expansion. La phase d’expansion, qui a duré deux décennies, a impliqué aussi bien des agriculteurs locaux que des agriculteurs itinérants venant des autres régions du pays.L'article examine l’évolution de la dynamique foncière et productive, en fonction de l’évolution de la surexploitation des nappes. Une attention particulière est accordée au fonctionnement du marché foncier locatif et à son caractère inclusif ou non. Deux résultats clés se dégagent de l’analyse. Le rabattement des nappes témoigne de la non-durabilité d’une agriculture maraîchère irriguée intensive en steppe, ou du moins dans les parties de la steppe présentant les mêmes conditions hydriques que la zone d’étude. La phase d’expansion de la dynamique maraîchère a été inclusive et a bénéficié aux agriculteurs, tant locaux qu’itinérants, alors que la phase de déclin semble difficile pour ceux qui n’ont pas les moyens de s’adapter, notamment les exploitants locaux; les itinérants, quant à eux, ont pour logique de répondre à la dégradation des conditions de production locales par la recherche de nouveaux sites de production. Beaucoup de ces agriculteurs abandonnent le métier à défaut d’options techniques alternatives accessibles.
Electroluminescence analysis of silicon interdigitated back contact solar cells with a front surface selective band offset barrier
Authors: Ahanogbe Koffi F. , Alvarez José , Jaffré Alexandre , Connolly James P. , Gueunier-Farret Marie-Estelle , Fourmond Erwann , El-Whibi Seif , Fave Alain , Carroy Perrine , Djebbour Zakaria , Kleider Jean-Paul
Published: July 2022

Electroluminescence allows rapid characterization of an entire photovoltaic solar cell and visualization of defects at the micrometer scale. Here we focus on the optoelectronic properties of silicon interdigitated back contact cells characterized by electroluminescence. The spatially resolved electroluminescence helps us control the quality of interdigitated back contact structures used in silicon bottom subcells in a three-terminal tandem perovskite on silicon solar cell. Local variations in minority carrier diffusion length, surface recombination velocity and, the impact of resistive and optical losses were analyzed by electroluminescence mapping. In addition, we quantify the radiative saturation current density and the radiative open circuit voltage using the electroluminescence spectrum of the cell. This step allows us to accurately assess the performance limits induced in the device due to the non-radiative recombination.
Real-World Matching Performance of Deidentified Record-Linking Tokens
Authors: Bernstam Elmer V. , Applegate Reuben Joseph , Yu Alvin , Chaudhari Deepa , Liu Tian , Coda Alex , Leshin Jonah
Published: July 2022

Objective Our objective was to evaluate tokens commonly used by clinical research consortia to aggregate clinical data across institutions.

Methods This study compares tokens alone and token-based matching algorithms against manual annotation for 20,002 record pairs extracted from the University of Texas Houston's clinical data warehouse (CDW) in terms of entity resolution.

Results The highest precision achieved was 99.9% with a token derived from the first name, last name, gender, and date-of-birth. The highest recall achieved was 95.5% with an algorithm involving tokens that reflected combinations of first name, last name, gender, date-of-birth, and social security number.

Discussion To protect the privacy of patient data, information must be removed from a health care dataset to obscure the identity of individuals from which that data were derived. However, once identifying information is removed, records can no longer be linked to the same entity to enable analyses. Tokens are a mechanism to convert patient identifying information into Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant deidentified elements that can be used to link clinical records, while preserving patient privacy.

Conclusion Depending on the availability and accuracy of the underlying data, tokens are able to resolve and link entities at a high level of precision and recall for real-world data derived from a CDW.
Copper-Templated Formation of Dihelical Oligothiophene–Phenanthroline Assemblies
Authors: Schmid Sylvia , Wunderlin Markus , Mena-Osteritz Elena , Bäuerle Peter
Published: July 2022

We report the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a series of (oligo)thiophene-bridged (bis)phenanthroline ligands. The complexation behavior of the ditopic ligands with Cu(I) was explored by high-resolution ESI mass spectrometry, UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Whereas ligands, in which the phenanthrolines are bridged by smaller (oligo)thiophene units, provided mainly mononuclear complexes, quaterthiophene-based ditopic ligands show a strong tendency to undergo metal-templated self-assembly into double-stranded, dinuclear helicates.
Self-Service Registry Log Builder: A Case Study in National Trauma Registry of Iran
Authors: Yari Eili Mansoureh , Vafadar Safar , Rezaeenour Jalal , Sharif-Alhoseini Mahdi
Published: July 2022

Background Although the process-mining algorithms have evolved in the past decade, the lack of attention to extracting event logs from raw data of databases in an automatic manner is evident. These logs are available in a process-oriented manner in the process-aware information systems. Still, there are areas where their extraction is a challenge to address (e.g., trauma registries).

Objective The registry data are recorded manually and follow an unstructured ad hoc pattern; prone to high noises and errors; consequently, registry logs are classified at a maturity level of one, and extracting process-centric information is not a trivial task therein. The experiences made during the event log building from the trauma registry are the subjects to be studied.

Results The result indicates that the three-phase self-service registry log builder tool can withstand the mentioned issues by filtering and enriching the raw data and making them ready for any level of process-mining analysis. This proposed tool is demonstrated through process discovery in the National Trauma Registry of Iran, and the encountered challenges and limitations are reported.

Conclusion This tool is an interactive visual event log builder for trauma registry data and is freely available for studies involving other registries. In conclusion, future research directions derived from this case study are suggested.