bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient targeted transgenesis of large donor DNA into multiple mouse genetic backgrounds using bacteriophage Bxb1 integrase
Authors: Low Benjamin E. , Hosur Vishnu , Lesbirel Simon , Wiles Michael V.
Published: March 2022

The development of mouse models of human disease and synthetic biology research by targeted transgenesis of large DNA constructs represent a significant genetic engineering hurdle. We developed an efficient, precise, single-copy integration of large transgenes directly into zygotes using multiple mouse genetic backgrounds. We used in vivo Bxb1 mediated recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) with a transgene “landing pad” composed of dual heterologous Bxb1 attachment (att) sites in cis, within the Gt(ROSA)26Sor safe harbor locus. RMCE of donor was achieved by microinjection of vector DNA carrying cognate attachment sites flanking the donor transgene with Bxb1-integrase mRNA. This approach achieves perfect vector-free integration of donor constructs at efficiencies > 40% with up to ~ 43 kb transgenes. Coupled with a nanopore-based Cas9-targeted sequencing (nCATS), complete verification of precise insertion sequence was achieved. As a proof-of-concept we describe the development of C57BL/6J and NSG Krt18-ACE2 models for SARS-CoV2 research with verified heterozygous N1 animals within ~ 4 months. Additionally, we created a series of mice with diverse backgrounds carrying a single att site including FVB/NJ, PWK/PhJ, NOD/ShiLtJ, CAST/EiJ and DBA/2J allowing for rapid transgene insertion. Combined, this system enables predictable, rapid development with simplified characterization of precisely targeted transgenic animals across multiple genetic backgrounds.
Electrochemical determination of L-tryptophan in food samples on graphite electrode prepared from waste batteries
Authors: Tasić Žaklina Z. , Mihajlović Marija B. Petrović , Radovanović Milan B. , Simonović Ana T. , Medić Dragana V. , Antonijević Milan M.
Published: March 2022

One of the goals of this research was to develop an electrochemical sensor that had the ability to determine the target analyte and was both cheap and non-toxic. Another goal was to influence the reduction of electronic waste. In accordance with these, a graphite rod from zinc-carbon batteries was used to prepare an electrochemical sensor for the determination of L-tryptophan in Britton–Robinson buffer solution. Two electrochemical methods were used in the experimental research, differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry. The effect of different parameters, including the pH value of supporting solution, scan rate, as well as the concentration of L-tryptophan on the current response, was studied. The pH value of Britton–Robinson buffer influenced the intensity of L-tryptophan oxidation peak, as well as the peak potential. The intensity of the current response was the highest at pH 4.0, while the peak potential value became lower as the pH increased, indicating that protons also participated in the redox reaction. Based on the obtained data, electrochemical oxidation of L-tryptophan at the graphite electrode was irreversible, two electron/two proton reaction. In addition, it was observed that the oxidation peak increased as the scan rate increased. According to the obtained electrochemical data, it was suggested that the oxidation of L-tryptophan was mixed controlled by adsorption and diffusion. The linear correlation between oxidation peak and L-tryptophan concentration was investigated in the range 5.0–150.0 µM and the obtained values of limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.73 µM and 5.78 µM, respectively. Also, the prepared electrochemical sensor was successful in determination of target analyte in milk and apple juice samples.
High adsorption capacity of phenol and methylene blue using activated carbon derived from lignocellulosic agriculture wastes
Authors: El-Bery Haitham M. , Saleh Moushira , El-Gendy Reem A. , Saleh Mahmoud R. , Thabet Safinaz M.
Published: March 2022

The resources of clean water worldwide are very limited, and climate change is already affecting the available supplies. Therefore, developing a low-cost, highly efficient, and recyclable adsorbent to upgrade water quality has become an essential task. Herein, we report the fabrication of activated carbon (AC) adsorbents derived from lignocellulosic wastes. Both physical and chemical activation were investigated to modify the surface texture properties. The results indicated that increasing the activation temperature, whether physically or chemically, increases the specific surface area (SBET). On the contrary, increasing the amount of the chemical activating agent significantly decreases the SBETvalues. The SBETof 1771, 2120, and 2490 m2 g−1were obtained for water vapor, K2CO3and KOH, at activation temperatures of 950 °C, 800 °C, and 800 °C, respectively. Methylene blue (MB) and phenol were used as adsorbates for the adsorption experiment. Adsorption of methylene blue dye revealed the ability of the water activated carbon to remove more than 95% of the dye (100 ppm) within 5 min with an adsorption capacity of 148.8 mg g−1. For phenol adsorption, Several parameters were investigated, including initial concentration (50–250 ppm), pH (2–10), contact time (5–60 min), and temperature (25–45 °C). The highest adsorption capacity of phenol achieved was 158.9 mg g−1. The kinetics of adsorption of phenol was better described by pseudo-second-order reaction while the isotherm process using Langmuir model. This study presents a roadmap for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass waste into highly efficient porous carbon adsorbents.
Machine learning modeling for solubility prediction of recombinant antibody fragment in four different E. coli strains
Authors: Hashemi Atieh , Basafa Majid , Behravan Aidin
Published: March 2022

The solubility of proteins is usually a necessity for their functioning. Recently an emergence of machine learning approaches as trained alternatives to statistical models has been evidenced for empirical modeling and optimization. Here, soluble production of anti-EpCAM extracellular domain (EpEx) single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody was modeled and optimized as a function of four literature based numerical factors (post-induction temperature, post-induction time, cell density of induction time, and inducer concentration) and one categorical variable using artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM). Models were established by the CCD experimental data derived from 232 separate experiments. The concentration of soluble scFv reached 112.4 mg/L at the optimum condition and strain (induction at cell density 0.6 with 0.4 mM IPTG for 24 h at 23 °C in Origami). The predicted value obtained by ANN for the response (106.1 mg/L) was closer to the experimental result than that obtained by RSM (97.9 mg/L), which again confirmed a higher accuracy of ANN model. To the author’s knowledge this is the first report on comparison of ANN and RSM in statistical optimization of fermentation conditions of E.coli for the soluble production of recombinant scFv.
Spatio-temporal inhabitation of settlements by Hystrix cristata L., 1758
Authors: Coppola Francesca , Grignolio Stefano , Brivio Francesca , Giunchi Dimitri , Felicioli Antonio
Published: March 2022

Settlements are usually shared at different times by semi-fossorial mammals. Porcupine reproductive pair shows high den-site fidelity, but no data are available on the spatio-temporal inhabitation of settlements. In this investigation, the spatio-temporal inhabitation of settlements by crested porcupine families was investigated using camera-trapping as well as the ethological factors affecting the settlements selection. The crested porcupine resulted to be the main inhabitant of settlements surveyed in the present study. Each settlement was inhabited exclusively by one porcupine family. Five out of six porcupine families, each alternatively and complementarily inhabited the same two settlements. In all the five monitored families, settlements selection doesn’t follow a seasonal pattern. Settlement inhabitation of porcupines resulted positively affected by cohabitation with badger, while presence of porcupettes did not affect settlements selection. Long periods of settlement inhabitation were positively affected both by the presence of porcupettes and cohabitation with badger. The pattern of settlements inhabitation in relation to their availability and porcupine population density as well as factors promoting porcupine-badger cohabitation should be further investigated. New ethological knowledge obtained in this investigation could be involved in the evaluation of the ecological epidemiology of infectious diseases between porcupine and badger within a one health approach and may be a useful tool for a sustainable management of semi-fossorial mammals.
Nonlinear statistical damage constitutive model of granite based on the energy dissipation ratio
Authors: Wang Xianliang , Zhang Jianhai , Qian Li , Yao Tianzhi , Mo Zuguo , He Jianhua , Zhang Ru
Published: March 2022

The stress–strain curves and mechanical properties of Shuangjiangkou granite were obtained using five groups of conventional triaxial tests under various confining pressures using MTS815 rock test equipment. From the microscale, mesoscale, and macroscale perspectives, four types of mechanisms that contribute to energy dissipation during granite deformation were investigated. Based on the energy dissipation ratio, a new approach for estimating crack closure stress and damage stress is proposed. The energy dissipation ratio was substituted into the Weibull distribution function, and then a new nonlinear statistical damage constitutive model of granite based on the energy dissipation ratio was constructed after Biot’s theory was modified per the Lemaitre strain equivalence principle. By comparing experimental data with theoretical values estimated by the model, the model’s rationality and correctness were confirmed.
Multivariate genomic and transcriptomic determinants of imaging-derived personalized therapeutic needs in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lenglos Christophe , Lin Sue-Jin , Zeighami Yashar , Baumeister Tobias R. , Carbonell Felix , Iturria-Medina Yasser
Published: March 2022

Due to the marked interpersonal neuropathologic and clinical heterogeneity of Parkinson's disease (PD), current interventions are not personalized and fail to benefit all patients. Furthermore, we continue to lack well-established methods and clinical tests to tailor interventions at the individual level in PD. Here, we identify the genetic determinants of individual-tailored treatment needs derived from longitudinal multimodal neuroimaging data in 294 PD patients (PPMI data). Advanced multivariate statistical analysis revealed that both genomic and blood transcriptomic data significantly explain (P < 0.01, FWE-corrected) the interindividual variability in therapeutic needs associated with dopaminergic, functional, and structural brain reorganization. We confirmed a high overlap between the identified highly predictive molecular pathways and determinants of levodopa clinical responsiveness, including well-known (Wnt signaling, angiogenesis, dopaminergic activity) and recently discovered (immune markers, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor) pathways/components. In addition, the observed strong correspondence between the identified genomic and baseline-transcriptomic determinants of treatment needs/response supports the genome's active role at the time of patient evaluation (i.e., beyond individual genetic predispositions at birth). This study paves the way for effectively combining genomic, transcriptomic and neuroimaging data for implementing successful individually tailored interventions in PD and extending our pathogenetic understanding of this multifactorial and heterogeneous disorder.
AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy in patients with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction thrombus grade 5: an observational study
Authors: Huang Yi-xiong , Cao Yi , Chen Yu , Qiu Yi-gang , Zheng Jian-yong , Liu Ying-ming , He Jiang-chun , Zhao Li , Li Tian-chang
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy among patients with high thrombus burden. Routine manual thrombus aspiration in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) does not improve clinical outcomes and was associated with an increased rate of stroke. However, the safety of mechanical thrombus aspiration is still unknown. This was a retrospective, single-center study involving 621 patients with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction thrombus grade 5. The primary outcome was the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 12 months. The safety outcome was stroke within 1-year. Propensity matching score was calculated due to the significant baseline differences between the AngioJet rhelytic thrombectomy group and the routine treatment group. AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy was performed in 117 patients. After propensity-score matching, there was no significant difference both in the incidence of MACE (11.1% vs 17.9%, hazard ratio, 1.641; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.822 to 3.277, p = 0.161) and the incidences of stroke (1.7% vs 2.6%, hazard ratio 1.522; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.254 to 9.107, p = 0.646) between two groups at 1-year follow-up. In patients with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction thrombus grade 5, AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy did not improve clinical outcomes at 1 year. However, AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy did not increase the risk of stroke in patients with high thrombus burden.
Indistinguishability of temporally separated pairwise two-photon state of thermal photons in Franson-type interferometry
Authors: Park Jiho , Kim Heonoh , Moon Han Seb
Published: March 2022

The phenomenon of Franson interference with time–energy entangled photon pairs beyond the single-photon coherence length observed upon nonlocal measurement at two space-like separated locations is of particular research interest. Herein, we determine the coherence length of temporally separated pairwise two-photon (TSPT) states of thermal photons emitted from a warm atomic ensemble in Franson-type interferometry, with the setup consisting of two spatially separated unbalanced Michelson interferometers beyond the coherence length of a thermal photon. Using a novel method of square-modulated thermal photons, we show that the sinusoidal Franson-type interference fringe of thermal photons is determined by the presence or absence of TSPT states (corresponding to the time delay between the long and short paths in Franson-type interferometry). We find that the indistinguishability of the TSPT state in the Franson-type interference is independent of the temporal separation of the thermal photons in the TSPT states.
The prevalence of virulence determinants in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from different infections in hospitalized patients in Poland
Authors: Kot Barbara , Piechota Małgorzata , Jakubczak Andrzej , Gryzińska Magdalena , Witeska Małgorzata , Grużewska Agata , Baran Katarzyna , Denkiewicz Paulina
Published: March 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for hard-to-treat infections. The presence of 19 virulence genes in 120 MRSA isolates obtained from hospitalized patients and genetic relationships of these isolates were investigated. The eno (100%) and ebps (93.3%) genes encoding laminin- and elastin binding proteins, respectively, were ubiquitous. Other adhesion genes: fib (77.5%), fnbB (41.6%), bbp (40.8%), cna (30.8%) encoding proteins binding fibrinogen, fibronectin, bone sialoprotein and collagen, respectively, and map/eap (62.5%), encoding Eap, were also frequent. The etB and etD genes, encoding exfoliative toxins, were present in 15.6% and 12.5% isolates, respectively. The splA, splE and sspA, encoding serine protease were detected in 100%, 70.8% and 94.2% isolates, respectively. The tst gene, encoding toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 was found in 75% isolates. The cna, map/eap and tst genes were the most common in wound isolates and much less common in blood isolates. We identified 45 different spa types, t003 (21.7%) and t008 (18.8%) being the most common. The t003 was the most frequent among isolates from the respiratory tract (35.5%), while t008 in blood isolates (40%). Identification of virulence factors of MRSA is important for evaluation of pathogen transmission rate and disease development.
Human activity recognition of children with wearable devices using LightGBM machine learning
Authors: Csizmadia Gábor , Liszkai-Peres Krisztina , Ferdinandy Bence , Miklósi Ádám , Konok Veronika
Published: March 2022

Human activity recognition (HAR) using machine learning (ML) methods has been a continuously developed method for collecting and analyzing large amounts of human behavioral data using special wearable sensors in the past decade. Our main goal was to find a reliable method that could automatically detect various playful and daily routine activities in children. We defined 40 activities for ML recognition, and we collected activity motion data by means of wearable smartwatches with a special SensKid software. We analyzed the data of 34 children (19 girls, 15 boys; age range: 6.59–8.38; median age = 7.47). All children were typically developing first graders from three elementary schools. The activity recognition was a binary classification task which was evaluated with a Light Gradient Boosted Machine (LGBM) learning algorithm, a decision tree based method with a threefold cross validation. We used the sliding window technique during the signal processing, and we aimed at finding the best window size for the analysis of each behavior element to achieve the most effective settings. Seventeen activities out of 40 were successfully recognized with AUC values above 0.8. The window size had no significant effect. In summary, the LGBM is a very promising solution for HAR. In line with previous findings, our results provide a firm basis for a more precise and effective recognition system that can make human behavioral analysis faster and more objective.
Compositions of gut microbiota before and shortly after hepatitis C viral eradication by direct antiviral agents
Authors: Hsu Yao-Chun , Chen Chih-Cheng , Lee Wei-Hsiang , Chang Chi-Yang , Lee Fu-Jen , Tseng Cheng-Hao , Chen Tzu-Haw , Ho Hsiu J. , Lin Jaw-Town , Wu Chun-Ying
Published: March 2022

It is unclear whether dysbiosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients results from the viral infection per se or develops as a result of hepatic dysfunction. We aimed to characterize compositions in gut microbiome before and shortly after HCV clearance. In this prospective cohort study, adult patients with confirmed HCV viremia were screened before receiving direct antiviral agents. Those with recent exposure to antibiotics or probiotics (within one month), prior abdominal surgery, or any malignancy were ineligible. Stool was collected before antiviral therapy started and at 12 weeks after the treatment completed. From the extracted bacterial DNA, 16 s rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Each patient was matched 1:2 in age and sex with uninfected controls. A total of 126 individuals were enrolled into analysis. The gut microbiome was significantly different between HCV-infected patients (n = 42), with or without cirrhosis, and their age-and sex-matched controls (n = 84) from the levels of phylum to amplicon sequence variant (all p values < 0.01 by principal coordinates analysis). All patients achieved viral eradication and exhibited no significant changes in the overall composition of gut microbiome following viral eradication (all p values > 0.5), also without significant difference in alpha diversity (all p values > 0.5). For the purpose of exploration, we also reported bacteria found differently abundant before and after HCV eradication, including Coriobacteriaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Morganellaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Succinivibrionaceae, and Moraxellaceae. Gut microbiota is altered in HCV-infected patients as compared with uninfected controls, but the overall microbial compositions do not significantly change shortly after HCV eradication.
Wheat growth monitoring and yield estimation based on remote sensing data assimilation into the SAFY crop growth model
Authors: Ma Chunyan , Liu Mingxing , Ding Fan , Li Changchun , Cui Yingqi , Chen Weinan , Wang Yilin
Published: March 2022

Crop growth monitoring and yield estimate information can be obtained via appropriate metrics such as the leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Such information is crucial for guiding agricultural production, ensuring food security, and maintaining sustainable agricultural development. Traditional methods of field measurement and monitoring typically have low efficiency and can only give limited untimely information. Alternatively, methods based on remote sensing technologies are fast, objective, and nondestructive. Indeed, remote sensing data assimilation and crop growth modeling represent an important trend in crop growth monitoring and yield estimation. In this study, we assimilate the leaf area index retrieved from Sentinel-2 remote sensing data for crop growth model of the simple algorithm for yield estimation (SAFY) in wheat. The SP-UCI optimization algorithm is used for fine-tuning for several SAFY parameters, namely the emergence date (D0), the effective light energy utilization rate (ELUE), and the senescence temperature threshold (STT) which is indicative of biological aging. These three sensitive parameters are set in order to attain the global minimum of an error function between the SAFY model predicted values and the LAI inversion values. This assimilation of remote sensing data into the crop growth model facilitates the LAI, biomass, and yield estimation. The estimation results were validated using data collected from 48 experimental plots during 2014 and 2015. For the 2014 data, the results showed coefficients of determination (R2) of the LAI, biomass and yield of 0.73, 0.83 and 0.49, respectively, with corresponding root-mean-squared error (RMSE) values of 0.72, 1.13 t/ha and 1.14 t/ha, respectively. For the 2015 data, the estimated R2 values of the LAI, biomass, and yield were 0.700, 0.85, and 0.61, respectively, with respective RMSE values of 0.83, 1.22 t/ha, and 1.39 t/ha, respectively. The estimated values were found to be in good agreement with the measured ones. This shows high applicability of the proposed data assimilation scheme in crop monitoring and yield estimation. As well, this scheme provides a reference for the assimilation of remote sensing data into crop growth models for regional crop monitoring and yield estimation.
Discrete element modeling of particles sphericity effect on sand direct shear performance
Authors: Chen Chunhui , Gu Jiayu , Peng Zesen , Dai Xianyao , Liu Qingbing , Zhu Guo-Qiang
Published: March 2022

Particle surface morphology is an important factor influencing sand structure and mechanical properties. In this study, the effect of sand particle sphericity on sand direct shear performance is investigated by using the discrete element method (DEM). Two ways are adapted to simulate different approaching methods from round particles to irregular sand. The macroresponse shows that irregular sand has a higher shear strength at lower normal stress than round particles. The shape of the particle has less influence on shear strength at higher normal stress. The irregular shape of sand leads to an increase in the shear band proportion. However, the shear band proportion is not related to the sphericity. Under all conditions, particles within the shear band have a larger average rotation angle than those outside the shear band. When the particle shape approaches round (regardless of the round particle proportion and particle shape), the average rotation angle of particles within and without shear bands increase, while the coordinate number and contact anisotropy decrease.
Serum IL-28A/IFN-λ2 is linked to disease severity of COVID-19
Authors: Fukuda Yosuke , Homma Tetsuya , Inoue Hideki , Goto Yuiko , Sato Yoko , Ikeda Hitoshi , Onitsuka Chisato , Sato Hiroki , Akimoto Kaho , Ebato Takaya , Suganuma Hiromitsu , Kawahara Tomoko , Mikuni Hatsuko , Uchida Yoshitaka , Suzuki Shintaro , Tanaka Akihiko , Sagara Hironori
Published: March 2022

Type III interferons (IFNs) play an important role in respiratory viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aimed to determine whether the expression of serum type III IFNs predicted disease severity among patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients admitted to a single hospital between March 21, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Patients were divided into mild to moderate I (MM) and moderate II to severe (MS) groups based on the COVID-19 severity classification developed by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. A total of 257 patients were included in the analysis. Human interleukin-28A (IL-28A/IFN-λ2) expression was significantly lower, and interleukin (IL)-6 expression was significantly higher in the MS group than in the MM group (both p < 0.001). In addition, IL-28A/IFN-λ2 was statistically significantly inversely correlated with the time from disease onset to negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR results (p = 0.049). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that IL-28A/IFN-λ2 was an independent predictor of disease severity (p = 0.021). The low expression of IL-28A/IFN-λ2 may serve as a serum biomarker that predicts the severity of COVID-19, possibly through the mechanism of delayed viral elimination.
Investigation of biocidal efficacy of commercial disinfectants used in public, private and workplaces during the pandemic event of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ambrosino Annalisa , Pironti Concetta , Dell’Annunziata Federica , Giugliano Rosa , Chianese Annalisa , Moccia Giuseppina , DeCaro Francesco , Galdiero Massimiliano , Franci Gianluigi , Motta Oriana
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the performance of 24 commercial disinfectants present on the market during last year according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Recently, national and international organizations of public health performed studies on disinfection products due to the increasing awareness of the potential and growing risks on human health, such as skin damage and reactions in the mucosal lining, especially for the healthcare workers in their frequent daily use. However, there are many limitations in the common cleaning/disinfection products on market as in the selection of effective disinfectants to decontaminate inanimate surfaces. We analyzed the disinfection power of hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes used as active principles according to international guidelines. The antimicrobial properties were assessed by broth microdilution, and antibiofilm properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus); their virucidal efficacy was tested against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The quaternary ammonium compounds demonstrated better efficacy than others and in some cases ready to use products had also virucidal and antimicrobial activities after dilution at 0.125%. The scientific evidence indicates that many commercial products are used at high concentrations and high doses and this could have deleterious effects both on human health and the environment. A lower concentration of active ingredients would avoid the excessive release of chemicals into the environment and improve skin tolerance, ensuring the health and safety protection of workers, including the healthcare operators at their workplace.
The principles of whole-hospital predictive analytics monitoring for clinical medicine originated in the neonatal ICU
Authors: Randall Moorman J.
Published: March 2022

In 2011, a multicenter group spearheaded at the University of Virginia demonstrated reduced mortality from real-time continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring in the neonatal ICU using what we now call Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Machine Learning. The large, randomized heart rate characteristics trial made real, for the first time that we know of, the promise that early detection of illness would allow earlier and more effective intervention and improved patient outcomes. Currently, though, we hear as much of failures as we do of successes in the rapidly growing field of predictive analytics monitoring that has followed. This Perspective aims to describe the principles of how we developed heart rate characteristics monitoring for neonatal sepsis and then applied them throughout adult ICU and hospital medicine. It primarily reflects the work since the 1990s of the University of Virginia group: the theme is that sudden and catastrophic deteriorations can be preceded by subclinical but measurable physiological changes apparent in the continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring and electronic health record.
Drug-dependent growth curve reshaping reveals mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Guinn Lesia , Lo Evan , Balázsi Gábor
Published: March 2022

Microbial drug resistance is an emerging global challenge. Current drug resistance assays tend to be simplistic, ignoring complexities of resistance manifestations and mechanisms, such as multicellularity. Here, we characterize multicellular and molecular sources of drug resistance upon deleting the AMN1 gene responsible for clumping multicellularity in a budding yeast strain, causing it to become unicellular. Computational analysis of growth curve changes upon drug treatment indicates that the unicellular strain is more sensitive to four common antifungals. Quantitative models uncover entwined multicellular and molecular processes underlying these differences in sensitivity and suggest AMN1 as an antifungal target in clumping pathogenic yeasts. Similar experimental and mathematical modeling pipelines could reveal multicellular and molecular drug resistance mechanisms, leading to more effective treatments against various microbial infections and possibly even cancers.
Conformational plasticity of the HIV-1 gp41 immunodominant region is recognized by multiple non-neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Cook Jonathan D. , Khondker Adree , Lee Jeffrey E.
Published: March 2022

The early humoral immune response to acute HIV-1 infection is largely non-neutralizing. The principal target of these antibodies is the primary immunodominant region (PID) on the gp41 fusion protein. The PID is a highly conserved 15-residue region displayed on the surface of HIV-1 virions. In this study, we analyzed the humoral determinants of HIV-1 gp41 PID binding using biophysical, structural, and computational methods. In complex with a patient-derived near-germline antibody fragment, the PID motif adopts an elongated random coil, whereas the PID bound to affinity-matured Fab adopts a strand-turn-helix conformation. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the PID is structurally plastic suggesting that the PID can form an ensemble of structural states recognized by various non-neutralizing antibodies, facilitating HIV-1 immunodominance observed in acute and chronic HIV-1 infections. An improved understanding of how the HIV-1 gp41 PID misdirects the early humoral response should guide the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
Equality of access and resilience in urban population-facility networks
Authors: Fan Chao , Jiang Xiangqi , Lee Ronald , Mostafavi Ali
Published: March 2022

While conceptual definitions have provided a foundation for measuring inequality of access and resilience in urban facilities, the challenge for researchers and practitioners alike has been to develop analytical support for urban system development that reduces inequality and improves resilience. Using 30 million large-scale anonymized smartphone-location data, here, we calibrate models to optimize the distribution of facilities and present insights into the interplay between equality and resilience in the development of urban facilities. Results from ten metropolitan counties in the United States reveal that inequality of access to facilities is due to the inconsistency between population and facility distributions, which can be reduced by minimizing total travel costs for urban populations. Resilience increases with more equitable facility distribution by increasing effective embeddedness ranging from 10% to 30% for different facilities and counties. The results imply that resilience and equality are related and should be considered jointly in urban system development.
Gold nanoclusters embedded in antimicrobial keyboard covers: life cycle assessment and environmental sustainability
Authors: Pucciarelli Martina , Grimaldi Fabio , Wu Gaowei , Lettieri Paola
Published: March 2022

Life cycle assessment can help quantify the environmental impacts of products embedding nanoparticles. Furthermore, it can support the evaluation of absolute environmental sustainability by employing carrying-capacity normalization factors.
Carbon dots improve the nutritional quality of coriander (Coriandrum sativumL.) by promoting photosynthesis and nutrient uptake
Authors: Hu Jing , Jia Wenyi , Yu Xuefeng , Yan Chuanhao , White Jason C. , Liu Junfeng , Shen Guofeng , Tao Shu , Wang Xilong
Published: March 2022

The improvement of coriander nutritional quality including organic and mineral nutrients was driven by CDs-modulation of photosynthesis and transpiration.
The galloyl moiety enhances inhibitory activity of polyphenols against adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Peng Jinming , Wen Wenjun , Wang Ruifeng , Li Kaikai , Xiao Gengsheng , Li Chunmei
Published: March 2022

The galloyl moiety in the structure of polyphenols has a great contribution to their inhibition of adipogenic differentiation.
Cellulose based flexible and wearable sensors for health monitoring
Authors: Dandegaonkar Gargi , Ahmed Abbas , Sun Luyi , Adak Bapan , Mukhopadhyay Samrat
Published: March 2022

Cellulose is one of the greatest bio-resourced materials. In this review, the excellent advancement of cellulose-based sensors for wearable real-time health monitoring are described. In addition, the emerging prospects and challenges of cellulose based flexible devices within this fields are also presented.
Hydride ion intercalation and conduction in the electride Sr3CrN3
Authors: Xu Miaoting , Wang Cuicui , Morgan Benjamin J. , Burton Lee A.
Published: March 2022

The electride Sr3CrN3 has a one-dimensional channel of electron density, which is a rare feature that offers great potential for fast ion conduction.
Cationic AIEgen micelle-improved chemiluminescent H2O2 assay by integrating reactant approach and CRET
Authors: Yu Youkai , Guan Weijiang , Yuan Zhiqin , Lu Chao
Published: March 2022

A two-in-one cationic AIEgen micelle-boosted chemiluminescent H2O2 assay with improved sensitivity is presented.
Highly connected framework materials from flexible tetra-isophthalate ligands
Authors: Chahine Ali Y. , Chaffee Alan L. , Knowles Gregory P. , Turner David R. , Batten Stuart R.
Published: March 2022

High connectivity octacarboxylate ligands containing non-coordinating diamine cores lead to a wide variety of new MOFs, many containing cage-like pores.
Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of covalent organic frameworks by introducing 2D conductive metal–organic frameworks as noble metal-free co-catalysts
Authors: Xue Ping , Pan Xin , Tian Tian , Tang Mi , Guo Wei , Li Junsheng , Wang Zhengbang , Tang Haolin
Published: March 2022

A conductive MOF Cu3(HHTP)2 is introduced as a non-noble metal co-catalyst into a Tp-Pa-2-COF to construct an efficient hydrogen evolution system.
Atomically dispersed single Ni site catalysts for high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction at industrial-level current densities
Authors: Li Yi , Adli Nadia Mohd , Shan Weitao , Wang Maoyu , Zachman Michael J. , Hwang Sooyeon , Tabassum Hassina , Karakalos Stavros , Feng Zhenxing , Wang Guofeng , Li Yuguang C. , Wu Gang
Published: March 2022

Single metal site Ni–N–C catalysts were designed concerning the particle size, metal content, and coordination structure for efficient CO2 reduction.
Fe and P dual-doped nickel carbonate hydroxide/carbon nanotube hybrid electrocatalysts for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Ye Qing , Liu Jiang , Lin Lu , Sun Min , Wang Yufeng , Cheng Yongliang
Published: March 2022

An Fe and P dual-doped nickel carbonate hydroxide/carbon nanotube hybrid electrocatalyst has been synthesized. The electrocatalyst exhibits excellent OER activity, requiring a low overpotential of 222 mV at 20 mA cm−2.
Cyanate ester resins with superior dielectric, mechanical, and flame retardance properties obtained by introducing a fluorinated hyperbranched polyaryletherketone
Authors: Zhang Junliang , Wang Chaofan , Feng Wenzhuo , Tang Yusheng
Published: March 2022

Cyanate ester (CE) resins modified with an epoxy-terminated and fluorinated hyperbranched polyaryletherketone exhibit significantly improved wave-transparent, mechanical, and flame retardant properties.
DeNOxperformance enhancement of Cu-based oxidesviaemploying a TiO2phase to modify LDH precursors
Authors: Du Yali , Liu Xuezhen , Liu Jiangning , Du Rongting , Wu Xu
Published: March 2022

The CuAl-LDO/TiO2NTs catalyst derived from TiO2NTs modified CuAl-LDHs was innovatively prepared with excellent deNOxperformance.
Poly(viologen halide)s: both cationic main-chain and counter anions are active for high-performance organic cathodes
Authors: Wang Zhaolei , Duan An , Jin Weize , Huang Xiaoyu , Li Yongjun
Published: March 2022

Poly(viologen halide)s with Br− or I− as counter anions were prepared, which exhibited high initial specific capacity (192 mA h g−1) and high discharge voltage (∼3.7 V).
Skin-like wound dressings with on-demand administration based onin situpeptide self-assembly for skin regeneration
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ying , Liu Cong , Fan Peng-Sheng , Zhang Xue-Hao , Hou Da-Yong , Wang Jia-Qi , Yang Hui , Wang Hao , Qiao Zeng-Ying
Published: March 2022

The skin-like wound dressings are developed for skin regeneration. The on-demand release of antibacterial peptides and the subsequentin situself-assembly realize both good biosafety and high-efficiency antibacterial efficacy.
Nanovoid formation induces property variation within and across individual silkworm silk threads
Authors: Craig Hamish C. , Yao Yin , Ariotti Nicholas , Setty Mohan , Remadevi Rechana , Kasumovic Michael M. , Rajkhowa Rangam , Rawal Aditya , Blamires Sean J.
Published: March 2022

Silk is a unique fiber, having a strength and toughness that exceeds other natural fibers.
Neural networks adaptive control for fractional‐order non‐linear system with unmodelled dynamics and actuator faults
Authors: Bi Wenshan
Published: March 2022

The fault‐tolerant control (FTC) problem for fractional‐order (FO) non‐linear systems with unmodelled dynamics and actuator faults is studied. First, the author uses neural networks (NNs) to identify unknown non‐linear functions and apply a FO dynamic signal to control unmodelled dynamics. Then, fractional‐order dynamic surface control (FODSC) is introduced in the design process of the adaptive backstepping control algorithm to avoid complex explosion problems. In addition, an adaptive NNs FTC algorithm using the FO Lyapunov stability criterion is designed. Importantly, the author shows that the proposed system is stable, and the tracking error could be converged to a small neighbourhood of zero. Finally, a simulation example is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Application of the adaptive fuzzy wavelet neural network for two‐axis trajectory control*
Authors: Chen Sung‐Hua , Mao Wei‐Lung , Lu Wei‐Xian
Published: March 2022

The accuracy of contour tracking is an important issue to be addressed for the X‐Y stage in a machining tool. Applying a better control scheme can help to increase the tracking accuracy with the effects of systems' uncertainties, nonlinearities and disturbances. In this paper, to prevent these negative effects and achieve high accuracy tracking control of the two‐axis motion stage, the adaptive fuzzy wavelet neural network (AFWNN) PI sliding mode controller is proposed. The adaptive algorithm is combined with the basis function of the wavelet neural network and fuzzy system to approximate the plant model functions. Then, the controller with PI sliding mode structure could be built based on the estimated system function. In this method, the time domain positioning property of wavelet and the reasoning of the fuzzy system could provide the well‐estimated plant model. Moreover, the adaptive algorithm and sliding mode control scheme help to reduce the effects of parameter variation and uncertainties. The stability is analyzed via Lyapunov stability theorem to prove the asymptotic stability of the system. In the simulation and experimental results, the contours are planned through the nonuniform rational B‐spline (NURBS), which is considered a high accuracy interpolator. The tested curves consist of circle, bow, heart, star and trident. The average and standard deviations of the tracking errors are compared to other methods to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the method can reduce errors more effectively and have better localization for trajectory tracking.
Structural and optical properties of silver-indium and silver-aluminium nanoalloys: stability against oxidation
Authors: Camus Élise , Ramade Julien , Pellarin Michel , Blanchard Nicholas , Hillenkamp Matthias , Langlois Cyril , Roiban Lucian , Cottancin Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

Bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) are promising candidates for fundamental research and applications, as their physico-chemical properties can, in many cases, be tuned continuously, or enhanced with respect to the mono-metallic particles. Here we investigate the possibility of fabricating silver-indium and silver-aluminium BNPs in the range of 4–5 nm diameter and of varying stoichiometry by laser vaporization and gas condensation in the gas phase. We analyse their crystalline structure and segregation behaviour using transmission electron microscopy and probe their oxidation state in optical absorption measurements by tracking spectral changes of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). These complementary techniques show that, despite the small size and the high reactivity especially of aluminium, the BNPs form a silver-rich alloyed core surrounded by an oxide shell. Exposure to air leads to consecutive oxidation, whereas annealing the BNPs in a reducing atmosphere stabilizes the alloyed particle cores, as demonstrated by a narrow and blue-shifted LSPR. This is a first step towards the stabilization of non-oxidized bimetallic nanoparticles combining a noble and a trivalent metal.
Factores asociados a infección de vías urinarias luego de una prostatectomía
Authors: Gonzalez Jaime Enrique Paillier , Piraquive Miguel Sebastián Rodríguez , Gonzalez Cecilia Paillier , Moreno Mario Andrés Sfeir , Becerra Nathalia María Pérez
Published: March 2022

Introducción y Objetivo La cirugía de próstata es un procedimiento frecuente en varones mayores. Existen diferentes técnicas, cuya elección depende de la patología a tratar, de la experiencia del especialista, y de la disponibilidad técnica. Entre sus complicaciones se encuentra la infección del tracto urinario, que ocasiona incremento en morbimortalidad y costos para el sistema de salud. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar los factores relacionados con la aparición de infección urinaria luego de este tipo de cirugía.

Materiales y Métodos Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en una población de pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía del 2018 hasta principios del 2020 en Medellín, Colombia. Los casos correspondieron a los pacientes que presentaron infección de vías urinarias hasta 30 días tras la prostatectomía. Se estimó la asociación entre casos y controles por medio del cálculo de la razón de disparidad (RD), la cual se ajustó con una regresión logística y con un modelo aditivo generalizado multivariado.

Resultados Se identificaron 96 casos incidentes de infección del trato urinario luego de la prostatectomía, con una prevalencia de 8.99%. La frecuencia de solicitud de urocultivo preoperatorio fue de 52,92% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 48,34–57,44%). Las variables independientemente asociadas con la aparición de infección urinaria fueron: solicitud de urocultivo prequirúrgico, número de dosis, y tipo de antibiótico usado para la profilaxis. Particularmente, se encontró como factor protector el uso de aminoglucósidos. En los pacientes con infección urinaria, los principales gérmenes aislados fueron: Eschirichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klepsiella pneumoniae, Enterococos faecalis y Serratia marcescens.

Conclusión Este estudio demuestra que factores como la solicitud preoperatoria de urocultivo y el uso de aminoglucósidos en los esquemas de profilaxis quirúrgica reducen la probabilidad de desarrollar una infección urinaria luego de una prostatectomía.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Benzoheterocyclic-Containing Derivatives as Novel HDAC1 Inhibitors
Authors: Jiao Min-Ru , Han Bo , Gu Xiu , Zhang Hao , Wang Ai-Ping , Zhang Qing-Wei
Published: March 2022

In this study, the synthesis and biological evaluation of a variety of benzoheterocyclic-containing benzamide derivatives were described. Some of these compounds were proved to inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) with IC50 values below the micromolar range, retarding proliferation of several human cancer cells, and surprisingly, not possessing toxicity to human normal cells and hERG K+ ion channels. Among those compounds, 3c was the most potent and efficacious derivative. Compound 3c was orally active and displayed excellent in vivo antitumor activity in a HCT-116 xenograft mice model.
Omnidirectional exciton diffusion in quasi-2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites
Authors: Yu Zhi-Gang
Published: March 2022

Exciton transport plays a central role in optoelectronic and photonic devices. In quasi-two-dimensional (2D) hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), tightly bound excitons are found to diffuse within 2D layers rapidly with a non-monotonic temperature dependence. Surprisingly, the interlayer exciton diffusion is quite effective as well despite the large interlayer distance. This is in sharp contrast to electron transport, where the interlayer mobility is several orders of magnitude smaller than the intralayer one. Here, we show that the unusual exciton diffusion behaviors can be systematically modeled via the excitonic band structure arising from a long-range dipolar coupling. Coherent exciton motion is interrupted by scattering of impurities at low temperatures and of acoustic/optical phonons at high temperatures. Acoustic and optical phonons modulate the dipole–dipole distance and the dipole orientation, respectively. The ratio of intralayer and interlayer diffusion constants, Dxx/Dzz, is comparable to az/ax with az and ax being the interlayer and intralayer lattice constants of 2D HOIPs, respectively. The efficient and omnidirectional exciton diffusion suggests a great potential of 2D HOIPs in novel excitonic and polaritonic applications.