bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Role of Biogenic Magnetite in Geomagnetic Paleointensity Recording: Insights From Ontong Java Plateau Sediments
Authors: Li Jiaxi , Yamazaki Toshitsugu , Usui Yoichi , Sagawa Takuya , Kubota Yoshimi , Kuroda Junichiro
Published: May 2022

Marine sediments can preserve continuous paleomagnetic intensity records. Different magnetic minerals may acquire remanent magnetizations differently, so that compositional variations of magnetic mineral assemblages in sediments may hinder extraction of reliable relative paleointensity (RPI) records. To better understand this issue, we conducted a paleo‐ and rock magnetic study of a sediment core from the Ontong Java Plateau, western equatorial Pacific Ocean. RPI estimated by normalizing natural remanent magnetization (NRM) with anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) decreases downcore with an inverse correlation with the ratio of ARM susceptibility to saturation isothermal remanent magnetization. This relationship indicates that the RPI signal weakens as the proportion of biogenic magnetite increases. The NRM–ARM demagnetization diagrams obtained have concave‐down curvature. These observations indicate that the RPI recording efficiency of the biogenic component is lower than that of the terrigenous component if we assume that the magnetizations of the high‐ and low‐coercivity windows are carried dominantly by biogenic and terrigenous components, respectively. This assumption is supported by first‐order reversal curve measurements, transmission electron microscope observations, low‐temperature measurements, and extraction of silicate‐hosted magnetic inclusions from the sediments. Previous studies have suggested that the RPI recording efficiency of biogenic magnetite is higher than that of the terrigenous component, which disagrees with our results. Different concentrations of silicate‐hosted magnetic inclusions in different sedimentary environments might explain this contradiction. We conclude that biogenic magnetite contributes to RPI records with lower efficiency than unprotected terrigenous magnetic minerals in the studied sediments. Changing biogenic magnetite proportions distort ARM‐normalized RPI estimations.
Effectiveness of biomaterial-based combination strategies for spinal cord repair – a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical literature
Authors: Guijarro-Belmar Alba , Varone Anna , Baltzer Martin Rugema , Kataria Saurav , Tanriver-Ayder Ezgi , Watzlawick Ralf , Sena Emily , Cunningham Catriona J. , Rajnicek Ann M. , Macleod Malcolm , Huang Wenlong , Currie Gillian L. , McCann Sarah K.
Published: May 2022

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical literature.

Objectives

To assess the effects of biomaterial-based combination (BMC) strategies for the treatment of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), the effects of individual biomaterials in the context of BMC strategies, and the factors influencing their efficacy. To assess the effects of different preclinical testing paradigms in BMC strategies.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of Embase, Web of Science and PubMed. All controlled preclinical studies describing an in vivo or in vitro model of SCI that tested a biomaterial in combination with at least one other regenerative strategy (cells, drugs, or both) were included. Two review authors conducted the study selection independently, extracted study characteristics independently and assessed study quality using a modified CAMARADES checklist. Effect size measures were combined using random-effects models and heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression with tau2, I2 and R2 statistics. We tested for small-study effects using funnel plot–based methods.

Results

134 publications were included, testing over 100 different BMC strategies. Overall, treatment with BMC therapies improved locomotor recovery by 25.3% (95% CI, 20.3–30.3; n = 102) and in vivo axonal regeneration by 1.6 SD (95% CI 1.2–2 SD; n = 117) in comparison with injury only controls.

Conclusion

BMC strategies improve locomotor outcomes after experimental SCI. Our comprehensive study highlights gaps in current knowledge and provides a foundation for the design of future experiments.
FASN promotes lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer via cholesterol reprogramming and lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Du Qiqiao , Liu Pan , Zhang Chunyu , Liu Tianyu , Wang Wei , Shang Chunliang , Wu Jieyu , Liao Yuandong , Chen Yili , Huang Jiaming , Tan Hao , Zhao Yunhe , Xia Meng , Liu Junxiu , Yao Shuzhong
Published: May 2022

Cervical cancer (CC) patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM) have a poor prognosis. Clarification of the detailed mechanisms underlying LNM may provide potential clinical therapeutic targets for CC patients with LNM. However, the molecular mechanism of LNM in CC is unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that fatty acid synthase (FASN), one of the key enzymes in lipid metabolism, had upregulated expression in the CC samples and was correlated with LNM. Moreover, multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified FASN as an independent prognostic factor of CC patients. Furthermore, gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches showed that FASN promoted CC cell migration, invasion, and lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, on the one hand, FASN could regulate cholesterol reprogramming and then activate the lipid raft-related c-Src/AKT/FAK signaling pathway, leading to enhanced cell migration and invasion. On the other hand, FASN induced lymphangiogenesis by secreting PDGF-AA/IGFBP3. More importantly, knockdown of FASN with FASN shRNA or the inhibitors C75 and Cerulenin dramatically diminished LNM in vivo, suggesting that FASN plays an essential role in LNM of CC and the clinical application potential of FASN inhibitors. Taken together, our findings uncover a novel molecular mechanism in LNM of CC and identify FASN as a novel prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target for LNM in CC.
Integrin α3/α6 and αV are implicated in ADAM15-activated FAK and EGFR signalling pathway individually and promote non-small-cell lung cancer progression
Authors: Zhou Jieqi , Wang Anqi , Cai Tingting , Li Yue , Du Wenwen , Zhang Yang , Zhang Ruochen , Zhang Weijie , Zhu Jianjie , Zeng Yuanyuan , Huang Jian-an , Liu Zeyi
Published: May 2022

Disintegrin-metalloproteinase 15(ADAM15), a member of disintegrin metalloproteinases (ADAMs), plays important roles in various cancer types. However, the underlying ADAM15 functioning in lung cancer is still unclear. In the present study, we find that ADAM15 regulates the epidermal growth factor receptor/focal adhesion kinase (EGFR/FAK) signalling pathway by interactions with integrins. Integrin αV is involved in ADAM15-mediated FAK signalling. Further, we find that ADAM15 and CD151 were co-expressed, and the presence of ADAM15 affected the integrin α3/α6-related EGFR signalling pathway by cooperating with CD151. In addition, we also prove the effect of ADAM15 on proliferation in nude mice. Finally, we show that ADAM15 is a direct target of miR-204-5p by luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Our findings provide molecular and cellular evidence that ADAM15 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in NSCLC, which might provide a potential target for NSCLC treatment.
m6A methylated EphA2 and VEGFA through IGF2BP2/3 regulation promotes vasculogenic mimicry in colorectal cancer via PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Liu Xin , He Hongjuan , Zhang Fengwei , Hu Xin , Bi Fanqi , Li Kai , Yu Haoran , Zhao Yue , Teng Xiangqi , Li Jiaqi , Wang Lihong , Zhang Yan , Wu Qiong
Published: May 2022

Exploring the epigenetic regulation mechanism of colorectal cancer (CRC) from the perspective of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification may provide a new target for tumor therapy. Analysis using high-throughput RNA-seq profile from TCGA found that the gene expression of Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) was significantly upregulated among 20 m6A binding proteins in CRC, which was also validated in CRC cancer tissues and cell lines. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing in METTL3 knockdown cells using CRISPR/Cas9 editing suggested that EphA2 and VEGFA were differential expression, which were enriched in the vasculature development, PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signal pathway through the functional enrichment analysis. The results in vitro revealed that METTL3 as the m6A “writers” participates the methylation of EphA2 and VEGFA, which were recognized by the m6A “readers”, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2/3 (IGF2BP2/3), to prevent their mRNA degradation. In addition, EphA2 and VEGFA targeted by METTL3 via different IGF2BP-dependent mechanisms were found to promote vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 signaling in CRC. The study suggests that intervention with m6A-binding proteins (METTL3 and IGF2BP2/3) may provide a potential diagnostic or prognostic target of VM-based anti-metastasis drugs for CRC.
Eutrophication drives regime shift via changes in stoichiometric homeostasis-based submerged macrophyte assemblages
Authors: Zhang Chengxiang , Pei Hongcui , Lu Cai , Liu Peizhong , Liu Cunqi , Lei Guangchun
Published: May 2022

Homeostasis for phosphorus (HP) in submerged macrophytes may influence the susceptibility of lakes to regime shifts; however, the mechanisms linking submerged macrophyte HP to regime shifts remain unclear. We conducted an in situ mesocosm experiment to compare the dynamic responses of a high-HP species, Potamogeton maackianus, and a low-HP species, Hydrilla verticillata, to different phosphorus (P) level gradients, as well as their effects on phytoplankton inhibition. The biomass of P. maackianus under mesotrophic P (MP; P concentration 0.05 mg L−1) and eutrophic P (EP; P concentration 0.10 mg L−1) conditions was either non-significantly different from, or lower than that under oligotrophic P conditions (OP; P concentration under detection limit of 0.01 mg L−1). Conversely, H. verticillata biomass under EP was significantly higher than that under MP on day 90, whereas it died under OP. This variable response of submerged macrophyte species to P level gradients increased the relative growth advantage of H. verticillata compared to P. maackianus during eutrophication. The inhibition ratio of phytoplankton (IRP) for P. maackianus was ~15 times higher than that for H. verticillata under EP. Our study demonstrated a trend that submerged macrophyte assemblage IRP increased along with its assemblage HP. Thus, the changes in submerged macrophyte assemblages from high-HP species-dominance to low-HP species-dominance would erode its phytoplankton inhibition capacity, and further promote the regime shift from a clear-water state to a turbid state. Our results advance the regime shift theory from an ecological stoichiometry perspective and highlight the importance of high-HP submerged macrophyte species in the restoration of eutrophic lakes.
Thermal neutron beam optimization for PGNAA applications using Q-learning algorithm and neural network
Authors: Zolfaghari Mona , Masoudi S. Farhad , Rahmani Faezeh , Fathi Atefeh
Published: May 2022

As a powerful, non-destructive analysis tool based on thermal neutron capture reaction, prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) indeed requires the appropriate neutron source. Neutrons produced by electron Linac-based neutron sources should be thermalized to be appropriate for PGNAA. As a result, thermalization devices (TDs) are used for the usual fast neutron beam to simultaneously maximize the thermal neutron flux and minimize the non- thermal neutron flux at the beam port of TD. To achieve the desired thermal neutron flux, the optimized geometry of TD including the proper materials for moderators and collimator, as well as the optimized dimensions are required. In this context, TD optimization using only Monte Carlo approaches such as MCNP is a multi-parameter problem and time-consuming task. In this work, multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network has been applied in combination with Q-learning algorithm to optimize the geometry of TD containing collimator and two moderators. Using MLP, both thickness and diameter of the collimator at the beam port of TD have first been optimized for different input electron energies of Linac as well as for moderators’ thickness values and the collimator. Then, the MLP has been learned by the thermal and non-thermal neutron flux simultaneously at the beam port of TD calculated by MCNPX2.6 code. After selecting the optimized geometry of the collimator, a combination of Q-learning algorithm and MLP artificial neural network have been used to find the optimal moderators’ thickness for different input electron energies of Linac. Results verify that the final optimum setup can be obtained based on the prepared dataset in a considerably smaller number of simulations compared to conventional calculation methods as implemented in MCNP.
Active Brownian motion of strongly coupled charged grains driven by laser radiation in plasma
Authors: Petrov Oleg F. , Statsenko Konstantin B. , Vasiliev Mikhail M.
Published: May 2022

The systems of active Brownian grains can be considered as open systems, in which there is an exchange of energy and matter with the environment. The collective phenomena of active Brownian grains can demonstrate analogies with ordinary phase transitions. We study the active Brownian motion of light-absorbing and strongly interacting grains far from equilibrium suspended in gas discharge under laser irradiation when the nature and intensity of the active motion depend on the effect of radiation. Active Brownian motion is caused by photophoresis, i.e., absorption of laser radiation at the metal-coated surface of the grain creates radiometric force, which in turn drives the grains. We experimentally observed the active Brownian motion of charged grains in the transition of the grain monolayer from the solid to liquid state. An analysis of the character of motion, including the mean-square and linear displacement and persistence length at various values of the randomization (coupling parameter) of the grain structure, was presented.
Expression and function of the luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptor in human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Mann O. N. , Kong C.-S. , Lucas E. S. , Brosens J. J. , Hanyaloglu A. C. , Brighton P. J.
Published: May 2022

The human luteinising hormone choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a G-protein coupled receptor activated by both human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two structurally related gonadotropins with essential roles in ovulation and maintenance of the corpus luteum. LHCGR expression predominates in ovarian tissues where it elicits functional responses through cyclic adenosine mononucleotide (cAMP), Ca2+ and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling. LHCGR expression has also been localized to the human endometrium, with purported roles in decidualization and implantation. However, these observations are contentious. In this investigation, transcripts encoding LHCGR were undetectable in bulk RNA sequencing datasets from whole cycling endometrial tissue and cultured human endometrial stromal cells (EnSC). However, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed cell-to-cell transcriptional heterogeneity, and we identified a small subpopulation of stromal cells with detectable LHCGR transcripts. In HEK-293 cells expressing recombinant LHCGR, both hCG and LH elicited robust cAMP, Ca2+ and ERK signals that were absent in wild-type HEK-293 cells. However, none of these responses were recapitulated in primary EnSC cultures. In addition, proliferation, viability and decidual transformation of EnSC were refractory to both hCG and LH, irrespective of treatment to induce differentiation. Although we challenge the assertion that LHCGR is expressed at a functionally active level in the human endometrium, the discovery of a discrete subpopulation of EnSC that express LHCGR transcripts may plausibly account for the conflicting evidence in the literature.
Aerosol emission from playing wind instruments and related COVID-19 infection risk during music performance
Authors: Firle Carl , Steinmetz Anke , Stier Oliver , Stengel Dirk , Ekkernkamp Axel
Published: May 2022

The pandemic of COVID-19 led to restrictions in all kinds of music activities. Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 requires risk assessment of wind instrument playing in various situations. Previous studies focused on short-range transmission, whereas long-range transmission risk has not been assessed. The latter requires knowledge of aerosol emission rates from wind instrument playing. We measured aerosol concentrations in a hermetically closed chamber of 20 m3in an operating theatre as resulting from 20 min standardized wind instrument playing (19 flute, 11 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 trumpet players). We calculated aerosol emission rates showing uniform distribution for both instrument groups. Aerosol emission from wind instrument playing ranged from 11 ± 288 particles/second (P/s) up to 2535 ± 195 P/s, expectation value ± uncertainty standard deviation. The analysis of aerosol particle size distributions shows that 70–80% of emitted particles had a size of 0.25–0.8 µm and thus are alveolar. Masking the bell with a surgical mask did not reduce aerosol emission. Aerosol emission rates were higher from wind instrument playing than from speaking or breathing. Differences between instrumental groups could not be found but high interindividual variance, as expressed by uniform distribution of aerosol emission rates. Our findings indicate that aerosol emission depends on physiological factors and playing techniques rather than on the type of instrument, in contrast to some previous studies. Based on our results, we present transmission risk calculations for long-range transmission of COVID-19 for three typical woodwind playing situations.
Blood compatibility of widely used central venous catheters; an experimental study
Authors: Thorarinsdottir Hulda , Kander Thomas , Johansson Dorota , Nilsson Bo , Klarin Bengt , Sanchez Javier
Published: May 2022

An inserted central venous catheter (CVC) is considered foreign material by the inert host defence systems and induce inflammation and thrombus formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood compatibility of six commonly used CVCs. Three coated and three uncoated CVC materials were tested in a modified Chandler loop model. Each catheter material circulated in blood from ten different healthy volunteers for 1 h. Blood cell counts and measurements of the inert host defence systems were performed on blood samples from the loop. All the tested catheters demonstrated impact on blood cells, contact coagulation, the complement system, or inflammatory markers, although the impact varied significantly. Of the catheters we evaluated, the most unfavourable blood compatibility profile was found for the polyurethane CVC coated with chlorohexidine and silver sulfadiazine. The greatest variation in blood compatibility between test runs was noted for the silicone dialysis catheter. Poor blood compatibility should be taken seriously but given the experimental design of the current study the clinical significance remains to be evaluated.
Deep learning for blind structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Xypakis Emmanouil , Gosti Giorgio , Giordani Taira , Santagati Raffaele , Ruocco Giancarlo , Leonetti Marco
Published: May 2022

Blind-structured illumination microscopy (blind-SIM) enhances the optical resolution without the requirement of nonlinear effects or pre-defined illumination patterns. It is thus advantageous in experimental conditions where toxicity or biological fluctuations are an issue. In this work, we introduce a custom convolutional neural network architecture for blind-SIM: BS-CNN. We show that BS-CNN outperforms other blind-SIM deconvolution algorithms providing a resolution improvement of 2.17 together with a very high Fidelity (artifacts reduction). Furthermore, BS-CNN proves to be robust in cross-database variability: it is trained on synthetically augmented open-source data and evaluated on experiments. This approach paves the way to the employment of CNN-based deconvolution in all scenarios in which a statistical model for the illumination is available while the specific realizations are unknown or noisy.
A novel early diagnostic framework for chronic diseases with class imbalance
Authors: Yuan Xiaohan , Chen Shuyu , Sun Chuan , Yuwen Lu
Published: May 2022

Chronic diseases are one of the most severe health issues in the world, due to their terrible clinical presentations such as long onset cycle, insidious symptoms, and various complications. Recently, machine learning has become a promising technique to assist the early diagnosis of chronic diseases. However, existing works ignore the problems of feature hiding and imbalanced class distribution in chronic disease datasets. In this paper, we present a universal and efficient diagnostic framework to alleviate the above two problems for diagnosing chronic diseases timely and accurately. Specifically, we first propose a network-limited polynomial neural network (NLPNN) algorithm to efficiently capturehigh-levelfeatures hidden in chronic disease datasets, which is data augmentation in terms of its feature space and can also avoid over-fitting. Then, to alleviate the class imbalance problem, we further propose an attention-empowered NLPNN algorithm to improve the diagnostic accuracy for sick cases, which is also data augmentation in terms of its sample space. We evaluate the proposed framework on nine public and two real chronic disease datasets (partly with class imbalance). Extensive experiment results demonstrate that the proposed diagnostic algorithms outperform state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, and can achieve superior performances in terms of accuracy, recall, F1, and G_mean. The proposed framework can help to diagnose chronic diseases timely and accurately at an early stage.
Repetitive afterglow in zirconia by pulsed near-infrared irradiation toward biological temperature sensing
Authors: Ohashi Masaharu , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Terakado Nobuaki , Onoue Noriko , Shinozaki Tsuyoshi , Fujiwara Takumi
Published: May 2022

Photoluminescence provides information about the surrounding environment. In this study, aiming to develop a non-invasive deep body-temperature sensing method, we investigated photoluminescence properties of afterglow zirconia (ZrO2) by pulsed near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation based on the biological temperature. Pulsed light irradiation produced optically stimulated luminescence, followed by afterglow, with the property of repeating 100 times or more. Furthermore, the basic principle of temperature measurement was demonstrated through afterglow decay curve measurements. The use of harmless ZrO2 as a sensing probe and NIR light, which is relatively permeable to living tissues, is expected to realize temperature measurements in the brain and may also facilitate optogenetic treatment.
Bone marrow-derived macrophages from a murine model of Sjögren's syndrome demonstrate an aberrant, inflammatory response to apoptotic cells
Authors: Witas Richard , Shen Yiran , Nguyen Cuong Q.
Published: May 2022

Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a female-dominated autoimmune disease involving lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands. We have previously demonstrated cleavage of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) receptor Mer is enhanced in SjS, leading to defective efferocytosis. Mer also plays a role in modulating phagocyte inflammatory response to apoptotic cells. Here we investigated the SjS macrophage response to apoptotic cells (AC). Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from SjS-susceptible (SjSs) C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice and C57BL/6 (B6) controls were treated with either AC or CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides. RNA was collected from macrophages and bulk sequencing was performed to analyze transcripts. Cytokine expression was confirmed by Bio-plex. RT-qPCR was used to determine toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 9 involvement in BMDM inflammatory response to apoptotic cells. SjSS BMDMs exhibited a distinct transcriptional profile involving upregulation of a broad array of inflammatory genes that were not elevated in B6 BMDMs by AC. Inhibition of TLR 7 and 9 was found to limit the inflammatory response of SjSS BMDMs to ACs. ACs elicit an inflammatory reaction in SjSS BMDMs distinct from that observed in B6 BMDMs. This discovery of aberrant macrophage behavior in SjS in conjunction with previously described efferocytosis defects suggests an expanded role for macrophages in SjS, where uncleared dead cells stimulate an inflammatory response through macrophage TLRs recruiting lymphocytes, participating in co-stimulation and establishing an environment conducive to autoimmunity.
Terahertz waves dynamic diffusion in 3D printed structures
Authors: Missori Mauro , Pilozzi Laura , Conti Claudio
Published: May 2022

Applications of metamaterials in the realization of efficient devices in the terahertz band have recently been considered to achieve wave deflection, focusing, amplitude manipulation and dynamical modulation. Terahertz metamaterials offer practical advantages since their structures have typical sizes of hundreds microns and are within the reach of current three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. Here, we propose terahertz photonic structures composed of dielectric rods layers made of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate realized by low-cost, rapid, and versatile fused deposition modeling 3D-printing. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy is employed for the experimental study of their spectral and dynamic response. Measured spectra are interpreted by using simulations performed by an analytical exact solution of the Maxwell equations for a general incidence geometry, by a field expansion as a sum over reciprocal lattice vectors. Results show that the structures possess specific spectral forbidden bands of the incident THz radiation depending on their optical and geometrical parameters. We also find evidence of disorder in the 3D printed structure resulting in the closure of the forbidden bands at frequencies above 0.3 THz. The size disorder of the structures is quantified by studying the dynamics diffusion of THz pulses as a function of the numbers of layers of dielectric rods. Comparison with simulations of light diffusion in photonic crystals with increasing disorder allows estimating the size distributions of elements. By using a Mean Squared Displacement model, from the broadening of the pulses’ widths it is also possible to estimate the diffusion coefficient of the terahertz radiation in the photonic structures.
A generalizable one health framework for the control of zoonotic diseases
Authors: Ghai Ria R. , Wallace Ryan M. , Kile James C. , Shoemaker Trevor R. , Vieira Antonio R. , Negron Maria E. , Shadomy Sean V. , Sinclair Julie R. , Goryoka Grace W. , Salyer Stephanie J. , Barton Behravesh Casey
Published: May 2022

Effectively preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases requires a One Health approach that involves collaboration across sectors responsible for human health, animal health (both domestic and wildlife), and the environment, as well as other partners. Here we describe the Generalizable One Health Framework (GOHF), a five-step framework that provides structure for using a One Health approach in zoonotic disease programs being implemented at the local, sub-national, national, regional, or international level. Part of the framework is a toolkit that compiles existing resources and presents them following a stepwise schematic, allowing users to identify relevant resources as they are required. Coupled with recommendations for implementing a One Health approach for zoonotic disease prevention and control in technical domains including laboratory, surveillance, preparedness and response, this framework can mobilize One Health and thereby enhance and guide capacity building to combat zoonotic disease threats at the human–animal–environment interface.
No effect of dual exposure to sulfoxaflor and a trypanosome parasite on bumblebee olfactory learning
Authors: Vaughan Owen P. , Straw Edward A. , Linguadoca Alberto , Brown Mark J. F.
Published: May 2022

Bees are important pollinators in wild and agricultural ecosystems, and understanding the factors driving their global declines is key to maintaining these pollination services. Learning, which has been a focus of previous ecotoxicological studies in bees, may play a key role in driving colony fitness. Here we move beyond the standard single-stressor approach to ask how multiple stressors, an agrochemical (sulfoxaflor, a relatively new insecticide) and a parasite (Crithidia bombi, a prevalent gut parasite of bumblebees), impact learning in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We developed a modified version of the classic proboscis extension reflex assay to assess the combined effects of acute oral sulfoxaflor exposure and infection by C. bombi on olfactory learning of bumblebee workers. We found no evidence that either sulfoxaflor, C. bombi, or their combination had any significant effect on bumblebee olfactory learning, despite their known negative impacts on other aspects of bumblebee health. This suggests that losses in cognitive ability, as measured here, are unlikely to explain the impacts of sulfoxaflor and its interactions with other stressors on bumblebees. Our novel methodology provides a model system within which to test interactive effects of other key stressors on bee health.
SARS-CoV-2 detection using a nanobody-functionalized voltammetric device
Authors: Pagneux Quentin , Roussel Alain , Saada Hiba , Cambillau Christian , Amigues Béatrice , Delauzun Vincent , Engelmann Ilka , Alidjinou Enagnon Kazali , Ogiez Judith , Rolland Anne Sophie , Faure Emmanuel , Poissy Julien , Duhamel Alain , Boukherroub Rabah , Devos David , Szunerits Sabine
Published: May 2022

Background

An ongoing need during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the requirement for accurate and efficient point-of-care testing platforms to distinguish infected from non-infected people, and to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 infections from other viruses. Electrochemical platforms can detect the virus via its envelope spike protein by recording changes in voltammetric signals between samples. However, this remains challenging due to the limited sensitivity of these sensing platforms.

Methods

Here, we report on a nanobody-functionalized electrochemical platform for the rapid detection of whole SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in complex media such as saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples. The sensor relies on the functionalization of gold electrode surface with highly-oriented Llama nanobodies specific to the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD). The device provides results in 10 min of exposure to 200 µL of unprocessed samples with high specificity to SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in human saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples.

Results

The developed sensor could discriminate between different human coronavirus strains and other respiratory viruses, with 90% positive and 90% negative percentage agreement on 80 clinical samples, as compared to RT-qPCR.

Conclusions

We believe this diagnostic concept, also validated for RBD mutants and successfully tested on Delta variant samples, to be a powerful tool to detect patients’ infection status, easily extendable to other viruses and capable of overcoming sensing-related mutation effects.
Flexible, high-strength and multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol/MXene/polyaniline hydrogel enhancing skin wound healing
Authors: Liu Sudan , Li Diansen , Wang Yu , Zhou Guoqiang , Ge Kun , Jiang Lei , Fang Daining
Published: May 2022

High strength, conductivity and antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/MXene/polyaniline hydrogels were formed to enhance skin wound healing. The multifunctional hydrogels accelerate the wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition.
Synergy between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Poovan Fairoosa , Chandrashekhar Vishwas G. , Natte Kishore , Jagadeesh Rajenahally V.
Published: May 2022

In this review the concept of bridging homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis aspects for the preparation of nanoparticle-, single atom- and supported metal complex-based catalysts and their applications in organic transformations is discussed.
Cationic dinitrosyl iron complexes with thiourea exhibit selective toxicity to brain tumor cells in vitro
Authors: Sanina N. A. , Sulimenkov I. V. , Emel'yanova N. S. , Konyukhova A. S. , Stupina T. S. , Balakina A. A. , Terent'ev A. A. , Aldoshin S. M.
Published: May 2022

The cytotoxic activity of a series of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) with thioureas against cells of different origin has been studied in this work.
The strongin vitroandvivocytotoxicity of three new cobalt(ii) complexes with 8-methoxyquinoline
Authors: Wang Yu-Feng , Tang Ji-Xia , Mo Zai-Yong , Li Juan , Liang Fu-Pei , Zou Hua-Hong
Published: May 2022

8-Methoxyquinoline cobalt(ii) complexes inhibit SK-OV-3/DDP cell proliferation and induced effective apoptosisviaautophagy-mediated pathways. In particular, CoCl exhibits efficientin vivoanticancer activity (ca.60.1%).
A vacancy engineered MnO2−x electrocatalyst promotes nitrate electroreduction to ammonia
Authors: Wang Guohui , Shen Peng , Luo Yaojing , Li Xiaotian , Li Xingchuan , Chu Ke
Published: May 2022

O-Vacancy-rich MnO2−x exhibiting a high NO3RR activity, attributed to the OVs as catalytic centers to enhance the NO3− adsorption and dissociation, reduces the energy barriers of hydrogenation steps.
A POM-based porous supramolecular framework for efficient sulfide–sulfoxide transformations with a low molar O/S ratio
Authors: Chen Yanhong , An Haiyan , Chang Shenzhen , Li Yanqin , Zhu Qingshan , Luo Huiyun , Huang Yaohui
Published: May 2022

A porous supramolecular framework heterogeneously catalyzed the oxidative synthesis of sulfoxides and the detoxification of mustard gas simulants with a low molar O/S ratio.
Efficient and controlled H2 release from sodium formate
Authors: Xu Fuhua , Huang Wenkai , Wang Yanlan , Astruc Didier , Liu Xiang
Published: May 2022

A simple and surfactant-free method was successfully employed to construct M16Pd1/C bimetallic nano-materials for direct H2 production by SF decomposition in the presence of acetic acid.
High-performance electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions using NiFe2O4nanosheet arrays
Authors: Xie Lisi , Hu Long , Liu Qian , Sun Shengjun , Zhang Longcheng , Zhao Donglin , Liu Qin , Chen Jie , Li Jun , Ouyang Ling , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Kong Qingquan , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2022

NiFe2O4/CC is a highly active electrocatalyst for the conversion of nitrate to ammonia under ambient conditions, achieving a remarkably high faradaic efficiency of 96.6% and a large yield of 10.3 mg h−1cm−2in 0.1 M PBS with 0.1 M NaNO3.
Electrochemical reactions towards the formation of heteroatomic bonds beyond CO2 and N2 reduction
Authors: Patil Shivaraj B. , Wang Di-Yan
Published: May 2022

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are recognized as green and sustainable alternatives to produce various value-added fossil fuels and ammonia (NH3), respectively.
Sulfonyl passivation through synergistic hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hao Yangyang , Wang Xianzhao , Zhu Mingzhe , Jiang Xiafei , Wang Long , Cao Guorui , Pang Shuping , Zhou Zhongmin
Published: May 2022

Featuring sulfonyl, an organic small molecule, 3-ethylbenzo[d]isothiazole 1,1-dioxide (PSAD), is introduced to effectively passivate defects in perovskite films via hydrogen bonding and coordination bonding interactions, affording devices with higher efficiency and better operational stability.
Interrelationship study of the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and socioeconomic activities: a novel approach to finding sustainable solutions
Authors: Essien Aniekan E. , White Katie , Mohammadi Mariam
Published: May 2022

Designed program for sustainable solutions to a highly contentious activity, hydraulic fracturing, through an interrelationship study.
Layered baud‐space modulation: Flexible SM scheme under transmit‐ and receive spatial correlation
Authors: Akuon Peter O. , Xu Hongjun
Published: May 2022

This paper discusses layered baud‐space modulation system under arbitrary spatial correlation both at the transmitter and the receiver. Layered baud‐space modulation provides better reliability in spatial modulation systems as well as flexibility in data rates compared to multiple‐active space modulation. Several transmissions occur asynchronously within the time slot. As a result, fractional sampling is employed at the receiver to detect the signals. For this scheme, it is more practical to analyse spatial correlation both at the transmitter and the receiver, since temporal correlation is a likely occurrence. However, asynchronous transmission will lead to higher probability of packet drops when synchronization errors are present. Lower bounds of bit error rates are derived from theoretical criteria based on mutual information and sample covariance of the joint spatial and modulation space. Analytical results for bit error probability are tightly verified from simulations. The channel is assumed to be of frequency‐flat Rayleigh fading form. The tests are carried out under different antenna spacing, amplitude and phase modulation schemes and various number of transmit and receive antenna configurations.
Development of Private-Public Participation in Iranian Water Resources to Boost the Tourism Industry
Authors: Tahmasbi Hedyeh , Zarsazi Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It plays a prominent role in countries’ economies since not only it directly contributes to the national income, but it also indirectly benefits adjacent industries through spillovers. Tourism has been the primary source of income for many emerging countries. Unfortunately, Iran has not been taking advantage of this industry since 1979 due to its reliance on revenues from the oil industry. However, due to rapidly declining oil revenues in the recent past, Iran’s economic cycle has been interrupted, resulting in a recession. During a recession, a significant portion of the government’s projected resources for keeping the country up and running will not be realized. In such situations, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) could boost the economy by expanding the adjacent businesses. In this paper, we demonstrate a PPP plan which leverages water resources and facilities to boost the tourism industry in Iran. In particular, we study in detail the partnership evolution in Iran, and propose appropriate PPP implementation mechanisms by defining autonomous projects. We show that our proposed approach could boost Iran’s economy. As a byproduct, it could also enhance the outlook of Iran’s tourism industry.
Water Injection Dredging for improving and preserving reservoir storage capacity: modelling and measuring tools
Authors: Kirichek Alex , Cronin Katherine , de Wit Lynyrd , Meshkati Ebi , Pennekamp Johan , Wijdeveld Arjan , Sloff Kees
Published: May 2022

Water Injection Dredging (WID) has been successfully applied for removing sediment deposits in reservoirs, which results in an increase of their storage capacity. This dredging method is based on the fluidization of the top sediment layer by pressurized injection of water by a dredging vessel. The fluidized sediment can be transported towards the dead storage of the reservoir or sluiced out of the reservoir through the bottom outlets of a dam. This flow can either occur by gravity induced flow or especially directed by the dredging strategy of the WID vessel. This dredging technique can increase the water storage capacity of the reservoir and prevent the erosion of the river downstream, hence the sediment blockage. Recent developments in modelling and measuring tools have enabled stakeholders to design, optimize and monitor WID in reservoirs. In this paper, we will demonstrate how modelling and measuring tools can be used to evaluate alternative dredging strategies for reservoir maintenance. In particular, we show how a mid-field and far-field modelling can be applied for designing WID actions and predicting sediment plume dynamics in a given reservoir. Additionally, we will present recently-developed in-situ measuring tools, that are currently used for monitoring turbidity in a water column and sediment properties during and after WID actions. Finally, potential benefit of applying WID in Shihmen Reservoir (Taiwan) is discussed.
Practice and Exploration of Integrated Operation of the Lower Jinsha River - Three Gorges Cascade Multifunctional Reservoirs
Authors: Li Peng , Zhou Xiaoqian
Published: May 2022

The Lower Jinsha River - Three Gorges Cascade Multifunctional Reservoirs include 4 reservoirs: Xiluodu, Xiangjiaba, Three Gorges and Gezhouba, which have many functions such as flood control, power generation, navigation, ecology, water supply, and public safety. In order to give full play to the comprehensive benefits of the cascade reservoirs, the operation and management authority carries out integrated operation. In dry season, the power generation, navigation, ecology, and water supply needs are considered as a whole, and integrated drawdown operation are carried out. In flood season, take the needs of flood control, power generation, shipping and public safety into consideration, carrying out integrated flood prevention operation and connecting with water impoundment operation. This article summarized the practical experience of integrated operation of cascade multi-functional reservoirs, introduced the technical support system, and explored the development of a broader integrated operation of reservoirs.
Upgrading of the flood retention basin Odenkirchen in Germany
Authors: Haselsteiner Ronald , Mottner Markus
Published: May 2022

The flood retention basin Odenkirchen on the river Niers in Germany was constructed around 60 years ago as consequence of a major, harmful flood event. The complete design and structures do not comply with up-to-date national regulations, the DIN 19700 [3], so that the owner, the Niers Association, decided to upgrade the basin. The upgrading works include different measures such as the adjustment of the reservoir operation management in consideration of the updated flood hydrographs and discharges as well as adjustments in respect to sewage disposal compensation. Latter purpose is an urgent consequence of the continuous urban development which led to a steady increase of the sewage discharges for which the required retention volumes cannot be realized locally. As part of the dam rehabilitation the reconstruction of the outlet works – a controlled weir with three bays and sluice gates – and construction of an overflow spillway as part of an embankment dam shall be realized. The complete project is dominated by the environmental restrictions comprising both environmental protection areas as well as requirements of fish passability and groundwater. The project area is located within a region with mining subsidence, groundwater management and high sediment loads.
Analysis of the role of long-term and short-term periods of inflow in reservoirs water resources planning
Authors: Kanani Reza
Published: May 2022

Predicting of inflow discharge to reservoir dams is very important in achieving the purposes of reservoirs water planning. Due to climate change and human activities in the upstream of basins in recent years, the time series of discharge data has generally had downward trend. Therefore, estimating of the discharge in different statistical periods (long-term, medium-term and short-term) and analyzing it in the selection of project purposes has undeniable importance. In this study, the estimate of inflow discharge in 4 dams located in East Azerbaijan province (northwest of Iran) in different statistical periods was performed, and the effect of selecting each statistical period in the dams water resources planning was analyzed. The results showed that depending on the conditions of each basin, the selection of the appropriate discharge period will be different. But in general, choosing a short period of 15-20 years is appropriate and effective in achieving the goals of the project.
Étude pour la réduction de l’impact des éclusées sur le fleuve Aude
Authors: Cluzel Philippe
Published: May 2022

Avec un bassin versant de près de 5 500 km2, l’Aude constitue le fleuve côtier le plus important de la Région Occitanie. Il est soumis à un régime d’éclusées ayant pour origine la production d’énergie hydroélectrique de pointe et, en période d’étiage estival, le placement de l’eau au service des sports d’eaux vives et de l’agriculture. Ces éclusées se traduisent par une fluctuation des débits instantanés, liée à des lâchers d’eau limités dans le temps se superposant au débit de base naturel. Ce fonctionnement est générateur de perturbations sur le milieu (hydromorphologie, physico-chimie, biologie), et les phénomènes de marnages posent des difficultés de gestion pour les différentes catégories d’usagers, notamment les préleveurs. Ce phénomène pourrait être aggravé à moyen terme puisque la mise en place d’un système complémentaire de compensation des prélèvements multi-usagers depuis des ressources sécurisées est en discussion. Dans ce contexte, le Syndicat Mixte des Milieux Aquatiques et des Rivières (SMMAR) mène une étude spécifique dont l’objectif est de mieux comprendre les phénomènes d’éclusées et leurs incidences, afin de proposer des solutions d’aménagement et de gestion visant à respecter les objectifs de bon état des milieux imposés par la Directive Cadre, tout en garantissant les usages.
Optimal operation of multi-reservoir system for flood control and hydroelectric generation
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Hao , Gourbesville Philippe
Published: May 2022

In this research, a flood control operating strategy is developed based on a simulation-optimization model to reduce flood damage downstream of multi-reservoir systems by using spillway gates. For this purpose, an optimization algorithm is introduced, in which the maximum water level of the downstream control points and hydropower potential generation in the flood season are objective functions, and the level of the stages of spillway gates are the decision variables. A global optimization tool, Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE) algorithm implemented in the AUTOCAL software was coupled with the Mike 11 from DHI simulation model for optimizing stages level of spillway gates. As a case study, the Vu Gia Thu Bon rivers catchment including multi-reservoirs of A Vuong, Song Tranh 2, Dak Mi 4 and Song Bung 4 is analyzed. The proposed method was demonstrated to provide an effective tradeoff between flood control and hydropower generation.
Assessment of reservoir response to flood conditions to optimize hydropower operations – Isimba HPP Uganda
Authors: Mukwanason Darren Edson , Kajubi Enock , Mwase Charles , Akurut Mary , Kayondo Muzafalu , E Mutikanga Harrison
Published: May 2022

Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world and the source of river Nile, the longest river in the world. Due to prolonged precipitation above the average over the past two years, the lake water levels have increased surpassing the highest ever recorded of 13.41m in 1964. To mitigate the negative impacts on the people, navigation and developments in the flood zones, lake outflows were gradually increased from 1000cumecs to 2400cumecs. Isimba Hydropower Plant (HPP) with a reservoir capacity of 170 million cubic meters is the fourth hydropower plant along the upper Nile cascade with a design flood level of 1055m above sea level. Reservoir operation is constrained by the bridge construction and ferry operation works downstream which are affected by the increased discharges. There is also uncertainty of the incoming discharge magnitude and travel time due to lack of an upstream gauging station. This paper seeks to assess the reservoir response to the increasing flood conditions using Hydrologic Engineering software for flood routing and to model an operation water level (OWL) that optimizes power production and flood control whilst ensuring public safety of the downstream activities through real-time forecasts in the short term.