bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-municipality migration and spread of tuberculosis in South Africa
Authors: Fofana Abdou M. , Moultrie Harry , Scott Lesley , Jacobson Karen R. , Shapiro Anne N. , Dor Graeme , Crankshaw Beth , Silva Pedro Da , Jenkins Helen E. , Bor Jacob , Stevens Wendy S.
Published: February 2023

Human migration facilitates the spread of infectious disease. However, little is known about the contribution of migration to the spread of tuberculosis in South Africa. We analyzed longitudinal data on all tuberculosis test results recorded by South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), January 2011–July 2017, alongside municipality-level migration flows estimated from the 2016 South African Community Survey. We first assessed migration patterns in people with laboratory-diagnosed tuberculosis and analyzed demographic predictors. We then quantified the impact of cross-municipality migration on tuberculosis incidence in municipality-level regression models. The NHLS database included 921,888 patients with multiple clinic visits with TB tests. Of these, 147,513 (16%) had tests in different municipalities. The median (IQR) distance travelled was 304 (163 to 536) km. Migration was most common at ages 20–39 years and rates were similar for men and women. In municipality-level regression models, each 1% increase in migration-adjusted tuberculosis prevalence was associated with a 0.47% (95% CI: 0.03% to 0.90%) increase in the incidence of drug-susceptible tuberculosis two years later, even after controlling for baseline prevalence. Similar results were found for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. Accounting for migration improved our ability to predict future incidence of tuberculosis.
Hydrodynamic Kelvin–Helmholtz instability on metallic surface
Authors: Wang Xi , Hu Xiao-Mian , Wang Sheng-Tao , Pan Hao , Yin Jian-Wei
Published: February 2023

Kelvin–Helmholtz instability on metallic surface is relevant to intense oblique impact in many physical processes such as explosive welding, Inertial Confinement Fusion and planetary impact events. Evolution of instability results in the formation of wavy morphology leading to material bonding or even mixing. However, mostly due to lack method to describe the dynamic behavior, instability mechanism controlled by elastoplastic properties of metal remains elusive. Here, we introduce a theory to reveal the evolution characteristics aroused by tangential velocity. Our simulations find that the unstable metallic surfaces exhibit amplitude growth and tangential motion by overcoming the depression of yield strength to generate wavy morphology. For diverse loading velocities, corrugated surfaces and material properties, an instability boundary distinguishes all unstable evolutions. Our analytical method with scale-independent variables reproducing numerical findings reveals plentiful characteristics of instability in strength materials. For designed loading velocities and material in oblique impact experiment in laboratory, the property of corrugated surfaces becomes an important factor to determine instability evolution.
Spherical rotary cell seeding system for production of small-caliber tissue-engineered blood vessels with complex geometry
Authors: Brodeur Alyssa , Winter Alexandre , Roy Vincent , Touzel Deschênes Lydia , Gros-Louis François , Ruel Jean
Published: February 2023

Entirely biological human tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBV) were previously developed for clinical use. Tissue-engineered models have also proven to be valuable tools in disease modelling. Moreover, there is a need for complex geometry TEBV for study of multifactorial vascular pathologies, such as intracranial aneurysms. The main goal of the work reported in this article was to produce an entirely human branched small-caliber TEBV. The use of a novel spherical rotary cell seeding system allows effective and uniform dynamic cell seeding for a viable in vitro tissue-engineered model. In this report, the design and fabrication of an innovative seeding system with random spherical 360° rotation is described. Custom made seeding chambers are placed inside the system and hold Y-shaped polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) scaffolds. The seeding conditions, such as cell concentration, seeding speed and incubation time were optimized via count of cells adhered on the PETG scaffolds. This spheric seeding method was compared to other approaches, such as dynamic and static seeding, and clearly shows uniform cell distribution on PETG scaffolds. With this simple to use spherical system, fully biological branched TEBV constructs were also produced by seeding human fibroblasts directly on custom-made complex geometry PETG mandrels. The production of patient-derived small-caliber TEBVs with complex geometry and optimized cellular distribution all along the vascular reconstructed may be an innovative way to model various vascular diseases such as intracranial aneurysms.
Digestive enzymes and sphingomyelinase D in spiders without venom (Uloboridae)
Authors: Valladão Rodrigo , Neto Oscar Bento Silva , de Oliveira Gonzaga Marcelo , Pimenta Daniel Carvalho , Lopes Adriana Rios
Published: February 2023

Spiders have distinct predatory behaviours selected along Araneae’s evolutionary history but are mainly based on the use of venom for prey paralysis. Uloboridae spiders have lost their venom glands secondarily during evolution. Because of this, they immobilise their prey by extensively wrapping, and digestion starts with the addition of digestive fluid. During the extra-oral digestion, the digestive fluid liquefies both the prey and the AcSp2 spidroins from the web fibres. Despite the efficiency of this process, the cocktail of enzymes involved in digestion in Uloboridae spiders remains unknown. In this study, the protein content in the midgut of Uloborus sp. was evaluated through enzymatic, proteomic, and phylogenetic analysis. Hydrolases such as peptidases (endo and exopeptidases: cysteine, serine, and metallopeptidases), carbohydrases (alpha-amylase, chitinase, and alpha-mannosidase), and lipases were biochemically assayed, and 50 proteins (annotated as enzymes, structural proteins, and toxins) were identified, evidencing the identity between the digestive enzymes present in venomous and non-venomous spiders. Even enzymes thought to be unique to venom, including enzymes such as sphingomyelinase D, were found in the digestive system of non-venomous spiders, suggesting a common origin between digestive enzymes and enzymes present in venoms. This is the first characterization of the molecules involved in the digestive process and the midgut protein content of a non-venomous spider.
Mixture effects of thiamethoxam and seven pesticides with different modes of action on honey bees (Aplis mellifera)
Authors: Li Wenhong , Lv Lu , Wang Yanhua , Zhu Yu-Cheng
Published: February 2023

Even though honey bees in the field are routinely exposed to a complex mixture of many different agrochemicals, few studies have surveyed toxic effects of pesticide mixtures on bees. To elucidate the interactive actions of pesticides on crop pollinators, we determined the individual and joint toxicities of thiamethoxam (THI) and other seven pesticides [dimethoate (DIM), methomyl (MET), zeta-cypermethrin (ZCY), cyfluthrin (CYF), permethrin (PER), esfenvalerate (ESF) and tetraconazole (TET)] to honey bees (Aplis mellifera) with feeding toxicity test. Results from the 7-days toxicity test implied that THI elicited the highest toxicity with a LC50 data of 0.25 (0.20–0.29) μg mL−1, followed by MET and DIM with LC50 data of 4.19 (3.58–4.88) and 5.30 (4.65–6.03) μg mL−1, respectively. By comparison, pyrethroids and TET possessed relatively low toxicities with their LC50 data from the range of 33.78 (29.12–38.39) to 1125 (922.4–1,442) μg mL−1. Among 98 evaluated THI-containing binary to octonary mixtures, 29.59% of combinations exhibited synergistic effects. In contrast, 18.37% of combinations exhibited antagonistic effects on A. mellifera. Moreover, 54.8% pesticide combinations incorporating THI and TET displayed synergistic toxicities to the insects. Our findings emphasized that the coexistence of several pesticides might induce enhanced toxicity to honey bees. Overall, our results afforded worthful toxicological information on the combined actions of neonicotinoids and current-use pesticides on honey bees, which could accelerate farther comprehend on the possible detriments of other pesticide mixtures in agro-environment.
Comparison of different software for processing physical activity measurements with accelerometry
Authors: Verhoog Sanne , Gubelmann Cédric , Bano Arjola , Muka Taulant , Franco Oscar H. , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: February 2023

Several raw-data processing software for accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) exist, but whether results agree has not been assessed. We examined the agreement between three different software for raw accelerometer data, and associated their results with cardiovascular risk. A cross-sectional analysis conducted between 2014 and 2017 in 2693 adults (53.4% female, 45–86 years) living in Lausanne, Switzerland was used. Participants wore the wrist-worn GENEActive accelerometer for 14 days. Data was processed with the GENEActiv manufacturer software, the Pampro package in Python and the GGIR package in R. For the latter, two sets of thresholds “White” and “MRC” defining levels of PA and two versions (1.5–9 and 1.11–1) for the “MRC” threshold were used. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the SCORE risk score. Time spent (mins/day) in stationary, light, moderate and vigorous PA ranged from 633 (GGIR-MRC) to 1147 (Pampro); 93 (GGIR-White) to 196 (GGIR-MRC); 19 (GGIR-White) to 161 (GENEActiv) and 1 (GENEActiv) to 26 (Pampro), respectively. Spearman correlations between results ranged between 0.317 and 0.995, while concordance coefficients ranged between 0.035 and 0.968. With some exceptions, the line of perfect agreement was not in the 95% confidence interval of the Bland–Altman plots. Compliance to PA guidelines varied considerably: 99.8%, 98.7%, 76.3%, 72.6% and 50.2% for Pampro, GENEActiv, GGIR-MRC v.1.11–1, GGIR-MRC v.1.4–9 and GGIR-White, respectively. Cardiovascular risk decreased with increasing time spent in PA across most software packages. We found large differences in PA estimation between software and thresholds used, which makes comparability between studies challenging.
A proof of principle study using radiopharmaceuticals to quantify and localize container-content interactions in medical syringes
Authors: Dupire C. , Chennell P. , Pereira B. , Courtiol N. , Buj S. , Cueff R. , Crauste-Manciet S. , Sautou V. , Morgat C.
Published: February 2023

The sorption of drugs onto their contents is a known phenomenon that is difficult to analyse precisely. The purpose of this study was to present a non-invasive method for locating and quantifying sorption phenomena using radiopharmaceuticals. Radiopharmaceutical are medicines armed with a radionuclide enabling quantification and imaging using dedicated scanners. The sorption of nine different radiopharmaceuticals on 2- and 3-part syringes was investigated. These syringes were filled with the studied radiopharmaceutical solutions and stored immobile for 3 h. At different times ranging from 0 to 180 min, 10 µL were taken from the syringes and the radioactivity of these samples was determined by a gamma counter. 5 radiopharmaceuticals exhibited no significant sorption at any time point in both 2 and 3-parts syringes, but 4 radiopharmaceuticals exhibited sorption losses varying from 20 to 33% after 3 h contact with 3-part-syringes, but no sorption on 2-part syringes at any time point. [99mTc]Tc-tetrofosmine Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging indicated clearly that the interactions were located on the rubber plunger of the 3-part-syringes. The specific nature of radiopharmaceuticals allowed their use as an innovative method to quantify and localize drug sorption phenomena.
Iron oxide/hydroxide–nitrogen doped graphene-like visible-light active photocatalytic layers for antibiotics removal from wastewater
Authors: Ivan R. , Popescu C. , Antohe V. A. , Antohe S. , Negrila C. , Logofatu C. , del Pino A. Pérez , György E.
Published: February 2023

Hybrid layers consisting of Fe oxide, Fe hydroxide, and nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets have been synthesized by an eco-friendly laser-based method for photocatalytic applications. The complex composite layers show high photodecomposition efficiency towards degradation of antibiotic molecules under visible light irradiation. The photodecomposition efficiency was investigated as a function of relative concentrations of base materials, Fe oxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide platelets used for the preparation of target dispersions submitted to laser irradiation. Although reference pure Fe oxide/Fe hydroxide layers have high absorption in the visible spectral region, their photodecomposition efficiency is negligible under the same irradiation conditions. The high photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of the nanohybrid layer, up to 80% of the initial antibiotic molecules was assigned to synergistic effects between the constituent materials, efficient separation of the electron–hole pairs generated by visible light irradiation on the surface of Fe oxide and Fe hydroxide nanoparticles, in the presence of conducting graphene-like platelets. Nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets contribute also to the generation of electron–hole pairs under visible light irradiation, as demonstrated by the photocatalytic activity of pure, reference nitrogen doped graphene-like layers. The results also showed that adsorption processes do not contribute significantly to the removal of antibiotic molecules from the test solutions. The decrease of the antibiotic concentration under visible light irradiation was assigned primarily to photocatalytic decomposition mechanisms.
Salinity stress improves antioxidant potential by modulating physio-biochemical responses in Moringa oleifera Lam.
Authors: Azeem Muhammad , Pirjan Kulsoom , Qasim Muhammad , Mahmood Athar , Javed Talha , Muhammad Haji , Yang Shoujun , Dong Renjie , Ali Baber , Rahimi Mehdi
Published: February 2023

Moringa oleiferaLam.is a common edible plant, famous for several nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This study investigates the salt -induced modulations in plant growth, physio-biochemical responses, and antioxidant performance ofM. oleiferagrown under 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl concentrations. Results showed that the plant effectively managed moderate salinity (50 mM NaCl) by maintaining succulence, weight ratios, and biomass allocation patterns of both shoot and root with minimal reduction in dry biomass. However, high salinity (100 mM NaCl) remarkably declined all growth parameters. The plant accumulated more Na+and Cl−, while less K+under salinity as compared to the control. Consequently, osmotic potentials of both root and leaf decreased under salinity, which was corroborated by the high amount of proline and soluble sugars. Increased level of H2O2with significantly unchanged membrane fluidity indicating its role in perceiving and managing stress at moderate salinity. In addition, increased activities of superoxide dismutase, and catalase, with increased glutathione and flavonoid contents suggest an integrated participation of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components in regulating ROS. On the other hand, high salinity caused an outburst of ROS indicated by high H2O2, MDA, and electrolyte leakage. As a response, moringa drastically increased the activities of all antioxidant enzymes and contents of antioxidant molecules including ascorbic acid, glutathione, total phenols, and flavonoids with high radical scavenging and reducing power capacities. However, a considerable amount of energy was used in such management resulting in a significant growth reduction at 100 mM NaCl. This study suggests that moringa effectively resisted moderate salinity by modulating physio-biochemical attributes and effectively managing ion toxicity and oxidative stress. Salt stress also enhanced the medicinal potentials of moringa by increasing the contents of antioxidant compounds including ascorbic acid, glutathione, total phenols, and flavonoids and their resulting activities. It can be grown on degraded/ saline lands and biomass of this plant can be used for edible and medicinal purposes, besides providing other benefits in a global climate change scenario.
Mapping localization of 21 endogenous proteins in the Golgi apparatus of rodent neurons
Authors: van Bommel Danique M. , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: February 2023

The Golgi apparatus is the major sorting hub in the secretory pathway and particularly important for protein sorting in neurons. Knowledge about protein localization in Golgi compartments is largely based on work in cell lines. Here, we systematically compared protein localization of 21 endogenous proteins in the Golgi apparatus of mouse neurons using confocal microscopy and line scan analysis. We localized these proteins by measuring the distance relative to the canonical TGN marker TGN38. Based on this, proteins fell into three groups: upstream of, overlapping with or downstream of TGN38. Seven proteins showed complete overlap with TGN38, while proteins downstream of TGN38 were located at varying distances from TGN38. Proteins upstream of TGN38 were localized in between TGN38 and the cis-/medial Golgi markers Giantin and GM130. This localization was consistent with protein function. Our data provide an overview of the relative localization of endogenous proteins in the Golgi of primary mouse neurons.
Human collecting lymphatic glycocalyx identification by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Gianesini S. , Rimondi E. , Raffetto J. D. , Melloni E. , Pellati A. , Menegatti E. , Avruscio G. P. , Bassetto F. , Costa A. L. , Rockson S.
Published: February 2023

Blood flow is translated into biochemical inflammatory or anti-inflammatory signals based onshear stress type, by means of sensitive endothelial receptors. Recognition of the phenomenon is of paramount importance for enhanced insights into the pathophysiological processes of vascular remodeling. The endothelial glycocalyx is a pericellular matrix, identified in both arteries and veins, acting collectively as a sensor responsive to blood flow changes. Venous and lymphatic physiology is interconnected; however, to our knowledge, a lymphatic glycocalyx structure has never been identified in humans. The objective of this investigation is to identify glycocalyx structures from ex vivo lymphatic human samples. Lower limb vein and lymphatic vessels were harvested. The samples were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The specimens were also examined by immunohistochemistry. Transmission electron microscopy identified a glycocalyx structure in human venous and lymphatic samples. Immunohistochemistry for podoplanin, glypican-1, mucin-2, agrin and brevican characterized lymphatic and venous glycocalyx-like structures. To our knowledge, the present work reports the first identification of a glycocalyx-like structure in human lymphatic tissue. The vasculoprotective action of the glycocalyx could become an investigational target in the lymphatic system as well, with clinical implications for the many patients affected by lymphatic disorders.
Mechanical properties and biocompatibility of a novel miniscrew made of Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8 bulk metallic glass for orthodontic anchorage
Authors: Sasaki Shutaro , Seiryu Masahiro , Ida Hiroto , Miyashita Shunro , Takeshita Nobuo , Irie Daiki , Yokoyama Yoshihiko , Takano-Yamamoto Teruko
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the present study was to fabricate a miniscrew possible for clinical application using Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8bulk metallic glass (BMG), which has high mechanical strength, low elastic modulus, and high biocompatibility. First, the elastic moduli of Zr-based metallic glass rods made of Zr55Ni5Cu30Al10, Zr60Ni10Cu20Al10, Zr65Ni10Cu17.5Al7.5, Zr68Ni12Cu12Al8, and Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8were measured. Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8had the lowest elastic modulus among them. Then, we fabricated Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8BMG miniscrews with diameters from 0.9 to 1.3 mm, conducted a torsion test, and implanted them into the alveolar bone of beagle dogs to compare insertion torque, removal torque, Periotest, new bone formation around the miniscrew, and failure rate compared with 1.3 mm diameter Ti-6Al-4 V miniscrew. The Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8BMG miniscrew exhibited a high torsion torque even if the miniscrew had a small diameter. Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8BMG miniscrews with a diameter of 1.1 mm or less had higher stability and lower failure rate than 1.3 mm diameter Ti-6Al-4 V miniscrews. Furthermore, the smaller diameter Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8BMG miniscrew was shown, for the first time, to have a higher success rate and to form more new bone around the miniscrew. These findings suggested the usefulness of our novel small miniscrew made of Zr70Ni16Cu6Al8BMG for orthodontic anchorage.
Early detection of anthropogenic climate change signals in the ocean interior
Authors: Tjiputra Jerry F. , Negrel Jean , Olsen Are
Published: February 2023

Robust detection of anthropogenic climate change is crucial to: (i) improve our understanding of Earth system responses to external forcing, (ii) reduce uncertainty in future climate projections, and (iii) develop efficient mitigation and adaptation plans. Here, we use Earth system model projections to establish the detection timescales of anthropogenic signals in the global ocean through analyzing temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH evolution from surface to 2000 m depths. For most variables, anthropogenic changes emerge earlier in the interior ocean than at the surface, due to the lower background variability at depth. Acidification is detectable earliest, followed by warming and oxygen changes in the subsurface tropical Atlantic. Temperature and salinity changes in the subsurface tropical and subtropical North Atlantic are shown to be early indicators for a slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Even under mitigated scenarios, inner ocean anthropogenic signals are projected to emerge within the next few decades. This is because they originate from existing surface changes that are now propagating into the interior. In addition to the tropical Atlantic, our study calls for establishment of long-term interior monitoring systems in the Southern Ocean and North Atlantic in order to elucidate how spatially heterogeneous anthropogenic signals propagate into the interior and impact marine ecosystems and biogeochemistry.
Joint estimation of relaxation and diffusion tissue parameters for prostate cancer with relaxation-VERDICT MRI
Authors: Palombo Marco , Valindria Vanya , Singh Saurabh , Chiou Eleni , Giganti Francesco , Pye Hayley , Whitaker Hayley C. , Atkinson David , Punwani Shonit , Alexander Daniel C. , Panagiotaki Eleftheria
Published: February 2023

This work presents a biophysical model of diffusion and relaxation MRI for prostate called relaxation vascular, extracellular and restricted diffusion for cytometry in tumours (rVERDICT). The model includes compartment-specific relaxation effects providing T1/T2 estimates and microstructural parameters unbiased by relaxation properties of the tissue. 44 men with suspected prostate cancer (PCa) underwent multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) and VERDICT-MRI followed by targeted biopsy. We estimate joint diffusion and relaxation prostate tissue parameters with rVERDICT using deep neural networks for fast fitting. We tested the feasibility of rVERDICT estimates for Gleason grade discrimination and compared with classic VERDICT and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from mp-MRI. The rVERDICT intracellular volume fraction fic discriminated between Gleason 3 + 3 and 3 + 4 (p = 0.003) and Gleason 3 + 4 and ≥ 4 + 3 (p = 0.040), outperforming classic VERDICT and the ADC from mp-MRI. To evaluate the relaxation estimates we compare against independent multi-TE acquisitions, showing that the rVERDICT T2 values are not significantly different from those estimated with the independent multi-TE acquisition (p > 0.05). Also, rVERDICT parameters exhibited high repeatability when rescanning five patients (R2 = 0.79–0.98; CV = 1–7%; ICC = 92–98%). The rVERDICT model allows for accurate, fast and repeatable estimation of diffusion and relaxation properties of PCa sensitive enough to discriminate Gleason grades 3 + 3, 3 + 4 and ≥ 4 + 3.
Metasurfaces of capacitively loaded metallic rings for magnetic resonance imaging surface coils
Authors: Freire Manuel J.
Published: February 2023

This work investigates the use of a metasurface made up of a two-dimensional array of capacitively loaded metallic rings to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of magnetic resonance imaging surface coils and to tailor the magnetic near-field radio frequency pattern of the coils. It is found that the signal-to-noise ratio is increased if the coupling between the capacitively loaded metallic rings in the array is increased. The input resistance and the radiofrequency magnetic field of the metasurface loaded coil are numerically analyzed by means of an efficient algorithm termed the discrete model to determine the signal-to-noise ratio. Standing surface waves or magnetoinductive waves supported by the metasurface introduce resonances in the frequency dependence of the input resistance. The signal-to-noise ratio is found to be optimal at the frequency corresponding to a local minimum existing between these resonances.The discrete model is used in an optimization procedure to fit the structural parameters of a metasurface to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio at the frequency corresponding to this local minimum in the input resistance. It is found that the signal-to-noise ratio can be greatly improved if the mutual coupling between the capacitively loaded metallic rings of the array is made stronger by bringing them closer or by using rings of squared shape instead of circular. These conclusions derived from the numerical results provided by the discrete model are double-checked by means of numerical simulations provided by the commercial electromagnetic solver Simulia CST and by experimental results. Numerical results provided by CST are also shown to demonstrate that the surface impedance of the array of elements can be adjusted to provide a more homogeneous magnetic near-field radio frequency pattern that ultimately leads to a more uniform magnetic resonance image at a desired slice. This is achieved by preventing the reflection of propagating magnetoinductive waves at the edges of the array by matching the elements arranged at the edges of the array with capacitors of suitable value.
The influence of astrocytic leaflet motility on ionic signalling and homeostasis at active synapses
Authors: Toman Marinus , Wade John Joseph , Verkhratsky Alexei , Dallas Mark , Bithell Angela , Flanagan Bronac , Harkin Jim , McDaid Liam
Published: February 2023

Astrocytes display a highly complex, spongiform morphology, with their fine terminal processes (leaflets) exercising dynamic degrees of synaptic coverage, from touching and surrounding the synapse to being retracted from the synaptic region. In this paper, a computational model is used to reveal the effect of the astrocyte-synapse spatial relationship on ionic homeostasis. Specifically, our model predicts that varying degrees of astrocyte leaflet coverage influences concentrations of K+, Na+ and Ca2+, and results show that leaflet motility strongly influences Ca2+ uptake, as well as glutamate and K+ to a lesser extent. Furthermore, this paper highlights that an astrocytic leaflet that is in proximity to the synaptic cleft loses the ability to form a Ca2+ microdomain, whereas when the leaflet is remote from the synaptic cleft, a Ca2+ microdomain can form. This may have implications for Ca2+-dependent leaflet motility.
Strategies for single-shot discrimination of process matrices
Authors: Lewandowska Paulina , Pawela Łukasz , Puchała Zbigniew
Published: February 2023

The topic of causality has recently gained traction quantum information research. This work examines the problem of single-shot discrimination between process matrices which are an universal method defining a causal structure. We provide an exact expression for the optimal probability of correct distinction. In addition, we present an alternative way to achieve this expression by using the convex cone structure theory. We also express the discrimination task as semidefinite programming. Due to that, we have created the SDP calculating the distance between process matrices and we quantify it in terms of the trace norm. As a valuable by-product, the program finds an optimal realization of the discrimination task. We also find two classes of process matrices which can be distinguished perfectly. Our main result, however, is a consideration of the discrimination task for process matrices corresponding to quantum combs. We study which strategy, adaptive or non-signalling, should be used during the discrimination task. We proved that no matter which strategy you choose, the probability of distinguishing two process matrices being a quantum comb is the same.
The symmetry in the model of two coupled Kerr oscillators leads to simultaneous multi-photon transitions
Authors: Nikitchuk Bogdan Y. , Anikin Evgeny V. , Maslova Natalya S. , Gippius Nikolay A.
Published: February 2023

We consider the model of two coupled oscillators with Kerr nonlinearities in the rotating-wave approximation. We demonstrate that for a certain set of parameters of the model, the multi-photon transitions occur between many pairs of the oscillator states simultaneously. Also, the position of the multi-photon resonances does not depend on the coupling strength between two oscillators. We prove rigorously that this is a consequence of a certain symmetry of the perturbation theory series for the model. In addition, we analyse the model in the quasi-classical limit by considering the dynamics of the pseudo-angular momentum. We identify the multi-photon transitions with the tunnelling transitions between the degenerate classical trajectories on the Bloch sphere.
The magnetic field strength and the force distance dependency of the magnetically controlled growing rods used for early onset scoliosis
Authors: Diekhöner Lars , Meyer Charlotte Sommer , Eiskjær Søren
Published: February 2023

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR’s) have revolutionized the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) because painless lengthenings can be done in the outpatient clinic without anesthesia. Untreated EOS leads to respiratory insufficiency and reduced life expectancy. However, MCGR’s have inherent complications like non-functioning of the lengthening mechanism. We quantify an important failure mechanism and give advice on how to avoid this complication. The magnetic field strength was measured on new/explanted rods at different distances between the external remote controller and the MCGR and likewise in patients before/after distractions. The magnetic field strength of the internal actuator decayed fast with increasing distances and plateaued at 25–30 mm approximating zero. Two new and 12 explanted MCGRs was used for the lab measurements of the elicited force using a forcemeter. At a distance of 25 mm, the force was reduced to approximately 40% (ca. 100 N) compared to zero distance (ca. 250 N), most so for explanted rods. This is used to point out the importance of minimizing the implantation depth to ensure proper functionality of the rod lengthening in clinical use for EOS patients. A distance of 25 mm from skin to MCGR should be considered a relative contraindication to clinical use in EOS patients.
Nusinersen mitigates neuroinflammation in severe spinal muscular atrophy patients
Authors: Nuzzo Tommaso , Russo Rosita , Errico Francesco , D’Amico Adele , Tewelde Awet G. , Valletta Mariangela , Hassan Amber , Tosi Michele , Panicucci Chiara , Bruno Claudio , Bertini Enrico , Chambery Angela , Pellizzoni Livio , Usiello Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Background

Neuroinflammation contributes to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, but has not been specifically investigated in patients affected by severe and milder forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Methods

In this two-center retrospective study, we investigated signatures of neuroinflammation in forty-eight pediatric male and female SMA1 (n = 18), male and female SMA2 (n = 19), and female SMA3 (n = 11) patients, as well as in a limited number of male and female non-neurological control subjects (n = 4). We employed a Bio-Plex multiplex system based on xMAP technology and performed targeted quantitative analysis of a wide range of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (chemokines, interferons, interleukins, lymphokines and tumor necrosis factors) and neurotrophic factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the study cohort before and after Nusinersen treatment at loading and maintenance stages.

Results

We find a significant increase in the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, MIP-1α, MCP-1, and Eotaxin) and neurotrophic factors (PDGF-BB and VEGF) in the CSF of SMA1 patients relative to SMA2 and SMA3 individuals, who display levels in the range of controls. We also find that treatment with Nusinersen significantly reduces the CSF levels of some but not all of these neuroinflammatory molecules in SMA1 patients. Conversely, Nusinersen increases the CSF levels of proinflammatory G-CSF, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in SMA2 patients and decreases those of anti-inflammatory IL-1ra in SMA3 patients.

Conclusions

These findings highlight signatures of neuroinflammation that are specifically associated with severe SMA and the neuro-immunomodulatory effects of Nusinersen therapy.
A miniaturized genotoxicity evaluation system for fast biomaterial-related risk assessment
Authors: Gribova Varvara , Dominguez Jesus Manuel Antunez , Morin Alan , Sepulveda Diaz Julia , Lavalle Philippe , Vrana Nihal Engin
Published: February 2023

We describe a new miniaturised and simplified genotoxicity testing system that saves space and can be observed using fluorescence microscopy after only 24 hours of incubation and allowing for a readout that can be automatized by image analysis.
Rational design of nonlinear hybridization immunosensor chain reactions for simultaneous ultrasensitive detection of two tumor marker proteins
Authors: Zeng Zhaokui , Zhou Xingchen , Zhou Rong , Zeng Zhuoer , Sun Ruowei , Zhang Xun , Li Huimin , Zhang Di , Zhu Qubo , Chen Chuanpin
Published: February 2023

A novel immunosensor detects AFP and PSA with high sensitivity, selectivity, isothermal amplification, and LOD of 1.74 pg mL−1. Can detect multiple biomarkers in serum by varying MB size and antibody–antigen pairs.
Dynamic headspace solid-phase extraction at room temperature: a theoretical model, method, and application for propofol analysis
Authors: Nakhodchi Sarah , Alizadeh Naader
Published: February 2023

Dynamic headspace solid-phase extraction for materials sensitive to the increase in temperature.
Free energy change in the complete transport of all water molecules through a carbon nanotube
Authors: Kwon Youngjun , Eun Changsun
Published: February 2023

The potential of mean force (PMF) is calculated to study the thermodynamics of water transport through a carbon nanotube.
Understanding the piezocatalytic properties of the BaTiO3(001) surfaceviadensity functional theory
Authors: Zhou Zeying , Zhan Cheng , Kan Erjun
Published: February 2023

Piezoelectric materials have been reported to possess catalytic activity under mechanical excitation, such as by ultrasonic waves or collisions.
From ferrocene to decasubstituted enantiopure ferrocene-1,1′-disulfoxide derivatives
Authors: Wen Min , Erb William , Mongin Florence , Hurvois Jean-Pierre , Halauko Yury S. , Ivashkevich Oleg A. , Matulis Vadim E. , Blot Marielle , Roisnel Thierry
Published: February 2023

The functionalization of readily available (R,R)-S,S′-di-tert-butylferrocene-1,1′-disulfoxide has allowed access to both novel ligands and unprecedented enantiopure decasubstituted ferrocenes.
Identification of potential solid-state Li-ion conductors with semi-supervised learning
Authors: Laskowski Forrest A. L. , McHaffie Daniel B. , See Kimberly A.
Published: February 2023

A semi-supervised machine learning pipeline is reported for the discovery of new Li-ion solid-state electrolytes. The approach is experimentally validated with the synthesis and characterization of a new superionic conductor predicted by the model.
Single-cell protein production by Pleurotus ostreatus in submerged fermentation
Authors: Bakratsas Georgios , Polydera Angeliki , Nilson Oskar , Kossatz Lalie , Xiros Charilaos , Katapodis Petros , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: February 2023

P. ostreatus biomass could stand as an alternative vegan protein source due to its high protein content and amino acid composition.
Dietary choline metabolite TMAO impairs cognitive function and induces hippocampal synaptic plasticity declining through the mTOR/P70S6K/4EBP1 pathway
Authors: Zhou Shihan , Liu Jing , Sun Yan , Xu Ping , Liu Jin ling , Sun Suping , Zhu Boran , Wu Haoxin
Published: February 2023

Choline metabolite trimethylamine-oxide (TMAO) can cause cognitive impairments with neuron loss, damage of synapses and synaptic plasticity by repressing mTOR signalling.
Ionic and electronic energy diagrams for hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Moia Davide , Maier Joachim
Published: February 2023

Generalized energy diagrams facilitate the understanding of the ionic and electronic charge carrier equilibrium in the bulk and at interfaces of devices based on mixed conductors, such as hybrid perovskite solar cells.
Metal-free synthesis of ketonitrilesviaC–F bond cleavage
Authors: Gao Ge , Li Zhiping
Published: February 2023

A new and practical cyanation of α-CF3carbonyls with aqueous ammonia is developed.
Heteroatomic stitching of broken WS2 monolayer with enhanced surface potential
Authors: Thakur Deepa , Sato Yukio , Balakrishnan Viswanath
Published: February 2023

The presented work demonstrates the concept of stitching to fill the cracks and voids in monolayer WS2 with MoS2, resulting in the formation of WS2-MoS2 heterostructures that have potential modulation at the junction.
Tumor-targeting semiconducting polymer nanoparticles: efficient adjuvant photothermal therapy using ultra-low laser power inhibits recurrences after breast-conserving surgery
Authors: He Doudou , Li Haoze , Li Yang , Xu Ziqing , Wang Chuanbin , Tang Yuxia , Wu Feiyun , Zhen Xu , Wang Shouju
Published: February 2023

The need for adjuvant therapy to inhibit local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery with minimal side effects is great.
A systematic study on the effects of the structure of block copolymers of PEG and poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolic acid) on their temperature-responsive sol-to-gel transition behavior
Authors: Ohya Yuichi , Yonezawa Hidenori , Moriwaki Chihiro , Murase Nobuo , Kuzuya Akinori
Published: February 2023

The effects of the molecular structure on the temperature-responsive sol-to-gel transition behavior and neat morphology of the block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolic acid) were systematically investigated.
Issues of phase segregation in wide-bandgap perovskites
Authors: Cui Zhenhua , Zhang Qingshan , Bai Yang , Chen Qi
Published: February 2023

This review summarizes the recent research progress in phase segregation and instability in wide bandgap perovskites, and strategies are discussed and proposed to facilitate the development of their performance and stability.
High strontium adsorption performance of layered zirconium phosphate intercalated with a crown ether
Authors: Wu Lina , Wang Huiping , Kong Xiangqian , Wei Haibo , Chen Sheng , Chi Lisheng
Published: February 2023

Effective removal of strontium isotopes in radioactive waste streams has important implications for the environment and the sustainable development of nuclear energy.
Morphological, cytotoxicity, and coagulation assessments of perlite as a new hemostatic biomaterial
Authors: Biazar Esmaeil , Heidari Keshel Saeid , Niazi Vahid , Vazifeh Shiran Nader , Saljooghi Roxana , Jarrahi Mina , Mehdipour Arbastan Ahmad
Published: February 2023

Hemorrhage control is vital for clinical outcomes after surgical treatment and pre-hospital trauma injuries.
Smart down/upconversion nanomachines integrated with “AND” logic computation and enzyme-free amplification for NIR-II fluorescence-assisted precise and enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Pang Lifang , Tang Xiaolan , Yao Lijia , Zhou Liuyan , Hu Shengqiang , Zhao Shulin , Zhang Liangliang
Published: February 2023

The introduction of DNA logic circuits endows smart down/upconversion nanomachines with “AND” logically activated and enzyme-free amplified photodynamic therapy.
Electrosynthesis of bridged or fused sulfonamides through complex radical cascade reactions: divergence in medium-sized ring formation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Cai Zhenzhi , Zhao Chunhang , Zheng Hanliang , Ackermann Lutz
Published: February 2023

Radical cascade addition is one of the most important and efficient strategies for the synthesis of valuable heterocycles with structural diversity and complexity.
Fluoride-assisted crystallization regulation enables efficient and stable wide-bandgap perovskite photovoltaic
Authors: Su Chao , Wang Rui , Tao Junlei , Shen Jinliang , Wang Di , Wang Lixin , Fu Guangsheng , Yang Shaopeng , Yuan Mingjian , He Tingwei
Published: February 2023

We introduce BF4− into a wide-bandgap perovskite system to regulate the crystallization dynamics, and the reduced crystallization rate eliminates halogen vacancy defects. The resulting PSC achieves a PCE of 20.09% and improved operational stability.
Review on the advancement of SnS2 in photocatalysis
Authors: Guo Xiaowen , Zhang Fen , Zhang Yongcai , Hu Junhua
Published: February 2023

The research progress in the application of SnS2 in photocatalysis is reviewed.
Organic small molecular heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolutionviaisomer engineering
Authors: Zhang Qiankun , Li Dongye , Zhao Zijie , Zheng Kunpeng , Wang Qian , Wang Binbin , Long Xiaojing
Published: February 2023

Organic small molecular photocatalysts with definite structures were developed by isomer engineering. The isomer regulation endows charge localization, enables fast intermolecular charge transfer and significantly different photocatalytic activity.
Organized mineralized cellulose nanostructures for biomedical applications
Authors: Feng Yanhuizhi , Cölfen Helmut , Xiong Rui
Published: February 2023

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer with outstanding mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, renewability and surface chemistry, which is an ideal biotemplate for biomineralizing hierarchical nanostructures for biomedical applications.
Novel highly luminescent diketofurofuran dye in liquid crystal matrices for thermal sensors and light amplification
Authors: Czajkowski M. , Duda Ł. , Czarnocki S. J. , Szukalska A. B. , Guzik M. , Myśliwiec J. , Skoreński M. , Potaniec B. , Cybińska J.
Published: February 2023

A high photoluminescence quantum yield is reported for the first time in diketofurofuran dye and a thermofluorochromic dye-doped liquid crystal system is proposed.
Modular enhancement of circularly polarized luminescence in Pd2A2B2 heteroleptic cages
Authors: Tessarolo Jacopo , Benchimol Elie , Jouaiti Abdelaziz , Hosseini Mir Wais , Clever Guido H.
Published: February 2023

Two one-step-synthesized ligands, one chiral and one emissive, assemble with PdII into a heteroleptic cage that shows enhanced CPL.
Unraveling the effects of inter-site Hubbard interactions in spinel Li-ion cathode materials
Authors: Timrov Iurii , Kotiuga Michele , Marzari Nicola
Published: February 2023

Accurate first-principles predictions of the structural, electronic, magnetic, and electrochemical properties of cathode materials can be key in the design of novel efficient Li-ion batteries.
Conductive Ti3C2Tx networks to optimize Na3V2O2(PO4)2F cathodes for improved rate capability and low-temperature operation
Authors: Yue Lufeng , Wang Jie , Li Minxi , Qin Jinwen , Cao Minhua
Published: February 2023

With the fast electron/ion transfer, our Na3V2O2(PO4)2F/Ti3C2Tx cathode boosts the high-rate capability and exhibits the capacity retention up to 74.8% over the temperature range from -20 to 20 °C.
Elastic and bright assembly-induced luminescent crystals of platinum(ii) complexes with near-unity emission quantum yield
Authors: Makino Yusuke , Yoshida Masaki , Hayashi Shotaro , Sasaki Toshiyuki , Takamizawa Satoshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kato Masako
Published: February 2023

Molecular crystals composed of platinum(ii) complexes exhibited elastic deformation without cracking and bright assembly-induced emission with an extremely high emission quantum yield of 0.94.
Metal ion-decorated hexasilaprismane and its derivative as a molecular container for the separation of CO2 from flue gas molecules: a computational study
Authors: Wakchaure Padmaja D. , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: February 2023

A molecular container with multiple metal-ion-decorated derivatives of the HSP molecule (HPPS) for the separation of CO2 from flue gas molecules.
Unlocking nanotubular bismuth oxyiodide toward carbon-neutral electrosynthesis
Authors: Sui Peng-Fei , Gao Min-Rui , Zhu Meng-Nan , Xu Chenyu , Wang Yi-Cheng , Liu Subiao , Luo Jing-Li
Published: February 2023

Defective ultrathin Bi5O7I nanotubes are designed by the combination of structure and defect engineering strategies to achieve highly active, selective, and stable performance for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate.
A separator modified by barium titanate with macroscopic polarization electric field for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Youquan , Zhang Chunxiao , Zhu Hai , Zhang Shuai , Yan Mingyang , Liang Chaoping , Zhang Yan , Chen Yuejiao , Chen Libao , Wei Weifeng , Zhou Liangjun
Published: February 2023

The configuration of positive charge alignments in a poled-BaTiO3 functionalized separator, and the mechanism for anchoring polysulfides and accelerating Li-ion transportation.
Utilization of waste banana peels as heterogeneous catalysts in room-temperature biodiesel production using a homogenizer
Authors: Tarigan Juliati Br. , Perangin-angin Sabarmin , Simanungkalit Sylvia R. , Zega Neli P. , Sitepu Eko K.
Published: February 2023

Banana peels as agro-waste residues contain potassium oxide as the main component after calcination. The calcined waste banana peels (WBPs) successfully transesterified palm oil to biodiesel at room temperature using a homogenizer.
Graphene oxide:Fe2O3 nanocomposites for photodetector applications: experimental and ab initio density functional theory study
Authors: Idisi David O. , Ahia Chinedu C. , Meyer Edson L. , Bodunrin Joseph O. , Benecha Evans M.
Published: February 2023

GO/ GO: Fe2O3 nanocomposite fabricated on SiO2/ Si wafer substrate with Ag electrical contacts using drop cast technique.
Aminals as powerful XAT-reagents: activation of fluorinated alkyl chlorides
Authors: Kostromitin Vladislav S. , Sorokin Artem O. , Levin Vitalij V. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: February 2023

Reagents for the activation of the C–Cl bondviathe XAT process are described. The reaction efficiency is based on stereoelectronic effects. The method is applied to chlorofluorocarbons.
Conductive hydrogels for tissue repair
Authors: Liang Yongping , Qiao Lipeng , Qiao Bowen , Guo Baolin
Published: February 2023

This work reviewed the new progress of conductive hydrogels in the application of tissue repair and provided a useful reference for further preparation of safer and more efficient conductive hydrogels for tissue engineering.
A dual-functional device based on CB/PVDF@BFP for solar-driven water purification and water-induced electricity generation
Authors: Huang Jiangchao , Pereira Veronica , Wang Chenyue , Li Haitao , Lee Hiang Kwee , Han Jie
Published: February 2023

A dual-functional device to integrate solar-driven water evaporation and evaporation-induced power generation is demonstrated to concurrently produce clean water and green electricity, with the aim to address the inevitable water and energy crises.