bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental research on the spontaneous combustion of Yangquan coal induced by electrochemical oxidation of pyrite
Authors: Zhang Xun , Lu Bing , Fu Xiang , Qiao Ling , Wang Jiren , Wang Lijie , Ding Cong , Gao Dameng , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2022

The 15# coal seam of Yangmei No.5 Mine, which produces anthracite, which is the least prone to spontaneous combustion, has a serious hidden danger of spontaneous combustion due to the high sulfur content in the coal. Based on the better conductivity of anthracite, we designed an electrolysis experiment to accelerate the electrochemical oxidation of pyrite in coal. Through experiments and analysis of thermodynamic characteristic parameters, it is obtained that the electrochemical oxidation of pyrite and its main products Fe3+ and Fe2+ have a coupled catalytic effect on the spontaneous combustion of high-sulfur coal in Yangquan. Combined with the FTIR test and analysis, it is found that the electrochemical process causes spatial polarization in the coal, so that polar groups such as –OH undergo spatial diversion and increase the activity. Due to the high content of –OH in Yangquan anthracite, the electrochemical process has the greatest effect on promoting –OH oxidation. Fe3+ and Fe2+ act as strong oxidants and free radicals to promote the –CH2– reaction to generate C=O and promote the generation of CO. This research provides a new direction for the exploration of the spontaneous combustion mechanism of high-sulfur anthracite.
Improved acquisition of contact heat evoked potentials with increased heating ramp
Authors: De Schoenmacker I. , Archibald J. , Kramer J. L. K. , Hubli M.
Published: January 2022

Contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) represent an objective and non-invasive measure to investigate the integrity of the nociceptive neuraxis. The clinical value of CHEPs is mostly reflected in improved diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies and spinal lesions. One of the limitations of conventional contact heat stimulation is the relatively slow heating ramp (70 °C/s). This is thought to create a problem of desynchronized evoked responses in the brain, particularly after stimulation in the feet. Recent technological advancements allow for an increased heating ramp of contact heat stimulation, however, to what extent these improve the acquisition of evoked potentials is still unknown. In the current study, 30 healthy subjects were stimulated with contact heat at the hand and foot with four different heating ramps (i.e., 150 °C/s, 200 °C/s, 250 °C/s, and 300 °C/s) to a peak temperature of 60 °C. We examined changes in amplitude, latency, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the vertex (N2-P2) waveforms. Faster heating ramps decreased CHEP latency for hand and foot stimulation (hand: F = 18.41, p < 0.001; foot: F = 4.19, p = 0.009). Following stimulation of the foot only, faster heating ramps increased SNR (F = 3.32, p = 0.024) and N2 amplitude (F = 4.38, p = 0.007). Our findings suggest that clinical applications of CHEPs should consider adopting faster heating ramps up to 250 °C/s. The improved acquisition of CHEPs might consequently reduce false negative results in clinical cohorts. From a physiological perspective, our results demonstrate the importance of peripherally synchronizing afferents recruitment to satisfactorily acquire CHEPs.
Investigation of electrocatalytic and photocatalytic ability of Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs Nanocomposites for detection and degradation of antibiotic drug Furaltadone
Authors: Vasu Dhanapal , Karthi Keyan Arjunan , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chiu Te-Wei
Published: January 2022

In this manuscript, “Get two mangoes with one stone” strategy was used to study the electrochemical detection and photocatalytic mineralization of furaltadone (FLT) drug using Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs nanocomposites for the first time. The bi-functional nanocomposites were synthesized through a hydrothermal synthesis technique. The successfully synthesized nanocomposites were analyzed by various analytical techniques. The Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs nanocomposites decorated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) exhibit a good electrocatalytic ability towards detection of FLT. Moreover, the electrocatalytic detection of FLT based on the nanocomposites decorated SPCE have high stability, lower detection limit, and excellent sensitivity of 0.0949 μM and 1.9288 μA μM−1 cm−2, respectively. In addition, the nanocomposites decorated SPCE electrodes performed in real samples, such as river water and tap water, the satisfactory results were observed. As UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed that the Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs nanocomposites had an excellent photocatalytic ability for degradation of FLT drug. The higher degradation efficiency of 75% was achieved within 45 min under irradiation of visible light. In addition, after the degradation process various intermediates are produced which is confirmed by GC–MS analysis. The excellent photocatalytic ability was improved to the dopant ions and restrictions of electron–hole pair.
Potential risk groups and psychological, psychosocial, and health behavioral predictors of pharmacological neuroenhancement among university students in Germany
Authors: Heller Sebastian , Tibubos Ana Nanette , Hoff Thilo A. , Werner Antonia M. , Reichel Jennifer L. , Mülder Lina M. , Schäfer Markus , Pfirrmann Daniel , Stark Birgit , Rigotti Thomas , Simon Perikles , Beutel Manfred E. , Letzel Stephan , Dietz Pavel
Published: January 2022

Aiming to develop and implement intervention strategies targeting pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) among university students more specifically, we (1) assessed the prevalence of PN among German university students, (2) identified potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups, and (3) investigated sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior related factors predicting the 12-month prevalence of PN. Therefore, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to students of the University of Mainz, Germany. A binary logistic regression with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups was performed to predict PN. A total number of 4351 students out of 31,213 registered students (13.9%) participated in the survey, of whichN = 3984 answered the question concerning PN. Of these, 10.4% had used one substance for PN at least once in the past 12 months. The regression analysis revealed 13 variables that were significantly related to the 12-month prevalence of PN. Specifically, the group of health behavior related variables showed the strongest relationship with PN. Therefore, an approach to the prevention of PN should be multifactorial so that it addresses social conditions, as well as education on substance use and healthy behaviors in terms of non-pharmacological strategies as alternatives of PN.
Iterative data-driven forecasting of the transmission and management of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 using social interventions at the county-level
Authors: Newcomb Ken , Smith Morgan E. , Donohue Rose E. , Wyngaard Sebastian , Reinking Caleb , Sweet Christopher R. , Levine Marissa J. , Unnasch Thomas R. , Michael Edwin
Published: January 2022

The control of the initial outbreak and spread of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 via the application of population-wide non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures have led to remarkable successes in dampening the pandemic globally. However, with countries beginning to ease or lift these measures fully to restart activities, concern is growing regarding the impacts that such reopening of societies could have on the subsequent transmission of the virus. While mathematical models of COVID-19 transmission have played important roles in evaluating the impacts of these measures for curbing virus transmission, a key need is for models that are able to effectively capture the effects of the spatial and social heterogeneities that drive the epidemic dynamics observed at the local community level. Iterative forecasting that uses new incoming epidemiological and social behavioral data to sequentially update locally-applicable transmission models can overcome this gap, potentially resulting in better predictions and policy actions. Here, we present the development of one such data-driven iterative modelling tool based on publicly available data and an extended SEIR model for forecasting SARS-CoV-2 at the county level in the United States. Using data from the state of Florida, we demonstrate the utility of such a system for exploring the outcomes of the social measures proposed by policy makers for containing the course of the pandemic. We provide comprehensive results showing how the locally identified models could be employed for accessing the impacts and societal tradeoffs of using specific social protective strategies. We conclude that it could have been possible to lift the more disruptive social interventions related to movement restriction/social distancing measures earlier if these were accompanied by widespread testing and contact tracing. These intensified social interventions could have potentially also brought about the control of the epidemic in low- and some medium-incidence county settings first, supporting the development and deployment of a geographically-phased approach to reopening the economy of Florida. We have made our data-driven forecasting system publicly available for policymakers and health officials to use in their own locales, so that a more efficient coordinated strategy for controlling SARS-CoV-2 region-wide can be developed and successfully implemented.
Complete mitogenome of the endangered and endemic Nicobar treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica) and comparison with other Scandentians
Authors: Kundu Shantanu , Pakrashi Avas , Kamalakannan Manokaran , Singha Devkant , Tyagi Kaomud , Banerjee Dhriti , Venkatraman Chinnadurai , Kumar Vikas
Published: January 2022

The Nicobar treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica) is an endangered small mammal endemic to the Nicobar Island of the Andaman Sea, India regarded as an alternative experimental animal model in biomedical research. The present study aimed to assemble the first mitochondrial genome ofT. nicobaricato elucidate its phylogenetic position with respect to other Scandentians. The structure and variation of the novel mitochondrial genome were analyzed and compared with other Scandentians. The complete mitogenome (17,164 bp) encodes 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNAs), and one control region (CR). Most of the genes were encoded on majority strand, exceptnad6and eight tRNAs. The nonsynonymous/synonymous ratio in all PCGs indicates strong negative selection among all Tupaiidae species. The comparative study of CRs revealed the occurrence of tandem repeats (CGTACA) found inT. nicobarica. The phylogenetic analyses (Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference) showed distinct clustering ofT. nicobaricawith high branch supports and depict a substantial divergence time (12–19 MYA) from the ancestor lineage of Tupaiidae. The16S rRNAdataset corroborates the taxonomic rank of two subspecies ofT. nicobaricafrom the Great and Little Nicobar Islands. In the future, whole nuclear genome sequencing is necessary to further improve our understanding of evolutionary relationships among treeshrews, and will have implications for biomedical research.
Morphological and vascular characteristics of the optic nerve head of normal guinea pigs
Authors: Guo Lei , Tao Jun , Tong Yang , Chen Shichao , Zhao Xin , Hua Rui
Published: January 2022

The morphological and vascular characteristics of the optic nerve head (ONH) of normal guinea pigs have not been fully recognized. Therefore, we aimed to investigate them using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We measured the refractive error, axial length, and intraocular pressure (IOP) and performed OCT and OCTA of the ONH of 3- and 4-week-old tricolour guinea pigs. A total of 208 right eyes from 208 normal guinea pigs were examined. The refractive error (both myopic and hyperopic) of the 3-week group was significantly higher than that of the 4-week group (p < 0.001), the IOP of the 3-week group was significantly lower than that of the 4-week group (p = 0.014), and the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) of the 3-week group was significantly thicker than that of the 4-week group (p = 0.048). There were no significant differences in the average vessel area, vascular density, total number of junctions, total vessel length, total number of endpoints, and vascular diameter between the two groups. However, an age-adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that the total vessel length was positively associated with the cpRNFL thickness (p = 0.024) and negatively associated with IOP (p = 0.016). This is the first report on morphological and vascular characteristics of the ONH in normal guinea pigs based on in vivo OCT and OCTA imaging and quantification of ONH parameters. These results may contribute to further research on myopia using guinea pig models.
Morphologic, genetic, and biogeographic continua among subspecies hinder the conservation of threatened taxa: the case of Centaurea aspera ssp. scorpiurifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Garmendia Alfonso , Merle Hugo , Sanía Marta , López Carmelo , Ferriol María
Published: January 2022

Subspecies are widely included as conservation units because of their potential to become new species. However, their practical recognition includes variable criteria, such as morphological, genetic, geographic and other differences. Centaurea aspera ssp. scorpiurifolia is a threatened taxon endemic to Andalusia (Spain), which coexists in most of its distribution area with similar taxa. Because of the difficulty to identify it using morphology alone, we aimed to sample all the populations cited as ssp. scorpiurifolia as exhaustively as possible, morphologically characterise them, and analyse their genetic structuring using microsatellites, to better understand difficulties when conserving subspecies. Three different Centaurea species were found which were easily identified. Within C. aspera, two genetic populations and some admixed individuals were observed, one including ssp. scorpiurifolia individuals and the other including individuals identified as subspecies aspera, stenophylla, and scorpiurifolia. A morphological continuum between these two genetic populations and a wide overlapping of their biogeographic distribution were also found. This continuum can affect the conservation of ssp. scorpiurifolia because of potential misidentifications and harmful effects of subspecific hybridization. Misidentifications could be partly overcome by using as many different traits as possible, and conservation priority should be given to populations representative of the ends of this continuum.
Machine learning assisted real-time deformability cytometry of CD34+ cells allows to identify patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Herbig Maik , Jacobi Angela , Wobus Manja , Weidner Heike , Mies Anna , Kräter Martin , Otto Oliver , Thiede Christian , Weickert Marie‑Theresa , Götze Katharina S. , Rauner Martina , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Bornhäuser Martin , Guck Jochen , Ader Marius , Platzbecker Uwe , Balaian Ekaterina
Published: January 2022

Diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) mainly relies on a manual assessment of the peripheral blood and bone marrow cell morphology. The WHO guidelines suggest a visual screening of 200 to 500 cells which inevitably turns the assessor blind to rare cell populations and leads to low reproducibility. Moreover, the human eye is not suited to detect shifts of cellular properties of entire populations. Hence, quantitative image analysis could improve the accuracy and reproducibility of MDS diagnosis. We used real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC) to measure bone marrow biopsy samples of MDS patients and age-matched healthy individuals. RT-DC is a high-throughput (1000 cells/s) imaging flow cytometer capable of recording morphological and mechanical properties of single cells. Properties of single cells were quantified using automated image analysis, and machine learning was employed to discover morpho-mechanical patterns in thousands of individual cells that allow to distinguish healthy vs. MDS samples. We found that distribution properties of cell sizes differ between healthy and MDS, with MDS showing a narrower distribution of cell sizes. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between the mechanical properties of cells and the number of disease-determining mutations, inaccessible with current diagnostic approaches. Hence, machine-learning assisted RT-DC could be a promising tool to automate sample analysis to assist experts during diagnosis or provide a scalable solution for MDS diagnosis to regions lacking sufficient medical experts.
Differential expression of CD11c defines two types of tissue-resident macrophages with different origins in steady-state salivary glands
Authors: Lu Lu , Kuroishi Toshinobu , Tanaka Yukinori , Furukawa Mutsumi , Nochi Tomonori , Sugawara Shunji
Published: January 2022

Gland macrophages are primed for gland development and functions through interactions within their niche. However, the phenotype, ontogeny, and function of steady-state salivary gland (SG) macrophages remain unclear. We herein identified CD11c+and CD11c−subsets among CD64+macrophages in steady-state murine SGs. CD11c−macrophages were predominant in the SGs of embryonic and newborn mice and decreased with advancing age. CD11c+macrophages were rarely detected in the embryonic period, but rapidly expanded after birth. CD11c+, but not CD11c−, macrophage numbers decreased in mice treated with a CCR2 antagonist, suggesting that CD11c+macrophages accumulate from bone marrow-derived progenitors in a CCR2-dependent manner, whereas CD11c−macrophages were derived from embryonic progenitors in SGs. CD11c+and CD11c−macrophages strongly expressed colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1 receptor, the injection of an anti-CSF-1 receptor blocking antibody markedly reduced both subsets, and SGs strongly expressed CSF-1, indicating the dependency of SG resident macrophage development on CSF-1. The phagocytic activity of SG macrophages was extremely weak; however, the gene expression profile of SG macrophages indicated that SG macrophages regulate gland development and functions in SGs. These results suggest that SG CD11c+and CD11c−macrophages are developed and instructed to perform SG-specific functions in steady-state SGs.
Chemotherapy significantly improves long-term survival of small lesion node negative metaplastic breast carcinoma in T1c population rather than T1a and T1b
Authors: Chen Qitong , Zhou Qin , He Hongye , He Yeqing , Yuan Yunchang , Zou Qiongyan , Yi Wenjun
Published: January 2022

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MpBC) is considered a highly aggressive disease, the outcome of chemotherapy on small lesions (T1abcN0M0) MpBC patients remain unclear. We identified 890 female MpBC patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2016. After propensity score matching (PSM), 584 patients were matched. Survival probability was compared among T1a, T1b, and T1c patients and between patients with and without chemotherapy using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis. Significance was set at two-sided P < 0.05. We classified 49, 166, and 675 patients as T1a, T1b, and T1c MpBC, respectively. The chemotherapy group included 404 patients (45.4%). Following PSM, survival analysis indicated that the patients who underwent chemotherapy had higher OS (P = 0.0002) and BCSS (P = 0.0276) in the T1c substage, but no significant difference was detected in T1a or T1b patients. In this population-based study, small lesion MpBC showed a favorable prognosis. Chemotherapy improved the prognosis of T1c MpBC patients but not T1a and T1b patients to a beneficial extent. Our findings may offer novel insight into a therapeutic strategy for MpBC.
Identification of stomatal-regulating molecules from de novo arylamine collection through aromatic C–H amination
Authors: Toda Yosuke , Perry Gregory J. P. , Inoue Shimpei , Ito Eri , Kawakami Takahiro , Narouz Mina R. , Takahashi Koji , Aihara Yusuke , Maeda Bumpei , Kinoshita Toshinori , Itami Kenichiro , Murakami Kei
Published: January 2022

Stomata—small pores generally found on the leaves of plants—control gas exchange between plant and the atmosphere. Elucidating the mechanism that underlies such control through the regulation of stomatal opening/closing is important to understand how plants regulate photosynthesis and tolerate against drought. However, up-to-date, molecular components and their function involved in stomatal regulation are not fully understood. We challenged such problem through a chemical genetic approach by isolating and characterizing synthetic molecules that influence stomatal movement. Here, we describe that a small chemical collection, prepared during the development of C–H amination reactions, lead to the discovery of a Stomata Influencing Molecule (SIM); namely, a sulfonimidated oxazole that inhibits stomatal opening. The starting molecule SIM1 was initially isolated from screening of compounds that inhibit light induced opening of dayflower stomata. A range of SIM molecules were rapidly accessed using our state-of-the-art C–H amination technologies. This enabled an efficient structure–activity relationship (SAR) study, culminating in the discovery of a sulfonamidated oxazole derivative (SIM*) having higher activity and enhanced specificity against stomatal regulation. Biological assay results have shed some light on the mode of action of SIM molecules within the cell, which may ultimately lead to drought tolerance-conferring agrochemicals through the control of stomatal movement.
Maternal postpartum depressive symptoms partially mediate the association between preterm birth and mental and behavioral disorders in children
Authors: Girchenko Polina , Robinson Rachel , Rantalainen Ville Juhani , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Heinonen-Tuomaala Kati , Lemola Sakari , Wolke Dieter , Schnitzlein Daniel , Hämäläinen Esa , Laivuori Hannele , Villa Pia M. , Kajantie Eero , Räikkönen Katri
Published: January 2022

Preterm birth has been linked with postpartum depressive (PPD) disorders and high symptom levels, but evidence remains conflicting and limited in quality. It remains unclear whether PPD symptoms of mothers with preterm babies were already elevated before childbirth, and whether PPD symptoms mediate/aggravate the effect of preterm birth on child mental disorders. We examined whether preterm birth associated with maternal PPD symptoms, depressive symptoms trajectories from antenatal to postpartum stage, and whether PPD symptoms mediated/aggravated associations between preterm birth and child mental disorders. Mothers of preterm (n = 125) and term-born (n = 3033) children of the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction study reported depressive symptoms four times within 8 weeks before and twice within 12 months after childbirth. Child mental and behavioral disorder diagnoses until age 8.4–12.8 years came from medical register. Preterm birth associated with higher PPD symptoms (mean difference = 0.19 SD, 95% CI 0.01, 0.37, p = 0.04), and higher odds (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% CI 1.22, 4.09, p = 0.009) of the mother to belong to a group that had consistently high depressive symptoms levels trajectory from antenatal to postpartum stage. PPD symptoms partially mediated and aggravated the association between preterm birth and child mental disorders. Preterm birth, maternal PPD symptoms and child mental disorders are associated, calling for timely prevention interventions.
Dissipation of mesoscale eddies at a western boundary via a direct energy cascade
Authors: Evans D. Gwyn , Frajka-Williams Eleanor , Naveira Garabato Alberto C.
Published: January 2022

The fate of mesoscale eddy kinetic energy represents a large source of uncertainty in the global ocean energy budget. Satellite altimetry suggests that mesoscale eddies vanish at ocean western boundaries. However, the fate of the eddies’ kinetic energy remains poorly known. Here we show that the generation of small-scale turbulence as eddy flow impinges on the steep and corrugated slope of an ocean western boundary plays a dominant role in the regional decay of mesoscale eddy kinetic energy. We compare altimetry-based estimates of mesoscale eddy kinetic energy decline with measurements of turbulent dissipation. Mesoscale eddies are found to decay at a rate of 0.016 ± 0.012 GW and 0.023 ± 0.017 GW for anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies, respectively, similar to the observed turbulent dissipation rate of 0.020 ± 0.011 GW. This demonstrates that a major direct transfer of mesoscale eddy kinetic energy to small, dissipative scales can be effectively triggered by the eddies’ interaction with the western boundary topography.
Automated evaluation of retinal pigment epithelium disease area in eyes with age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Motozawa Naohiro , Miura Takuya , Ochiai Koji , Yamamoto Midori , Horinouchi Takaaki , Tsuzuki Taku , Kanda Genki N. , Ozawa Yosuke , Tsujikawa Akitaka , Takahashi Koichi , Takahashi Masayo , Kurimoto Yasuo , Maeda Tadao , Mandai Michiko
Published: January 2022

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for the survival and function of retinal photoreceptor cells. RPE dysfunction causes various retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Clinical studies on ES/iPS cell-derived RPE transplantation for RPE dysfunction-triggered diseases are currently underway. Quantification of the diseased RPE area is important to evaluate disease progression or the therapeutic effect of RPE transplantation. However, there are no standard protocols. To address this issue, we developed a 2-step software that enables objective and efficient quantification of RPE-disease area changes by analyzing the early-phase hyperfluorescent area in fluorescein angiography (FA) images. We extracted the Abnormal region. This extraction was based on deep learning-based discrimination. We scored the binarized extracted area using an automated program. Our program’s performance for the same eye from the serial image captures was within 3.1 ± 7.8% error. In progressive AMD, the trend was consistent with human assessment, even when FA images from two different visits were compared. This method was applicable to quantifying RPE-disease area changes over time, evaluating iPSC-RPE transplantation images, and a disease other than AMD. Our program may contribute to the assessment of the clinical course of RPE-disease areas in routine clinics and reduce the workload of researchers.
Designing a multilayer film via machine learning of scientific literature
Authors: Fukada Kenta , Seyama Michiko
Published: January 2022

Scientists who design chemical substances often use materials informatics (MI), a data-driven approach with either computer simulation or artificial intelligence (AI). MI is a valuable technique, but applying it to layered structures is difficult. Most of the proposed computer-aided material search techniques use atomic or molecular simulations, which are limited to small areas. Some AI approaches have planned layered structures, but they require a physical theory or abundant experimental results. There is no universal design tool for multilayer films in MI. Here, we show a multilayer film can be designed through machine learning (ML) of experimental procedures extracted from chemical-coating articles. We converted material names according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry rules and stored them in databases for each fabrication step without any physicochemical theory. Compared with experimental results which depend on authors, experimental protocol is superiority at almost unified and less data loss. Connecting scientific knowledge through ML enables us to predict untrained film structures. This suggests that AI imitates research activity, which is normally inspired by other scientific achievements and can thus be used as a general design technique.
Effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwelling after stoma closure: a retrospective and propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yane Yoshinori , Hida Jin-ichi , Chiba Yasutaka , Makutani Yusuke , Ushijima Hokuto , Yoshioka Yasumasa , Iwamoto Masayoshi , Wada Toshiaki , Daito Koji , Tokoro Tadao , Ueda Kazuki , Kawamura Junichiro
Published: January 2022

The use of temporary diverting stoma has become more common in low colorectal anastomosis to reduce anastomotic complications. Surgical site infection (SSI) at the stoma closure site has been one of the most frequent postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes between conventional primary suture closure and negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwelling (NPWTi-d) therapy following purse-string suturing, using propensity score matching analysis. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 107 patients who underwent stoma closure between January 2016 and October 2020. The primary outcome was the proportion of SSI. The secondary outcome was the day of postoperative length of stay. Propensity score matching with one-to-one match was performed for reducing treatment selection bias. Of a total of 107 patients, 67 patients had been treated with conventional primary closure and 40 with NPWTi-d therapy. The propensity score matching derived 37 pairs. The respective SSI proportions were 0% and 16.2% in the groups with NPWTi-d and primary closure (P = 0.025). The respective median days of postoperative hospital stay were 9.0 and 10.0 in the groups with NPWTi-d and primary closure (P = 0.453). NPWTi-d therapy with purse-string suturing was effective in reducing SSI after stoma closure.
Functional characterization of NPM1–TYK2 fusion oncogene
Authors: Kuravi Sudhakiranmayi , Baker Riley W. , Mushtaq Muhammad Umair , Saadi Irfan , Lin Tara L. , Vivian Carolyn J. , Valluripalli Anusha , Abhyankar Sunil , Ganguly Siddhartha , Cui Wei , Elenitoba-Johnson Kojo S. J. , Welch Danny R. , Jensen Roy A. , Saunthararajah Yogen , McGuirk Joseph P. , Balusu Ramesh
Published: January 2022

Gene fusions are known to drive many human cancers. Therefore, the functional characterization of newly discovered fusions is critical to understanding the oncobiology of these tumors and to enable therapeutic development. NPM1–TYK2 is a novel fusion identified in CD30 + lymphoproliferative disorders, and here we present the functional evaluation of this fusion gene as an oncogene. The chimeric protein consists of the amino-terminus of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) and the carboxyl-terminus of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), including the kinase domain. Using in vitro lymphoid cell transformation assays and in vivo tumorigenic xenograft models we present direct evidence that the fusion gene is an oncogene. NPM1 fusion partner provides the critical homodimerization needed for the fusion kinase constitutive activation and downstream signaling that are responsible for cell transformation. As a result, our studies identify NPM1–TYK2 as a novel fusion oncogene and suggest that inhibition of fusion homodimerization could be a precision therapeutic approach in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients expressing this chimera.
HER3 activation contributes toward the emergence of ALK inhibitor-tolerant cells in ALK-rearranged lung cancer with mesenchymal features
Authors: Tanimura Keiko , Yamada Tadaaki , Okada Koutaroh , Nakai Kunihiro , Horinaka Mano , Katayama Yuki , Morimoto Kenji , Ogura Yuri , Takeda Takayuki , Shiotsu Shinsuke , Ichikawa Kosuke , Watanabe Satoshi , Morimoto Yoshie , Iwasaku Masahiro , Kaneko Yoshiko , Uchino Junji , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Yoneda Kazue , Matoba Satoaki , Sakai Toshiyuki , Uehara Hisanori , Yano Seiji , Kusaba Tetsuro , Katayama Ryohei , Takayama Koichi
Published: January 2022

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) have shown dramatic efficacy in patients with ALK-rearranged lung cancer; however, complete response in these patients is rare. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence and maintenance of drug-tolerant cells in ALK-rearranged lung cancer. Cell based-assays demonstrated that HER3 activation and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, mediated through ZEB1 proteins, help maintain cell survival and induce the emergence of ALK-TKI-tolerant cells. Compared with ALK-TKIs alone, cotreatment with pan-HER inhibitor afatinib and ALK-TKIs prevented tumor regrowth, leading to the eradication of tumors in ALK-rearranged tumors with mesenchymal features. Moreover, pre-treatment vimentin expression in clinical specimens obtained from patients with ALK-rearranged lung cancer was associated with poor ALK-TKI treatment outcomes. These results demonstrated that HER3 activation plays a pivotal role in the emergence of ALK-TKI-tolerant cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of HER3 signals combined with ALK-TKIs dramatically improves treatment outcomes for ALK-rearranged lung cancer with mesenchymal features.
Climate-induced forest dieback drives compositional changes in insect communities that are more pronounced for rare species
Authors: Sire Lucas , Yáñez Paul Schmidt , Wang Cai , Bézier Annie , Courtial Béatrice , Cours Jérémy , Fontaneto Diego , Larrieu Laurent , Bouget Christophe , Thorn Simon , Müller Jörg , Yu Douglas W. , Monaghan Michael T. , Herniou Elisabeth A. , Lopez-Vaamonde Carlos
Published: January 2022

Species richness, abundance and biomass of insects have recently undergone marked declines in Europe. We metabarcoded 211 Malaise-trap samples to investigate whether drought-induced forest dieback and subsequent salvage logging had an impact on ca. 3000 species of flying insects in silver fir Pyrenean forests. While forest dieback had no measurable impact on species richness, there were significant changes in community composition that were consistent with those observed during natural forest succession. Importantly, most observed changes were driven by rare species. Variation was explained primarily by canopy openness at the local scale, and the tree-related microhabitat diversity and deadwood amount at landscape scales. The levels of salvage logging in our study did not explain compositional changes. We conclude that forest dieback drives changes in species assemblages that mimic natural forest succession, and markedly increases the risk of catastrophic loss of rare species through homogenization of environmental conditions.
3D magnetic configuration of ferrimagnetic multilayers with competing interactions visualized by soft X-ray vector tomography
Authors: Hermosa-Muñoz Javier , Hierro-Rodríguez Aurelio , Sorrentino Andrea , Martín José I. , Alvarez-Prado Luis M. , Rehbein Stefan , Pereiro Eva , Quirós Carlos , Vélez María , Ferrer Salvador
Published: January 2022

Full control of magnetic properties in exchange coupled systems requires a good understanding of 3D magnetic configuration with lateral and in-depth resolution. Here we show results from a soft X-ray tomographic reconstruction which allow determining, solely from the experimental data, a detailed description of the vector magnetic configuration of a ferrimagnetic Gd12Co88/Nd17Co83/Gd24Co76 trilayer with engineered competing anisotropy, exchange and magnetostatic interactions at different depths. The trilayer displays chevron patterns with a distorted closure structure. Near the top Gd24Co76 layer, local exchange springs with out-of-plane magnetization reversal, quasi-domains with ripple-like patterns and magnetic vortices and antivortices across the thickness are observed. The detailed analysis of the magnetic tomogram shows that the effective strength of the exchange spring at the NdCo/GdCo interface can be finely tuned by GdxCo1-x composition and anisotropy (determined by sample fabrication) and in-plane stripe orientation (adjustable), demonstrating the suitability of 3D magnetic visualization techniques in magnetic engineering research.
The global carbon sink potential of terrestrial vegetation can be increased substantially by optimal land management
Authors: Sha Zongyao , Bai Yongfei , Li Ruren , Lan Hai , Zhang Xueliang , Li Jonathon , Liu Xuefeng , Chang Shujuan , Xie Yichun
Published: January 2022

Excessive emissions of greenhouse gases — of which carbon dioxide is the most significant component, are regarded as the primary reason for increased concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and global warming. Terrestrial vegetation sequesters 112–169 PgC (1PgC = 1015g carbon) each year, which plays a vital role in global carbon recycling. Vegetation carbon sequestration varies under different land management practices. Here we propose an integrated method to assess how much more carbon can be sequestered by vegetation if optimal land management practices get implemented. The proposed method combines remotely sensed time-series of net primary productivity datasets, segmented landscape-vegetation-soil zones, and distance-constrained zonal analysis. We find that the global land vegetation can sequester an extra of 13.74 PgC per year if location-specific optimal land management practices are taken and half of the extra clusters in ~15% of vegetated areas. The finding suggests optimizing land management is a promising way to mitigate climate changes.
Saliva: Properties and Functions in Food Oral Processing
Authors: Zhang Donghao , Wang Xinmiao , Chen Jianshe
Published: January 2022

The role of saliva in oral health and the diagnosis of disease has been widely recognized, but the interactions between saliva and diet have received less attention. We review the properties and functions of saliva, as well as the role of saliva in the perception of taste and texture. The salivary secretion mechanism and the physical and chemical characteristics of saliva and its main components are described in detail. We also introduce how saliva participates in the formation of a food bolus and its influence on the perception of food texture in the oral cavity. The interactions between saliva and food components as they affect taste are also discussed.
Biomechanics of Tongue–Food Interactions
Authors: Mathieu V. , Ramaioli M.
Published: January 2022

The complex muscular tissues of the tongue and sensory feedback allow rich biomechanical interactions with solid or liquid foods, enabling the perception of food texture, food destructuration, bolus formation and safe swallowing. After introducing the relevant anatomical features of the tongue, we discuss the biomechanical interactions of the tongue with food and describe some of the in vivo and in vitro approaches used to study these interactions.
Metal–Oxide Semiconductor Nanomaterials for Photothermal Catalysis
Authors: Ye Chen , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi
Published: January 2022

Solar energy-driven catalytic applications have been investigated for decades. Photothermal catalysis combining photo- and thermal-catalytic effects to promote reactions has attracted significant attention. It not only enhances the reaction rate and controls product selectivity but also provides a possibility to let the reactions occur under relatively mild conditions. In this chapter, photothermal catalysis based on oxide materials is reviewed. The principle and development of semiconductor nanostructure-based photothermal catalysts are discussed, and the application of photothermal catalysis in various fields is also present.
Copper Sulfide-based Nanomaterials for Photothermal Applications
Authors: Regulacio Michelle D.
Published: January 2022

Binary copper sulfides (Cu2−xS) have been attracting enormous amounts of attention over the past decade due to their exceedingly useful properties, environmental compatibility, and widespread availability. At the nanoscale, their composition, size, and morphology can be tailored to enhance their performance in applications that involve photovoltaics, catalysis, energy storage, and biomedicine. Recently, they have been found to display remarkable photothermal properties because of their ability to strongly absorb near-infrared (NIR) light and effectively transform it into heat. This book chapter provides a summary of current research that explores the potential of copper sulfide-based nanomaterials as photothermal transduction agents. Special attention is given to the use of these photothermally responsive materials in cancer therapy. Synthetic strategies are discussed in detail, with focus on the synthesis of copper sulfide-based nanostructures with compositions, morphologies, and configurations that are beneficial to the enhancement of photothermal properties. Future directions in this area of research are also presented.
Photothermal Nanomaterials for Oncological Hyperthermia
Authors: You Mingliang , Zhu Houjuan , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi
Published: January 2022

The photothermal properties of a nanomaterial are of tremendous, increasing interest in biomedical fields due to their excellent optical response and controllable photothermal effect by external light energy. In previous decades, most biomedical applications using photothermal nanomaterials have focused on photothermal effects in cancer treatment. With the increasing understanding of this unique property of nanomaterials, we should emphasize the potential of these nanomaterials for clinical translation by exploring photothermal effect-based theranostics in cancer. This chapter briefly summarizes recent advances in the applications of photothermal nanomaterials for oncological hyperthermia, particularly a discussion on the advantages, challenges, and safety concerns for clinical application.
Design of an antenna effect Eu(iii)-based metal–organic framework for highly selective sensing of Fe3+
Authors: Wu Jia-Qi , Ma Xin-Yue , Liang Cheng-Long , Lu Jian-Mei , Shi Qian , Shao Li-Xiong
Published: January 2022

Highly selective sensing of Fe3+ is very important due to its great effect on biological systems.
Synthesis, structure and aromaticity of metallapyridinium complexes
Authors: Wang Yilun , Sun Yue , Bai Wei , Zhou Yan , Bao Xiao , Li Yang
Published: January 2022

Rhenapyridinium complexes are synthesized from the reaction of ReCl3(PMePh2)3 with o-ethynyl benzonitriles. These fused metallaaromatics contain both Hückel π-aromatic metallapyridinium rings and σ-aromatic rhenacyclopropene units.
Transcriptome analysis provides insight into the anti-diabetic mechanism of theaflavins in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced mice
Authors: Wang Kaixi , Wu Jiafan , Chen Shuna , Zhao Hangye , He Puming , Tu Youying , Li Bo
Published: January 2022

Theaflavins in black tea could effectively improve type 2 diabetes through regulating pancreas function, intestine tight junction and hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis.
Structure sensitive enantioselectivity on surfaces: tartaric acid on all surfaces vicinal to Cu(111)
Authors: Fernández-Cabán Carlos , Karagoz Burcu , Kondratyuk Petro , Gellman Andrew J.
Published: January 2022

Maps of reaction rate constants across all surface orientations vicinal to Cu(111) reveal that d-tartaric acid decomposes preferentially on Cu(hkl)S surfaces while l-tartaric acid decomposes preferentially on Cu(hkl)R orientations.
Scalable and robust silica aerogel materials from ambient pressure drying
Authors: Di Luigi Massimigliano , An Lu , Armstrong Jason N. , Ren Shenqiang
Published: January 2022

A scalable thermal insulation aerogel composite sheet using recycled cellulose materials.
Unveiling the crucial contributions of electrostatic and dispersion interactions to the ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence of H-bond crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) films
Authors: Wang Deliang , Wu Hongzhuo , Gong Junyi , Xiong Yu , Wu Qian , Zhao Zheng , Wang Lei , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2022

We present a facile strategy to activate ultralong RTP emissions of organic phosphors doped into H-bond crosslinked PVA films. The longest RTP lifetime of 1.74 s is obtained by tailoring the electrostatic and dispersion interactions.
Low energy consumption fiber-type memristor array with integrated sensing-memory
Authors: Meng Yanfang , Zhu Jiaxue
Published: January 2022

To develop an artificial sensory nervous system, we use an ion-gel system and solve the issue that sensor units and memory units are separated and difficult to miniaturize and integrate. Consequently integrated responsiveness-storage external stimuli ability is achieved.
Functionalized polyurethane composite gel electrolyte with cosensitized photoanode for higher solar cell efficiency using a passivation layer
Authors: Prakash Ravi , Maurya Ishwar Chandra , Srivastava Pankaj , Mondal Sourov , Ray Biswajit , Maiti Pralay
Published: January 2022

Graphene oxide tagged thermoplastic polyurethane has been used as gel electrolyte for hole transporting agent and the resulting device exhibits high photo conversion efficiency.
Direct synthesis of 1,3-dithiolanes from terminal alkynesviavisible light photoredox catalysis
Authors: Khade Vikas V. , Thube Archana S. , Dharpure Pankaj D. , Bhat Ramakrishna G.
Published: January 2022

A convenient and regioselective synthesis of 1,3-dithiolanes from terminal alkynes under photoredox conditions.
Conformational preferences induced by cyclization in orbitides: a vibrational CD study
Authors: Yokomichi Maria A. S. , Silva Hanyeny R. L. , Brandao Lorenza E. V. N. , Vicente Eduardo F. , Batista Jr. Joao M.
Published: January 2022

Vibrational CD and DFT calculations reveal solution-state conformational preferences of orbitides following cyclization.
Hydrofluorocarbon nanoparticles for 19F MRI-fluorescence dual imaging and chemo-photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wu Tingjuan , Chen Kexin , Jiang Mou , Li Anfeng , Peng Xingxing , Chen Shizhen , Yang Zhigang , Zhou Xin , Zheng Xing , Jiang Zhong-Xing
Published: January 2022

The higher co-solubility of functional agents enables the sensitive 19F MRI-fluorescence dual imaging and synergistic PTT, PDT and chemotherapy to overcome tumor hypoxia.
Transition-metal-free synthesis of 4-amino isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones via a tandem reaction of arynes and oxazoles
Authors: Liu Shaojun , Xie Pei , Wu Leifang , Zhao Jixing , Cai Zhihua , He Lin
Published: January 2022

A facile and transition-metal-free method for the synthesis of 4-amino isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones has been developed.
Interplay of piezoresponse and magnetic behavior in Bi0.9A0.1FeO2.95 (A = Ba, Ca) and Bi0.9Ba0.05Ca0.05FeO2.95 co-doped ceramics
Authors: Mangamma G. , Das B. K. , Ramachandran B. , Ramachandra Rao M. S. , Sairam T. N.
Published: January 2022

In the pristine as well as the doped BiFeO3 samples, ferroelectric domains show switching behavior. The regions marked by yellow color loops show either 71° or 109°-domains, whereas those marked by white loops are 180°-domains.
Detection of free chlorine in water using graphene-like carbon based chemiresistive sensors
Authors: Zubiarrain-Laserna Ana , Angizi Shayan , Akbar Md Ali , Divigalpitiya Ranjith , Selvaganapathy Ponnambalam Ravi , Kruse Peter
Published: January 2022

Chemiresistive sensors based on graphene-like carbon films are very stable and sensitive. They can be used for continuous online monitoring of free chlorine.
Synthesis, purification and characterization of Plectonema derived AgNPs with elucidation of the role of protein in nanoparticle stabilization
Authors: Zaki Almaz , Aziz Md. Nafe , Ahmad Rakhshan , Ahamad Irshad , Ali M. Shadab , Yasin Durdana , Afzal Bushra , Ali Syed Mansoor , Chopra Anita , Hadda Vijay , Srivastava Pooja , Kumar Raj , Fatma Tasneem
Published: January 2022

Illuminating the role of protein on the surface of cyanobacterial derived capped, decapped AgNPs and its biomedical application.
Ionic liquid/TiO2nanoparticles doped with non-expensive metals: new active catalyst for phenol photodegradation
Authors: Fischer Daiane Kessler , Rodrigues de Fraga Karina , Scheeren Carla Weber
Published: January 2022

TiO2nanoparticles were synthesized using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMI·BF4) ionic liquid and doped with non-expensive metals Cu2+and Fe3+by the sol–gel method.