bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambient-conditions spinning of functional soft fibers via engineering molecular chain networks and phase separation
Authors: Zhang Songlin , Zhou Mengjuan , Liu Mingyang , Guo Zi Hao , Qu Hao , Chen Wenshuai , Tan Swee Ching
Published: June 2023

Producing functional soft fibers via existing spinning methods is environmentally and economically costly due to the complexity of spinning equipment, involvement of copious solvents, intensive consumption of energy, and multi-step pre-/post-spinning treatments. We report a nonsolvent vapor-induced phase separation spinning approach under ambient conditions, which resembles the native spider silk fibrillation. It is enabled by the optimal rheological properties of dopes via engineering silver-coordinated molecular chain interactions and autonomous phase transition due to the nonsolvent vapor-induced phase separation effect. Fiber fibrillation under ambient conditions using a polyacrylonitrile-silver ion dope is demonstrated, along with detailed elucidations on tuning dope spinnability through rheological analysis. The obtained fibers are mechanically soft, stretchable, and electrically conductive, benefiting from elastic molecular chain networks via silver-based coordination complexes and in-situ reduced silver nanoparticles. Particularly, these fibers can be configured as wearable electronics for self-sensing and self-powering applications. Our ambient-conditions spinning approach provides a platform to create functional soft fibers with unified mechanical and electrical properties at a two-to-three order of magnitude less energy cost under ambient conditions.
The UBX domain in UBXD1 organizes ubiquitin binding at the C-terminus of the VCP/p97 AAA-ATPase
Authors: Blueggel Mike , Kroening Alexander , Kracht Matthias , van den Boom Johannes , Dabisch Matthias , Goehring Anna , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Bayer Peter , Meyer Hemmo , Beuck Christine
Published: June 2023

The AAA+ ATPase p97/VCP together with different sets of substrate-delivery adapters and accessory cofactor proteins unfolds ubiquitinated substrates to facilitate degradation by the proteasome. The UBXD1 cofactor is connected to p97-associated multisystem proteinopathy but its biochemical function and structural organization on p97 has remained largely elusive. Using a combination of crosslinking mass spectrometry and biochemical assays, we identify an extended UBX (eUBX) module in UBXD1 related to a lariat in another cofactor, ASPL. Of note, the UBXD1-eUBX intramolecularly associates with the PUB domain in UBXD1 close to the substrate exit pore of p97. The UBXD1 PUB domain can also bind the proteasomal shuttling factor HR23b via its UBL domain. We further show that the eUBX domain has ubiquitin binding activity and that UBXD1 associates with an active p97-adapter complex during substrate unfolding. Our findings suggest that the UBXD1-eUBX module receives unfolded ubiquitinated substrates after they exit the p97 channel and before hand-over to the proteasome. The interplay of full-length UBXD1 and HR23b and their function in the context of an active p97:UBXD1 unfolding complex remains to be studied in future work.
INSurVeyor: improving insertion calling from short read sequencing data
Authors: Rajaby Ramesh , Liu Dong-Xu , Au Chun Hang , Cheung Yuen-Ting , Lau Amy Yuet Ting , Yang Qing-Yong , Sung Wing-Kin
Published: June 2023

Insertions are one of the major types of structural variations and are defined as the addition of 50 nucleotides or more into a DNA sequence. Several methods exist to detect insertions from next-generation sequencing short read data, but they generally have low sensitivity. Our contribution is two-fold. First, we introduce INSurVeyor, a fast, sensitive and precise method that detects insertions from next-generation sequencing paired-end data. Using publicly available benchmark datasets (both human and non-human), we show that INSurVeyor is not only more sensitive than any individual caller we tested, but also more sensitive than all of them combined. Furthermore, for most types of insertions, INSurVeyor is almost as sensitive as long reads callers. Second, we provide state-of-the-art catalogues of insertions for 1047 Arabidopsis Thaliana genomes from the 1001 Genomes Project and 3202 human genomes from the 1000 Genomes Project, both generated with INSurVeyor. We show that they are more complete and precise than existing resources, and important insertions are missed by existing methods.
Long-read direct RNA sequencing reveals epigenetic regulation of chimeric gene-transposon transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Berthelier Jérémy , Furci Leonardo , Asai Shuta , Sadykova Munissa , Shimazaki Tomoe , Shirasu Ken , Saze Hidetoshi
Published: June 2023

Transposable elements (TEs) are accumulated in both intergenic and intragenic regions in plant genomes. Intragenic TEs often act as regulatory elements of associated genes and are also co-transcribed with genes, generating chimeric TE-gene transcripts. Despite the potential impact on mRNA regulation and gene function, the prevalence and transcriptional regulation of TE-gene transcripts are poorly understood. By long-read direct RNA sequencing and a dedicated bioinformatics pipeline, ParasiTE, we investigated the transcription and RNA processing of TE-gene transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified a global production of TE-gene transcripts in thousands of A. thaliana gene loci, with TE sequences often being associated with alternative transcription start sites or transcription termination sites. The epigenetic state of intragenic TEs affects RNAPII elongation and usage of alternative poly(A) signals within TE sequences, regulating alternative TE-gene isoform production. Co-transcription and inclusion of TE-derived sequences into gene transcripts impact regulation of RNA stability and environmental responses of some loci. Our study provides insights into TE-gene interactions that contributes to mRNA regulation, transcriptome diversity, and environmental responses in plants.
Broad host susceptibility of North American amphibian species to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans suggests high invasion potential and biodiversity risk
Authors: Gray Matthew J. , Carter Edward Davis , Piovia-Scott Jonah , Cusaac J. Patrick W. , Peterson Anna C. , Whetstone Ross D. , Hertz Andreas , Muniz-Torres Aura Y. , Bletz Molly C. , Woodhams Douglas C. , Romansic John M. , Sutton William B. , Sheley Wesley , Pessier Allan , McCusker Catherine D. , Wilber Mark Q. , Miller Debra L.
Published: June 2023

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans(Bsal) is a fungal pathogen of amphibians that is emerging in Europe and could be introduced to North America through international trade or other pathways. To evaluate the risk ofBsalinvasion to amphibian biodiversity, we performed dose-response experiments on 35 North American species from 10 families, including larvae from five species. We discovered thatBsalcaused infection in 74% and mortality in 35% of species tested. Both salamanders and frogs became infected and developedBsalchytridiomycosis. Based on our host susceptibility results, environmental suitability conditions forBsal, and geographic ranges of salamanders in the United States, predicted biodiversity loss is expected to be greatest in the Appalachian Region and along the West Coast. Indices of infection and disease susceptibility suggest that North American amphibian species span a spectrum of vulnerability toBsalchytridiomycosis and most amphibian communities will include an assemblage of resistant, carrier, and amplification species. Predicted salamander losses could exceed 80 species in the United States and 140 species in North America.
Acetolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate for upcycling and life-cycle assessment study
Authors: Peng Yuantao , Yang Jie , Deng Chenqiang , Deng Jin , Shen Li , Fu Yao
Published: June 2023

To reduce environmental pollution and reliance on fossil resources, polyethylene terephthalate as the most consumed synthetic polyester needs to be recycled effectively. However, the existing recycling methods cannot process colored or blended polyethylene terephthalate materials for upcycling. Here we report a new efficient method for acetolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol diacetate in acetic acid. Since acetic acid can dissolve or decompose other components such as dyes, additives, blends, etc., Terephthalic acid can be crystallized out in a high-purity form. In addition, Ethylene glycol diacetate can be hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol or directly polymerized with terephthalic acid to form polyethylene terephthalate, completing the closed-loop recycling. Life cycle assessment shows that, compared with the existing commercialized chemical recycling methods, acetolysis offers a low-carbon pathway to achieve the full upcycling of waste polyethylene terephthalate.
Point singularity array with metasurfaces
Authors: Lim Soon Wei Daniel , Park Joon-Suh , Kazakov Dmitry , Spägele Christina M. , Dorrah Ahmed H. , Meretska Maryna L. , Capasso Federico
Published: June 2023

Phase singularities are loci of darkness surrounded by monochromatic light in a scalar field, with applications in optical trapping, super-resolution imaging, and structured light-matter interactions. Although 1D singular structures, like optical vortices, are common due to their robust topological properties, uncommon 0D (point) and 2D (sheet) singularities can be generated by wavefront-shaping devices like metasurfaces. With the design flexibility of metasurfaces, we deterministically position ten identical point singularities using a single illumination source. The phasefront is inverse-designed using phase-gradient maximization with an automatically-differentiable propagator and produces tight longitudinal intensity confinement. The array is experimentally realized with a TiO2 metasurface. One possible application is blue-detuned neutral atom trap arrays, for which this field would enforce 3D confinement and a potential depth around 0.22 mK per watt of incident laser power. We show that metasurface-enabled point singularity engineering may significantly simplify and miniaturize the optical architecture for super-resolution microscopes and dark traps.
Lanthanide-doped MoS2 with enhanced oxygen reduction activity and biperiodic chemical trends
Authors: Hao Yu , Wang Liping , Huang Liang-Feng
Published: June 2023

Molybdenum disulfide has broad applications in catalysis, optoelectronics, and solid lubrication, where lanthanide (Ln) doping can be used to tune its physicochemical properties. The reduction of oxygen is an electrochemical process important in determining fuel cell efficiency, or a possible environmental-degradation mechanism for nanodevices and coatings consisting of Ln-doped MoS2. Here, by combining density-functional theory calculations and current-potential polarization curve simulations, we show that the dopant-induced high oxygen reduction activity at Ln-MoS2/water interfaces scales as a biperiodic function of Ln type. A defect-state pairing mechanism, which selectively stabilizes the hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl adsorbates on Ln-MoS2, is proposed for the activity enhancement, and the biperiodic chemical trend in activity is found originating from the similar trends in intraatomic 4f–5d6s orbital hybridization and interatomic Ln–S bonding. A generic orbital-chemistry mechanism is described for explaining the simultaneous biperiodic trends observed in many electronic, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties.
A materials data framework and dataset for elastomeric foam impact mitigating materials
Authors: Landauer Alexander K. , Kafka Orion L. , Moser Newell H. , Foster Ian , Blaiszik Ben , Forster Aaron M.
Published: June 2023

The availability of materials data for impact-mitigating materials has lagged behind applications-based data. For example, data describing on-field helmeted impacts are available, whereas material behaviors for the constituent impact-mitigating materials used in helmet designs lack open datasets. Here, we describe a new FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) data framework with structural and mechanical response data for one example elastic impact protection foam. The continuum-scale behavior of foams emerges from the interplay of polymer properties, internal gas, and geometric structure. This behavior is rate and temperature sensitive, therefore, describing structure-property characteristics requires data collected across several types of instruments. Data included are from structure imaging via micro-computed tomography, finite deformation mechanical measurements from universal test systems with full-field displacement and strain, and visco-thermo-elastic properties from dynamic mechanical analysis. These data facilitate modeling and design efforts in foam mechanics, e.g., homogenization, direct numerical simulation, or phenomenological fitting. The data framework is implemented using data services and software from the Materials Data Facility of the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design.
Geochemical and remote sensing integrated with satellite gravity data of Darhib and Atshan talc deposits, South Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Lasheen El Saeed R. , Mohamed Waheed H. , Elyaseer Mahmoud H. , Rashwan Mohamed A. , Azer Mokhles K.
Published: June 2023

The current contribution conducted new geochemical, remote sensing integrated with gravity detailed studies of talc deposits to identify the talc protolith as well as its extension, depth, and structures. There are two examined areas, distributed from north to south, Atshan and Darhib and both belong to the southern sector of the Egyptian Eastern Desert. They occur as individual lenses or pocket bodies in ultramafic-metavolcanics following NNW-SSE and E-W shear zones. Geochemically, among the investigated talc, Atshan samples have high contents of SiO2 (av. 60.73 wt.%), and higher concentrations of transition elements such as Co (av. 53.92 ppm), Cr (781 ppm), Ni (av. 1303.6 ppm), V (av. 16.67 ppm), and Zn (av. 55.7 ppm). Notably, the examined talc deposits contain low contents of CaO (av. 0.32 wt.%), TiO2 (av. 0.04 wt.%), SiO2/MgO (av. 2.15), and Al2O3 (av. 0.72 wt.%), which is comparable with ophiolitic peridotite and forearc setting. False color composite (FCC), principal component analysis (PCA), minimum noise fraction (MNF), and band ratio (BR) have been used to distinguish talc deposits in the investigated areas. Two new proposed band ratios were created to separate talc deposits. FCC band ratios (2/4, 4/7, 6/5) and (4 + 3/5, 5/7, 2 + 1/3) have been derived to focus on talc deposits in two case studies, Atshan and Darhib areas. The application of regional, residual, horizontal gradient (HG), and analytical signal (AS) techniques to gravity data are used in interpreting the structural directions of the study area. The analysis of this technique displays several notable faults trending in NW–SE, NE–SW, NNW–SSE, and E–W directions. Two techniques of gravity depth calculation were applied in the study areas, namely source parameter image (SPI), and Euler deconvolution (EU). The analysis of these techniques reflects that the depth of subsurface sources ranges between 383 and 3560 m. Talc deposits may be attributed to greenschist facies metamorphism or to a magmatic solution that is (associated with granitic intrusions) interacted with the surrounding volcanic rocks forming metasomatic minerals.
Genetically predicted circulating serum homocysteine levels on osteoporosis: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang ChenYu , Zhang Xiang , Qiu Bo
Published: June 2023

To investigate the causal relationship between circulating serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and osteoporosis (OP). Using public datasets gathered from independently published genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was done to investigate the causal influence of Hcy on OP. SNPs were selected from a meta-analysis of GWAS on Hcy concentrations in 44,147 individuals of European ancestry. Meanwhile, SNPs of individuals of European descent for OP were extracted from the Genetic Factors of Osteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS) UK Biobank. The odds ratio (OR) of inverse variance weighted (IVW) approaches was established as the primary outcome. Moreover, weighted median (WM) and MR-Egger regressions were included in the sensitivity analysis. There were no causal effects of Hcy on forearm bone mineral density and lumbar bone mineral density according to IVW, MR-Egger, and WM analyses (all p > 0.05). In the IVW, we discovered the causality between genetically predicted Hcy and heel bone mineral density (H-BMD) with an OR of 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.927–0.990, p = 0.011]. In the additional sensitivity analysis, WM regression (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.995–1.076, p = 0.084) and MR-Egger regression (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.918–1.049, p = 0.609) yielded values that were comparable in direction but less precise. The MR-Egger intercept, funnel plot, and IVW all indicate the absence of any discernible directional pleiotropy. The leave-one-out analysis revealed that a single SNP did not influence the results of the MR analysis. In conclusion, our MR investigation revealed evidence of a causal relationship between circulating serum Hcy levels and H-BMD, but not OP in the European population. However, larger sample sizes are needed in the future to get more reliable conclusions.
Acute exposure to organophosphorus pesticide metabolites compromises buffalo sperm function and impairs fertility
Authors: Chhillar Shivani , Batra Vipul , Kumaresan Arumugam , Kumar Rakesh , Pal Ankit , Datta Tirtha Kumar
Published: June 2023

Agrichemicals such as organophosphorus pesticides’ metabolites (OPPMs) are more hazardous and pervasive than their parent pesticides. Parental germline exposure to such xenobiotics leads to an elevated susceptibility towards reproductive failures e.g. sub- or in-fertility. This study sought to examine the effects of low-dose, acute OPPM exposure on mammalian sperm function using buffalo as the model organism. The buffalo spermatozoa were briefly (2 h) exposed to metabolites of the three most prevalent organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) viz. Omethoate (from Dimethoate), paraoxon-methyl (from methyl/ethyl parathion) and 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (from chlorpyrifos). Exposure to OPPMs resulted in compromised structural and functional integrity (dose-dependent) of the buffalo spermatozoa typified by elevated membrane damage, increased lipid peroxidation, precocious capacitation and tyrosine phosphorylation, perturbed mitochondrial activity and function and (P < 0.05). This led to a decline in the in vitro fertilizing ability (P < 0.01) of the exposed spermatozoa, as indicated by reduced cleavage and blastocyst formation rates. Preliminary data indicate that acute exposure to OPPMs, akin to their parent pesticides, induces biomolecular and physiological changes in spermatozoa that compromise their health and function ultimately affecting their fertility. This is the first study demonstrating the in vitro spermatotoxic effects of multiple OPPMs on male gamete functional integrity.
Impact of Covid-19 pandemic lockdown on the urban litter and clean environment index
Authors: Darabi Khadijeh , Hayati Ramin , Morovati Maryam , Alinejad Navid , Hassani Ghasem
Published: June 2023

Changing the level of pollution in the urban environment is one of the consequences of Covid-19. Litter are one of the most important urban pollutants affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this research, the pollution level of urban areas during the Covid-19 pandemic was investigated by studying the urban environment. To this end, the protocol of observation and counting was used and litter were studied in two groups including common litter and Covid-19 related litter in Yasuj, Iran. The results were interpreted based on the clean environment index (CEI). The time of observation was selected based on the peak of the disease and the decline in the incidence rate. The results showed that on average, at the peak of the disease, the density of the litter was reduced by 19% compared to the low lockdown related to Covid-19. The CEI on average was 4.76 at the peak of the disease that was interpreted in the clean status, while the CEI on average was 5.94 at the low lockdown related to Covid-19 so interpreted in the moderate status. Among urban land uses, recreational areas with a difference of more than 60% showed the greatest impact caused by Covid-19, while in commercial areas this difference was less than 3%. The effect of Covid-19 related litter on the calculated index was 73% in the worst case and 0.8% in the lowest case. Although Covid-19 decreased the number of litter in urban areas, the emergence of Covid-19 lockdown related litter was a cause for concern and led to increasing the CEI.
Ecological risk assessment of aquatic organisms induced by heavy metals in the estuarine waters of the Pearl River
Authors: Tang Zhihua , Liu Xinyu , Niu Xiaojun , Yin Hua , Liu Minru , Zhang Dongqing , Guo Huafang
Published: June 2023

With the rapid economic development of China's coastal areas and the growth of industry and population, the problem of heavy metal contamination in estuarine waters is increasing in sensitivity and seriousness. In order to accurately and quantitatively describe the current status of heavy metal contamination and identify sensitive aquatic organisms with high ecological risks, five heavy metals in eight estuaries of the Pearl River were monitored at monthly intervals from January to December in 2020, and the ecological risks of aquatic organisms induced by heavy metals were evaluated using Risk quotients (RQ) and species sensitivity distributions (SSD) methods. The results showed that the concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, Hg and Zn in estuaries of the Pearl River were (0.65–9.25) μg/L, (0.07–11.57) μg/L, (0.05–9.09) μg/L, (< 0.40) μg/L and (0.67–86.12) μg/L, respectively. With the exception of Hg in Jiaomen water, the other heavy metals in each sampling site met or exceed the water quality standard of Grade II. The aquatic ecological risks of As, Pb and Hg were generally low in the waters of the Pearl River estuary, but individual aquatic organisms are subject to elevated ecological risks due to Cu and Zn. The content of Zn has a lethal effect on the crustaceans Temora Stylifera, and the content of Cu has a serious impact on the mollusks Corbicula Fluminea and has a certain impact on the crustaceans Corophium sp. and the fish Sparus aurata. Heavy metal levels and joint ecological risks (msPAF) in the Humen, Jiaomen, Hongqimen, and Hengmen estuaries were slightly higher than in other estuaries, and the Yamen estuary had the lowest contration of heavy metals and ecological risk. Research findings can serve as a basis for formulating water quality standards for heavy metals and for protecting aquatic biodiversity in the Pearl River Estuary.
Quantum neural networks with multi-qubit potentials
Authors: Ban Yue , Torrontegui E. , Casanova J.
Published: June 2023

We propose quantum neural networks that include multi-qubit interactions in the neural potential leading to a reduction of the network depth without losing approximative power. We show that the presence of multi-qubit potentials in the quantum perceptrons enables more efficient information processing tasks such as XOR gate implementation and prime numbers search, while it also provides a depth reduction to construct distinct entangling quantum gates like CNOT, Toffoli, and Fredkin. This simplification in the network architecture paves the way to address the connectivity challenge to scale up a quantum neural network while facilitating its training.
Prehospital stroke-scale machine-learning model predicts the need for surgical intervention
Authors: Yoshida Yoichi , Hayashi Yosuke , Shimada Tadanaga , Hattori Noriyuki , Tomita Keisuke , Miura Rie E. , Yamao Yasuo , Tateishi Shino , Iwadate Yasuo , Nakada Taka-aki
Published: June 2023

While the development of prehospital diagnosis scales has been reported in various regions, we have also developed a scale to predict stroke type using machine learning. In the present study, we aimed to assess for the first time a scale that predicts the need for surgical intervention across stroke types, including subarachnoid haemorrhage and intracerebral haemorrhage. A multicentre retrospective study was conducted within a secondary medical care area. Twenty-three items, including vitals and neurological symptoms, were analysed in adult patients suspected of having a stroke by paramedics. The primary outcome was a binary classification model for predicting surgical intervention based on eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Of the 1143 patients enrolled, 765 (70%) were used as the training cohort, and 378 (30%) were used as the test cohort. The XGBoost model predicted stroke requiring surgical intervention with high accuracy in the test cohort, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.802 (sensitivity 0.748, specificity 0.853). We found that simple survey items, such as the level of consciousness, vital signs, sudden headache, and speech abnormalities were the most significant variables for accurate prediction. This algorithm can be useful for prehospital stroke management, which is crucial for better patient outcomes.
An assessment of self-rated life satisfaction and its correlates with physical, mental and social health status among older adults in India
Authors: Bramhankar Mahadev , Kundu Sampurna , Pandey Mohit , Mishra Nand Lal , Adarsh Adarsh
Published: June 2023

Life satisfaction refers to the assessment of one’s own life in terms of self-perceived favourable qualities. It is an integral part of healthy and successful course of ageing. It is widely associated with the health status and social well-being. The present study attempted to determine the constructing factors of self-rated life satisfaction, such as socio-demographic, physical, social, and mental well-being of older adults. We analysed information from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-1), the initial phase conducted during 2017–18 for the population of older adults in India. We applied descriptive statistics for prevalence assessment and association was checked using chi-square test. Further, to determine the adjusted outcome of predictor covariates on the likelihood of an individual being satisfied from life estimated by applying hierarchical multiple logistic regression models. Several noteworthy affirmations on the relationship between the socio-demographic variables and health risk behaviours with life satisfaction were observed. The results were consistent with studies showing change in life satisfaction subject to the state of physical and mental health, presence of chronic diseases, friends and family relations, dependency, and events of trauma or abuse. While comparing respondents, we found varying degrees of life satisfaction by gender, education, marital status, expenditure and other socio-economic features. We also found that besides physical and mental health, social support and well-being play a pivotal role in achieving higher life satisfaction among older adults. Overall, this work contributes to the study of the subjective well-being of older adults in India based on self-reported levels of life satisfaction and further narrows the gap in knowledge about associated behaviour. Hence, with on-going ageing scenario, there is need for multi-sectorial policy-oriented approaches at individual, family, and community level, which helps to take care of older-adults’ physical, social, and mental health for the betterment of healthy ageing.
In-depth analysis of erythrose reductase homologs in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Szczepańczyk Mateusz , Rzechonek Dorota A. , Neuvéglise Cécile , Mirończuk Aleksandra M.
Published: June 2023

The unconventional yeastYarrowia lipolyticaproduces erythritol as an osmoprotectant to adapt to osmotic stress. In this study, the array of putative erythrose reductases, responsible for the conversion of d-erythrose to erythritol, was analyzed. Single knockout and multiple knockout strains were tested for their ability to produce polyols in osmotic stress conditions. Lack of six of the reductase genes does not affect erythritol significantly, as the production of this polyol is comparable to the control strain. Deletion of eight of the homologous erythrose reductase genes resulted in a 91% decrease in erythritol synthesis, a 53% increase in mannitol synthesis, and an almost 8-fold increase in arabitol synthesis as compared to the control strain. Additionally, the utilization of glycerol was impaired in the media with induced higher osmotic pressure. The results of this research may shed new light on the production of arabitol and mannitol from glycerol byY. lipolyticaand help to develop strategies for further modification in polyol pathways in these microorganisms.
Evaluation of inflammatory status in blood in patients with rosacea
Authors: Karaosmanoglu Nermin , Ozdemir Cetinkaya Pınar , Orenay Ozge Mine
Published: June 2023

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by recurrent episodes of erythema, telangiectasia and papulopustular lesions. Although the pathogenesis is not well established, growing knowledge suggests that multiple etiological factors play a role resulting in inflammation. The aim of the present study is to investigate inflammatory status of patients with rosacea by evaluating CBC parameters and systemic immune inflammation (SII) index and compare these parameters with control group. Thus, it is aimed to understand the role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease. This retrospective, case–control study included 100 patients with rosacea and 58 sex- and age-matched controls. Laboratory examinations including CBC, ESR, CRP, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels were recorded and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and SII index were calculated. Monocyte and platelet count, SII index, ESR and CRP were significantly higher in patients with rosacea than in the control group. No statistically significant difference was found in other parameters. There was no significant correlation between disease severity and ESR, CRP, and SII index. The findings of this study suggest that apart from the inflammatory pathways at the level of skin, there is an inflammatory state in the blood of patients. Rosacea is a skin disease, but it may have systemic implications and/or associations that need to be clarified completely.
A balanced communication-avoiding support vector machine decision tree method for smart intrusion detection systems
Authors: Al-Saleh Abdullah
Published: June 2023

The Internet of Things field has created many challenges for network architectures. Ensuring cyberspace security is the primary goal of intrusion detection systems (IDSs). Due to the increases in the number and types of attacks, researchers have sought to improve intrusion detection systems by efficiently protecting the data and devices connected in cyberspace. IDS performance is essentially tied to the amount of data, data dimensionality, and security features. This paper proposes a novel IDS model to improve computational complexity by providing accurate detection in less processing time than other related works. The Gini index method is used to compute the impurity of the security features and refine the selection process. A balanced communication-avoiding support vector machine decision tree method is performed to enhance intrusion detection accuracy. The evaluation is conducted using the UNSW-NB 15 dataset, which is a real dataset and is available publicly. The proposed model achieves high attack detection performance, with an accuracy of approximately 98.5%.
Microwave-assisted biodiesel production using –SO3H functionalized heterogeneous catalyst derived from a lignin-rich biomass
Authors: Yadav Nidhi , Yadav Gaurav , Ahmaruzzaman Md.
Published: June 2023

The synthesis of biodiesel from renewable resources has immense potential as a sustainable and cost-effective energy alternative. In this work, a reusable –SO3H functionalized heterogeneous catalyst that has a total acid density of 2.06 mmol/g was prepared from walnut (Juglans regia) shell powder by low-temperature hydrothermal carbonization (WNS-SO3H). Walnut shell (WNS) contains more lignin (50.3%), which shows great resistance toward moisture. The prepared catalyst was employed for the effective conversion of oleic acid to methyl oleate by a microwave-assisted esterification reaction. The EDS analysis revealed the significant presence of sulfur (4.76 wt%), oxygen (51.24 wt%), and carbon (44 wt%) content. The results of the XPS analysis confirm the bonding of C–S, C–C, C=C, C–O, and C=O. Meanwhile, the presence of –SO3H (the responsible factor for the esterification of oleic acid) was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Under the optimized conditions (9 wt% catalyst loading, 1:16 oleic acid to methanol molar ratio, 60 min reaction time, and 85 °C temperature), the conversion of oleic acid to biodiesel was found to be 99.01 ± 0.3%. The obtained methyl oleate was characterized by employing 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. The conversion yield and chemical composition of methyl oleate were confirmed by gas chromatography analysis. In conclusion, it can be a sustainable catalyst because the catalyst preparation controls the agro-waste, a great conversion is achieved due to the high lignin content, and the catalyst was reusable for five effective reaction cycles.
Marked impacts of transient conditions on potential secondary organic aerosol production during rapid oxidation of gasoline exhausts
Authors: Zhang Jinsheng , Peng Jianfei , Song Ainan , Lv Zongyan , Tong Hui , Du Zhuofei , Guo Jiliang , Wu Lin , Wang Ting , Hallquist Mattias , Mao Hongjun
Published: June 2023

Vehicle emission is a major source of atmospheric secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Driving condition is a critical influencing factor for vehicular SOA production, but few studies have revealed the dependence on rapid-changing real-world driving conditions. Here, a fast-response oxidation flow reactor system is developed and deployed to quantify the SOA formation potential under transient driving conditions. Results show that the SOA production factor varies by orders of magnitude, e.g., 20–1500 mg kg-fuel−1 and 12–155 mg kg-fuel−1 for China V and China VI vehicles, respectively. High speed, acceleration, and deceleration are found to considerably promote SOA production due to higher organic gaseous emissions caused by unburned fuel emission or incomplete combustion. In addition, China VI vehicles significantly reduce SOA formation potential, yield, and acceleration and deceleration peaks. Our study provides experimental insight and parameterization into vehicular SOA formation under transient driving conditions, which would benefit high time-resolved SOA simulations in the urban atmosphere.
Southern Himalayas rainfall as a key driver of interannual variation of pre-monsoon aerosols over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Weichen , Zhao Chun , Xu Mingyue , Feng Jiawang , Du Qiuyan , Gu Jun , Leung L. Ruby , Lau William K. M.
Published: June 2023

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is one of the most climate-sensitive regions around the world. Aerosols imported from adjacent regions reach their peak during the pre-monsoon season and play a vital role in the TP environment. However, the strong interannual variation in aerosols transported to the TP has not been fully understood. Here, we show that the interannual variability of pre-monsoon aerosols transported to the TP is influenced more by rainfall over the southern Himalayas than near-surface wind. Rainfall modulates fire events and biomass burning emissions and reduces aerosols over the TP by wet scavenging. Contrary to the role of wind in increasing aerosol transport, the positive correlation between wind and aerosols in the TP reported in previous studies is contributed by the negative interannual correlations between wind and rainfall and between rainfall and fire events over the southern Himalayas. This study highlights the co-variability of wind and rainfall and their confounding impacts on aerosols in the southern Himalayas and over the TP. With pre-monsoon rainfall projected to increase in adjacent regions of southern TP, aerosol transport to the TP may be mitigated in the future.
A flexible symbolic regression method for constructing interpretable clinical prediction models
Authors: La Cava William G. , Lee Paul C. , Ajmal Imran , Ding Xiruo , Solanki Priyanka , Cohen Jordana B. , Moore Jason H. , Herman Daniel S.
Published: June 2023

Machine learning (ML) models trained for triggering clinical decision support (CDS) are typically either accurate or interpretable but not both. Scaling CDS to the panoply of clinical use cases while mitigating risks to patients will require many ML models be intuitively interpretable for clinicians. To this end, we adapted a symbolic regression method, coined the feature engineering automation tool (FEAT), to train concise and accurate models from high-dimensional electronic health record (EHR) data. We first present an in-depth application of FEAT to classify hypertension, hypertension with unexplained hypokalemia, and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) using EHR data for 1200 subjects receiving longitudinal care in a large healthcare system. FEAT models trained to predict phenotypes adjudicated by chart review had equivalent or higher discriminative performance (p < 0.001) and were at least three times smaller (p < 1 × 10−6) than other potentially interpretable models. For aTRH, FEAT generated a six-feature, highly discriminative (positive predictive value = 0.70, sensitivity = 0.62), and clinically intuitive model. To assess the generalizability of the approach, we tested FEAT on 25 benchmark clinical phenotyping tasks using the MIMIC-III critical care database. Under comparable dimensionality constraints, FEAT’s models exhibited higher area under the receiver-operating curve scores than penalized linear models across tasks (p < 6 × 10−6). In summary, FEAT can train EHR prediction models that are both intuitively interpretable and accurate, which should facilitate safe and effective scaling of ML-triggered CDS to the panoply of potential clinical use cases and healthcare practices.
An allosteric pan-TEAD inhibitor blocks oncogenic YAP/TAZ signaling and overcomes KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance
Authors: Hagenbeek Thijs J. , Zbieg Jason R. , Hafner Marc , Mroue Rana , Lacap Jennifer A. , Sodir Nicole M. , Noland Cameron L. , Afghani Shervin , Kishore Ayush , Bhat Kamakoti P. , Yao Xiaosai , Schmidt Stephen , Clausen Saundra , Steffek Micah , Lee Wendy , Beroza Paul , Martin Scott , Lin Eva , Fong Rina , Di Lello Paola , Kubala Marta H. , Yang Michelle N.-Y. , Lau Jeffrey T. , Chan Emily , Arrazate Alfonso , An Le , Levy Elizabeth , Lorenzo Maria N. , Lee Ho-June , Pham Trang H. , Modrusan Zora , Zang Richard , Chen Yi-Chen , Kabza Michal , Ahmed Musaddeque , Li Jason , Chang Matthew T. , Maddalo Danilo , Evangelista Marie , Ye Xin , Crawford James J. , Dey Anwesha
Published: June 2023

The Hippo pathway is a key growth control pathway that is conserved across species. The downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif), are frequently activated in cancers to drive proliferation and survival. Based on the premise that sustained interactions between YAP/TAZ and TEADs (transcriptional enhanced associate domain) are central to their transcriptional activities, we discovered a potent small-molecule inhibitor (SMI), GNE-7883, that allosterically blocks the interactions between YAP/TAZ and all human TEAD paralogs through binding to the TEAD lipid pocket. GNE-7883 effectively reduces chromatin accessibility specifically at TEAD motifs, suppresses cell proliferation in a variety of cell line models and achieves strong antitumor efficacy in vivo. Furthermore, we uncovered that GNE-7883 effectively overcomes both intrinsic and acquired resistance to KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) G12C inhibitors in diverse preclinical models through the inhibition of YAP/TAZ activation. Taken together, this work demonstrates the activities of TEAD SMIs in YAP/TAZ-dependent cancers and highlights their potential broad applications in precision oncology and therapy resistance.
Rock slope failure preparation paced by total crack boundary length
Authors: Lagarde Sophie , Dietze Michael , Hammer Conny , Zeckra Martin , Voigtländer Anne , Illien Luc , Schöpa Anne , Hirschberg Jacob , Burtin Arnaud , Hovius Niels , Turowski Jens M.
Published: June 2023

Gravitational mass wasting prediction requires understanding of the factors controlling failure. Prior to slope failure, cracks in the weakened rock are thought to grow and coalesce, eventually forming a continuous failure plane. Here, we apply a hidden Markov machine learning model to seismic data, revealing the temporal evolution of cracks prior to a major rockslide event in the Swiss Alps. After prolonged linear increase of the crack cumulative number, an S-shaped crack rate pattern occurred in the day before the rockslide. A simple mechanistic model can explain this behaviour, showing that total crack boundary length is the key factor controlling failure plane evolution immediately before mass movement. Our findings imply that cracks should be treated as 2-D, rather than 1-D objects, and that slope failure can be driven predominantly by internal rather than external processes. Our model offers a novel, physically based approach for early warning of slope failures.
Evaluating the biological effectiveness of boron neutron capture therapy by using microfluidics-based pancreatic tumor spheroids
Authors: Yu Lin-Yen , Hsu Chia-Hsien , Li Chia-Yang , Hong Shiao-Ya , Chen Chaang-Ray , Chen Chi-Shuo
Published: June 2023

Applications of tumor shperoids in microfluidic system for investigating the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
A polyaniline functionalized NiFeP nanosheet array-based electrochemical immunosensor using Au/Cu2O nanocubes as a signal amplifier for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Bai Liwei , Shi Yufen , Zhang Xue , Cao Xiaowei , Jia Jianhua , Shi Huanhuan , Lu Wenbo
Published: June 2023

A polyaniline functionalized NiFeP nanosheet array-based electrochemical immunosensor using Au/Cu2O nanocubes as a signal amplifier is fabricated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS-CoV-2 NP).
In vivo measurement of autophagic flux by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Song Haohan , Dong Chaoqing , Ren Jicun
Published: June 2023

A new method is proposed to in vivo monitor autophagosomes and assess autophagic flux in living cells based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Mesopyridinium BODIPY-based long wavelength infrared mitochondria-targeting fluorescent probe with high photostability
Authors: Jiao Shenghe , Dong Xiaochun , Zhao Weili
Published: June 2023

Meso ortho-pyridinium BODIPY with benzyl head and glycol substitution on phenyl moiety (3h) was found to have favorable mitochondrial targeting performance.
Catalytic asymmetric interrupted Attanasi reaction: access to fused 2,3-dihydropyrroles with vicinal quaternary carbons
Authors: Chen Yun-Xuan , Han Tian-Jiao , Xiao Xiao , Wang Min-Can , Mei Guang-Jian
Published: June 2023

The first catalytic asymmetric interrupted Attanasi reaction has been established, delivering a variety of bicyclic fused 2,3-dihydropyrroles with vicinal quaternary stereogenic centers in good yields and with good to excellent enantioselectivities.
Nanoflower electrocatalysts derived from mixed metal (Fe/Co/Ni) organic frameworks for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Dang Jiangyan , Qiu Jingjing , Zhang Xiaoying , Jin Ruifa , Qin Bowen , Zhang Jingping
Published: June 2023

Trimetal MOFs have been synthesized based on C8H7NO4by changing the ratio of Fe/Co/Ni and used directly in electrocatalytic OER. Among them, NiCoFe-MOF-2 exhibits excellent OER catalytic performance due to its unique layered structure.
Research on single-crystal-to-single-crystal photoaddition and extension of Schmidt's rule in topological chemistry
Authors: Xiao Cheng-Yue , Deng Xi-Ling , Wei Zan-Bin , Yang Shi-Yao
Published: June 2023

The angle range suitable for topological chemical photoaddition has been clarified.
A combined crossed molecular beam and theorerical study of the O(3P,1D) + acrylonitrile (CH2CHCN) reactions and implications for combustion and extraterrestrial environments
Authors: Pannacci Giacomo , Mancini Luca , Vanuzzo Gianmarco , Liang Pengxiao , Marchione Demian , Rosi Marzio , Casavecchia Piergiorgio , Balucani Nadia
Published: June 2023

The reaction between atomic oxygen and acrylonitrile (a ubiquitous species in space and in combustion environments) has been investigated under single collision conditions. Intersystem crossing was seen to dominate the reaction.
A rooted interphase on sodium via in situ pre-implantation of fluorine atoms for high-performance sodium metal batteries
Authors: Wang Chutao , Sun Zongqiang , Liu Lin , Ni Hongbin , Hou Qing , Fan Jingmin , Yuan Ruming , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: June 2023

A unique SEI is established, which can be rooted in metal via in situ pre-implantation of atoms, called a rooted SEI (R-SEI).
Photoelectrocatalyzed undirected C–H trifluoromethylation of arenes: catalyst evaluation and scope
Authors: Struwe Julia , Ackermann Lutz
Published: June 2023

More than a dozen different mediators were employed in the trifluoromethylation of (hetero-)arenes to compare them in their efficacies.
Evaluation of hybrid amines and alcohol solvent with ion-exchange resin catalysts for energy-efficient CO2 capture
Authors: Sun Qiang , Xiong Jia , Gao Hongxia , Sema Teerawat , Olson Wilfred , Liang Zhiwu
Published: June 2023

Cation exchange resin catalysts are a novel approach to accomplish improvement in aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) regeneration.
Introduction to “Shaping the future using thin films and nanotechnology”
Authors: Ivaturi Aruna , Varghese Oomman
Published: June 2023

Aruna Ivaturi and Oomman Varghese introduce the Materials Advances themed issue on “Shaping the future using thin films and nanotechnology”.
RNA-cleaving DNAzymes for accurate biosensing and gene therapy
Authors: Gao Xin , Liu Yixin , Huo Wendi , Song Yuwei , Chen Yu , Zhang Jinchao , Yang Xinjian , Jin Yi , Liang Xing-jie
Published: June 2023

The review systematically summarizes the applications of RNA-cleaving DNAzymes in recent years, explaining the uniqueness and superiority of RNA-cleaving DNAzymes in biosensing and gene therapy.
Understanding spatiotemporal mechanical behavior, viscoelasticity, and functions of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lou Lihua , Sesena Rubfiaro Alberto , He Jin , Agarwal Arvind
Published: June 2023

This study seeks to explore and model force-controlled single hiPSC-CM mechanical, adhesion, and viscoelasticity performance to reveal its dynamic spatiotemporal changes using AFM, micropipette, and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques.
Manufacture of a modular fog harvesting system combining 3D printing and wettability-contrasting patterns
Authors: Guo Jie , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: June 2023

A modular fog harvesting system consisting of a water collection module and a water tank module is designed and manufactured with 3D printing technology and can be assembled like Lego bricks within a reasonable range.
A smart magnetic nanosystem for sequential extracellular and intracellular release of proteins for cancer therapy
Authors: Zhao Yaxuan , Feng Kai , Lei Guojun , Shen Jingjing , Liu Yang , Ruan Yiling , Sun Xiaolian
Published: June 2023

A smart magnetic nanosystem was developed to sequentially release tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) extracellularly and glucose oxidase (GOx) intracellularly for synergistic cancer treatment.