bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional requirements for a Samd14-capping protein complex in stress erythropoiesis
Authors: Ray Suhita , Chee Linda , Zhou Yichao , Schaefer Meg A , Naldrett Michael J , Alvarez Sophie , Woods Nicholas T , Hewitt Kyle J
Published: June 2022

Acute anemia induces rapid expansion of erythroid precursors and accelerated differentiation to replenish erythrocytes. Paracrine signals—involving cooperation between stem cell factor (SCF)/Kit signaling and other signaling inputs—are required for the increased erythroid precursor activity in anemia. Our prior work revealed that the sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain 14 (Samd14) gene increases the regenerative capacity of the erythroid system in a mouse genetic model and promotes stress-dependent Kit signaling. However, the mechanism underlying Samd14’s role in stress erythropoiesis is unknown. We identified a protein-protein interaction between Samd14 and the α- and β-heterodimers of the F-actin capping protein (CP) complex. Knockdown of the CP β subunit increased erythroid maturation in murine ex vivo cultures and decreased colony forming potential of stress erythroid precursors. In a genetic complementation assay for Samd14 activity, our results revealed that the Samd14-CP interaction is a determinant of erythroid precursor cell levels and function. Samd14-CP promotes SCF/Kit signaling in CD71med spleen erythroid precursors. Given the roles of Kit signaling in hematopoiesis and Samd14 in Kit pathway activation, this mechanism may have pathological implications in acute/chronic anemia.
Optimizing Slimmable Networks for Multiple Target Platforms
Authors: Wang Zifu , Blaschko Matthew
Published: June 2022

In this work, we extend platform-aware adaptive training to the weighted average of multiple target platforms, where the weighting is determined e.g. by the market share of the target platform. To simulate different market regimes, we generate different weight settings by a Chinese restaurant process to benchmark optimization strategies. We use a neural architecture search framework based on Markov Random Fields to efficiently find the optimal channel configurations for each platform, and investigate different sampling strategies to train a single slimmable network that can be deployed to multiple platforms at the same time. Empirical results on CIFAR-100 demonstrate improved performance over the original slimmable network across different weight settings, while maintaining efficient training.
Self-Communicating Deep Reinforcement Learning Agents Develop External Number Representations
Authors: Sabathiel Silvester , Solstad Trygve , Testolin Alberto , Petruzzellis Flavio
Published: June 2022

Symbolic numbers are a remarkable product of human cultural development. The developmental process involved the creation and progressive refinement of material representational tools, such as notched tallies, knotted strings, and counting boards. In this paper, we introduce a computational framework that allows the investigation of how material representations might support number processing in a deep reinforcement learning scenario. In this framework, agents can use an external, discrete state to communicate information to solve a simple numerical estimation task. We find that different perceptual and processing constraints result in different emergent representations, whose specific characteristics can facilitate the learning and communication of numbers.
PPE detector: a YOLO-based architecture to detect personal protective equipment (PPE) for construction sites
Authors: Ferdous Md. , Ahsan Sk. Md. Masudul
Published: June 2022

With numerous countermeasures, the number of deaths in the construction industry is still higher compared to other industries. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is constantly being improved to avoid these accidents, although workers intentionally or unintentionally forget to use such safety measures. It is challenging to manually run a safety check as the number of co-workers on a site can be large; however, it is a prime duty of the authority to provide maximum protection to the workers on the working site. From these motivations, we have created a computer vision (CV) based automatic PPE detection system that detects various types of PPE. This study also created a novel dataset named CHVG (four colored hardhats, vest, safety glass) containing eight different classes, including four colored hardhats, vest, safety glass, person body, and person head. The dataset contains 1,699 images and corresponding annotations of these eight classes. For the detection algorithm, this study has used the You Only Look Once (YOLO) family’s anchor-free architecture, YOLOX, which yields better performance than the other object detection models within a satisfactory time interval. Moreover, this study found that the YOLOX-m model yields the highest mean average precision (mAP) than the other three versions of the YOLOX.
PPBP gene as a biomarker for coronary heart disease risk in postmenopausal Thai women
Authors: Mansanguan Chayasin , Maneerat Yaowapa
Published: June 2022

Background

Estrogen is an important ovarian hormone with anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective effects. Postmenopausal women have lower estrogen levels, associated with significantly higher risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD-related death. Effective biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of CHD are needed to address this problem and thus reduce the mortality due to CHD in postmenopausal women. We recently reported that the PPBP and DEFA1/DEFA3 genes may be feasible synergistic biomarkers for CHD risk in Thai men with hyperlipidemia. The PPBP gene encodes pro-platelet basic protein (PPBP) from activated platelets, and DEFA1/DEFA3 encodes human neutrophil peptides (HNP) 1–3, mainly produced by activated neutrophils. Both platelets and neutrophils are involved in chronic inflammation during the development of atherogenesis and CHD. This study investigated the potential roles of PPBP and DEFA1/DEFA3 and their proteins as biomarkers for CHD risk in postmenopausal Thai women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 90 postmenopausal Thai women, including 12 healthy controls (N), 18 patients with hyperlipidemia (H), and 21 patients diagnosed with CHD. The remaining 39 women were receiving cholesterol-lowering drugs for hyperlipidemia (HD) were excluded from the study. All CHD patients underwent coronary bypass grafting or coronary angioplasty. PPBP and DEFA1/DEFA3 mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from heparinized blood were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Levels of PPBP and HNP-1–3 proteins in corresponding plasma samples were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences in parameters were compared among groups and correlations between parameters and clinical manifestations were analyzed.

Results

PPBP mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in the CHD group compared with the N and H groups. In contrast, DEFA1/DEFA3 mRNA and HNP-1–3 protein levels did not differ significantly among the groups. None of the levels were associated with any of the clinical parameters analyzed in this study.

Conclusion

The results indicate that gene and protein expression levels of PPBP, but not DEFA1/DEFA3, and HNP-1–3, may be feasible biomarkers for assessing CHD risk in postmenopausal Thai women with hyperlipidemia.
A Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Effect of Abutment Materials on Stress Distribution around Peri-Implant Bone in Immediate and Delayed Loading Conditions
Authors: Agarwal Saumya , Trivedi Anshul , Kusum Chandan K , Goswami Roma , Mowar Apoorva
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Osseointegration is important for successful dental implant treatments. Abutment materials affect the load transfer to the implant and surrounding bone thus determining the long term implant survival. Aim: Stress analysis around peri-implant hard tissue with different abutment materials and their comparative evaluation in immediate and delayed loading conditions using finite element analysis. Material and Methods: An in-vitro experimental study was carried out on a root form titanium grade IV Implant, assembled with an abutment Ø4.0-0.5GH and this test model was Threedimensional (3D) scanned, reconstructed on Computer-aided design software CREO. Six abutment groups: Group 1- Zirconia with DL (Delayed Loading), Group 2- Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) with DL, Group 3- Titanium grade Extra Low Interstitial (ELI) with DL, Group 4- Zirconia with IL (Immediate Loading), Group 5- PEEK with IL, Group 6- Titanium Grade ELI with IL, were loaded from vertical, horizontal and oblique direction. Von Mises and principal stress analysis was done on the implant and the peri-implant bone using the finite element method and the statistical analysis was done. Results: For delayed loading group, highest stresses were generated in group 1 (462.88 MPa), followed by group 3 (413.72 MPa) and least in group 2 (319.38 MPa). For immediate loading, highest to lowest stresses were in group 4 (694.32 MPa), Group 6 (620.58 MPa) and group 5 (479.07 MPa). The principal stress analysis showed significant difference between all groups in cancellous bone and cortical bone except between titanium and customised zirconia abutment in cortical bone in delayed loading (p=0.0846) and in immediate loading (p=0.1125). Conclusion: Change in abutment materials significantly affects the stress generated in and around the implant thus more studies must be carried out to reach a consensus on the most optimal material encouraging least dissipation in peri-implant hard tissues.
Comparison of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Ziehl-Neelsen Staining and GeneXpert Methods in Suspected Cases of Tubercular Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Arpitha K , Kumar M Ravish , Sirasagi Anil Kumar , Pattar Pratima M
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) is challenging due to the pauci-bacillary nature of the disease and limited tests available for early diagnosis. It is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. The samples from extrapulmonary infection will have low bacterial count as compared with sputum specimens. It is also necessary to rule out other causes of granulomatous inflammation on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and confirmation by Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) stain and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT). In December 2010, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended GeneXpert/CBNAAT to be used as the initial diagnostic test in suspected EPTB cases. Aim: To compare FNAC and ZN stain with CBNAAT in the diagnosis of suspected tubercular lymphadenopathy in a tertiary care centre and to know the importance of CBNAAT in the modern era. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study carried out over a period of 12 months (July 2019 to June 2020) in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology, ESIC Medical College. All presumptive cases of tubercular lymphadenopathy and purulent aspirates from the lymph nodes of various sites were included in the study. Smears were made after FNA and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain and ZN stain and sample was also processed for CBNAAT in all cases of lymphadenopathy. Statistics were done using SPSS software version 20.00. Results: The total number of cases with presumptive tubercular lymphadenitis was 119. Majority of the aspirates are from jugular lymph nodal and cervical swellings 77 (64.7%) out of 119. FNAC has detected tuberculosis in 20 (16.8%) cases and ZN stain detected Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) in 6 (5%) cases. CBNAAT has detected 28 (23.5%) cases, among them 15 (12.6%) cases which were not detected by FNAC. Diagnostic Performance of CBNAAT versus FNAC 28 out of 119 showed sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value 80%, 85.8%, 65% and 45.5%. Conclusion: The CBNAAT can be added with FNAC to get more specific results. CBNAAT is less sensitive for blood stained samples than purulent samples and hence FNAC still remains as the cheapest and first line test to diagnose in cases suspected of tubercular lymphadenoapathy.
Review on Alopecia: Disease and Characterstics, Clinical Evaluation, Psychological Impact & Available Treatment Options
Authors: Sheikh Shumaila , Ibrahim Sadaf , Shahid Uzma , Pirzada Noorulain , Khan Abid , Shaikh Omer Ahmed , Baig Mirza Tasawer , Khan Ayaz Ali
Published: June 2022

Alopecia Areata (AA) is a frequent recurrent dermatological autoimmune illness that causes patchy regions of hair loss on the scalp and/or body. It can afflict people of any age or skin type, and it affects both men and women. It is necessary to develop new diagnostic procedures. Scalp dermatoscopy is a potential new technique for diagnosing scalp and hair diseases that may be difficult to diagnose otherwise. In adults, high-potency topical corticosteroids (TCs) such as 0.05 percent clobetasol propionate in different formulations or 0.25 percent desoximetasone cream are often used, with response rates of around 47 percent and 60%, respectively. Individuals with stable conditions can benefit from CI therapy provided at home, which can be just as safe and effective as CI therapy administered in a clinic setting.
Work from Home during COVID-19: Perceptions of Academic Professionals in India
Authors: Katoch Om Raj
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19, spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing global pandemic. The pandemic has severely impacted educational systems globally as well as in India. Most governments have temporarily closed educational institutions, with many switching to online education. Around 168 million students and youths were affected by the closures of schools in response to this pandemic by September 2020. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of academic professionals working in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India about working from home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 615 academic professionals working in HEIs across India took part in the survey. An online questionnaire was designed in 'Google Forms' and sent to the respondents via E-mail, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter to collect the required information. The data was entered and analysed using IBM SPSS [version 28.0.1] to find the frequencies and Chi-square tests. Results indicated that gender, designation, employee age, and stream teaching were found to have significant influences on perceptions of work from home (WFH) policies, productivity while teaching from home digitally, work-life balance (except for gender), and the quality of teaching from home (except for stream teaching).
Building Ethical Mindfulness to Maximize Your Practice of EFT
Authors: Hover-Kramer Dorothea
Published: June 2022

This article explores the ways that ethical mindfulness can enhance EFT practice by focusing on four distinct areas for increased awareness: (a) the current context of energy therapies as a whole within the larger picture of leading national health care disciplines; (b) the exceptional aspects of a new energy therapy, such as EFT, that require practitioner awareness beyond the usual considerations needed for cognitive therapies; (c) criteria for selection of clients most appropriate for EFT interventions such as client willingness, responsiveness, and ability to give feedback; and (d) the best risk management practices to avoid pitfalls in one’s practice while enhancing safeguards and rapport. Keywords: ethical mindfulness, client selection criteria, cautions for using EFT, risk management, energy medicine ethics
Estudo Prospectivo Exploratório das Patentes de Aplicação de Goma Xantana como Fluido Polimérico de Recuperação Avançada de Petróleo
Authors: Rodrigues Pamela Dias , Rodrigues João Pedro Dias , Quintella Cristina M.
Published: June 2022

Esta prospecção tecnológica direciona-se ao uso de goma xantana como fluido EOR. A expansão do mercado de petróleo fez surgir a necessidade de desenvolver novas tecnologias capazes de aproveitar ao máximo o potencial de recuperação de óleo do reservatório, e a goma xantana se mostrou ser uma opção por sua capacidade de atuar como fluido pistão. A busca foi realizada na base de dados do Espacenet e foram encontradas e analisadas 76 famílias de patentes. Foi possível verificar atual estagnação da tecnologia, uma vez que 96% das patentes não estão mais em vigor. Os Estados Unidos se destaca no desenvolvimento da tecnologia. Observa-se a reivindicação de novo processo de produção da goma e nova formulação de fluido EOR. Xantomonas foi o microrganismo mais utilizado, e a espécie campestris foi a mais recorrente. Embora exista uma aparente estagnação da tecnologia para a utilização de outras cepas, esta foi identificada como uma possibilidade no desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias relacionadas à produção de goma xantana.
Prospecção Tecnológica sobre Embalagens Ativas para Alimentos
Authors: Nascimento Sara Santos , Delfino Angladis Vieira , Abreu Fabiane Caxico , Santos Diógenes Meneses
Published: June 2022

As embalagens ativas são ferramentas utilizadas pela indústria alimentícia com o intuito de manter a qualidade e aumentar a vida útil dos seus produtos. A análise de patentes e de artigos relacionados a esse tema é fundamental para traçar o perfil das produções científicas e a geração de novos produtos. Desse modo, as buscas foram realizadas fixando o período de 2011-2020, em diferentes bases de artigos (Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct e Scielo) e patentes (Espacenet e WIPO), utilizando as palavras-chave “active packaging” e “active packaging food”, avaliando-se ano de publicação, localidade e área/categoria. EUA, China e Espanha apresentaram maior número de publicações de artigos, respectivamente, sendo os EUA o maior depositante de patentes. Apesar da existência de diversos produtos no mercado internacional com essa tecnologia, encontrou-se elevado número de publicações, indício de que há competitividade e necessidade de desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias.
Estudo Prospectivo sobre a Utilização do Cacau Fermentado
Authors: Andrade Aurora Britto de , Souza Carolina Oliveira de , Druzian Janice Izabel , Bispo Eliete da Silva
Published: June 2022

A fermentação é uma etapa crucial para obtenção de amêndoas de cacau de boa qualidade. Por esse motivo, objetivou-se analisar a evolução tecnológica do processo fermentativo por meio de depósitos de documentos de patentes. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir da combinação de palavras-chave com o Código Internacional de Patentes (CIP), no banco de dados do escritório europeu Espacenet. O CIP mais empregado foi o A23G1 (232). Observou-se que em 2008 houve o maior número de pedidos de patentes (14). O Japão se destacou, sendo maior detentor da tecnologia estudada e de produtos fermentados com adição de chocolate (36). Em adição, 100% dos documentos de patentes no Espacenet são voltados para o setor da indústria de alimentos. Entre os principais documentos depositados, verificou-se a utilização de substâncias aromáticas para melhorar o perfil do cacau, além de tratamentos químicos e enzimáticos para agregar ao chocolate funções benéficas à saúde.
Occupational disparities in tumor grade and cytosolic HMGB1 expression in renal cell cancer
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Takeuchi Takumi , Zaitsu Masaaki , Tonooka Akiko , Uekusa Toshimasa , Miyake Yudai , Kobayashi Yasuki , Kobashi Gen , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We sought to examine occupational disparities in tumor grade and cytosolic expression of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) among renal cell cancer (RCC) patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 318 RCC patients with complete information on occupation and pathology in Kanagawa Cancer Registry (KCR). Longest-held occupations were grouped into manual workers (e.g., manufacturing, construction) versus “others.” Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for high-grade histology were estimated by logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex. We also examined a sub-sample of 74 low-grade RCC inpatients to estimate the OR for positive cytosolic HMGB1 expression in manual workers, adjusting for age, sex, and other available covariates.

Results

High-grade tumors were more prevalent in manual workers compared to other occupations: 23.0% (14/61) versus 10.9% (28/257, p = .01) with an adjusted OR of 2.28 (95% CI, 1.11–4.69). In the sub-sample of low-grade RCCs, positive cytosolic HMGB1 expression was more prevalent in manual workers compared to other occupations: 71.4% (10/14) versus 38.3% (23/60, p = .03) with a sex- and age-adjusted OR of 3.76 (95% CI, 1.03–13.7).

Conclusions

Manual workers are associated with increased risks of high-grade renal cell tumors and cytosolic HMGB1 expression.
Detection of rotational errors in single‐isocenter multiple‐target radiosurgery: Is a routine off‐axis Winston–Lutz test necessary?
Authors: Pudsey Lauren M. M. , Biasi Giordano , Ralston Anna , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Poder Joel
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Recently the use of linear accelerator (linac)‐based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has increased, including single‐isocenter multiple‐target SRS. The workload of medical physicists has grown as a result and so has the necessity of maximizing the efficiency of quality assurance (QA). This study aimed to determine if measurement‐based patient‐specific QA with a high‐spatial‐resolution dosimeter is sensitive to rotational errors, potentially reducing the need for routine off‐axis Winston–Lutz (WL) testing.

Methods

The impact of rotational errors along gantry, couch, and collimator axes on dose coverage of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and planning target volume (PTV) was determined with a 1‐mm GTV/PTV expansion margin. Two techniques, the off‐axis WL test using the StereoPHAN MultiMet‐WL Cube (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, Florida, USA) and patient‐specific QA using the SRS MapCHECK (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, Florida, USA), were assessed on their ability to detect introduced errors before target coverage was compromised. These findings were also considered in the context of routine machine QA of rotational axis calibrations.

Results

Rotational errors significantly impacted PTV dose coverage, especially in the couch angle. GTV dose coverage remained unaffected except for with large couch angle errors (≥1.5°). The off‐axis WL test was shown to be sensitive to rotational errors with results consistently exceeding tolerance levels when or before coverage fell below departmentally accepted limits. Although patient‐specific QA using the SRS MapCHECK was previously validated for SRS, this study showed inconsistency in detection of rotational errors.

Conclusions

It is recommended that off‐axis WL testing be conducted regularly to supplement routine monthly machine QA, as it is sensitive to errors that patient‐specific QA may not detect. This frequency should be determined by individual departments, with consideration of GTV–PTV margins used, limitations on target off‐axis distances, and routine mechanical QA results for particular linacs.
SARS‐COV‐2 a trigger of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐associated disorder
Authors: Johnsson Magnus , Asztely Fredrik , Hejnebo Susanne , Axelsson Markus , Malmeström Clas , Olausson Torbjörn , Lycke Jan
Published: June 2022

SARS‐COV‐2 frequently cause neurological disorders and is sometimes associated with onset of autoimmune diseases affecting the nervous system. Over recent years, a rare but distinct diagnosis designated myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐associated disorder (MOGAD) has been recognized in patients with attacks of optic neuritis, myelitis, or encephalomyelitis and increased levels of anti‐MOG antibodies. The cause of MOGAD is unknown. However, there have been reports of single cases of MOGAD in patients with Covid‐19 infection. We report a series of SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients that developed MOGAD, but a homology search did not support a cross‐reactive immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐protein and MOG.
The effect of multi‐tasking training on performance, situation awareness, and workload in simulated air traffic control
Authors: Black Stephanie C. , Bender Angela D. , Whitney Susannah J. , Loft Shayne , Visser Troy A. W.
Published: June 2022

Increasingly higher demands are being made on the capacity‐limited cognitive capabilities of human operators as they strive to maintain situation awareness (i.e., understanding “what is going on”) and performance in complex tasks. In the current study we asked whether: (a) training administered via a mobile phone‐based app could improve multitasking and (b) improved multitasking in the app would generalize to improved performance and situation awareness in a simulated air traffic control task (ATC). Participants completed the ATC task before and after multiple sessions of app‐based multitasking training or control training. Multitasking on the app improved across training sessions. However, this did not lead to improved performance or situation awareness, or workload reduction, relative to control training on the ATC task. These outcomes indicate that app‐based multitasking training based on repetition of a single training task will not necessarily yield generalizable benefits to human performance in other complex dynamic tasks.
Herb‐Functionalized Chronic Wound Dressings for Enhancing Biological Functions: Multiple Flavonoids Coordination Driven Strategy
Authors: Sun Meng , Peng Shiqiao , Zhao Changli , Huang Juexin , Xia Jingyi , Ye Dan , Dou Xiaoqiu , Hou Wanying , Feng Chuanliang
Published: June 2022

Developing a hydrogel‐based multiple plant flavonoids dressing can synergistically assist chronic wound closure and enable superior solubility and optimal therapeutic efficacy of loading flavonoids. Herein, cooperativity among plant flavonoids to enhance their biological functions is built upon co‐assemblies and chirality transfer. Co‐assemblies of multi‐flavonoids are fabricated through noncovalent interactions between flavonoids with the same skeleton and supramolecular hydrogelators. Chirality transfer from co‐assemblies to poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan is enabled through chain−chain noncovalent interactions, which in turn improves mechanical strength and water absorbing capacity to adapt the changes of wound. Additionally, the optimal hydrogel shows the facilitated healing process due to the matching physicochemical properties and the cooperative therapeutic effects. This study may put forward new insights to design and build a new generation of multiple therapeutic effects of hydrogel dressing to accelerate chronic wound healing by adjusting the assembly process of multiple precursors in a sophisticated cooperative strategy.
High‐Yield of Nucleic Acid Adsorption via Poly(Vinyl Alcohol‐co‐Ethylene) Nanofiber‐Based Anion‐Exchange Chitosan Aerogel Membrane with Controllable Porosity
Authors: Xu Jia , Wang Jing , Wan Yucai , Cheng Pan , Geng Yang , Xia Ming , Zheng Lijia , Tan Yan , Liu Ke , Wang Dong
Published: June 2022

Due to the fast degradation time and low storage temperature of nucleic acid, a simple, fast, and highly efficient adsorption process is imperious for the extraction of nucleic acid molecules. In this article, a poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (EVOH) nanofiber‐based and polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐modified chitosan (ENPC) aerogel with high static adsorption capacity of RNA and DNA molecules (812 and 867 mg g−1, respectively) is proved for enormous potential in adsorption capacity for nucleic acid extraction. A relation between adsorption capacity and the physical morphology of ENPC aerogel membrane is demonstrated with the controllable factors such as chemical components, freeze‐drying temperature, pH value of the nucleic acid solution, and membrane density. The mechanism of the anion‐exchange adsorption process of nucleic acid is analyzed and fitted well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm (monolayer adsorption). The as‐obtained ENPC aerogel in the form of a membrane with self‐cleaning and flexible properties can be easily tailored and widely utilized in a convenient and efficient extraction process of nucleic acids in both industrial and experimental levels.
Microfluidics: Continuous‐Flow Synthesis of Nanoparticle Dispersions for the Fabrication of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Fischer Karen , Marlow Philipp , Manger Felix , Sprau Christian , Colsmann Alexander
Published: June 2022

State‐of‐the‐art solvents for the fabrication of organic solar cells are mostly toxic or hazardous. First attempts to deposit light‐harvesting layers from aqueous or alcoholic nanoparticle dispersions instead have been successful on laboratory scale, enabling future eco‐friendly production of organic solar cells. In this work, a scalable high‐throughput continuous‐flow microfluidic system is employed to synthesize surfactant‐free organic semiconductor dispersions by nanoprecipitation. By adjusting the differential speed of the syringe pumps, the concentration of the initial solute and the irradiation of the microfluidic chip, the synthesis can be controlled for tailored dispersion concentrations and nanoparticle sizes. The resulting dispersions are highly reproducible, and the semiconductor inks are stable for at least one year. The synthesis of the dispersions is exemplified on a polymer/fullerene combination with large‐scale availability.
E4BP4 Coordinates Circadian Control of Cognition in Delirium
Authors: Chen Min , Zhang Li , Shao Mingting , Du Jianhao , Xiao Yifei , Zhang Fugui , Zhang Tianpeng , Li Yifang , Zhou Qianqian , Liu Kaisheng , Wang Zhigang , Wu Baojian
Published: June 2022

Improved understanding of the etiologies of delirium, a common and severe neuropsychiatric syndrome, would facilitate the disease prevention and treatment. Here, the authors invesitgate the role of circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of delirium. They observe perturbance of circadian rhythms in mouse models of delirium and disrupted clock gene expression in patients with delirium. In turn, physiological and genetic circadian disruptions sensitize mice to delirium with aggravated cognitive impairment. Likewise, global deletion of E4bp4 (E4 promoter‐binding protein), a clock gene markedly altered in delirium conditions, results in exacerbated delirium‐associated cognitive decline. Cognitive decline in delirium models is attributed to microglial activation and impaired long‐term potentiation in the hippocampus. Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing reveals microglia as the regulatory target of E4bp4. E4bp4 restrains microglial activation via inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Supporting this, mice lacking in microglial E4bp4 are delirious prone, whereas mice with E4bp4 specifically deleted in hippocampal CA1 neurons have a normal phenotype. Mechanistically, E4bp4 inhibits ERK1/2 signaling by trans‐repressing Mapk1/3 (genes encoding ERK1/2) via direct binding to a D‐box element in the promoter region. These findings define a causal role of clock dysfunction in delirium development and indicate E4bp4 as a regulator of cognition at the crosstalk between circadian clock and delirium.
Small Activating RNA Modulation of the G Protein‐Coupled Receptor for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Xiong Yunfang , Ke Ran , Zhang Qingyu , Lan Wenjun , Yuan Wanjun , Chan Karol Nga Ieng , Roussel Tom , Jiang Yifan , Wu Jing , Liu Shuai , Wong Alice Sze Tsai , Shim Joong Sup , Zhang Xuanjun , Xie Ruiyu , Dusetti Nelson , Iovanna Juan , Habib Nagy , Peng Ling , Lee Leo Tsz On
Published: June 2022

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most common and important drug targets. However, >70% of GPCRs are undruggable or difficult to target using conventional chemical agonists/antagonists. Small nucleic acid molecules, which can sequence‐specifically modulate any gene, offer a unique opportunity to effectively expand drug targets, especially those that are undruggable or difficult to address, such as GPCRs. Here, the authors report  for the first time that small activating RNAs (saRNAs) effectively modulate a GPCR for cancer treatment. Specifically, saRNAs promoting the expression of Mas receptor (MAS1), a GPCR that counteracts the classical angiotensin II pathway in cancer cell proliferation and migration, are identified. These saRNAs, delivered by an amphiphilic dendrimer vector, enhance MAS1 expression, counteracting the angiotensin II/angiotensin II Receptor Type 1 axis, and leading to significant suppression of tumorigenesis and the inhibition of tumor progression of multiple cancers in tumor‐xenografted mouse models and patient‐derived tumor models. This study provides not only a new strategy for cancer therapy by targeting the renin‐angiotensin system, but also a new avenue to modulate GPCR signaling by RNA activation.
Ultrasound‐Induced Mechanoluminescence and Optical Thermometry Toward Stimulus‐Responsive Materials with Simultaneous Trigger Response and Read‐Out Functions
Authors: Ding Yicong , So Byoungjin , Cao Jiangkun , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: June 2022

Ultrasound‐induced mechanoluminescence (USML) of Erbium‐doped CaZnOS is reported. Using the fluorescence intensity ratio of the 2H11/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ allows for simultaneous temperature mapping at an absolute sensitivity of 0.003 K−1 in the physiological regime. The combination of USML, local heating, and remote read‐out enables a feedback and response loop for highly controlled stimulation. It is found that ML is a result of direct energy transfer from the host material to Er3+, giving room for adapted spectral characteristics through bandgap modulation. ML saturation at high acoustic power enables independent control of local light emission and ultrasonic heating. Such USML materials may have profound implications for optogenetics, photodynamic therapy and other areas requiring local illumination, heating, and thermometry simultaneously.
Responsive Multivesicular Polymeric Nanovaccines that Codeliver STING Agonists and Neoantigens for Combination Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Su Ting , Cheng Furong , Qi Jialong , Zhang Yu , Zhou Shurong , Mei Lei , Fu Shiwei , Zhang Fuwu , Lin Shuibin , Zhu Guizhi
Published: June 2022

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has significantly advanced cancer immunotherapy, yet its patient response rates are generally low. Vaccines, including immunostimulant‐adjuvanted peptide antigens, can improve ICB. The emerging neoantigens generated by cancer somatic mutations elicit cancer‐specific immunity for personalized immunotherapy; the novel cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) adjuvants activate stimulator of interferon genes (STING) for antitumor type I interferon (IFN‐I) responses. However, CDN/neoantigen vaccine development has been limited by the poor antigen/adjuvant codelivery. Here, pH‐responsive CDN/neoantigen codelivering nanovaccines (NVs) for ICB combination tumor immunotherapy are reported. pH‐responsive polymers are synthesized to be self‐assembled into multivesicular nanoparticles (NPs) at physiological pH and disassembled at acidic conditions. NPs with high CDN/antigen coloading are selected as NVs for CDN/antigen codelivery to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in immunomodulatory lymph nodes (LNs). In the acidic endosome of APCs, pH‐responsive NVs facilitate the vaccine release and escape into cytosol, where CDNs activate STING for IFN‐I responses and antigens are presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) for T‐cell priming. In mice, NVs elicit potent antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses with immune memory, and reduce multifaceted tumor immunosuppression. In syngeneic murine tumors, NVs show robust ICB combination therapeutic efficacy. Overall, these CDN/neoantigen‐codelivering NVs hold the potential for ICB combination tumor immunotherapy.
“N‐π‐N” Type Oligomeric Acceptor Achieves an OPV Efficiency of 18.19% with Low Energy Loss and Excellent Stability
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhang Ziqi , Deng Dan , Zhou Huiqiong , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang
Published: June 2022

A novel “N‐π‐N” type oligomeric acceptor of 2BTP‐2F‐T, constructed by two small non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) units linked with a thiophene π bridge is reported. The 2BTP‐2F‐T not only combines the advantages of small NFA and polymeric acceptors (PYF‐T‐o) with similar units but also exhibits superior characteristics of high absorption coefficient and high electron moblity(µe)) with less dependence on molecular packing. Using PM6 as the donor, a remarkable efficiency of 18.19% is obtained with an open circuit (Voc) of 0.911 V, short current circuit (Jsc) of 25.50 mA cm−2, and fill factor (FF) of 78.3%, which is much better than that of the corresponding monomer (16.54%) and PYF‐T‐o (15.8%) based devices. The much‐improved efficiency results from two aspects: 1) an enhanced FF due to the largely improved µe and well‐controlled morphology ; 2) a higher value of (Jsc × Voc) due to its higher absorption coefficient and efficient charge generation at a similar low energy loss. Furthermore, the PM6/2BTP‐2F‐T device possesses the longest T80 lifetime to light‐soaking and comparable high thermal stability with PM6/PYF‐T‐o. The results indicate that the “N‐π‐N” type oligomeric acceptor has a great application prospect due to its superior high efficiency and improved stability in organic solar cells.
Surface‐to‐Bulk Synergistic Modification of Single Crystal Cathode Enables Stable Cycling of Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries at 4.4 V
Authors: Sun Nan , Song Yajie , Liu Qingsong , Zhao Wei , Zhang Fang , Ren Liping , Chen Ming , Zhou Zinan , Xu Zihan , Lou Shuaifeng , Kong Fanpeng , Wang Jian , Tong Yujin , Wang Jiajun
Published: June 2022

The interfacial stability between sulfide solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) and high voltage Ni‐rich oxide cathodes is critical to the electrochemical performances of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs), yet it is challenging to solve the interface issues by surface coating modification. Here, a surface‐to‐bulk synergistic modification is proposed to achieve a highly stable interface through the combination of TiNb2O7‐coated and Ti‐doped LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 single crystals (DC‐TNO@SCNCM). The TiNb2O7 coating layer with thermodynamic/electrochemical stability and electronic insulation avoids the decomposition of SSEs. The strong TiO bond in SCNCM achieved by Ti doping can stabilize lattice oxygen and avoid further electrochemically oxidizing sulfide electrolytes to form oxygenated sulfurous and phosphorous species. The modified DC‐TNO@SCNCM cathode exhibits excellent long‐cycle stability with a capacity retention rate of 92.2% after 140 cycles at a high cut‐off voltage of 4.4 V. This surface‐to‐bulk synergistic modification strategy provides a new perspective for the design of high‐voltage sulfide‐based ASSBs.
An Ion‐Conductive Grafted Polymeric Binder with Practical Loading for Silicon Anode with High Interfacial Stability in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Zeheng , Wu Gu , Yang Yajun , Wan Zhengwei , Zeng Xiaoming , Yan Lijing , Wu Shuxing , Ling Min , Liang Chengdu , Hui Kwun Nam , Lin Zhan
Published: June 2022

Binders are required to dissipate huge mechanical stress and enhance the lithium‐ion diffusion kinetics of silicon anodes during cycling. Herein, a stress‐distribution binder with high ionic conductivity (GG‐g‐PAM) is constructed by grating polyacrylamide (PAM) onto ion‐conductive guar gum (GG) backbone. The mechanical stress distribution toward the grafted PAM chain enables the effective stress dissipation of the GG‐g‐PAM binder, and thus maintains a stable electrode‐electrolyte interface during cycling. The stress dissipation ability of the GG‐g‐PAM binder is confirmed by PeakForce atomic force microscopy experiments and finite element simulations. In addition, lithium complexation sites provided by oxygen heteroatoms in GG of the GG‐g‐PAM binder construct the Li‐ion pathways for facilitating Li ionic diffusion in the Si anodes. The good cyclabilities of Ah‐level pouch cells based on Si nanoparticle anodes strongly confirm GG‐g‐PAM as a desirable binder for practical Si anodes.
A novel approach to determine tropical persistence on alfalfa germplasm
Authors: dos Santos Iara Gonçalves , Peixoto Marco Antônio , Cruz Cosme Damião , Ferreira Reinaldo de Paula , Nascimento Moysés , Rosado Renato Domiciano Silva , Sant Anna Isabela de Castro
Published: June 2022

Persistence plays a key role in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa) cultivation in tropical areas, but it is still a restriction for breeding programs. The objectives of this study were to identify persistent alfalfa accessions evaluated under tropical conditions, and to propose a method for selecting persistent accessions based on random regression (RR) models using artificial neural networks (ANN). Dry matter yield (DMY) of 77 alfalfa accessions from 24 cuts was measured to evaluate persistence using different RR models. A persistence method was proposed based on the trajectory curves of the accessions. The fitted curves showed a great amplitude regarding DMY over time, which suggest high persistence variability. The three‐step method for accessing persistence presented in this study included RR modeling to obtain trends of persistence, k‐means to define different persistence clusters, and ANN to perform persistence classification in an automated way. When new accessions are evaluated by an alfalfa breeding program, they will be classified according to their genetic values scores using the same ANN previously fitted. The ANN will greatly enhance the decision‐making process.
Role of miR‐21‐5p/FilGAP axis in estradiol alleviating the progression of monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Wang Qian , Zhao Hui , Wu Wenhui , Zhao Qinhua , Jiang Rong , Liu Jinming , Wang Lan , Yuan Ping
Published: June 2022

Background

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been associated with the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). It is, however, not clear whether miRNAs are involved in estrogen rescue of PH.

Methods

Fresh plasma samples were prepared from 12 idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients and 12 healthy controls undergoing right heart catheterization in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. From each sample, 5 μg of total RNA was tagged and hybridized on microRNA microarray chips. Monocrotaline‐induced PH (MCT‐PH) male rats were treated with 17β‐estradiol (E2) or vehicle. Subgroups were cotreated with estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist or with antagonist of miRNA.

Results

Many circulating miRNAs, including miR‐21‐5p and miR‐574‐5p, were markedly expressed in patients and of interest in predicting mean pulmonary arterial pressure elevation in patients. The expression of miR‐21‐5p in the lungs was significantly upregulated in MCT‐PH rats compared with the controls. However, miR‐574‐5p showed no difference in the lungs of MCT‐PH rats and controls. miR‐21‐5p was selected for further analysis in rats as E2 strongly regulated it. E2 decreased miR‐21‐5p expression in the lungs of MCT‐PH rats by ERβ. E2 reversed miR‐21‐5p target gene FilGAP downregulation in the lungs of MCT‐PH rats. The abnormal expression of RhoA, ROCK2, Rac1 and c‐Jun in the lungs of MCT‐PH rats was inhibited by E2 and miR‐21‐5p antagonist.

Conclusions

miR‐21‐5p level was remarkably associated with PH severity in patients. Moreover, the miR‐21‐5p/FilGAP signaling pathway modulated the protective effect of E2 on MCT‐PH through ERβ.
Application of an Imprint‐and‐Report Sensor Array for Detection of the Dietary Metabolite Trimethylamine N‐Oxide and Its Precursors in Complex Mixtures
Authors: Harrison Emily E. , Waters Marcey L.
Published: June 2022

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) is produced in the gut via metabolism of dietary betaine, choline, and carnitine, and elevated TMAO in plasma is associated with adverse health effects, including cardiovascular events. Currently, we lack high throughput methods for sensing these metabolites and detecting high TMAO. Thus, we have adapted our previously described “imprint‐and‐report” fluorescent sensing method using dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs) to create a sensor array for these four metabolites that functions at physiologically relevant concentrations. Templation of DCLs with dye and subsequent addition of analytes generates a fluorescent fingerprint for each metabolite and allows for differentiation via principal component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, we demonstrate that this system can be used to characterize mixtures of the metabolites in both buffer and human plasma samples. Using three to six DCLs, we can distinguish between plasma samples with healthy and elevated levels of TMAO.
Weak Cation–Solvent Interactions in Ether‐Based Electrolytes Stabilizing Potassium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Li Jinfan , Hu Yanyao , Xie Huabin , Peng Jun , Fan Ling , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: June 2022

Conventional ether‐based electrolytes exhibited a low polarization voltage in potassium‐ion batteries, yet suffered from ion–solvent co‐intercalation phenomena in a graphite anode, inferior potassium‐metal performance, and limited oxidation stability. Here, we reveal that weakening the cation–solvent interactions could suppress the co‐intercalation behaviour, enhance the potassium‐metal performance, and improve the oxidation stability. Consequently, the graphite anode exhibits K+ intercalation behaviour (K||graphite cell operates 200 cycles with 86.6 % capacity retention), the potassium metal shows highly stable plating/stripping (K||Cu cell delivers 550 cycles with average Coulombic efficiency of 98.9 %) and dendrite‐free (symmetric K||K cell operates over 1400 hours) properties, and the electrolyte exhibits high oxidation stability up to 4.4 V. The ion–solvent interaction tuning strategy provides a promising method to develop high‐performance electrolytes and beyond.
Nanostructure engineering of polymeric carbon nitride with boosted photocatalytic antibacterial activity
Authors: Ding Shan , Sun Tao , Di Lu , Xue Bin
Published: June 2022

Nanostructural engineering can achieve smart modulation of the physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials by changing their dimensions, morphologies, and shapes. Nanostructures of different dimensions affect the bactericidal activity of nano‐antibacterial materials. Herein, the nanostructures of the metal‐free antibacterial substance polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) were engineered to prepare. The PCN nanotubes, nanosheets, and microspheres exhibited defined dimensional and morphological characteristics from one‐dimensional (1D) to 2D to 3D. Nanostructuring did not change the crystallization and bonding of PCN, but it profoundly impacted the specific surface area, porosity, absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, photoelectric response, and impedance. Unsurprisingly, the photocatalytic activity of PCN nanostructures in killing Escherichia coli appeared dimensional dependence. The low‐dimensional PCN nanostructures including nanosheets and nanotubes had significantly boosted bactericidal activity; the E. coli survival rates on them after 2 h of visible light irradiation were only 10.4 and 15.8%, respectively. The excellence of the activity can be attributed to the comprehensive effect of strong photo‐generated hole oxidation ability, long photo‐generated carrier lifetime, fast carrier migration rate, large surface area, and sharp shape. The implement of nanostructure engineering provided a promising way to enhance the antibacterial activity of PCN photocatalysts.