bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan oligosaccharide alleviates the growth inhibition caused by physcion and synergistically enhances resilience in maize seedlings
Authors: Li Jingchong , Han Aohui , Zhang Lei , Meng Yang , Xu Li , Ma Feixiang , Liu Runqiang
Published: January 2022

The use of biopesticides has gradually become essential to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural production. Nevertheless, the use of single biopesticides is frequently suboptimal in agricultural production given the diversity of biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study investigated the effects of two biopesticides, physcion and chitosan-oligosaccharide (COS), alone and in combination, on growth regulation and antioxidant potential of maize seedlings by seed coating. As suggested from the results, physcion significantly inhibited the growth of the shoots of maize seedlings due to the elevated respiration rate. However, COS significantly reduced the growth inhibition induced by physcion in maize seedlings by lowering the respiration rate and increasing the content of photosynthetic pigments and root vigor, which accounted for lower consumption of photosynthesis products, a higher photosynthetic rate and a greater nutrient absorption rate. Thus, an improved growth was identified. As indicated from the in-depth research, the application of physcion and COS combination is more effective in down-regulated the malondialdehyde (MDA) content by facilitating the activities of the antioxidative enzymes (i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD)). Such results indicated that the combined use of physcion and COS neither affected the normal growth of maize seedlings, but also synergistically improved the antioxidant potential of the maize plants, resulting in plants with high stress resistance. Thus, the combined use of physcion and COS by seed coating in maize production has great potential to ensure yield and sustainable production of maize.
Non-contact ultrasonic inspection by Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic Detection (GCLAD)
Authors: Gulino Michelangelo-Santo , Bruzzi Mara , Caron James Norbert , Vangi Dario
Published: January 2022

Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic Detection (GCLAD) is an ultrasonic, non-contact detection technique that has been recently proven to be applicable to the inspection of mechanical components. GCLAD response raises as the intersection length between the probe laser beam and the acoustic wavefront propagating in the air increases; such feature differentiates the GCLAD device from other optical detection instruments, making it a line detection system rather than a point detector. During the inspection of structures mainly extending in two dimensions, the capability to evidence presence of defects in whichever point over a line would enable moving the emitter and the detector along a single direction: this translates in the possibility to decrease the overall required time for interrogation of components compared to point detectors, as well as generating simpler automated monitoring layouts. Based on this assumption, the present study highlights the possibility of employing the GCLAD device as a line inspection tool. To this end, preliminary concepts are provided allowing maximization of the GCLAD response for the non-destructive testing of components which predominantly extend in two dimensions. Afterwards, the GCLAD device is employed in pulse-echo mode for the detection of artificial defects machined on a 12 mm-thick steel plate: the GCLAD probe laser beam is inclined to be perpendicular to the propagation direction of the airborne ultrasound, generated by surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in the solid which are first reflected by the defect flanks and subsequently refracted in the air. Numerical results are provided highlighting the SAW reflection patterns, originated by 3 mm deep surface and subsurface defects, that the GCLAD should interpret. The subsequent experimental campaign highlights that the GCLAD device can identify echoes associated with surface and subsurface defects, located in eight different positions on the plate. B-scan of the component ultimately demonstrates the GCLAD performance in accomplishing the inspection task.
Comparison of cytotoxicity effects induced by four different types of nanoparticles in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells
Authors: Li Xiangzhe , Kang Boram , Eom Youngsub , Zhong Jingxiang , Lee Hyung Keun , Kim Hyo Myung , Song Jong Suk
Published: January 2022

The impact of particulate matter (PM) on ocular surface health has attracted increased attention in recent years. Previous studies have reported that differences in the chemical composition of PM can affect the toxicological response. However, available information on the toxic effects of chemical components of PM on the ocular surface is insufficient. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of chemical components of PM on the ocular surface, focusing on the effects of four different types of nanoparticles (NPs) in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs), which include titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon black (CB), zinc dioxide (ZnO), and silicon dioxide (SiO2). We found that the in vitro cytotoxic effects of CB, ZnO, and SiO2 NPs are dependent on particle properties and cell type as well as the exposure concentration and time. Here, the order of increasing toxicity was SiO2 → CB → ZnO, while TiO2 demonstrated no toxicity. Moreover, toxic effects appearing more severe in HCECs than HCjECs. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress plays a key role in the toxicity of these three NPs in HCECs and HCjECs, leading to apoptosis and mitochondrial damage, which are also important contributors to aging. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) as an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase that seems to play a potential protective role in this process. These findings implied that ROS and/or SIRT1 may become a potential target of clinical treatment of PM- or NP-related ocular surface diseases.
Theoretical studies on the two-photon absorption of II–VI semiconductor nano clusters
Authors: Yu Deyang , Hu YangYang , Zhang Guiling , Li Weiqi , Jiang Yongyuan
Published: January 2022

Semiconductor clusters, ZnnOn, ZnnSn, and CdnSn (n = 2–8), were optimized and the corresponding stable structures were acquired. The symmetry, bond length, bond angle, and energy gap between HOMO and LUMO were analyzed. According to reasonable calculation and comparative analysis for small clusters Zn2O2, Zn2S2, and Cd2S2, an effective method based on density function theory (DFT) and basis set which lay the foundation for the calculation of the large clusters have been obtained. The two-photon absorption (TPA) results show that for the nano clusters with planar configuration, sizes play important role on the TPA cross section, while symmetries determine the TPA cross section under circumstance of 3D stable structures. All our conclusions provide theoretical support for the development of related experiments.
Strategies for improved temporal response of glass-based optical switches
Authors: Calvarese Matteo , Paiè Petra , Ceccarelli Francesco , Sala Federico , Bassi Andrea , Osellame Roberto , Bragheri Francesca
Published: January 2022

We present an optimization of the dynamics of integrated optical switches based on thermal phase shifters. These devices have been fabricated in the volume of glass substrates by femtosecond laser micromachining and are constituted by an integrated Mach–Zehnder interferometer and a superficial heater. Simulations, surface micromachining and innovative layouts allowed us to improve the temporal response of the optical switches down to a few milliseconds. In addition, taking advantage of an electrical pulse shaping approach where an optimized voltage signal is applied to the heater, we proved a switching time as low as 78 µs, about two orders of magnitude shorter with respect to the current state of the art of thermally-actuated optical switches in glass.
A camphene-camphor-polymer composite material for the production of superhydrophobic absorbent microporous foams
Authors: Löffler Richard J. G. , Hanczyc Martin M. , Gorecki Jerzy
Published: January 2022

In a recently published paper (doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113116) on self-propelled motion of objects on the water surface, we described a novel surface-active plastic material obtained by dissolution of camphor and polypropylene in camphene at 250 $$^\circ$$

∘

C. The material has wax-like mechanical properties, can be easily formed to any moldable shape, and allows for longer and more stable self-propelled motion if compared with pure camphor or pure camphene or of a camphene-camphor wax. Here we use scanning electron microscopy to visualize and characterize the microporous structure of the solid polypropylene foam formed in the plastic for different polypropylene contents. The topology of foams remaining in the material after camphor and camphene molecules have been removed through evaporation or dissolution is similar to polypropylene foams obtained using thermally-induced phase separation. We show that the foams have a superhydrophobic surface but strongly absorb non-polar liquids, and suggest an array of potential scientific and industrial applications.
Prevalence and pattern of acute and chronic multimorbidity across all body systems and age groups in primary health care
Authors: Linden Michael , Linden Ulrike , Goretzko David , Gensichen Jochen
Published: January 2022

Multimorbidity is more than just the addition of individual illnesses, and its diagnosis and treatment poses special problems. General practitioners play an important role in looking after multimorbid patients. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and pattern of acute and chronic multimorbidity in primary care patients, regardless of body system and age group. A convenience sample of 2099 patients treated by 40 general practitioners was assessed using the Burvill scale. This measure of multimorbidity differentiates according to organ system and covers both acute and chronic illnesses. It also allows severity ratings to be assessed for both acute and chronic conditions, and thus patients’ actual need for general practice care. Patients reported an average of 3.5 (SD = 2.0) acute and/or chronically affected body systems. Overall, 12.7% of patients reported only one health problem, 83.0% at least two, 65.8% at least three, 46.1% at least four, and 29.7% five or more. The most frequent problems were musculoskeletal (62.5%) and psychological (56.6%). Some morbidities were interrelated, while others co-occurred despite being medically independent. In primary care, multimorbidity is the rule rather than the exception. Acute and chronic morbidity both contribute to the burden of illness. Body systems reflect treatment needs. Instead of specialist treatment for individual illnesses, an integrative treatment approach is needed. This is the specialty of general practitioners.
Application of evoked response audiometry for specifying aberrant gamma oscillations in schizophrenia
Authors: Yanagi Masaya , Tsuchiya Aki , Hosomi Fumiharu , Ozaki Satoshi , Shirakawa Osamu
Published: January 2022

Gamma oscillations probed using auditory steady-state response (ASSR) are promising clinical biomarkers that may give rise to novel therapeutic interventions for schizophrenia. Optimizing clinical settings for these biomarker-driven interventions will require a quick and easy assessment system for gamma oscillations in psychiatry. ASSR has been used in clinical otolaryngology for evoked response audiometry (ERA) in order to judge hearing loss by focusing on the phase-locked response detectability via an automated analysis system. Herein, a standard ERA system with 40- and 46-Hz ASSRs was applied to evaluate the brain pathophysiology of patients with schizophrenia. Both ASSRs in the ERA system showed excellent detectability regarding the phase-locked response in healthy subjects and sharply captured the deficits of the phase-locked response caused by aberrant gamma oscillations in individuals with schizophrenia. These findings demonstrate the capability of the ERA system to specify patients who have aberrant gamma oscillations. The ERA system may have a potential to serve as a real-world clinical medium for upcoming biomarker-driven therapeutics in psychiatry.
A comprehensive analysis of selected medicines collected from private drug outlets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh in a simple random survey
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Sofiqur , Yoshida Naoko , Tsuboi Hirohito , Karmoker James Regun , Kabir Nadia , Schaefermann Simon , Akimoto Yoshio , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Reza Md. Selim , Kimura Kazuko
Published: January 2022

Comprehensive data are needed to prevent substandard and falsified (SF) medicines as they pose a major risk to human health. To assess the quality of selected medicines, samples were collected from random private drug outlets of Dhaka North and South City Corporation, Bangladesh. Sample analysis included visual observation of the packaging, authenticity of the samples, legitimacy and registration verification of the manufacturer, physicochemical analysis, and price. Chemical analysis of the samples was performed using a portable Raman spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography according to the pharmacopoeia. Several discrepancies were noted in the visual observation of samples. Among the 189 collected samples of esomeprazole (ESM), cefixime (CFIX), and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (CVA-AMPC), 21.2% were confirmed to be authentic, 91.3% manufacturers were confirmed legitimate, and 2.1% of all samples were unregistered. Chemical analysis of the samples revealed that 9.5% (95% CI 5.7–14.6) of samples were SFs. Falsified samples and quality variation in the same generic branded samples were both detected by Raman spectroscopic analysis. Overall, sample prices were satisfactory relative to the international reference price. This study documents the availability of poor-quality medicines, demonstrating the need for immediate attention by the national medicine regulatory authority.
Temporally consistent predominance and distribution of secondary malaria vectors in the Anopheles community of the upper Zambezi floodplain
Authors: Cross Dónall Eoin , Healey Amy J. E. , McKeown Niall J. , Thomas Christopher James , Macarie Nicolae Adrian , Siaziyu Vincent , Singini Douglas , Liywalii Francis , Sakala Jacob , Silumesii Andrew , Shaw Paul W.
Published: January 2022

Regional optimisation of malaria vector control approaches requires detailed understanding both of the species composition of Anopheles mosquito communities, and how they vary over spatial and temporal scales. Knowledge of vector community dynamics is particularly important in settings where ecohydrological conditions fluctuate seasonally and inter-annually, such as the Barotse floodplain of the upper Zambezi river. DNA barcoding of anopheline larvae sampled in the 2019 wet season revealed the predominance of secondary vector species, with An. coustani comprising > 80% of sampled larvae and distributed ubiquitously across all ecological zones. Extensive larval sampling, plus a smaller survey of adult mosquitoes, identified geographic clusters of primary vectors, but represented only 2% of anopheline larvae. Comparisons with larval surveys in 2017/2018 and a contemporaneous independent 5-year dataset from adult trapping corroborated this paucity of primary vectors across years, and the consistent numerical dominance of An. coustani and other secondary vectors in both dry and wet seasons, despite substantial inter-annual variation in hydrological conditions. This marked temporal consistency of spatial distribution and anopheline community composition presents an opportunity to target predominant secondary vectors outdoors. Larval source management should be considered, alongside prevalent indoor-based approaches, amongst a diversification of vector control approaches to more effectively combat residual malaria transmission.
Suppression of spin rectification effects in spin pumping experiments
Authors: Martin-Rio Sergi , Frontera Carlos , Pomar Alberto , Balcells Lluis , Martinez Benjamin
Published: January 2022

Spin pumping (SP) is a well-established method to generate pure spin currents allowing efficient spin injection into metals and semiconductors avoiding the problem of impedance mismatch. However, to disentangle pure spin currents from parasitic effects due to spin rectification effects (SRE) is a difficult task that is seriously hampering further developments. Here we propose a simple method that allows suppressing SRE contribution to inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) voltage signal avoiding long and tedious angle-dependent measurements. We show an experimental study in the well-known Py/Pt system by using a coplanar waveguide (CPW). Results obtained demonstrate that the sign and size of the measured transverse voltage signal depends on the width of the sample along the CPW active line. A progressive reduction of this width evidences that SRE contribution to the measured transverse voltage signal becomes negligibly small for sample width below 200 μm. A numerical solution of the Maxwell equations in the CPW-sample setup, by using the Landau-Lifshitz equation with the Gilbert damping term (LLG) as the constitutive equation of the media, and with the proper set of boundary conditions, confirms the obtained experimental results.
Radical pairs can explain magnetic field and lithium effects on the circadian clock
Authors: Zadeh-Haghighi Hadi , Simon Christoph
Published: January 2022

Drosophila’s circadian clock can be perturbed by magnetic fields, as well as by lithium administration. Cryptochromes are critical for the circadian clock. Further, the radical pairs in cryptochrome also can explain magnetoreception in animals. Based on a simple radical pair mechanism model of the animal magnetic compass, we show that both magnetic fields and lithium can influence the spin dynamics of the naturally occurring radical pairs and hence modulate the circadian clock’s rhythms. Using a simple chemical oscillator model for the circadian clock, we show that the spin dynamics influence a rate in the chemical oscillator model, which translates into a change in the circadian period. Our model can reproduce the results of two independent experiments, magnetic field and lithium effects on the circadian clock. Our model predicts that stronger magnetic fields would shorten the clock’s period. We also predict that lithium influences the clock in an isotope-dependent manner. Furthermore, our model also predicts that magnetic fields and hyperfine interactions modulate oxidative stress. The findings of this work suggest that the quantum nature of radical pairs might play roles in the brain, as another piece of evidence in addition to recent results on xenon anesthesia and lithium effects on hyperactivity.
In-silico phenotype prediction by normal mode variant analysis in TUBB4A-related disease
Authors: Fellner Avi , Goldberg Yael , Lev Dorit , Basel-Salmon Lina , Shor Oded , Benninger Felix
Published: January 2022

TUBB4A-associated disorder is a rare condition affecting the central nervous system. It displays a wide phenotypic spectrum, ranging from isolated late-onset torsion dystonia to a severe early-onset disease with developmental delay, neurological deficits, and atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum, therefore complicating variant interpretation and phenotype prediction in patients carrying TUBB4A variants. We applied entropy-based normal mode analysis (NMA) to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations in TUBB4A-releated disease and to develop an in-silico approach to assist in variant interpretation and phenotype prediction in this disorder. Variants included in our analysis were those reported prior to the conclusion of data collection for this study in October 2019. All TUBB4A pathogenic missense variants reported in ClinVar and Pubmed, for which associated clinical information was available, and all benign/likely benign TUBB4A missense variants reported in ClinVar, were included in the analysis. Pathogenic variants were divided into five phenotypic subgroups. In-silico point mutagenesis in the wild-type modeled protein structure was performed for each variant. Wild-type and mutated structures were analyzed by coarse-grained NMA to quantify protein stability as entropy difference value (ΔG) for each variant. Pairwise ΔG differences between all variant pairs in each structural cluster were calculated and clustered into dendrograms. Our search yielded 41 TUBB4A pathogenic variants in 126 patients, divided into 11 partially overlapping structural clusters across the TUBB4A protein. ΔG-based cluster analysis of the NMA results revealed a continuum of genotype–phenotype correlation across each structural cluster, as well as in transition areas of partially overlapping structural clusters. Benign/likely benign variants were integrated into the genotype–phenotype continuum as expected and were clearly separated from pathogenic variants. We conclude that our results support the incorporation of the NMA-based approach used in this study in the interpretation of variant pathogenicity and phenotype prediction in TUBB4A-related disease. Moreover, our results suggest that NMA may be of value in variant interpretation in additional monogenic conditions.
Changes in beta-catenin expression and activation during progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis predict disease recurrence
Authors: Ayers Mary , Liu Silvia , Singhi Aatur D. , Kosar Karis , Cornuet Pamela , Nejak-Bowen Kari
Published: January 2022

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, chronic, cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. We have previously demonstrated the importance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse models of PSC. In this study, we wished to determine the clinical relevance of β-catenin localization in patient samples. In livers explanted from patients diagnosed with PSC, the majority (12/16; 75%) lacked β-catenin protein expression. Biopsies from patients post-transplant were classified as recurrent or non-recurrent based on pathology reports and then scored for β-catenin activation as a function of immunohistochemical localization. Despite lack of statistical significance, patients with recurrent primary disease (n = 11) had a greater percentage of samples with nuclear, transcriptionally active β-catenin (average 58.8%) than those with no recurrence (n = 10; 40.53%), while non-recurrence is correlated with β-catenin staining at the cell surface (average 52.63% for non-recurrent vs. 27.34% for recurrent), as determined by three different methods of analysis. β-catenin score and years-to-endpoint are both strongly associated with recurrence status (p = 0.017 and p = 0.00063, respectively). Finally, there was significant association between higher β-catenin score and increased alkaline phosphatase, a marker of biliary injury and disease progression. Thus, β-catenin expression and activation changes during the progression of PSC, and its localization may be a useful prognostic tool for predicting recurrence of this disease.
Vulnerability of SARS-CoV-2 and PR8 H1N1 virus to cold atmospheric plasma activated media
Authors: Cortázar Osvaldo Daniel , Megía-Macías Ana , Moreno Sandra , Brun Alejandro , Gómez-Casado Eduardo
Published: January 2022

Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) and Plasma Activated Media (PAM) are effective against bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, and viruses because they can deliver Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) on a living tissue with negligible damage on health cells. The antiviral activity of CAP against SARS-CoV-2 is being investigated, however, the same but of PAM has not been explored despite its potential. In the present study, the capability of Plasma Activated Media (PAM) to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and PR8 H1N1 influenza virus with negligible damage on healthy cells is demonstrated. PAM acted by both virus detaching and diminished replication. Furthermore, the treatment of A549 lung cells at different times with buffered PAM did not induce interleukin 8 expression, showing that PAM did not induce inflammation. These results open a new research field by using PAM to the development novel treatments for COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases.
Accurate diagnosis of atopic dermatitis by combining transcriptome and microbiota data with supervised machine learning
Authors: Jiang Ziyuan , Li Jiajin , Kong Nahyun , Kim Jeong-Hyun , Kim Bong-Soo , Lee Min-Jung , Park Yoon Mee , Lee So-Yeon , Hong Soo-Jong , Sul Jae Hoon
Published: January 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease in childhood whose diagnosis requires expertise in dermatology. Recent studies have indicated that host genes–microbial interactions in the gut contribute to human diseases including AD. We sought to develop an accurate and automated pipeline for AD diagnosis based on transcriptome and microbiota data. Using these data of 161 subjects including AD patients and healthy controls, we trained a machine learning classifier to predict the risk of AD. We found that the classifier could accurately differentiate subjects with AD and healthy individuals based on the omics data with an average F1-score of 0.84. With this classifier, we also identified a set of 35 genes and 50 microbiota features that are predictive for AD. Among the selected features, we discovered at least three genes and three microorganisms directly or indirectly associated with AD. Although further replications in other cohorts are needed, our findings suggest that these genes and microbiota features may provide novel biological insights and may be developed into useful biomarkers of AD prediction.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition related genes in unruptured aneurysms identified through weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Jiang Yong’an , Leng JingXing , Lin Qianxia , Zhou Fang
Published: January 2022

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) can cause fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after rupture, and identifying patients with unruptured IAs is essential for reducing SAH fatalities. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be vital to IA progression. Here, identified key EMT-related genes in aneurysms and their pathogenic mechanisms via bioinformatic analysis. The GSE13353, GSE75436, and GSE54083 datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus were analyzed with limma to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among unruptured aneurysms, ruptured aneurysms, and healthy samples. The results revealed that three EMT-related DEGs (ADIPOQ, WNT11, and CCL21) were shared among all groups. Coexpression modules and hub genes were identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis, revealing two significant modules (red and green) and 14 EMT-related genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that cytokine interactions were closely related. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that unruptured aneurysms were enriched for the terms “inflammatory response” and “vascular endothelial growth”. Protein–protein interaction analysis identified seven key genes, which were evaluated with the GSE54083 dataset to determine their sensitivity and specificity. In the external validation set, we verified the differential expression of seven genes in unruptured aneurysms and normal samples. Together, these findings indicate that FN1, and SPARC may help distinguish normal patients from patients with asymptomatic IAs.
A compact and miniaturized implantable antenna for ISM band in wireless cardiac pacemaker system
Authors: Feng Yang , Li Zhaonan , Qi Lin , Shen Wanting , Li Gaosheng
Published: January 2022

A tiny and compact implantable antenna for wireless cardiac pacemaker systems is designed. The antenna works in the Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) frequency band (2.4–2.48 GHz). The size of the antenna is greatly reduced with the adoption of a high dielectric constant medium and a folded meander structure. The volume of the antenna is 4.5 mm3, and the size is only 3 mm × 3 mm × 0.5 mm. Based on the literature research, it was found that the design was the smallest among the same type of implanted antenna. The antenna is optimized and loaded with a defective slotted structure, which improves the efficiency of the overall performance of the antenna and thus the gain thereof. The antenna maintains good impedance matching in the ISM frequency band, covering the entire ISM frequency band. The actual bandwidth of the antenna is 22%, with the peak gain of − 24.9 dBi. The antenna is processed and manufactured in such a manner that the simulation keeps consistent with the actual measurement. In addition, the specific absorption rate of the antenna is also evaluated and analyzed. The result shows that this kind of antenna is the best choice to realize the wireless biological telemetry communication in the extremely compact space of the wireless cardiac pacemaker system.
Chicken blastoderms and primordial germ cells possess a higher expression of DNA repair genes and lower expression of apoptosis genes to preserve their genome stability
Authors: Rengaraj Deivendran , Won Sohyoung , Jung Kyung Min , Woo Seung Je , Lee Haerang , Kim Young Min , Kim Heebal , Han Jae Yong
Published: January 2022

DNA is susceptible to damage by various sources. When the DNA is damaged, the cell repairs the damage through an appropriate DNA repair pathway. When the cell fails to repair DNA damage, apoptosis is initiated. Although several genes are involved in five major DNA repair pathways and two major apoptosis pathways, a comprehensive understanding of those gene expression is not well-understood in chicken tissues. We performed whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) analysis in the chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs), stage X blastoderms, and primordial germ cells (PGCs) to uncover this deficiency. Stage X blastoderms mostly consist of undifferentiated progenitor (pluripotent) cells that have the potency to differentiate into all cell types. PGCs are also undifferentiated progenitor cells that later differentiate into male and female germ cells. CEFs are differentiated and abundant somatic cells. Through WTS analysis, we identified that the DNA repair pathway genes were expressed more highly in blastoderms and high in PGCs than CEFs. Besides, the apoptosis pathway genes were expressed low in blastoderms and PGCs than CEFs. We have also examined the WTS-based expression profiling of candidate pluripotency regulating genes due to the conserved properties of blastoderms and PGCs. In the results, a limited number of pluripotency genes, especially the core transcriptional network, were detected higher in both blastoderms and PGCs than CEFs. Next, we treated the CEFs, blastoderm cells, and PGCs with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 1 h to induce DNA damage. Then, the H2O2treated cells were incubated in fresh media for 3–12 h to observe DNA repair. Subsequent analyses in treated cells found that blastoderm cells and PGCs were more likely to undergo apoptosis along with the loss of pluripotency and less likely to undergo DNA repair, contrasting with CEFs. These properties of blastoderms and PGCs should be necessary to preserve genome stability during the development of early embryos and germ cells, respectively.
Drosophila septin interacting protein 1 regulates neurogenesis in the early developing larval brain
Authors: Wei Jia-Yi , Chu Sao-Yu , Huang Yu-Chien , Chung Pei-Chi , Yu Hung-Hsiang
Published: January 2022

Neurogenesis in the Drosophila central brain progresses dynamically in order to generate appropriate numbers of neurons during different stages of development. Thus, a central challenge in neurobiology is to reveal the molecular and genetic mechanisms of neurogenesis timing. Here, we found that neurogenesis is significantly impaired when a novel mutation, Nuwa, is induced at early but not late larval stages. Intriguingly, when the Nuwa mutation is induced in neuroblasts of olfactory projection neurons (PNs) at the embryonic stage, embryonic-born PNs are generated, but larval-born PNs of the same origin fail to be produced. Through molecular characterization and transgenic rescue experiments, we determined that Nuwa is a loss-of-function mutation in Drosophila septin interacting protein 1 (sip1). Furthermore, we found that SIP1 expression is enriched in neuroblasts, and RNAi knockdown of sip1 using a neuroblast driver results in formation of small and aberrant brains. Finally, full-length SIP1 protein and truncated SIP1 proteins lacking either the N- or C-terminus display different subcellular localization patterns, and only full-length SIP1 can rescue the Nuwa-associated neurogenesis defect. Taken together, these results suggest that SIP1 acts as a crucial factor for specific neurogenesis programs in the early developing larval brain.
Distance-based β-amyloid protein detection on PADs for the scanning and subsequent follow-up of Alzheimer's disease in human urine samples
Authors: Khachornsakkul Kawin , Tiangtrong Anongnat , Suwannasom Araya , Sangkharoek Wuttichai , Jamjumrus Opor , Dungchai Wijitar
Published: January 2022

We report for the first time the development of a simple distance-based β-amyloid (Aβ) protein quantification on a paper-based device (dPAD) to screen and follow Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Super-assembly of freestanding graphene oxide-aramid fiber membrane with T-mode subnanochannels for sensitive ion transport
Authors: Zhou Shan , Xie Lei , Yan Miao , Zeng Hui , Zhang Xin , Zeng Jie , Liang Qirui , Liu Tianyi , Chen Pu , Jiang Lei , Kong Biao
Published: January 2022

A nacre-like GO/ANF/GO composite membrane with high mechanical performance is obtained by vacuum filtration method, which exhibits superior metal ion and charge selectivity, showing great potential in energy conversion and molecular recognition field.
Recent advances in MoS2-based materials for electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Ruizhi , Liang Jie , Li Tingshuai , Yue Luchao , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Hamdy Mohamed S. , Sun Yibai , Sun Xuping
Published: January 2022

This review summarizes the recent progress on MoS2-based electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrogen fixation (NRR) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR).
Rubidium and caesium aluminyls: synthesis, structures and reactivity in C–H bond activation of benzene
Authors: Gentner Thomas X. , Evans Matthew J. , Kennedy Alan R. , Neale Sam E. , McMullin Claire L. , Coles Martyn P. , Mulvey Robert E.
Published: January 2022

Rubidium and caesium aluminyls [M{Al(NONDipp)}]2 have been synthesised but only the caesium compound can oxidatively cleave an aromatic C–H bond of benzene.
Nanoparticle-based non-viral CRISPR delivery for enhanced immunotherapy
Authors: Shin Hyunsu , Kim Jaeyun
Published: January 2022

This review highlights recent development of non-viral carrier based CRISPR system delivery to achieve gene editing in various immune cells for enhanced immunotherapy.
Two-step nonlinear optical switch in a hydrogen-bonded perovskite-type crystal
Authors: Hua Xiu-Ni , Zhang Wan-Ying , Shi Ping-Ping
Published: January 2022

A perovskite-type crystal with exceptional hydrogen bond interactions exhibits two-step switchable nonlinear optical behaviors, which are associated with the onset of reorientational motion and ordered–disordered transformation of organic cations.
Insights at the molecular level into the formation of oxo-bridged trinuclear uranyl complexes
Authors: Schaper Gerrit , Wenzel Marco , Schwarzenbolz Uwe , Steup Johannes , Hennersdorf Felix , Henle Thomas , Lindoy Leonard F. , Weigand Jan J.
Published: January 2022

Detailed investigations of the reaction pathway to trinuclear oxo-bridged uranyl complexes.
Concurrent base and silver(i) catalysis pulsed by fuel acid
Authors: Valiyev Isa , Ghosh Amit , Paul Indrajit , Schmittel Michael
Published: January 2022

Treatment of a crown-ether receptor and a silver(i)-loaded cyclam derivative (NetState-I) with a fuel acid reversibly afforded the protonated cyclam and the silver(i)-loaded crown ether (NetState-II) and triggered double catalysis.
Nickel-catalyzed reductive defluorination of iodo allylic gem-difluorides: allenyl monofluoride synthesis
Authors: You Yiming , Wu Jiayue , Yang Lixin , Wu Tao
Published: January 2022

As a potential fluorinated synthon, there have been only limited reports on fluorinated allene synthesis and applications due to concerns about their stability.
Protonating imine sites of polyaniline for aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Yan Han , Mu Xinjian , Song Yu , Qin Zengming , Guo Di , Sun Xiaoqi , Liu Xiao-Xia
Published: January 2022

The redox transitions of PANI are activated via a simple protonation strategy, during which the non-conductive –N sites on the polymer chains are converted to the highly conductive polarons (–NH+–).
Formation and characterization of a CuPt-A type ordered structure in cadmium zinc telluride single crystals
Authors: Li Wanzhong , Sun Jian , Deng Chong
Published: January 2022

The CuPt-A type ordered CdZnTe phases have first been characterized comprehensively in CdZnTe single crystals. The possible crystal structure and formation mechanism of such ordered phase have been proposed based on the TEM results.
J-Driven dynamic nuclear polarization for sensitizing high field solution state NMR
Authors: Concilio Maria Grazia , Kuprov Ilya , Frydman Lucio
Published: January 2022

Significant Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) enhancement in liquids at all fields of relevance occurs when a biradical's exchange coupling Jex, equals the electron Larmor frquency, ωE.
Oxidative evolution of Z/E-diaminotetraphenylethylene
Authors: Li Xin , Zhuang Yongbing , Ran Qichao , Liu Xiangyang
Published: January 2022

Z/E-Diaminotetraphenylethylene molecules suffer primarily from oxidative evolution rather than recognized isomerization.
A new universal force-field for the Li2S–P2S5system
Authors: Ariga Shunsuke , Ohkubo Takahiro , Urata Shingo , Imamura Yutaka , Taniguchi Taketoshi
Published: January 2022

The molecular-type Class II potential functions for classical MD can simulate structure and dynamics of sulfide compounds with any fractions of polyatomic anions.
The bending behavior of an l-phenylalanine monohydrate soft crystal via reversible hydrogen bond rupture and remodeling
Authors: Gong Yaxiang , Wei Yuanfeng , Gao Yuan , Pang Zunting , Zhang Jianjun , Qian Shuai
Published: January 2022

The soft crystal, l-phenylalanine monohydrate, bends with the reversible rupture and remodeling of hydrogen bonds and keeps its integrity due to non-directional Coulomb attraction.
The quantum chemical solvation of indole: accounting for strong solute–solvent interactions using implicit/explicit models
Authors: Manian Anjay , Shaw Robert A. , Lyskov Igor , Russo Salvy P.
Published: January 2022

Modelling solvent-sensitive molecules can be hard as they can emit from one of two excited states, depending on the solvent polarity. Using indole, we explore typical problems and how to beat them to yield appreciable results using DFT-based methods.
Mechanistic routes toward C3 products in copper-catalysed CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Pablo-García Sergio , Veenstra Florentine L. P. , Ting Louisa Rui Lin , García-Muelas Rodrigo , Dattila Federico , Martín Antonio J. , Yeo Boon Siang , Pérez-Ramírez Javier , López Núria
Published: January 2022

The mechanistic insights of CO2 electrochemical reduction on Cu materials up to C3 fragments are investigated by combining experiments and theory.
Nanoscale Li, Na, and K ion-conducting polyphosphazenes by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Nuwayhid R. Blake , Fontecha Daniela , Kozen Alexander C. , Jarry Angelique , Lee Sang Bok , Rubloff Gary W. , Gregorczyk Keith E.
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate the atomic layer deposition synthesis of a family of alkali (Li, Na, K) phosphorus oxynitride (APON) ion-conducting films. The reaction parameters, chemical structure, and electrochemical properties of each material are summarized.
Nitrogen doped graphene with diamond-like bonds achieves unprecedented energy density at high power in a symmetric sustainable supercapacitor
Authors: Šedajová Veronika , Bakandritsos Aristides , Błoński Piotr , Medveď Miroslav , Langer Rostislav , Zaoralová Dagmar , Ugolotti Juri , Dzíbelová Jana , Jakubec Petr , Kupka Vojtěch , Otyepka Michal
Published: January 2022

A nitrogen-superdoped graphene with diamond-like interlayer bonds is obtained via the radical chemistry of fluorographene, affording a symmetric supercapacitor with an energy density of 200 W h L−1 at a power of 2.6 kW L−1 and 143 W h L−1 at 52 kW L−1.
Novel insights into chlorine dioxide based disinfection mechanisms – investigation of the reaction with amino acids
Authors: Jütte Mischa , Große Janine V. , Abdighahroudi Mohammad Sajjad , Schüth Christoph , Lutze Holger V.
Published: January 2022

This study systematically investigated the reactions of N-acetyl-l-tyrosine (NAL-tyrosine) and N-acetyl-l-tryptophan (NAL-tryptophan) as examples for reactive moieties of microbial membrane proteins with ClO2 and FAC.
Glyme-based electrolytes: suitable solutions for next-generation lithium batteries
Authors: Di Lecce Daniele , Marangon Vittorio , Jung Hun-Gi , Tominaga Yoichi , Greenbaum Steve , Hassoun Jusef
Published: January 2022

Glymes are possible electrolyte solvents for high-energy lithium battery. Relevant results gathered over twenty years on these electrolytes are reviewed, and approaches to achieve new cells using insertion or conversion cathodes are discussed.
Study on the removal of lignin from pre-hydrolysis liquor by laccase-induced polymerization and the conversion of xylose to furfural
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Haitang , Chen Lin , An Yongzhen , Jin Xin , Li Xuexiu , Liu Zhong , Wang Guanhua , Liu Rui
Published: January 2022

High-value use of PHL to transform the platform compound furfural. Laccase polymerization through the combination of 5-5′ and 4-O-5′ bonds removes soluble lignin in PHL while protecting the sugar content from loss.
Boosting nitrate electroreduction to ammonia on NbOxvia constructing oxygen vacancies
Authors: Wan Xuefei , Guo Weiwei , Dong Xue , Wu Haihong , Sun Xiaofu , Chu Mengen , Han Shitao , Zhai Jianxin , Xia Wei , Jia Shuaiqiang , He Mingyuan , Han Buxing
Published: January 2022

A NbOx catalyst with oxygen vacancies is synthesized and used for nitrate electroreduction to ammonia. The faradaic efficiency of 94.5% and the NH3 formation rate of 55.0 μg h−1 mgcat−1 can be achieved in a neutral electrolyte.
Results report of apatite fission-track analysis by LA-ICP-MS and its comparison with the conventional external detector method of dating
Authors: Guibaldo Cristina Noemi , Bordese Sofía , Simoy Mario Ignacio
Published: January 2022

In this work, the dating of apatite fission tracks by LA-ICP-MS and the EDM is compared. The central ages of the four samples analyzed are in good agreement, just like the measured uranium content in the same grains.
Development of hybrid coarse-grained atomistic models for rapid assessment of local structuring of polymeric semiconductors
Authors: Reisjalali Maryam , Manurung Rex , Carbone Paola , Troisi Alessandro
Published: January 2022

A model of semiconducting polymers where the conjugated portion is described with atomistic detail and the alkyl side chains are approximated with a coarse grain potential is very promising for the molecular design of new polymeric materials.
Design, synthesis, anticancer activity and mechanism studies of novel 2-amino-4-aryl-pyrimidine derivatives of ursolic acid
Authors: Wang Wen-Yan , Yang Zi-Hui , Li A-Liang , Liu Qing-Song , Sun Yue , Gu Wen
Published: January 2022

A series of novel 2-amino-4-aryl-pyrimidine derivatives of ursolic acid were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activities against four cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, HepG2, and A549) and a human hepatocyte cell line (LO2) via MTT assay.
2D/2D Bi2WO6/Protonated g-C3N4 step-scheme heterojunctions for enhancing the photodegradation of 17β-estradiol: promotional role of electrostatic interaction
Authors: Qing Yashi , Li Yanxiang , Hu Dan , Guo Zhiwei , Yang Yujie , Geng Lihong , Li Wangliang
Published: January 2022

A Bi2WO6/protonated g-C3N4 step-scheme heterojunction with an intimate interface though electrostatic interaction exhibited enhanced photodegradation of 17β-estradiol under visible light.
Photocatalytic polymer nanomaterials for the production of high value compounds
Authors: Heuer Julian , Ferguson Calum T. J.
Published: January 2022

Nanotechnology has provided a platform for producing new photocatalytic materials, where the reduction in length scales has been used to amplify the efficiency of these light active materials.
Effects of methoxy group(s) on D-π-A porphyrin based DSSCs: efficiency enhanced by co-sensitization
Authors: Koteshwar Devulapally , Prasanthkumar Seelam , Singh Surya Prakash , Chowdhury Towhid H. , Bedja Idriss , Islam Ashraful , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: January 2022

We have synthesized a series of porphyrin sensitizers (LG24 to LG26) using donor-π-acceptor concept and used as dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells with device efficiency of 9.87% and raised to 10.45% using co-sensitization with Y1 dye.
A nickel/organoboron catalyzed metallaphotoredox platform for C(sp2)–P and C(sp2)–S bond construction
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Zu Weisai , Tian Qing , Cao Zifeng , Wei Yu , Xu Liang
Published: January 2022

A boron-based organic photocatalyst has been applied in metallaphotoredox catalyzed C–P and C–S bond construction reactions.
Coordination-assisted, transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetric C–H functionalization
Authors: Yu Xin , Zhang Zhuo-Zhuo , Niu Jun-Long , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: January 2022

Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetric C–H functionalization are summarized.
Simple Zn(ii) complexes for the production and degradation of polyesters
Authors: Stewart Jack , Fuchs Martin , Payne Jack , Driscoll Oliver , Kociok-Köhn Gabrielle , Ward Benjamin D. , Herres-Pawlis Sonja , Jones Matthew D.
Published: January 2022

Nine new complexes based on thioether appended iminophenolate (ONS) ligands have been prepared and fully characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy.
Data-rich process development of immobilized biocatalysts in flow
Authors: Forstater Jacob H. , Grosser Shane T.
Published: January 2022

The authors describe an automated, data-rich screening and process development method for rapid discovery, development, and optimization of immobilized enzymes, critical to many biocatalytic processes.
Scaling resistance by fluoro-treatments: the importance of wetting states
Authors: Liu Li , Charlton Laura , Song Yanqing , Li Tao , Li Xuemei , Yin Huabing , He Tao
Published: January 2022

The scaling resistance of the CF4 plasma treated superhydrophobic surface with suspended wetting is superior to the fluorosilane surface modified surface with pinned wetting.
Revealing the absence of carbon in aprotic Li–CO2 batteries: a mechanism study toward CO2 reduction under a pure CO2 environment
Authors: Iputera Kevin , Huang Jheng-Yi , Haw Shu-Chih , Chen Jin-Ming , Hu Shu-Fen , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: January 2022

We find out that the reaction at a potential higher than 2 V should be the reduction reaction of trace O2. The reduction reaction of CO2 itself occurs below 2 V. CO, rather than C, is formed as the production of the CO2 reduction reaction.
Challenge-driven printing strategies toward high-performance solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Huang Xingkang , Chen Junhong
Published: January 2022

Printing techniques promote the development of solid-state batteries by constructing high performance cathodes, dendrite-free anodes, and ideal solid-state electrolytes with versatile structures and configurations.
In situ construction of redox-active covalent organic frameworks/carbon nanotube composites as anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Xiubei , Lin Chao , Han Diandian , Li Gaojie , Huang Chao , Liu Jing , Wu Xueling , Zhai Lipeng , Mi Liwei
Published: January 2022

A new COF with dual redox-active sites was grown on carbon nanotubes for fabricating anode material, which can provide more exposed and accessible redox-active sites and the corresponding larger capacity was achieved compared with bulk COF.