bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization and organelle genome sequencing of Pyropia species from Myanmar
Authors: San Myat Htoo , Kawamura Yoshio , Kimura Kei , Witharana Eranga Pawani , Shimogiri Takeshi , Aye San San , Min Thu Thu , Aung Cherry , Khaing Moe Moe , Nagano Yukio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPyropia is a genus comprising red algae of the Bangiaceae family that is commonly found in intertidal zones worldwide. However, understanding of Pyropia species that are prone to tropical regions remains limited despite recent breakthroughs in genomic research. Within the realm of Pyropia species thriving in tropical regions, P. vietnamensis stands out as a widely recognized species. In this study, we aimed to investigate Pyropia species in the southwest coast of Myanmar using physiological and molecular approaches, culture-based analyses, chloroplast rbcL and nuclear SSU gene sequencing, and whole chloroplast and mitochondrial genome sequencing. Physiological analysis showed that the Myanmar samples were more heat-tolerant than their Japanese counterparts, including those of subtropical origin. Additionally, molecular characterization revealed that the Myanmar samples were closely related to P. vietnamensis from India. This study is the first to sequence the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of Pyropia species from tropical regions. A unique deletion event was observed within a ribosomal RNA gene cluster in the chloroplast genome of the studied Pyropia species, which is a deviation from the usual characteristics of most Pyropia species. This study improves current understanding of the physiological and molecular characteristics of this comparatively understudied Pyropia species that grows in tropical regions.
Mask and plate: a scalable front metallization with low-cost potential for III–V-based tandem solar cells enabling 31.6 % conversion efficiency
Authors: Schube Jörg , Höhn Oliver , Schygulla Patrick , Müller Ralph , Jahn Mike , Mikolasch Gabriele , Steiner Marc , Predan Felix , Bartsch Jonas , Dimroth Frank , Clement Florian , Keding Roman 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLow-cost approaches for mass production of III–V-based photovoltaics are highly desired today. For the first time, this work presents industrially relevant mask and plate for front metallization of III–V-based solar cells replacing expensive photolithography. Metal contacts are fabricated by nickel (Ni) electroplating directly onto the solar cell’s front using a precisely structured mask. Inkjet printing offers low-cost and high-precision processing for application of an appropriate plating resist. It covers the solar cell’s front side with narrow openings for subsequent electroplating. The width of the resulting Ni contacts is as low as (10.5 ± 0.8) µm with sharp edges and homogenous shape. The 4 cm2-sized champion III–V-on-silicon triple-junction solar cell with mask and plate front metallization reaches a certified conversion efficiency η of (31.6 ± 1.1) % (AM1.5 g spectrum). It performs just as well as the reference sample with photolithography-structured evaporated front contacts, which reaches η = (31.4 ± 1.1) %.
Monatomic ions influence substrate permeation across bacterial microcompartment shells
Authors: Trettel Daniel S. , Neale Chris , Zhao Mingfei , Gnanakaran S. , Gonzalez-Esquer C. Raul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein organelles consisting of an inner enzymatic core encased within a selectively permeable shell. BMC shells are modular, tractable architectures that can be repurposed with new interior enzymes for biomanufacturing purposes. The permeability of BMC shells is function-specific and regulated by biophysical properties of the shell subunits, especially its pores. We hypothesized that ions may interact with pore residues in a manner that influences the substrate permeation process. In vitro activity comparisons between native and broken BMCs demonstrated that increasing NaCl negatively affects permeation rates. Molecular dynamics simulations of the dominant shell protein (BMC-H) revealed that chloride ions preferentially occupy the positive pore, hindering substrate permeation, while sodium cations remain excluded. Overall, these results demonstrate that shell properties influence ion permeability and leverages the integration of experimental and computational techniques to improve our understanding of BMC shells towards their repurposing for biotechnological applications.
A decade of human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infection: molecular epidemiology in central Vietnam, 2007–2017
Authors: Otomaru Hirono , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Vo Hien Minh , Toizumi Michiko , Le Minh Nhat , Mizuta Katsumi , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Bui Minh Xuan , Dang Duc Anh , Yoshida Lay-Myint 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHuman metapneumovirus (hMPV) can cause severe acute respiratory infection (ARI). We aimed to clarify the clinical and molecular epidemiological features of hMPV. We conducted an ARI surveillance targeting hospitalized children aged 1 month to 14 years in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for respiratory viruses with PCR. We described the clinical characteristics of hMPV patients in comparison with those with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and those with neither RSV nor hMPV, and among different hMPV genotypes. Among 8822 patients, 278 (3.2%) were hMPV positive, with a median age of 21.0 months (interquartile range: 12.7–32.5). Among single virus-positive patients, hMPV cases were older than patients with RSV (p < 0.001) and without RSV (p = 0.003). The proportions of clinical pneumonia and wheezing in hMPV patients resembled those in RSV patients but were higher than in non-RSV non-hMPV patients. Seventy percent (n = 195) were genotyped (A2b: n = 40, 20.5%; A2c: n = 99, 50.8%; B1: n = 37, 19%; and B2: n = 19, 9.7%). The wheezing frequency was higher in A2b patients (76.7%) than in those with other genotypes (p = 0.033). In conclusion, we found a moderate variation in clinical features among hMPV patients with various genotypes. No seasonality was observed, and the multiple genotype co-circulation was evident.
Evaluation of port competitiveness along China’s “Belt and Road” based on the entropy-TOPSIS method
Authors: Wang Jie , Mo Lilian , Ma Zhu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBased on the literature on the factors influencing port competitiveness, this paper evaluates the competitiveness of Chinese ports along the Belt and Road based on Porter’s diamond model. The evaluation system includes four primary indicators, including port infrastructure, port operation scale, port hinterland economic level and port development potential, and 13 secondary indicators. Then, based on the entropy-TOPSIS method, an evaluation model of port competitiveness is constructed. Finally, 15 seaports along China’s “Belt and Road” are used to evaluate competitiveness, and a comprehensive ranking of port competitiveness is obtained. The advantages and shortcomings of each port are pointed out according to the evaluation results to provide a reference for the long-term development of the competitiveness of ports along the “Belt and Road” in China.
Kinetic study on the reaction of sodium nitrite with neurotransmitters secreted in the stomach
Authors: González-Jiménez Mario , García-Santos M. Pilar , Bermejo Tesón Blanca , Fuentes de Arriba Ángel L. , Arenas Valgañón Jorge , Calle Emilio , Casado Julio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNitroso-compounds are potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds due to their ability to alkylate DNA bases. One of the most common sources of human exposure to nitroso-compounds is their formation in the acidic environment of the stomach by the reaction between electron-rich molecules present in the lumen and sodium nitrite ingested in the diet. To date, the formation of nitroso-compounds by the reaction of nitrite with food components has been investigated in depth, but little attention has been paid to substances secreted in the stomach, such as dopamine or serotonin, whose reaction products with nitrite have proven mutagenic properties. In this article, we present a kinetic study with UV–visible spectroscopy of the nitrosation reactions of both molecules, as well as of L-tyrosine, the amino-acid precursor of dopamine. We determined the kinetic parameters and reaction mechanisms for the reactions, studying the influence of the reactants concentration, pH, temperature, and ionic strength on the reaction rate. In all cases, the favoured reaction product was a stable nitroso-compound. Serotonin, the molecule whose product was the most mutagenic, underwent two consecutive nitrosation reactions. These findings suggest that additional biological research is needed to understand how this reaction alters the function of these neurotransmitters as well as the potentially toxic effects they may have once nitrosated.
Non-destructive testing of interfacial stiffness based on spring model for diffusion bonding interface of titanium alloy components with complex surface
Authors: Yang Gongpeng , Zhou Zhenggan , Ma Tengfei , Teng Lichen , Wang Jun , Zhou Yuxuan , Li Yang , Zhou Wenbin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUltrasonic testing is an important non-destructive testing method, which is sensitive to the defects in the diffusion bonding interface. Ultrasonic testing of diffusion bonding interfaces in complex-surface components is a challenge due to the geometry and the weak echo signal of the diffusion bonding defects. This paper proposes an interfacial stiffness characterization method based on the spring model for the ultrasonic testing of the diffusion bonding interface of titanium alloy complex-surface component. Finite element models for ultrasonic field are established to analyze the diffusion bonding defects response, the effect of complex surface, and the inconsistency of the bonding interface depth in ultrasonic testing of the titanium alloy complex-surface component. 15 MHz is recommended as the testing frequency of the diffusion bonding interface. Ultrasonic C-scan experiments are conducted using specimens with embedded artificial defects and a titanium alloy complex-surface component. The simulation and experimental results show that the novel interfacial stiffness characterization method can be applied to ultrasonic testing of the diffusion bonding interface (inclination angle less than 14°) in complex-surface components, and the ability to test defects at the diffusion bonding interface can be improved.
Association of living environmental and occupational factors with semen quality in chinese men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mai Hanran , Ke Junyi , Li Miaomiao , He Menghua , Qu Yanxia , Jiang Fan , Cai Simian , Xu Yufen , Fu Lanyan , Pi Lei , Zhou Huazhong , Yu Hongyan , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong , Zhang Jinxin , Zuo Liandong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSperm quality can be easily influenced by living environmental and occupational factors. This study aimed to discover potential semen quality related living environmental and occupational factors, expand knowledge of risk factors for semen quality, strengthen men's awareness of protecting their own fertility and assist the clinicians to judge the patient’s fertility. 465 men without obese or underweight (18.5 < BMI < 28.5 kg/m2), long-term medical history and history of drug use, were recruited between June 2020 to July 2021, they are in reproductive age (25 < age < 45 years). We have collected their semen analysis results and clinical information. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association of semen quality with different factors. We found that living environment close to high voltage line (283.4 × 106/ml vs 219.8 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.116, P = 0.030) and substation (309.1 × 106/ml vs 222.4 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.085, P = 0.015) will influence sperm count. Experienced decoration in the past 6 months was a significant factor to sperm count (194.2 × 106/ml vs 261.0 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.120, P = 0.025). Living close to chemical plant will affect semen PH (7.5 vs 7.2, Cohen d = 0.181, P = 0.001). Domicile close to a power distribution room will affect progressive sperm motility (37.0% vs 34.0%, F = 4.773, Cohen d = 0.033, P = 0.030). Using computers will affect both progressive motility sperm (36.0% vs 28.1%, t = 2.762, Cohen d = 0.033, P = 0.006) and sperm total motility (57.0% vs 41.0%, Cohen d = 0.178, P = 0.009). After adjust for potential confounding factors (age and BMI), our regression model reveals that living close to high voltage line is a risk factor for sperm concentration (Adjusted OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.15–14.18, R2 = 0.048, P = 0.030), living close to Chemical plants is a protective factor for sperm concentration (Adjusted OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.46, R2 = 0.048, P = 0.001) and total sperm count (Adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13–0.99, R2 = 0.026, P = 0.049). Time spends on computer will affect sperm total motility (Adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.11–4.73, R2 = 0.041, P = 0.025). Sum up, our results suggested that computer using, living and working surroundings (voltage line, substation and chemical plants, transformer room), and housing decoration may association with low semen quality. Suggesting that some easily ignored factors may affect male reproductive ability. Couples trying to become pregnant should try to avoid exposure to associated risk factors. The specific mechanism of risk factors affecting male reproductive ability remains to be elucidated.
ORM1 promotes tumor progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) through CALR-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Yu Gang , Gao Juan , Hu Weifeng , Hu Dayong , Wang Weibing , Yang Shiquan , Gao Jing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractKidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most prevalent type of kidney cancer and causes thousands of deaths each year. The prognosis for KIRC is poor. One critical factor is that the mechanism beneath KIRC is unclear. ORM1 is a reactant to acute inflammation. In this study, we demonstrated that methylation of ORM1 promoter was low and ORM1 was expressed significantly higher in KIRC. KIRC with higher ORM1 expression exhibited worse survival probability. Meanwhile, ORM1 was expressed higher in KIRC cell lines. When ORM1 was knocked down, cell proliferation ability was inhibited potently compared to the NC control. Cell migration as well as invasion ability were also suppressed dramatically. At molecular level, the expression of active caspase-3 and Bax was upregulated in ORM1-KD group while Bcl-2 downregulated. Moreover, CALR decreased following ORM1-KD and rescued expression of CALR increased Bcl-2 level but reduced the level of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Consistently, the apoptotic rate of 786-O and Caki-2 cells was upregulated in ORM1-KD but downregulated after CALR overexpression. The activity of caspase-3 was also regulated by ORM1-KD. In addition, the inhibition rate of sorafenib was enhanced in ORM1 KD group but reduced after overexpression of ORM1. Conclusively, ORM1 is clinically associated with progression of KIRC and regulates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in KIRC. Moreover, ORM1 affects the efficiency of sorafenib in KIRC and regulates caspase-3 mediated cascades response through CALR molecule. This study provides us a new way to recognize the development and progression in KIRC.
Sustainable colonization of Mars using shape optimized structures and in situ concrete
Authors: Soureshjani Omid Karimzade , Massumi Ali , Nouri Gholamreza 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe major obstacle to Martian colonization is the mission cost which requires significant reduction. From the structural engineering point of view, importing materials and structural elements from Earth or massive excavations on the surface of Mars require an enormous amount of energy; thus, inflatable and under-surface structures as the main options for Martian colonization seem unrealistically expensive. Construction of affordable buildings onsite using only in situ sources may represent an ideal solution for Martian colonization. On the other hand, solar energy, at the early stage of colonization, would be the only available, practical, and low-cost energy source on Mars. Though, for sustainable and broad colonization, the energy required for construction and the construction cost should be minimized. Here, we propose three types of simple (relatively optimized), perforated, and algorithmic shape-optimized Martian structures to minimize the material and energy required for construction as well as the construction cost using only in situ resources. These structural forms can be considered remarkable steps towards sustainable structural construction and colonization on Mars. Also, these innovative structures were designed to minimize the tensile stress (maximize the compressive stress) and enable the use of in situ concrete. Our data indicate that compared to our previous study, the material and energy required for construction as well as the construction cost can be reduced by more than 50%. Acceptance criteria and limitations appropriate to the Martian environment, and desirable structural and material behaviors were defined to evaluate whether or not the behavior of a structure under the applied loads and conditions will be acceptable. To detect potential issues for onsite construction and evaluate the geometry of the models, a 1:200 3D model of the best structural form was printed.
Spin-acoustic control of silicon vacancies in 4H silicon carbide
Authors: Dietz Jonathan R. , Jiang Boyang , Day Aaron M. , Bhave Sunil A. , Hu Evelyn L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBulk acoustic resonators can be fabricated on the same substrate as other components and can operate at various frequencies with high quality factors. Mechanical dynamic metrology of these devices is challenging as the surface information available through laser Doppler vibrometry lacks information about the acoustic energy stored in the bulk of the resonator. Here we report the spin-acoustic control of naturally occurring negatively charged silicon monovacancies in a lateral overtone bulk acoustic resonator that is based on 4H silicon carbide. We show that acoustic driving can be used at room temperature to induce coherent population oscillations. Spin-acoustic resonance is shown to be useful as a frequency-tunable probe of bulk acoustic wave resonances, highlighting the dynamical strain distribution inside a bulk acoustic wave resonator at ambient operating conditions. Our approach could be applied to the characterization of other high-quality-factor microelectromechanical systems and has the potential to be used in mechanically addressable quantum memory.
Brain insulin action on peripheral insulin sensitivity in women depends on menstrual cycle phase
Authors: Hummel Julia , Benkendorff Charlotte , Fritsche Louise , Prystupa Katsiaryna , Vosseler Andreas , Gancheva Sofiya , Trenkamp Sandra , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Preissl Hubert , Roden Michael , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Peter Andreas , Wagner Robert , Kullmann Stephanie , Heni Martin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInsulin action in the human brain modulates eating behaviour, whole-body metabolism and body fat distribution1,2. In particular, brain insulin action increases whole-body insulin sensitivity, but these studies were mainly performed in lean men3,4. Here we investigate metabolic and hypothalamic effects of brain insulin action in women with a focus on the impact of menstrual cycle (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03929419).Eleven women underwent four hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps, two in the follicular phase and two in the luteal phase. Brain insulin action was introduced using nasal insulin spray5–7 and compared to placebo spray in a fourfold crossover design with change in glucose infusion rate as the primary endpoint. Here we show that during the follicular phase, more glucose has to be infused after administration of nasal insulin than after administration of placebo. This remains significant after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin. During the luteal phase, no significant influence of brain insulin action on glucose infusion rate is detected after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin (secondary endpoint). In 15 other women, hypothalamic insulin sensitivity was assessed in a within-subject design by functional magnetic resonance imaging with intranasal insulin administration8. Hypothalamus responsivity is influenced by insulin in the follicular phase but not the luteal phase.Our study therefore highlights that brain insulin action improves peripheral insulin sensitivity also in women but only during the follicular phase. Thus, brain insulin resistance could contribute to whole-body insulin resistance in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Ordered π-conjugated polymer backbone in amorphous blend for high efficiency nonfullerene organic photovoltaics
Authors: Saito Masahiko , Yamada Hiroya , Kranthiraja Kakaraparthi , Jeon Jihun , Kim Hyung Do , Mikie Tsubasa , Saeki Akinori , Ohkita Hideo , Osaka Itaru 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn π-conjugated polymers, the amorphous region absent from π–π stacking order typically limits polymer functions compared to the crystalline region with high π–π stacking order. Here, we show that a benzodithiophene–thiazolothiazole copolymer containing tripropylsilyl groups (PSTz2) has a greater coplanar backbone structure when the π–π stacking order is absent, such as in solution and in a film blended with a nonfullerene acceptor, than when it is present in a neat film. The excitons and charge carriers generated in PSTz2 are more highly delocalized in the blend film than in the neat film, presumably through the backbone. The unconventional structural feature of PSTz2 shows higher photovoltaic performance in nonfullerene-based cells compared to its alkyl-functionalized counterpart. Our results show that it is possible to develop π-conjugated polymers that perform well in amorphous blends due to the ordered backbone structure.
The VCAM1–ApoE pathway directs microglial chemotaxis and alleviates Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Lau Shun-Fat , Wu Wei , Wong Hiu Yi , Ouyang Li , Qiao Yi , Xu Jiahui , Lau Jessica Hiu-Yan , Wong Carlton , Jiang Yuanbing , Holtzman David M. , Fu Amy K. Y. , Ip Nancy Y. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn Alzheimer’s disease (AD), sensome receptor dysfunction impairs microglial danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) clearance and exacerbates disease pathology. Although extrinsic signals, including interleukin-33 (IL-33), can restore microglial DAMP clearance, it remains largely unclear how the sensome receptor is regulated and interacts with DAMP during phagocytic clearance. Here, we show that IL-33 induces VCAM1 in microglia, which promotes microglial chemotaxis toward amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque-associated ApoE, and leads to Aβ clearance. We show that IL-33 stimulates a chemotactic state in microglia, characterized by Aβ-directed migration. Functional screening identified that VCAM1 directs microglial Aβ chemotaxis by sensing Aβ plaque-associated ApoE. Moreover, we found that disrupting VCAM1–ApoE interaction abolishes microglial Aβ chemotaxis, resulting in decreased microglial clearance of Aβ. In patients with AD, higher cerebrospinal fluid levels of soluble VCAM1 were correlated with impaired microglial Aβ chemotaxis. Together, our findings demonstrate that promoting VCAM1–ApoE-dependent microglial functions ameliorates AD pathology.