bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Coupling Controlled Laser for Electron Acceleration
Authors: Wang Lu , Niedermayer Uwe , Ma Jingui , Liu Weihao , Zhang Dongfang , Qian Liejia 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Limited by the difficulty in acceleration synchronization, it has been a long-term challenge for on-chip dielectric laser-based accelerators (DLA) to bridge the gap between non-relativistic and relativistic regimes. Here, we propose a DLA based on a spatio-temporal coupling (STC) controlled laser pulse, which enables the acceleration of a non-relativistic electron to a sub-MeV level in a single acceleration structure (chirped spatial grating). It provides high precision temporal and spatial tuning of the driving laser via dispersion manipulation, leading to a synchronous acceleration of the velocity increasing electrons over a large energy range. Additionally, the STC scheme is a general method and can be extended to driving fields of other wavelengths such as terahertz pulses. Our results bring new possibilities to MeV-scale portable electron sources and table-top acceleration experiments.
Hemoglobin detection in blood samples using a graphene-based Surface plasmon biosensor
Authors: Karki Bhishma , Vasudevan B , Uniyal Arun , Srivast Vivek 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, the performance of graphene and MXene employed SPR biosensor is numerically analyzed using angle interrogation to detect hemoglobin in blood samples. A hemoglobin increment of 6.1025 g/L caused by a refractive index increment of 0.001 in the blood samples present in the sensing medium, which has been detected using an SPR biosensor. The proposed configuration consists of six components: BK7 prism, bimetallic silver layers ( 45 nm and 7 nm), MXene and graphene layers, along with sensing medium to analyse biomolecular interaction. The sensitivity attained is 161 deg/RIU. The other performance parameters computed are FWHM of 1.98 deg , DA of 0.5051 deg−1 , and FoM of 81.321 RIU−1 .
A subtype of melanopsin ganglion cells encodes ground luminance
Authors: Berry Michael , Moldavan Michael , Garrett Tavita , Meadows Marc , Cravetchi Olga , White Elizabeth , von Gersdorff Henrique , Wright Kevin , Allen Charles , Sivyer Benjamin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Visual input to the hypothalamus from intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) influences several functions including circadian entrainment, body temperature, and sleep. ipRGCs also project to nuclei such as the supraoptic nucleus (SON), which is involved in systemic fluid homeostasis, maternal behavior, and appetite. However, little is known about the SON-projecting ipRGCs or their relationship to well-characterized ipRGC subtypes. Using a GlyT2Cre mouse line, we identify a subtype of ipRGCs restricted to the dorsal retina that selectively project to the SON. These ipRGCs form a non-overlapping tiled mosaic that is limited to a dorsal region of the retina, forming a substrate for encoding ground luminance. Optogenetic activation of their axons demonstrates they release the neurotransmitter glutamate and that the SON is retinorecipient, receiving synaptic input from dorsal ipRGCs. Our results challenge the idea that ipRGC dendrites overlap to optimize photon capture and suggests non-image forming vision operates to sample local regions of the visual field.
A microfluidic diagnostic device with air plug-in valves for the simultaneous genetic detection of various food allergens
Authors: Natsuhara Daigo , Misawa Sae , Saito Ryogo , Shirai Koki , Okamoto Shunya , Nagai Moeto , Kitamura Masashi , Shibata Takayuki 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The identification of accidental allergen contamination in processed foods is crucial for risk management strategies in the food processing industry to effectively prevent food allergy incidents. Here, we propose a newly designed valve configuration termed an “air plug-in valve” to further improve microfluidic devices capable of multiplexed detection of targeted nucleic acids in a single operation. By implementing the air plug-in valve as a permanent stop valve, a maximal allowable flow rate of 70 µL/min could be achieved for sequential liquid dispensing into an array of 10 microchambers, which is 14 times higher than that achieved with the previous valve arrangement using single-faced stop valves. Additionally, we demonstrate the simultaneous detection of multiple food allergens (wheat, buckwheat, and peanut) based on the colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay using our diagnostic device with 10 microchambers compactly arranged in a 20-mm-diameter circle. After running the assays at 60°C for 60 min, any combination of the three types of food allergens and tea plant, which were used as positive and negative control samples, respectively, yielded correct test results, without any cross-contamination among the microchambers. Thus, our diagnostic device will provide a rapid and easy sample-to-answer platform for ensuring food safety and security.
Clinical features and imaging markers of small vessel disease in symptomatic acute subcortical cerebral microinfarcts
Authors: Tao Wendan , Cheng Yajun , Guo Wen , Kwapong William Robert , Ye Chen , Wu Bo , Zhang Shuting , Liu Ming 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Acute cerebral microinfarct (A-CMI) is presumed to be of ischemic origin and can be detected as small diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions in any parenchymal region of the brain (diameter<5 mm). Since the recent small subcortical infarcts (RSSI) not having a lower size cutoff according to their definition, whether the lesion with size compatible with A-CMI in subcortical area (As-CMI) has distinct clinical and imaging features are largely unknown.Methods: Patients were selected with a magnetic resonance DWI-confirmed RSSI between January 2010 and November 2020 in a consecutive cohort. We measured axial infarct diameter and classified patients into two groups: As-CMI group (diameter<5mm) versus Larger RSSI group (diameter 5-20mm). Clinical variables, including vascular risk factors, clinical symptoms/signs, lesion locations and radiological markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on MRI were analyzed between the two groups. Patients were followed up for 12-months and functional outcomes were measured by the modified ranking scale (mRS).Results: A total of 23 (3.9%) were As-CMI in 584 patients with RSSI. The most common neurological deficits with As-CMI were hemiparalysis (n=20), followed by central facial/lingual palsy (n=10) and hemidysesthesia (n=10). Most As-CMIs were located in the basal ganglia (n=11), followed by the thalamus (n=5) and centrum semiovale (n=4). No different regional distributions and symptoms/signs frequencies were found between the two groups except a lower percentage of dysarthria in As-CMI group (p=0.008). In multivariate analysis, patients with As-CMI were independently associated with lacunes (presence of lacunes and multiple lacunes) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-6.84 and aOR 3.5, CI 1.29-9.48) and higher total SVD burden (aOR 1.68, CI 1.11-2.53). Patients with As-CMI did not show a better functional outcome after 12-months of follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with As-CMI had non-specific clinical profile but a higher burden of SVD, indicating As-CMI might be s sign of more severe small vascular injury. Whether its vascular features are associated with worse cognitive outcomes requires further investigation.
Broad SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD4+ T-cell response preserves recognition of variants of concern
Authors: Long Heather , Tye Emily , Jinks Elizabeth , Haigh Tracey , Kaul Baksho , Patel Prashant , Parry Helen , Newby Maddy , Crispin Max , Kaur Nayandeep , Moss Paul , Drennan Samantha , Taylor Graham 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
CD4 + T-cells are essential for protection against viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) can enhance infectivity and reduce antibody recognition. CD4 + T-cell sensitivity to mutations is less well understood because few epitopes have been mapped. Characterising > 100 SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 + T-cell clones from convalescent healthcare workers, we mapped and HLAII restricted 21 epitopes across three viral proteins. Responses to the same spike epitopes were also present after vaccination of uninfected individuals. Lack of CD4 + T-cell cross-reactivity with endemic beta-coronaviruses suggests these responses arose from naïve T-cells rather than pre-existing cross-reactive coronavirus-specific T-cell responses. 10/17 spike epitopes were mutated in VOCs and CD4 + T-cell recognition of 7 was impaired, including 3 of 4 epitopes mutated in Omicron. Broad CD4 + T-cell targeting of epitopes likely limits evasion by current VOCs. However, continued genomic surveillance is vital to identify new emerging mutations able to evade CD4 + T-cell immunity.
Identification of the parameters affecting the in situ dissolution process of natural gypsum
Authors: Zaier Imen , Billiotte Joël , De Windt Laurent , Charmoille Arnaud 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study aims at quantifying the parameters involved in water-gypsum interactions to better assess of the development of dissolution cavities in areas where gypsum is present at depth.The effect of erosion and particle transport on gypsum dissolution is first determined by an original leaching set-up under constant flow including a collector of the released grains. Different types of natural gypsum facies are tested, impure alabaster, sacharoidal, clay/carbonate matrices ones. The flow of released particles is globally low and mostly composed of insoluble grains. The distribution of insoluble at the water/solid interface has a significant impact on the dissolution. The effects of the mineralogy of the impurities present in gypsum deposits and of the groundwater chemistry are then investigated by geochemical modeling. These findings are then applied to in situ conditions. The use of a simple criteria such as dissolved sulfate content or electrical conductivity is not sufficient. An effective recession rate is derived from the porosity, the insoluble contents and the groundwater saturation index obtained from its chemical analysis.
Selective alkylation by zeolite catalysis opens up a sustainable platform of bisphenol substitutes from biomass.
Authors: Trullemans Laura , Koelewijn Steven-Friso , Cooreman Elias , Hendrickx Tessy , Preegel Gert , Boonen Imke , Aelst Joost Van , Witters Hilda , Elskens Marc , Puyvelde Peter Van , Dusselier Michiel , Sels Bert 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Sustainable bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes should be safe and renewable to abolish the environmental burden of BPA’s endocrine disruption and petrochemical origin. Suitable alternatives preferably also retain the rigid and stiff methylenediphenol (MDP) scaffold to emulate the hallmark performance of BPA-based polymers. Here, we report a holistic solution to sustainable BPA substitutes made from abundant lignin-derivable o-methoxyphenols that display low-to-undetectable xeno-estrogenic activity while preserving the MDP scaffold. More specifically, we propose an innovative zeolite-catalyzed synthesis towards the similar albeit safer methylenediguaiacol (MDG) scaffold via Brønsted acid-catalyzed alkylation of guaiacol with different p-alkenylguaiacols yielding various so-called bisguaiacols. Zeolite catalysis favors regioselectivity and prompts higher rate and chemoselectivity for entropic reasons thanks to active site pocket confinement. Exploiting the intrinsic handles present in o-methoxyphenols not only simplifies and ameliorates classic bisphenol chemistry, but also enables to design out xeno-estrogenic activity. Successful direct reaction of a crude lignin oil extract, as produced by reductive catalytic fractionation, highlights the feasibility and robustness of this route as a downstream process for future wood biorefineries. Last but not least, pure p,p’-bisguaiacols are polymerized into high-molecular weight thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers with promising thermo-physical properties. Overall, this work elucidates that renewability should not merely serve as a goal (renewable carbon), but also as a means (safer chemicals), thereby transcending the scope of renewability.
Targeting Oxidative Phosphorylation with a Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibitor is limited by Mechanism-based Toxicity
Authors: Konopleva Marina , Yap Timothy , Daver Naval , Mahendra Mikhila , Zhang Jixiang , Kamiya-Matsuoka Carlos , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Kantarjian Hagop , Ravandi Farhad , Collins Meghan , Francesco Maria Di , Dumbrava Ecaterina , Fu Siqing , Gao Sisi , Gay Jason , Gera Sonal , Han Jing , Hong David , Jabbour Elias , Ju Zhenlin , Karp Daniel , Lodi Alessia , Molina Jennifer , Baran Natalia , Naing Aung , Ohanian Maro , Pant Shubham , Pemmaraju Naveen , Bose Prithviraj , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Rodon Jordi , Salguero Carolina , Sasaki Koji , Singh Anand , Subbiah Vivek , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Xu Quanyun , Yilmaz Musa , Zhang Qi , Bristow Christopher , Bhattacharjee Meenakshi , Tiziani Stefano , Heffernan Timothy , Vellano Christopher , Jones Philip , Heijnen Cobi , Kavelaars Annemieke , Marszalek Joseph 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
While targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is a rational anticancer strategy, patient benefit with OXPHOS inhibitors in the clinic has yet to be achieved. Based on promising preclinical data, we advanced IACS-010759, a highly potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, into two phase I trials in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (NCT02882321) or advanced solid tumors (NCT03291938). Clinical findings revealed that IACS-010759 had a narrow therapeutic index with emergent dose-limiting toxicities that included elevated blood lactate and neurotoxicity, obstructing efforts to maintain target plasma exposure. Consequently, only modest on-target inhibition and limited antitumor activity were observed. Follow-up reverse translational studies uncovered that IACS-010759 reduced oxygen consumption rates in neurons and damaged myelin. Further, IACS-010759-treated mice displayed behaviors indictive of neuropathy, which were minimized with the co-administration of a histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor. Our findings urge caution in the continued development of complex I inhibitors as antitumor agents.
Determinants of Students Drop out at Injibara University: the way to retain students
Authors: mebratie eshetu , Nigussie Tesfaye 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Education is a tool for facilitating learning, which includes the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and personal development. Universities have emerged as one of the most significant institutions for the growth of knowledge in the modern world in this respect. The purpose of this study is to determine the reasons for students' dropout at Injibara University using tuition fees, geographic location, job, quality of education, and war as independent variables and students' dropout as a dependent variable. Methodologically, the researchers used a five-Point Likert-scale questionnaire to collect primary data from the entire sample of 366 students. The data was analyzed with the Logit model. After the analysis, it was concluded that Tuition fees, geographic location, job, assessment techniques, lack of personalized attention for students, and war were shown to be the most significant predictors of weekend students dropping out of university. Finally, the researchers recommends that opening continuing & distance education offices (in addition to the main campus) in selected three areas where students can attend their class in their locality; and exam committees in each department ought to be formed by securing some financial incentives so that appropriate student assessments can be carried out.
An analytical insight of discussions and sentiments of Indians on Omicron-driven third wave of COVID-19 using twitter data
Authors: Vatsa Deepika Vatsa Deepika , Yadav Ashima Yadav Ashima 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Microblogging has become one of the most crucial tool for expressing and sharing the opinions and views of everyday life events. Digital channels are being used to monitor public health issues on the Internet. Twitter is a very popular source that provides tweets related to the sentiment of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many researchers have used tweets to monitor the opinion of the people towards the coronavirus vaccine, mental health problems, treatment received by the doctors, impact of lockdown, etc. However, these works were mostly limited to the first and second waves of the pandemic. In this work, we aim to study the impact of the third wave of the pandemic, which started in December 2021 in India. We accomplished this by collecting tweet data set of two months, i.e., December 2021 and January 2022, discussing COVID-19 and having country code as ``IN". We employed the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) technique for topic modeling and labeled each tweet message with the topic words that best describe it. We also utilized sentiment labels for each tweet and analyzed the distribution of different topics across different sentiment labels. This helped us to analyze the perspectives and sentiments of the people with respect to different topic discussions. Our analysis discovered that the two most discussed topics were ``precautionary measures" like get well soon, stay safe, wear mask, etc., and ``vaccine" where people have discussed about its effectiveness and vaccination drive in India. We found that people mostly had neutral sentiments for the former topic while for the latter, overall sentiment polarity was negative, reflecting peoples' mistrust in the COVID-19 vaccine.
Production and preservation of serum-free human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell sheets
Authors: Wang Juan , Gao Shuang , Zhao Yufei , Fan Taibing , Zhang Mingkui , Chang Dehua 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have attracted much attention because of their fast self-renewal, multipotent nature, painless collection, and compliance for standard amplification. Several types of culture media and systems have been used for large-scale expansion of UC-MSCs and preparation of UC-MSC sheets; however, most rely heavily on fetal bovine serum (FBS) and exogenous growth factors for optimal cell proliferation. Residual bovine serum albumin (BSA), a macromolecular protein in FBS, and exogenous growth factors in final products pose the potential threat of allergic reactions or tumorigenic risks in humans.
Methods
In this study, the production process of UC-MSC sheets was standardized, including donor screening, cell bank establishment and quality control, and cell sheet production and quality control. Serum-free culture medium and pharmaceutical grade coating matrix were used to form UC-MSC sheets to reduce the risk of BSA and exogenous growth factors in clinical application. Additionally, the preservation solution for and method of the UC-MSC sheet were developed for preservation and transportation before cell sheet transplantation. Then, quality standards of the UC-MSC sheet involving product characteristics, safety and functionality were formulated according to national and international regulations. Finally, the UC-MSC banks and the UC-MSC sheet products were identified according to the established quality standards.
Results
This technology enables UC-MSC sheets to be produced safely and stably while preserving the cell viability of UC-MSC sheets above 70% in 24 hours. The quality standards for the UC-MSC sheets were established in this study. Both the fresh and 24-hour preserved UC-MSC sheets met the established quality standards.
Conclusion
The preparation and preservation of clinical grade serum-free UC-MSC sheets provides the possibility for the clinical application of cell therapy.
N6-methyladenosine-modified circPLPP4 sustains cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells via PIK3R1 upregulation
Authors: He Shanyang , Lin Run , Zhang Yanna , Huang Shuting , Lan Jing , Lu Lian , Xie chuanmiao , Li Han , Zhang Weijing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Cisplatin (CDDP) is the first-line chemotherapeutic strategy to treat patients with ovarian cancer (OC). The development of CDDP resistance remains an unsurmountable obstacle in OC treatment and frequently induces tumor recurrence. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with important functions in cancer progression. Whether circRNAs function in CDDP resistance of OC is unclear.
Methods
Platinum-resistant circRNAs were screened via circRNA deep sequencing and examined using in situ hybridization (ISH) in OC. The role of circPLPP4 in CDDP resistance was assessed by clone formation and Annexin V assays in vitro, and by OC patientderived xenografts and intraperitoneal tumor models in vivo. The mechanism underlying circPLPP4-mediated activation of miR-136/PIK3R1 signaling was examined by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RIP, MeRIP and ISH.
Results
circPLPP4 was remarkably upregulated in platinum resistant OC. circPLPP4 overexpression significantly reduced, whereas circPLPP4 silencing enhanced, OC cell chemoresistance. Mechanistically, circPLPP4 acts as a microRNA sponge to sequester miR-136, thus competitively upregulating PIK3R1 expression and conferring CDDP resistance. The increased circPLPP4 level in CDDP-resistant cells was caused by increased RNA stability, mediated by increased N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of circPLPP4. In vivo delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide targeting circPLPP4 significantly enhanced CDDP efficacy in a tumor model.
Conclusions
Our study reveals a plausible mechanism by which the m6A -induced circPLPP4/ miR-136/ PIK3R1 axis mediated CDDP resistance in OC, suggesting that circPLPP4 may serve as a promising therapeutic target against CDDP resistant OC. A circPLPP4-targeted drug in combination with CDDP might represent a rational regimen in OC.
Microbial inoculants as most effective agents for degradation of chlorpyrifos in coarse textured laterite soils
Authors: Arya P. R. , Binitha N. K , Unnikrishnan Boby V. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphorus insecticide and there are concerns on soil health due to excessive use in agriculture. An attempt was made to understand the effect of chlorpyrifos degradation under natural conditions and as affected by different treatments in coarse textured laterite soil of Kasaragod, Kerala, India. Results from the study revealed that chlorpyrifos content was reduced by 34.76% within 60 days of incubation period under natural conditions. Effect of physical, chemical and biological treatments on fastening the process of chlorpyrifos degradation was evaluated. Biological treatment with microbial inoculants (combination of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride) showed maximum degradation (74.99 %), followed by individual application of Pseudomonas fluorescens (69.94 %) and Trichoderma viride (66.35 %) during the 60 days period of incubation. Soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase, phosphatase and urease showed significantly higher activities in treatments with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride either single or combination on comparison with control. Microbial biomass carbon increased to 99.16 µg g-1 in treatment with a combination of Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride while control showed only 83.77 µg g-1. Degradation products of chlorpyrifos such as phosphate ions was significantly highest in biological treatment. Chlorides, sulphates and nitrate content also recorded highest values in treatment with microbial combination. Among the different agents, application of microbial combination of P. fluorescens and T. viride resulted in faster degradation of chlorpyrifos with no significant changes on chemical and biological properties of soil.