bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards dielectric relaxation at a single molecule scale
Authors: Stetsovych Vitalii , Feigl Simon , Vranik Radovan , Wit Bareld , Rauls Eva , Nejedlý Jindřich , Šámal Michal , Starý Ivo , Müllegger Stefan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDielectric relaxation lies at the heart of well-established techniques of dielectric spectroscopy essential to diverse fields of research and technology. We report an experimental route for increasing the sensitivity of dielectric spectroscopy ultimately towards the scale of a single molecule. We use the method of radio frequency scanning tunneling microscopy to excite a single molecule junction based on a polar substituted helicene molecule by an electric field oscillating at 2–5 GHz. We detect the dielectric relaxation of the single molecule junction indirectly via its effect of power dissipation, which causes lateral displacement. From our data we determine a corresponding relaxation time of about 300 ps—consistent with literature values of similar helicene derivatives obtained by conventional methods of dielectric spectroscopy.
Using ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles as the hole transport layer to improve long term stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jheng Bo-Rong , Chiu Pei-Ting , Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Tong Yung-Liang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInorganic metal oxides with the merits of high carrier transport capability, low cost and superior chemical stability have largely served as the hole transport layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in recent years. Among them, ternary metal oxides have gradually attracted attention because of the wide tenability of the two inequivalent cations in the lattice sites that offer interesting physicochemical properties. In this work, ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a chemical precipitation method and served as the HTL in inverted PSCs. The device based on the ZnCo2O4 NPs HTL showed better efficiency of 12.31% and negligible hysteresis compared with the one using PEDOT:PSS film as the HTL. Moreover, the device sustained 85% of its initial efficiency after 240 h storage under a halogen lamps matrix exposure with an illumination intensity of 1000 W/m2, providing a powerful strategy to design long term stable PSCs for future production.
Identifying the complexity of the holographic structures in strong field ionization
Authors: Taoutioui Abdelmalek , Tőkési Károly 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe present numerical investigations of the strong-field attosecond photoelectron holography by analyzing the holographic interference structures in the two-dimensional photoelectron momentum distribution (PMD) in hydrogen atom target induced by a strong infrared laser pulse. The PMDs are calculated by solving the full-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The effect of the number of optical cycles on the PMD is considered and analyzed. We show how the complex interference patterns are formed from a single-cycle pulse to multi-cycle pulses. Furthermore, snapshots of the PMD during the time evolution are presented for a single-cycle pulse in order to track the formation of the so-called fish-bone like holographic structure. The spider- and fan-like holographic structures are also identified and investigated. We found that the fan-like structure could only be identified clearly for pulses with three or more optical cycles and its symmetry depends closely on the number of optical cycles. In addition, we found that the intensity and wavelength of the laser pulse affect the density of interference fringes in the holographic patterns. We show that the longer the wavelength, the more the holographic structures are confined to the polarization axis.
The stability of multidimensional subclinical apathy during a pandemic and its relations to psycho-behavioral factors
Authors: Lafond-Brina Giulia , Bonnefond Anne 
Published: February 2022

AbstractApathy is a clinical symptom prevalent in many neuropsychiatric pathologies. Subclinical apathy is found in 35% of the general population. Despite high prevalence and negative consequences, underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, perhaps because the concept of apathy is one-dimensional. The current investigation aims to address the incidence of multidimensional apathetic trait in three distinct forms in a student population, to specify its determinants and to evaluate its stability during a global pandemic. Two online surveys, conducted 1 year apart on two separate cohorts of university students, with qualitative measures and validated scales. The final analysis included, respectively, 2789 and 1678 students. The three forms of apathetic trait were present, with the same debilitating consequences as apathetic symptom but independent determinants. Executive apathy was predicted by depressive symptoms, emotional apathy by motivational deficit and initiative apathy comprised a mixed executive-emotional form and a pure deficit of action initiation. The three forms of subclinical apathy remained similar in the context of increased depressive symptoms due to a global pandemic. This study confirmed the presence and independence of three forms of subclinical apathy in healthy students, which remained similar even in the light of increased depressive scores. These results shed light on cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying multidimensional apathy, allowing new, targeted treatments.
In-situ x-ray fluorescence imaging of the endogenous iodine distribution in murine thyroids
Authors: Körnig Christian , Staufer Theresa , Schmutzler Oliver , Bedke Tanja , Machicote Andres , Liu Beibei , Liu Yang , Gargioni Elisabetta , Feliu Neus , Parak Wolfgang J. , Huber Samuel , Grüner Florian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractX-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) is a non-invasive detection method of small quantities of elements, which can be excited to emit fluorescence x-ray photons upon irradiation with an incident x-ray beam. In particular, it can be used to measure nanoparticle uptake in cells and tissue, thus making it a versatile medical imaging modality. However, due to substantially increased multiple Compton scattering background in the measured x-ray spectra, its sensitivity severely decreases for thicker objects, so far limiting its applicability for tracking very small quantities under in-vivo conditions. Reducing the detection limit would enable the ability to track labeled cells, promising new insights into immune response and pharmacokinetics. We present a synchrotron-based approach for reducing the minimal detectable marker concentration by demonstrating the feasibility of XFI for measuring the yet inaccessible distribution of the endogenous iodine in murine thyroids under in-vivo conform conditions. This result can be used as a reference case for the design of future preclinical XFI applications as mentioned above.
Maternal anthropometric variables and clinical factors shape neonatal microbiome
Authors: Farinella Riccardo , Rizzato Cosmeri , Bottai Daria , Bedini Alice , Gemignani Federica , Landi Stefano , Peduzzi Giulia , Rosati Sara , Lupetti Antonella , Cuttano Armando , Moscuzza Francesca , Tuoni Cristina , Filippi Luca , Ciantelli Massimiliano , Tavanti Arianna , Campa Daniele 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRecent studies indicate the existence of a complex microbiome in the meconium of newborns that plays a key role in regulating many host health-related conditions. However, a high variability between studies has been observed so far. In the present study, the meconium microbiome composition and the predicted microbial metabolic pathways were analysed in a consecutive cohort of 96 full-term newborns. The effect of maternal epidemiological variables on meconium diversity was analysed using regression analysis and PERMANOVA. Meconium microbiome composition mainly included Proteobacteria (30.95%), Bacteroidetes (23.17%) and Firmicutes (17.13%), while for predicted metabolic pathways, the most abundant genes belonged to the class “metabolism”. We observed a significant effect of maternal Rh factor on Shannon and Inverse Simpson indexes (p = 0.045 and p = 0.049 respectively) and a significant effect of delivery mode and maternal antibiotic exposure on Jaccard and Bray–Curtis dissimilarities (p = 0.001 and 0.002 respectively), while gestational age was associated with observed richness and Shannon indexes (p = 0.018 and 0.037 respectively), and Jaccard and Bray–Curtis dissimilarities (p = 0.014 and 0.013 respectively). The association involving maternal Rh phenotype suggests a role for host genetics in shaping meconium microbiome prior to the exposition to the most well-known environmental variables, which will influence microbiome maturation in the newborn.
Larval transcriptomic responses of a stony coral, Acropora tenuis, during initial contact with the native symbiont, Symbiodinium microadriaticum
Authors: Yoshioka Yuki , Yamashita Hiroshi , Suzuki Go , Shinzato Chuya 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAlthough numerous dinoflagellate species (Family Symbiodiniaceae) are present in coral reef environments,Acroporacorals tend to select a single species,Symbiodinium microadriaticum,in early life stages, even though this species is rarely found in mature colonies. In order to identify molecular mechanisms involved in initial contact with native symbionts, we analyzed transcriptomic responses ofAcropora tenuislarvae at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after their first contact withS. microadriaticum, as well as with non-native symbionts, including the non-symbioticS. natansand the occasional symbiont,S. tridacnidorum. Some gene expression changes were detected in larvae inoculated with non-native symbionts at 1 h post-inoculation, but those returned to baseline levels afterward. In contrast, when larvae were exposed to native symbionts, we found that the number of differentially expressed genes gradually increased in relation to inoculation time. As a specific response to native symbionts, upregulation of pattern recognition receptor-like and transporter genes, and suppression of cellular function genes related to immunity and apoptosis, were exclusively observed. These findings indicate that coral larvae recognize differences between symbionts, and when the appropriate symbionts infect, they coordinate gene expression to establish stable mutualism.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-oxoindoline-based acetohydrazides as antitumor agents
Authors: Dung Do T. M. , Park Eun J. , Anh Duong T. , Phan Dung T. P. , Na Ik H. , Kwon Joo H. , Kang Jong S. , Tung Truong T. , Han Sang-Bae , Nam Nguyen-Hai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn our search for novel small molecules activating procaspase-3, we have designed and synthesized two series of novel (E)-N'-arylidene-2-(2-oxoindolin-1-yl)acetohydrazides (4) and (Z)-2-(5-substituted-2-oxoindolin-1-yl)-N'-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetohydrazides (5). Cytotoxic evaluation revealed that the compounds showed notable cytotoxicity toward three human cancer cell lines: colon cancer SW620, prostate cancer PC-3, and lung cancer NCI-H23. Especially, six compounds, including 4f–h and 4n–p, exhibited cytotoxicity equal or superior to positive control PAC-1, the first procaspase-3 activating compound. The most potent compound 4o was three- to five-fold more cytotoxic than PAC-1 in three cancer cell lines tested. Analysis of compounds effects on cell cycle and apoptosis demonstrated that the representative compounds 4f, 4h, 4n, 4o and 4p (especially 4o) accumulated U937 cells in S phase and substantially induced late cellular apoptosis. The results show that compound 4o would serve as a template for further design and development of novel anticancer agents.
Heat inactivation of clinical COVID-19 samples on an industrial scale for low risk and efficient high-throughput qRT-PCR diagnostic testing
Authors: Delpuech Oona , Douthwaite Julie A. , Hill Thomas , Niranjan Dhevahi , Malintan Nancy T. , Duvoisin Hannah , Elliott Jane , Goodfellow Ian , Hosmillo Myra , Orton Alexandra L. , Taylor Molly A. , Brankin Christopher , Pitt Haidee , Ross-Thriepland Douglas , Siek Magdalena , Cuthbert Anna , Richards Ian , Ferdinand John R. , Barker Colin , Shaw Robert , Ariani Cristina , Waddell Ian , Rees Steve , Green Clive , Clark Roger , Upadhyay Abhishek , Howes Rob 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe report the development of a large scale process for heat inactivation of clinical COVID-19 samples prior to laboratory processing for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. With more than 266 million confirmed cases, over 5.26 million deaths already recorded at the time of writing, COVID-19 continues to spread in many parts of the world. Consequently, mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 will remain at the forefront of the COVID-19 response and prevention for the near future. Due to biosafety considerations the standard testing process requires a significant amount of manual handling of patient samples within calibrated microbiological safety cabinets. This makes the process expensive, effects operator ergonomics and restricts testing to higher containment level laboratories. We have successfully modified the process by using industrial catering ovens for bulk heat inactivation of oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab samples within their secondary containment packaging before processing in the lab to enable all subsequent activities to be performed in the open laboratory. As part of a validation process, we tested greater than 1200 clinical COVID-19 samples and showed less than 1 Cq loss in RT-qPCR test sensitivity. We also demonstrate the bulk heat inactivation protocol inactivates a murine surrogate of human SARS-CoV-2. Using bulk heat inactivation, the assay is no longer reliant on containment level 2 facilities and practices, which reduces cost, improves operator safety and ergonomics and makes the process scalable. In addition, heating as the sole method of virus inactivation is ideally suited to streamlined and more rapid workflows such as ‘direct to PCR’ assays that do not involve RNA extraction or chemical neutralisation methods.
Floodplain soils contamination assessment using the sequential extraction method of heavy metals from past mining activities
Authors: Kanianska Radoslava , Varga Jozef , Benková Nikola , Kizeková Miriam , Jančová Ľubica 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFloodplains are among the most precious and threatened ecosystems in the world. The study deals with floodplain soil contamination caused by 8 heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn) originating and transported from old mine works along the Štiavnica River in Slovakia. We determined the total HMs content and the HM fractions using BCR sequential extraction method. We selected 12 alluvial sites (AS), two contaminated sites (CS), and one reference site (RS). The sampling points were located within the riparian zones (RZ), arable lands (AL), and grasslands (GL). We confirmed soil contamination by HMs and the related ecological risk by different factors. The contamination by HMs at many AS localities was similar or even higher than at CS localities. The highest contamination factor was calculated for Cu (39.8), followed by Pb (27.4), Zn (18.2), and Cd (7.2). The HMs partitioning in the different fractions at the CS and AS localities revealed that Cd, Zn, and Pb were mainly associated with the exchangeable and reducible fractions, while Cu was mainly associated with the oxidisable fraction. The soil properties were selectively correlated with the HM fractions. Based on the ANOVA results, the effect of different ecosystem types on HM fractions was revealed.
Effect of phosphate and ammonium concentrations, total suspended solids and alkalinity on lignin-induced struvite precipitation
Authors: Li Mozhu , Zhang Huixin , Sun Huijuan , Mohammed Abdul , Liu Yang , Lu Qingye 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo solve the problems of eutrophication and resource crisis, the recovery of phosphorus by struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O) precipitation has become a focus of recent research. The feasibility of using Kraft lignin powder as a seed to promote struvite precipitation has been demonstrated in the previous study. In this study, the effect of lignin in promoting struvite precipitation in synthetic wastewater with different characteristics was investigated. Lignin-induced struvite crystallization was tested under various initial concentrations of PO4–P and NH4–N, total suspended solids (TSS) and alkalinity. At pH 7.9, the enhancement of PO4–P recovery remains around 45% under different PO4–P and NH4–N concentrations. Moreover, lignin is more effective under relatively lower alkalinity and still workable to reduce co-precipitates potential under higher alkalinity. Also, the effect of TSS on PO4–P recovery is not significant. Overall, the effect of lignin in promoting phosphorus recovery is relatively stable and can be used in synthetic wastewater with different characteristics.
Identification and regulatory network analysis of SPL family transcription factors in Populus euphratica Oliv. heteromorphic leaves
Authors: Qin Shao-Wei , Bao Liang-Hong , He Zhi-Gui , Li Cai-Lin , La Hong-gui , Zhao Li-Feng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) family play a key role in guiding the switch of plant growth from juvenile to adult phases. Populus euphratica Oliv. exhibit typical heterophylly, and is therefore an ideal model for studying leaf shape development. To investigate the role and regulated networks of SPLs in the morphogenesis of P. euphratica heteromorphic leaves. In this study, 33 P. euphratica SPL (PeuSPL) genes were identified from P. euphratica genome and transcriptome data. Phylogenetic analysis depicted the classification of these SPL genes into two subgroups. The expression profiles and regulatory networks of P. euphratica SPL genes analysis displayed that major P. euphratica SPL family members gradually increases from linear to broad-ovate leaves, and they were involved in the morphogenesis regulation, stress response, transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, photoperiod, and photosynthesis etc. 14 circRNAs, and 33 lncRNAs can promote the expression of 12 of the P. euphratica SPLs by co-decoying miR156 in heteromorphic leaf morphogenesis. However, it was found that the effect of PeuSPL2-4 and PeuSPL9 in leaf shape development was contrasting to their homologous genes of Arabidopsis. Therefore, it was suggested that the SPL family were evolutionarily conserved for regulation growth, but were varies in different plant for regulation of the organ development.
Prenatal antioxidant-enriched and pro-oxidant-contained food, IL4 and IL13 pathway genes, and cord blood IgE
Authors: Chen Chien-Han , Lee Yungling Leo , Wu Ming-Hsun , Chen Pao-Jen , Wei Tien-Shan , Tseng Ching-Ing , Chen Wei J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPrenatal oxidative balance might influence cord blood IgE (cIgE) levels. We aimed to explore if certain prenatal dietary sources of antioxidants and pro-oxidants are associated with cIgE elevation and if they interact with IL4 and IL13 pathway genes. A structured questionnaire was completed during the third trimester of pregnancy for 1107 full-term newborns. Surveyed antioxidant-enriched food included fish, shellfish, and fruit, whereas surveyed pro-oxidant-contained food included fried fish sticks and canned fish. Cord blood was collected for measuring cIgE levels and genotypingIL13rs1800925, rs20541, rs848,IL4rs2243250, andSTAT6rs324011. Fairly lean fish consumption showed protection against cIgE elevation (odds ratio [OR] 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.90) in the whole sample, while daily fruit (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.27–0.79) and ≥ monthly canned fish (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.24–6.36) exhibited associations only in genetically susceptible babies. A prenatal food protective index, comprising any fairly lean fish, daily fruit, and the absence of any canned fish, exerted dose–response protection against cIgE elevation in babies carrying theIL13rs20541 GA or AA genotype (Pfor trend < 0.0001;Pfor interaction = 0.004). We concluded that prenatal antioxidant-enriched and pro-oxidant-contained food consumption may influence cIgE, especially in genetically susceptible babies.
Comparison between Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) and self-reported measures for diagnosing pain in conscious individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baroni Daniela Abrão , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Paiva Saul Martins , Costa Luciane Rezende 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI), an objective measure of pain based on heart rate variability (HRV), has its usefulness in awake patients still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess ANI's accuracy compared to self-reported pain measures in conscious individuals undergoing medical procedures or painful stimuli. PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and grey literature were searched until March 2021. Of the 832 identified citations, 16 studies complied with the eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis including nine studies demonstrated a weak negative correlation between ANI and NRS for pain assessment in individuals in the post-anesthetic recovery room (r = − 0.0984, 95% CI = − 0.397 to 0.220, I2 = 95.82%), or in those submitted to electrical stimulus (r = − 0.089; 95% CI = − 0.390 to 0.228, I2 = 0%). The evidence to use ANI in conscious individuals is weak compared to self-report measures of pain, yet ANI explains a part of self-report. Therefore, some individuals may be benefited from the use of ANI during procedures or in the immediate postoperative period.
Antidiabetic activity of avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.) in diabetic rats via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Amanze Jennifer Chidubem , Oni Abosede Itunuoluwa , Grant Susan , Iyobhebhe Matthew , Elebiyo Tobiloba Christiana , Rotimi Damilare , Asogwa Nnaemeka Tobechukwu , Oyinloye Babatunji Emmanuel , Ajiboye Basiru Olaitan , Ojo Adebola Busola 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe treatment of diabetes involves the use of herbal plants, attracting interest in their cost-effectiveness and efficacy. An aqueous extract of Persea americana seeds (AEPAS) was explored in this study as a possible therapeutic agent in rats with diabetes mellitus. The induction of diabetes in the rats was achieved by injecting 65 mg/kg body weight (BWt) of alloxan along with 5% glucose. This study was conducted using thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 6 equal groups, (n = 6) and treated for 14 days. In vitro assays for total flavonoid, phenols, FRAP, DPPH, NO, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, were performed. Biochemical indices fasting blood sugar (FBS), BWt, serum insulin, liver hexokinase, G6P, FBP, liver glycogen, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-ĸB in the serum, were investigated as well as the mRNA expressions of PCNA, Bcl2, PI3K/Akt in the liver and pancreas. The in vitro analyses showed the potency of AEPAS against free radicals and its enzyme inhibitory potential as compared with the positive controls. AEPAS showed a marked decrease in alloxan-induced increases in FBG, TG, LDL-c, G6P, F-1, 6-BP, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-ĸB and increased alloxan-induced decreases in liver glycogen, hexokinase, and HDL-c. The diabetic control group exhibited pancreatic dysfunction as evidenced by a reduction in serum insulin, HOMA-β, expressions of PI3K/AKT, Bcl-2, and PCNA combined with an elevation in HOMA-IR. The HPLC revealed luteolin and myricetin to be the phytochemicals that were present in the highest concentration in AEPAS. The outcome of this research showed that the administration of AEPAS can promote the activation of the PI3K/AkT pathway and the inhibition of β-cell death, which may be the primary mechanism by which AEPAS promotes insulin sensitivity and regulates glycolipid metabolism.