bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in donor leukocyte counts confound the use of common RNA sequencing data normalization strategies in transcriptomic biomarker studies performed with whole blood
Authors: O’Connell Grant C.
Published: September 2023

Gene expression data generated from whole blood via next generation sequencing is frequently used in studies aimed at identifying mRNA-based biomarker panels with utility for diagnosis or monitoring of human disease. These investigations often employ data normalization techniques more typically used for analysis of data originating from solid tissues, which largely operate under the general assumption that specimens have similar transcriptome composition. However, this assumption may be violated when working with data generated from whole blood, which is more cellularly dynamic, leading to potential confounds. In this study, we used next generation sequencing in combination with flow cytometry to assess the influence of donor leukocyte counts on the transcriptional composition of whole blood specimens sampled from a cohort of 138 human subjects, and then subsequently examined the effect of four frequently used data normalization approaches on our ability to detect inter-specimen biological variance, using the flow cytometry data to benchmark each specimens true cellular and molecular identity. Whole blood samples originating from donors with differing leukocyte counts exhibited dramatic differences in both genome-wide distributions of transcript abundance and gene-level expression patterns. Consequently, three of the normalization strategies we tested, including median ratio (MRN), trimmed mean of m-values (TMM), and quantile normalization, noticeably masked the true biological structure of the data and impaired our ability to detect true interspecimen differences in mRNA levels. The only strategy that improved our ability to detect true biological variance was simple scaling of read counts by sequencing depth, which unlike the aforementioned approaches, makes no assumptions regarding transcriptome composition.
A large quantitative analysis of written language challenges the idea that all languages are equally complex
Authors: Koplenig Alexander , Wolfer Sascha , Meyer Peter
Published: September 2023

One of the fundamental questions about human language is whether all languages are equally complex. Here, we approach this question from an information-theoretic perspective. We present a large scale quantitative cross-linguistic analysis of written language by training a language model on more than 6500 different documents as represented in 41 multilingual text collections consisting of ~ 3.5 billion words or ~ 9.0 billion characters and covering 2069 different languages that are spoken as a native language by more than 90% of the world population. We statistically infer the entropy of each language model as an index of what we call average prediction complexity. We compare complexity rankings across corpora and show that a language that tends to be more complex than another language in one corpus also tends to be more complex in another corpus. In addition, we show that speaker population size predicts entropy. We argue that both results constitute evidence against the equi-complexity hypothesis from an information-theoretic perspective.
Prevalence of plasma lipid abnormalities and associated risk factors among Iranian adults based on the findings from STEPs survey 2021
Authors: Khanali Javad , Ghasemi Erfan , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Ahmadi Naser , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Azangou-Khyavy Mohammadreza , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Naderian Mohammadreza , Rezaei Negar , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Farzi Yosef , Kazemi Ameneh , Yoosefi Moein , Hajebi Amirali , Rezaei Shahabeddin , Azadnajafabad Sina , Fattahi Nima , Nasserinejad Maryam , Abdolhamidi Elham , Haghshenas Rosa , Rezaei Nazila , Djalalinia Shirin , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in Iranian adults by demographic characterization, geographical distribution, and associated risk factors using national and sub-national representative samples of the STEPs 2021 survey in Iran. In this population-based household survey, a total of 18,119 individuals aged over 25 years provided blood samples for biochemical analysis. Dyslipidemia was defined by the presence of at least one of the lipid abnormalities of hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 150 mg/dL), hypercholesterolemia (≥ 200 mg/dL), high LDL-C (≥ 130 mg/dL), and low HDL-C (< 50 mg/dL in women, < 40 mg/dL in men), or self-reported use of lipid-lowering medications. Mixed dyslipidemia was characterized as the coexistence of high LDL-C with at least one of the hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C. The prevalence of each lipid abnormality was determined by each population strata, and the determinants of abnormal lipid levels were identified using a multiple logistic regression model. The prevalence was 39.7% for hypertriglyceridemia, 21.2% for hypercholesterolemia, 16.4% for high LDL-C, 68.4% for low HDL-C, and 81.0% for dyslipidemia. Hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-C were more prevalent in women, and hypertriglyceridemia was more prevalent in men. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in women (OR = 1.8), obese (OR = 2.8) and overweight (OR = 2.3) persons, those residents in urban areas (OR = 1.1), those with inappropriate physical activity (OR = 1.2), patients with diabetes (OR = 2.7) and hypertension (OR = 1.9), and participants with a history (OR = 1.6) or familial history of CVDs (OR = 1.2). Mixed dyslipidemia prevalence was 13.6% in women and 11.4% in men (P < 0.05). The prevalence of lipid abnormalities was highly heterogeneous among provinces, and East Azarbaijan with 85.3% (81.5–89.1) and Golestan with 68.5% (64.8–72.2) had the highest and lowest prevalence of dyslipidemia, respectively. Although the prevalence of high cholesterol and LDL-C had a descending trend in the 2016–2021 period, the prevalence of dyslipidemia remained unchanged. There are modifiable risk factors associated with dyslipidemia that can be targeted by the primary healthcare system. To modify these risk factors and promote metabolic health in the country, action plans should come to action through a multi-sectoral and collaborative approach.
Experimental study on the impact of indoor air quality on creativity by Serious Brick Play method
Authors: Arikrishnan Shmitha , Roberts Adam Charles , Lau Wee Siang , Wan Man Pun , Ng Bing Feng
Published: September 2023

Companies are increasingly asking their employees to find creative solutions to their problems. However, the office environment may reduce an employee’s creative potential. In this study, the role of indoor air quality parameters (PM2.5, TVOC, and CO2) in maintaining a creative environment (involving lateral thinking ability) was evaluated by Serious Brick Play (SBP), an adaptation of the LEGO Serious Play (LSP) framework. This study was conducted in a simulated office space with 92 participants over a period of 6 weeks. The SBP required participants to address a challenge by building using Lego bricks, and then describe the solution within a given timeframe. The creations and descriptions were then graded in terms of originality, fluency, and build. The results indicated that higher TVOC levels were significantly associated with lower-rated creative solutions. A 71.9% reduction in TVOC (from 1000 ppb), improves an individual’s full creative potential by 11.5%. Thus, maintaining a low TVOC level will critically enhance creativity in offices.
Octopod Hox genes and cephalopod plesiomorphies
Authors: Barrera Grijalba Cristian Camilo , Rodríguez Monje Sonia Victoria , Gestal Camino , Wollesen Tim
Published: September 2023

Few other invertebrates captivate our attention as cephalopods do. Octopods, cuttlefish, and squids amaze with their behavior and sophisticated body plans that belong to the most intriguing among mollusks. Little is, however, known about their body plan formation and the role of Hox genes. The latter homeobox genes pattern the anterior–posterior body axis and have only been studied in a single decapod species so far. Here, we study developmental Hox and ParaHox gene expression in Octopus vulgaris.Hox genes are expressed in a near-to-staggered fashion, among others in homologous organs of cephalopods such as the stellate ganglia, the arms, or funnel. As in other mollusks Hox1 is expressed in the nascent octopod shell rudiment. While ParaHox genes are expressed in an evolutionarily conserved fashion, Hox genes are also expressed in some body regions that are considered homologous among mollusks such as the cephalopod arms and funnel with the molluscan foot. We argue that cephalopod Hox genes are recruited to a lesser extent into the formation of non-related organ systems than previously thought and emphasize that despite all morphological innovations molecular data still reveal the ancestral molluscan heritage of cephalopods.
Elastic fiber alterations and calcifications in calcific uremic arteriolopathy
Authors: Colboc Hester , Moguelet Philippe , Bazin Dominique , Letavernier Emmanuel , Sun Chenyu , Chessel Anatole , Carvalho Priscille , Lok Catherine , Dillies Anne-Sophie , Chaby Guillaume , Maillard Hervé , Kottler Diane , Goujon Elisa , Jurus Christine , Panaye Marine , Tang Ellie , Courville Philippe , Boury Antoine , Monfort Jean-Benoit , Chasset François , Senet Patricia , Schanne-Klein Marie-Claire
Published: September 2023

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is a severely morbid disease, affecting mostly dialyzed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, associated with calcium deposits in the skin. Calcifications have been identified in ESRD patients without CUA, indicating that their presence is not specific to the disease. The objective of this retrospective multicenter study was to compare elastic fiber structure and skin calcifications in ESRD patients with CUA to those without CUA using innovative structural techniques. Fourteen ESRD patients with CUA were compared to 12 ESRD patients without CUA. Analyses of elastic fiber structure and skin calcifications using multiphoton microscopy followed by machine-learning analysis and field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray were performed. Elastic fibers specifically appeared fragmented in CUA. Quantitative analyses of multiphoton images showed that they were significantly straighter in ESRD patients with CUA than without CUA. Interstitial and vascular calcifications were observed in both groups of ESRD patients, but vascular calcifications specifically appeared massive and circumferential in CUA. Unlike interstitial calcifications, massive circumferential vascular calcifications and elastic fibers straightening appeared specific to CUA. The origins of such specific elastic fiber’s alteration are still to be explored and may involve relationships with ischemic vascular or inflammatory processes.
In-vivo detection of white adipose tissue browning: a multimodality imaging approach
Authors: Holmes Leah R. , Garside John C. , Frank Jonathan , Livingston Eric , Snyder Jonas , Abu Khalaf Nada , Yuan Hong , Branca Rosa T.
Published: September 2023

Detection and differentiation of brown fat in humans poses several challenges, as this tissue is sparse and often mixed with white adipose tissue. Non-invasive detection of beige fat represents an even greater challenge as this tissue is structurally and functionally more like white fat than brown fat. Here we used positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, computed tomography, xenon-enhanced computed tomography, and dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound, to non-invasively detect functional and structural changes associated with the browning process of inguinal white fat, induced in mice by chronic stimulation with the β3-adrenergic receptor agonist CL-316243. These studies reveal a very heterogeneous increase in baseline tissue radiodensity and xenon-enhanced radiodensity, indicative of both an increase in adipocytes water and protein content as well as tissue perfusion, mostly in regions that showed enhanced norepinephrine-stimulated perfusion before CL-316243 treatment. No statistically significant increase in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake or norepinephrine-stimulated tissue perfusion were observed in the mice after the CL-316243 treatment. The increase in tissue-water content and perfusion, along with the negligible increase in the tissue glucose uptake and norepinephrine-stimulated perfusion deserve more attention, especially considering the potential metabolic role that this tissue may play in whole body metabolism.
Effects of an open-label placebo intervention on reactions to social exclusion in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stumpp Leonie , Jauch Melissa , Sezer Dilan , Gaab Jens , Greifeneder Rainer
Published: September 2023

Social exclusion, that is being left out by others, can have adverse consequences for individuals’ psychological well-being. Even short-term experiences of social exclusion strongly threaten basic psychological needs and cause so-called social pain. Prior research suggests an overlap between the experience of social and physical pain that, amongst others, is reflected by the effectiveness of physical pain treatments in alleviating social pain. Drawing upon these prior findings, we here explore whether open-label placebos, which have previously been found to be effective in reducing physical pain, can alleviate social pain following social exclusion. Seventy-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in a 2 × 2 between-subjects design: First, they either received an open-label placebo intervention or no treatment. Second, they either experienced inclusion or exclusion by their co-players in the interactive ball-tossing game Cyberball. We find that excluded participants in the open-label placebo condition experienced significantly less hurt feelings compared to those in the control condition (Cohen’s d = 0.77). There was no effect of treatment for need threat. The findings suggest new possibilities to alleviate social pain, which is of particular interest in the context of preventing destructive and maladaptive behaviors in situations where functional coping strategies are unavailable.
Natural course of cerebral and spinal cavernous malformations: a complete ten-year follow-up study
Authors: Santos Alejandro N. , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Gull Hanah H. , Olbrich Angelina , Dinger Thiemo F. , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Rieß Christoph , Chen Bixia , Lenkeit Annika , Schmidt Börge , Li Yan , Jabbarli Ramazan , Wrede Karsten H. , Siegel Adrian , Sure Ulrich , Dammann Philipp
Published: September 2023

Knowledge of the bleeding risk and the long-term outcome of conservatively treated patients with cavernous malformations (CM) is poor. In this work, we studied the occurrence of CM-associated hemorrhage over a 10-year period and investigated risk factors for bleeding. Our institutional database was screened for patients with cerebral (CCM) or intramedullary spinal cord (ISCM) CM admitted between 2003 and 2021. Patients who underwent surgery and patients without completed follow-up were excluded. Analyses were performed to identify risk factors and to determine the cumulative risk for hemorrhage. A total of 91 CM patients were included. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis identified bleeding at diagnosis (p = 0.039) and CM localization to the spine (p = 0.010) as predictors for (re)hemorrhage. Both risk factors remained independent predictors through Cox regression analysis (p = 0.049; p = 0.016). The cumulative 10-year risk of bleeding was 30% for the whole cohort, 39% for patients with bleeding at diagnosis and 67% for ISCM. During an untreated 10-year follow-up, the probability of hemorrhage increased over time, especially in cases with bleeding at presentation and spinal cord localization. The intensity of such increase may decline throughout time but remains considerably high. These findings may indicate a rather aggressive course in patients with ISCM and may endorse early surgical treatment.
A 3D adrenocortical carcinoma tumor platform for preclinical modeling of drug response and matrix metalloproteinase activity
Authors: Dedhia Priya H. , Sivakumar Hemamylammal , Rodriguez Marco A. , Nairon Kylie G. , Zent Joshua M. , Zheng Xuguang , Jones Katie , Popova Liudmila V. , Leight Jennifer L. , Skardal Aleksander
Published: September 2023

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has a poor prognosis, and no new drugs have been identified in decades. The absence of drug development can partly be attributed to a lack of preclinical models. Both animal models and 2D cell cultures of ACC fail to accurately mimic the disease, as animal physiology is inherently different than humans, and 2D cultures fail to represent the crucial 3D architecture. Organoids and other small 3D in vitro models of tissues or tumors can model certain complexities of human in vivo biology; however, this technology has largely yet to be applied to ACC. In this study, we describe the generation of 3D tumor constructs from an established ACC cell line, NCI-H295R. NCI-H295R cells were encapsulated to generate 3D ACC constructs. Tumor constructs were assessed for biomarker expression, viability, proliferation, and cortisol production. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) functionality was assessed directly using fluorogenic MMP-sensitive biosensors and through infusion of NCI-H295R cells into a metastasis-on-a-chip microfluidic device platform. ACC tumor constructs showed expression of biomarkers associated with ACC, including SF-1, Melan A, and inhibin α. Treatment of ACC tumor constructs with chemotherapeutics demonstrated decreased drug sensitivity compared to 2D cell culture. Since most tumor cells migrate through tissue using MMPs to break down extracellular matrix, we validated the utility of ACC tumor constructs by integrating fluorogenic MMP-sensitive peptide biosensors within the tumor constructs. Lastly, in our metastasis-on-a-chip device, NCI-H295R cells successfully engrafted in a downstream lung cell line-based construct, but invasion distance into the lung construct was decreased by MMP inhibition. These studies, which would not be possible using 2D cell cultures, demonstrated that NCI-H295R cells secreted active MMPs that are used for invasion in 3D. This work represents the first evidence of a 3D tumor constructs platform for ACC that can be deployed for future mechanistic studies as well as development of new targets for intervention and therapies.
Repeated episodes of postictal hypoxia are a mechanism for interictal cognitive impairments
Authors: Villa Bianca R. , Bhatt Dhyey , Wolff Marshal D. , Addo-Osafo Kwaku , Epp Jonathan R. , Teskey G. Campbell
Published: September 2023

Comorbidities during the period between seizures present a significant challenge for individuals with epilepsy. Despite their clinical relevance, the pathophysiology of the interictal symptomatology is largely unknown. Postictal severe hypoxia (PIH) in those brain regions participating in the seizure has been indicated as a mechanism underlying several negative postictal manifestations. It is unknown how repeated episodes of PIH affect interictal symptoms in epilepsy. Using a rat model, we observed that repeated seizures consistently induced episodes of PIH that become increasingly severe with each seizure occurrence. Additionally, recurrent seizure activity led to decreased levels of oxygen in the hippocampus during the interictal period. However, these reductions were prevented when we repeatedly blocked PIH using either the COX-inhibitor acetaminophen or the L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine. Moreover, we found that interictal cognitive deficits caused by seizures were completely alleviated by repeated attenuation of PIH events. Lastly, mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the observed pathological outcomes during the interictal period. These findings provide evidence that seizure-induced hypoxia may play a crucial role in several aspects of epilepsy. Consequently, developing and implementing treatments that specifically target and prevent PIH could potentially offer significant benefits for individuals with refractory epilepsy.
A study of the required sustainability-driven institutional and behavioural mechanisms to tackle the anticipated implications of agricultural water price shocks: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Momeni Marzieh , Razavi Vahid , Zahedi Sina , Momeni Farshad , Behzadian Kourosh , Dolatabadi Neda
Published: September 2023

Economic policies for managing agricultural water use are often complicated by the challenge of using water prices as an efficient economic tool when other non-economic concerns are involved in the decision-making process. This study aims to analyse the impact of water pricing policies on preserving agricultural water resources in Iran. This study applies a system dynamics approach to simulate the system performance and behaviour of stakeholders and the economic implications. Our finding shows that water pricing policies will likely fail due to low water price elasticity and if there are lack of institutional and physical infrastructure, alternative professions, manufacturing technology, education, and training opportunities. The results also illustrate how agricultural water price increase (AWPI) fails to reduce water consumption in the absence of an adequate institutional arrangement. Also, it shows how the lack of advanced institutional infrastructure in the presence of physical infrastructure enhances pervasive overuse and destructive competition among stakeholders by increasing the area under cultivation. In the discussion, the paper portrays a way out of the decision-making body by following AWPI effects on water conservation in the agricultural sector as the most significant water consumer. It investigates the absence and subsequent presence of specific institutional conditions and evaluates training and enhancing farmers' skills and alternative career source with higher income and technology as the architecture of good environmental governance. Finally, it concludes that a series of inclusive measures must be considered to increase the elasticity of the water price. These measures must stimulate farmers towards pursuing the goals of global sustainable development and enhancing social welfare.
Different effects of menopausal hormone therapy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on the route of estrogen administration
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Min Ji-Song , Lee Saemi , Lee Dong-Yun , Choi DooSeok
Published: September 2023

The effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were compared based on the route of estrogen administration. The study included 368 postmenopausal women who received MHT for 12 months. Patients were divided into transdermal (n = 75) and oral (n = 293) groups based on the estrogen route. Changes in the prevalence of NAFLD were compared between the two groups before and after 12 months of MHT. In addition, differences in the progression of NAFLD after MHT based on the dose of estrogen and type of progestogen were evaluated in the oral group. After MHT, the prevalence of NAFLD decreased from 24 to 17.3% in the transdermal group but increased from 25.3 to 29.4% in the oral group. Little or no change was found in clinical characteristics and laboratory tests in the transdermal group during MHT. However, serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased and triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly in the oral group. Furthermore, changes in the prevalence of NAFLD were not significantly different based on the dose of estrogen or type of progestogen. Our findings indicate that transdermal estrogen can be beneficial in terms of NAFLD progression.
Recovery of the gut microbiome following enteric infection and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes in specific microbial hosts
Authors: Hansen Zoe A. , Vasco Karla , Rudrik James T. , Scribner Kim T. , Zhang Lixin , Manning Shannon D.
Published: September 2023

Enteric pathogens cause widespread foodborne illness and are increasingly resistant to important antibiotics yet their ecological impact on the gut microbiome and resistome is not fully understood. Herein, shotgun metagenome sequencing was applied to stool DNA from 60 patients (cases) during an enteric bacterial infection and after recovery (follow-ups). Overall, the case samples harbored more antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) with greater resistome diversity than the follow-up samples (p < 0.001), while follow-ups had more diverse gut microbiota (p < 0.001). Although cases were primarily defined by genera Escherichia, Salmonella, and Shigella along with ARGs for multi-compound and multidrug resistance, follow-ups had a greater abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla and resistance genes for tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins, and aminoglycosides. A host-tracking analysis revealed that Escherichia was the primary bacterial host of ARGs in both cases and follow-ups, with a greater abundance occurring during infection. Eleven distinct extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes were identified during infection, with some detectable upon recovery, highlighting the potential for gene transfer within the community. Because of the increasing incidence of disease caused by foodborne pathogens and their role in harboring and transferring resistance determinants, this study enhances our understanding of how enteric infections impact human gut ecology.
Exploration of CviR-mediated quorum sensing inhibitors from Cladosporium spp. against Chromobacterium violaceum through computational studies
Authors: Murali Mahadevamurthy , Ahmed Faiyaz , Gowtham Hittanahallikoppal Gajendramurthy , Aribisala Jamiu Olaseni , Abdulsalam Rukayat Abiola , Shati Ali A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Sayyed R. Z. , Sabiu Saheed , Amruthesh Kestur Nagaraj
Published: September 2023

An opportunistic human pathogenic bacterium, Chromobacterium violaceum resists the potency of most antibiotics by exploiting the quorum sensing system within their community to control virulence factor expression. Therefore, blocking the quorum sensing mechanism could help to treat several infectious caused by this organism. The quorum sensing receptor (CviR) of C. violaceum was used as a model target in the current investigation to identify potentially novel quorum sensing inhibitors from Cladosporium spp. through in silico computational approaches. The molecular docking results confirmed the anti-quorum sensing potential of bioactive compounds from Cladosporium spp. through binding to CviR with varying docking scores between – 5.2 and – 9.5 kcal/mol. Relative to the positive control [Azithromycin (– 7.4 kcal/mol)], the top six metabolites of Cladosporium spp. had higher docking scores and were generally greater than – 8.5 kcal/mol. The thermodynamic stability and binding affinity refinement of top-ranked CviR inhibitors were further studied through a 160 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The Post-MD simulation analysis confirmed the top-ranked compounds' affinity, stability, and biomolecular interactions with CviR at 50 ns, 100 ns, and 160 ns with Coniochaetone K of the Cladosporium spp. having the highest binding free energy (– 30.87 kcal/mol) and best interactions (two consistent hydrogen bond contact) following the 160 ns simulation. The predicted pharmacokinetics properties of top selected compounds point to their drug likeliness, potentiating their chance as a possible drug candidate. Overall, the top-ranked compounds from Cladosporium spp., especially Coniochaetone K, could be identified as potential C. violaceum CviR inhibitors. The development of these compounds as broad-spectrum antibacterial medicines is thus possible in the future following the completion of further preclinical and clinical research.
Cryo EM structures map a post vaccination polyclonal antibody response to canine parvovirus
Authors: Hartmann Samantha R. , Charnesky Andrew J. , Früh Simon P. , López-Astacio Robert A. , Weichert Wendy S. , DiNunno Nadia , Cho Sung Hung , Bator Carol M. , Parrish Colin R. , Hafenstein Susan L.
Published: September 2023

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is an important pathogen that emerged by cross-species transmission to cause severe disease in dogs. To understand the host immune response to vaccination, sera from dogs immunized with parvovirus are obtained, the polyclonal antibodies are purified and used to solve the high resolution cryo EM structures of the polyclonal Fab-virus complexes. We use a custom software, Icosahedral Subparticle Extraction and Correlated Classification (ISECC) to perform subparticle analysis and reconstruct polyclonal Fab-virus complexes from two different dogs eight and twelve weeks post vaccination. In the resulting polyclonal Fab-virus complexes there are a total of five distinct Fabs identified. In both cases, any of the five antibodies identified would interfere with receptor binding. This polyclonal mapping approach identifies a specific, limited immune response to the live vaccine virus and allows us to investigate the binding of multiple different antibodies or ligands to virus capsids.
Drug delivery using biocompatible covalent organic frameworks (COFs) towards a therapeutic approach
Authors: Ghosh Pritam , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: September 2023

COFs are used for multiple drug encapsulation/decapsulation in the biological medium and would be potential contenders for clinical applications.
Metal organic framework-derived transition metal-doped CoSx nanocage for enhanced visible light-assisted methanol electrocatalytic oxidation
Authors: Li Meng , Du Quan , Li Guanfeng , Qian Lei , Zeng Ying
Published: September 2023

The Cd-CoSx nanocage can be used as anode catalyst for photo-assisted DMFCs. The synergistic effect of electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activity will be a practical strategy for improving the MOR activity of semiconductor catalysts.
Effect of 10 MeV electron irradiation on the electrical properties of bulk α-In2Se3 crystals
Authors: Lobanov Alexey D. , Korkh Yulia V. , Patrakov Evgeny I. , Gaviko Vasily S. , Sarychev Maxim N. , Ivanov Vladimir Yu. , Kuznetsova Tatyana V.
Published: September 2023

It is shown that local resistance increases significantly on bulk α-In2Se3 crystals after irradiation with the electron fluence of 1017 cm−2.
Hydration makes a difference! How to tune protein complexes between liquid–liquid and liquid–solid phase separation
Authors: Ramos Sashary , Kamps Janine , Pezzotti Simone , Winklhofer Konstanze F. , Tatzelt Jörg , Havenith Martina
Published: September 2023

THz calorimetry can unravel the role of solvent in the formation of a protein condensate via liquid–liquid and liquid–solid phase separation.
A general strategy to stabilize 1T-MoS2 using MXene heterostructures and unlock its hydrogen evolution reaction capabilities
Authors: Tian Yumiao , Liu Xiaochun , Hou Pengfei , Xie Yu , Du Fei , Chen Gang , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Meng Xing
Published: September 2023

The electronic transfer between the MXene-1T-MoS2 heterostructure layers enhances the stability and hydrogen evolution performance of 1T-MoS2.
2-Isopropyl-1,3-dimethylimidazolium as a versatile structure-directing agent in the synthesis of zeolites
Authors: Yu Huajian , Rojas Alex , Gao Zihao Rei , Gómez-Hortigüela Luis , Villaescusa Luis A. , Li Jian , Paillaud Jean-Louis , Camblor Miguel A.
Published: September 2023

Organic structure directing agents with low specificity offer opportunities for zeolite discovery by tweaking other structure-directing factors.
Decarbonising electrical grids using photovoltaics with enhanced capacity factors
Authors: Williams Cai , Michaels Hannes , Crossland Andrew F. , Zhang Zongtai , Shirshova Natasha , MacKenzie Roderick C. I. , Sun Hongjian , Kettle Jeff , Freitag Marina , Groves Christopher
Published: September 2023

Here we demonstrate a new concept in PV in which devices are designed to minimize variability in generation. Modelling of the UK energy network predicts that such devices yield greater reductions in carbon emissions than conventional PV technology.
Bioavailability of Korean mint (Agastache rugosa) polyphenols in humans and a Caco-2 cell model: a preliminary study exploring the efficacy
Authors: Lee Yea-eun , Lee Eunok , Rinik Urmi Rahman , Kim Ji Yeon , Jung Byung Hwa , Kwon Oran
Published: September 2023

Agastache rugosa is a medicinal plant renowned for its potential health-promoting properties. This study aimed to investigate the bioavailability of six key polyphenols in humans and a Caco-2 cell model.
Quantitative prediction of the solvent fractionation of lignin
Authors: van Leuken Stijn H. M. , van Osch Dannie J. G. P. , Kouris Panos D. , Yao Yawen , Jedrzejczyk Monika A. , Cremers Geert J. W. , Bernaerts Katrien V. , van Benthem Rolf A. T. M. , Tuinier Remco , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Vis Mark
Published: September 2023

A combined experimental and theoretical framework was developed that predicts the solvent fractionation of lignin, taking chemical and physical dispersity into account. This paves the way for a broader applicability of lignin in bio-based materials.
Elaborately tailored NiCo2O4 for highly efficient overall water splitting and urea electrolysis
Authors: Wang Yamei , Chen Lanli , Zhang Huaming , Humayun Muhammad , Duan Junhong , Xu Xuefei , Fu Yanjun , Bououdina Mohamed , Wang Chundong
Published: September 2023

Doping Ru endows optimized electronic structure of NiCo2O4, which in turn modifies its d-band center towards optimum H* adsorption energy. The as-prepared spinel yields splendid HER, OER and UOR performances.
A route to selectively increase the microporous structure of zeolite and its optimization in the ethanol to butadiene reaction
Authors: Ye Tian , Bai Yuhao , Wang Kewei , Hu Weijie , Zhang Meng , Wu Li-Ming
Published: September 2023

Ethanol is introduced into aqueous amine solution and the attractions between species of buffer solution lead to its limited etching capacity, which could selectively increase the micropore structure of zeolite.
Rational design, synthesis, molecular modeling, biological activity, and mechanism of action of polypharmacological norfloxacin hydroxamic acid derivatives
Authors: Kamal El-sagheir Ahmed M. , Abdelmesseh Nekhala Ireny , Abd El-Gaber Mohammed K. , Aboraia Ahmed S. , Persson Jonatan , Schäfer Ann-Britt , Wenzel Michaela , Omar Farghaly A.
Published: September 2023

Addition of metal-chelating and lipophilic groups to norfloxacin yielded dual-action compounds inhibiting DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV and bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Zeolite 13X/MgSO4 as a potential heat storage material: thermal performance characterization and sorption kinetics enhancement
Authors: Huo Ying-Jie , Yan Ting , Chang Xiao-Le , Zhang Hong , Pan Wei-Guo
Published: September 2023

Solid–gas thermochemical sorption heat storage is an efficient heat storage technology.
Resistance components in organic electrolytes containing Fe2+/Fe3+ for liquid thermoelectric conversion devices
Authors: Nomura Yunika , Inoue Dai , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: September 2023

The solution resistance Rs of an organic electrolyte containing 0.1 M Fe2+/Fe3+ is proportional to the viscosity η of the solvent, but the slope depends on the complex species.
Expression of concern: Solar-driven photodegradation of 17-β-estradiol and ciprofloxacin from waste water and CO2 conversion using sustainable coal-char/polymeric-g-C3N4/RGO metal-free nano-hybrids
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Ajay , Sharma Gaurav , Naushad Mu. , Veses Renato Cataluna , Ghfar Ayman A. , Stadler Florian J. , Khan Mohammad Rizwan
Published: September 2023

Expression of concern for ‘Solar-driven photodegradation of 17-β-estradiol and ciprofloxacin from waste water and CO2 conversion using sustainable coal-char/polymeric-g-C3N4/RGO metal-free nano-hybrids’ by Amit Kumar et al., New J. Chem., 2017, 41, 10208–10224, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ01580A.
Superstructure-dependent stability of DNA origami nanostructures in the presence of chaotropic denaturants
Authors: Hanke Marcel , Dornbusch Daniel , Tomm Emilia , Grundmeier Guido , Fahmy Karim , Keller Adrian
Published: September 2023

The stability of 2D and 3D DNA origami nanostructures in the presence of chaotropic agents is investigated. A pronounced superstructure-dependence is observed with less rigid DNA origami designs being more resistant toward chemical denaturation.
Background-filtered telomerase activity assay with cyclic DNA cleavage amplification
Authors: Han Hyogu , Park Chihyun , Lee Chang Yeol , Ahn Jun Ki
Published: September 2023

A new telomerase activity detection method termed Quenching-Exempt invader Signal Amplification Test (QUEST) is developed.
Electrochemical selenium-catalyzed para-amination of N-aryloxyamides: access to polysubstituted aminophenols
Authors: Gao Lei , Wang Zhi-Feng , Wang Lin-Wei , Tang Hai-Tao , Mo Zu-Yu , He Mu-Xue
Published: September 2023

We have developed a mild method for selenium catalyzed intramolecular rearrangement of N-aryloxyamides to produce para amination products under electrochemical conditions. The method has the advantages of high efficiency, high atom utilization and environmental friendliness.
A novel isocyanate-free strategy towards preparation of polyurea by a ring-opening reaction
Authors: Wang Xuejie , Yu Chongwen , Sun Jiaqi , Mu Chenzhong , Song Yujie
Published: September 2023

A novel and facile method to obtain isocyanate-free PUA by a ring-opening polymerization of (aziridine-1-formamide) derivatives and nucleophilic compounds with polyfunctional groups (ƒn ≥ 2).
Type-II 2D AgBr/SiH van der Waals heterostructures with tunable band edge positions and enhanced optical absorption coefficients for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Xu Yuehua , Li Dongze , Zeng Qiang , Sun He , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2023

AgBr/SiH heterostructures have higher optical absorption and adaptable band edge positions for a wider pH range under biaxial tensile strain.
Theoretical exploration of inherent electronic, structural, mechanical, thermoelectric, and thermophysical response of KRu4Z12 (Z = As12, Sb12) filled skutterudite materials
Authors: Nayak Poorva , Srivastava Pankakaj , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: September 2023

The filled skutterudite KRu4Z12 (Z = As12, Sb12) crystallizes in the unique BCC structure with space group Im3̄ and contains 17 atoms per unit cell. The K atom takes the atomic position of (0 0 0), Ru atoms are positioned at (0.25 0.25 0.25), and Sb & As atoms are located at (0, 0.35, 0.16).
Synthesis, biological evaluation and computer-aided discovery of new thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as potential antitumor VEGFR-2 inhibitors
Authors: Elkady Hazem , El-Dardir Osama A. , Elwan Alaa , Taghour Mohammed S. , Mahdy Hazem A. , Dahab Mohammed A. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Alsfouk Bshra A. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Husein Dalal Z. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Darwish Amira M. G. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Eissa Ibrahim H.
Published: September 2023

Design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies of novel thiazolidine-2,4-diones as antitumor VEGFR-2 inhibitors with apoptotic activities.
Salt induced micellization conduct in PEO–PPO–PEO-based block copolymers: a thermo-responsive approach
Authors: Tripathi Nitumani , Ray Debes , Aswal Vinod K. , Kuperkar Ketan , Bahadur Pratap
Published: September 2023

Effect of varied salts in inducing the structural morphology changes in L44 and F77 at 30 °C.
Electrostatic force on a spherical particle confined between two planar surfaces
Authors: Wang Zhanwen , Miksis Michael J. , Vlahovska Petia M.
Published: September 2023

A charge-free particle in a uniform electric field is attracted by a nearby electrode. The force may depend nonmonotonically on confinement.
Homogeneity of liquid metal polymer composites: impact on mechanical, electrical, and sensing behavior
Authors: Hoang Anh , Faruqe Omar , Bury Elizabeth , Park Chanyeop , Koh Amanda
Published: September 2023

A novel method achieved non-conductive LMPCs with uniform dispersion revealing unique galinstan concentration relationships and insights on homogeneity, dielectric strength, and sensing behavior to advance soft, deformable electronics research.
Active compound particles in a quadratic flow: hydrodynamics and morphology
Authors: K. V. S. Chaithanya , Singeetham Pavan Kumar , Thampi Sumesh P.
Published: September 2023

The synergy between the fluid flow from an active core and the background flow enables the generation of diverse core–shell morphologies in microfluidic devices.
Machine-learning-guided prediction of photovoltaic performance of non-fullerene organic solar cells using novel molecular and structural descriptors
Authors: Suthar Rakesh , T Abhijith , Karak Supravat
Published: September 2023

The machine learning approach was employed to explore the relationship between molecular structure and photovoltaic properties using frontier molecular orbital and RDKit descriptors, which enabled us to screen and identify potential donor and acceptor combinations for efficient organic solar cells.
Coarse-grained molecular dynamics modeling and analysis of graded porous electrodes of reversible solid oxide cells sintered in two steps
Authors: Yang Chao , Guo Ran , Wu Yu , Pan Baowei , Wang Jiatang , Yuan Jinliang
Published: September 2023

Two-step sintering is proposed for preparing a tri-layer skeleton composed of graded nanoparticles. Effects on the sintering behavior, microstructure and stress for graded nanoparticles are investigated by a coarse-grained molecular dynamics method.
Harnessing the power of polyol-based polyesters for biomedical innovations: synthesis, properties, and biodegradation
Authors: Fakhri Vafa , Su Chia-Hung , Tavakoli Dare Masoud , Bazmi Maryam , Jafari Aliakbar , Pirouzfar Vahid
Published: September 2023

Polyesters based on polyols have emerged as promising biomaterials for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery systems, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatile physicochemical properties.
Retraction: A self-defensive antibacterial coating acting through the bacteria-triggered release of a hydrophobic antibiotic from layer-by-layer films
Authors: Wang Bailiang , Liu Huihua , Wang Zefeng , Shi Shuai , Nan Kaihui , Xu Qingwen , Ye Zi , Chen Hao
Published: September 2023

Retraction of ‘A self-defensive antibacterial coating acting through the bacteria-triggered release of a hydrophobic antibiotic from layer-by-layer films’ by Bailiang Wang et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 1498–1506, https://doi.org/10.1039/C6TB02614A.
Beneficial effects of tensile strain on charge carrier lifetime in metal halide perovskites containing halogen vacancies
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Zhang Pingzhi , Wei Wei , Li Wei
Published: September 2023

Direct and trap-assisted recombination of electrons and holes is suppressed by applying tensile strain in lead halide perovskites containing halogen vacancies.
Progressive dilation dense residual fusion network for single‐image deraining
Authors: Kong Xiaolin , Gao Tao , Chen Ting , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2023

Rain removal is very important for many applications in computer vision, and it is a challenging problem due to its ill‐posed nature, especially for single‐image deraining. In order to remove rain streaks more thoroughly, as well as to retain more details, a progressive dilation dense residual fusion network is proposed. The entire network is designed in a cascade manner with multiple fusion blocks. The fusion block consists of a dilation dense residual block (DDRB) and a dense residual feature fusion block (DRFFB), where DDRB is created for feature extraction and DRFFB is mainly designed for feature fusion operation. Meanwhile, detail compensation memory mechanism (DCMM) is leveraged between each of two cascade modules to retain more background details. Compared with previous state‐of‐the‐art methods, extensive experiments show that the proposed method can achieve better results, in terms of rain streaks removal and background details preservation. Furthermore, the authors’ network also shows its superiority for image noise removal.
Miniaturised single‐layer bandpass filters using triple and quad‐mode patch resonators
Authors: Gong Ke , Ma Sensen , Fan Chunfeng , Sun Jintu , Han Jiahui , Liu Yan , Liu Qing
Published: September 2023

The authors propose miniaturised single‐layer bandpass filters (BPFs) by utilising a kind of new triple‐ and quad‐mode patch resonators. The triple‐mode resonator consists of a shortened square patch and a loaded metallic via at the centre. Characteristics of the new resonator are studied based on the mode analysis, and the first three resonant modes can be controlled well by changing the length of four via arms and the width of the open slot. Thus, a three‐pole BPF can be designed with the new triple‐mode patch resonator. To realise higher‐order filter, two triple‐mode patch resonators are cascaded to design a six‐pole BPF. Moreover, an inter‐digital slot‐line is further etched on the triple‐mode patch resonator to achieve a new resonant mode, and a quad‐mode patch resonator is achieved without increasing its size. A miniaturised four‐pole BPF is implemented using the quad‐mode patch resonator. For the demonstration, three‐pole triple‐mode, six‐pole triple‐mode and four‐pole quad‐mode patch filters are designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.