bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) microRNAs and microRNA core genes by Bacillus thuringiensis GS57 infection
Authors: Gao Bo , Ji Yu-Jie , Zhao Dan , Zhang Lu , Wu Han , Xie Yi-Fan , Shi Qiu-Yu , Guo Wei
Published: September 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding RNAs, which are functional in a variety of biological processes through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. However, the role of miRNAs in the interaction between Bacillus thuringiensis and insects remains unclear. In this study, small RNA libraries were constructed for B. thuringiensis-infected (Bt) and uninfected (CK) Spodoptera exigua larvae (treated with double-distilled water) using Illumina sequencing. Utilising the miRDeep2 and Randfold, a total of 233 known and 726 novel miRNAs were identified, among which 16 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified compared to the CK. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that potential target genes of DE miRNAs were associated with ABC transporters, fatty acid metabolism and MAPK signalling pathway which are related to the development, reproduction and immunity. Moreover, two miRNA core genes, SeDicer1 and SeAgo1 were identified. The phylogenetic tree showed that lepidopteran Dicer1 clustered into one branch, with SeDicer1 in the position closest to Spodoptera litura Dicer1. A similar phylogenetic relationship was observed in the Ago1 protein. Expression of SeDicer1 increased at 72 h post infection (hpi) with B. thuringiensis; however, expression of SeDicer1 and SeAgo1 decreased at 96 hpi. The RNAi results showed that the knockdown of SeDicer1 directly caused the down-regulation of miRNAs and promoted the mortality of S. exigua infected by B. thuringiensis GS57. In conclusion, our study is crucial to understand the relationship between miRNAs and various biological processes caused by B. thuringiensis infection, and develop an integrated pest management strategy for S. exigua via miRNAs.
The Spirit of St Catherine of Siena
Authors: Foster Kenelm
Published: September 2024

We commonly think of St Catherine as the greatest of Dominican
tertiaries; and so no doubt she is; it is as natural to think that of her as
to think of St Thomas as our greatest theologian. Yet it is easier to assess
the greatness of a theologian than the greatness of a tertiary. Theology is
a science; being a tertiary is a vocation. You can compare one theologian
with another in respect of qualities that are fairly evident, at least in
principle, for they are intellectual qualities expressed in rational
argument. A theologian is great in the degree that he gives satisfactory
answers to the questions put by the human mind when it asks, what does the
Christian faith mean? It is true that a theologian will not be able to give
such answers with a clarity and profundity that deserve to be called great
unless his intellect is docile to the Holy Spirit, that is unless he has the
Gifts of understanding and wisdom to a high degree.
A Daughter of Saint Catherine
Authors: Catherine Mary
Published: September 2024

On March the 25th 1347, in the Fontebranda, Siena, were born to Jacomo
Benincasa and his wife Lapa, twin girls, the last of a family of twenty
five. One, Giovanna, died shortly after birth, the other, Catherine, lived
to become the glory of her city.

On January the 23rd 1802, over four and a half centuries later, in Saint
Giles Rookery, one of London's slums, was born to Edmund Hallahan and his
wife, Catherine, Margaret, the only child of povertystricken parents, but
who grew up to be one of the very faithful followers of the dyer's
daughter.

Both belonged to the people, but whereas one was the daughter of
well-to-do parents, the other was the child of a casual—a very
casual—labourer. Catherine died at the age of thirty three on April the
29th. Margaret doubled the life's span of her prototype and died on May the
n t h at the age of sixty six.
St Catherine's Teaching on Christ
Authors: Foster Kenelm
Published: September 2024

I remember a secular priest, in the course of a retreat at Oxford a good
many years ago, politely chiding us Dominicans for not making more of St
Catherine of Siena. The rebuke was, and is, worth attending to. St Catherine
is always rated among the greatest figures in Dominican history, and there
are those who would place her among the greatest women of all time. Yet it
is now eighty years since the first, and last, really solid work on her life
and teaching by an English Dominican—a nun, as it happened—appeared: the
massive biography by Augusta Theodosia Drane, a very good work for its time
and one unduly neglected. Since then there have been four books in English
worth mentioning here: the two ‘Lives’ by Edmund Gardner and Alice Curtayne,
the translation of the Dialogue by Algar Thorold,
and vida Scudder's version of a selection of the Letters.
A Caballero in Love
Authors: Straukamp James
Published: September 2024

Practically from the very start of the Society of Jesus there has been a
certain stern picture painted of Jesuits. We read about the ‘cunning,
crafty’ Jesuits; the ‘intellectual, unemotional’ followers of St Ignatius,
pascal calls them ‘people who do not keep their word, without faith, without
honour, without truth, deceitful in heart, deceitful in speech', and then in
one of the more recent common evaluations Time
magazine (September 16, 1957) stylizes the Society as a calculating, and, in
every sense, a cold military organization. These opinions on the spirit of
the society of Jesus have one thread of common unity: the Jesuit is a stoic
statue impervious to ordinary human emotions and feelings. He is calculating
and reasoning; the intellect has smothered the heart. His two daily
examinations of conscience, the varied ‘experiments’ to test his abilities
and his control, the introspective, personal evaluations, all these have
allowed him to gain mastery over his human nature; a mastery that somehow
removes the human and leaves just the nature.
Newman—A Portrait Restored
Authors: Coulson John
Published: September 2024

The publication of both volumes of Miss Trevor's Life of
Newman together with the first two volumes of the
definitive edition of his diaries and letters edited by Fr Stephen Dessain
has brought much thinking about Newman out into the open. Reviewing Miss
Trevor’s book, the Observer found Newman
‘somewhat unappealing’, ‘ambiguous’, ‘hard to pin down’, and ‘self-pitying’;
but the most startling judgment was made at the conclusion of the
Times’ review: Newman, we were told, ‘was not
a lasting force like Fox or Wesley … It was his deepest convictions that
were most antipathetic to what may broadly be called the English genius’.
Miss Trevor has herself been criticized for bringing in too much everyday
detail about, for example, Newman’s troubles with Faber and Dalgairns, for
avoiding much of that treatment of Newman's ideas which is the special
feature of the previous and still invaluable Life
by Ward, and for making it plain that she believes Newman to have been right
and Wiseman, Manning, Faber and Co., wrong.
Aldous Huxley and T. S. Eliot: A Study in Two Types of Mysticism
Authors: Tinsley E. J.
Published: September 2024

What are the differentia of distinctively Christian mysticism ? This is
a question which poses itself with especial urgency at the present time, for
two reasons. There is first the strong polemic against mysticism in the
works of Reinhold Niebuhr and Emil Brunner—'anglo-saxon’ and continental’
theology agreeing, for the moment, on this point— and second the fascination
for some literary figures of an orientalised gnostic type of mysticism
(Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Gerald Heard, etc.). Niebuhr and
Brunner make no attempt to distinguish between the various types of
mysticism; for them its only authentic form would seem to be the
nonhistorical, non-incarnational ‘vedantic’ mysticism which attracts Huxley.
Mysticism, for Brunner, means Eckhart; the mystic, he Writes, is always to
be linked with ‘his revered Meister Eckhart and his Indian and Chinese
prototypes'.
The Mysticism of Islam
Authors: Wickens G. M.
Published: September 2024

The attention Islamic Mysticism has so far received in this country
presents to the Catholic a study of no little interest. Unlike some of the
Indian ascetic practices, it has largely been the object of a purely
professional, rather than of a popular and slightly bizarre enthusiasm; but,
within the field of scholarship, that enthusiasm has been whole-hearted and
uninhibited to a degree not witnessed in our time outside the natural
sciences. From the middle of last century onwards, a whole range of
scholars—Palmer, Browne, Nicholson, Arberry and Margaret Smith, to name only
some of the outstanding among them—have found, and unmistakably gloried in
finding, a satisfaction in their studies wider and deeper than the purely
academic. It is perhaps not surprising that most of these scholars
‘discovered’ Islamic Mysticism either (in the case of the earlier ones) when
living in an atmosphere of confidently well-bred agnosticism, or (during the
present century) when their religious appetite no longer found anything like
satisfaction in their own accepted faith.
The Sign of the Cross
Authors: Armstrong Deborah Pease
Published: September 2024

One of the actions which signifies the presence of a Catholic Christian
is making the sign of the cross. The result would startle us if we counted
up the number of times we make it during one day or during one celebration
of Holy Mass. This sign becomes an automatic part of our lives, to sign the
sign of the cross can be almost a reflex action; and surely non-Catholics
may be forgiven if they suppose it to be just another bit of external
ritual, enforced habit or even superstition. Perhaps at any one moment it
may in the concrete be only one of these things, but this sign has an almost
infinite richness in itself ot which it may be worth while to attempt a
brief exploration.
O Sapientia
Authors: Evans Illtud
Published: September 2024

Vergente mundi vespere,

Uti sponsus de thalamo,

Egressus honestissima

Virginis matris clausula.

The coming of Christ our Lord is an end and a beginning: an end to the
world of waiting, of the promise that is to be fulfilled; a beginning of the
world of the new creation that springs from his birth in human
flesh.

It is at Vespers, at the evening prayer of the Church, that his coming
is solemnly commemorated on the seven days before Christmas. Each evening he
is named and praised and invoked in the Magnificat antiphon, gracing the
words of his Mother, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit has found joy in
God, who is my Saviour’.

O Sapientia. The first evening names our Lord
as Wisdom, ‘coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one
end to another, ordering all things mightily and with sweetness: come to
teach us the way of prudence. The pattern for each of the seven antiphons is
the same: the naming of the Lord who is to come, the expansion of that name
and then the supplication.
In the Beginning
Authors: McNabb Vincent
Published: September 2024

In the beginning was the Word… (St John I. 1.) Unfortunately in the
world today there are a great number of words. There are so many words that
you do not know how to escape them. We have however the power to choose the
best—we should not choose the second best. They
who have the Word of Christ our Lord must choose the best WORD. Listen to
his words—make them your own. How glad I should be if I could impress on you
some little word, make you take it for your own and think about it. There
are some people who listen to the Gospel, but they do not really hold that
Jesus Christ is God. They do not take the word of Eternal Life, When you
find a great deal of decay in the Church and in religious life, it is
because our Lord's words have not been accepted. The words of the holy
Gospels—that is TRUTH. Let us have the TRUTH.
Faith is Life
Authors: Jarrett Bede
Published: September 2024

As you read that story of St Teresa's life set out by her own hand, in
which she describes with extraordinary simplicity and wonderful subtlety
that real experience of her own soul in prayer, we see her gradually through
life drawing nearer and nearer to God. What strikes one almost beyond her
daring and her courage, beyond even, in a way, her love of God, is that
throughout every page of that life, surging in her heart and expressed in
all she said and wrote, beating through every page of it, there is such a
flame of enthusiasm for her faith.
The distribution of non, nenny and non fait in Pre-Classical and Classical French
Authors: Saiz-Sánchez Marta
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to track the evolution in the use of the markers nenny, non + verb (non fait ‘no, it doesn’t’) and non in its absolute use between the middle of the 15th century and the end of the 18th. In Middle French, non already covers all the uses of the old markers nenny and non fait, but it remains in the minority. In Pre-Classical French (1550–1650), the frequency of nenny and non fait decreases considerably and, in Classical French (1650–1789), they become archaic. In the mid-17th century, non definitively assumes the functions of the medieval markers, which disappeared. The analysis of the temporal distribution of these markers helps to date the transition from ancient to modern uses. Several studies of phonetic, morphological and syntactic phenomena have also aimed to date the turning point between the medieval and the “classical” language, which occurs during the so-called “pre-classical” period. This research also seeks to contribute to the debate on the position of the boundary between Pre-Classical and Classical French on the basis of pragmatic criteria. The results support placing this boundary within the decade 1620–1630, as other studies did for morphosyntactic phenomena.
Morphological evaluation for the narrowest section of the patent ductus arteriosus in infants by CT: a crucial point for device closure
Authors: Fukushima Yosuke , Nakagawa Naomi , Kamada Masahiro , Okamoto Kengo , Uemasu Hitoshi , Kataoka Koichi
Published: September 2024

Background:

The minimum diameter of the patent ductus arteriosus measured in the lateral angiographic view is usually used to determine the device size. Sometimes the device can be easily removed from the patent ductus arteriosus, even if it appears to be the optimum size.

Methods:

From 2016 to 2021, 29 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT prior to patent ductus arteriosus closure included. Morphological evaluation of the narrowest part of the patent ductus arteriosus was performed on contrast-enhanced CT. We also examined whether there were differences in morphology depended on Krichenko classification, age, and the diameter of the narrowest portion of the patent ductus arteriosus.

Results:

At the time of treatment, the median age was 4.8 (range, 1–52) months, and the median weight was 5.0 (2.5–12.7) kg. The median minimum vertical diameter of patent ductus arteriosus was 2.9 (1.6–6.6) mm. The narrowest patent ductus arteriosus part in the contrast CT imaging showed horizontal-to-vertical diameter ratios in the range of 1.0–1.7, with no case where the vertical diameter was larger than the horizontal diameter. The median horizontal-to-vertical diameter ratio by Krichenko type was: A, 1.22; C, 1.29; E, 1.62(p = 0.017). When classifying the patients into a group aged under six months (n = 21) and a group aged six months or older (n = 8), the respective median horizontal-to-vertical diameter ratio was 1.34 and 1.15 (p = 0.027). The vertical patent ductus arteriosus diameter was not correlated with the elliptical shape.

Conclusions:

Most patent ductus arteriosus cases have a horizontally oriented elliptical shape in this study. This characteristic showed high reproducibility and is important information that angiography cannot evaluate.
A REE Inverse Model From Bulk Distribution Coefficients and Boundary Conditions: Results for Shield and Rejuvenated Stage Hawaiian Volcanoes
Authors: Carr M. J. , Feigenson M. D. , Gazel E.
Published: September 2024

A major challenge in mantle geochemistry is determining the source composition and melt fraction involved in melting. We provide a new Rare‐Earth Element (REE) inverse model that provides source concentration, source and melt mineral modes, and melt fraction based on the difference between separate determinations of bulk distribution coefficients and constrained by boundary conditions. An analytical inverse of the batch melting equation provides expressions for source, , and bulk distribution coefficient of the mantle, , with two unknowns, the initial concentration of La in the mantle, , and Pi, the bulk distribution coefficient of the melt. We traverse through a range of steps and examine thousands of melt modes, Pi, at each step. Thousands of trial melt modes fail by generating that are inconsistent with partition coefficients. Many surviving trials cannot be inverted to estimate a mantle mode. Other boundary conditions eliminate even more trials. Surviving trials are ordered by the difference between calculated from the REE data of a lava suite and calculated from partition coefficients and mantle mode. We select the solution with the closest fit that passes all the boundary conditions. We tested our new model with lava suites from Hawaii where different lines of evidence suggest that they melted from different mantle sources, Mauna Kea representing shield‐stage lava and submarine Kiekie representing rejuvenated stage lava. Our inverse determination of mantle composition and melting parameters was consistent with earlier models based on assumptions of HREE composition.
Variation of Molecular Ions in the Inner Magnetosphere Observed by the Arase Satellite
Authors: Nagatani A. , Miyoshi Y. , Asamura K. , Kistler L. M. , Nakamura S. , Seki K. , Ogawa Y. , Shinohara I.
Published: September 2024

We analyzed time‐of‐flight (TOF) data from the Arase satellite to investigate temporal variations of the molecular ion group (O2+, NO+, and N2+) at 19.2 keV/q in the inner magnetosphere for 6 years from the solar declining to rising phase. The molecular ions counts were estimated by subtracting the background contamination of oxygen counts. While the number of clear molecular ion events was small, the estimated counts exhibited good correlation with the solar wind dynamic pressure and SYM‐H index. Long‐term variations of the molecular ions differed from those of counts of the O+ and N+ group. Additionally, we discuss the importance of the solar wind dynamic pressure in causing variations of molecular ions in the inner magnetosphere.
Crossing epigenetic frontiers: the intersection of novel histone modifications and diseases
Authors: Yao Weiyi , Hu Xinting , Wang Xin
Published: September 2024

Histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs), as one of the core mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, are garnering increasing attention due to their close association with the onset and progression of diseases and their potential as targeted therapeutic agents. Advances in high-throughput molecular tools and the abundance of bioinformatics data have led to the discovery of novel HPTMs which similarly affect gene expression, metabolism, and chromatin structure. Furthermore, a growing body of research has demonstrated that novel histone modifications also play crucial roles in the development and progression of various diseases, including various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, psychiatric disorders, and reproductive system diseases. This review defines nine novel histone modifications: lactylation, citrullination, crotonylation, succinylation, SUMOylation, propionylation, butyrylation, 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, and 2-hydroxybutyrylation. It comprehensively introduces the modification processes of these nine novel HPTMs, their roles in transcription, replication, DNA repair and recombination, metabolism, and chromatin structure, as well as their involvement in promoting the occurrence and development of various diseases and their clinical applications as therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers. Moreover, this review provides a detailed overview of novel HPTM inhibitors targeting various targets and their emerging strategies in the treatment of multiple diseases while offering insights into their future development prospects and challenges. Additionally, we briefly introduce novel epigenetic research techniques and their applications in the field of novel HPTM research.
Blockade of CD73 potentiates radiotherapy antitumor immunity and abscopal effects via STING pathway
Authors: An Ran , Wu Chao , Tang Cunyu , Zhang Chen , Han Feiru , Xu Zeen , Zou Yiping , Wang Jun , Yuan Zhiyong , Jiang Shengpeng , Liu Lijie , Huang Chongbiao , Tao Zhen
Published: September 2024

Radiotherapy (RT) is a crucial treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but it often fails to induce systemic antitumor immunity. CD73, an immunomodulatory factor, is upregulated after RT and associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving RT-induced CD73 upregulation in CRC and investigate how combining RT with CD73 blockade stimulates immune responses and induces abscopal effects. Findings revealed that RT-induced CD73 upregulation is mediated by the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) pathway and correlated with RT tolerance, as demonstrated through flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western Blotting. Using flow cytometry and multicolor immunofluorescence, experiments demonstrated that in CRC subcutaneous tumor models, combination therapy reduces the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) while increasing dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8 + T cells, resulting in superior antitumor responses. Additionally, results from flow cytometry, Western Blot, and RNA sequencing demonstrated that combination therapy enhances the antigen-presenting ability of DCs and activates tumor antigen-specific CD8 + T cells, improving their function and delaying their depletion. The activation of the cGAS-STING and IFN-I pathways is crucial for this effect. In summary, the integration of RT with CD73 blockade effectively reverses the immunosuppressive TME and invigorates CD8 + T cell-driven, specific antitumor immune responses. These insights shed fresh light on the mechanisms governing the synergistic modulation of immunity by RT and CD73 blockade in CRC, offering promising avenues for the advancement of therapeutic strategies against CRC.
Epigallocatechin gallate enhances sympathetic heart rate variability and decreases blood pressure in obese subjects: a randomized control trial
Authors: Wilasrusmee Kittikorn Tommy , Sitticharoon Chantacha , Keadkraichaiwat Issarawan , Maikaew Pailin , Pongwattanapakin Kitchaya , Chatree Saimai , Sririwichitchai Rungnapa , Churintaraphan Malika
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on blood pressure (BP) and autonomic nervous system, indicated by 5-min heart rate variability (HRV) measurement in obese subjects, and determine correlations of BP with metabolic factors. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, obese subjects (n = 30) were randomly allocated to receive 150 mg EGCG (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) twice a day without dietary restrictions. After 8-week EGCG treatment, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) significantly decreased, while the low-frequency (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) ratio (LF/HF ratio) significantly increased (P < 0.05 all), indicating a shift toward sympathetic dominance, either directly or indirectly after BP lowering. SBP had positive correlations with obesity parameters, leptin, insulin, and insulin resistance but had a negative correlation with insulin sensitivity. DBP was positively correlated with age and HF in normalized unit, but negatively correlated with height and LF in ms2. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was negatively correlated with SBP, DBP, and MAP reflecting its protective effect against elevated BP. In conclusion, the 8-week EGCG treatment decreased BP and increased the LF/HF ratio, reflecting increased sympathetic activity, either a direct EGCG effect or an indirect compensatory response following BP reduction.
Targeted sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange-mediated covalent modification of a tyrosine residue in the catalytic pocket of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1
Authors: Zhao Xue Zhi , Barakat Idris A. , Lountos George T. , Wang Wenjie , Agama Keli , Mahmud Md Rasel Al , Suazo Kiall F. , Andresson Thorkell , Pommier Yves , Burke Terrence R.
Published: September 2024

Developing effective inhibitors of the DNA repair enzyme tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) has been challenging because of the enzyme shallow catalytic pocket and non-specific substrate binding interactions. Recently, we discovered a quinolone-binding hot spot in TDP1’s active site proximal to the evolutionary conserved Y204 and F259 residues that position DNA. Sulfur (VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) is a biocompatible click chemistry reaction that enables acylation of protein residues, including tyrosine. Selective protein modifications can provide insights into the biological roles of proteins and inform ligand design. As we report herein, we used SuFEx chemistries to prepare covalent TDP1-bound binders showing site-specific covalent bonds with Y204. Our work presents the first application of SuFEx chemistries to TDP1 ligands. It validates the ability to covalently modify specific TDP1 residues by designed targeting and adds to the chemical biology resource toolbox for studying TDP1.
SOX10 mediates glioblastoma cell-state plasticity
Authors: Man Ka-Hou , Wu Yonghe , Gao Zhenjiang , Spreng Anna-Sophie , Keding Johanna , Mangei Jasmin , Boskovic Pavle , Mallm Jan-Philipp , Liu Hai-Kun , Imbusch Charles D , Lichter Peter , Radlwimmer Bernhard
Published: September 2024

Phenotypic plasticity is a cause of glioblastoma therapy failure. We previously showed that suppressing the oligodendrocyte-lineage regulator SOX10 promotes glioblastoma progression. Here, we analyze SOX10-mediated phenotypic plasticity and exploit it for glioblastoma therapy design. We show that low SOX10 expression is linked to neural stem-cell (NSC)-like glioblastoma cell states and is a consequence of temozolomide treatment in animal and cell line models. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of Sox10-KD tumors indicates that Sox10 suppression is sufficient to induce tumor progression to an aggressive NSC/developmental-like phenotype, including a quiescent NSC-like cell population. The quiescent NSC state is induced by temozolomide and Sox10-KD and reduced by Notch pathway inhibition in cell line models. Combination treatment using Notch and HDAC/PI3K inhibitors extends the survival of mice carrying Sox10-KD tumors, validating our experimental therapy approach. In summary, SOX10 suppression mediates glioblastoma progression through NSC/developmental cell-state transition, including the induction of a targetable quiescent NSC state. This work provides a rationale for the design of tumor therapies based on single-cell phenotypic plasticity analysis.
7D, a small molecule inhibits dengue infection by increasing interferons and neutralizing-antibodies via CXCL4:CXCR3:p38:IRF3 and Sirt1:STAT3 axes respectively
Authors: Gaur Kishan Kumar , Asuru Tejeswara Rao , Srivastava Mitul , Singh Nitu , Purushotham Nikil , Poojary Boja , Das Bhabatosh , Bhattacharyya Sankar , Asthana Shailendra , Guchhait Prasenjit
Published: September 2024

There are a limited number of effective vaccines against dengue virus (DENV) and significant efforts are being made to develop potent anti-virals. Previously, we described that platelet-chemokine CXCL4 negatively regulates interferon (IFN)-α/β synthesis and promotes DENV2 replication. An antagonist to CXCR3 (CXCL4 receptor) reversed it and inhibited viral replication. In a concurrent search, we identified CXCR3-antagonist from our compound library, namely 7D, which inhibited all serotypes of DENV in vitro. With a half-life of ~2.85 h in plasma and no significant toxicity, 7D supplementation (8 mg/kg-body-weight) to DENV2-infected IFNα/β/γR−/−AG129 or wild-type C57BL6 mice increased synthesis of IFN-α/β and IFN-λ, and rescued disease symptoms like thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and vascular-leakage, with improved survival. 7D, having the property to inhibit Sirt-1 deacetylase, promoted acetylation and phosphorylation of STAT3, which in-turn increased plasmablast proliferation, germinal-center maturation and synthesis of neutralizing-antibodies against DENV2 in mice. A STAT3-inhibitor successfully inhibited these effects of 7D. Together, these observations identify compound 7D as a stimulator of IFN-α/β/λ synthesis via CXCL4:CXCR3:p38:IRF3 signaling, and a booster for neutralizing-antibody generation by promoting STAT3-acetylation in plasmablasts, capable of protecting dengue infection.
Magnetically Contrasted Nanoconsolidates: How Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) May Produce E-biased Solids Starting from Nanoparticles
Authors: Franceschin G. , Flores N. , Gaudisson T. , Gam-Derouich S. , Ammar S.
Published: September 2024

Magnetically contrasted nanoconsolidates are an emerging class of functional magnetic materials that exhibit novel and fascinating properties, leading to an extremely wide variety of applications in electronics, biomedicine, energy and environmental fields. These applications result from the exchange interactions between interfacial spins. Among these systems, those exhibiting exchange bias interactions between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic co-consolidated nanograins are of primary importance. To our knowledge, only spark plasma sintering applied to ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic bi-phased nanoparticles or a mixture of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic single-phased nanoparticles allowed the production of effective E-biased nanoconsolidates. In this chapter, by focusing on ferromagnetic spinel ferrites coupled to antiferromagnetic rock-salt oxides, we emphasize the intrinsic advantages and drawbacks of this original processing route and the consequence of operating conditions, including the morphology of spark plasma sintering precursors, on the final microstructure of the engineered solids and consequently on their magnetic properties.
Determining the Magnetic Anisotropy at the Nanoscale by Means of X-ray Magnetic-sensitive and Element-selective Microscopy Methods
Authors: Marcano L. , Gandia D. , Orue I. , García-Prieto A. , Abrudan R. , Muela A. , Fdez-Gubieda M. L. , Valencia S.
Published: September 2024

Magnetic nanoparticles can nowadays be found in a myriad of applications as diverse as data storage, molecular imaging, wastewater treatment, tissue engineering, or targeted cancer therapies. Despite their increasing importance, their individual magnetic properties are unknown to a large extent, given the difficulty in obtaining magnetic information with nanometric resolution. Indeed, the implementation of magnetic nanoparticles relies on average values obtained by measuring a plethora of dissimilar entities. In this chapter, we explain how magnetic-sensitive microscopy techniques, available at large-scale synchrotron radiation facilities, in combination with theoretical simulations, can contribute to overcoming this limitation. As a case study, we present two examples making use of X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) to obtain quantitative information concerning the magnetic anisotropy of individual magnetic nanoparticles biosynthesized by magnetotactic bacteria. The method presented here may be considered general and applicable to any magnetic system at the nanoscale.
Environmentally friendly PtNiCo nanocatalysts enhanced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes for sustainable methanol oxidation in an alkaline medium
Authors: Akin Merve , El Attar Anas , Bayat Ramazan , Bekmezci Muhammed , Bouljoihel Badr , El Rhazi Mama , Sen Fatih
Published: September 2024

Synthesis of trimetallic PtNiCo/MWCNT and PtNiCo catalysts using microwave method for high methanol oxidation.
Preparation of a minocycline polymer micelle thermosensitive gel and its application in spinal cord injury
Authors: Gu Jun , Cai Xiaohu , Raza Faisal , Zafar Hajra , Chu Bo , Yuan Haitao , Wang Tianqi , Wang Jiapeng , Feng Xiaojun
Published: September 2024

Neuroprotection is an important approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI).
Radio-frequency heating for catalytic propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Rout Ankush , Lambert Somtochukwu , Nair Aswin , Arole Kailash , Sengupta Debalina , Barteau Mark A. , Wilhite Benjamin A. , Green Micah J.
Published: September 2024

In this work, we investigate how radio frequency heating of admixture of catalyst and RF susceptor can drive the propane dehydrogenation reaction, enabling distributed chemical manufacturing based on electric power rather than fossil fuel heating.
Adjustable ±24‐A current monitoring for battery applications with ±0.55% gain error from −40°C to 85°C
Authors: Wu Kaikai , Wang Hongyi , Chen Chen , Tao Tao
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a current‐sensing approach for battery monitoring and protection applications, using a low‐side shunt and an adjustable range. To address the challenge posed by the meagre resistance of the shunt, a preamplifier is used to amplify the small voltage signal across the shunt. The current sensing process incorporates chopper techniques, a current feedback instrumentation amplifier, and mismatch optimization methods to minimize sensing errors effectively. In addition to these methods, the conversion of current into digital form is facilitated by an analogue‐to‐digital converter. Trimming correction is used to mitigate the remaining errors. The current sensing circuit is realized using a 0.18 µm high voltage 100 V bipolar‐CMOS‐DMOS process. Remarkably, this circuit exhibits a gain error of ±0.55% across a range of ±24 A, spanning temperatures from −40°C to 85°C. Operating from a 5‐V LDO supply, it maintains an average current consumption of 12.9 µA while occupying an active area of 0.34 mm2.
Optimal sitting, sizing and control of battery energy storage to enhance dynamic stability of low‐inertia grids
Authors: Jannesar Mohammad Rasol , Sadr Sajad , Savaghebi Mehdi
Published: September 2024

As inverter‐based resources like wind turbines increase, grid inertia and stability decrease. Optimal placement and control of energy storage systems can stablise low‐inertia grids. This paper investigates how optimal battery energy storage systems (BESS) enhance stability in low‐inertia grids after sudden generation loss. The sitting, sizing and control of BESS are determined simultaneously in each genetic algorithm (GA) population, then voltage and frequency stability is evaluated based on the network simulation. This continues until the optimal solution is found. A network based on Kundur's four‐machine system is modelled for the first study and two of the four synchronous generators (SGs) have been replaced with wind farms. Then, the production of the third SG has been decreased by 13%. According to the results, addition of wind farms causes the frequency drop below 49.6 Hz for more than 5 min, indicating instability. It is also demonstrated that with optimal control parameters and placement, a 60 MW BESS can alleviate the voltage and frequency fluctuations, leading to enhanced stability. This method has also been tested on the IEEE 39‐bus network, where the installation of a BESS with a capacity of 9 MVA could restore the frequency stability.
Candidate ram-pressure stripped galaxies in six low-redshift clusters revealed from ultraviolet imaging
Authors: George K. , Poggianti B. M. , Omizzolo A. , Vulcani B. , Côté P. , Postma J. , Smith R. , Jaffe Y. L. , Gullieuszik M. , Moretti A. , Subramaniam A. , Sreekumar P. , Ghosh S. K. , Tandon S. N. , Hutchings J. B.
Published: September 2024

The assembly of galaxy clusters is understood to be a hierarchical process with a continuous accretion of galaxies over time, which increases the cluster size and mass. Late-type galaxies that fall into clusters can undergo ram-pressure stripping, forming extended gas tails within which star formation can happen. The number, location, and tail orientations of such galaxies provide clues about the galaxy infall process, the assembly of the cluster over time, and the consequences of infall for galaxy evolution. Here, we utilise the ∼0.5-degree diameter circular field of the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope to image six galaxy clusters at z < 0.06 that are known to contain ‘jellyfish’ galaxies. We searched for stripping candidates in the ultraviolet images of these clusters, which revealed 54 candidates showing signs of unilateral extra-planar emission, due to ram-pressure stripping. Seven candidates had already been identified as likely stripping based on optical B-band imaging. We identified 47 new candidates through UV imaging. Spectroscopic redshift information is available for 39 of these candidate galaxies, of which 19 are associated with six clusters. The galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts that are not part of the clusters appear to be within structures at different redshifts identified as additional peaks in the redshift distribution of galaxies, indicating that they might be ram-pressure stripped or disturbed galaxies in other structures along the line of sight. We examine the orbital history of these galaxies based on their location in the position-velocity phase-space diagram and explore a possible connection to the orientation of the tail direction among cluster member candidates. There are limitations due to different integration times and imaging different regions with respect to the cluster centre. The tails of confirmed cluster member galaxies are found to be oriented away from the cluster centre.
A 3D view of multiple populations’ kinematics in Galactic globular clusters
Authors: Dalessandro E. , Cadelano M. , Della Croce A. , Aros F. I. , White E. B. , Vesperini E. , Fanelli C. , Ferraro F. R. , Lanzoni B. , Leanza S. , Origlia L.
Published: September 2024

We present the first 3D kinematic analysis of multiple stellar populations (MPs) in a representative sample of 16 Galactic globular clusters (GCs). For each GC in the sample, we studied the MP line-of-sight, plane-of-the-sky and 3D rotation, and velocity distribution anisotropy. The differences between first-population (FP) and second-population (SP) kinematic patterns were constrained by means of parameters specifically defined to provide a global measure of the relevant physical quantities and to enable a meaningful comparison among different clusters. Our analysis provides the first observational description of the MP kinematic properties and of the path they follow during their long-term dynamical evolution. In particular, we find evidence of differences between the rotation of MPs along all velocity components with the SP preferentially rotating faster than the FP. The difference between the rotation strength of MPs is anticorrelated with the cluster dynamical age. We also observe that FPs are characterized by isotropic velocity distributions at any dynamical age probed by our sample. On the contrary, the velocity distribution of SP stars is found to be radially anisotropic in dynamically young clusters and isotropic at later evolutionary stages. The comparison with a set of numerical simulations shows that these observational results are consistent with the long-term evolution of clusters forming with an initially more centrally concentrated and more rapidly rotating SP subsystem. We discuss the possible implications these findings have on our understanding of MP formation and early evolution.
Mechanistic insights into excitonic photoluminescence in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites with targeted regulation of organic cations
Authors: Ye Chunyin , Zhou Yujie , Jiang Shenlong , Zhang Qun
Published: September 2024

We report a mechanistic study of excitonic photoluminescence in predesigned hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP) systems, i.e., (DMAEA)Pb2I6, (DMAPA)PbI4, (DEAEA)Pb2I6, and (DEAPA)4Pb5I18, featuring targeted regulation of organic cations. Starting from the prototype DMAEA (i. e.,2-N,N-dimethylamino-l-ethylamine) for (DMAEA)Pb2I6, the other three HOIPs differ only in the extensions with CH2 group(s) at the “head” or/and “tail” of DMAEA that is an “alkylated ammonia”. Their crystal structures are constructed and structural distortions are evaluated. The steady-state/transient absorption and emission spectroscopic characterizations, combined with the band-structure calculations, are conducted. The two different photoluminescence (PL) mechanisms are identified, i.e., PL emissions dominated by free excitons for (DMAPA)PbI4 and by self-trapped excitons for (DMAEA)Pb2I6, (DEAEA)Pb2I6, and (DEAPA)4Pb5I18. The self-trapped excitonic effect involved in the latter three HOIPs is quantitatively analyzed. This work would be of guiding value for the design of HOIP systems based on organic-cation engineering, beneficial for the pertinent performance optimization in light-emitting applications.
Downshift of d-states and the decomposition of silver halides
Authors: Geng Yanlei , Li Jianfu , Zhang Zhaobin , Lv Yang , Lu Mengxin , Zhu Mengyuan , Liu Yong , Yuan Jianan , Hu Qingyang , Wang Xiaoli
Published: September 2024

The ionicity of ionic solids is typically characterized by the electronegativity of the constituent ions. Electronegativity measures the ability of electron transfer between atoms and is commonly considered under ambient conditions. However, external stresses profoundly change the ionicity, and compressed ionic compounds may behave differently. Here, we focus on silver halides, with constituent ions from one of the most electropositive metals and some of the most electronegative nonmetals. Using first-principles calculations, we find that the strengths of the ionic bonds in these compounds change greatly under pressure owing to downshifting of the Ag 4d-orbital. The center of this orbital is lowered to fill the antibonding state below the Fermi level, leading to chemical decomposition. Our results suggest that under pressure, the orbital energies and correspondingly the electronegativities still tune the ionicity and control the electron transfer, ionicity, and reactivity of both the metal and the nonmetal elements. However, the effects of orbital energies start to become dominant under pressure, causing substantial changes to the chemistry of ionic compounds and leading to an unusual phenomenon in which elements with substantial electronegativity differences, such as Ag and Br, do not necessarily form ionic compounds, but remain in their elemental forms.
Deep-ultraviolet Fourier ptychography (DUV-FP) for label-free biochemical imaging via feature-domain optimization
Authors: Zhao Qianhao , Wang Ruihai , Zhang Shuhe , Wang Tianbo , Song Pengming , Zheng Guoan
Published: September 2024

We present deep-ultraviolet Fourier ptychography (DUV-FP) for high-resolution chemical imaging of biological specimens in their native state without exogenous stains. This approach uses a customized 265-nm DUV LED array for angle-varied illumination, leveraging the unique DUV absorption properties of biomolecules at this wavelength region. We implemented a robust feature-domain optimization framework to overcome common challenges in Fourier ptychographic reconstruction, including vignetting, pupil aberrations, stray light problems, intensity variations, and other systematic errors. By using a 0.12 numerical aperture low-resolution objective lens, our DUV-FP prototype can resolve the 345-nm linewidth on a resolution target, demonstrating at least a four-fold resolution gain compared to the captured raw images. Testing on various biospecimens demonstrates that DUV-FP significantly enhances absorption-based chemical contrast and reveals detailed structural and molecular information. To further address the limitations of conventional FP in quantitative phase imaging, we developed a spatially coded DUV-FP system. This platform enables true quantitative phase imaging of biospecimens with DUV light, overcoming the non-uniform phase response inherent in traditional microscopy techniques. The demonstrated advancements in high-resolution, label-free chemical imaging may accelerate developments in digital pathology, potentially enabling rapid, on-site analysis of biopsy samples in clinical settings.
A collaborative approach to support people with a disability living in Australian group homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study
Authors: Everingham James , Todd Sarah , Lo Sarita Y. , Naganathan Vasi
Published: September 2024

In this case study we describe how Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) Disability Inclusion and Advice Service (DIAS) provided support to disability group homes during the COVID-19 Delta and Omicron waves. The study provides insights into group home providers’ experience of supports implemented by SLHD and other stakeholders. A mixed method approach was undertaken that included analysing data from a database and electronic medical records and a survey of disability group home managers. DIAS developed a range of processes to support prevention, outbreak preparedness and response. This included developing a Disability Shared Living COVID-19 Pathway, engaging with group home providers through a fortnightly Community of Practice, assisting with improving vaccination status and procuring personal protective equipment. During an outbreak DIAS provided a 24 h, 7 days per week on call support, coordinated outbreak management team meetings and collaborated with several internal and external stakeholders. SLHD infection prevention and control nurses were recruited to undertake a process of reviewing outbreak management plans and providing support during an outbreak. Most disability providers (86%) reported that they felt very prepared to manage outbreaks at the time of the survey (August 2022) compared with the pre-Delta wave, for which 36% reported feeling ‘not prepared’. The proportion who rated the support from the stakeholders as very supportive/supportive was as follows: SLHD (100%), NSW Health (64%), National Disability Insurance Agency (50%) and National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality & Safeguards Commission (37%). Our case study provides insights into the support that LHDs can provide to disability homes in response to future outbreaks.
Increased incidences of cervical ribs in deer indicate extinction risk
Authors: Cuxart-Erruz Raimon , Van Dooren Tom J. M. , van der Geer Alexandra A. E. , Galis Frietson
Published: September 2024

Mammals as a rule have seven cervical vertebrae, a number which remains remarkably conserved. Occasional deviations of this number are usually due to the presence of cervical ribs on the seventh vertebra, indicating a homeotic transformation from a cervical rib-less vertebra into a thoracic rib-bearing vertebra. These transformations are often associated with major congenital abnormalities or pediatric cancers (pleiotropic effects) that are, at least in humans, strongly selected against. Based on data from Late Pleistocene mammoths (
Mammuthus primigenius
) and woolly rhinoceroses (
Coelodonta antiquitatis
) from the North Sea, we hypothesized that high incidences of cervical ribs in declining populations are due to inbreeding and/or adverse conditions impacting early pregnancies. In this study, we investigated the incidence of cervical ribs in an extinct Late Pleistocene megaherbivore, giant deer (
Megaloceros giganteus
) from Ireland and in the extant highly inbred Père David deer (
Elaphurus davidianus
) and in twenty other extant species. We show that the incidence of cervical ribs is exceptionally high in both the Irish giant deer and the Père David deer and much higher than in extant outbred deer. Our data support the hypothesis that inbreeding and genetic drift increase the frequencies of maladaptive alleles in populations at risk of extinction. The high incidence of cervical ribs indicates a vulnerable condition, which may have contributed to the extinction of megaherbivore species in the Late Pleistocene. We argue that cervical rib frequency may be a good proxy for extinction risk in inbred populations.