bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus uses chimeric fibre proteins to recognize and invade a broad range of bacterial hosts
Authors: Caulton Simon G. , Lambert Carey , Tyson Jess , Radford Paul , Al-Bayati Asmaa , Greenwood Samuel , Banks Emma J. , Clark Callum , Till Rob , Pires Elisabete , Sockett R. Elizabeth , Lovering Andrew L.
Published: January 2024

Predatory bacteria, like the model endoperiplasmic bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, show several adaptations relevant to their requirements for locating, entering and killing other bacteria. The mechanisms underlying prey recognition and handling remain obscure. Here we use complementary genetic, microscopic and structural methods to address this deficit. During invasion, the B. bacteriovorus protein CpoB concentrates into a vesicular compartment that is deposited into the prey periplasm. Proteomic and structural analyses of vesicle contents reveal several fibre-like proteins, which we name the mosaic adhesive trimer (MAT) superfamily, and show localization on the predator surface before prey encounter. These dynamic proteins indicate a variety of binding capabilities, and we confirm that one MAT member shows specificity for surface glycans from a particular prey. Our study shows that the B. bacteriovorus MAT protein repertoire enables a broad means for the recognition and handling of diverse prey epitopes encountered during bacterial predation and invasion.
A deep learning system for predicting time to progression of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Dai Ling , Sheng Bin , Chen Tingli , Wu Qiang , Liu Ruhan , Cai Chun , Wu Liang , Yang Dawei , Hamzah Haslina , Liu Yuexing , Wang Xiangning , Guan Zhouyu , Yu Shujie , Li Tingyao , Tang Ziqi , Ran Anran , Che Haoxuan , Chen Hao , Zheng Yingfeng , Shu Jia , Huang Shan , Wu Chan , Lin Shiqun , Liu Dan , Li Jiajia , Wang Zheyuan , Meng Ziyao , Shen Jie , Hou Xuhong , Deng Chenxin , Ruan Lei , Lu Feng , Chee Miaoli , Quek Ten Cheer , Srinivasan Ramyaa , Raman Rajiv , Sun Xiaodong , Wang Ya Xing , Wu Jiarui , Jin Hai , Dai Rongping , Shen Dinggang , Yang Xiaokang , Guo Minyi , Zhang Cuntai , Cheung Carol Y. , Tan Gavin Siew Wei , Tham Yih-Chung , Cheng Ching-Yu , Li Huating , Wong Tien Yin , Jia Weiping
Published: January 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. The risk of DR progression is highly variable among different individuals, making it difficult to predict risk and personalize screening intervals. We developed and validated a deep learning system (DeepDR Plus) to predict time to DR progression within 5 years solely from fundus images. First, we used 717,308 fundus images from 179,327 participants with diabetes to pretrain the system. Subsequently, we trained and validated the system with a multiethnic dataset comprising 118,868 images from 29,868 participants with diabetes. For predicting time to DR progression, the system achieved concordance indexes of 0.754–0.846 and integrated Brier scores of 0.153–0.241 for all times up to 5 years. Furthermore, we validated the system in real-world cohorts of participants with diabetes. The integration with clinical workflow could potentially extend the mean screening interval from 12 months to 31.97 months, and the percentage of participants recommended to be screened at 1–5 years was 30.62%, 20.00%, 19.63%, 11.85% and 17.89%, respectively, while delayed detection of progression to vision-threatening DR was 0.18%. Altogether, the DeepDR Plus system could predict individualized risk and time to DR progression over 5 years, potentially allowing personalized screening intervals.
Structural biases in disordered proteins are prevalent in the cell
Authors: Moses David , Guadalupe Karina , Yu Feng , Flores Eduardo , Perez Anthony R. , McAnelly Ralph , Shamoon Nora M. , Kaur Gagandeep , Cuevas-Zepeda Estefania , Merg Andrea D. , Martin Erik W. , Holehouse Alex S. , Sukenik Shahar
Published: January 2024

Intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDPs) are prevalent in all proteomes and are essential to cellular function. Unlike folded proteins, IDPs exist in an ensemble of dissimilar conformations. Despite this structural plasticity, intramolecular interactions create sequence-specific structural biases that determine an IDP ensemble’s three-dimensional shape. Such structural biases can be key to IDP function and are often measured in vitro, but whether those biases are preserved inside the cell is unclear. Here we show that structural biases in IDP ensembles found in vitro are recapitulated inside human-derived cells. We further reveal that structural biases can change in a sequence-dependent manner due to changes in the intracellular milieu, subcellular localization, and intramolecular interactions with tethered well-folded domains. We propose that the structural sensitivity of IDP ensembles can be leveraged for biological function, can be the underlying cause of IDP-driven pathology or can be used to design disorder-based biosensors and actuators.
RNA and phosphoprotein profiles of TP53- and PTEN-knockouts in MCF10A at baseline and responding to DNA damage
Authors: Lin ChenWei , Schoenherr Regine M. , Voytovich Uliana J. , Ivey Richard G. , Kennedy Jacob J. , Whiteaker Jeffrey R. , Wang Pei , Paulovich Amanda G.
Published: January 2024

A wealth of proteogenomic data has been generated using cancer samples to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and how biological networks are altered in association with somatic mutation of tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and PTEN. To generate functional signatures of TP53 or PTEN loss, we profiled the RNA and phosphoproteomes of the MCF10A epithelial cell line, along with its congenic TP53- or PTEN-knockout derivatives, upon perturbation with the monofunctional DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) vs. mock treatment. To enable quantitative and reproducible mass spectrometry data generation, the cell lines were SILAC-labeled (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture), and the experimental design included label swapping and biological replicates. All data are publicly available and may be used to advance our understanding of the TP53 and PTEN tumor suppressor genes and to provide functional signatures for bioinformatic analyses of proteogenomic datasets.
Developing a sustainable grease from jojoba oil with plant waste based nanoadditives for enhancement of rolling bearing performance
Authors: Dube Ndabezinhle Ngubhe , ElKady Marwa , Noby Hussien , Nassef Mohamed G. A.
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a novel grease from jojoba oil and activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) extracted from banana peel waste. The raw jojoba oil and ACNPs are first characterized for structural properties. Samples of jojoba grease blended with 0.5 and 1.5 wt. % ACNPs are prepared and tested for physicochemical and tribological properties as compared to plain jojoba grease. Adding ACNPs to jojoba grease improves corrosion resistance from grade 2c to 1a while increasing the dropping point from 100 to 109 °C. ACNPs enhanced the viscosity of jojoba oil by up to 33% for testing temperature range of 40–100 °C. The load-carrying capacity of jojoba grease is increased by about 60% when blended with 1.5 wt.% ACNPs. The same blending decreased both the coefficient of friction and the wear scar diameter by 38% and 24%, respectively. A customized test rig is used to test the effectiveness of the grease samples in rolling bearing lubrication in terms of vibration levels and power consumption. The novel jojoba grease proved to show exceptional reductions power consumption reaching 25%. The vibration spectra show the absence of resonant peaks at high frequencies suggesting the capability of jojoba grease to form a stable full film lubrication.
Mutations associated with autism lead to similar synaptic and behavioral alterations in both sexes of male and female mouse brain
Authors: Tripathi Manish Kumar , Ojha Shashank Kumar , Kartawy Maryam , Khaliulin Igor , Hamoudi Wajeha , Amal Haitham
Published: January 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder based on synaptic abnormalities. The estimated prevalence rate of male individuals diagnosed with ASD prevails over females is in a proportion of 4:1. Consequently, males remain the main focus in ASD studies in clinical and experimental settings. Meanwhile, some studies point to an underestimation of this disorder in females. In this work, we studied the sex differences of the synaptic and behavioral phenotypes of ASD mouse models. Juvenile male and female Shank3Δ4–22 and Cntnap2−/− mutant mice and their WT littermates were used in the experiments. The animals were subjected to a Three-Chamber Sociability Test, then euthanized, and the whole cortex was used for the evaluation of the synaptic phenotype. Protein levels of glutamatergic (NR1) and GABAergic (GAD1 and VGAT) neuronal markers were measured. Protein level of synaptophysin (Syp) was also measured. Dendritic spine density in somatosensory neurons was analyzed by Golgi staining methods. Spine Density and GAD1, NR1, VGAT, and Syp levels were significantly reduced in Shank3Δ4–22 and Cntnap2−/− mice compared to the control group irrespective of sex, indicating impaired synaptic development in the mutant mice. These results were consistent with the lack of differences in the three-chamber sociability test between male and female mice. In conclusion, female ASD mice of both mutations undergo similar synaptic aberrations as their male counterparts and need to be studied along with the male animals. Finally, this work urges the psychiatry scientific community to use both sexes in their investigations.
mRNA vaccination of rabbits alters the fecundity, but not the attachment, of adult Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Matias Jaqueline , Cui Yingjun , Lynn Geoffrey E. , DePonte Kathleen , Mesquita Emily , Muramatsu Hiromi , Alameh Mohamad G. , Dwivedi Garima , Tam Ying K. , Pardi Norbert , Weissman Drew , Fikrig Erol
Published: January 2024

19ISP is a nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine that targets 19 Ixodes scapularis proteins. We demonstrate that adult I. scapularis have impaired fecundity when allowed to engorge on 19ISP-immunized rabbits. 19ISP, therefore, has the potential to interrupt the tick reproductive cycle, without triggering some of the other effects associated with acquired tick resistance. This may lead to the development of new strategies to reduce I. scapularis populations in endemic areas.
Ultrafast demagnetization in bulk nickel induced by X-ray photons tuned to Ni M3 and L3 absorption edges
Authors: Kapcia Konrad J. , Tkachenko Victor , Capotondi Flavio , Lichtenstein Alexander , Molodtsov Serguei , Piekarz Przemysław , Ziaja Beata
Published: January 2024

Studies of light-induced demagnetization started with the experiment performed by Beaupaire et al. on Ni. Here, we present theoretical predictions for X-ray induced demagnetization of nickel, with X-ray photon energies tuned to its $$M_3$$

M
3

and $$L_3$$

L
3

absorption edges. We show that the specific feature in the density of states in the d-band of Ni, i.e., a sharp peak located just above the Fermi level, strongly influences the change of the predicted magnetic signal, making it stronger than in the previously studied case of X-ray demagnetized cobalt. It impacts also the value of Curie temperature for Ni. We believe that this finding will inspire dedicated experiments investigating magnetic processes in X-ray irradiated nickel and cobalt.
Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of Radix Astragali against hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jianing , Li Lianhe
Published: January 2024

To explore the anti-tumor effects of Radix Astragali on hypopharyngeal carcinoma and its mechanism. We have bioinformatically analyzed the potential targets of Radix Astragali and predicted the molecular mechanism of Radix Astragali treating of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The binding process of the hub targets that could prolong the survival time of hypopharyngeal cancer patients with Radix Astragali was simulated by molecular docking. The results showed that 17 out of 36 hub targets could effectively improve the 5-year survival rate of hypopharyngeal cancer patients. Radix Astragali acts on hypopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating a signaling network formed by hub targets connecting multiple signaling pathways and is expected to become a drug for treating and prolonging hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients’ survival time.
Effect of ethnic diversity on the saccadic reaction time among healthy Indian and Dutch adults
Authors: Meethal Najiya Sundus K. , Mazumdar Deepmala , Thepass Gijs , Lemij Hans G. , van der Steen Johannes , Pel Johan J. M. , George Ronnie
Published: January 2024

Eye movement perimetry (EMP) expresses the decline in visual field (VF) responsiveness based on the deviation in saccadic reaction times (SRTs) from their expected age-similar responses (normative database). Since ethnic dissimilarities tend to affect saccade parameters, we evaluated the effect of such a factor on SRT and its interaction with age, stimulus eccentricity, and intensity. 149 healthy adults, spread into five age groups, drawn from Indian and Dutch ethnicities underwent a customized EMP protocol integrated with a saccade task from which the SRTs to ‘seen’ visual stimuli were computed. The EMP test had a total of 54 coordinates (five stimulus eccentricities) tested using Goldmann size III visual stimuli presented at four stimulus intensity (SI) levels against a constant background. Considering SRT as a dependent variable, a Generalized Linear Mixed Model analysis was conducted that revealed a statistically significant (p < 0.001) influence of ethnicity and interaction between the tested factors (ethnicity × age × stimulus eccentricity × intensity). However, during the post hoc analysis, out of the 100 possible pair-wise comparisons, only 6% (minor proportion) of the estimates showed statistical significance. Hence, the ethnic-specific differences need not be accounted for while implementing EMP in a diverse set of populations instead a collective database might serve the purpose.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 intervention policies using a mathematical model: an optimal control approach
Authors: Kuddus Md Abdul , Paul Anip Kumar , Theparod Thitiya
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that causes millions of deaths worldwide, and it is the principal leading cause of morbidity and mortality in all nations. Although the governments of developed and developing countries are enforcing their universal control strategies, more precise and cost-effective single or combination interventions are required to control COVID-19 outbreaks. Using proper optimal control strategies with appropriate cost-effectiveness analysis is important to simulate, examine, and forecast the COVID-19 transmission phase. In this study, we developed a COVID-19 mathematical model and considered two important features including direct link between vaccination and latently population, and practical healthcare cost by separation of infections into Mild and Critical cases. We derived basic reproduction numbers and performed mesh and contour plots to explore the impact of different parameters on COVID-19 dynamics. Our model fitted and calibrated with number of cases of the COVID-19 data in Bangladesh as a case study to determine the optimal combinations of interventions for particular scenarios. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of varying single and combinations of three intervention strategies, including transmission control, treatment, and vaccination, all within the optimal control framework of the single-intervention policies; enhanced transmission control is the most cost-effective and prompt in declining the COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh. Our finding recommends that a three-intervention strategy that integrates transmission control, treatment, and vaccination is the most cost-effective compared to single and double intervention techniques and potentially reduce the overall infections. Other policies can be implemented to control COVID-19 depending on the accessibility of funds and policymakers’ judgments.
Humidity sensing using Zn(1.6 − x)Na0.4CuxTiO4 spinel nanostructures
Authors: Mansour A. M. , Morsy Mohamed , El Nahrawy Amany M. , Abou Hammad Ali B.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we present a humidity sensing material based on nanostructured Zn(1.6 − x)Na0.4CuxTiO4 spinel to enhance optical and sensitivity performance. Nano-porous of Zn (1.6 − x) Na0.4CuxTiO4 spinel were synthesized using sol gel reactions and calcined at 700 °C. The nanostructures of Zn(1.6 − x)Na0.4CuxTiO4 spinel underwent thorough characterization through multiple techniques. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) coupled with Rietveld refinement using FullProf software, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman Spectroscopy, and optical analysis were employed to assess various aspects of the nanostructures. These techniques were utilized to determine the phase composition, particle size distribution, chemical bonding, and the tunable band gap of the nanostructures. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Zn(1.6 − x)Na0.4CuxTiO4 samples revealed well-defined and prominent peaks, indicating a highly crystalline cubic spinel structure. The lattice parameter was decreased from 8.4401 to 8.4212 Å with increasing Cu content from 0 to 1.2 mol%. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra were employed to investigate the optical characteristics of copper-doped Zn1.6Na0.4TiO4. The applicability of Cu@NaZT spinel nanostructures in humidity sensors was evaluated at ambient conditions. The fabricated sensor was investigated in a wide span of humidity (11–97%). The examined sensor demonstrates a low hysteresis, excellent repeatability, fast response and recovery. The response and recovery times were estimated to be 20 s and 6 s respectively. The highest sensitivity was achieved at 200 Hz. The proposed sensor can be coupled easily with electronic devices as the humidity–impedance relationship is linear.
Progressive alteration of murine bladder elasticity in actinic cystitis detected by Brillouin microscopy
Authors: Martinez-Vidal Laura , Testi Claudia , Pontecorvo Emanuele , Pederzoli Filippo , Alchera Elisa , Locatelli Irene , Venegoni Chiara , Spinelli Antonello , Lucianò Roberta , Salonia Andrea , Podestà Alessandro , Ruocco Giancarlo , Alfano Massimo
Published: January 2024

Bladder mechanical properties are critical for organ function and tissue homeostasis. Therefore, alterations of tissue mechanics are linked to disease onset and progression. This study aims to characterize the tissue elasticity of the murine bladder wall considering its different anatomical components, both in healthy conditions and in actinic cystitis, a state characterized by tissue fibrosis. Here, we exploit Brillouin microscopy, an emerging technique in the mechanobiology field that allows mapping tissue mechanics at the microscale, in non-contact mode and free of labeling. We show that Brillouin imaging of bladder tissues is able to recognize the different anatomical components of the bladder wall, confirmed by histopathological analysis, showing different tissue mechanical properties of the physiological bladder, as well as a significant alteration in the presence of tissue fibrosis. Our results point out the potential use of Brillouin imaging on clinically relevant samples as a complementary technique to histopathological analysis, deciphering complex mechanical alteration of each tissue layer of an organ that strongly relies on mechanical properties to perform its function.
Behavioral fluctuation reflecting theta-rhythmic activation of sequential working memory
Authors: Ideriha Takuya , Ushiyama Junichi
Published: January 2024

Sequential working memory, the ability to actively maintain sequential information, is essential for human cognition. The neural representation of each item in sequential working memory is thought to be activated rhythmically within the theta (3–7 Hz) range of human electrophysiology. In the current study, we predicted that if neural representations of sequential working memory items were truly activated rhythmically, periodic fluctuations in behavior would be evident. That is, the ease and speed of recalling each memory item would oscillate depending on the interval between memory encoding and recall, affected by the rhythmic neural representation. We conducted detailed analyses of reaction times for retrieving sequential and non-sequential information in eight experiments (total n = 125). The results revealed that reaction times for recalling sequential information showed fluctuation in the theta range as a function of the interval between memory encoding and recall, which was significantly stronger than that observed when the task did not require participants to remember the sequential order. Taken together, the current findings revealed that participants’ behavior exhibited theta-rhythmic fluctuation when recalling sequential information in a relatively large sample, supporting theta phase-dependent coding of sequential working memory.
Probiotic-loaded seed mucilage-based edible coatings for fresh pistachio fruit preservation: an experimental and modeling study
Authors: Zibaei-Rad Aref , Rahmati-Joneidabad Mostafa , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Taki Morteza
Published: January 2024

In this study, Lallemantia royleana mucilage (LRM) based edible coating containing 1.5 × 108 and 3 × 109 CFU/mL Lacticaseibacillus casei XN18 (Lbc1.5 and Lbc3) was designed to improve the quality and shelf-life of fresh pistachio. The fresh pistachios were coated with LRM + Lbc and their physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties were evaluated after 1-, 5-, 15-, 25-, and 35-day storage at 4 °C. By the end of storage day, in comparison to control, the presence of probiotic isolate in the edible coating (particularly LRM + Lbc3) led to a marked decrease in fungal growth (3.1 vs. 5.8 Log CFU/g), weight loss (6.7 vs. 8.1%), and fat oxidation (0.19 vs. 0.98 meq O2/kg), and preserved total chlorophylls (8.1 vs. 5.85 mg/kg) and phenols (31.5 vs. 20.32 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant activity (38.95 vs. 15.18%) of samples during storage period. Furthermore, LRM + Lbc3-coated samples had a probiotic number above the recommended level (6.85–9.29 log CFU/g) throughout storage. The pistachios coated with probiotic-enriched edible coatings were greatly accepted by panelists. In the next section, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) was used for predicting some parameters including: weight loss, TSS, Fat content, PV, Soluble carbohydrate content, Viability, Total phenolic compounds, Antioxidant activity, Mold and yeast, Total chlorophylls, Total carotenoids, Color, Odor and Overall acceptance. The results indicated that, there is a good agreement between the actual and predicted data by GPR model and it can be used for similar situation to decrease the cost of laboratory tests and increase the respond of analysis.
Antibody persistence of standard versus double three-dose hepatitis B vaccine in liver transplant children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sintusek Palittiya , Buranapraditkun Supranee , Khunsri Siriporn , Polsawat Warunee , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Poovorawan Yong
Published: January 2024

Rapid hepatitis B (HB) surface antibody (anti-HBs) loss is prevalent after liver transplantation (LT). Herein, we evaluated anti-HBs persistence after HB vaccination using two regimens in LT children. We recruited 66 previously immunized LT children with anti-HBs level of < 100 mIU/mL. Participants were randomly reimmunized with standard-three-dose (SD) and double-three-dose (DD) intramuscular HB vaccination at 0, 1, and 6 months. Anti-HBs were assessed at every outpatient visit. Antibody loss defined as anti-HBs levels < 100 mIU/mL after three-dose vaccination. After three-dose vaccination, 81.8% and 78.7% of participants in the SD and DD groups, had anti-HBs levels > 100 mIU/mL, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 601.68 and 668.01 mIU/mL (P = 0.983). After a mean follow-up of 2.31 years, the anti-HBs GMT was 209.81 and 212.61 mIU/mL in the SD and DD groups (P = 0.969). The number of immunosuppressants used and an anti-HBs level < 1 mIU/mL at baseline were independently associated with anti-HB loss. The DD regimen strongly increased the risk of anti-HBs loss (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.97 [1.21–7.31]; P = 0.018). The SD HB reimmunization regimen effectively maintained protective anti-HBs levels in children undergoing LT, making it the preferred regimen for such children with anti-HB loss.

Trial registration: TCTR20180723002.
Effect of sugammadex on postoperative complications in patients with severe burn who underwent surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Kim Jong Ho , Kim Minguan , Oh Minho , Lee Soo-Kyung , Kwon Young Suk
Published: January 2024

This retrospective study investigated the association of sugammadex with postoperative pulmonary complication risk between 2013 and 2021 in patients with severe burn of five hospitals. Postoperative pulmonary complications included atelectasis, pulmonary edema, pulmonary effusion, pneumothorax, pneumonia, pulmonary thromboembolism, respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress. To identify whether sugammadex reduced the risk of postoperative pulmonary complication in patients with severe burn who underwent surgery, Kaplan–Meier curve were used to check the difference of incidence according to surgical cases and time-varying Cox hazard regression were used to calculate the hazard ratio. The study included 1213 patients with severe burn who underwent 2259 surgeries. Postoperative pulmonary complications were occurred in 313 (25.8%) patients. Among 2259 surgeries, sugammadex was used in 649 (28.7%) surgeries. Cumulative postoperative pulmonary complication were 268 (16.6%) cases in surgeries without sugammadex, and 45 (6.9%) cases in surgeries with sugammadex, respectively (P < 0.005). The postoperative pulmonary complications risk was reduced significantly in patients who use sugammadex than those who did not use sugammadex. (Adjusted hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.89; P = 0.011). In conclusion, sugammadex reduced risk of postoperative pulmonary complications compared with nonuse of sugammadex in patients with severe burn who underwent surgery.
A latent profile analysis of tear cytokines and their association with severity of dry eye disease in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) study
Authors: Chen Yineng , Mallem Krishna , Asbell Penny A. , Ying Gui-Shuang
Published: January 2024

This study is to identify subgroups of DED patients with different tear cytokine profiles and compare their DED symptoms and signs among subgroups. Baseline tear cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were measured using a magnetic bead assay. DED symptoms were assessed by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and signs were assessed by corneal and conjunctival staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, tear osmolarity and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Latent profile analysis was performed to identify subgroups, and their scores of DED symptoms and signs were compared using generalized linear regression. Among 131 patients with total tear volume > 4 µl from both eyes, subgroup 1 (n = 23) significantly higher in IL-6 and IL-8 (all p < 0.001) and subgroup 2 (n = 108) significantly higher in IL-10 (p = 0.03), IL-17A (p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (p < 0.001). Both subgroups were similar in demographics and DED symptoms, but subgroup 1 had significantly more severe DED signs: higher conjunctival staining (3.38 vs. 2.69, p = 0.04), corneal staining (4.26 vs. 3.03, p = 0.03), lower Schirmer’s test score (8.20 vs. 13.72, p < 0.001), and higher composite severity score of DED sign (0.62 vs. 0.45, p = 0.002). We identified two DED subgroups with different profiles of tear cytokines. Patients in these subgroups differed significantly in DED signs, supporting the inflammation’s role in DED development and progression.
Electrolyte-assisted polarization leading to enhanced charge separation and solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of seawater splitting
Authors: Li Yiyang , Zhou Hui , Cai Songhua , Prabhakaran Dharmalingam , Niu Wentian , Large Alexander , Held Georg , Taylor Robert A. , Wu Xin-Ping , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: January 2024

Photocatalytic splitting of seawater for hydrogen evolution has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. However, the poor energy conversion efficiency and stability of photocatalysts in a salty environment have greatly hindered further applications of this technology. Moreover, the effects of electrolytes in seawater remain controversial. Here we present electrolyte-assisted charge polarization over an N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, which demonstrates the stoichiometric evolution of H2 and O2 from the thermo-assisted photocatalytic splitting of seawater. Our extensive characterizations and computational studies show that ionic species in seawater can selectively adsorb on photo-polarized facets of the opposite charge, which can prolong the charge-carrier lifetime by a factor of five, leading to an overall energy conversion efficiency of 15.9 ± 0.4% at 270 °C. Using a light-concentrated furnace, a steady hydrogen evolution rate of 40 mmol g−1 h−1 is demonstrated, which is of the same order of magnitude as laboratory-scale electrolysers.
Topological atom optics and beyond with knotted quantum wavefunctions
Authors: Jayaseelan Maitreyi , Murphree Joseph D. , Schultz Justin T. , Ruostekoski Janne , Bigelow Nicholas P.
Published: January 2024

Atom optics demonstrates optical phenomena with coherent matter waves, providing a foundational connection between light and matter. Significant advances in optics have followed the realization of structured light fields hosting complex singularities and topologically non-trivial characteristics. However, analogous studies are still in their infancy in the field of atom optics. Here, we investigate and experimentally create knotted quantum wavefunctions in spinor Bose–Einstein condensates which display non-trivial topologies. In our work we construct coordinated orbital and spin rotations of the atomic wavefunction, engineering a variety of discrete symmetries in the combined spin and orbital degrees of freedom. The structured wavefunctions that we create map to the surface of a torus to form torus knots, Möbius strips, and a twice-linked Solomon’s knot. In this paper we demonstrate close connections between the symmetries and underlying topologies of multicomponent atomic systems and of vector optical fields—a realization of topological atom-optics.
SHEEP, a Signed Hamiltonian Eigenvector Embedding for Proximity
Authors: Babul Shazia’Ayn , Lambiotte Renaud
Published: January 2024

Signed network embedding methods allow for a low-dimensional representation of nodes and primarily focus on partitioning the graph into clusters, hence losing information on continuous node attributes. Here, we introduce a spectral embedding algorithm for understanding proximal relationships between nodes in signed graphs, where edges can take either positive or negative weights. Inspired by a physical model, we construct our embedding as the minimum energy configuration of a Hamiltonian dependent on the distance between nodes and locate the optimal embedding dimension. We show through a series of experiments on synthetic and empirical networks, that our method (SHEEP) can recover continuous node attributes showcasing its main advantages: re-configurability into a computationally efficient eigenvector problem, retrieval of ground state energy which can be used as a statistical test for the presence of strong balance, and measure of node extremism, computed as the distance to the origin in the optimal embedding.
Randomized open-label trial of semaglutide and dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes of different pathophysiology
Authors: Dwibedi Chinmay , Ekström Ola , Brandt Jasmine , Adiels Martin , Franzén Stefan , Abrahamsson Birgitta , Rosengren Anders H.
Published: January 2024

The limited understanding of the heterogeneity in the treatment response to antidiabetic drugs contributes to metabolic deterioration and cardiovascular complications1,2, stressing the need for more personalized treatment1. Although recent attempts have been made to classify diabetes into subgroups, the utility of such stratification in predicting treatment response is unknown3. We enrolled participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 239, 74 women and 165 men) and features of severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD) or severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD). Participants were randomly assigned to treatment with the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist semaglutide or the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin for 6 months (open label). The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Semaglutide induced a larger reduction in HbA1c levels than dapagliflozin (mean difference, 8.2 mmol mol−1; 95% confidence interval, −10.0 to −6.3 mmol mol−1), with a pronounced effect in those with SIDD. No difference in adverse events was observed between participants with SIDD and those with SIRD. Analysis of secondary endpoints showed greater reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in response to semaglutide in participants with SIDD than in those with SIRD and a more pronounced effect on postprandial glucose by dapagliflozin in participants with SIDD than in those with SIRD. However, no significant interaction was found between drug assignment and the SIDD or SIRD subgroup. In contrast, continuous measures of body mass index, blood pressure, insulin secretion and insulin resistance were useful in identifying those likely to have the largest improvements in glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors by adding semaglutide or dapagliflozin. Thus, systematic evaluation of continuous pathophysiological variables can guide the prediction of the treatment response to these drugs and provide more information than stratified subgroups (NCT04451837).
Dynamic bivariate hazard forecasting of hurricanes for improved disaster preparedness
Authors: Tripathy Shrabani S. , Jafarzadegan Keighobad , Moftakhari Hamed , Moradkhani Hamid
Published: January 2024

Hurricanes associated with strong winds and heavy rainfall, significantly impact lives and property globally. Traditional approaches focusing only on wind speed lack a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts. Here, we present an innovative method for generating real-time dynamic bivariate hazard assessments for hurricanes, with a specific focus on wind and rainfall, offering a holistic perspective on probable impact. Demonstrated on four hurricanes, this method computes the probabilistic wind and rainfall hazard values at different lead days. These are categorized and presented as bivariate hazard maps to facilitate straightforward interpretation and efficient communication. These maps provide insights into the combined hazard and highlight the individual contributions of wind and rainfall across different lead times, empowering stakeholders to strategize preparedness and precautionary measures. This method provides a novel generic approach for communicating forecast through dynamic bivariate hazard maps, applicable to a range of extreme events such as floods, wildfires, and droughts.
Acid-triggered radical polymerization of vinyl monomers
Authors: Antonopoulou Maria-Nefeli , Jones Glen R. , Kroeger Asja A. , Pei Zhipeng , Coote Michelle L. , Truong Nghia P. , Anastasaki Athina
Published: January 2024

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization is one of the most versatile and robust controlled radical polymerization methods owing to its broad material scope and high tolerance to various functionalities and impurities. However, to operate RAFT polymerization, a constant supply of radicals is required, typically via exogenous thermal radical initiators that are not only challenging to transport and store, but also primarily responsible for termination and end-group heterogeneity. Here we present an acid-triggered RAFT polymerization that operates in the dark and without any conventional radical initiator. Abundant acids (for example, sulfuric acid) are shown to have a dual role initiating and accelerating the polymerization. The polymers prepared have low dispersity and high end-group fidelity. The method is compatible with a wide range of vinyl monomers and solvents, and can be applied to the synthesis of well-controlled high molecular weight block copolymers, as well as to free radical polymerization.
Degradation in parallel-connected lithium-ion battery packs under thermal gradients
Authors: Naylor Marlow Max , Chen Jingyi , Wu Billy
Published: January 2024

Practical lithium-ion battery systems require parallelisation of tens to hundreds of cells, however understanding of how pack-level thermal gradients influence lifetime performance remains a research gap. Here we present an experimental study of surface cooled parallel-string battery packs (temperature range 20–45 °C), and identify two main operational modes; convergent degradation with homogeneous temperatures, and (the more detrimental) divergent degradation driven by thermal gradients. We attribute the divergent case to the, often overlooked, cathode impedance growth. This was negatively correlated with temperature and can cause positive feedback where the impedance of cells in parallel diverge over time; increasing heterogeneous current and state-of-charge distributions. These conclusions are supported by current distribution measurements, decoupled impedance measurements and degradation mode analysis. From this, mechanistic explanations are proposed, alongside a publicly available aging dataset, which highlights the critical role of capturing cathode degradation in parallel-connected batteries; a key insight for battery pack developers.
The influence of early-life adversity on the coupling of structural and functional brain connectivity across childhood
Authors: Chan Shi Yu , Ngoh Zhen Ming , Ong Zi Yan , Teh Ai Ling , Kee Michelle Z. L. , Zhou Juan H. , Fortier Marielle V. , Yap Fabian , MacIsaac Julia L. , Kobor Michael S. , Silveira Patricia P. , Meaney Michael J. , Tan Ai Peng
Published: January 2024

Early-life adversity (ELA) exposure is suggested to accelerate development. However, the influence of ELA on neurodevelopmental trajectories has not been assessed directly but largely inferred from retrospective reporting in adult cohorts. Using multimodal neuroimaging data from a pediatric cohort study (N = 549), we modeled neurodevelopmental trajectories over childhood with structure–function coupling (SC–FC), the correlation between structural and functional connectivity. A linear decrease in SC–FC was observed from age 4.5 to 7.5 years. When stratified by ELA, only the high-adversity group showed a curvilinear trajectory, with a steep decrease between age 4.5 and 6 years, suggestive of accelerated neurodevelopment. This finding was confirmed by increased DNA-derived epigenetic age acceleration at age 6 years in the high- relative to low-adversity groups. SC–FC at age 4.5 years also positively moderated the associations between ELA and behavioral outcomes assessed in mid-childhood. These results demonstrate the association between ELA and neurodevelopment, and how they interact to influence behavior.
Hybrid Model Construction
Authors: Rogers Alexander W. , Zhang Dongda
Published: January 2024

Hybrid modelling combines data-driven and mechanistic modelling, providing a cost-effective solution to modelling complex chemical and biochemical reaction kinetics when working with an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. At this chapter’s core is an illustrative case study demonstrating how to build a hybrid model for dynamic simulation. Two prominent structures for combining data-driven and mechanistic models are introduced, namely the discrepancy and embedded structures. For both designs, a step-by-step explanation is given for estimating the parameters from process data and correlating them with the current state and operating conditions. A procedure for robust uncertainty estimation and propagation is also explained. Throughout, potential over-parameterisation and over-fitting pitfalls are highlighted, and the nuances of building either structure are illustrated and compared in depth. The case study culminates in a comparison of the accuracy and uncertainty of the two models, tying back to decisions made during parameter estimation. While such conclusions are case-specific, reasoning model performance in terms of the nonlinearity expected of the data-driven component provides a valuable frame for understanding the challenges of hybrid modelling that arise from imperfect data and an incomplete process understanding. This cements the necessary theoretical background for later chapters.
One-pot synthesis of black biopolymeric eumelanin pigment by indigenous salt-tolerant Pseudomonas stutzeri SGM-1
Authors: Mahajan Swapnil G. , Nandre Vinod S. , Kodam Kisan M. , Kulkarni Mohan V.
Published: January 2024

Melanin is produced in a safe, mild process and is then well-characterized through various physicochemical studies. The novel process can be used to produce eumelanin in high quantities.
Synthesizing crystalline g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light
Authors: Zhu Linyu , Zhang Wenchi , Shi Guang , Tian Xu , Tang Peisong , Xia Pengfei
Published: January 2024

A novel crystalline hexagonal prism g-C3N4 (HPCN) with fast photoelectron transfer along the (002) crystal facet is designed and exhibits superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance and structural stability.
Synergistic effect of bimetallic NiCo-MOF on foamed nickel for application in high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Cao Fuhuai , Zhang Xinlong , Yin Qingyang , Yang Chao , Liu Jing , Liu Na , Liu Rongmei
Published: January 2024

In this study, a series of bimetallic NiCo-MOFs with nanorod-like structures were successfully prepared on a foamed nickel skeleton.
Structure and optical limiting effects of heterometallic Ag6@Ti12 and Ag8@Ti12 oxo clusters regulated by alkynyl ligands
Authors: Rong Li-Jun , Ye Yu-Ting , Lin Xin , Sun Xiaohui , Chen Shumei , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2024

Heterometallic Ag6@Ti12 and Ag8@Ti12 oxo clusters were prepared through a strategy of protecting polynuclear silver cores by a hollow Ti–O module in the presence of alkyne ligands, showing distinctive structures and optical limiting effects.
Effects of carbonate on ferrihydrite transformation in alkaline media
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Chaoqun , Yang Meijun , Liu Jing , He Hongping , Ma Yibing , Arai Yuji
Published: January 2024

This study indicates that in alkaline media, carbonate slightly inhibits ferrihydrite transformation and suppresses goethite formation, but promotes hematite formation, which has important implications for elemental biogeochemical cycles.
Novel double-layer core–shell photocatalyst CdS–TiO2@NH2-MIL-101: enhanced conversion of CO2 and CH4 at ambient temperature
Authors: Huang Yufei , Tan Ling , Ma Hanyu , Wang Xuan , Huang Yangqiang , Yin Jinping , Liang Zhiwu , Luo Xiao
Published: January 2024

The double core–shell catalyst CdS–TiO2@NH2-MIL-101 can rapidly activate CO and C–H bonds at room temperature, which provides a new research idea for the efficient utilization of carbon resources (CO2 and CH4) at ambient temperature.
Pea protein extraction method impacts the protein (micro)structural organisation and in vitro digestion kinetics
Authors: Verkempinck Sarah H. E. , Duijsens Dorine , Mukherjee Ankita , Wilde Peter J.
Published: January 2024

There is a need to study the consequences of different extraction approaches on pulse protein (micro)structure and its consequences on in vitro protein digestion kinetics.
Recent advancement in the detection of potential cancer biomarkers using the nanomaterial integrated electrochemical sensing technique: a detailed review
Authors: Bhardwaj Hema , Archana  , Noumani Ashab , Himanshu Jayendra Kumar , Chakravorty Shreeti , Solanki Pratima R.
Published: January 2024

Graphical representation of the overview of lung and oral cancer from detection to medical treatment.
A novel Ni–Schiff base complex for motivating glucose electrooxidation in alkaline solutions
Authors: Sultan M. A. , Hassan Safaa S. , Omran K. A. , Hassan H. B.
Published: January 2024

Many Schiff-base complexes of metal ions display enhanced catalytic activities toward redox reactions of many organic compounds; accordingly, its application in electrocatalysis is a crucial issue.
Novel chemically reduced cobalt-doped g-C3N4 (CoCN-x) as a highly heterogeneous catalyst for the super-degradation of organic dyes via peroxymonosulfate activation
Authors: Ben Hamou Aboubakr , Enneiymy Mohamed , Farsad Salaheddine , Amjlef Asma , Chaoui Ayoub , Nouj Nisrine , Majdoub Ali , Jada Amane , Ez-zahery Mohamed , El Alem Noureddine
Published: January 2024

This work presents a novel approach for the design and the stabilization of cobalt oxide nanoparticles supported on g-C3N4 (CoCN-x) catalyst to efficiently degrade various organic pollutants through peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrimidine derivatives as bone anabolic agents promoting osteogenesis via the BMP2/SMAD1 signaling pathway
Authors: Rastogi Sumit K. , Khanka Sonu , Kumar Santosh , Lakra Amardeep , Rathur Rajat , Sharma Kriti , Bisen Amol Chhatrapati , Bhatta Rabi Sankar , Kumar Ravindra , Singh Divya , Sinha Arun K.
Published: January 2024

Out of thirty-one pyrimidine derivatives, compound 18a was identified as the most efficacious orally bioavailable bone anabolic agent (1 pM in vitro and 5 mg kg−1in vivo). It promoted osteogenesis by upregulating osteogenic gene expression via activation of the BMP2/SMAD1 signaling pathway.
Eliminating trade-offs between optical scattering and mechanical durability in aerogels as outdoor passive cooling metamaterials
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Chen Yi , Ding Chunxiang , Wei Zechang , Wang Xuan
Published: January 2024

Passive cooling is a promising approach for reducing the large energy consumption to achieve carbon neutrality.
Nanotube ferroelectric tunnel junctions with an ultrahigh tunneling electroresistance ratio
Authors: Wang Jiu-Long , Zhao Yi-Feng , Xu Wen , Zheng Jun-Ding , Shao Ya-Ping , Tong Wen-Yi , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: January 2024

Low-dimensional ferroelectric tunnel junctions are appealing for the realization of nanoscale nonvolatile memory devices due to their inherent advantages of device miniaturization.
Phenethylammonium bromide interlayer for high-performance red quantum-dot light emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Qiyin , Hu Yun , Lin Jie , Huang Jingsong , Gong Shu-Ling , Xie Guohua
Published: January 2024

Phenethylammonium bromide as an interlayer showed great potential to reduce trap states, balance charge carrier injection, and thus maximize the electroluminescent efficiency of quantum-dot LED.
A bifunctional electrocatalyst based on interfacial engineering of CeO2 and NiSe2 for boosting electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Wang Xueying , Qin Yunong , Peng Xin , Li Ling , Zhu Qiancheng , Zhang Wenming
Published: January 2024

A novel bifunctional electrocatalyst with a 3D structural CeO2–NiSe2 in situ grown on nickel foam is reported. It shows remarkable activities for the OER and the HER as well as superior electrocatalyst performance in overall water splitting.
Research progress of robust binders with superior mechanical properties for high-performance silicon-based lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liang Xiaoxiao , Ahmad Niaz , Zhang Binjie , Zeng Chaoyuan , Cao Xinting , Dong Qinxi , Yang Wen
Published: January 2024

The mechanical properties of binders are emphasized: the intrinsic mechanical properties of binders and the adhesive strength of the binders with current collectors and active materials. The electronic and ionic conductivities of binders are introduced.