bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in social norms during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across 43 countries
Authors: Andrighetto Giulia , Szekely Aron , Guido Andrea , Gelfand Michele , Abernathy Jered , Arikan Gizem , Aycan Zeynep , Bankar Shweta , Barrera Davide , Basnight-Brown Dana , Belaus Anabel , Berezina Elizaveta , Blumen Sheyla , Boski Paweł , Bui Huyen Thi Thu , Cárdenas Juan Camilo , Čekrlija Đorđe , de Barra Mícheál , de Zoysa Piyanjali , Dorrough Angela , Engelmann Jan B. , Euh Hyun , Fiedler Susann , Foster-Gimbel Olivia , Freitas Gonçalo , Fülöp Marta , Gardarsdottir Ragna B. , Gill Colin Mathew Hugues D. , Glöckner Andreas , Graf Sylvie , Grigoryan Ani , Growiec Katarzyna , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Hopthrow Tim , Hřebíčková Martina , Imada Hirotaka , Kamijo Yoshio , Kapoor Hansika , Kashima Yoshihisa , Khachatryan Narine , Kharchenko Natalia , León Diana , Leslie Lisa M. , Li Yang , Liik Kadi , Liuzza Marco Tullio , Maitner Angela T. , Mamidi Pavan , McArdle Michele , Medhioub Imed , Teixeira Maria Luisa Mendes , Mentser Sari , Morales Francisco , Narayanan Jayanth , Nitta Kohei , Nussinson Ravit , Onyedire Nneoma G. , Onyishi Ike E. , Osin Evgeny , Özden Seniha , Panagiotopoulou Penny , Pereverziev Oleksandr , Perez-Floriano Lorena R. , Pirttilä-Backman Anna-Maija , Pogosyan Marianna , Raver Jana , Reyna Cecilia , Rodrigues Ricardo Borges , Romanò Sara , Romero Pedro P. , Sakki Inari , Sánchez Angel , Sherbaji Sara , Simpson Brent , Spadoni Lorenzo , Stamkou Eftychia , Travaglino Giovanni A. , Van Lange Paul A. M. , Winata Fiona Fira , Zein Rizqy Amelia , Zhang Qing-peng , Eriksson Kimmo
Published: February 2024

The emergence of COVID-19 dramatically changed social behavior across societies and contexts. Here we study whether social norms also changed. Specifically, we study this question for cultural tightness (the degree to which societies generally have strong norms), specific social norms (e.g. stealing, hand washing), and norms about enforcement, using survey data from 30,431 respondents in 43 countries recorded before and in the early stages following the emergence of COVID-19. Using variation in disease intensity, we shed light on the mechanisms predicting changes in social norm measures. We find evidence that, after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, hand washing norms increased while tightness and punishing frequency slightly decreased but observe no evidence for a robust change in most other norms. Thus, at least in the short term, our findings suggest that cultures are largely stable to pandemic threats except in those norms, hand washing in this case, that are perceived to be directly relevant to dealing with the collective threat.
A general supramolecular strategy for fabricating full-color-tunable thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials
Authors: Xue Nan , Zhou He-Ye , Han Ying , Li Meng , Lu Hai-Yan , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: February 2024

Developing a facile and feasible strategy to fabricate thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials exhibiting full-color tunability remains an appealing yet challenging task. In this work, a general supramolecular strategy for fabricating thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials is proposed. Consequently, a series of host–guest cocrystals are prepared by electron-donating calix[3]acridan and various electron-withdrawing guests. Owing to the through-space charge transfer mediated by multiple noncovalent interactions, these cocrystals all display efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence. Especially, by delicately modulating the electron-withdrawing ability of the guest molecules, the emission colors of these cocrystals can be continuously tuned from blue (440 nm) to red (610 nm). Meanwhile, high photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 87% is achieved. This research not only provides an alternative and general strategy for the fabrication of thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials, but also establishes a reliable supramolecular protocol toward the design of advanced luminescent materials.
Pro-ferroptotic signaling promotes arterial aging via vascular smooth muscle cell senescence
Authors: Sun Di-Yang , Wu Wen-Bin , Wu Jian-Jin , Shi Yu , Xu Jia-Jun , Ouyang Shen-Xi , Chi Chen , Shi Yi , Ji Qing-Xin , Miao Jin-Hao , Fu Jiang-Tao , Tong Jie , Zhang Ping-Ping , Zhang Jia-Bao , Li Zhi-Yong , Qu Le-Feng , Shen Fu-Ming , Li Dong-Jie , Wang Pei
Published: February 2024

Senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to aging-related cardiovascular diseases by promoting arterial remodelling and stiffness. Ferroptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death associated with lipid oxidation. Here, we show that pro-ferroptosis signaling drives VSMCs senescence to accelerate vascular NAD+ loss, remodelling and aging. Pro-ferroptotic signaling is triggered in senescent VSMCs and arteries of aged mice. Furthermore, the activation of pro-ferroptotic signaling in VSMCs not only induces NAD+ loss and senescence but also promotes the release of a pro-senescent secretome. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of pro-ferroptosis signaling, ameliorates VSMCs senescence, reduces vascular stiffness and retards the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm in mice. Mechanistically, we revealed that inhibition of pro-ferroptotic signaling facilitates the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of proliferator-activated receptor-γ and, thereby impeding nuclear receptor coactivator 4-ferrtin complex-centric ferritinophagy. Finally, the activated pro-ferroptotic signaling correlates with arterial stiffness in a human proof-of-concept study. These findings have significant implications for future therapeutic strategies aiming to eliminate vascular ferroptosis in senescence- or aging-associated cardiovascular diseases.
DNA binding redistributes activation domain ensemble and accessibility in pioneer factor Sox2
Authors: Bjarnason Sveinn , McIvor Jordan A. P. , Prestel Andreas , Demény Kinga S. , Bullerjahn Jakob T. , Kragelund Birthe B. , Mercadante Davide , Heidarsson Pétur O.
Published: February 2024

More than 1600 human transcription factors orchestrate the transcriptional machinery to control gene expression and cell fate. Their function is conveyed through intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) containing activation or repression domains but lacking quantitative structural ensemble models prevents their mechanistic decoding. Here we integrate single-molecule FRET and NMR spectroscopy with molecular simulations showing that DNA binding can lead to complex changes in the IDR ensemble and accessibility. The C-terminal IDR of pioneer factor Sox2 is highly disordered but its conformational dynamics are guided by weak and dynamic charge interactions with the folded DNA binding domain. Both DNA and nucleosome binding induce major rearrangements in the IDR ensemble without affecting DNA binding affinity. Remarkably, interdomain interactions are redistributed in complex with DNA leading to variable exposure of two activation domains critical for transcription. Charged intramolecular interactions allowing for dynamic redistributions may be common in transcription factors and necessary for sensitive tuning of structural ensembles.
Hijacking of nucleotide biosynthesis and deamidation-mediated glycolysis by an oncogenic herpesvirus
Authors: Wan Quanyuan , Tavakoli Leah , Wang Ting-Yu , Tucker Andrew J. , Zhou Ruiting , Liu Qizhi , Feng Shu , Choi Dongwon , He Zhiheng , Gack Michaela U. , Zhao Jun
Published: February 2024

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and multiple types of B cell malignancies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that KSHV reprograms host-cell central carbon metabolic pathways, which contributes to viral persistence and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying KSHV-mediated metabolic reprogramming remain poorly understood. Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamoylase, and dihydroorotase (CAD) is a key enzyme of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis, and was recently identified to deamidate the NF-κB subunit RelA to promote aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation. Here we report that KSHV infection exploits CAD for nucleotide synthesis and glycolysis. Mechanistically, KSHV vCyclin binds to and hijacks cyclin-dependent kinase CDK6 to phosphorylate Ser-1900 on CAD, thereby activating CAD-mediated pyrimidine synthesis and RelA-deamidation-mediated glycolytic reprogramming. Correspondingly, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of CDK6 and CAD potently impeded KSHV lytic replication and thwarted tumorigenesis of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our work defines a viral metabolic reprogramming mechanism underpinning KSHV oncogenesis, which may spur the development of new strategies to treat KSHV-associated malignancies and other diseases.
First-in-human controlled inhalation of thin graphene oxide nanosheets to study acute cardiorespiratory responses
Authors: Andrews Jack P. M. , Joshi Shruti S. , Tzolos Evangelos , Syed Maaz B. , Cuthbert Hayley , Crica Livia E. , Lozano Neus , Okwelogu Emmanuel , Raftis Jennifer B. , Bruce Lorraine , Poland Craig A. , Duffin Rodger , Fokkens Paul H. B. , Boere A. John F. , Leseman Daan L. A. C. , Megson Ian L. , Whitfield Phil D. , Ziegler Kerstin , Tammireddy Seshu , Hadjidemetriou Marilena , Bussy Cyrill , Cassee Flemming R. , Newby David E. , Kostarelos Kostas , Miller Mark R.
Published: February 2024

Graphene oxide nanomaterials are being developed for wide-ranging applications but are associated with potential safety concerns for human health. We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled study to determine how the inhalation of graphene oxide nanosheets affects acute pulmonary and cardiovascular function. Small and ultrasmall graphene oxide nanosheets at a concentration of 200 μg m−3 or filtered air were inhaled for 2 h by 14 young healthy volunteers in repeated visits. Overall, graphene oxide nanosheet exposure was well tolerated with no adverse effects. Heart rate, blood pressure, lung function and inflammatory markers were unaffected irrespective of graphene oxide particle size. Highly enriched blood proteomics analysis revealed very few differential plasma proteins and thrombus formation was mildly increased in an ex vivo model of arterial injury. Overall, acute inhalation of highly purified and thin nanometre-sized graphene oxide nanosheets was not associated with overt detrimental effects in healthy humans. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of carefully controlled human exposures at a clinical setting for risk assessment of graphene oxide, and lay the foundations for investigating the effects of other two-dimensional nanomaterials in humans. Clinicaltrials.gov ref: NCT03659864.
Longitudinal gut microbiome changes in immune checkpoint blockade-treated advanced melanoma
Authors: Björk Johannes R. , Bolte Laura A. , Maltez Thomas Andrew , Lee Karla A. , Rossi Niccolo , Wind Thijs T. , Smit Lotte M. , Armanini Federica , Asnicar Francesco , Blanco-Miguez Aitor , Board Ruth , Calbet-Llopart Neus , Derosa Lisa , Dhomen Nathalie , Brooks Kelly , Harland Mark , Harries Mark , Lorigan Paul , Manghi Paolo , Marais Richard , Newton-Bishop Julia , Nezi Luigi , Pinto Federica , Potrony Miriam , Puig Susana , Serra-Bellver Patricio , Shaw Heather M. , Tamburini Sabrina , Valpione Sara , Waldron Levi , Zitvogel Laurence , Zolfo Moreno , de Vries Elisabeth G. E. , Nathan Paul , Fehrmann Rudolf S. N. , Spector Tim D. , Bataille Véronique , Segata Nicola , Hospers Geke A. P. , Weersma Rinse K.
Published: February 2024

Multiple clinical trials targeting the gut microbiome are being conducted to optimize treatment outcomes for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). To improve the success of these interventions, understanding gut microbiome changes during ICB is urgently needed. Here through longitudinal microbiome profiling of 175 patients treated with ICB for advanced melanoma, we show that several microbial species-level genome bins (SGBs) and pathways exhibit distinct patterns from baseline in patients achieving progression-free survival (PFS) of 12 months or longer (PFS ≥12) versus patients with PFS shorter than 12 months (PFS <12). Out of 99 SGBs that could discriminate between these two groups, 20 were differentially abundant only at baseline, while 42 were differentially abundant only after treatment initiation. We identify five and four SGBs that had consistently higher abundances in patients with PFS ≥12 and <12 months, respectively. Constructing a log ratio of these SGBs, we find an association with overall survival. Finally, we find different microbial dynamics in different clinical contexts including the type of ICB regimen, development of immune-related adverse events and concomitant medication use. Insights into the longitudinal dynamics of the gut microbiome in association with host factors and treatment regimens will be critical for guiding rational microbiome-targeted therapies aimed at enhancing ICB efficacy.
A first-in-class leucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor, ganfeborole, for rifampicin-susceptible tuberculosis: a phase 2a open-label, randomized trial
Authors: Diacon Andreas H. , Barry Clifton E. , Carlton Alex , Chen Ray Y. , Davies Matt , de Jager Veronique , Fletcher Kim , Koh Gavin C. K. W. , Kontsevaya Irina , Heyckendorf Jan , Lange Christoph , Reimann Maja , Penman Sophie L. , Scott Rhona , Maher-Edwards Gareth , Tiberi Simon , Vlasakakis Georgios , Upton Caryn M. , Aguirre David Barros
Published: February 2024

New tuberculosis treatments are needed to address drug resistance, lengthy treatment duration and adverse reactions of available agents. GSK3036656 (ganfeborole) is a first-in-class benzoxaborole inhibiting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis leucyl-tRNA synthetase. Here, in this phase 2a, single-center, open-label, randomized trial, we assessed early bactericidal activity (primary objective) and safety and pharmacokinetics (secondary objectives) of ganfeborole in participants with untreated, rifampicin-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis. Overall, 75 males were treated with ganfeborole (1/5/15/30 mg) or standard of care (Rifafour e-275 or generic alternative) once daily for 14 days. We observed numerical reductions in daily sputum-derived colony-forming units from baseline in participants receiving 5, 15 and 30 mg once daily but not those receiving 1 mg ganfeborole. Adverse event rates were comparable across groups; all events were grade 1 or 2. In a participant subset, post hoc exploratory computational analysis of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings showed measurable treatment responses across several lesion types in those receiving ganfeborole 30 mg at day 14. Analysis of whole-blood transcriptional treatment response to ganfeborole 30 mg at day 14 revealed a strong association with neutrophil-dominated transcriptional modules. The demonstrated bactericidal activity and acceptable safety profile suggest that ganfeborole is a potential candidate for combination treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03557281.
Analysis of clinical factors impacting recurrence in myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: Chen Wenlin , Ye Ming , Sun Ye , Wei Yongzhong , Huang Yumin
Published: February 2024

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a malignant fibroblastic/myofibroblastic neoplasm with a prominent myxoid area. It has the clinical features of frequent local recurrence (LR) and occasional distant metastasis. Robust epidemiological data on MFS in China are lacking. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the natural history of MFS, identify prognostic factors for recurrence and describe the real-life outcomes of MFS. We reviewed 52 patients with primary MFS from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University diagnosed between 2016 and 2020. All tumors were subjected to retrospective univariate analysis for prognostic factors of the disease, including tumor size, grade, location and sex; patient age; planned operation; surgical margin; and laboratory results. The significant factors identified by univariate analysis were subsequently analyzed via multivariate analysis. Overall survival (OS), post-treatment LR and metastatic-free survival were assessed as outcomes. The median age was 61 years (range, 13–93). Fourteen (26.92%) patients exhibited low grade disease, and 38 (73.08%) exhibited high grade disease. Among the 29 males, and 23 females, 15 (28.85%) had tumors in the trunk, 37 (71.15%) had tumors in the extremities, 26 had undergone planned surgery, and 26 had unexpected unplanned operation. The margin was negative in 39 (75%) patients and positive in 13 patients (25%). The serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration was high level in 33 (63.46%) patients and low level in 19 (36.54%) patients. The serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were low in 23 (44.23%) patients and high in 29 (55.77%) patients. LR was observed in 25 patients (48.08%), and 4 patients developed metastasis. A worse LR rate was found for patients with a low CK level (84.21%) than for those with a high CK level (27.27%) at 5 years (p < 0.05). The LR rate of patients who underwent planned surgery was lower than that of patients who underwent unplanned surgery (p < 0.05). There were significantly more patients with positive margins than patients with negative margins (92.30%, and 33.33%, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, superficial tumors were also associated with greater recurrence rate (2/20 [10%]) than deep tumors, (23/32 [71.86%]) [p < 0.05]. The probability of LR in patients with MFS was significantly greater in association with unplanned operations, positive margins, low serum CK levels or superficial tumor depth. These data could help identify high-risk patients; thus, more careful follow-up should be performed for higher-risk patients. Diagnosis and treatment at qualified regular medical centers can reduce the local recurrence rate of MFS.
Ability of a dynamical climate sensitive disease model to reproduce historical Rift Valley Fever outbreaks over Africa
Authors: Chemison Alizée , Ramstein Gilles , Jones Anne , Morse Andy , Caminade Cyril
Published: February 2024

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonosis transmitted by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, and is considered a priority pathogen by the WHO. RVF epidemics mostly occur in Africa and can decimate livestock herds, causing significant economic losses and posing health risks for humans. RVF transmission is associated with the occurrence of El Niño events that cause floods in eastern Africa and favour the emergence of mosquitoes in wetlands. Different risk models have been developed to forecast RVF transmission risk but very few studies have validated models at pan-African scale. This study aims to validate the skill of the Liverpool Rift Valley Fever model (LRVF) in reproducing RVF epidemics over Africa and to explore the relationship between simulated climatic suitability for RVF transmission and large-scale climate modes of variability such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Dipole Mode Index (DMI). Our results show that the LRVF model correctly simulates RVF transmission hotspots and reproduces large epidemics that affected African countries. LRVF was able to correctly reproduce major RVF epidemics in Somalia, Kenya, Zambia and to a lesser extent for Mauritania and Senegal. The positive phases of ENSO and DMI are associated with an increased risk of RVF over the Horn of Africa, with important time lags. Following research activities should focus on the development of predictive modelling systems at different time scales.
Predictors, management and prognosis of initial hyperemia of free flap
Authors: Bae Juyoung , Lee Kyeong-Tae
Published: February 2024

In free flap operation, temporary hyperemia of the transferred flaps can often be encountered in the early postoperative period, appearing reddish and rapid capillary refilling time, which mimics venous congestion. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the development of hyperemia and evaluate clinical course. Consecutive patients who underwent free flap-based reconstruction between December 2019 and October 2021 were reviewed. Independent risk factors associated with its development were assessed. Flap showing initial hyperemic features were assessed using flap blood glucose measurement (BGM). If it showed over 60 mg/dL, they were closely observed without management. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated. In total, 204 cases were analyzed, of which 35 (17.2%) showed initial hyperemia. Multivariable analyses showed that using thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps and muscle containing flaps (musculocutaneous/muscle-chimeric flaps) and conducting end-to-end arterial anastomosis (vs. end-to-side) were independent predictors. All cases with initial hyperemia showed over 60 mg/dL in BGM. The phenomenon resolved spontaneously within 6.9 h averagely. Overall perfusion-related complications developed in 10 (4.9%) cases, which rate did not differ between the two groups. Several factors might be associated with the development of initial hyperemia after free flap surgery. With proper assessment, this condition can be successfully managed without unnecessary intervention.
Evolutionary analysis of rainstorm momentum and non-stationary variating patterns in response to climatic changes across diverse terrains
Authors: Huang Chien-Lin , Hsu Nien-Sheng
Published: February 2024

This study aims to analyze time-series measurements encompassing rainstorm events with over a century of datasets to identify rainstorm evolution and dimensional transitions in non-stationarity. Rainstorm events are identified using partial duration series (PDS) to extract changes in rainstorm characteristics, namely maximum intensity (MAXI), duration (D), total rainfall (TR), and average rainfall intensity (ARI), in response to climate change. Ensemble empirical mode decomposition is used for trend filtering and non-stationary identification to explore spatiotemporal insight patterns. Trend models for the first–second-order moments of rainstorm characteristics are used to formulate the identified mean–variance trends using combined multi-dimensional linear-parabolic regression. Best-fitting combinations of various distributions (probability density functions) and trend models for multiple characteristic series are identified based on the Akaike information criterion. We analyze the dimensional transition in rainfall non-stationarity based on sensitivity analysis using PDS to determine its natural geophysical causes. The integrated methodology was applied to the data retrieved from nine weather stations in Taiwan. Our findings reveal rainstorm characteristics of “short D but high rainfall intensity” or “lower MAXI but high TR” across multiple stations. The parabolic trend of the first-order moment (i.e., mean) of ARI, D, and TR appears at the endpoint of the mountain ranges. Areas receiving monsoons and those on the windward plain show a rising parabolic trend in the first- and second-order moments (i.e., mean–variance) characterizing MAXI, implying that the occurrence frequency and magnitude of extreme MAXI increases. Non-stationary transitions in MAXI appear for mountain ranges exposed to the monsoon co-movement effect on both windward and leeward sides. Stations in the plains and rift valleys show upgraded and downgraded transitions in the non-stationary dimensions for D, respectively.
A comparative study of federated learning methods for COVID-19 detection
Authors: Darzi Erfan , Sijtsema Nanna M. , van Ooijen P. M. A.
Published: February 2024

Deep learning has proven to be highly effective in diagnosing COVID-19; however, its efficacy is contingent upon the availability of extensive data for model training. The data sharing among hospitals, which is crucial for training robust models, is often restricted by privacy regulations. Federated learning (FL) emerges as a solution by enabling model training across multiple hospitals while preserving data privacy. However, the deployment of FL can be resource-intensive, necessitating efficient utilization of computational and network resources. In this study, we evaluate the performance and resource efficiency of five FL algorithms in the context of COVID-19 detection using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in a decentralized setting. The evaluation involves varying the number of participating entities, the number of federated rounds, and the selection algorithms. Our findings indicate that the Cyclic Weight Transfer algorithm exhibits superior performance, particularly when the number of participating hospitals is limited. These insights hold practical implications for the deployment of FL algorithms in COVID-19 detection and broader medical image analysis.
Applying AVWEWM to ethical decision-making during autonomous vehicle crashes
Authors: Liu Guoman , Luo Yufeng , Sheng Jing
Published: February 2024

At present, a few scholars studied influencing factors, rules and mechanisms of decision-making in ethical dilemmas. Many factors have been identified, and a few rules and mechanisms have been proposed. However, due to the inability to evaluate the weight and role of each factor in decision-making, it is difficult to establish a computational decision-making model to solve ethical dilemmas. Therefore, entropy weighted method (EWM) and Attribute Value Weighted EWM (AVWEWM) are used to process 84 dilemmas respectively to evaluate the weight and role of each factor in decision-making, then decision-making models based on EWM and AVWEWM are constructed to make decisions during autonomous vehicle (AV) crashes respectively. Lastly, 40 dilemmas are designed to test both decision-making models. The test results indicate that both can make clear decision-making in 40 dilemmas. However, the decision-making by AVWEWM is more consistent with public opinion than EWM. In addition, according to the weight and role of each factor in decision-making, it can also provide a few references for traffic management and legal departments to formulate traffic laws and regulations for AV in the future.
Fast quasi-null-filling of radiation patterns for multiple solutions generation
Authors: López-Álvarez Cibrán , López-Martín María Elena , Rodríguez-González Juan Antonio , Ares-Pena Francisco José
Published: February 2024

Here we present an improved, rapid method for filling quasi-nulls in symmetrical radiation patterns synthesized by equispaced linear arrays, leading to the generation of multiple solutions. Considering the polynomial representation of the pattern, this null-filling is achieved by displacing the roots radially off the unit circle, keeping a constant displacement. This allows analyzing how the potential solutions vary with the quasi-uniform filling and the associated directivity loss. This method is based on the Cardano-Vieta relations, which link the coefficients of a complex Schelkunoff polynomial with its roots. As examples of application, we have considered a 20/100 element Dolph-Chebyshev pattern, with a spacing between the elements $$\lambda / 2$$

λ
/
2

, side lobe level of − 20/− 28 dB and three inner sidelobes at − 40/− 50 dB.
Assessment of metal extraction from e-waste using supported IL membrane with reliable comparison between RSM regression and ANN framework
Authors: Hemmati Alireza , Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torkaman Rezvan
Published: February 2024

Recently, efficient techniques to remove indium ions from e-waste have been described due to their critical application. This paper illustrates the recovery of indium ions from an aqueous solution using a liquid membrane. CyphosIL 104 described the excellent potential for the extraction of indium ions. Evaluation of the five process parameters, such as indium concentration (10–100 mg/L), carrier concentration (0.05–0.2 mol/L), feed phase acidity (0.01–3 mol/L), chloride ion concentration (0.5–4 mol/L) and the stripping agent concentration (0.1–5 mol/L) were conducted. The interactive impacts of the various parameters on the extraction efficiency were investigated. The response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were employed to model and compare the FS-SLM process results. RSM model with a quadratic equation (R2 = 0.9589) was the most suitable model for describing the efficiency. ANN model with six neurons showed a prediction of extraction efficiency with R2 = 0.9860. The best-optimized data were: 73.92 mg/L, 0.157 mol/L, 1.386 mol/L, 2.99 mol/L, and 3.06 mol/L for indium concentration, carrier concentration, feed phase acidity, chloride ion concentration, and stripping agent concentration. The results achieved by RSM and ANN led to an experimentally determined extraction efficiency of 93.91%, and 94.85%, respectively. It was close to the experimental data in the optimization condition (95.77%). Also, the evaluation shows that the ANN model has a better prediction and fitting ability to reach outcomes than the RSM model.
Comparative evaluation of real-time PCR and ELISA for the detection of human fascioliasis
Authors: Bakhshipour Fatemeh , Zibaei Mohammad , Rokni Mohammad Bagher , Miahipour Abolfazl , Firoozeh Farzaneh , Beheshti Masoud , Beikzadeh Leila , Alizadeh Gita , Aryaeipour Mojgan , Raissi Vahid
Published: February 2024

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Fasciola species in humans and animals. Despite significant advances in vaccination and new therapeutic agents, little attention has been paid to validating methods for the diagnosis of fascioliasis in humans. Serological techniques are convenient assays that significantly improves the diagnosis of Fasciola infection. However, a more sensitive method is required. The aim of this study was to compare the Real-Time PCR technique with the indirect-ELISA for the detection of Fasciola hepatica in human. Using a panel of sera from patients infected with Fasciola hepatica (n = 51), other parasitic infections (n = 7), and uninfected controls (n = 12), we optimized an ELISA which employs an excretory–secretory antigens from F. hepatica for the detection of human fascioliasis. After DNA extraction from the samples, molecular analysis was done using Real-Time PCR technique based on the Fasciola ribosomal ITS1 sequence. Of 70 patient serum samples, 44 (62.86%) samples were identified as positive F. hepatica infection using ELISA and Real-Time PCR assays. There was no cross-reaction with other parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, taeniasis, hydatidosis, trichinosis, toxocariasis, and strongyloidiasis. The significant difference between the agreement and similarity of the results of patients with indirect ELISA and Real-Time PCR was 94.4% and 99.2%, respectively (Cohen’s kappa ≥ 0.7; P = 0.02). Based on the Kappa agreement findings, the significant agreement between the results of ELISA and Real-Time PCR indicates the accuracy and reliability of these tests in the diagnosis of F. hepatica in humans.
Introduction to Residual Dipolar Coupling
Authors: Yao Lishan , Vögeli Beat , Bax Ad
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, a brief introduction to residual dipolar coupling (RDC) along with historic milestones is presented. This is followed by an overview of the chapters featured in this book.
Theoretical Aspects of Residual Dipolar Couplings
Authors: Ruan Ke , Tolman Joel R.
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides the theoretical foundation required to employ the residual dipolar coupling methodology as a probe of molecular structural and dynamics properties. A key focus will be on the separation of the external molecular ordering described by the Saupe order tensor from the properties related to molecular structure and dynamics. An overview of data intensive methods that seek to remove the need for a priori determination of external ordering is also presented.
RDC for Membrane Proteins
Authors: Chou James J.
Published: February 2024

Rapid progress of lipidic cubic phase crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy in the past decade has drastically lowered the barrier of obtaining high resolution structures of membrane proteins. There are, however, areas of membrane biology that remain largely intractable to these methods. These areas include the transmembrane and juxtamembrane regions of single-pass membrane proteins, small protein domains that dynamically associate with the membrane, as well as intrinsically dynamic membrane proteins such as viroporins and membrane fusogens. For these membrane protein systems, NMR spectroscopy remains the primary biophysical tool for providing structural and dynamic information at residue-specific or even atomic resolution. In theory, NMR studies of membrane proteins are no different from those of soluble proteins, but certain properties specific to membrane proteins present major technical hurdles to structural characterization by NMR. For example, much greater crowding of methyl group resonances, which are a major source of long-range NOEs in conventional NMR-based structure determination, severely limits the amount of assignable tertiary distance restraints. Moreover, the requirement for membrane-mimetic media such as micelles, bicelles, and nanodiscs causes slow molecular tumbling and fast spin coherence relaxation. These properties of membrane proteins, among others, result in much fewer long-range NOE restraints than normally obtainable for soluble proteins. Hence, orientation restraints from residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) are valuable structural constraints that compensate for the sparsity of NOE data. This chapter provides an overview of methods for introducing RDCs for membrane protein samples and how they can be used to complement the distance restraints for structure determination.
Structure Determination of Organic Molecules Using RDCs (and RCSAs)
Authors: Rettig J. , Brauser M. , Thiele C. M.
Published: February 2024

This chapter points out the main challenges of using anisotropic NMR parameters for organic structure elucidation and also where differences to biomolecular applications lie. The challenges include the necessity of determining configurations and conformations at the same time, the diverse and extended spin-systems present in organic compounds and the necessity of using organic solvents. The chapter aims at providing an overview of the most recent solutions to these challenges and which opportunities there are if one uses anisotropic NMR parameters for structure elucidation of organic compounds.
Liquid electron ionization-mass spectrometry as a novel strategy for integrating normal-phase liquid chromatography with low and high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Marittimo Nicole , Grasselli Genny , Arigò Adriana , Famiglini Giorgio , Agostini Marco , Renzoni Caterina , Palma Pierangela , Cappiello Achille
Published: February 2024

First proof of concept of the coupling between normal-phase liquid chromatography and electron ionization mass spectrometry using a Liquid Electron Ionization (LEI) interface.
Water detection in organic solvents using a copolymer membrane immobilised with a fluorescent intramolecular charge transfer-type dye: effects of intramolecular hydrogen bonds
Authors: Morimoto Ami , Shimizu Kei , Suzuki Naoya , Yagi Shigeyuki , Sueyoshi Kenji , Endo Tatsuro , Hisamoto Hideaki
Published: February 2024

A copolymer membrane incorporated with a pyridinium betaine dye, which exhibited intramolecular charge transfer characteristics, was developed to realise simple water detection in “polar” organic solvents.
An ATMND/SGI based three-way junction ratiometric fluorescent probe for rapid and sensitive detection of bleomycin
Authors: Kong Rong-Mei , Han Xue , Li Peihua , Zhao Yan , Kong Weiheng , Xiang Mei-Hao , Xia Lian , Qu Fengli
Published: February 2024

A novel label-free ATMND/SGI based three-way junction ratiometric fluorescent probe was constructed for selective and sensitive detection of BLM.
Ferroptosis and ferroptosis-inducing nanomedicine as a promising weapon in combination therapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Mengjun , Teng Qiliang , Cao Fei , Huang Jinsheng , Pang Jun
Published: February 2024

Existing treatments could be sensitized by targeting the ferroptosis pathway in prostate cancer.
Flexible Pt2Pd alloy nanosheet electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen reduction reaction and zinc–air batteries
Authors: Wang Qun , Shao Siqing , Ma Mengjie , Zhu Wenxiang , Yang Haiwei , Chen Jinxin , Su Jiaqi , Liao Fan , Shao Qi , Shao Mingwang
Published: February 2024

A 2D Pt2Pd porous alloy nanosheet is synthesized through molten-alkali mechanochemical and borane morpholine complex reduction methods, which serves as an efficient catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.
SrY2S4 – a novel host lattice for up-conversion luminescence and high-sensitive optical thermometry
Authors: Mei Tianjian , Wu Xingyu , Dong Xinyao , Yin Xiumei , Chen Jianan , Luo Xilian , Tian Ying
Published: February 2024

The ternary sulfide SrY2S4 is utilized as a novel host lattice for promising UC luminescence and thermal sensing performance under near-infrared excitations.
Fragmentation of 5-fluorouridine induced by low energy (< 12 eV) electrons: insights into the radiosensitization of DNA
Authors: Wierzbicka Paulina , Abdoul-Carime Hassan , Kopyra Janina
Published: February 2024

5-Fluorouracil is now routinely used in chemo- and radiotherapy. When incorporated into DNA, 5FU is bound to the sugar backbone to form 5FUrd, enhancing damage in radiation therapy.
Electrochemical exfoliation of 2D materials beyond graphene
Authors: Zhao Minghao , Casiraghi Cinzia , Parvez Khaled
Published: February 2024

In the last decade the research on the electrochemical exfoliation of two-dimensional materials has advanced significantly. This review highlights the recent achievements and future challenges in this research area with focus on novel 2D materials.
Reaction interferometry with ultracold molecules
Authors: Luke Jeshurun , Zhu Lingbang , Liu Yi-Xiang , Ni Kang-Kuen
Published: February 2024

We explore utilizing our previously observed reactive nuclear spin coherence to control the KRb + KRb ultracold chemical reaction to realize a reaction interferometer.
Immune cells and inflammatory mediators cause endothelial dysfunction in a vascular microphysiological system
Authors: Rengarajan Aishwarya , Goldblatt Hannah E. , Beebe David J. , Virumbrales-Muñoz María , Boeldt Derek S.
Published: February 2024

Functional assessment of endothelium serves as an important indicator of vascular health and is compromised in vascular disorders including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and preeclampsia.
Carbon nanofiber/graphene hybrids anchoring Fe, N, and S heteroatoms simultaneously enhancing extracellular electron transfer and biofilm adhesion in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Ren Tingli , Liu Yuanfeng , Lin Xiaoqiu , Li Congju
Published: February 2024

The aerogel structure composed of FeS/Fe3C@CNFs and rGO has a 3D stereoscopic structure, which can provide sufficient sites for biofilm attachment and nutrient transportation, facilitating the improvement of MFC power density.
Biorenewable vegetable oil based nonisocyanate polyurethanes and nanocomposites; formulation, characterisation, biodegradation, anticorrosion and antifouling coatings
Authors: Sulthana Yasmin R. , Chelike Dinesh K. , Gurusamy Thangavelu Senthil A.
Published: February 2024

Castor oil cyclic carbonate chosen as sustainable precursor to afford biodegradable NIPU via polyaddition of aliphatic diamine and NIPU nanocomposites by functionalized Fe3O4 via covalent incorporation, used as anticorrosion and antifouling coating.
Mixed-ligand-functionalized silicon–germanium alloy nanocrystals with improved carrier mobilities
Authors: Wei Linfeng , Zhang Haoyuan , Shi Lei , Yang Zhenyu
Published: February 2024

A two-step surface functionalization approach is developed for the preparation of colloidal SiGe alloy nanocrystals with enhanced surface ligand passivation and improved electrical properties.
On-surface synthesis of two types of cyano-substituted polyfluorene derivatives via Ullmann coupling on Au(111)
Authors: Fu Boyu , Lu Jianchen , Geng Jianqun , Zhang Yong , Sun Shijie , Xiong Wei , Zhang Yi , Niu Gefei , Gao Lei , Cai Jinming
Published: February 2024

On-surface synthesis of fluorene-containing polymers has received extensive attention due to their potential applications in organic light emitting diodes.
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals the structural rearrangements of tau protein aggregates at the growth phase
Authors: Sofińska Kamila , Seweryn Sara , Skirlińska-Nosek Katarzyna , Barbasz Jakub , Lipiec Ewelina
Published: February 2024

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) enabled the structural differences between tau protein aggregates to be revealed, specifically tau protofibrils and young fibrils at the level of individual aggregates.
A SmI2-mediated reductive cyclisation reaction using the trifluoroacetamide group as the radical precursor
Authors: Yoshioka Kota , Iwasaki Hiroki , Hanaki Mako , Ito Saho , Iwamoto Yuzuha , Ichihara Rio , Nambu Hisanori
Published: February 2024

A SmI2-mediated reductive cyclisation using trifluoroacetamide groups as radical precursors and alkynes as radical acceptors, which is the first example of using an acyclic amide group in a reductive cyclisation, afforded 2-trifluoromethylindolines.
Sensitive electrochemical gold nanoparticle-based immunosensor for norovirus detection in food samples
Authors: Janicka Paulina , Baluta Sylwia , Winiarski Juliusz , Halicka-Stępień Kinga , Pogorzelska Aleksandra , Cabaj Joanna , Pala Katarzyna , Bażanów Barbara
Published: February 2024

Detection of Norovirus (NoV), a prevalent non-bacterial gastroenteritis agent globally, is crucial. Developing a biosensor for NoV detection is of utmost importance.
Inverse design of porous materials: a diffusion model approach
Authors: Park Junkil , Gill Aseem Partap Singh , Moosavi Seyed Mohamad , Kim Jihan
Published: February 2024

A diffusion model was employed to generate porous materials, marking one of the earliest endeavors in this domain. The model demonstrates high efficacy in designing structures with user-desired properties.
Surface engineering based on ionic liquids for efficient and stable CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Rui Dong , Fu Jianfei , Chen Qiaoyun , Cao Ji , Wu Wenting , Chen Lei , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zelong , Zhou Yi , Song Bo
Published: February 2024

TBAPF6 ionic liquid is employed to treat CsPbI3 perovskite films, and thereby low-dimensional [TBA]PbI3 forms on the surface and the surface defects are passivated, which contribute to longer moisture stability and higher PCE.
Management of an intermediate phase via a multifunctional dietary supplement for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Feng Chuizheng , Yang Jia , Yin Shungao , Xie Gang , Wang Mengqing , Yu Jianxing , Zhao Ruonan , Pan Yang , Liang Aihui , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2024

GluACl is employed to form a intermediate phase of (GluA)(PbI3)·DMSO, which can slow down the crystal growth rate, improve the film quality, and enhance the device performances. The target device achieved a PCE of ∼24% with a high VOC of 1.20 V.
Trends in bioactivity: inducing and detecting mineralization of regenerative polymeric scaffolds
Authors: Nitschke Brandon M. , Beltran Felipe O. , Hahn Mariah S. , Grunlan Melissa A.
Published: February 2024

Advances in bioactive regenerative polymeric scaffolds continue to be made with new materials and methods of characterization.
Alleviating excessive aggregation of a non-fullerene acceptor by delaying and shortening the crystallization time to reduce the energy loss of ternary organic solar cells
Authors: Pan Jiaqi , Guan Jian , Wang Zehao , Zhang Rui , Fu Yingying , Yu Xinhong , Zhang Qiang , Han Yanchun
Published: February 2024

PYIT was added to the PM6:Y6 system to delay and shorten the crystallization time of Y6. The ternary strategy has been successfully proven to increase the D/A interface area for faster exciton dissociation. The Eloss decreased (0.559 eV to 0.539 eV), and the PCE increased (15.40% to 17.05%).
Selective analysis of intracellular UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Sugiyama Chanudporn , Furusho Aogu , Todoroki Kenichiro , Sugiyama Eiji
Published: February 2024

A new HILIC-MS method was developed for two important epimers (UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc). The method allowed their complete separation without non-volatile solvents and mass spectrometric analysis of each in the cells.
Correction: MiR-4458-loaded gelatin nanospheres target COL11A1 for DDR2/SRC signaling pathway inactivation to suppress the progression of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Liu Jie , Yang Chang-Qing , Chen Qiang , Yu Tong-Yao , Zhang Shi-Long , Guo Wei-Hong , Luo Li-Heng , Zhao Gang , Yin Da-Chuan , Zhang Chen-Yan
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘MiR-4458-loaded gelatin nanospheres target COL11A1 for DDR2/SRC signaling pathway inactivation to suppress the progression of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer’ by Jie Liu et al., Biomater. Sci., 2022, 10, 4596–4611, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00543C.
Key role of subsurface doping in optimizing active sites of IrO2 for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Han Xindi , Shi Lei , Chen Hui , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: February 2024

Subsurface doping in IrO2 is theoretically revealed to efficiently regulate eg-filling and adsorption properties of surface Ir sites, improving its catalytic activity for oxygen evolution.
Temperature induced single-crystal to single-crystal transformation of uranium azide complexes
Authors: Li Kai , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Zhao Yue , Wang Tianwei , Maron Laurent , Zhu Congqing
Published: February 2024

A temperature-induced single-crystal to single-crystal transformation was observed in monoanionic N–P ligand-supported uranium azide complexes.
Synthesis, reactivity and coordination behaviour of a ferrocene phosphinostibine and intramolecular interactions in its P(v) and Sb(v) derivatives
Authors: Antala Jakub , Schulz Jiří , Císařová Ivana , Štěpnička Petr
Published: February 2024

A ferrocene phosphinostibine equipped with different substituents at the P and Sb atoms coordinates as a typical hybrid ligand. Manipulation of the pnictogen substituents in its molecule results in intramolecular P → Sb donor–acceptor interactions.
Facile Friedel–Crafts alkylation of arenes under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Chen Feijing , Zhao Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Hao-Tian , Ma Yan-Na , Chen Xuenian
Published: February 2024

Herein, we developed an efficient HOTf-promoted Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of broad arenes with α-aryl-α-diazoesters under metal-free and solvent-free conditions.
Effect of lead-free glass on the current transmission method at the Ag/Si interface in crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Sun Hu , Yu Xianglei , Quan Siqi , Li Weichao , Qian Zhuo , Li Junpeng , Gan Guoyou
Published: February 2024

The lead-free glass composition plays a significant role in determining the ohmic contact at the Ag/Si interface in crystalline silicon solar cells and regulates the method of current transmission across this interface.
One-pot synthesis of a graphene oxide-supported TixAl1−xOy-based material modified with amidoxime for highly efficient uranium(vi) adsorption
Authors: Ding Ling , Wan Xiangyu , Zheng Bowen , Dang Zhenhua , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2024

The efficient recovery of uranium from aqueous solutions is crucial for ecological safety and sustainable development.
Highly efficient luminescent solar concentrators based on selective laser-induced crystallization in CsPbBrxCl3−x (x = 0–3) doped glass
Authors: Niu Yahua , Sun Shengzhi , Yan Chaoyue , Wang Chao , Qiu Jianrong
Published: February 2024

The optical conversion layer with CsPbBrxCl3 − x (x = 0 − 3) NCs linear array was prepared in the precursor glass by femtosecond laser direct writing.