bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoencoder neural networks enable low dimensional structure analyses of microbial growth dynamics
Authors: Baig Yasa , Ma Helena R. , Xu Helen , You Lingchong
Published: December 2023

The ability to effectively represent microbiome dynamics is a crucial challenge in their quantitative analysis and engineering. By using autoencoder neural networks, we show that microbial growth dynamics can be compressed into low-dimensional representations and reconstructed with high fidelity. These low-dimensional embeddings are just as effective, if not better, than raw data for tasks such as identifying bacterial strains, predicting traits like antibiotic resistance, and predicting community dynamics. Additionally, we demonstrate that essential dynamical information of these systems can be captured using far fewer variables than traditional mechanistic models. Our work suggests that machine learning can enable the creation of concise representations of high-dimensional microbiome dynamics to facilitate data analysis and gain new biological insights.
Engineering artificial photosynthesis based on rhodopsin for CO2 fixation
Authors: Tu Weiming , Xu Jiabao , Thompson Ian P. , Huang Wei E.
Published: December 2023

Microbial rhodopsin, a significant contributor to sustaining life through light harvesting, holds untapped potential for carbon fixation. Here, we construct an artificial photosynthesis system which combines the proton-pumping ability of rhodopsin with an extracellular electron uptake mechanism, establishing a pathway to drive photoelectrosynthetic CO2 fixation by Ralstonia eutropha (also known as Cupriavidus necator) H16, a facultatively chemolithoautotrophic soil bacterium. R. eutropha is engineered to heterologously express an extracellular electron transfer pathway of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Gloeobacter rhodopsin (GR). Employing GR and the outer-membrane conduit MtrCAB from S. oneidensis, extracellular electrons and GR-driven proton motive force are integrated into R. eutropha’s native electron transport chain (ETC). Inspired by natural photosynthesis, the photoelectrochemical system splits water to supply electrons to R. eutropha via the Mtr outer-membrane route. The light-activated proton pump - GR, supported by canthaxanthin as an antenna, powers ATP synthesis and reverses the ETC to regenerate NADH/NADPH, facilitating R. eutropha’s biomass synthesis from CO2. Overexpression of a carbonic anhydrase further enhances CO2 fixation. This artificial photosynthesis system has the potential to advance the development of efficient photosynthesis, redefining our understanding of the ecological role of microbial rhodopsins in nature.
CXCL12 targets the primary cilium cAMP/cGMP ratio to regulate cell polarity during migration
Authors: Atkins Melody , Wurmser Maud , Darmon Michèle , Roche Fiona , Nicol Xavier , Métin Christine
Published: December 2023

Directed cell migration requires sustained cell polarisation. In migrating cortical interneurons, nuclear movements are directed towards the centrosome that organises the primary cilium signalling hub. Primary cilium-elicited signalling, and how it affects migration, remain however ill characterised. Here, we show that altering cAMP/cGMP levels in the primary cilium by buffering cAMP, cGMP or by locally increasing cAMP, influences the polarity and directionality of migrating interneurons, whereas buffering cAMP or cGMP in the apposed centrosome compartment alters their motility. Remarkably, we identify CXCL12 as a trigger that targets the ciliary cAMP/cGMP ratio to promote sustained polarity and directed migration. We thereby uncover cAMP/cGMP levels in the primary cilium as a major target of extrinsic cues and as the steering wheel of neuronal migration.
A structure of the relict phycobilisome from a thylakoid-free cyanobacterium
Authors: Jiang Han-Wei , Wu Hsiang-Yi , Wang Chun-Hsiung , Yang Cheng-Han , Ko Jui-Tse , Ho Han-Chen , Tsai Ming-Daw , Bryant Donald A. , Li Fay-Wei , Ho Meng-Chiao , Ho Ming-Yang
Published: December 2023

Phycobilisomes (PBS) are antenna megacomplexes that transfer energy to photosystems II and I in thylakoids. PBS likely evolved from a basic, inefficient form into the predominant hemidiscoidal shape with radiating peripheral rods. However, it has been challenging to test this hypothesis because ancestral species are generally inaccessible. Here we use spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy to reveal a structure of a “paddle-shaped” PBS from a thylakoid-free cyanobacterium that likely retains ancestral traits. This PBS lacks rods and specialized ApcD and ApcF subunits, indicating relict characteristics. Other features include linkers connecting two chains of five phycocyanin hexamers (CpcN) and two core subdomains (ApcH), resulting in a paddle-shaped configuration. Energy transfer calculations demonstrate that chains are less efficient than rods. These features may nevertheless have increased light absorption by elongating PBS before multilayered thylakoids with hemidiscoidal PBS evolved. Our results provide insights into the evolution and diversification of light-harvesting strategies before the origin of thylakoids.
Blazed oblique plane microscopy reveals scale-invariant inference of brain-wide population activity
Authors: Hoffmann Maximilian , Henninger Jörg , Veith Johannes , Richter Lars , Judkewitz Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Due to the size and opacity of vertebrate brains, it has until now been impossible to simultaneously record neuronal activity at cellular resolution across the entire adult brain. As a result, scientists are forced to choose between cellular-resolution microscopy over limited fields-of-view or whole-brain imaging at coarse-grained resolution. Bridging the gap between these spatial scales of understanding remains a major challenge in neuroscience. Here, we introduce blazed oblique plane microscopy to perform brain-wide recording of neuronal activity at cellular resolution in an adult vertebrate. Contrary to common belief, we find that inferences of neuronal population activity are near-independent of spatial scale: a set of randomly sampled neurons has a comparable predictive power as the same number of coarse-grained macrovoxels. Our work thus links cellular resolution with brain-wide scope, challenges the prevailing view that macroscale methods are generally inferior to microscale techniques and underscores the value of multiscale approaches to studying brain-wide activity.
Operando dynamics of trapped carriers in perovskite solar cells observed via infrared optical activation spectroscopy
Authors: Pan Jiaxin , Chen Ziming , Zhang Tiankai , Hu Beier , Ning Haoqing , Meng Zhu , Su Ziyu , Nodari Davide , Xu Weidong , Min Ganghong , Chen Mengyun , Liu Xianjie , Gasparini Nicola , Haque Saif A. , Barnes Piers R. F. , Gao Feng , Bakulin Artem A.
Published: December 2023

Conventional spectroscopies are not sufficiently selective to comprehensively understand the behaviour of trapped carriers in perovskite solar cells, particularly under their working conditions. Here we use infrared optical activation spectroscopy (i.e., pump-push-photocurrent), to observe the properties and real-time dynamics of trapped carriers within operando perovskite solar cells. We compare behaviour differences of trapped holes in pristine and surface-passivated FA0.99Cs0.01PbI3 devices using a combination of quasi-steady-state and nanosecond time-resolved pump-push-photocurrent, as well as kinetic and drift-diffusion models. We find a two-step trap-filling process: the rapid filling (~10 ns) of low-density traps in the bulk of perovskite, followed by the slower filling (~100 ns) of high-density traps at the perovskite/hole transport material interface. Surface passivation by n-octylammonium iodide dramatically reduces the number of trap states (~50 times), improving the device performance substantially. Moreover, the activation energy (~280 meV) of the dominant hole traps remains similar with and without surface passivation.
Prostate lineage-specific metabolism governs luminal differentiation and response to antiandrogen treatment
Authors: Giafaglione Jenna M. , Crowell Preston D. , Delcourt Amelie M. L. , Hashimoto Takao , Ha Sung Min , Atmakuri Aishwarya , Nunley Nicholas M. , Dang Rachel M. A. , Tian Mao , Diaz Johnny A. , Tika Elisavet , Payne Marie C. , Burkhart Deborah L. , Li Dapei , Navone Nora M. , Corey Eva , Nelson Peter S. , Lin Neil Y. C. , Blanpain Cedric , Ellis Leigh , Boutros Paul C. , Goldstein Andrew S.
Published: December 2023

Lineage transitions are a central feature of prostate development, tumourigenesis and treatment resistance. While epigenetic changes are well known to drive prostate lineage transitions, it remains unclear how upstream metabolic signalling contributes to the regulation of prostate epithelial identity. To fill this gap, we developed an approach to perform metabolomics on primary prostate epithelial cells. Using this approach, we discovered that the basal and luminal cells of the prostate exhibit distinct metabolomes and nutrient utilization patterns. Furthermore, basal-to-luminal differentiation is accompanied by increased pyruvate oxidation. We establish the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier and subsequent lactate accumulation as regulators of prostate luminal identity. Inhibition of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier or supplementation with exogenous lactate results in large-scale chromatin remodelling, influencing both lineage-specific transcription factors and response to antiandrogen treatment. These results establish reciprocal regulation of metabolism and prostate epithelial lineage identity.
Estimating mortality of small passerine birds colliding with wind turbines
Authors: Nilsson A. L. K. , Molværsmyr S. , Breistøl A. , Systad G. H. R.
Published: December 2023

As demand for renewable energy is rising, wind power development is rapidly growing worldwide. In its wake, conflicts arise over land use changes converting pristine nature into industrial power plants and its associated adverse biodiversity effects, crowned by one of the most obvious and deadly consequences: bird collisions. Most post-construction studies report low levels of avian mortality, but the majority of these studies are conducted primarily on larger birds. However, the diversity and abundance of small passerine birds are rarely reflected in the carcass surveys, although they in numeric proportion to their abundances should be the most numerous. The assumption that surveys find all carcasses seems thus rarely fulfilled and passerine mortality is likely to be grossly underestimated. We therefore designed an experiment with dummy birds to estimate mortality of small-bodied passerines and other small-bodied birds during post-construction surveys, tested in a medium-sized wind farm in western Norway. The wind farm was surveyed weekly during the migration periods by carcass survey teams using trained dogs to find killed birds. The dogs in the carcass surveys were more successful in locating the large than the small dummy birds (60–200 g), where they found 74% of the large dummy birds. Detecting the smaller category (5–24 g) was more demanding and the dogs only found 17% of the small dummy birds. Correcting the post-construction carcass survey outcome with the results from the experiment leads to an almost fourfold increase in estimated mortality rates, largely due to the low detection rate of the smallest category. The detection rates will naturally vary between wind farms, depending on the specific habitat characteristics, the efficiency of the carcass surveys and the search intervals. Thus, implementing a simple experiment with dummy birds to future post-construction surveys will produce more accurate estimates of the wind turbine mortality rates, and thus improve our understanding of the biodiversity effects of conforming to a more sustainable future.
Behavioral evidence for global consciousness transcending national parochialism
Authors: Liu James H. , Choi Sarah Y. , Lee I-Ching , Leung Angela K.-y. , Lee Michelle , Lin Mei-Hua , Hodgetts Darrin , Chen Sylvia Xiaohua
Published: December 2023

While national parochialism is commonplace, individual differences explain more variance in it than cross-national differences. Global consciousness (GC), a multi-dimensional concept that includes identification with all humanity, cosmopolitan orientation, and global orientation, transcends national parochialism. Across six societies (N = 11,163), most notably the USA and China, individuals high in GC were more generous allocating funds to the other in a dictator game, cooperated more in a one-shot prisoner’s dilemma, and differentiated less between the ingroup and outgroup on these actions. They gave more to the world and kept less for the self in a multi-level public goods dilemma. GC profiles showed 80% test–retest stability over 8 months. Implications of GC for cultural evolution in the face of trans-border problems are discussed.
Features of animal babbling in the vocal ontogeny of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus)
Authors: Langehennig-Peristenidou Alexandra , Romero-Mujalli Daniel , Bergmann Tjard , Scheumann Marina
Published: December 2023

In human infants babbling is an important developmental stage of vocal plasticity to acquire maternal language. To investigate parallels in the vocal development of human infants and non-human mammals, seven key features of human babbling were defined, which are up to date only shown in bats and marmosets. This study will explore whether these features can also be found in gray mouse lemurs by investigating how infant vocal streams gradually resemble the structure of the adult trill call, which is not present at birth. Using unsupervised clustering, we distinguished six syllable types, whose sequential order gradually reflected the adult trill. A subset of adult syllable types was produced by several infants, with the syllable production being rhythmic, repetitive, and independent of the social context. The temporal structure of the calling bouts and the tempo-spectral features of syllable types became adult-like at the age of weaning. The age-dependent changes in the acoustic parameters differed between syllable types, suggesting that they cannot solely be explained by physical maturation of the vocal apparatus. Since gray mouse lemurs exhibit five features of animal babbling, they show parallels to the vocal development of human infants, bats, and marmosets.
Nanofluidic qPCR unable to detect and serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine samples of hospitalized South African patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Olwagen Courtney P. , Jeche Tariro R. , Van Der Merwe Lara , Nunes Marta C. , Madhi Shabir A. , Baillie Vicky L.
Published: December 2023

Pneumonia is a major cause of death among adults living with HIV in South Africa, but the etiology of many cases remains unknown. This study evaluated the utility of a nanofluidic qPCR assay to detect and serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine samples from patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The nanofluidic qPCR assay was optimized to target 13 pneumococcal serotypes and 4 reference genes. Archived urine samples collected from patients > 15 years of age hospitalized with pneumonia between April 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively tested using the nanofluidic qPCR assay, BinaxNOW urine antigen test, and standard LytA qPCR. Blood culture was undertaken on a subset of the samples at the discretion of the attending physician. Cohens' Kappa statistics were used to determine the concordance between the methods. Of the 828 adults hospitalized for CAP, urine samples were available in 53% (n = 439). Of those, a random subset of 96 (22%) samples underwent testing. Of the participants included in the final analysis, the mean age was 45.8 years (SD 16.2), 49% (n = 47) were female, 98% (n = 94) were black, and 66% (n = 63) were living with HIV infection. The nanofluidic qPCR method was able to detect PCV13 vaccine strains spiked into urine samples; however, the method failed to detect any pneumococcus in clinical samples. In comparison, 19% of the pneumonia cases were attributed to S. pneumoniae using urine antigen testing. Nanofluidic qPCR is unable to detect and serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine samples of South Africans hospitalized with CAP.
Back-propagation optimization and multi-valued artificial neural networks for highly vivid structural color filter metasurfaces
Authors: Clini de Souza Arthur , Lanteri Stéphane , Hernández-Figueroa Hugo Enrique , Abbarchi Marco , Grosso David , Kerzabi Badre , Elsawy Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

We introduce a novel technique for designing color filter metasurfaces using a data-driven approach based on deep learning. Our innovative approach employs inverse design principles to identify highly efficient designs that outperform all the configurations in the dataset, which consists of 585 distinct geometries solely. By combining Multi-Valued Artificial Neural Networks and back-propagation optimization, we overcome the limitations of previous approaches, such as poor performance due to extrapolation and undesired local minima. Consequently, we successfully create reliable and highly efficient configurations for metasurface color filters capable of producing exceptionally vivid colors that go beyond the sRGB gamut. Furthermore, our deep learning technique can be extended to design various pixellated metasurface configurations with different functionalities.
Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion: a parametric study to improve the intracranial volume increase prediction
Authors: Deliège Lara , Ramdat Misier Karan , Silva Dulanka , James Gregory , Ong Juling , Dunaway David , Jeelani Noor Ul Owase , Schievano Silvia , Borghi Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion has been adopted at the London Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children to treat raised intracranial pressure in patients affected by syndromic craniosynostosis, a congenital calvarial anomaly causing the premature fusion of skull sutures. This procedure involves elastic distractors used to dynamically reshape the skull and increase the intracranial volume (ICV). In this study, we developed and validated a patient-specific model able to predict the ICV increase and carried out a parametric study to investigate the effect of surgical parameters on that final volume. Pre- and post-operative computed tomography data relative to 18 patients were processed to extract simplified patient-specific skull shape, replicate surgical cuts, and simulate spring expansion. A parametric study was performed to quantify each parameter’s impact on the surgical outcome: for each patient, the osteotomy location was varied in a pre-defined range; local sensitivity of the predicted ICV to each parameter was analysed and compared. Results showed that the finite element model performed well in terms of post-operative ICV prediction and allowed for parametric optimization of surgical cuts. The study indicates how to optimize the ICV increase according to the type of procedure and provides indication on the most robust surgical strategy.
Family history, socioeconomic factors, comorbidities, health behaviors, and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Jung Eujene , Park Jeong Ho , Ro Young Sun , Ryu Hyun Ho , Cha Kyoung-Chul , Do Shin Sang , Hwang Sung Oh ,   The Cardiac Arrest Pursuit Trial with Unique Registration, Epidemiologic Surveillance (CAPTURES) project investigators, Hwang Sung Oh , Do Shin Sang , Lee Mi Jin , Park Jong-Hak , Kim Su Jin , Oh Sung Bum , Shin Jonghwan , Park Seung Min , Sim Min Seob , Kim Won Young , Park In-Cheol , Ryu Hyun Ho , You Yeonho , Kim Sang-Chul , Park Ju Ok
Published: December 2023

Genetic, environment, and behaviour factors have a role in causing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). We aimed to determine the strength of the association between various risk factors and SCA incidence. We conducted a multicentre case-control study at 17 hospitals in Korea from September 2017 to December 2020. The cases included out-of-hospital cardiac arrest aged 19–79 years with presumed cardiac aetiology. Community-based controls were recruited at a 1:1 ratio after matching for age, sex, and urban residence level. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted. Among the 1016 cases and 1731 controls, 948 cases and 948 controls were analysed. A parental history of SCA, low educational level, own heart disease, current smoking, and non-regular exercise were associated with SCA incidence (Adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.51 [1.48–4.28] for parental history of SCA, 1.37 [1.38–2.25] for low edication level, 3.77 [2.38–5.90] for non-coronary artery heart disease, 4.47 [2.84–7.03] for coronary artery disease, 1.39 [1.08–1.79] for current smoking, and 4.06 [3.29–5.02] for non-regular exercise). Various risk factors related to genetics, environment, and behaviour were independently associated with the incidence of SCA. Establishing individualised SCA prevention strategies in addition to general prevention strategies is warranted.
Heating and storage of structured acylglycerols with succinyl-linked stigmasterol residue does not cause negative chemical or biological changes
Authors: Rudzińska M. , Grygier A. , Olejnik A. , Kowalska K. , Kmiecik D. , Chojnacka A. , Gładkowski W. , Grudniewska A. , Przybylski R.
Published: December 2023

Four structured acylglycerols with stigmasterol bonded by a succinyl linker were investigated and their stability were analyzed. Samples were heated to 60 °C and kept at that temperature to simulate storage, and to 180 °C to simulate frying conditions. The degradation of the synthesized compounds and formed derivatives was determined, and their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on normal human cells from the digestive system was determined. Holding at 180 °C resulted in greater degradation of the compounds than holding at 60 °C. The most stable compound in each sample proved to be one with oleic acid in its structure—1,3-dioleoyl-2-stigmasterylsuccinoyl-sn-glycerol (DO2SSt) at 60 °C and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-stigmasterylsuccinoyl-sn-glycerol (DO3SSt) at 180 °C. These results indicate that the type of fatty acid in the molecule is more important than its position in the glycerol structure. None of the diacylmonostigmasterylsuccinoyl-sn-glycerols (DASStGs) before or after heating exhibited cytotoxic or genotoxic potential to small intestine and colon mucosa cells.
Evaluation of building washing machines as an extreme environment for potentially pathogenic fungi
Authors: Zareshahrabadi Zahra , Amirzadeh Neda , Pakshir Keyvan , Nasr Reza , Mohammadi Rasoul , Zomorodian Kamiar
Published: December 2023

Washing machines are commonly used in households and are considered indispensable appliances for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Environmental conditions within household washing machines are ideal for fungal colonization, which may pose risks to human health and contribute to sick building syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the fungal species contamination in the building washing machines. A total of 50 building washing machines were swab-sampled at three locations: the detergent drawer, the inner and outer parts of the rubber door seal. The housekeeping conditions of these appliances were assessed through a questionnaire. The isolated fungi were identified using standard mycological diagnostic procedures and molecular analysis based on the ITS1/ITS4 and β-tubulin gene regions. The possibility of fungal agents transferring from contaminated washing machines to autoclaved clothes during laundry cycles was investigated. Fungi were detected in 82% of the sampled appliances, with the inner rubber door seal being the most frequently colonized area. Using conventional and molecular techniques, we identified 122 fungal isolates, encompassing 17 diverse genera of molds, yeast-like, and yeast fungi. The mold fungi included 14 genera of hyaline and black genus. Among these, the most frequently identified genera of hyaline and black fungi were Aspergillus (27.7%), and Cladosporium (10.7%), respectively. This study demonstrates that building washing machines may serve as suitable ecological niches for fungal growth and transmission. Therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection of these devices are necessary.
Effect of 40 Hz light flicker on cognitive impairment and transcriptome of hippocampus in right unilateral common carotid artery occlusion mice
Authors: Niu Zhaorui , Yu Minjie , Xu Peixia , Liu Renchuan , Li Shangda , Wu Congchong , Huang Bochao , Ye Xinyi , Hu Jianbo , Xu Yi , Lu Shaojia
Published: December 2023

Vascular cognitive impairment caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) seriously affects the quality of life of elderly patients. However, there is no effective treatment to control this disease. This study investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of the 40 Hz light flicker in a mouse model of CCH. CCH was induced in male C57 mice by right unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (rUCCAO), leading to chronic brain injury. The mice underwent 40 Hz light flicker stimulation for 30 days after surgery. The results showed that 40 Hz light flicker treatment ameliorated memory deficits after rUCCAO and alleviated the damage to neurons in the frontal lobe and hippocampus. Light flicker administration at 40 Hz decreased IL-1β and TNF-α levels in the frontal lobe and hippocampus, but immunohistochemistry showed that it did not induce angiogenesis in mice with rUCCAO. Gene expression profiling revealed that the induction of genes was mainly enriched in inflammatory-related pathways. Our findings demonstrate that 40 Hz light flicker can suppress cognitive impairment caused by rUCCAO and that this effect may be involved in the attenuation of neuroinflammation.
Relationship between disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus and white matter tract integrity in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Lee Sunju , Lim Jae-Sung , Cheong E-nae , Lee Yoojin , Kim Jae Woo , Kim Ye Eun , Jo Sungyang , Kim Hyung-Ji , Shim Woo Hyun , Lee Jae-Hong
Published: December 2023

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients had altered white matter tract integrities on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Previous studies suggested disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) as a prognostic sign of NPH. We examined DTI indices in NPH subgroups by DESH severity and clinical symptoms. This retrospective case–control study included 33 NPH patients and 33 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls. The NPH grading scales (0–12) were used to rate neurological symptoms. Patients with NPH were categorized into two subgroups, high-DESH and low-DESH groups, by the average value of the DESH scale. DTI indices, including fractional anisotropy, were compared across 14 regions of interest (ROIs). The high-DESH group had increased axial diffusivity in the lateral side of corona radiata (1.43 ± 0.25 vs. 1.72 ± 0.25, p = 0.04), and showed decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean, and radial diffusivity in the anterior and lateral sides of corona radiata and the periventricular white matter surrounding the anterior horn of lateral ventricle. In patients with a high NPH grading scale, fractional anisotropy in the white matter surrounding the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle was significantly reduced (0.36 ± 0.08 vs. 0.26 ± 0.06, p = 0.03). These data show that DESH may be a biomarker for DTI-detected microstructural alterations and clinical symptom severity.
Periportal hepatocyte proliferation at midgestation governs maternal glucose homeostasis in mice
Authors: Kozuki Satoshi , Kabata Mio , Sakurai Satoko , Iwaisako Keiko , Nishimura Tomomi , Toi Masakazu , Yamamoto Takuya , Toyoshima Fumiko
Published: December 2023

The maternal liver is challenged by metabolic demands throughout pregnancy. However, hepatocyte dynamics and their physiological significance in pregnancy remain unclear. Here, we show in mice that hepatocyte proliferation is spatiotemporally regulated in each liver lobular zone during pregnancy, with transient proliferation of periportal and pericentral hepatocytes during mid and late gestation, respectively. Using adeno-associated virus (AAV)−8-mediated expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 in hepatocytes, we show that inhibition of hepatocyte proliferation during mid, but not late, gestation impairs liver growth. Transcriptionally, genes involved in glucose/glycogen metabolism are downregulated in late pregnancy when midgestational hepatocyte proliferation is attenuated. In addition, hepatic glycogen storage is abolished, with concomitant elevated blood glucose concentrations, glucose intolerance, placental glycogen deposition, and fetal overgrowth. Laser capture microdissection and RNA-seq analysis of each liver lobular zone show zone-specific changes in the transcriptome during pregnancy and identify genes that are periportally expressed at midgestation, including the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (Hmmr). Knockdown of Hmmr in hepatocytes by AAV8-shHmmr suppresses periportal hepatocyte proliferation at midgestation and induces impaired hepatic glycogen storage, glucose intolerance, placental glycogen deposition and fetal overgrowth. Our results suggest that periportal hepatocyte proliferation during midgestation is critical for maternal glycogen metabolism and fetal size.
Contrasting drivers of abundant phage and prokaryotic communities revealed in diverse coastal ecosystems
Authors: Weinheimer Alaina R , Aylward Frank O , Leray Matthieu , Scott Jarrod J
Published: December 2023

Phages (viruses of bacteria and archaea) are a ubiquitous top-down control on microbial communities by selectively infecting and killing cells. As obligate parasites, phages are inherently linked to processes that impact their hosts’ distribution and physiology, but phages can also be impacted by external, environmental factors, such as UV radiation degrading their virions. To better understand these complex links of phages to their hosts and the environment, we leverage the unique ecological context of the Isthmus of Panama, which narrowly disconnects the productive Tropical Eastern Pacific (EP) and nutrient-poor Tropical Western Atlantic (WA) provinces. We could thus compare patterns of phage and prokaryotic communities at both global scales (between oceans) and local-scales (between habitats within an ocean). Although both phage and prokaryotic communities differed sharply between the oceans, phage community composition did not significantly differ between mangroves and reefs of the WA, while prokaryotic communities were distinct. These results suggest phages are more shaped by dispersal processes than local conditions regardless of spatial scale, while prokaryotes tend to be shaped by local conditions at smaller spatial scales. Collectively, we provide a framework for addressing the co-variability between phages and prokaryotes in marine systems and identifying factors that drive consistent versus disparate trends in community shifts, essential to informing models of biogeochemical cycles that include these interactions.
Matrix community models for ecology and evolution
Authors: Lytle David A. , Tonkin Jonathan D.
Published: December 2023

Ecological communities are shaped by biotic interactions as well as environmental forces, and both must be incorporated to obtain models capable of forecasting realistic community dynamics. Many community models first specify pairwise biotic interactions and then secondarily examine how extrinsic factors such as abiotic conditions affect species abundances. A disadvantage of this approach is that the species interactions themselves are often environment and context specific, making parameterization difficult. We propose an alternative approach, matrix community models (MCMs), which are sets of matrix population models linked by an assumption of aggregate density dependence. MCMs incorporate detailed species autecology but are neutral with respect to pairwise species interactions, instead allowing interactions to be revealed within the model structure. These model-revealed species interactions, including competitive exclusion, facilitation, and interference competition, shape the distribution and abundance of species within communities and generate empirically testable predictions about species interactions. We develop a framework for building MCMs using vital rates in a stochastic, multispecies framework. Single-species matrix population models are connected via an assumption of aggregate density dependence, pairwise species interactions are estimated with sensitivity analysis, and community trajectories are analyzed under different environmental regimes using standard statistical tools and network analysis. MCMs have the advantage that pairwise species interactions need not be specified a priori, and that mechanistic demographic-environment linkages permit forecasting of community dynamics under novel, non-stationary environmental regimes. A challenge is that species’ autecological vital rates, such as fecundity, growth and survivorship, must be measured under a diverse range of environmental conditions to parameterize the models. We illustrate the approach with examples and discuss prospects for future theoretical and empirical developments.
Oxygen vacancy healing boosts the piezoelectricity of bone scaffolds
Authors: Qi Fangwei , Li Huixing , Gao Xiuwen , Wang Yifeng , Qian Hongyi , Li Wei , Liu Shuling , Zhou Huarui , Peng Shuping , Shuai Cijun
Published: December 2023

A self-powered stimulated scaffold was constructed by eliminating oxygen vacancies in BaTiO3 to enhance its piezoelectric performance, and the enhanced electrical output effectively accelerated cell proliferation and differentiation.
A universal strategy for green and surfactant-free synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles
Authors: Ge Xiaohang , Yuan Wei Yong , Guan Qinhe , Zhang Lian Ying
Published: December 2023

We develop a universal, green, and surfactant-free strategy to synthesize noble metal particles with high dispersity using gaseous H2 as a reducing agent in a solution at 60 °C. The prepared Pt particles show great catalytic performance in the ORR.
Cascade hydroarylation/Diels–Alder cycloaddition of alkynylindoles with electron-deficient alkynes and alkenes
Authors: Feng Guang-Chao , Li Jun-Chi , Huang Xiang , Liu Ji-Kai , Wu Bin , Yang Jin-Ming
Published: December 2023

A novel cascade gold(i)-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynylindoles and subsequent Diels–Alder cycloaddition with electron-deficient alkynes and alkenes is reported herein.
Hybrid density functional theory calculations for surface damaged phosphate products of laser irradiated KDP crystals
Authors: Li Yang , Lei Guodong , Li Xiangcao , Sun Shaotao , Zhao Xian , Zhang Lisong , Xu Mingxia , Liu Baoan , Sun Xun
Published: December 2023

Surface damage products cause more UV absorption and increase surface damage compared to KDP crystals.
Anion-exchange synthesis of an MnCo2S4 electrocatalyst towards facilitated ultralong hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline media
Authors: Ahmed Abu Talha Aqueel , Sekar Sankar , Khadtare Shubhangi S. , Rochman Nurul Taufiqu , Chinna Bathula , Ansari Abu Saad
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen (H2) is deemed one of the prominent energy solutions of the 21st century owing to the significant scientific and technological efforts devoted to the realization of a renewable carbon-free H2-based economy.
Fabrication of two 5-R-isophthalic acid-modulated Cu-based coordination polymers as urease inhibitors
Authors: Duan Wen-Long , Yan Ming-Yue , Yan Feng , Luan Jian
Published: December 2023

Two 5-R-isophthalic acid-modulated Cu-CPs were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The inhibitory activities of the two inhibitors were evaluated and their inhibitory mechanisms were elucidated using the molecular docking technique.
Effect of substituting donors on the hole mobility of hole transporting materials in perovskite solar cells: a DFT study
Authors: Rashid Md Al Mamunur , Min Sein , Namgoong Sung Keon , Jeong Keunhong
Published: December 2023

Several HTMs have been designed by adding various types of π-conjugation group on both sides of the planar core of reference HTM, resulting that charge transfer integral is the dominant factor which mainly influence the hole mobility.
How machine learning can extend electroanalytical measurements beyond analytical interpretation
Authors: Mistry Aashutosh , Johnson Ian D. , Cabana Jordi , Ingram Brian J. , Srinivasan Venkat
Published: December 2023

Machine learning can simultaneously infer multiple physics-consistent material properties from electroanalytical tests, as well as describe underlying field variations.
Solvent effects on extractant conformational energetics in liquid–liquid extraction: a simulation study of molecular solvents and ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Nayak Srikanth , Wilson Richard E. , Soderholm L. , Servis Michael J.
Published: December 2023

The ionic liquid promotes the reorganization of the extractant molecule into its metal-binding conformation by cationic/anionic nanodomains.
How microstructures, oxide layers, and charge transfer reactions influence double layer capacitances. Part 1: impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry to estimate electrochemically active surface areas (ECSAs)
Authors: Schalenbach Maximilian , Selmert Victor , Kretzschmar Ansgar , Raijmakers Luc , Durmus Yasin Emre , Tempel Hermann , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: December 2023

Varying the electrode potential rearranges the charges in the double layer (DL) of an electrochemical interface. Resistive contributions of the ion displacement cause a frequency-dependent capacitance.
Predicting the pair correlation functions of silicate and borosilicate glasses using machine learning
Authors: Ayush Kumar , Sahu Pooja , Ali Sk. Musharaf , Patra Tarak K.
Published: December 2023

We report a machine learning method for predicting the atom pair correlation functions of a class of glassy materials.
Designing bifunctional catalysts for urea electrolysis: progress and perspectives
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Wei Wei , Shon Ho Kyong , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: December 2023

Bifunctional catalysts for urea electrolysis-driven energy saving hydrogen production.
Multi-level magnetic microrobot delivery strategy within a hierarchical vascularized organ-on-a-chip
Authors: Lu Kangyi , Zhou Chenyang , Li Zhangjie , Liu Yijun , Wang Feifan , Xuan Lian , Wang Xiaolin
Published: December 2023

We present a multi-level magnetic delivery strategy for robust and highly-efficient transportation of microrobots within the hierarchical vascularized organ-on-a-chip system.
Eco-friendly one-shot approach for producing a functionalized nano-torrefied biomass: a new application of ball milling technology
Authors: Kiani Aida , Lamberti Elena , Viscusi Gianluca , Giudicianni Paola , Grottola Corinna Maria , Ragucci Raffaele , Gorrasi Giuliana , Acocella Maria Rosaria
Published: December 2023

A green and sustainable functionalization of the solid residue from populous nigra treated at low temperature (T = 285 °C) with a mechanochemical approach is reported here. In a one-step procedure, the carbon material is nanometrically reduced and is functionalized via cation exchange.
Synthesis of novel rapanone derivatives via organocatalytic reductive C-alkylation: biological evaluation of antioxidant properties, in vivo zebrafish embryo toxicity, and docking studies
Authors: Mariyappan Vaithiyalingam , Munuswamy-Ramanujam Ganesh , Ramasamy Mohankumar
Published: December 2023

The synthesis of novel rapanone derivatives via organocatalytic reductive C-alkylation, their biological evaluation of antioxidant properties and in vivo zebrafish embryo zero toxicity, and their molecular docking studies binding interactions are crucial for the biological potential.
Discovery of dual-action phenolic 4-arylidene-isoquinolinones with antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition activities
Authors: Hernández-Vázquez Eduardo , Martínez-Caballero Siseth , Aldana-Torres Diana , Estrada-Soto Samuel , Nieto-Camacho Antonio
Published: December 2023

A series of phenolic isoquinolinones with dual action (antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition) is shown for the first time.In vivoassays also demonstrate the reduction of blood glucose after administration of sucrose.
Multifunctional polymer-based nanocomposites for synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of mixed pollutants in water
Authors: Wang Jiao , Licciardello Nadia , Sgarzi Massimo , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: December 2023

Independently of the order of addition, the nanocomposite could adsorb basic fuchsin (BF) and photodegrade ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible-light irradiation. The multifunctional properties were proved as well in the co-presence of BF and CIP.
Role of defects and exposed graphene in carbon nanomaterial-based electrocatalysts
Authors: Chusuei Charles C. , Nepal Ram Chandra
Published: December 2023

Current variance depends upon the differing degrees of graphene defect densities and redox voltage of the analyte for various carbon nanomaterials serving as electrocatalysts.
A de novo synthesis of the bisindole alkaloid geissolosimine: collective synthesis of geissoschizoline, akuammicine, (16S)-deshydroxymethylstemmadenine and Aspidospermatan alkaloids
Authors: Yan Jiahang , Zhen Yanxia , Wang Pengyan , Han Yimeng , Zou Huanhuan , Chen Junhan , He Weigang , Xie Weiqing
Published: December 2023

Collective synthesis of geissolosimine, geissoschizoline, akuammicine, (16S)-deshydroxymethylstemmadenine and Aspidospermatan alkaloids was achieved based on a catalytic asymmetric double Michael addition.
Using pyrrolizine-fused bipolar PAHs as a new strategy towards efficient red and NIR emissive dyes
Authors: Bartkowski Krzysztof , Gupta Abhishek Kumar , Matulaitis Tomas , Morawiak Maja , Zysman-Colman Eli , Lindner Marcin
Published: December 2023

We report the synthesis and characterization of the first pyrrolizine-embedded PAH systems which exhibited red and NIR emission in solution and solid-state.
Study on the effect of an ultrasound assisted reaction on the crystallization properties of recovered cryolite
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Mao Song
Published: December 2023

In the treatment process of electrolytic aluminum spent cathode carbon, a large amount of fluorine-containing wastewater will be produced. By adding different agents, cryolite was recovered under different reaction conditions.
Gilman reagent toward the synthesis of natural products
Authors: Munir Ramsha , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Nazeer Usman , Saeed Muhammad Athar , Mansha Asim , Irfan Ahmad , Tariq Muhammad Umair
Published: December 2023

Gilman reagent (R2CuLi) is a well-established reagent, having exceptional synthetic profile for the total synthesis of both abundant and scarce medicinally significant natural products.
Revolutionizing biomedicine: advancements, applications, and prospects of nanocomposite macromolecular carbohydrate-based hydrogel biomaterials: a review
Authors: Alshangiti Dalal Mohamed , El-damhougy Tasneam K. , Zaher Ahmed , Madani Mohamed , Mohamady ghobashy Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Nanocomposite hydrogel biomaterials represent an exciting frontier in biomedicine, offering solutions to longstanding challenges.
Insights into the use of two novel supramolecular compounds as corrosion inhibitors for stainless steel in a chloride environment: experimental as well as theoretical investigation
Authors: Fouda A. S. , Etaiw S. E. H. , Ibrahim A. M. , El-Hossiany A. A.
Published: December 2023

Novel supramolecular (SCPs) compounds such as SCP1 and SCP2 have been studied using WL, PDP and EIS tests on the corrosion performance of SS304 in 1.0 M HCl solution.
Ultra-thin carbon layer encapsulated NiCoP coralline-like catalysts for efficient overall water electrolysis
Authors: Liu Haobo , Zhang Yuqi , Li Jiancheng , Ge Riyue , Cairney Julie M. , Zheng Rongkun , Li Sean , Liu Bin , Dai Liming , Liao Ting , Li Wenxian
Published: December 2023

Carbon encapsulation and coralline-like structures improve the electronic structures and number of active sites, respectively. Surface activation promotes the synergy between NiCoP and M–OH to optimize adsorption/desorption abilities for intermediates.
A donor–acceptor hydrogen-bonded organic framework with the turn-on fluorescence response of phenethylamine (drug analogue) via single-crystal to single-crystal transformation
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Dan Wenyan , Yan Bing
Published: December 2023

A water-stable hydrogen-bonded organic framework (TPPA-TMA) material has been constructed which can act as the first example of a HOF-implicated turn-on sensor for phenylethylamine via single-crystal to single-crystal transformation.
VO2 phase change electrodes in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Castro-Pardo Samuel , Puthirath Anand B. , Fan Shaoxun , Saju Sreehari , Yang Guang , Nanda Jagjit , Vajtai Robert , Tang Ming , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: December 2023

The transition of VO2 from the monoclinic phase to the rutile phase (MIT) showed higher thermal stability and increased electrochemical activity, opening up the possibility of its use as active material in batteries with high-temperature operability.
Integrated metabolomics revealed the photothermal therapy of melanoma by Mo2C nanosheets: toward rehabilitated homeostasis in metabolome combined lipidome
Authors: Zhang Dingkun , Wang Ming , Li Yijin , Liang Ge , Zheng Wen , Gui Luolan , Li Xin , Zhang Lu , Zeng Wenjuan , Yang Yin , Zeng Yu , Huang Zhe , Fan Rong , Lu Yang , Guan Junwen , Li Tao , Cheng Jingqiu , Yang Hao , Chen Ligang , Zhou Jie , Gong Meng
Published: December 2023

In this work, Mo2C nanosheet-based photothermal therapy toward melanoma was investigated through integrated metabolomics in the mice model.
Tuning the electronic and optical properties of hg-C3N4 quantum dots with edge-functionalization: a computational perspective
Authors: Dange Khushboo , Roondhe Vaishali , Shukla Alok
Published: December 2023

This study demonstrates the tuning of the vibrational, electronic, and optical properties of hg-C3N4 quantum dots with edge-functionalization using density functional theory with the aim of exploring their possible applications in optoelectronics.
High-performance sol–gel processed a-IGZO TFTs with low-melting point metal electrodes
Authors: He Han , Huang Hao , Peng Chuan , Liu Guanshun , Liu Jiajie , Duan Sili , Zou Bingsuo , Wan Da
Published: December 2023

Using low-melting point metals (In, Ga) as contact electrodes significantly enhances the performance of sol–gel processed a-IGZO TFTs.
Der Einfluss von Vitaminen auf das Darmmikrobiom
Authors: Sadabad Mehdi Sadaghian , Steinert Robert E. , Péter Szabolcs
Published: December 2023

Das Darmmikrobiom ist ein komplexes Ökosystem von Mikroorganismen, das
sich besonders im unteren Magen-Darm-Trakt befindet. Es besteht aus Bakterien,
Viren, Protozoen und Pilzen und ist für die menschliche Gesundheit und
das Wohlbefinden von entscheidender Bedeutung. Faktoren wie Gene, Alter, Umwelt
und die Ernährung beeinflussen die Zusammensetzung des Mikrobioms. Neue
Daten zeigen, dass auch Vitamine hier eine förderliche Rolle
spielen.