bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transparent and flexible photocatalytic film comprising organophosphonate-modified polysilsesquioxane-anchored titanium dioxide: hydroxy group ratio and organic substituent on phosphorous atoms
Authors: Kajiyama Miyu , Sato Yohei , Okada Takumi , Motomura Haruka , Ando Shiro , Suzuki Tomonori , Yamamoto Kazuki , Hayami Ryohei , Gunji Takahiro
Published: June 2023

Transparent and flexible photocatalytic films have attracted considerable attention in recent years. We previously prepared a film with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and an anchor layer of phenylphosphonate-modified polysilsesquioxane (PhPPS-low), which had a phosphonate group and a phenyl substituent; this film exhibited transparency and flexibility. In this study, we reported the differences in the hydroxy group ratio on the phosphorous atoms and the presence or absence of phenylene moieties. Three organophosphonate-modified polysilsesquioxanes (APPS-low, APPS-high, and PhPPS-high) were synthesized. All photocatalytic films using APPS-high, APPS-low, and PhPPS-high exhibited photodegradation of methylene blue and photocatalytic bactericidal effects on Escherichia coli, and hydroxyl radical generation was confirmed. In particular, the photocatalytic film with PhPPS-high showed the highest photocatalytic ability.
Direct notification by health professionals of relatives at-risk of genetic conditions (with patient consent): views of the Australian public
Authors: Tiller Jane M. , Stott Ami , Finlay Keri , Boughtwood Tiffany , Madelli Evanthia O. , Horton Ari , Winship Ingrid , Nowak Kristen , Otlowski Margaret
Published: June 2023

Genetic risk information for medically actionable conditions has relevance for patients’ blood relatives. However, cascade testing uptake in at-risk families is <50%, and the burden of contacting relatives is a significant barrier to dissemination of risk information. Health professionals (HPs) could notify at-risk relatives directly, with patients’ consent. This practice is supported by international literature, including strong public support. However, there is little exploration of the Australian public’s views about this issue. We surveyed Australian adults using a consumer research company. Respondents were provided a hypothetical scenario and asked about views and preferences regarding direct contact by HPs. 1030 members of the public responded, with median age 45 y and 51% female. The majority would want to be told about genetic risk for conditions that can be prevented/treated early (85%) and contacted directly by a HP (68%). Most preferred a letter that included specific information about the genetic condition in the family (67%) and had no privacy concerns about HPs sending a letter using contact details provided by a relative (85%). A minority (< 5%) had significant privacy concerns, mostly about use of personal contact information. Concerns included ensuring information was not shared with third parties. Almost 50% would prefer that a family member contacted them before the letter was sent, while about half did not prefer this or were unsure. The Australian public supports (and prefers) direct notification of relatives at risk of medically actionable genetic conditions. Guidelines would assist with clarifying clinicians’ discretion in this area.
Giant optomechanical spring effect in plasmonic nano- and picocavities probed by surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Jakob Lukas A. , Deacon William M. , Zhang Yuan , de Nijs Bart , Pavlenko Elena , Hu Shu , Carnegie Cloudy , Neuman Tomas , Esteban Ruben , Aizpurua Javier , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: June 2023

Molecular vibrations couple to visible light only weakly, have small mutual interactions, and hence are often ignored for non-linear optics. Here we show the extreme confinement provided by plasmonic nano- and pico-cavities can sufficiently enhance optomechanical coupling so that intense laser illumination drastically softens the molecular bonds. This optomechanical pumping regime produces strong distortions of the Raman vibrational spectrum related to giant vibrational frequency shifts from an optical spring effect which is hundred-fold larger than in traditional cavities. The theoretical simulations accounting for the multimodal nanocavity response and near-field-induced collective phonon interactions are consistent with the experimentally-observed non-linear behavior exhibited in the Raman spectra of nanoparticle-on-mirror constructs illuminated by ultrafast laser pulses. Further, we show indications that plasmonic picocavities allow us to access the optical spring effect in single molecules with continuous illumination. Driving the collective phonon in the nanocavity paves the way to control reversible bond softening, as well as irreversible chemistry.
Evaluation of therapeutic PD-1 antibodies by an advanced single-molecule imaging system detecting human PD-1 microclusters
Authors: Nishi Wataru , Wakamatsu Ei , Machiyama Hiroaki , Matsushima Ryohei , Saito Kensho , Yoshida Yosuke , Nishikawa Tetsushi , Takehara Tomohiro , Toyota Hiroko , Furuhata Masae , Nishijima Hitoshi , Takeuchi Arata , Azuma Miyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Yokosuka Tadashi
Published: June 2023

With recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), immunotherapy has become the standard treatment for various malignant tumors. Their indications and dosages have been determined empirically, taking individually conducted clinical trials into consideration, but without a standard method to evaluate them. Here we establish an advanced imaging system to visualize human PD-1 microclusters, in which a minimal T cell receptor (TCR) signaling unit co-localizes with the inhibitory co-receptor PD-1 in vitro. In these microclusters PD-1 dephosphorylates both the TCR/CD3 complex and its downstream signaling molecules via the recruitment of a phosphatase, SHP2, upon stimulation with the ligand hPD-L1. In this system, blocking antibodies for hPD-1-hPD-L1 binding inhibits hPD-1 microcluster formation, and each therapeutic antibody (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, durvalumab and atezolizumab) is characterized by a proprietary optimal concentration and combinatorial efficiency enhancement. We propose that our imaging system could digitally evaluate PD-1-mediated T cell suppression to evaluate their clinical usefulness and to develop the most suitable combinations among ICIs or between ICIs and conventional cancer treatments.
Reversibly growing crosslinked polymers with programmable sizes and properties
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhuang , Zheng Yijun , Zhang Haohui , Yang Li , Cui Yubo , Krishnan Baiju P. , Dong Shihua , Aizenberg Michael , Xiong Xinhong , Hu Yuhang , Aizenberg Joanna , Cui Jiaxi
Published: June 2023

Growth constitutes a powerful method to post-modulate materials’ structures and functions without compromising their mechanical performance for sustainable use, but the process is irreversible. To address this issue, we here report a growing-degrowing strategy that enables thermosetting materials to either absorb or release components for continuously changing their sizes, shapes, compositions, and a set of properties simultaneously. The strategy is based on the monomer-polymer equilibrium of networks in which supplying or removing small polymerizable components would drive the networks toward expansion or contraction. Using acid-catalyzed equilibration of siloxane as an example, we demonstrate that the size and mechanical properties of the resulting silicone materials can be significantly or finely tuned in both directions of growth and decomposition. The equilibration can be turned off to yield stable products or reactivated again. During the degrowing-growing circle, material structures are selectively varied either uniformly or heterogeneously, by the availability of fillers. Our strategy endows the materials with many appealing capabilities including environment adaptivity, self-healing, and switchability of surface morphologies, shapes, and optical properties. Since monomer-polymer equilibration exists in many polymers, we envision the expansion of the presented strategy to various systems for many applications.
Refractive plasma optics for relativistic laser beams
Authors: Seemann Omri , Wan Yang , Tata Sheroy , Kroupp Eyal , Malka Victor
Published: June 2023

The high intensities reached today by powerful lasers enable us to explore the interaction with matter in the relativistic regime, unveiling a fertile domain of modern science that is pushing far away the frontiers of plasma physics. In this context, refractive-plasma optics are being utilized in well established wave guiding schemes in laser plasma accelerators. However, their use for spatial phase control of the laser beam has never been successfully implemented, partly due to the complication in manufacturing such optics. We here demonstrate this concept which enables phase manipulation near the focus position, where the intensity is already relativistic. Offering such flexible control, high-intensity high-density interaction is becoming accessible, allowing for example, to produce multiple energetic electron beams with high pointing stability and reproducibility. Cancelling the refractive effect with adaptive mirrors at the far field confirms this concept and furthermore improves the coupling of the laser to the plasma in comparison to the null test case, with potential benefits in dense-target applications.
The monoaminergic system is a bilaterian innovation
Authors: Goulty Matthew , Botton-Amiot Gaelle , Rosato Ezio , Sprecher Simon G. , Feuda Roberto
Published: June 2023

Monoamines like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline/noradrenaline (epinephrine/norepinephrine) act as neuromodulators in the nervous system. They play a role in complex behaviours, cognitive functions such as learning and memory formation, as well as fundamental homeostatic processes such as sleep and feeding. However, the evolutionary origin of the genes required for monoaminergic modulation is uncertain. Using a phylogenomic approach, in this study, we show that most of the genes involved in monoamine production, modulation, and reception originated in the bilaterian stem group. This suggests that the monoaminergic system is a bilaterian novelty and that its evolution may have contributed to the Cambrian diversification.
Eye accommodation-inspired neuro-metasurface focusing
Authors: Lu Huan , Zhao Jiwei , Zheng Bin , Qian Chao , Cai Tong , Li Erping , Chen Hongsheng
Published: June 2023

The human eye, which relies on a flexible and controllable lens to focus light onto the retina, has inspired many scientific researchers to understand better and imitate the biological vision system. However, real-time environmental adaptability presents an enormous challenge for artificial eye-like focusing systems. Inspired by the mechanism of eye accommodation, we propose a supervised-evolving learning algorithm and design a neuro-metasurface focusing system. Driven by on-site learning, the system exhibits a rapid response to ever-changing incident waves and surrounding environments without any human intervention. Adaptive focusing is achieved in several scenarios with multiple incident wave sources and scattering obstacles. Our work demonstrates the unprecedented potential for real-time, fast, and complex electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation for various purposes, such as achromatic, beam shaping, 6 G communication, and intelligent imaging.
ISG-2: properties of the second International Simple Glass
Authors: Ryan Joseph V. , Smith Nicholas J. , Neeway James J. , Reiser Joelle T. , Parruzot Benjamin , Tietje Steve , Bakowska Elzbieta , Crum Jarrod V. , Schaut Robert A.
Published: June 2023

Given the importance of glass materials to society, their durability when exposed to aqueous solutions is a critical area for research, particularly for vitrified radioactive wastes. This spurred an international team to fabricate a standardized composition based on waste immobilization glass called the International Simple Glass (ISG), which has been the subject of numerous experimental and computational studies focused on aqueous corrosion resistance.

With the original batch of ISG nearly depleted, the international team designed and fabricated a standard glass material, ISG-2, where half the Ca in the original composition was replaced with Mg by mole. This paper presents information on both the ISG-2 composition and a new batch with the same nominal composition as the original ISG, designated ISG-1, including their homogeneity, their physical and thermal properties. The results of static alteration experiments are presented as well to provide a baseline for future aqueous corrosion performance investigations.
A mosquito AgTRIO mRNA vaccine contributes to immunity against malaria
Authors: Chuang Yu-Min , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Abouneameh Selma , Raduwan Hamidah , Ledizet Michel , Weissman Drew , Fikrig Erol
Published: June 2023

Malaria begins when an infected mosquito injects saliva containing Plasmodium sporozoites into the skin of a vertebrate host. To prevent malaria, vaccination is the most effective strategy and there is an urgent need for new strategies to enhance current pathogen-based vaccines. Active or passive immunization against a mosquito saliva protein, AgTRIO, contributes to protection against Plasmodium infection of mice. In this study, we generated an AgTRIO mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and assessed its potential usefulness as a vaccine against malaria. Immunization of mice with an AgTRIO mRNA-LNP generated a robust humoral response, including AgTRIO IgG2a isotype antibodies that have been associated with protection. AgTRIO mRNA-LNP immunized mice exposed to Plasmodium berghei-infected mosquitoes had markedly reduced initial Plasmodium hepatic infection levels and increased survival compared to control mice. In addition, as the humoral response to AgTRIO waned over 6 months, additional mosquito bites boosted the AgTRIO IgG titers, including IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes, which offers a unique advantage compared to pathogen-based vaccines. These data will aid in the generation of future malaria vaccines that may include both pathogen and vector antigens.
A 100-member ensemble simulations of global historical (1951–2010) wave heights
Authors: Casas-Prat Mercè , Wang Xiaolan L. , Mori Nobuhito , Feng Yang , Chan Rodney , Shimura Tomoya
Published: June 2023

The d4PDF-WaveHs dataset represents the first single model initial-condition large ensemble of historical significant ocean wave height (Hs) at a global scale. It was produced using an advanced statistical model with predictors derived from Japan’s d4PDF ensemble of historical simulations of sea level pressure. d4PDF-WaveHs provides 100 realizations ofHsfor the period 1951–2010 (hence 6,000 years of data) on a 1° × 1° lat.-long. grid. Technical comparison of model skill against modern reanalysis and other historical wave datasets was undertaken at global and regional scales. d4PDF-WaveHs provides unique data to understand better the poorly known role of internal climate variability in ocean wave climate, which can be used to estimate better trend signals. It also provides a better sampling of extreme events. Overall, this is crucial to properly assess wave-driven impacts, such as extreme sea levels on low-lying populated coastal areas. This dataset may be of interest to a variety of researchers, engineers and stakeholders in the fields of climate science, oceanography, coastal management, offshore engineering, and energy resource development.
Surface electromyogram, kinematic, and kinetic dataset of lower limb walking for movement intent recognition
Authors: Wei Wenhao , Tan Fangning , Zhang Hang , Mao He , Fu Menglong , Samuel Oluwarotimi Williams , Li Guanglin
Published: June 2023

Surface electromyogram (sEMG) offers a rich set of motor information for decoding limb motion intention that serves as a control input to Intelligent human-machine synergy systems (IHMSS). Despite growing interest in IHMSS, the current publicly available datasets are limited and can hardly meet the growing demands of researchers. This study presents a novel lower limb motion dataset (designated as SIAT-LLMD), comprising sEMG, kinematic, and kinetic data with corresponding labels acquired from 40 healthy humans during 16 movements. The kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a motion capture system and six-dimensional force platforms and processed using OpenSim software. The sEMG data were recorded using nine wireless sensors placed on the subjects’ thigh and calf muscles on the left limb. Besides, SIAT-LLMD provides labels to classify the different movements and different gait phases. Analysis of the dataset verified the synchronization and reproducibility, and codes for effective data processing are provided. The proposed dataset can serve as a new resource for exploring novel algorithms and models for characterizing lower limb movements.
Phase holograms for the three-dimensional patterning of unconstrained microparticles
Authors: Ghanem Mohamed A. , Maxwell Adam D. , Dalecki Diane , Sapozhnikov Oleg A. , Bailey Michael R.
Published: June 2023

Acoustic radiation forces can remotely manipulate particles. Forces from a standing wave field align microscale particles along the nodal or anti-nodal locations of the field to form three-dimensional (3D) patterns. These patterns can be used to form 3D microstructures for tissue engineering applications. However, standing wave generation requires more than one transducer or a reflector, which is challenging to implement in vivo. Here, a method is developed and validated to manipulate microspheres using a travelling wave from a single transducer. Diffraction theory and an iterative angular spectrum approach are employed to design phase holograms to shape the acoustic field. The field replicates a standing wave and aligns polyethylene microspheres in water, which are analogous to cells in vivo, at pressure nodes. Using Gor’kov potential to calculate the radiation forces on the microspheres, axial forces are minimized, and transverse forces are maximized to create stable particle patterns. Pressure fields from the phase holograms and resulting particle aggregation patterns match predictions with a feature similarity index > 0.92, where 1 is a perfect match. The resulting radiation forces are comparable to those produced from a standing wave, which suggests opportunities for in vivo implementation of cell patterning toward tissue engineering applications.
An interaction-based drug discovery screen explains known SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors and predicts new compound scaffolds
Authors: Schake Philipp , Dishnica Klevia , Kaiser Florian , Leberecht Christoph , Haupt V. Joachim , Schroeder Michael
Published: June 2023

The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown the necessity for fast and broad drug discovery methods to enable us to react quickly to novel and highly infectious diseases. A well-known SARS-CoV-2 target is the viral main 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (Mpro), known to control coronavirus replication, which is essential for the viral life cycle. Here, we applied an interaction-based drug repositioning algorithm on all protein-compound complexes available in the protein database (PDB) to identify Mpro inhibitors and potential novel compound scaffolds against SARS-CoV-2. The screen revealed a heterogeneous set of 692 potential Mpro inhibitors containing known ones such as Dasatinib, Amodiaquine, and Flavin mononucleotide, as well as so far untested chemical scaffolds. In a follow-up evaluation, we used publicly available data published almost two years after the screen to validate our results. In total, we are able to validate 17% of the top 100 predictions with publicly available data and can furthermore show that predicted compounds do cover scaffolds that are yet not associated with Mpro. Finally, we detected a potentially important binding pattern consisting of 3 hydrogen bonds with hydrogen donors of an oxyanion hole within the active side of Mpro. Overall, these results give hope that we will be better prepared for future pandemics and that drug development will become more efficient in the upcoming years.
Molecular basis for the recognition of 24-(S)-hydroxycholesterol by integrin αvβ3
Authors: Gc Jeevan B. , Chen Justin , Pokharel Swechha M. , Mohanty Indira , Mariasoosai Charles , Obi Peter , Panipinto Paul , Bandyopadhyay Smarajit , Bose Santanu , Natesan Senthil
Published: June 2023

A growing body of evidence suggests that oxysterols such as 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) are biologically active and involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Our previous study demonstrated that 25HC induces an innate immune response during viral infections by activating the integrin-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway. 25HC produced the proinflammatory response by binding directly to integrins at a novel binding site (site II) and triggering the production of proinflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). 24-(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24HC), a structural isomer of 25HC, plays a critical role in cholesterol homeostasis in the human brain and is implicated in multiple inflammatory conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, whether 24HC can induce a proinflammatory response like 25HC in non-neuronal cells has not been studied and remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether 24HC produces such an immune response using in silico and in vitro experiments. Our results indicate that despite being a structural isomer of 25HC, 24HC binds at site II in a distinct binding mode, engages in varied residue interactions, and produces significant conformational changes in the specificity-determining loop (SDL). In addition, our surface plasmon resonance (SPR) study reveals that 24HC could directly bind to integrin αvβ3, with a binding affinity three-fold lower than 25HC. Furthermore, our in vitro studies with macrophages support the involvement of FAK and NFκB signaling pathways in triggering 24HC-mediated production of TNF. Thus, we have identified 24HC as another oxysterol that binds to integrin αvβ3 and promotes a proinflammatory response via the integrin-FAK-NFκB pathway.
Synthesis, structural characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of new mononuclear mixed ligand complexes based on furfural-type imine ligand, and 2,2′-bipyridine
Authors: Ismail Basma A. , Abd El-Wahab Zeinab H. , Ali Omyma A. M. , Nassar Doaa A.
Published: June 2023

The present investigation goal was to investigate the chemistry of four new mononuclear mixed ligand Fe(III), Co(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) complexes constructed from furfural-type imine ligand (L), and the co ligand 2,2′-bipyridine in addition to assessing their antimicrobial activity against some bacterial, and fungi strains. The structure of the complexes was interpreted by different spectroscopic techniques such as MS, IR, 1H NMR, UV–Vis, elemental analysis, TG-DTG, conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The correlation of all results revealed that ligand (L) acts as a neutral ONNO tetradentate whereas the co ligand acts as a neutral NN bidentate. The coordination of the ligands with the metal ions in a molar ratio of 1:1:1 leads to formation of an octahedral geometry around the metal ions. The octahedral geometry has been validated and optimized by DFT analysis. Conductivity data showed the electrolytic nature of all complexes. The thermal stability of all complexes was deduced in addition to evaluating some thermodynamic, and kinetic parameters using Coats–Redfern method. Furthermore, all complexes in comparison to their parent ligands were tested for their biological potency against some pathogenic bacterial, and fungi strains using the paper disk diffusion method. [CdL(bpy)](NO3)2 complex revealed the highest antimicrobial activity.
The protein and miRNA profile of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) can distinguish feline mammary adenocarcinoma patients from healthy feline controls
Authors: Howard Jane , Browne John , Bollard Stephanie , Peters Susan , Sweeney Ciara , Wynne Kieran , Potter Shirley , McCann Amanda , Kelly Pamela
Published: June 2023

Feline mammary adenocarcinomas (FMA) are aggressive tumours with metastatic capability and limited treatment options. This study aims to investigate whether miRNAs associated with FMA tumours are secreted in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and whether they can potentially be used as a cancer biomarker in EVs from feline plasma. Tumours and matched tumour free margins from 10 felines with FMA were selected. Following a detailed literature search, RT-qPCR analyses of 90 miRNAs identified 8 miRNAs of interest for further investigation. Tumour tissue, margins and plasma were subsequently collected from a further 10 felines with FMA. EVs were isolated from the plasma. RT-qPCR expression analyses of the 8 miRNAs of interest were carried out in tumour tissue, margins, FMA EVs and control EVs. Additionally, proteomic analysis of both control and FMA plasma derived EVs was undertaken. RT-qPCR revealed significantly increased miR-20a and miR-15b in tumours compared to margins. A significant decrease in miR-15b and miR-20a was detected in EVs from FMAs compared to healthy feline EVs. The proteomic content of EVs distinguished FMAs from controls, with the protein targets of miR-20a and miR-15b also displaying lower levels in the EVs from patients with FMA. This study has demonstrated that miRNAs are readily detectable in both the tissue and plasma derived EVs from patients with FMA. These miRNAs and their protein targets are a detectable panel of markers in circulating plasma EVs that may inform future diagnostic tests for FMA in a non-invasive manner. Moreover, the clinical relevance of miR-20a and miR-15b warrants further investigation.
Effect of situation similarity on younger and older adults’ episodic simulation of helping behaviours
Authors: Ryan A. Dawn , Smitko Ronald , Campbell Karen L.
Published: June 2023

Similar cognitive processes enable us to remember the past (i.e., episodic memory) and simulate future events (i.e., episodic simulation). In the current study, we demonstrate an important role for previous experience when younger and older adults simulate future behaviours. Participants read short descriptions of a person in need of help in scenarios that were more familiar to either younger or older adults (e.g., dealing with dating apps vs writing a cheque). Participants either imagined helping the person or thought about the style of the story (control task), and then rated their willingness to help, scene vividness, emotional concern, and subjective use of theory of mind. Hierarchical mixed effect modelling revealed that both episodic simulation and one’s previous experience increased willingness to help, in that participants were more willing to help if they imagined helping and the situation was more familiar to them. Further, in simulated scenarios the relationship between previous experience and willingness to help was mediated by scene vividness and perspective-taking in younger adults, but only by perspective-taking in older adults. Taken together, these findings suggest that situation similarity and episodic simulation increase willingness to help, possibly via different mechanisms in younger and older adults.
Assessing falls in the elderly population using G-STRIDE foot-mounted inertial sensor
Authors: Álvarez Marta Neira , Ruiz Antonio R. Jiménez , Neira Guillermo García-Villamil , Huertas-Hoyas Elisabet , Cerda Maria Teresa Espinoza , Delgado Laura Pérez , Robles Elena Reina , del-Ama Antonio J. , Ruiz-Ruiz Luisa , García-de-Villa Sara , Rodriguez-Sanchez Cristina
Published: June 2023

Falls are one of the main concerns in the elderly population due to their high prevalence and associated consequences. Guidelines for the management of the elder with falls are comprised of multidimensional assessments, especially gait and balance. Daily clinical practice needs for timely, effortless, and precise tools to assess gait. This work presents the clinical validation of the G-STRIDE system, a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) with onboard processing algorithms, that allows the calculation of walking-related metrics correlated with clinical markers of fall risk. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted with 163 participants (falls and non-falls groups). All volunteers were assessed with clinical scales and conducted a 15-min walking test at a self-selected pace while wearing the G-STRIDE. G-STRIDE is a low-cost solution to facilitate the transfer to society and clinical evaluations. It is open hardware and flexible and, thus, has the advantage of providing runtime data processing. Walking descriptors were derived from the device, and a correlation analysis was conducted between walking and clinical variables. G-STRIDE allowed measuring walking parameters in non-restricted walking conditions (e.g. hallway). Walking parameters statistically discriminate between falls and non-falls groups. We found good/excellent estimation accuracy (ICC = 0.885; $$p<0.000$$

p
<
0.000

) for walking speed, showing good/excellent correlation between gait speed and several clinical variables. G-STRIDE can calculate walking-related metrics that allow for discrimination between falls and non-falls groups, which correlates with clinical indicators of fall risk. A preliminary fall-risk assessment based on the walking parameters was found to improve the Timed Up and Go test in the identification of fallers.
Hyperglycemia-activated 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 increases endoplasmic reticulum stress and skin barrier dysfunction
Authors: Lee Young Bin , Hwang Hyun Jee , Kim Eunjung , Lim Sung Ha , Chung Choon Hee , Choi Eung Ho
Published: June 2023

The diabetes mellitus (DM) skin shows skin barrier dysfunction and skin lipid abnormality, similar to conditions induced by systemic or local glucocorticoid excess and aged skin. Inactive glucocorticoid (GC) is converted into active glucocorticoid by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). Hyperglycemia in DM and excessive GC are known to increase endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia affects systemic GC homeostasis and that the action of skin 11β-HSD1 and GC contributes to increased ER stress and barrier defects in DM. We compared 11β-HSD1, active GC, and ER stress between hyperglycemic and normoglycemic conditions in normal human keratinocytes and db/db mice. 11β-HSD1 and cortisol increased with time in keratinocyte culture under hyperglycemic conditions. 11β-HSD1 siRNA-transfected cells did not induce cortisol elevation in hyperglycemic condition. The production of 11β-HSD1 and cortisol was suppressed in cell culture treated with an ER stress-inhibitor. The 14-week-old db/db mice showed higher stratum corneum (SC) corticosterone, and skin 11β-HSD1 levels than 8-week-old db/db mice. Topical 11β-HSD1 inhibitor application in db/db mice decreased SC corticosterone levels and improved skin barrier function. Hyperglycemia in DM may affect systemic GC homeostasis, activate skin 11β-HSD1, and induce local GC excess, which increases ER stress and adversely affects skin barrier function.
Assessment of gastric pouch blood supply with indocyanine green fluorescence in conversional and revisional bariatric surgery: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Mongelli Francesco , Garofalo Fabio , Giacopelli Pietro , Munini Martino , Volontè Francesco , Marengo Michele
Published: June 2023

Our study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography during conversional or revisional bariatric surgery. We prospectively enrolled all patients scheduled for reoperative bariatric surgery with gastric pouch resizing and ICG assessment and we compared them with a retrospective series of similar patients who did not receive ICG. The primary outcome was the rate of intraoperative change in the surgical strategy due to the ICG test. We included 32 prospective patients receiving intraoperatively an ICG perfusion test and 48 propensity score-matched controls. The mean age was 50.7 ± 9.7 years, 67 (83.7%) patients were female, and the mean BMI was 36.8 ± 5.3 kg/m2. The patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The ICG angiography was successfully conducted in all patients, and no change of the surgical strategy was necessary. Postoperative complications were similar in both groups (6.2% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.846), as well as operative time (125 ± 43 vs. 133 ± 47 min, p = 0.454) and length of hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.3 ± 2.2 days, p = 0.213). Our study suggested that ICG fluorescence angiography might not have been useful for assessing the blood supply of the gastric pouch in patients who underwent reoperative bariatric surgery. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the application of this technique is indicated.
Synergistic antibacterial effect of copper and silver nanoparticles and their mechanism of action
Authors: Vasiliev Grigory , Kubo Anna-Liisa , Vija Heiki , Kahru Anne , Bondar Denys , Karpichev Yevgen , Bondarenko Olesja
Published: June 2023

Bacterial infections are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the case of topical bacterial infections such as wound infections, silver (Ag) has historically been one of the most widely used antibacterials. However, scientific publications have demonstrated the adverse effects of silver on human cells, ecotoxicity and insufficient antibacterial effect for the complete elimination of bacterial infections. The use of Ag in the form of nanoparticles (NPs, 1–100 nm) allows to control the release of antibacterial Ag ions but is still not sufficient to eliminate infection and avoid cytotoxicity. In this study, we tested the potency of differently functionalized copper oxide (CuO) NPs to enhance the antibacterial properties of Ag NPs. The antibacterial effect of the mixture of CuO NPs (CuO, CuO–NH2 and CuO–COOH NPs) with Ag NPs (uncoated and coated) was studied. CuO and Ag NP combinations were more efficient than Cu or Ag (NPs) alone against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae. We showed that positively charged CuO NPs enhanced the antibacterial effect of Ag NPs up to 6 times. Notably, compared to the synergy of CuO and Ag NPs, the synergy of respective metal ions was low, suggesting that NP surface is required for the enhanced antibacterial effect. We also studied the mechanisms of synergy and showed that the production of Cu+ ions, faster dissolution of Ag+ from Ag NPs and lower binding of Ag+ by proteins of the incubation media in the presence of Cu2+ were the main mechanisms of the synergy. In summary, CuO and Ag NP combinations allowed increasing the antibacterial effect up to 6 times. Thus, using CuO and Ag NP combinations enables to retain excellent antibacterial effects due to Ag and synergy and enhances beneficial effects, since Cu is a vital microelement for human cells. Thus, we suggest using combinations of Ag and CuO NPs in antibacterial materials, such as wound care products, to increase the antibacterial effect of Ag, improve safety and prevent and cure topical bacterial infections.
Pacific oceanic front amplifies the impact of Atlantic oceanic front on North Atlantic blocking
Authors: Cheung Ho-Nam , Omrani Nour-Eddine , Ogawa Fumiaki , Keenlyside Noel , Nakamura Hisashi , Zhou Wen
Published: June 2023

Atmospheric blocking is a crucial driver of extreme weather events, but its climatological frequency is largely underestimated in state-of-the-art climate models, especially around the North Atlantic. While air-sea interaction along the North Atlantic oceanic frontal region is known to influence Atlantic blocking activity, remote effects from the Pacific have been less studied. Here we use semi-idealised experiments with an atmospheric general circulation model to demonstrate that the mid-latitude Pacific oceanic front is crucial for climatological Atlantic blocking activity. The front intensifies the Pacific eddy-driven jet that extends eastward towards the North Atlantic. The eastward-extended Pacific jet reinforces the North Atlantic circulation response to the Atlantic oceanic front, including the storm track activity and the eddy-driven jet. The strengthening of the eddy-driven jet reduces the Greenland blocking frequency. Moreover, the Pacific oceanic front greatly strengthens the stationary planetary-scale ridge in Europe. Together with a stronger northeastward extension of the Atlantic storm track, enhanced interaction between extratropical cyclones and the European ridge favours the occurrence of Euro-Atlantic blocking. Therefore, the North Atlantic circulation response amplified remotely by the Pacific oceanic front substantially increases Euro-Atlantic blocking frequency while decreasing Greenland blocking frequency.
The CLE33 peptide represses phloem differentiation via autocrine and paracrine signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Carbonnel Samy , Cornelis Salves , Hazak Ora
Published: June 2023

Plant meristems require a constant supply of photoassimilates and hormones to the dividing meristematic cells. In the growing root, such supply is delivered by protophloem sieve elements. Due to its preeminent function for the root apical meristem, protophloem is the first tissue to differentiate. This process is regulated by a genetic circuit involving in one side the positive regulators DOF transcription factors, OCTOPUS (OPS) and BREVIX RADIX (BRX), and in the other side the negative regulators CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION RELATED (CLE) peptides and their cognate receptors BARELY ANY MERISTEM (BAM) receptor-like kinases. brx and ops mutants harbor a discontinuous protophloem that can be fully rescued by mutation in BAM3, but is only partially rescued when all three known phloem-specific CLE genes, CLE25/26/45 are simultaneously mutated. Here we identify a CLE gene closely related to CLE45, named CLE33. We show that double mutant cle33cle45 fully suppresses brx and ops protophloem phenotype. CLE33 orthologs are found in basal angiosperms, monocots, and eudicots, and the gene duplication which gave rise to CLE45 in Arabidopsis and other Brassicaceae appears to be a recent event. We thus discovered previously unidentified Arabidopsis CLE gene that is an essential player in protophloem formation.
Unique spin crossover pathways differentiated by scan rate in a new dinuclear Fe(ii) triple helicate: mechanistic deductions enabled by synchrotron radiation studies
Authors: Wallis Matthew J. , Craze Alexander R. , Zenno Hikaru , Tokunaga Ryuya , Taira Takahiro , Min Hyunsung , Bhadbhade Mohan M. , Bhattacharyya Saroj Kumar , Tian Ruoming , Rich Anne M. , Hayami Shinya , Clegg Jack K. , Marjo Christopher E. , Lindoy Leonard F. , Li Feng
Published: June 2023

Scan rate dependent spin crossover behaviour is investigated in a new Fe(ii) dinuclear triple helicate. Slow cooling allows relaxation to a densely packed state, while fast cooling traps the structure in a sparsely packed state.
Digital image colorimetric detection of ceftazidime based on azo compound formation on a polyethyleneimine-modified cotton sponge
Authors: Hongtanee Lalitphan , Donkhampa Pajaree , Praphairaksit Narong , Unob Fuangfa
Published: June 2023

Digital image colorimetric detection of ceftazidime on PEI-sponges.
Integration of a CRISPR Cas12a-assisted multicolor biosensor and a micropipette tip enables visible point-of-care testing of foodborne Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Xu Chutian , Yu Chengkai , Si Zhenjun , Huang Di , Shen Peijie , Fang Mengjun , Xu Zhinan
Published: June 2023

A CRISPR Cas12a-assisted multicolor biosensor was established to visible point-of-care testing of foodborne Vibrio vulnificus in a micropipette tip.
Red-emissive carbon nanostructure-anchored molecularly imprinted Er-BTC MOF: a biosensor for visual anthrax monitoring
Authors: Norouzi Solmaz , Dashtian Kheibar , Amourizi Fereshteh , Zare-Dorabei Rouholah
Published: June 2023

Investigating effective fluorescence strategies for real-time monitoring of dipicolinic acid (DPA) is of paramount importance in safeguarding human health.
Integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology for enhancing mechanism understanding and medication combination recommendation for diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Xiao Mengxiang , Liu Wuping , Shi Xiulin , Wu Jinxia , Shen Guiping , Feng Jianghua
Published: June 2023

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN), effective treatment is particularly important for the recovery of patients.
Accessing unnatural α-amino acids with tetrasubstituted stereogenic centersviacatalytic enantioselective reactions of ketimine-type α-iminoesters/α-iminoamides
Authors: Yasukawa Naoki , Nakamura Shuichi
Published: June 2023

Feature article on catalytic enantioselective reactions of ketimine-type α-iminoesters with the aim of accessing unnatural α-tertiary amino acids (ATAAs), which are highly valuable chemical molecules for natural products and functional materials.
Mitochondria-targeted fluorophores for in vivo NIR-II imaging-guided PDT/PTT
Authors: Ding Qihang , Mei Ling , Liu Yu , Zhou Shan , Chen Lu , Liang Yuying , Li Mingle , Zhou Hui , Yin Chao , Kim Jong Seung
Published: June 2023

A simple yet powerful D–A type-based NIR-II fluorophore (MTF) with mitochondria targeting was constructed.
Construction of a BC3-based TM single-atom catalyst for efficient reduction of CO2 to CH4: a computational study
Authors: Ou Jianxin , Duan Xiangmei
Published: June 2023

Most of the constructed SACs, TM@BC3, exhibit superior selectivity for the CO2RR over the hydrogen evolution reaction, with CH4 as the dominant product.
Investigation of thermal control in phase-changing ABO3 perovskites via first-principles predictions: general mechanism of solar absorptivity
Authors: Tong Liping , Li Hongchao , Gong Hao , Xu Nianao , Wang Zhongyang , Guo Qixin , Fan Tongxiang
Published: June 2023

The general mechanism of solar absorbance is proposed using first-principles prediction in 76 kinds of phase-changing thermal control ABO3 perovskites, and the connections of solar absorbance with bandgaps, structures, and magnetism are described.
In the quest for an optimal parametric regime of nonadiabatic switching ensuring low heat release in conjunction with high polarizability of mixed-valence molecular dimers
Authors: Palii Andrew , Belonovich Valeria , Tsukerblat Boris
Published: June 2023

The conditions for optimal parametric regime of nonadiabatic switching ensuring low heat release in conjunction with strong non-linear cell–cell response to electric field for mixed-valence molecular dimers are analyzed.
Sn-doped PdCu alloy nanosheet assemblies as an efficient electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation
Authors: Yang Fu-Kai , Fang Yue , Li Fang-Fang , Qu Wei-Li , Deng Chao
Published: June 2023

The excellent formic acid electrooxidation performance of the PdCuSn nanosheet catalyst is attributed to the introduction of Cu and Sn atoms, which changes the electronic structure of Pd, and the unique three-dimensional nanosheet structure.
Structural and functional biomimetics of [Fe]-hydrogenase featuring a mono-, di- or tetrasubstituted pyridine ligand with a fac-C, N, and S ligation
Authors: Song Li-Cheng , Zhang Zhen-Qing , Liu Bei-Bei
Published: June 2023

Six new [Fe]-H2ase models with a biomimetic fac-acyl (or methylene) C, pyridyl N, and thioether S coordination motif are prepared by a novel FPL-based method and their enzyme-like H2 activation/hydride transfer functions are studied.
Dynamic surface phases controlling asymmetry of high-rate lithiation and delithiation in phase-separating electrodes
Authors: Koo Bonho , Chung Jinkyu , Kim Juwon , Fraggedakis Dimitrios , Seo Sungjae , Nam Chihyun , Lee Danwon , Han Jeongwoo , Jo Sugeun , Zhao Hongbo , Nadkarni Neel , Wang Jian , Kim Namdong , Weigand Markus , Bazant Martin Z. , Lim Jongwoo
Published: June 2023

Stabilised Li-rich and Li-poor surface domains formed during fast lithiation and delithiation, respectively, cause a large overpotential difference between discharging and charging.
Utilisation and valorisation of distillery whisky waste streams via biomass electrolysis: electrosynthesis of hydrogen
Authors: Price Robert , MacDonald Lewis , Gillies Norman , Day Alasdair , Brightman Edward , Li Jun
Published: June 2023

Hydrogen production from whisky distillery co-products via digestion with phosphomolybdic acid and electrolysis using proton-exchange membrane flow cells.
Charge–orbital synergistic engineering of TM@Ti3C2O1−xBx for highly selective CO2 electrochemical reduction
Authors: Peng Jiahe , Shi Zuhao , Jiang Jizhou , Zhang Peng , Hsu Jyh-Ping , Li Neng
Published: June 2023

Charge–orbital synergism is achieved by doping boron atoms into Ti3C2O2. The TM-to-C and B-to-C π-back bonding contribute to the activation of CO2 molecules and CO intermediates in the CO2RR process.
In situmolecular permeation of liquid cationic polymers into solid anionic polymer films enabling self-adaptive adhesion of hydrogel biosensors
Authors: Zhou Danqing , Yu Jiahui , Zhao Qiuhua , Zhang Lidong
Published: June 2023

This work proposes anin situpermeation method that can enable the self-adaptive adhesion of hydrogel biosensors on various surfaces.
Ternary Ag/BiOBr/rGO nanoflower composite as a high-efficiency photocatalyst for formaldehyde and rhodamine B degradation
Authors: Yan Gang , Zhou Lijun , Yang Baolin , Hu Hongliang , Guo Xiangwei , Zhao Hongkai
Published: June 2023

An efficient ternary Ag/BiOBr/rGO composite was prepared. Ag/BiOBr/rGO showed remarkably improved photocatalytic activity than BiOBr and BiOBr/rGO in the degradation of HCHO and RhB under visible light irradiation.
FeS2-based aerogel as a flexible low-cost substrate for rapid SERS detection of histamine in biofluids
Authors: Sreekumar Anjali , Durai Lignesh , Thomas Minu , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: June 2023

FeS2 incorporated rGO aerogel as a flexible low-cost substrate for rapid SERS detection of histamine in biofluids.
A composite polyvinyl alcohol–medicinal plant extract crosslinked hydrogel: a novel soft system with excellent rhodamine B adsorption and significant antifungal activity
Authors: Tak Umar Nabi , Rashid Showkat , Ahangar Firdaus Ahmad , Kour Pawandeep , Shaheen Arjumund , Sidiq Saima , Gousia  , Manhas Ayaz Ahmad , Nazir Nighat , Dar Aijaz Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Graphical overview of the synthesis, rheological investigations, dye adsorption, cytotoxic evaluation and anti-fungal activity of the PVA/BSE hydrogel.
Development of targeted photodynamic therapy drugs by combining a zinc phthalocyanine sensitizer with TSPO or EGFR binding groups: the impact of the number of targeting agents on biological activity
Authors: Toubia Isabelle , Nguyen Christophe , Diring Stéphane , Onofre Mélanie , Daurat Morgane , Gauthier Corentin , Gary-Bobo Magali , Kobeissi Marwan , Odobel Fabrice
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the implementation of multivalent effect for PDT to enhance the selectivity of the treatment.
Organocatalytic enantioselective cross-aldol reaction of aryl ketones with heteroaromatic trifluoromethyl ketone hydrates for the synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl tertiary alcohols
Authors: Wang Wei , Qin Zhaoliang , Tan Ze , Yang Wen
Published: June 2023

A tertiary amine thiourea-catalyzed asymmetric cross-aldol reaction of aryl ketones with trifluoromethyl ketone hydrates via enolate intermediates has been developed.
Correlation of temperature dependence of hydride kinetic isotope effects with donor–acceptor distances in two solvents of different polarities
Authors: Bai Mingxuan , Pratap Rijal , Salarvand Sanaz , Lu Yun
Published: June 2023

Shorter donor–acceptor distances (DADs) in hydride transfer reactions give rise to a weaker temperature (T) dependence of KIEs. This supports the debated proposal that links T-dependence of KIEs to DAD sampling catalysis studies in enzymes.
Alkylation of NH-sulfoximines under Mitsunobu-type conditions
Authors: Dodd Cayden J. , Schultz Daniel C. , Li Jinming , Lindsley Craig W. , Bender Aaron M.
Published: June 2023

Previously described approaches for the alkylation of NH-sulfoximines typically rely either on transition metal catalysis, or the use of traditional alkylation reagents and strong bases.