bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General
Authors: Petrovic Ivana
Published: September 2023

Two splendid Oxford Handbooks deserve the opening slot of my review. The Handbook of Greek and Roman Mythography contains forty chapters, each of which closes with a helpful section on recommended further reading. The editors have organized the material in five very well-conceived parts. The first section, ‘Mythography from Archaic Greece to the Empire’, naturally wrestles with the question: When does mythography start? Two initial chapters provide their answers, and the rest of the contributions in this section offer an overview of mythography in Greek (Hellenistic and Imperial period) and Latin. The second section aims to provide an overview of individual mythographers: the stars of this section are Apollodorus, Antoninus Liberalis, Parthenius, Conon, and Hyginus. The eighteen chapters provide informative and concise introductions to authors who specialized in mythography, but also to the mythographic tendencies in authors such as Pausanias or Ovid, as well as in the scholia and even mythographical papyri. The third section is on the typical genres or interpretative models with which mythography tends to intersect: rationalizing historical approaches, philosophical allegoresis, etymologizing, catasterism, local historiography, paradoxography, creative approaches to mythography in ancient education, the role of mythography in political discourse, geography, and, finally, an investigation of the ancient terms used to designate the activity and the writings of a mythographer. The fourth section, ‘Mythography and the visual arts’, is a provocative and highly interesting experiment in viewing visual representations of myth as a mythography of sorts: can vases, frescoes, and sarcophagi be seen as visual pendants to literary mythography? These three contributions are all highly rewarding and thought-provoking. The closing, fifth, section offers richly rewarding discussions of the role of mythography in the age of Christianity, starting with the way early Christian writers draw on Greek and Latin mythographers, followed by chapters on mythography in the Byzantine Empire, the Latin West, and in the Renaissance.
Revisiting Family Firms
Authors: Parise Gianpaolo
Published: September 2023

I propose a novel measure to identify family firms based on the number of family links between high-ranking coworkers. Leveraging this measure, I reexamine previous findings in the literature and derive four novel facts: i) Measures of stock ownership misclassify firms with a large family presence. ii) Family-run firms exhibit value stock characteristics, whereas founder-CEO firms display growth stock characteristics. iii) Family-run firms pay lower costs. iv) Family managers behave myopically. I conclude that failing to consider family links can lead to highly misleading results in the study of family firms.
The Deterrent Effect of Whistleblowing on Insider Trading
Authors: Raleigh Jacob
Published: September 2023

I study whether the Dodd–Frank whistleblower program reduced informed trading by corporate insiders. To identify the effect, I partition firms based on the extent to which this program affected the likelihood of whistleblowing at each firm. I find a relative reduction in trading profits on purchases made by insiders at more affected firms after the program was initiated. I analyze insider sales in settings where they are more likely to be informed and find a reduction in the number of sales before negatively perceived events. The results suggest that whistleblower protections and rewards can effectively deter insider trading.
Subsidizing Failing Firms: Evidence from Chinese Restaurants
Authors: Deng Yinglu , Lu Fangzhou , Yu Jiaheng , Zheng Hao
Published: September 2023

Using data on nearly 20,000 restaurants in China during the COVID-19 outbreak, we find evidence that the government-sponsored rent reduction program reduced debt overhang problems. Rent reductions, which averaged 36,000 RMB per restaurant, increase the open rate of restaurants by 3.7%, revenue by 11,000 RMB, and the number of employees by 0.36. Larger restaurants with higher committed costs benefit more from the rent reduction. The stimulus has a positive spillover effect that boosts the revenue of restaurants in the immediate vicinity of subsidized restaurants. The treatment effect varies with organizational structure in a manner consistent with an information frictions hypothesis.
Mass Movement Hazard and Exposure in the Himalaya
Authors: Dubey Saket , Sattar Ashim , Goyal Manish Kumar , Allen Simon , Frey Holger , Haritashya Umesh K. , Huggel Christian
Published: September 2023

Himalaya is experiencing frequent catastrophic mass movement events such as avalanches and landslides, causing loss of human lives and infrastructure. Millions of people reside in critical zones potentially exposed to such catastrophes. Despite this, a comprehensive assessment of mass movement exposure is lacking at a regional scale. Here, we developed a novel method of determining mass movement trajectories and applied it to the Himalayan Mountain ranges for the first time to quantify the exposure of infrastructure, waterways, roadways, and population in six mountain ranges, including Hindu Kush, Karakoram, western Himalaya, eastern Himalaya, central Himalaya, and Hengduan Shan. Our results reveal that the exposure of buildings and roadways to mass movements is highest in Karakoram, whereas central Himalaya has the highest exposed waterways. The hotspots of exposed roadways are concentrated in Nepal, the North Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and China's Sichuan Province. Our analysis shows that the population in the central Himalaya is currently at the highest exposure to mass movement impacts. Projected future populations based on Shared Socio‐economic and Representative Concentration Pathways suggest that changing settlement patterns and emission scenarios will significantly influence the potential impact of these events on the human population. Assessment of anticipated secondary hazards (glacial lake outburst floods) shows an increase in probable headward impacts of mass movements on glacial lakes in the future. Our findings will support researchers, policymakers, stakeholders, and local governments in identifying critical areas that require detailed investigation for risk reduction and mitigation.
Tackling Growing Drought Risks—The Need for a Systemic Perspective
Authors: Hagenlocher M. , Naumann G. , Meza I. , Blauhut V. , Cotti D. , Döll P. , Ehlert K. , Gaupp F. , Van Loon A. F. , Marengo J. A. , Rossi L. , Sabino Siemons A. S. , Siebert S. , Tsehayu A. T. , Toreti A. , Tsegai D. , Vera C. , Vogt J. , Wens M.
Published: September 2023

In the last few years, the world has experienced numerous extreme droughts with adverse direct, cascading, and systemic impacts. Despite more frequent and severe events, drought risk assessment is still incipient compared to that of other meteorological and climate hazards. This is mainly due to the complexity of drought, the high level of uncertainties in its analysis, and the lack of community agreement on a common framework to tackle the problem. Here, we outline that to effectively assess and manage drought risks, a systemic perspective is needed. We propose a novel drought risk framework that highlights the systemic nature of drought risks, and show its operationalization using the example of the 2022 drought in Europe. This research emphasizes that solutions to tackle growing drought risks should not only consider the underlying drivers of drought risks for different sectors, systems or regions, but also be based on an understanding of sector/system interdependencies, feedbacks, dynamics, compounding and concurring hazards, as well as possible tipping points and globally and/or regionally networked risks.
Printed Dual‐Frequency Directional Antenna Loaded With Dual‐Parasitic Strip
Authors: Kittiyanpunya Chainarong , Chomdee Pongsathorn
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the directional antenna is developed to construct the printed dual‐frequency directional antenna for a 1‐GHz/2.3‐GHz dual‐frequency sensor application. An auxiliary dipole element generating the higher resonant mode is set on a primary dipole element introducing the lower resonant mode. The feed balance is also designed to cover the desired frequency between two resonance frequencies, which is based on the microstrip line (MS) to coplanar stripline (CPS) transition. To realize the directional antenna, two reflector elements are utilized, and one of them is a stepped‐width reflector on reducing the size of the antenna. In addition, the parasitic strip works as the lumped element used to obtain good impedance matching. A series of simulations are performed on the MS‐to‐CPS transition, the dual dipole element, the reflectors, and the parasitic strip to determine the optimal antenna design. A prototype is fabricated based on the optimal results of the simulation. Concerning the measured results, the proposed antenna has well unidirectional radiations, good radiation efficiencies, and low cross‐polarization levels at any operating frequencies.
Fluorescence microscope light source based on integrated LED
Authors: Zi Jianchen , Bi Hai
Published: September 2023

An LED-integrated excitation cube (LEC) was designed to address the limitations of conventional fluorescence lamps. The LEC has a decentralized structure, high optical power density, and efficient illumination. The optical efficiency of LECs is 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than that of mercury lamps, enabling high-quality fluorescence imaging with spectral coverage from UV to red. LECs can be easily installed on commercial fluorescence microscopes by replacing conventional fluorescence filter cubes, and a built-in LEC driver can identify the types of LEDs in different spectral bands to adopt optimal operating conditions.
Dual-light emitting 3D encryption with printable fluorescent-phosphorescent metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Oh Jin Woo , Lee Seokyeong , Han Hyowon , Allam Omar , Choi Ji Il , Lee Hyeokjung , Jiang Wei , Jang Jihye , Kim Gwanho , Mun Seungsoo , Lee Kyuho , Kim Yeonji , Park Jong Woong , Lee Seonju , Jang Seung Soon , Park Cheolmin
Published: September 2023

Optical encryption technologies based on room-temperature light-emitting materials are of considerable interest. Herein, we present three-dimensional (3D) printable dual-light-emitting materials for high-performance optical pattern encryption. These are based on fluorescent perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) designed for phosphorescent host-guest interactions. Notably, perovskite-containing MOFs emit a highly efficient blue phosphorescence, and perovskite NCs embedded in the MOFs emit characteristic green or red fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Such dual-light-emitting MOFs with independent fluorescence and phosphorescence emissions are employed in pochoir pattern encryption, wherein actual information with transient phosphorescence is efficiently concealed behind fake information with fluorescence under UV exposure. Moreover, a 3D cubic skeleton is developed with the dual-light-emitting MOF powder dispersed in 3D-printable polymer filaments for 3D dual-pattern encryption. This article outlines a universal principle for developing MOF-based room-temperature multi-light-emitting materials and a strategy for multidimensional information encryption with enhanced capacity and security.
Near index matching enables solid diffractive optical element fabrication via additive manufacturing
Authors: Orange kedem Reut , Opatovski Nadav , Xiao Dafei , Ferdman Boris , Alalouf Onit , Kumar Pal Sushanta , Wang Ziyun , von der Emde Henrik , Weber Michael , Sahl Steffen J. , Ponjavic Aleks , Arie Ady , Hell Stefan W. , Shechtman Yoav
Published: September 2023

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) have a wide range of applications in optics and photonics, thanks to their capability to perform complex wavefront shaping in a compact form. However, widespread applicability of DOEs is still limited, because existing fabrication methods are cumbersome and expensive. Here, we present a simple and cost-effective fabrication approach for solid, high-performance DOEs. The method is based on conjugating two nearly refractive index-matched solidifiable transparent materials. The index matching allows for extreme scaling up of the elements in the axial dimension, which enables simple fabrication of a template using commercially available 3D printing at tens-of-micrometer resolution. We demonstrated the approach by fabricating and using DOEs serving as microlens arrays, vortex plates, including for highly sensitive applications such as vector beam generation and super-resolution microscopy using MINSTED, and phase-masks for three-dimensional single-molecule localization microscopy. Beyond the advantage of making DOEs widely accessible by drastically simplifying their production, the method also overcomes difficulties faced by existing methods in fabricating highly complex elements, such as high-order vortex plates, and spectrum-encoding phase masks for microscopy.
The molecular genetics of nELAVL in brain development and disease
Authors: Mulligan Meghan R. , Bicknell Louise S.
Published: September 2023

Embryonic development requires tight control of gene expression levels, activity, and localisation. This control is coordinated by multiple levels of regulation on DNA, RNA and protein. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are recognised as key regulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation, where their binding controls splicing, polyadenylation, nuclear export, mRNA stability, translation rate and decay. In brain development, the ELAVL family of RNA binding proteins undertake essential functions across spatiotemporal windows to help regulate and specify transcriptomic programmes for cell specialisation. Despite their recognised importance in neural tissues, their molecular roles and connections to pathology are less explored. Here we provide an overview of the neuronal ELAVL family, noting commonalities and differences amongst different species, their molecular characteristics, and roles in the cell. We bring together the available molecular genetics evidence to link different ELAVL proteins to phenotypes and disease, in both the brain and beyond, including ELAVL2, which is the least studied ELAVL family member. We find that ELAVL-related pathology shares a common neurological theme, but different ELAVL proteins are more strongly connected to different phenotypes, reflecting their specialised expression across time and space.
Empathic embarrassment towards non-human agents in virtual environments
Authors: Hapuarachchi Harin , Higashihata Kento , Sugiura Maruta , Sato Atsushi , Itakura Shoji , Kitazaki Michiteru
Published: September 2023

Humans feel empathic embarrassment by witnessing others go through embarrassing situations. We examined whether we feel such empathic embarrassment even with robot avatars. Participants observed a human avatar and a robot avatar face a series of embarrassing and non-embarrassing scenarios. We collected data for their empathic embarrassment and the cognitive empathy on a 7-point Likert scale. Both empathic embarrassment and cognitive empathy were significantly higher in the embarrassed condition compared to the non-embarrassed condition with both avatars, and the cognitive empathy was significantly higher with the human avatar. There was a tendency of participants showing a higher level of skin conductance while watching the human avatar go through embarrassing situations compared to the robot avatar. A following experiment showed that the average plausibility of the embarrassed condition was significantly higher with the human avatar compared to the robot avatar. However, plausibility scores for emotion were not significantly different among the conditions. These results suggest that humans can feel empathic embarrassment as well as cognitive empathy for robot avatars while cognitive empathy for robot avatars is comparatively lower, and that part of the empathic difference between human and robot avatars might be due to the difference of their plausibility.
A semi-analytical method for characterization of fractal spoof surface plasmon polaritons with a transfer matrix and bloch theory
Authors: Najafy Vahid , Abbasi-Arand Bijan , Hesari-Shermeh Maryam
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a semi-analytical approach is introduced to analyze a spoof plasmonic structure, with an arbitrary geometry. This approach is based on a combination of techniques that employ a full-wave simulator and the Bloch theorem. By applying periodic boundary conditions, the real and imaginary parts of the equation obtained from the equivalent network have been calculated. To show the accuracy and validity of this proposed approach, a complementary Minkowski fractal SSPP unit cell has been designed and analyzed, and this has been used in a surface plasmonic transmission line. The results of our proposed method have been compared to measured results, and the simulated and measured results showed that the SSPP transmission line possesses high performance, from 1.45 to 5 GHz.
A promising ultra-sensitive CO2 sensor at varying concentrations and temperatures based on Fano resonance phenomenon in different 1D phononic crystal designs
Authors: Almawgani Abdulkarem H. M. , Fathy Hamza Makhlouf , Elsayed Hussein A. , Abdelrahman Ali Yahya Ali , Mehaney Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Detecting of the levels of greenhouse gases in the air with high precision and low cost is a very urgent demand for environmental protection. Phononic crystals (PnCs) represent a novel sensor technology, particularly for high-performance sensing applications. This study has been conducted by using two PnC designs (periodic and quasi-periodic) to detect the CO2 pollution in the surrounding air through a wide range of concentrations (0–100%) and temperatures (0–180 °C). The detection process is physically dependent on the displacement of Fano resonance modes. The performance of the sensor is demonstrated for the periodic and Fibonacci quasi-periodic (S3 and S4 sequences) structures. In this regard, the numerical findings revealed that the periodic PnC provides a better performance than the quasi-periodic one with a sensitivity of 31.5 MHz, the quality factor (Q), along with a figure of merit (FOM) of 280 and 95, respectively. In addition, the temperature effects on the Fano resonance mode position were examined. The results showed a pronounced temperature sensitivity with a value of 13.4 MHz/°C through a temperature range of 0–60 °C. The transfer matrix approach has been utilized for modeling the acoustic wave propagation through each PnC design. Accordingly, the proposed sensor has the potential to be implemented in many industrial and biomedical applications as it can be used as a monitor for other greenhouse gases.
Effectiveness of a social-emotional learning program on developmental assets and subjective well-being
Authors: Aghatabay Rabea , Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed Mazloomy , Vaezi Aliakbar , Rahimi Mehdi , Fallahzadeh Hosein , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: September 2023

The present study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) intervention designed based on social marketing on developmental assets and the well-being of female adolescents in Yazd, Iran. This mixed-method quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2018–2019. A total of 190 female students were selected by multi-stage sampling from the female middle and high schools in Yazd, Iran. A SEL intervention designed based on social marketing principles was implemented among the parents and students of the intervention group. The control group did not receive any intervention. Quantitative data were collected in three stages: pre-test, post-test after two months, and follow-up after six months via Developmental Assets Profile and EPOCH measure of wellbeing. A qualitative evaluation was also performed after the intervention. Results of the Repeated-Measures test indicated that the intervention significantly influenced social competence (p-value = .02). However results did not show improvement in the positive identity development of the participant girls. Qualitative findings suggested the effectiveness of the intervention on social competencies and positive identity. Based on the results of the present study, the SEL program might have a significant but small positive effect on the social competencies of the participating adolescents.
Summer diarrhea in children: a monocentric French epidemiological observational study
Authors: Mallier Camille , Creuzet Elisa , Lambert Céline , Delmas Julien , Mirand Audrey , Rochette Emmanuelle , Valot Stéphane , Moniot Maxime , Dalle Frédéric , Henquell Cécile , Merlin Etienne , Poirier Philippe , Verdan Matthieu , Nourrisson Céline
Published: September 2023

Pediatric diarrhea is a major public health problem worldwide. In France, continuous surveillance shows a winter epidemic peak and a more modest summer recrudescence. Few studies describe the infectious agents responsible for pediatric summer diarrhea in France. The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of infectious diarrhea and describe the pathogens responsible for summer diarrhea in children; and to describe common factors that can be used as guidance on the etiology of these diarrheas. A cross-sectional, single-center, epidemiological observational study was conducted in the pediatric emergency department of a French hospital between June and September in 2019 and 2020. Multiplex gastrointestinal pathogen panels were used for diagnostics. A multiple correspondence analysis was used to determine profiles of patients. A total of 95 children were included, of whom 82.1% (78/95) were under five years old. The prevalence of infectious summer diarrhea was 81.1% (77/95, 95%CI 71.7–88.4%). A total of 126 infectious agents were detected (50.0% bacteria, 38.1% viruses, 11.9% parasites). The main enteric pathogens were enteropathogen Escherichia coli (24/126), rotavirus (17/126) and Salmonella (16/126). A co-detection was found in 51.9% (40/77) of cases. Four patient profiles, considering the severity and the pathogen involved, were highlighted.
Affordance, usefulness, enjoyment, and aesthetics in sustaining virtual reality engagement
Authors: Jo Hyeon , Park Do-Hyung
Published: September 2023

As virtual reality (VR) continues to develop, it's attracting an increasing number of consumers who are seeking more diverse functions and experiences. This study presents a theoretical model designed to identify predictors of VR users' continuance intentions. Data was collected from VR users who had firsthand experiences with the technology, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze this data. The results showed a significant correlation between functional affordance and perceived usefulness. Cognitive affordance was found to have a significant association with perceived usefulness, but it also influenced perceived enjoyment. Moreover, physical affordance significantly related to both perceived usefulness and enjoyment. Perceived usefulness was found to directly affect both attitude and continuance intention, while empirical results validated the impact of perceived enjoyment on attitude. The element of shape showed a significant correlation with attitude. Finally, attitude was found to have a significant association with continuance intention. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights for VR companies, developers, and consumers.
Optimal design of transmitarray antennas via low-cost surrogate modelling
Authors: Belen Mehmet A. , Caliskan Alper , Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna , Mahouti Peyman
Published: September 2023

Over the recent years, reflectarrays and transmitarrays have been drawing a considerable attention due to their attractive features, including a possibility of realizing high gain and pencil-like radiation patterns without the employment of complex feeding networks. Among the two, transmitarrays seem to be superior over reflectarrays in terms of achieving high radiation efficiency without the feed blockage. Notwithstanding, the design process of transmitarrays is more intricate due to the necessity of manipulating both the transmission phase and magnitude of its unit elements. For reliability, the design process has to be conducted at the level of full-wave electromagnetic models, which makes direct optimization prohibitive. The most widely used workaround is to employ surrogate modeling techniques to construct fast representations of the unit elements, yet the initial model setup cost is typically high and includes acquisition of thousands of training data points. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to cost-efficient design of transmitarrays. It is based on artificial-intelligence-enabled data-driven surrogates, which can be constructed using only a few hundreds of training data samples, while exhibiting the predictive power sufficient for reliable design. Our methodology is demonstrated by re-using the presented surrogate for the design of high-performance transmitarrays operating at various frequency ranges of 8–14 GHz, 22–28 GHz, and 28–36 GHz.
Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Rezaie Hamed , Alipanah-Moghadam Reza , Jeddi Farhad , Clark Cain C. T. , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Nemati Ali
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Recently, natural compounds have been widely used for the treatment of breast cancer. Present study evaluated antiproliferative and anti-metastasis activities of two natural compounds of dandelion and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. We also evaluated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-1β, p53, NM23 and KAI1 genes. Data showed a clear additive cytotoxic effect in concentrations of 40 μM ATRA with 1.5 and 4 mg/ml of dandelion extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. In both cell lines, compared with the untreated cells, the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β were significantly decreased while p53 and KAI1 expression levels were increased. Besides, MMP-2 and NM23 had different expressions in the two studied cell lines. In conclusion, dandelion/ATRA co-treatment, in addition to having strong cytotoxic effects, has putative effects on the expression of anti-metastatic genes in both breast cancer cells.
Gene signature from cutaneous autoimmune diseases provides potential immunotherapy-relevant biomarkers in melanoma
Authors: Chun Kyu-Hye , Park Ye-Chan , Hwang Nahee , Yoon Bo Kyung , Kim Jae-woo , Fang Sungsoon
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are promising agents for treating melanoma. Given that autoimmune skin diseases exhibit hyper immune reaction, investigation of immune cells from autoimmune skin disease is crucial to validate the effectiveness of ICIs in melanoma treatment. We employed multipanel markers to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors by characterizing the gene expression signatures of skin immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), atopic dermatitis (AD), and psoriasis (PS). By analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data from each dataset, T cell gene signatures from autoimmune skin diseases exhibit a complex immune response in tumors that responded to immunotherapy. Based on that CD86 and CD80 provide essential costimulatory signals for T cell activation, we observed that interaction of CD86 signaling has been enhanced in the T cells of patients with SLE, AD, and PS. Our analysis revealed a common increase in CD86 signals from dendritic cells (DCs) to T cells in patients with SLE, AD, and PS, confirming that dendritic cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines to activate T cells. Thus, we hypothesize that T cell gene signatures from autoimmune skin diseases exhibit a pro-inflammatory response and have the potential to predict cancer immunotherapy. Our study demonstrated that T cell gene signatures derived from inflammatory skin diseases, particularly SLE and PS, hold promise as potential biomarkers for predicting the response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in patients with melanoma. Our data provide an understanding of the immune-related characteristics and differential gene expression patterns in autoimmune skin diseases, which may represent promising targets for melanoma immunotherapy.
Removal of calciprotein particles from the blood using an adsorption column improves prognosis of hemodialysis miniature pigs
Authors: Miura Marina , Miura Yutaka , Iwazu Yoshitaka , Mukai Hideyuki , Sugiura Takahiro , Suzuki Yuji , Kato Masami , Kano Mayumi , Nagata Daisuke , Shiizaki Kazuhiro , Kurosu Hiroshi , Kuro-o Makoto
Published: September 2023

Hyperphosphatemia is a major risk for poor prognosis in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the molecular mechanism behind this link remains elusive. We and others have demonstrated that serum phosphorus levels correlate positively with circulating levels of calciprotein particles (CPPs). CPPs are colloidal mineral-protein complexes containing insoluble calcium-phosphate precipitates and have been reported to induce calcification in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and inflammatory responses in cultured macrophages. Hence, we hypothesize that CPPs may be responsible for disorders associated with hyperphosphatemia. Using hyperphosphatemic miniature pigs receiving hemodialysis, here we show that removal of CPPs from the blood with a newly developed CPP adsorption column improves survival and alleviates complications including coronary artery calcification, vascular endothelial dysfunction, metastatic pulmonary calcification, left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic inflammation. The present study identifies CPPs as an effective therapeutic target and justifies clinical trials to determine whether the CPP adsorption column may be useful as a medical device for improving clinical outcomes of hemodialysis patients.
Efficacy of a synthetic peptide Chlamydia pecorum major outer membrane protein vaccine in a wild koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population
Authors: Simpson Sarah J. , Higgins Damien P. , Timms Peter , Mella Valentina S. A. , Crowther Mathew S. , Fernandez Cristina M. , McArthur Clare , Phillips Samuel , Krockenberger Mark B.
Published: September 2023

Chlamydiosis is a significant disease affecting Eastern Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations, impacting individual animal welfare and fecundity and therefore influencing population dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a synthetic peptide vaccine based on 4 components of the Chlamydia pecorum major outer membrane protein (MOMP), over an 18-month period in a koala population severely impacted by chlamydiosis. Wild koalas were recruited into a vaccination or a placebo treatment group on a random allocation, then followed through a period of 18 months, with recapture at 6 monthly intervals. Vaccination did not alter clinical disease expression or chlamydial shedding from the ocular or urogenital sites. Vaccination did not stimulate a significant plasma anti-MOMP IgG response, when compared to the placebo group. There was no significant effect of vaccination on IFN-γ and IL-17A mRNA expression of peripheral blood lymphocytes when stimulated with rMOMP. We have demonstrated that a synthetic peptide vaccination against chlamydiosis is not an effective management tool in a koala population with a high prevalence of C. pecorum infection and related disease. The lack of antigenic response found in this study suggests that further research utilising a larger, full-length antigen is an avenue worth investigation if we are to consider vaccination as a part of a management strategy in diseased koala populations.
Confocal Raman imaging reveals the impact of retinoids on human breast cancer via monitoring the redox status of cytochrome c
Authors: Surmacki Jakub Maciej , Abramczyk Halina
Published: September 2023

This paper expands the current state of knowledge on impact of retinoids on redox status of cytochrome c in cancers. Little is known how the expression of cytochromes may influence the development of cancers. We studied the effect of the redox status of the central iron ion in heme of cytochrome c. We determined the redox status of the iron ion in cytochrome c in mitochondria, cytoplasm, lipid droplets, and endoplasmic reticulum of the human breast cancer cells by Raman imaging. We incubated human breast adenocarcinoma cells (SK-BR-3) with retinoic acid, retinol and retinyl ester (palmitate) at concentration of 50 μM for 24 h. We recorded the Raman spectra and images of human breast cancer in vitro SK-BR-3 cells receiving redox stimuli by retinoic acid, retinol and retinyl ester (palmitate). The paper provides evidence that retinoic acid and retinol are pivotally important for mitochondrial energy homeostasis by controlling the redox status of cytochrome c in the electron transport chain controlling oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis. We discussed the role of retinoids in metabolism and signaling of cancer cells. The paper provides experimental support for theoretical hypothesis how retinoic acid/retinol catalyse resonance energy transfer reactions and controls the activation/inactivation cycle of protein kinase PKCδ.
Seasonality, food security, diet quality and nutritional status in urban poor adolescents in Malaysia
Authors: Tay Janice Ee Fang , Tung Serene En Hui , Kaur Satvinder , Gan Wan Ying , Che’Ya Nik Norasma , Tan Choon Hui
Published: September 2023

Seasonality was shown to have an effect on food availability and accessibility, increasing the risk of food insecurity and causing poor diet quality and malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine seasonal effects on household food security status, diet quality, and nutritional status of urban poor adolescents in Malaysia. A cohort study was conducted among 164 adolescents aged 10–17 from 12 People Housing Programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the Northeast (November 2021 till March 2022) and Southwest (June 2022 till September 2022) monsoon. Household food security status was measured using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Dietary intake was determined using a two-days 24-h dietary recall and translated into Standardized Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (S-MHEI). Anthropometric and haemoglobin level measurements were performed to determine nutritional status. Seasonality was found to have a significant effect on overall diet quality (p = 0.021), food groups such as fish (p < 0.001), meat/poultry/eggs (p = 0.003), and legumes/nuts (p < 0.001), and fat nutrient (p = 0.037) as well as anaemia status (p = 0.020) after controlling the confounders. Although food security did not vary with seasons, seasonality affected the consumption of certain food groups as well as anaemia status for urban poor adolescents. Seasonally sensitive nutrition initiatives should be developed to ensure diet adherence to recommendations, ultimately enhancing the diet quality of urban poor adolescents.
Intravenous immunoglobulins improve skin fibrosis in experimental models of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Speca Silvia , Farhat Meryem-Maud , Jendoubi Manel , Guerrier Thomas , Sanges Sébastien , Staumont-Sallé Delphine , Hachulla Eric , Dubucquoi Sylvain , Sobanski Vincent , Collet Aurore , Launay David
Published: September 2023

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the most severe systemic autoimmune disease with currently no cure. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are an attractive candidate in this disease to counteract inflammation and fibrosis but data are scarce and conflicting. This study, assessed the effects of IVIg in a murine HOCl-induced model of SSc. We showed that IVIg prevented skin inflammation and fibrosis, by mitigating the immune cell infiltration (p = 0.04), proinflammatory cytokines gene overexpression (IL1β, p = 0.04; TNFα, p = 0.04; IL6, p = 0.05), skin and dermal thickening (p = 0.003 at d21 and p = 0.0003 at d42), the expression markers of fibrosis, such as αSMA (p = 0.031 for mRNA and p = 0.05 for protein), collagen (p = 0.05 for mRNA and p = 0.04 for protein, p = 0.05 for the hydroxyproline content) and fibronectin (p = 0.033 for mRNA). Moreover, IVIg prevented HOCl-induced alterations in splenic cell homeostasis. When administered in curative mode, despite their ability to reduce skin and dermal thickness (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002), IVIg showed partial or more mixed effects on skin inflammation and established fibrosis. These data favor further clinical trials in SSc patients on the potential efficiency of early and/or repeated IVIg administration.
Versatile nicotinamide enabling dendrite-free and efficient deposition for aqueous Zn-I2 batteries
Authors: Wang Hejing , Su Yitian , Yan Lijing , Zeng Xiaomin , Chen Xiaoran , Xiang Baorui , Ren Huixin , Ma Tingli , Ling Min
Published: September 2023

A versatile nicotinamide electrolyte additive for zinc anode is proposed to guide even deposition and suppress water-induced side reactions.
Continuous magnetic separation microfluidic chip for tumor cell in vivo detection
Authors: Tang Man , Feng Jiao , Xia Hou-Fu , Xu Chun-Miao , Wu Ling-Ling , Wu Min , Hong Shao-Li , Chen Gang , Zhang Zhi-Ling
Published: September 2023

A continuous magnetic separation microfluidic chip and a single-cell array chip for high throughput continuous real-time monitoring of CTCs in vivo.
Highly varied reaction cavities within a single molecular crystal
Authors: Carr Michael R. , Kochert Matthew , Waduge Wathsala L. I. , Deye Gregory J. , Olsen Kenneth W. , Ciszek Jacob W.
Published: September 2023

The various facets of a tetracene single crystal present highly varied reaction cavities at its surface, finally allowing for a systemic study of the cavities, which are critical to the reactivity in the solid phase.
Small angle X-ray studies of short-range order in non-stoichiometric pseudoprotic ionic liquids: the influence of chemical structure
Authors: Kobrak Mark N. , Nykypanchuk Dmytro
Published: September 2023

Mixtures of organic acids and amines have been studied for over half a century, and their physicochemical properties remain mysterious.
Synergistic theoretical and experimental study on the ion dynamics of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based alkali metal salts for solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Fortuin Brigette Althea , Otegi Jon , López del Amo Juan Miguel , Peña Sergio Rodriguez , Meabe Leire , Manzano Hegoi , Martínez-Ibañez María , Carrasco Javier
Published: September 2023

Combining experimental and computational techniques to perform a model validation study of a well-known class of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) towards predicting the performance of alternative alkali metal-based SPEs for solid-state alkali metal batteries.
Computational study on the mechanisms of inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by aldehyde warheads based on DFT
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Zhang Chenghua , Qian Xingcan , Jia Feiyun , Liang Shiwei
Published: September 2023

A new reaction mechanism for the covalent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by aldehyde warheads has been discovered by theoretical calculations based on density functional theory.
Lysozyme adsorption on carbonaceous nanoparticles probed by second harmonic light scattering
Authors: Saikia Sourav , Dutta Jyoti , Mishra Akriti , Das Puspendu Kumar
Published: September 2023

The first hyperpolarizability (β) of two different sizes (15 and 35 nm) of carbonaceous nanoparticle (CNP) is reported for the first time using second harmonic light scattering (SHLS). SHLS was further used to investigate the adsorption of a model protein Lysozyme (Lyz) on these CNPs.
Simultaneous electrostatic trapping of merged cation & anion beams
Authors: Bogot Alon , Lioubashevski Oleg , Heber Oded , Zajfman Daniel , Strasser Daniel
Published: September 2023

Simultaneous trapping of merged cation and anion beams in the HEIBT paves the way for controlled MN of molecular and cluster ions.
Insights into efficient bacterial inactivation over nano Ag/graphdiyne: dual activation of molecular oxygen and water molecules
Authors: Pan Chuanqi , Zhang Biluan , Pan Tingyu , Huang Hui , Song Siyi , Cai Xitong , Wang Yuhang , Sun Hongwei , Luo Zhu , Zhang Lizhi , Guo Yanbing
Published: September 2023

This work revealed the dual activation mechanism of O2 and H2O on nano Ag/GDY and the excellent antibacterial efficiency.
Self-propelling shuttles for radioactive caesium adsorption
Authors: Foster Richard I. , Kim Hyung-Ju , Kim Sung-Jun , Park Chan Woo , Yang Hee-Man , Lee Jung-Hyun
Published: September 2023

Self-propelling shuttles for radioactive caesium adsorption.
Solvent-free and ball mill-free catalytic C–H methylation
Authors: Hribersek Matic , Méndez-Gálvez Carolina , Huber Martin , Gates Paul J. , Shakari Patrick , Samanta Ayan , Pilarski Lukasz T.
Published: September 2023

The selective and efficient catalytic C–H methylation of (hetero)arenes is demonstrated without involving solvents or ball milling.
Controllable construction of graphitic carbon nitride with highly-ordered macropores for boosting photodegradation
Authors: Li Ruxia , Fan Xiaoxiang , Meng Jianqi , Wu Jie , Zhao Jinjuan , Jin Ruifa , Yang Honglei , Li Shuwen
Published: September 2023

A prospective catalyst graphitic carbon nitride with highly-ordered macropores (g-CN-HOM-50) for photocatalytic waste water purification was prepared through a harmless, facile and convenient strategy for the first time.
Tailoring the catalytically active sites in Co-based catalysts for electrochemical methanol upgrading to produce formate
Authors: Wang Yameng , Yang Xue , Wang Kexin , Liu Zimeng , Sun Xiaoning , Chen Jinyue , Liu Shanshan , Sun Xu , Xie Junfeng , Tang Bo
Published: September 2023

Electrochemical valorization of bulk chemicals to produce value-added fine chemicals is highly attractive and deemed to be a green and economic way to optimize traditional industrial synthesis.
Selective hydrogenation of phenols to cyclohexanols catalyzed by robust solid NHC–Rh coordination assemblies in water
Authors: Chen Jie , Ji Jiale , Tu Tao
Published: September 2023

Selective hydrogenation of phenols catalyzed by robust solid NHC–Rh coordination assemblies in water.
Direct coupling of inert C–H bonds in NHC organocatalysis
Authors: Wang Hongling , Su Fen , Wang Yanyan , Wu Xingxing , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: September 2023

Direct coupling of inert C–H bonds by NHCs offers efficient routes for the synthesis of functional molecules. Consequently, this highlight presents the latest advancements in NHC-catalyzed latent C–H functionalization involving the ET/PT pathways and HAT pathway.
Investigation of the adsorption behavior of the anti-cancer drug hydroxyurea on the graphene, BN, AlN, and GaN nanosheets and their doped structures via DFT and COSMO calculations
Authors: Piya Afiya Akter , Hossain A. K. M. Akther
Published: September 2023

AlN and GaN-doped AlN can be used as effective drug carriers for HU drug.
Production of red yeast rice rich in monacolin K by variable temperature solid fermentation of Monascus purpureus
Authors: Yuan Xinsong , Gao Shan , Tan Yudie , Cao Jiyun , Yang Shiwei , Zheng Bin
Published: September 2023

Hypercholesterolemia represents a serious public health problem as it significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Recent theranostic applications of hydrogen peroxide-responsive nanomaterials for multiple diseases
Authors: Huang Linjie , Su Yina , Zhang Dongdong , Zeng Zheng , Hu Xueqi , Hong Shanni , Lin Xiahui
Published: September 2023

To better understand the functions and mechanisms of H2O2-responsive nanomaterials, key examples of their diagnosis and therapy strategies are introduced.
Relativistic electronic structure and photovoltaic performance of K2CsSb
Authors: Wu Ruiqi , Ganose Alex M.
Published: September 2023

We identify K2CsSb as a potential photovoltaic absorber by considering it's optoelectronic properties and maximum theoretical power conversion efficiency.
Sustainable electricity from gravity-driven nanofluidic flow of water through modified bio-channels of coir fibers
Authors: Bora Barsha Rani , Mondal Monotosh , Nath Nabamallika , Datta K. K. R. , Raidongia Kalyan
Published: September 2023

Generation of sustainable electricity from the nanofluidic flow of water through modified biochannels of coconut coir fibres.
Investigations of the nonlinear optical properties of ZrGeTe4 nanosheets and their application in ultrafast photonics
Authors: Xu Baohao , Shi Lie , Ma Xiangen , Zhang Huanian , Jiang Kai , Wang Jing , Chu Hongwei , Tang Wenjing , Xia Wei
Published: September 2023

We prepared ZrGeTe4 nanosheets and investigated their nonlinear optical properties. ZrGeTe4 nanosheets as a saturable absorber were applied in an Er-doped fiber laser for conventional soliton and harmonic mode-locking pulses generation.
Small twist, big miracle—recent progress in the fabrication of twisted 2D materials
Authors: Ma Weijie , Zhang Qing , Li Lin , Geng Dechao , Hu Wenping
Published: September 2023

The advancement on the emerging twisted 2D materials with emphasis on controllable preparation, promising to bring some new insights to the field of 2D materials and laying a foundation for exploring more novel physical properties in the future.
The Influence of Hearing Loss on the Pupil Response to Degraded Speech
Authors: Zekveld Adriana A. , Pielage Hidde , Versfeld Niek J. , Kramer Sophia E.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Current evidence regarding the influence of hearing loss on the pupil response elicited by speech perception is inconsistent. This might be partially due to confounding effects of age. This study aimed to compare pupil responses in age-matched groups of normal-hearing (NH) and hard of hearing (HH) listeners during listening to speech.

Method:

We tested the baseline pupil size and mean and peak pupil dilation response of 17 NH participants (
M
age
= 46 years; age range: 20–62 years) and 17 HH participants (
M
age
= 45 years; age range: 20–63 years) who were pairwise matched on age and educational level. Participants performed three speech perception tasks at a 50% intelligibility level: noise-vocoded speech and speech masked with either stationary noise or interfering speech. They also listened to speech presented in quiet.

Results:

Hearing loss was associated with poorer speech perception, except for noise-vocoded speech. In contrast to NH participants, performance of HH participants did not improve across trials for the interfering speech condition, and it decreased for speech in stationary noise. HH participants had a smaller mean pupil dilation in degraded speech conditions compared to NH participants, but not for speech in quiet. They also had a steeper decline in the baseline pupil size across trials. The baseline pupil size was smaller for noise-vocoded speech as compared to the other conditions. The normalized data showed an additional group effect on the baseline pupil response.

Conclusions:

Hearing loss is associated with a smaller pupil response and steeper decline in baseline pupil size during the perception of degraded speech. This suggests difficulties of the HH participants to sustain their effort investment and performance across the test session.