bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Brigantaggio’ revisited: historiographical experiences and prospects for research
Authors: Pinto Carmine , Fruci Gian Luca
Published: January 2025

This article describes the results of the Progetto di ricerca di interesse nazionale (Research Project of National Interest [PRIN]) ‘Il brigantaggio rivisitato’ (‘“Brigantaggio” Revisited’), which investigated the practices and imagery of brigandage (and the fight against it) in modern and contemporary Italy from a Euro-Atlantic perspective. A large community of scholars, both within Italy and further afield, tackled numerous historiographical issues: forms of rural criminality in the modern age; the profile of the brigands (both male and female); their level of politicisation and relationship with the Legitimists and the Catholic Church; the reaction of the security forces and the unification movement; the evolving definition of the word ‘brigand’; the politics and military strategy of the post-unification anti-brigandry campaign; and the interaction between the local dimension and global view of banditry and irregular warfare. In-depth work was also conducted on the image of the bandits spread through visual and material culture by the media and on their performative consequences in different eras, through to their present-day reuse.
DERIVATIVES OF THETA FUNCTIONS AS TRACES OF PARTITION EISENSTEIN SERIES
Authors: AMDEBERHAN TEWODROS , ONO KEN , SINGH AJIT
Published: January 2025

In his “lost notebook,” Ramanujan used iterated derivatives of two theta functions to define sequences of q-series

$\{U_{2t}(q)\}$

and

$\{V_{2t}(q)\}$

that he claimed to be quasimodular. We give the first explicit proof of this claim by expressing them in terms of “partition Eisenstein series,” extensions of the classical Eisenstein series

$E_{2k}(q),$

defined by

$$ \begin{align*}\lambda=(1^{m_1}, 2^{m_2},\dots, n^{m_n}) \vdash n \ \ \ \longmapsto \ \ \ E_{\lambda}(q):= E_2(q)^{m_1} E_4(q)^{m_2}\cdots E_{2n}(q)^{m_n}. \end{align*} $$

For functions

$\phi : \mathcal {P}\mapsto {\mathbb C}$

on partitions, the weight

$2n$

partition Eisenstein trace is

$$ \begin{align*}\operatorname{\mathrm{Tr}}_n(\phi;q):=\sum_{\lambda \vdash n} \phi(\lambda)E_{\lambda}(q). \end{align*} $$

For all t, we prove that

$U_{2t}(q)=\operatorname {\mathrm {Tr}}_t(\phi _U;q)$

and

$V_{2t}(q)=\operatorname {\mathrm {Tr}}_t(\phi _V;q),$

where

$\phi _U$

and

$\phi _V$

are natural partition weights, giving the first explicit quasimodular formulas for these series.
Strengthening Religious Ties: The Neo-Protestant Church and the Integration of Romanian Migrants in the United States
Authors: Moldovan Ionut-Daniel , Gherghina Sergiu
Published: January 2025

Previous studies show how religious affiliation and activity often facilitate the integration of migrants and their descendants, strengthens their sense of belonging, and increases their acceptance in the host society. However, the characteristics of immigrants who benefit from the church’s help in the integration process remain largely unknown. This article addresses this gap in the literature and analyzes the ways in which the Neo-Protestant Church supports Romanian migrants in their integration in the US. We use primary data from an online survey conducted in September-November 2021 and semi-structured interviews conducted in 2022 with Romanian immigrants in the US. The results indicate that the church provides extensive help to people who are involved in religious organizations or associations, and to those who frequently attend religious services.
UK cancer vaccine advance – Recognising and realising opportunities
Authors: Craddock Charles , Earwaker Philip , Fittall Matthew , Fontana Elisa , Ganesh Divya , Gerlinger Marco , Ghafoor Qamar , Jones Robert P , Kunene Victoria , Lee Lennard , Lee Rebecca , Lee Siow-Ming , Linch Mark , Little Martin , Liu Justin , McKenzie Hayley , Petty Russell , Pinato David J , Powles Thomas , Protheroe Andrew , Robinson Tim , Ross Paul J , Shiu Kai Keen , Spicer James , Symeonides Stefan , Tilby Michael , Vimalachandran Dale , Wang Jenny Y , Wardley Andrew , Winter Helen
Published: January 2025

Vaccines have revolutionised the field of medicine, eradicating and controlling many diseases. Recent pandemic vaccine successes have highlighted the accelerated pace of vaccine development and deployment. Leveraging this momentum, attention has shifted to cancer vaccines and personalised cancer vaccines, aimed at targeting individual tumour-specific abnormalities. The UK, now regarded for its vaccine capabilities, is an ideal nation for pioneering cancer vaccine trials. This article convened experts to share insights and approaches to navigate the challenges of cancer vaccine development with personalised or precision cancer vaccines, as well as fixed vaccines. Emphasising partnership and proactive strategies, this article outlines the ambition to harness national and local system capabilities in the UK; to work in collaboration with potential pharmaceutic partners; and to seize the opportunity to deliver the pace for rapid advances in cancer vaccine technology.
Temporal trends in winter wheat yield: the role of NPK-fertilization and climate over decades of field experiments
Authors: Roman Muhammad , Hlisnikovský Lukáš , Menšík Ladislav , Zemanová Veronika , Kunzová Eva
Published: January 2025

Changes in climate patterns have a significant impact on agricultural production. A comprehensive understanding of weather changes in arable farming is essential to ensure practical and effective strategies for farmers. Our research aimed to investigate how different fertilization interacts with environmental factors, examine their effects on wheat yield and varietal response over time, minimize nitrogen (N) fertilizer using alfalfa as a proceeding crop, and recommend an optimum N dose based on the latest weather conditions. A long-term experiment including 15 seasons (1961–2022) was studied, where a wheat crop followed alfalfa with different N applications. Our results indicated that the average temperature in the Caslav region has increased by 0.045°C per year, more significantly since 1987. Moreover, precipitation slightly decreased by 0.247 mm, but not significantly. The average November temperatures are gradually rising, positively affecting wheat grain yield. July precipitation negatively impacted grain yield only in years with extraordinary rainfall. Additionally, new wheat varieties (Contra, Mulan, Julie) yielded statistically more than the old variety (Slavia). Effectively managing nitrogen under various climate conditions is essential for promoting plant growth and reducing environmental N losses. The optimal N dosage was determined at 65 kg/ha N, resulting in an average yield of 9.1 t/ha following alfalfa as a preceding crop. Alfalfa reduces the need for N fertilization and contributes to sustainable conventional agriculture. Our findings will serve as a foundation for designing future climate change adaptation strategies to sustain wheat production.
Silk consumption and dressing practices in late-medieval Catalonia: the cases of Barcelona and Vic (1400–1460)
Authors: Palarea Marimón Aina
Published: January 2025

This article examines how consumer preferences towards silk fabrics changed in Catalonia over the course of the first sixty years of the 15th century. It argues that during the first half of the 15th century silk became a luxury fabric for the wealthiest households of Catalan urban society. This change was triggered by the crisis of Europe's most prestigious manufacturing centres of high-quality woollens. Moreover, this article also claims that the adoption of silk as Catalonia's newest luxury fabric entailed a transition from lighter and plain silks to more expensive and elaborate silk fabrics. Finally, it connects this sumptuary shift to the technological development of the Italian silk industry and its later diffusion in Europe.
The National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana plays Ghanaian Classics: negotiating multiple identities through highlife music
Authors: Nii-Dortey Moses , Akwetteh Laryea
Published: January 2025

Fifty-six years after its establishment, the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra in 2015 recorded its debut album Ghanaian Classics at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. Despite the overwhelming challenge of low patronage of art music in Africa generally, the choice of repertoire and composers for this historic album was largely drawn from the Ghanaian popular music domain. This paper investigates the extent to which the album recording and launch represented a deliberate attempt by the orchestra to negotiate its multiple identities through Ghanaian highlife music and musicians. We argue that the album recording, the choice of the highlife genre and artists featured on the CD, the instrumentation and the venues for the recording and launch were all a deliberate attempt to de-escalate the elitist label the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra has carried right from its inception and to court a larger following from the Ghanaian populace as a national cultural asset.
Starting a Prehospital Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Program
Authors: Seaberg David C. , McKinnon Jamie , Haselton Lyn , Gallo Doug , Kolb Jason , Moran Mary , Vellanki Suman , Raubenolt Amy , Simon Erin , Jouriles Nicholas
Published: January 2025

Background:

Over 2.7 million people have an opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid-related deaths have steadily increased over the last decade. Although emergency department (ED)-based medication for OUD (MOUD) has been successful in initiating treatment for patients, there still is a need for improved access. This study describes the development of a prehospital MOUD program.

Methods:

An interdisciplinary team expanded a MOUD program into the prehospital setting through the local city fire department Quick Response Team (QRT) to identify patients appropriate for MOUD treatment. The QRT consisted of a paramedic, social worker, and police officer. This team visited eligible patients (i.e., history of an opioid overdose and received prehospital care the previous week). The implementation team developed a prehospital MOUD protocol and a two-hour training course for QRT personnel. Implementation also required a signed contract between local hospitals and the fire department. A drug license was necessary for the QRT vehicle to carry buprenorphine/naloxone, and a process to restock the vehicle was created. Pamphlets were created to provide to patients. A clinical algorithm was created for substance use disorder (SUD) care coordinators to provide a transition of care for patients. Metrics to evaluate the program included the number of patients seen, the number enrolled in an MOUD program, and the number of naloxone kits dispensed. Data were entered into iPads designated for the QRT and uploaded into the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) program.

Results:

Over the six-month pilot, the QRT made 348 visits. Of these, the QRT successfully contacted 83 individuals, and no individuals elected to be evaluated for new MOUD treatment. Nine fatal opioid overdoses occurred during the study period. A total of 55 naloxone kits were distributed, and all patients received MOUD information pamphlets.

Conclusions:

A prehospital MOUD program can be established to expand access to early treatment and continuity of care for patients with OUD. The program was well-received by the local city fire department and QRT. There is a plan to expand the prehospital MOUD program to other local fire departments with QRTs.
Factors correlated with demoralization among cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Wen-zhen , Cheng Shi-li , Mangantig Ernest , Yulita Hanum P Iskandar , Jia Kui , Yusuf Azlina
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Demoralization isa common psychological problem in cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the correlated factors of demoralization among cancer patients. We also summarized the available evidence, effect estimates, and the strength of statistical associations between demoralization and its associated factors.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and 2 electronic databases to identify studies published up to October 2023 with data on the correlates of demoralization. Two researchers independently reviewed references, extracted data, and assessed data quality. Meta-analysis was performed using R4.1.1 software.

Results

Thirty-eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. For the most studied sociodemographic correlates, demoralization was negatively correlated with income (z = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.51, −0.02), education (z = − 0.11, 95% CI: − 0.16, −0.05), and age (z = −0.45, 95%CI: −0.75, −0.01). For the most studied clinical correlates, demoralization was positively correlated with symptom burden (z = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.50) and negatively correlated with quality of life (z = −0.40, 95% CI: −0.54, −0.24). For the most studied psychosocial correlates, demoralization was negatively correlated with social support (z = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.51, −0.26) and positively correlated with anxiety (z = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.73), depression (z = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.67), and suicidal ideation (z = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.60).

Significance of results

Demoralization showed either positive or negative associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables. More research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms to develop effective interventions. This review provides information on the factors associated with demoralization in cancer patients, which can be used to inform strategies for clinical care providers.
Situated Civility: Anna Julia Cooper and Hannah Gadsby on Politeness and Public-Mindedness
Authors: Schaap Andrew , Tønder Lars
Published: January 2025

In public life, the problem of civility is often presented as a choice over whether citizens should recover social norms of civility to sustain politics in the face of polarization or else contest demands for civility to politicize social inequalities. Political theorists often respond by treating this as an epistemological problem requiring conceptual clarification. By distinguishing between civility as politeness and civility as public-mindedness, for instance, they promise to clarify when it is appropriate to conform to social norms and when it might be morally permissible to be rude or disrespectful. While valid in its own terms, such an approach presupposes an impoverished conception of both the subject and the politics of civility. Rather than ask when and why we should choose to be civil (or not), in this article we ask: what is produced when citizens are civil or uncivil within a given situation? We consider this by turning to two feminist interlocutors: Anna Julia Cooper and Hannah Gadsby. Engaging with their reflections on and interventions within situations in which civility rises to the level of explicit attention provides the basis for a more adequate understanding of the subject of civility. Cooper and Gadsby each highlight how the subject does not simply choose whether to conform to social norms but is both constituted by the situation within which they act while also constituting the situation of which they are a part. This opens the way to a more adequate understanding of the politics of civility. As an embodied negotiation of social norms and political principles, Cooper and Gadsby show how this involves reading situations, expanding situations to interpellate others, and disclosing the limits of a situation.
European Constitutional Identity as the Unamendable Core of the EU Treaties
Authors: Cruz Mantilla de los Ríos Pablo
Published: January 2025

European constitutional identity as an implicit limit to amending EU treaties – General trend towards acknowledging implicit constraints to constitutional amendments as well as empowering supreme courts and constitutional courts to monitor ‘unconstitutional constitutional amendments’ – Substantive limits to revising EU treaties essentially based on Article 2 TEU – Conditionality mechanism rulings as a point of departure for speculating on the emergence of a European constitutional identity – ECJ’s competence to review EU treaty amendments with a self-restrained approach as a last resort mechanism.
Caffeine and nicotine acutely inhibits flow-mediated vasodilation, but not both are necessarily harmful in the long term
Authors: Storck Martin , Kröger Knut , Rammos Christos
Published: January 2025

Summary: Today, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a standardized test for the non-invasive assessment of vascular endothelial function in humans. The test is often used to assess the influence of various living conditions on the vascular system. Many factors have a short-term effect on FMD and reduce it. However, not every short-term FMD-reducing effect also signals long-term vascular damage with repeated exposure. The comparison between coffee consumption and smoking will be used to discuss that although both stimulants lead to comparable acute changes in vascular function, they differ in their long-term effects on the vascular system. Therefore, acute FMD effects cannot always be equated with long-term damaging effects.
The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in hospitalized tobacco smokers with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Kaszuba Marek , Kościelniak Jolanta , Śliwka Agnieszka , Piliński Rafał , Bochenek Grażyna , Maga Paweł , Nowobilski Roman
Published: January 2025

Summary: Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are inflammatory diseases. These two entities often co-exist, but little is known about the prevalence of this phenomenon in patients with PAD. The objectives of this prospective cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of COPD in patients with PAD and to assess the frequency of COPD underdiagnosis in this group of patients. Patients and methods: Consecutive patients admitted to angiology department were evaluated. Measurements of ankle-brachial and toe-brachial index as well as peripheral arteriography were performed in all participants to confirm PAD. In tobacco smokers with PAD spirometry was performed to identified patients with COPD. Clinical information was obtained from the patients on the basis of questionnaires. Results: Eighty-eight out of 300 consecutive patients were included and assessed. COPD was diagnosed in 33 (37.5%) hospitalized smokers with PAD. COPD has not previously been diagnosed in 28 (84.8%) patients who met the criteria of the disease. Conclusions: There was high prevalence of COPD among tobacco smokers hospitalized in the angiology department. Most of them had never had spirometry performed before. The underdiagnosis rate is relatively high; therefore, all patients with PAD who smoke tobacco should have a spirometry performed, as a screening for COPD.
Microclimate Driven Grassland Greenness Asymmetry Between West‐ and East‐ Facing Slopes on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xie Jiangliu , Yan Xinyu , Chen Rui , Yang Yajie , Cao Yungang , Jian Yi , Yin Gaofei
Published: January 2025

Slope orientation creates microclimate by modulating water and heat flux between the land surface and the atmosphere, thereby regulating vegetation growth and its response to background climate change. However, the potential asymmetry in vegetation greenness between west‐ and east‐facing slopes remains underexplored. Analyzing the normalized difference vegetation index derived from Landsat reflectances in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) grassland, we identified that west‐facing slopes were greener than east‐facing slopes in the western TP, while the opposite appeared in the eastern TP. We also detected a stronger greening trend on west‐ than east‐ facing slopes over the entire TP grassland from 1991 to 2020. These disparities result from distinct microclimates on the two contrasting slopes: west‐facing slopes tend to be wetter and colder than east‐facing slopes under similar background climate. Our findings underscore the crucial role of slope orientation in shaping vegetation greenness and its response to climate change.
Evaluating Cloud Properties at Scott Base: Comparing Ceilometer Observations With ERA5, JRA55, and MERRA2 Reanalyses Using an Instrument Simulator
Authors: McDonald A. J. , Kuma P. , Panell M. , Petterson O. K. L. , Plank G. E. , Rozliaiani M. A. H. , Whitehead L. E.
Published: January 2025

This study compares CL51 ceilometer observations made at Scott Base, Antarctica, with statistics from the ERA5, JRA55, and MERRA2 reanalyses. To enhance the comparison we use a lidar instrument simulator to derive cloud statistics from the reanalyses which account for instrumental factors. The cloud occurrence in the three reanalyses is slightly overestimated above 3 km, but displays a larger underestimation below 3 km relative to observations. Unlike previous studies, we see no relationship between relative humidity and cloud occurrence biases, suggesting that the cloud biases do not result from the representation of moisture. We also show that the seasonal variation of cloud occurrence and cloud fraction, defined as the vertically integrated cloud occurrence, are small in both the observations and the reanalyses. We also examine the quality of the cloud representation for a set of weather states derived from ERA5 surface winds. The variability associated with grouping cloud occurrence based on weather state is much larger than the seasonal variation, highlighting weather state is a strong control of cloud occurrence. All the reanalyses continue to display underestimates below 3 km and overestimates above 3 km for each weather state. But the variability in ERA5 statistics matches the changes in the observations better than the other reanalyses. We also use a machine learning scheme to estimate the quantity of supercooled liquid water cloud from the ceilometer observations. Ceilometer low‐level supercooled liquid water cloud occurrences are considerably larger than values derived from the reanalyses, further highlighting the poor representation of low‐level clouds in the reanalyses.
Late Jurassic Initial Development of a Salt‐Dominated Fold‐And‐Thrust Belt: The Inverted Passive Margin of the Eastern Alps (Austria)
Authors: Fernandez O. , Ortner H. , Munday W. E. H. , Moser M. , Sanders D. , Grasemann B. , Leitner T.
Published: January 2025

The Northern Calcareous Alps (Eastern Alps, Austria) represent a well‐preserved example of the early stages of inversion of a salt‐bearing passive margin, which occurred in a fully submarine setting. Late Jurassic shortening led to widespread thrusting and folding that nucleated preferentially, although not exclusively, along salt structures developed during the Triassic passive‐margin stage. The presence of a highly effective basal décollement permitted the propagation of deformation without generalized uplift in the area, which was limited to thrusts, folds and squeezed salt structures. The development of individual structures was controlled by the orientation of pre‐existing salt structures, the thickness of supra‐salt stratigraphy, the lateral propagation of deformation, and, possibly, the redistribution of salt within salt structures prior to contraction and the influence of sub‐salt basement faults. Syn‐tectonic sediments make it possible to reliably reconstruct the timing of structural inversion. These same sediments were in turn controlled by structural evolution, with depocenters developing roughly parallel to the inverting structures. The structures documented here are evidence for Late Jurassic shortening across the central Eastern Alps, totaling a few to few tens of kilometers. This is the first systematic description of structures of Late Jurassic age in the Eastern Alps and provides a framework within which to understand the abundance of syn‐tectonic deposits of this age in the area. Particular attention is paid to the Totengebirge–Trattberg contractional system, an outstandingly long set of structures, whose continuity and significance has gone previously unrecognized.
Exosome-based targeted delivery of NF-κB ameliorates age-related neuroinflammation in the aged mouse brain
Authors: Lee Chae-Jeong , Jang Seung Hyun , Lim Jiwoo , Park Hyunju , Ahn So-Hee , Park Seon Young , Seo Hyangmi , Song Soo-Jin , Shin Jung-A , Choi Chulhee , Gee Heon Yung , Choi Youn-Hee
Published: January 2025

Neuroinflammation, a significant contributor to various neurodegenerative diseases, is strongly associated with the aging process; however, to date, no efficacious treatments for neuroinflammation have been developed. In aged mouse brains, the number of infiltrating immune cells increases, and the key transcription factor associated with increased chemokine levels is nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Exosomes are potent therapeutics or drug delivery vehicles for various materials, including proteins and regulatory genes, to target cells. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes loaded with a nondegradable form of IκB (Exo-srIκB), which inhibits the nuclear translocation of NF-κB to suppress age-related neuroinflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that these anti-inflammatory exosomes targeted macrophages and microglia, reducing the expression of inflammation-related genes. Treatment with Exo-srIκB also suppressed the interactions between macrophages/microglia and T and B cells in the aged brain. We demonstrated that Exo-srIκB successfully alleviates neuroinflammation by primarily targeting activated macrophages and partially modulating the functions of age-related interferon-responsive microglia in the brain. Thus, our findings highlight Exo-srIκB as a potential therapeutic agent for treating age-related neuroinflammation.
V̇O2peak estimation in people with overweight and obesity before and after a 14-week lifestyle intervention
Authors: Hansen Mikkel Thunestvedt , Husted Karina , Modvig Johanne Louise , Lange Kristine Kjær , Weinreich Cecilie Moe , Tranberg Cathrine , Rømer Tue , Ingersen Arthur , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the validity and applicability of a non-exercise estimation of cardiorespiratory fitness using resting seismocardiography (SCG eV̇O2peak) in people with overweight and obesity before and after a 14-week lifestyle intervention.

Methods

The study was carried out at a Folk high school that offers 14-week courses on lifestyle changes where participants live at the school and voluntarily participate in daily lectures and activities. Sixty-seven men and women with age and body mass index between 18 and 70 years and 25–50 kg·m–2 were tested at baseline, and 52 had a follow-up test after 14 weeks. Testing included the determination of anthropometric variables, an SCG eV̇O2peak at supine rest, and a gold standard V̇O2peak test on a cycle ergometer until voluntary exhaustion.

Results

Agreement analysis for V̇O2peak at baseline (n = 67, SCG eV̇O2peak: 26.9 ± 1.9 ml·min–1·kg–1, V̇O2peak: 26.6 ± 1.6 ml·min–1·kg–1, mean ± 95% confidence interval) showed a bias of 0.3 ± 1.0 ml·min–1·kg–1 with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) ranging ± 9.8 ml·min–1·kg–1. A Pearson’s correlation of r = 0.78 (p < 0.0001) and a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 5.0 ml·min–1·kg–1 were found between methods. At follow-up (n = 52), body mass was reduced by 6.6 ± 1.4 kg (p < 0.0001). V̇O2peak increased by 3.3 ± 0.9 ml·min–1·kg–1 and 175 ± 78 ml·min–1 and SCG eV̇O2peak by 2.6 ± 0.8 ml·min–1·kg–1 and 93 ± 76 ml·min–1 (two-way ANOVA repeated measure: intervention p < 0.0001, method p = 0.939 and interaction p = 0.125, relative V̇O2peak). A Pearson’s correlation of r = 0.37 (p < 0.05) was found between changes in relative V̇O2peak but not for absolute V̇O2peak r = 0.10 (p = 0.402).

Conclusions

The SCG method is accurate for estimating V̇O2peak and appropriate for detecting group changes in both relative and absolute V̇O2peak following a lifestyle intervention in people with overweight and obesity. Furthermore, the method can detect individual changes in V̇O2peak but not independently of body mass changes. Yet, the applicability is still limited by the relatively large variation in LoA and SEE.
Dehydrocorydaline maintains the vascular smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype by upregulating Spta1
Authors: Dang Yuan-ye , Chen Cui , Wei Qiu-fen , Gao Li-feng , Zhang Shun-chi , Li Yong-xian , Dai Xiao-yan
Published: January 2025

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Dehydrocorydaline (DHC), a major active component of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Rhizoma Corydalis, exhibits diverse pharmacological effects. However, its impact on VSMCs remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of DHC in phenotypic switching of VSMCs. Our study revealed that DHC increased the mRNA and protein levels of rat VSMC contractile phenotype markers, such as calponin 1 (Cnn1), myosin heavy chain (Myh11, SM-MHC), smooth muscle 22α (Sm22α), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (Acta2, α-SMA) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, DHC inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. In Apoe

−/−
mice, DHC treatment resulted in reduced carotid plaque areas and macrophage infiltration, along with increased contractile phenotype marker expression. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant upregulation of spectrin alpha, erythrocytic 1 (Spta1) in DHC-treated rat VSMCs. Strikingly, Spta1 knockdown effectively negated the increase in contractile phenotype marker expression in VSMCs that was initially prompted by DHC. Therefore, DHC preserves the VSMC contractile phenotype through Spta1, thereby attenuating carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques in Apoe

−/−
mice. This study provides evidence supporting the potential use of Chinese herbal medicines, particularly those containing DHC such as Rhizoma Corydalis, in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, thus expanding the clinical application of such herbal remedies.
Polycystin-1 regulates tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cells fate and matrix organization in heterotopic ossification
Authors: Xu Yi Li , Huang Mei , Zhang Yang , Su Xin Ying , Huang Min , Zou Nan Yu , Jiao Yu Rui , Sun Yu Chen , Liu Ling , Lei Yong Hua , Li Chang Jun
Published: January 2025

Mechanical stress modulates bone formation and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the interaction of which affects heterotopic ossification (HO). However, the mechanically sensitive cell populations in HO and the underlying mechanism remain elusive. Here, we show that the mechanical protein Polysyctin-1 (PC1, Pkd1) regulates CTSK lineage tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cell (TDMSC) fate and ECM organization, thus affecting HO progression. First, we revealed that CTSK lineage TDMSCs are the major source of osteoblasts and fibroblasts in HO and are responsive to mechanical cues via single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and experiments with a lineage tracing mouse model. Moreover, we showed that PC1 mediates the mechanosignal transduction of CTSK lineage TDMSCs to regulate osteogenic and fibrogenic differentiation and alters the ECM architecture by facilitating TAZ nuclear translocation. Conditional gene depletion of Pkd1 or Taz in CTSK lineage cells and pharmaceutical intervention in the PC1-TAZ axis disrupt osteogenesis, fibrogenesis and ECM organization, and consequently attenuate HO progression. These findings suggest that mechanically sensitive CTSK-lineage TDMSCs contribute to heterotopic ossification through PC1-TAZ signaling axis mediated cell fate determination and ECM organization.
Exocyst complex component 1 (Exoc1) loss in dormant oocyte disrupts c-KIT and growth differentiation factor (GDF9) subcellular localization and causes female infertility in mice
Authors: Nguyen Chi Lieu Kim , Kuba Yumeno , Le Hoai Thu , Shawki Hossam Hassan , Mikami Natsuki , Aoki Madoka , Yasuhara Nanako , Suzuki Hayate , Mizuno-Iijima Saori , Ayabe Shinya , Osawa Yuki , Fujiyama Tomoyuki , Dinh Tra Thi Huong , Ishida Miyuki , Daitoku Yoko , Tanimoto Yoko , Murata Kazuya , Kang Woojin , Ema Masatsugu , Hirao Yuji , Ogura Atsuo , Takahashi Satoru , Sugiyama Fumihiro , Mizuno Seiya
Published: January 2025

A limited number of female germ cells support reproduction in many mammals. The follicle, composed of oocytes and supporting granulosa cells, forms the basis of oogenesis. Crosstalk between oocytes and granulosa cells is essential for the formation, dormancy, re-awakening, and maturation of oocytes. The oocyte expresses c-KIT and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), which are major factors in this crosstalk. The downstream signalling pathways of c-KIT and GDF-9 have been well-documented; however, their intra-oocyte trafficking pathway remains unclear. Our study reveals that the exocyst complex, a heterotetrameric protein complex important for tethering in vesicular transport, is important for proper intra-oocyte trafficking of c-KIT and GDF9 in mice. We found that depletion of oocyte-specific EXOC1, a component of the exocyst complex, impaired oocyte re-awakening and cyst breakdown, and inhibited granulosa cell proliferation during follicle growth. The c-KIT receptor is localised on the oocyte plasma membrane. The oocyte-specific Kit conditional knockout mice were reported to exhibit impaired oocyte re-awakening and reduced oocyte cyst breakdown. GDF9 is a protein secreted extracellularly in the oocyte. Previous studies have shown that Gdf9 knockout mice impaired proliferation and granulosa cell multilayering in growing follicles. We found that both c-KIT and GDF9 abnormally stuck in the EXOC1-depleted oocyte cytoplasm. These abnormal phenotypes were also observed in oocytes depleted of exocyst complex members EXOC3 and EXOC7. These results clearly show that the exocyst complex is essential for proper intra-oocyte trafficking of c-KIT and GDF9. Inhibition of this complex causes complete loss of female fertility in mice. Our findings build a platform for research related to trafficking mechanisms of vital crosstalk factors for oogenesis.
A data-consistent model of the last glaciation in the Alps achieved with physics-driven AI
Authors: Leger Tancrède P. M. , Jouvet Guillaume , Kamleitner Sarah , Mey Jürgen , Herman Frédéric , Finley Brandon D. , Ivy-Ochs Susan , Vieli Andreas , Henz Andreas , Nussbaumer Samuel U.
Published: January 2025

25 thousand years ago, the European Alps were covered by the kilometre-thick Alpine Ice Field. Numerical modelling of this glaciation has been challenged by model-data disagreements, including overestimations of ice thickness. We tackle this issue by applying the Instructed Glacier Model, a three-dimensional model enhanced with physics-informed machine learning. This approach allows us to produce 100 Alps-wide and 17 thousand-year-long simulations at 300 m resolution. Previously unfeasible due to computational costs, our experiment both increases model-data agreement in ice extent and reduces the offset in ice thickness by between 200% and 450% relative to previous studies. Our results have implications for better estimating former ice velocities, ice temperature, basal conditions, erosion processes, and paleoclimate in the Alps. This study demonstrates that physics-informed machine learning can help overcome the bottleneck of high-resolution glacier modelling and better test parameterisations, both of which are required to accurately describe complex topographies and ice dynamics.
Isolation of a planar π-aromatic Bi5− ring in a cobalt-based inverse-sandwich-type complex
Authors: Rienmüller Julia , Peerless Benjamin , Paul Sagar , Bruder Florian , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Weigend Florian , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: January 2025

Monocyclic π-aromatic compounds are ubiquitous throughout almost all fields of natural sciences—as synthons in industrial processes, as ligands of metal complexes for catalysis or sensing and as bioactive molecules. Planar organocycles stand out through their specific way of overcoming electron deficiency by a non-localizable set of (4n + 2)π electrons. By contrast, all-metal aromatic monocycles are still rare, as metal atoms prefer to form clusters with multiply bonded atoms instead. This limits the knowledge and potential of corresponding compounds in chemical syntheses or for innovative materials. Here we report the successful generation of Bi5
−, the heaviest analogue of (C5H5)−. Its use as a ligand in [{IMesCo}2(µ,η5:η5-Bi5)] (1) was realized by reacting (TlBi3)2− with [(IMes)2CoCl] (where IMes is bis(1,3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl))imidazol-2-ylidene) in ortho-difluorobenzene. Compound 1 is mixed-valence Co0/CoI as verified by µ-SQUID measurements and density functional theory, and embeds the planar Bi5
− cycle in an inverse-sandwich-type manner. Capturing Bi5
− represents a landmark in the chemistry of all-metal aromatic molecules and defines a new era for aromatic compounds.
The impact of parameter variation in the quantification of forensic genetic evidence
Authors: Costa Camila , Figueiredo Carolina , Costa Sandra , Ferreira Paulo Miguel , Amorim António , Prieto Lourdes , Pinto Nádia
Published: January 2025

Technological advancements have allowed the detection of increasingly complex forensic genetics samples, as minimum amounts of DNA can now be detected in crime scenes or other settings of interest. The weight of the evidence depends on several parameters regarding the population and sample-related analytical factors, the latter in a greater number when the DNA amount is considered. This led to the development of probabilistic genotyping software (PGS), able to deal with the associated complexities. This study aims to evaluate the impact on the evidence’s weighing, when different analytical threshold values are used, and when different models and/or estimates for analytical artifacts, such as stutters or drop-in parameters, are considered. To reach this goal, three PGS, based on different statistical models, were used to analyze real casework pairs of samples composed of a mixture with either two or three estimated contributors, and a single-source sample associated. The obtained results show that the estimation of these parameters must not be overlooked, as they may considerably impact the outcome. This underlines the importance of proper parametrization in the analysis of forensic genetics identification problems when using complex samples, and the understanding by practitioners of how probabilistic genotyping informatics tools work to use them accurately.
Proteomic analysis reveals the roles of silicon in mitigating glyphosate-induced toxicity in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Mittra Probir Kumar , Rahman Md Atikur , Roy Swapan Kumar , Kwon Soo-Jeong , Mojumdar Abhik , Yun Sung Ho , Cho Kun , Cho Seong-Woo , Zhou Meiliang , Katsube-Tanaka Tomoyuki , Woo Sun-Hee
Published: January 2025

Glyphosate (Gly) is a widely used herbicide for weed control in agriculture, but it can also adversely affect crops by impairing growth, reducing yield, and disrupting nutrient uptake, while inducing toxicity. Therefore, adopting integrated eco-friendly approaches and understanding the mechanisms of glyphosate tolerance in plants is crucial, as these areas remain underexplored. This study provides proteome insights into Si-mediated improvement of Gly-toxicity tolerance in Brassica napus. The proteome analysis identified a total of 4,407 proteins, of which 594 were differentially abundant, including 208 up-regulated and 386 down-regulated proteins. These proteins are associated with diverse biological processes in B. napus, including energy metabolism, antioxidant activity, signal transduction, photosynthesis, sulfur assimilation, cell wall functions, herbicide tolerance, and plant development. Protein-protein interactome analyses confirmed the involvement of six key proteins, including L-ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutaredoxin-C2, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 2, and peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase A3 which involved in antioxidant activity, sulfur assimilation, and herbicide tolerance, contributing to the resilience of B. napus against Gly toxicity. The proteomics insights into Si-mediated Gly-toxicity mitigation is an eco-friendly approach, and alteration of key molecular processes opens a new perspective of multi-omics-assisted B. napus breeding for enhancing herbicide resistant oilseed crop production.
Unravelling the endosomal escape of pH-responsive nanoparticles using the split luciferase endosomal escape quantification assay
Authors: Nayanathara Umeka , Yang Fan , Zhang Changhe , Wang Yufu , Rossi Herling Bruna , Smith Samuel A. , Beach Maximilian A. , Johnston Angus P. R. , Such Georgina K.
Published: January 2025

Our work demonstrates the adaptation of a highly versatile split-luciferase endosomal escape quantification (SLEEQ) assay to better understand the endosomal escape efficiency of pH-responsive nanoparticles by tuning the HiBiT linker chemistry.
Enhanced dielectric losses in α-MnO2via protonation modulation
Authors: Guo Tengchao , Feng Yuejun , Quan Bin , Zhuang Yuhang , Sun Guomin , Xue Liang , Fang Lingzhe , Zhu Xiaohui
Published: January 2025

Protonated MnO2 nanobelts with distorted MnO6 octahedra reveal greatly enhanced dipole polarization losses in microwave absorption.
Influence of alkyl chain length on solar cell performance of molecular organic semiconductors: a review
Authors: Mishra Abhisekh , Mahalik Sarbeswar , Mishra Amaresh
Published: January 2025

In this review, the development of small molecular donors and acceptors with variable alkyl chains and their impact on molecular packing, exciton generation and dissociation, and solar cell performance is discussed.
Unveiling the role of NiFeM hydroxide (M = Pt, Ru, Ir, Rh) cocatalysts for robust H2 production in photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Shao Mengmeng , Shi Wei , Jiang Junhui , Tan Shihua , Wang Xuehan , Fei Jiawei , Li Jinhua , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: January 2025

Higher photocatalytic HER activity of g-C3N4 is mainly ascribed to the accelerated HER kinetics by loading Pt group metal-doped NiFe-LDH.
Microscopic kinetic model of gas hydrate and the effect of brine: a case study of natural gas hydrate from the seabed off the Tokachi coast
Authors: Takeya Satoshi , Suzuki Kiyofumi , Hachikubo Akihiro , Sakagami Hirotoshi , Minami Hirotsugu , Yamashita Satoshi , Hirano Keiichi , Hyodo Kazuyuki , Kawamoto Masahide , Yoneyama Akio
Published: January 2025

Crystallization and dissociation are among the most prominent phenomena in condensed matter science, but understanding from a microscopic perspective, such as impurities in natural materials such as gas hydrates, is fragmented.
Synthesis of Co3O4/Fe2O3 double-shelled nanocages with enhanced pseudocapacitance
Authors: Ju Hui , Pu Chenjin , Yang Jixiang , Deng Xinyi , Wang Sheng , Xie Xiaohong , Yi Weiyi , Liu Shuxin , Li Quanlong
Published: January 2025

The double-shell metal oxide obtained via the anion exchange and slow calcination methods exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.
Single-atom lead ion adsorption behavior on Ti2CO2 MXene under different electrode potentials
Authors: Li Kechen , Ou Yang , Wang Yongzhi , Zhang Jianbo , Zhou Yang
Published: January 2025

The electrode potential influences the adsorption behavior of lead ions on Ti2CO2, using an implicit solvation model.
Relativistic and electron-correlation effects in static dipole polarizabilities for group 12 elements
Authors: Cheng YingXing
Published: January 2025

Relativistic and electron-correlation effects in static dipole polarizabilities for group 12 elements are studied. Results show that scalar relativistic effects dominate, and electronic correlation is vital for accuracy.
Artificial intelligence-assisted electrochemical sensors for qualitative and semi-quantitative multiplexed analyses
Authors: Cancelliere Rocco , Molinara Mario , Licheri Antonio , Maffucci Antonio , Micheli Laura
Published: January 2025

AI-integrated electrochemical sensors boost peak resolution and sensitivity, enabling precise detection of electroactive species in complex matrices. This method enhances analytical capabilities, providing an analytically robust solution.
New highly efficient phosphorescent manganese halides as green and blue emitters
Authors: Gusev Alexey , Kiskin Mikhail , Braga Elena , Zamnius Ekaterina , Lisichnikov Alexandr , Linert Wolfgang
Published: January 2025

Three new manganese compounds on 5-(pyridin-2-yl)-3-phenyl-1,2,4-triazole (L) basis (HL)4[MnBr4]2·H2O, (HL)2[MnCl4] and [MnL2Cl2]·H2O have been synthesized and characterized in terms of their structure, photo- and electroluminescence properties.
Phytochemical analysis of dried ginger extract and its inhibitory effect and mechanism on Helicobacter pylori and associated ureases
Authors: Lu Qiang , Wang Jiahao , Tang Ying , Li Wenna , Li Cailan
Published: January 2025

Dried ginger extract (DGE) remarkably inhibited H. pylori growth and the activities of Helicobacter pylori urease (HPU) and jack bean urease (JBU). The mechanism of HPU inhibition by DGE was supposed to be blockage of thiols and Ni2+ of enzymes.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for the production of d-panthenol from 3-aminopropanol and glucose
Authors: Zhou Junping , Zhang Zheng , Xin Xinyuan , Xue Yinan , Wang Yihong , Feng Xueyun , Zhang Bo , Zhao Man , Liu Zhiqiang , Zheng Yuguo
Published: January 2025

The novel de novo biosynthesis of d-panthenol from glucose and 3-aminopropanol was realized in Escherichia coli for the first time.
Competitive adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solution onto sodium alginate gel beads
Authors: Jiao Linhong , Feng Huixia , Chen Nali , Zeng Shuwei
Published: January 2025

The HNTs@PDA/SA@ZIF-8 sodium alginate gel beads were proved to be highly effective for the adsorption of heavy metals in binary systems, making them promising candidates for wastewater treatment.
Unique hierarchical NiFe-LDH/Ni/NiCo2S4 heterostructure arrays on nickel foam for the improvement of overall water splitting activity
Authors: Gong Xi-Song , Liu Xing , Zhou Jian
Published: January 2025

A hierarchical heterostructure of NiFe-LDH/Ni/NiCo2S4 nanowire grown on NF exhibits a superiority in the water-splitting reaction with a low cell voltage of 1.53 eV, which evidently exceeds the standard Pt–C/NF//RuO2/NF cell of 1.61 V.
Mn(ii)-MOF nanoparticles conjugated with EOB-PEG as high-performance hepatobiliary-specific MRI contrast agents
Authors: Mo Gengshen , Li Xingjiang , Jian Yong , Xu Weiyuan , Xiao Xinhui , Chen Aiyi , Ding Yinghui , Jiang Xin , Shen Jianliang , Fan Lihai , Wang Zhiqiang , Dai Lixiong
Published: January 2025

Hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial diagnostic tool for early detection and staging of liver tumors.
Rational pore engineering reveals the relative contribution of enzymatic sites and self-assembly towards rapid ferroxidase activity and mineralization: impact of electrostatic guiding and cage-confinement in bacterioferritin
Authors: Parida Akankshika , Bhattacharyya Gargee , Mallik Swagatika , Behera Rabindra K.
Published: January 2025

Abolition of self-assembly by rational pore engineering using site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) reveals the critical role of cage-confinement on ferroxidase/mineralisation activity and antioxidative properties in bacterioferritin.
Low-temperature etch synthesis of Fe-doped Ni(OH)2 for enhanced bifunctional water splitting
Authors: Xin Yanmei , Dou Xiaoru , Yan Qiling , Zhang Ruiting , Li Shuaishuai , Huang Guoan , Zhang Zhonghai
Published: January 2025

Low-temperature etching-assisted synthesis of Fe-doped Ni(OH)2 bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction.
Chemical and physical properties of orthoconic liquid crystals: 2H NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Drzewicz Anna , Rossi Martina , Cifelli Mario , Saielli Giacomo , Tykarska Marzena , Domenici Valentina
Published: January 2025

2H NMR spectroscopy, MD simulations, X-ray diffraction and electrooptic measurements show a very high tilt angle in the orthoconic antiferroelectric phase.