bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A universal strategy for decoupling stiffness and extensibility of polymer networks
Authors: Huang Baiqiang , Nian Shifeng , Cai Li-Heng
Published: November 2024

Since the invention of polymer networks such as cross-linked natural rubber in the 19th century, it has been a dogma that stiffer networks are less stretchable. We report a universal strategy for decoupling the stiffness and extensibility of single-network elastomers. Instead of using linear polymers as network strands, we use foldable bottlebrush polymers, which feature a collapsed backbone grafted with many linear side chains. Upon elongation, the collapsed backbone unfolds to release stored length, enabling remarkable extensibility. By contrast, the network elastic modulus is inversely proportional to network strand mass and is determined by the side chains. We validate this concept by creating single-network elastomers with nearly constant Young’s modulus (30 kilopascals) while increasing tensile breaking strain by 40-fold, from 20 to 800%. We show that this strategy applies to networks of different polymer species and topologies. Our discovery opens an avenue for developing polymeric materials with extraordinary mechanical properties.
Recent emergence of Arctic atlantification dominated by climate warming
Authors: Wang Qiang , Shu Qi , Wang Fan
Published: November 2024

The Arctic Ocean’s Eurasian Basin underwent notable atlantification during the 2010s, characterized by warming of the Atlantic Water layer and increased upper ocean salinity. Despite profound implications for the Arctic climate system and marine ecosystems, the primary drivers of this process remain debated. One hypothesis suggested that alternating phases of the atmospheric Arctic Dipole may have mitigated recent atlantification. Here, we use high-resolution model simulations to disentangle the main contributors to atlantification in the Arctic basin. We show that the decline in Arctic sea ice was the dominant driver, while wind variability associated with the Arctic Dipole played a minor role, contributing slightly rather than mitigating the process. The positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation also made a relatively small contribution. Although recent changes in atmospheric circulation over the Greenland Sea tended to reduce warm water inflow through the Fram Strait, this cooling effect on the Arctic Atlantic Water layer was outweighed by the warming induced by sea ice decline.
The multifunctional use of an aqueous battery for a high capacity jellyfish robot
Authors: Liu Xu , Jin Shuo , Shao Yiqi , Kuperman Sofia , Pratt Autumn , Zhang Duhan , Lo Jacqueline , Joo Yong Lak , Gat Amir D. , Archer Lynden A. , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: November 2024

The batteries that power untethered underwater vehicles (UUVs) serve a single purpose: to provide energy to electronics and motors; the more energy required, the bigger the robot must be to accommodate space for more energy storage. By choosing batteries composed primarily of liquid media [e.g., redox flow batteries (RFBs)], the increased weight can be better distributed for improved capacity with reduced inertial moment. Here, we formed an RFB into the shape of a jellyfish, using two redox chemistries and architectures: (i) a secondary ZnBr
2
battery and (ii) a hybrid primary/secondary ZnI
2
battery. A UUV was able to be powered solely by RFBs with increased volumetric (
Q
~ 11 ampere-hours per liter) and areal (108 milliampere-hours per square centimeter) energy density, resulting in a long operational lifetime (
T
~ 1.5 hours) for UUVs composed of primarily electrochemically energy-dense liquid (~90% of the robot’s weight).
Hormone response elements for the thyroid receptor-α include specific distal 5′-flanking DNA
Authors: Lohry David P. , Stevens Taylor A. , Shen Tongye , Fernandez Elias J.
Published: November 2024

Optimal gene transcription is achieved through precise interactions between transcription factors and their DNA binding sites. We provide evidence that conserved distally located 5′-flanking sequences interact directly with the intrinsically disordered amino-terminal region of the thyroid receptor-α (TRα) to control transcriptional activity. Simulated modeling and dynamics with multiple ChIP-seq–derived sequences consistently reveal specific lysine/arginine–DNA minor groove interactions. The impact of these interactions is to distort DNA structural conformations, and these are also revealed with atomic force microscopy. The importance of the 5′-flanking DNA is further emphasized with reporter gene assays and comparisons with canonical response elements. Overall, the study reveals the inadequacy of current definitions of the DNA hormone response element (HRE) and suggests that future descriptions of the HRE include the conserved distal DNA sequences. The broad impact of this study is further underscored by the common occurrence of Lys/Arg-rich motifs within the intrinsically disordered regions of nuclear receptors.
The Hox protein Antennapedia orchestrates
Drosophila
adult flight muscle development
Authors: Poliacikova Gabriela , Aouane Aïcha , Caruso Nathalie , Brouilly Nicolas , Maurel-Zaffran Corinne , Graba Yacine , Saurin Andrew J.
Published: November 2024

Muscle development and diversity require a large number of spatially and temporally regulated events controlled by transcription factors (TFs).
Drosophila
has long stood as a model to study myogenesis due to the highly conserved key TFs involved at all stages of muscle development. While many studies focused on the diversification of
Drosophila
larval musculature, how distinct adult muscle types are generated is much less characterized. Here, we identify an essential regulator of
Drosophila
thoracic flight muscle development, the Hox TF Antennapedia (Antp). Correcting a long-standing belief that flight muscle development occurs without the input of Hox TFs, we show that Antp intervenes at several stages of flight muscle development, from the establishment of the progenitor pool in the embryo to myoblast differentiation in the early pupa. Furthermore, the precisely regulated clearance of Hox in the developing flight muscle fibers is required to allow for fibrillar muscle fate diversification, setting these muscles apart from all other adult tubular muscle types.
Bioinspired designer DNA NanoGripper for virus sensing and potential inhibition
Authors: Zhou Lifeng , Xiong Yanyu , Dwivedy Abhisek , Zheng Mengxi , Cooper Laura , Shepherd Skye , Song Tingjie , Hong Wei , Le Linh T. P. , Chen Xin , Umrao Saurabh , Rong Lijun , Wang Tong , Cunningham Brian T. , Wang Xing
Published: November 2024

DNA has shown great biocompatibility, programmable mechanical properties, and precise structural addressability at the nanometer scale, rendering it a material for constructing versatile nanorobots for biomedical applications. Here, we present the design principle, synthesis, and characterization of a DNA nanorobotic hand, called DNA NanoGripper, that contains a palm and four bendable fingers as inspired by naturally evolved human hands, bird claws, and bacteriophages. Each NanoGripper finger consists of three phalanges connected by three rotatable joints that are bendable in response to the binding of other entities. NanoGripper functions are enabled and driven by the interactions between moieties attached to the fingers and their binding partners. We demonstrate that the NanoGripper can be engineered to effectively interact with and capture nanometer-scale objects, including gold nanoparticles, gold NanoUrchins, and SARS-CoV-2 virions. With multiple DNA aptamer nanoswitches programmed to generate a fluorescent signal that is enhanced on a photonic crystal platform, the NanoGripper functions as a highly sensitive biosensor that selectively detects intact SARS-CoV-2 virions in human saliva with a limit of detection of ~100 copies per milliliter, providing a sensitivity equal to that of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Quantified by flow cytometry assays, we demonstrated that the NanoGripper-aptamer complex can effectively block viral entry into the host cells, suggesting its potential for inhibiting virus infections. The design, synthesis, and characterization of a sophisticated nanomachine that can be tailored for specific applications highlight a promising pathway toward feasible and efficient solutions to the detection and potential inhibition of virus infections.
Seeding-competent TDP-43 persists in human patient and mouse muscle
Authors: Lynch Eileen M. , Pittman Sara , Daw Jil , Ikenaga Chiseko , Chen Sheng , Dhavale Dhruva D. , Jackrel Meredith E. , Ayala Yuna M. , Kotzbauer Paul , Ly Cindy V. , Pestronk Alan , Lloyd Thomas E. , Weihl Conrad C.
Published: November 2024

TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is an RNA binding protein that accumulates as aggregates in the central nervous systems of some patients with neurodegenerative diseases. However, TDP-43 aggregation is also a sensitive and specific pathologic feature found in a family of degenerative muscle diseases termed inclusion body myopathy. TDP-43 aggregates from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia brain lysates may serve as self-templating aggregate seeds in vitro and in vivo, supporting a prion-like spread from cell to cell. Whether a similar process occurs in patient muscle is not clear. We developed a mouse model of inducible, muscle-specific cytoplasmic localized TDP-43. These mice develop muscle weakness with robust accumulation of insoluble and phosphorylated sarcoplasmic TDP-43, leading to eosinophilic inclusions, altered proteostasis, and changes in TDP-43–related RNA processing that resolve with the removal of doxycycline. Skeletal muscle lysates from these mice also have seeding-competent TDP-43, as determined by a FRET-based biosensor, that persists for weeks upon resolution of TDP-43 aggregate pathology. Human muscle biopsies with TDP-43 pathology also contain TDP-43 aggregate seeds. Using lysates from muscle biopsies of patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and ALS, we found that TDP-43 seeding capacity was specific to IBM. TDP-43 seeding capacity anticorrelated with TDP-43 aggregate and vacuole abundance. These data support that TDP-43 aggregate seeds are present in IBM skeletal muscle and represent a unique TDP-43 pathogenic species not previously appreciated in human muscle disease.
Multicenter evaluation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a first-line typing tool for carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in clinical settings
Authors: Candela Ana , Rodríguez-Temporal David , Lumbreras Pilar , Guijarro-Sánchez Paula , Arroyo Manuel J. , Vázquez Fernando , Beceiro Alejandro , Bou Germán , Muñoz Patricia , Oviaño Marina , Fernández Javier , Rodríguez-Sánchez Belén
Published: November 2024

Early use of infection control methods is critical for preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is considered the gold standard for investigating outbreaks; however, the turnaround time is usually too long for clinical decision-making and the method is also costly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and artificial intelligence tools as a first-line typing tool for typing carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CPK) in the hospital setting. For this purpose, we analyzed 365 CPK isolates from two tertiary hospitals in Spain in parallel by applying unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised algorithms (artificial neural network [ANN], support vector machine [SVM] linear, SVM radial basis function in the IR Biotyper software, and random forest in the Clover MSDAS software). Concordance with FTIR clustering considering the sequence type (ST) and the clonal cluster, obtained by cgMLST for reference purposes, was measured using the adjusted Wallace index (AWI), yielding values of 0.611 and 0.652, respectively. Different regions of the spectra were studied in relation to repeatability and reproducibility, and the polysaccharides region proved the best for FTIR differential analysis. The best results for accuracy were obtained using the ANN algorithm in the IR Biotyper software, with 80.5% of correct prediction. Regarding accuracy, the poorest results were obtained for isolates belonging to ST392 (55.5%) and the best results for ST307 (94.4%). The findings demonstrate the utility of the FTIR method as a rapid, inexpensive, first-line typing tool for detecting CPK, preserving WGS for confirmation and further characterization.
The full-length nsp2 replicase contributes to viral assembly in highly pathogenic PRRSV-2
Authors: Bai Yuan-Zhe , Wang Shujie , Sun Yue , Liu Yong-Gang , Zhang Hong-Liang , Wang Qian , Huang Rui , Rao Cui-Hong , Xu Shi-Jia , Tian Zhi-Jun , An Tong-Qing , Cai Xue-Hui , Tang Yan-Dong
Published: November 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs) are significant pathogens that affect the global swine industry. Its virions consist of a central core composed of nucleocapsid (N) protein, surrounded by multiple distinct viral envelope proteins. However, the mechanisms underlying the recognition and packaging of N protein by viral envelope proteins remain elusive. In this study, we elucidated the role of nonstructural protein 2 (nsp2) from highly pathogenic PRRSV-2 (HP-PRRSV-2) in viral assembly. Firstly, among all the tested envelope proteins, only glycoprotein 5 (GP5) exhibits limited interaction with N protein. Interestingly, we demonstrated that full-length nsp2 co-immunoprecipitates (Co-IPs) with the N protein and all tested viral envelope proteins. In the presence of full-length nsp2, the N protein interacts with distinct viral envelope proteins. Moreover, upon viral infection, Co-IP experiments using nsp2-specific antibodies or N-specific antibodies revealed the formation of a complex between N and nsp2 with the M protein, GP2a, and GP5. However, neither of the two short forms of nsp2—namely nsp2TF nor nsp2N—participates in this process as they fail to interact with the N protein. Finally, our results demonstrate that this process occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). Overall, our findings unveil a novel functional role for full-length nsp2 of HP-PRRSV-2 in facilitating the assembly of the N protein with viral envelope proteins.

IMPORTANCE

The virus assembly process of arteriviruses remains largely elusive, including the direct interaction between N protein and viral envelope proteins or the potential requirement for additional proteins in facilitating assembly. Moreover, where the N protein assembles with viral envelope proteins during the virus lifecycle remains unclear. This study reveals a novel role for nonstructural protein 2 (nsp2) in highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (HP-PRRSV-2), highlighting its involvement in HP-PRRSV-2 assembly. These findings provide crucial insights into HP-PRRSV-2 assembly and enhance our understanding of their lifecycle. Overall, this study offers an alternative approach to developing a new antiviral strategy targeting PRRSV-2 assembly.
A draft genome sequence of
Cellulomonas
sp. ICMP 17802, isolated from root nodules of
Vicia faba
Authors: Mainwaring Josie C. , Gerth Monica L.
Published: November 2024

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Cellulomonas
sp. ICMP 17802. This bacterium was obtained from the International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants and was originally isolated from root nodules of
Vicia faba
. The draft genome contains 154 predicted carbohydrate-active enzyme genes.
Chlamydomonas
IC97, an intermediate chain of the flagellar dynein f/I1, is required for normal flagellar and cellular motility
Authors: Yamamoto Ryosuke , Tanaka Yui , Orii Shunsuke , Shiba Kogiku , Inaba Kazuo , Kon Takahide
Published: November 2024

Motile flagella (also called “motile cilia”) play a variety of important roles in lower and higher eukaryotes, including cellular motility and fertility. Flagellar motility is driven by several species of the gigantic motor-protein complexes, flagellar dyneins, that reside within these organelles. Among the flagellar-dynein species, a hetero-dimeric dynein called “IDA f/I1” has been shown to be particularly important in controlling the flagellar waveform, and defects in this dynein species in humans cause ciliopathies such as multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella and asthenoteratozoospermia. IDA f/I1 is composed of many subunits, including two HCs (HCα and HCβ) and three ICs (IC140, IC138, and IC97), and among the three ICs of IDA f/I1, the exact molecular function(s) of IC97 in flagellar motility is not well understood. In this study, we isolated a
Chlamydomonas
mutant lacking IC97 and analyzed the phenotypes. The
ic97
mutant phenocopied several aspects of the previously isolated IDA-f/I1-related mutants in
Chlamydomonas
and showed slow swimming compared to the wild type but retained the ability to phototaxis. Further analysis revealed that the mutant had low flagellar beat frequency and miscoordination between the two (
cis
- and
trans
-) flagella. In addition, the mutant cells swam in a comparatively straight path compared to the wild-type cells. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of proper assembly of IC97 in the IDA-f/I1 complex for the regulation of flagellar and cellular motility in
Chlamydomonas
and provide valuable insights into both the molecular functions of IC97 orthologs in higher eukaryotes and the pathogenetic mechanisms of human ciliopathies caused by IDA-f/I1 defects.

IMPORTANCE

IDA f/I1 is a hetero-dimeric flagellar dynein that is particularly important for the regulation of flagellar waveform and whose defects are associated with human ciliopathies. IC97 is an evolutionarily conserved intermediate chain of IDA f/I1, but the detailed molecular functions of IC97 in flagellar motility have not been elucidated. In this study, mutational and biochemical analyses of the previously uncharacterized
Chlamydomonas ic97
mutant revealed that IC97 is required for both the normal flagellar and cellular motility. In particular, IC97 appears to play an important role in both the control of flagellar beat frequency and the coordination between the two (
cis
- and
trans
-) flagella in
Chlamydomonas
. Our results provide important insights into the regulation of IDA-f/I1 activity by IC97 and the pathogenetic mechanisms of human ciliopathies caused by IDA-f/I1 defects.
An alteration in the expression of cell wall structural proteins increases cell surface exposure of adhesins to promote virulence in
Candida glabrata
Authors: Zhang Yaling , Gong Shengwei , Xiong Kang , Yu Xiangtai , Mo Xinreng , Su Chang , Lu Yang
Published: November 2024

Candida glabrata
is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that causes superficial mucosal and life-threatening bloodstream infections in immunocompromised individuals. Remodeling in cell wall components has been extensively exploited by fungal pathogens to adapt to host-derived stresses, as well as immune evasion. How this process contributes to
C. glabrata
pathogenicity is less understood. Here, we applied RNA sequencing and an
in vivo
invasive infection model to elucidate the prompt response of
C. glabrata
during infection. Fungal transcriptomes show a dramatic alteration in the expression of Srp1/Tip1-family cell wall structural proteins during systemic infection. Deletion of all six genes in this family (
TIR2-5
and
AWP6-7
) that are upregulated during infection leads to a significantly lower fungal burden in organs, as well as an attenuated virulence in the dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. The
tir2-5 awp6-7
sextuple mutant does not display any defect in response to host-derived stresses. Rather, deletion of all these six genes results in a lower cell surface exposure of an adhesin Epa1, which could contribute to its reduced adhesion to epithelial cells and cytotoxicity, as well as attenuated virulence. Our study reveals that cell wall remodeling triggered by the alteration in the expression of structural proteins is a key virulence attribute in
C. glabrata
that facilitates this fungus adhering to host cells and persisting in organs.

IMPORTANCE

Candida glabrata
is one of the most frequent causes of candidiasis after
Candida albicans
. While
C. albicans
has been extensively studied, the mechanisms of infection and invasion of
C. glabrata
have not been fully elucidated. Using an infection model of systemic candidiasis and RNA sequencing, we show that there is a dramatic change in the expression of Srp1/Tip1-family genes during infection. Deletion of all six Srp1/Tip1-family genes that are upregulated during infection decreases the amount of cell wall-localized Epa1, probably reflecting the reduced adherence to epithelial cells and attenuated virulence in the sextuple mutant. These data suggest that alterations in the expression of Srp1/Tip1-family structural proteins trigger cell wall remodeling that increases the cell surface exposure of adhesins, such as Epa1, to promote virulence. Our study provides a pathogenic mechanism associated with
C. glabrata
in ensuring its sustenance and survival during infection.
Influence of the Metal Structure and Plastic Deformation on the Nonlinear Acoustic Parameter
Authors: Vanyagin A. V. , Ilyakhinskii A. V. , Rodyushkin V. M.
Published: November 2024

A practical task of testing samples of various metals using the principles of nonlinear acoustics is being solved. A surface acoustic wave (surfactant), whose propagation process, due to nonlinear effects, is accompanied by generation of a wave of doubled frequency, was used for testing. An experimental device is used to monitor the structural state of a metal sample by recording a change in the nonlinear acoustic parameter (NAP). To excite surfactants, a wedge transducer with a resonance frequency of 1 MHz was used. The transmitted wave was recorded with a wedge transducer with a resonance frequency of 2 MHz. It has been shown that the NAP for the tested materials in the initial state has different values not only for materials belonging to different classes, but also for materials belonging to the same structural class and having different chemical compositions (12Kh17G9AN4 and 12Kh18N10Т). A plastic deformation by 2% does not lead to a NAP change for the AMg6 alloy and 12Kh17G9AN4, 20Kh13N4G9, and 10KhSND steels. The NAP change by 2% as a result of a plastic deformation for the 12Kh18N10T and 08Kh17N4M3 stainless steels is caused by a change in their phase compositions associated with the martensitic transformation. The presented data on the change in the NAP from early stages of the elastoplastic deformation to a predestruction for AMg6 and 10KhSND steels demonstrate the possibility of using it as a prognostic criterion for the limiting state of the material.
TIKTOK’S INFLUENCE: INSIGHTS FROM A FRACTIONAL ORDER MATHEMATICAL MODEL ON HUMAN BEHAVIOR
Authors: KHAN FAREEHA SAMI , KHALID M. , MAJEED AFRAZ HUSSAIN
Published: November 2024

During worldwide epidemic of COVID-1, people started to depend on social media apps to cure their boredom. It was beneficial to provide information easily to a wide audience. The increased time people spent on their phones led to many, including teenagers and children, becoming addicted to social media, particularly TikTok. As a result, this usage of TikTok became an epidemic itself. Therefore, in this work, a fractional mathematical model is being developed to analyze the influence of TikTok on human population of different ages. In this paper, two equilibrium points for this model will be discussed and the theoretical stability will be proven. For numerical analysis, fractional Euler’s method will be used and the results will be discussed graphically and which group of population will be affected the most by frequent use of TikTok.
Independent Set, Chromatic Number, Non-Uniform Coloring of 2-Connected Outerplanar Graphs and Beyond
Authors: Zhai Hong , Deng Xingchao , Cai Junqing
Published: November 2024

Grötzsch proved that every triangle-free planar graph has a proper 3-coloring in 1958. One of the generalizations of it is the one that Steinberg and Tovey obtained: Every triangle-free planar graph has a non-uniform [Formula: see text]-coloring [Planar Ramsey numbers, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 59(2)(1993), 288–296]. Moreover, they proposed the following conjecture: Every planar graph on[Formula: see text] vertices with at most one triangle has a non-uniform [Formula: see text]-coloring[Formula: see text] Here, we affirm the conjecture in the situation that every 2-connected outerplanar graph on [Formula: see text] vertices with at most one triangle has a non-uniform [Formula: see text]-coloring by Kempe change.
Communication, the Key to K-12 Online Success
Authors: Kiekel Jean M.
Published: November 2024

Any teacher worth their salt knows the importance of communication and its connection to improved learning. In online courses, communication is much more important due to the lack of face-to-face contact between teacher and students, students and students, and students to content. K-12 learners are the least experienced with online learning. For this reason, communication is especially important for K-12 learners so they can create a relationship with their teachers and classmates.
Service Robot Morality in Customer–Robot Interactions: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Kegel Mona Mareen , Stock-Homburg Ruth Maria , Tuunanen Tuure
Published: November 2024

The increasing human–robot interactions across service domains require an examination of their moral challenges, particularly from the user’s perspective. This study explores how efficiency and morality intersect in deploying service robots during the customer encounter. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we examine behavioral and attitudinal customer responses to service robot morality. In a field study, we uncover a tradeoff between efficiency-oriented and moral robots, varying based on product involvement (Study 1). Customers prefer moral robots for high-involvement products and efficiency-oriented robots for low-involvement products. In a subsequent laboratory study (Study 2), we focus on a high-involvement retail scenario to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of customer responses to moral service robots. We demonstrate that experienced robot morality benefits relational interactions by increasing customer trust. However, in transactional interactions where customers prioritize robot functionality, experienced robot morality can lead to drawbacks. By demonstrating the inadequacy of a one-size-fits-all approach to robot morality, we underscore the importance of adopting a customer-centric design for moral service robots and show that the effectiveness of their placement depends largely on the type of service encounter. These results can serve to guide managers and robot designers toward aligning robot morality with customer demands, facilitating positive human–robot interactions.
Electrochemical and Morphological Characterization of Poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine) with Ni, Mo and W-based Alloys on ITO
Authors: Unal Asuman
Published: November 2024

Poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine) (PANI-POT) copolymer represents a significant advancement in the field of conjugated copolymers, providing enhanced electrochemical performance in neutral media. However, the incorporation of inorganic species into copolymer matrices has the potential to further increase electroactivity. For this reason, the electrochemical synthesis of PANI-POT copolymers was conducted in the presence of Ni, Mo and W elements on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. Examination of the resulting composite films revealed new electrochemical and morphological characteristics, such as reversible behavior, a shift in the oxidation peak and smoother, more rigid surfaces. Despite these improvements, the electroactivity of the composite films was reduced compared to the pure copolymer, as indicated by the anodic charge densities of 1.84 mC cm−2 for PANI-POT, 0.2 mC s−1 for PANI-POT/NiMoW, 0.23 mC cm−2 for PANI-POT/NiW, 0.30 mC cm−2 for PANI-POT/NiMo and 0.96 mC cm−2 for PANI-POT/MoO2. This study explored the factors responsible for reduction in electrochemical performance of the copolymer upon the incorporation of Ni, Mo and W, despite the favorable electrochemical properties of these elements, and discussed the potential applications of the new electrochemical and physical characteristics, such as protective coating.
Targeting sleep physiology to modulate glymphatic brain clearance
Authors: van Hattem Timo , Verkaar Lieuwe , Krugliakova Elena , Adelhöfer Nico , Zeising Marcel , Drinkenburg Wilhelmus H.I.M. , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R. , Bódizs Róbert , Dresler Martin , Rosenblum Yevgenia
Published: November 2024

Sleep has been postulated to play an important role in the removal of potentially neurotoxic molecules, such as amyloid-β, from the brain via the glymphatic system. Disturbed sleep, on the other hand, may contribute to the accumulation of neurotoxins in brain tissue, eventually leading to neuronal death. A bidirectional relationship has been proposed between impaired sleep and neurodegenerative processes, which start years before the onset of clinical symptoms associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Given the heavy burden these conditions place on society, it is imperative to develop interventions that promote efficient brain clearance, thereby potentially aiding in the prevention or slowing of neurodegeneration. In this review, we explore whether the metabolic clearance function of sleep can be enhanced through sensory (e.g., auditory, vestibular) or transcranial (e.g., magnetic, ultrasound, infra-red light) stimulation, as well as pharmacological (e.g., antiepileptics) and behavioral (e.g., sleeping position, physical exercise, cognitive intervention) modulation of sleep physiology. A particular focus is placed on strategies to enhance slow-wave activity during non-rapid eye movement sleep as a driver of glymphatic brain clearance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview on the potential preventative and therapeutic applications of sleep interventions in combating neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Epidemiology Analysis of COVID‐19 Data and Associated Effects of Pandemic Containment Procedures, Viral Variants, and Vaccines: Lessons Learned From Middle Eastern Jordan’s Experience
Authors: Hajjo Rima , Sabbah Dima A. , Bardaweel Sanaa K. , Abusara Osama H.
Published: November 2024

Learning from past pandemics is essential for addressing future threats. Our analysis of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Jordan highlights key epidemiological trends, government responses, and the impact of viral variants. Jordan experienced four significant epidemic waves, each with distinct patterns in daily cases and deaths influenced by viral evolution, vaccination efforts, and containment measures. The government’s early strict measures initially delayed community transmission, but later relaxations led to sustained spread. Vaccination began in January 2021, successfully including refugees, and significantly reduced deaths, though its effect on infection rates is still debated. Genomic analysis identified dominant variants, such as B.1.1.312 and B.1.617.2, throughout the waves. This study underscores the need to understand the role of viral variants in disease dynamics for effective pandemic preparedness and offers insights into best practices for managing future health crises.
Efficacy of COVID‐19 Treatments in Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Alwakeel Mahmoud , Abi Fadel Francois , Nanah Abdelrahman , Wang Yan , Awad Mohamed K. A. , Abdeljaleel Fatima , Obeidat Mohammed , Saleem Talha , Afzal Saira , Alayan Dina , Harnegie Mary Pat , Wang Xiaofeng , Duggal Abhijit , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Examining the cumulative evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evaluating the use of pharmacological agents for the treatment of COVID‐19 infections in patients with critical illness.

Data Sources: Databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane.

Study Selection: Inclusion criteria were RCTs that enrolled patients with confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 infection who are critically ill. Only RCTs that examined therapeutic agents against one another or no intervention, placebo, or standard of care, were included.

Data Extraction: Pairs of reviewers extracted data independently. Outcomes of interest included the overall reported mortality defined as either the ICU mortality, hospital mortality, mortality within 28 days or mortality within 90 days.

Data Synthesis: A total of 40 studies (11,613 patients) evaluated 50 therapeutic intervention arms divided into five main therapy categories; steroids, antiviral medications, immunomodulators, plasma therapies [intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), convalescent plasma and/or, therapeutic plasma exchange], and therapeutic anticoagulation. Immunomodulators was the only group with possible mortality benefit, risk ratio (RR) 0.83 (95% CI 0.73; 0.95), with nonsignificant heterogeneity (I2 = 8%, p = 0.36). In contrast, the other therapy groups showed no significant impact on mortality, as indicated by their respective pooled RRs: steroids [RR 0.91 (95% CI 0.82; 1.01), I2 = 31%], antiviral medications [RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.82; 1.49), I2 = 57%], plasma therapies [RR 0.77 (95% CI 0.58; 1.01), I2 = 36%], and anticoagulation [RR 1.06 (95% CI 0.95; 1.18), I2 = 0%].

Conclusions: This meta‐analysis highlights both the heterogeneity and a lack of benefit from therapies evaluated during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Many of the RCTs were developed based on limited observational data. Future RCTs investigating pharmaceutical interventions in critically ill patients during pandemics need to be designed based on better evidence.
Mucosal Hub Bacteria as Potential Targets for Improving High‐Fat Diet‐Related Intestinal Barrier Injury
Authors: Shao Li , Zhang Binbin , Song Yu , Lyu Zhe , Zhang Weishi , Yang Wenjun , Fu Jinlong , Li Jie , Shi Junping
Published: November 2024

Background: Intestinal barrier injury contributes to multiple diseases such as obesity and diabetes, whereas no treatment options are available.

Methods: Due to close interactions between mucosal microbiome and intestinal barrier, we evaluated the potential of mucosal bacteria in providing targets for high‐fat diet (HFD)–related intestinal barrier injury. Whole‐genome metagenomics was used to evaluate mucosal microbiome, while intestinal barrier injury was estimated using serum LPS, FITC‐dextran intensity, and ZO‐1 protein.

Results: We found that HFD induced significant fat accumulation in epididymal tissue at weeks 4 and 12, while ALT, LDL, and TC increased at week 12. Intestinal barrier injury was confirmed by elevated serum LPS at both weeks, upregulated FITC‐dextran intensity, and decreased ZO‐1 protein at week 12. Fourteen species such as Phocaeicola vulgatus differed in HFD‐fed mice. The co‐occurrence network of mucosal microbiome shifted from scale‐free graph in controls to nearly random graph in HFD‐fed mice. Besides, 10 hub bacteria especially Bacteroides ovatus decreased drastically in both mucosal and fecal samples of HFD‐fed mice, correlated with intestinal permeability, ALT, and KEGG pathways such as “Mitochondrial biogenesis” and “metabolism”. Moreover, Bacteroides ovatus has been confirmed to improve intestinal barrier function in a recent study.

Conclusion: Mucosal hub bacteria can provide potential targets for improving HFD‐related intestinal barrier function.
Experimental Study on Uniaxial Compression Failure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Composite Aquiclude Rock
Authors: Sun Qiang , Zhao Rui , Li Xiaolong , Yuan Hui
Published: November 2024

Composite aquiclude rock is an important part of the water barrier layer of coal seam floor, and its mechanical properties and failure characteristics have an important impact on the safety of coal seam mining. In order to explore the uniaxial compression failure characteristics and mechanical properties of composite aquiclude rocks, the mineral composition and microstructure of the composite cement rock were measured by XRD and SEM. Using a WAW‐1000D electrohydraulic servo universal test system, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on samples of four structural types, namely, mudstone/siltstone, mudstone/fine sandstone, fine sandstone/siltstone, and siltstone/mudstone/fine sandstone composites soaked in saline water with various immersion periods and pH values. The experimental results show that the failure of composite rock samples was mainly concentrated in the mudstone part. With the increased proportion of soft rock in the structure, the rock samples exhibited changes in tensile, X‐shaped conjugate inclined plane shear, and single inclined plane shear failure modes. The overall compressive strength of composite rock samples decreased with immersion time, and their failure mode shifted from shear to tensile with increasing immersion time. The strength‐weakening effect of high‐salinity water with different acidity and alkalinity on composite rock samples was significant. The increased pH promoted the tensile failure‐shear failure‐tensile failure evolution. The results of this study can provide important experimental data and theoretical basis for the stability control of composite aquiclude rock in coal mining.
Characteristics of Earthquake Hazards in Jailolo, West Halmahera, Indonesia: An Analysis of b Values and Site Dynamics
Authors: Ningrum Rohima Wahyu , Suryanto Wiwit , Kamaruddin Basri , Wahyudi  , Sholihun  , Wibowo Nugroho Budi , Arif Abdul Kadir D. , Aswan Marwis , Raharjo Wiji , Hesti  , Saprudin
Published: November 2024

Jailolo, the capital of West Halmahera Regency, faces earthquake risks due to its proximity to a Jailolo volcano and a double subduction zone in Eastern Indonesia. This study is aimed at investigating the seismic hazard characteristics in Jailolo through the analysis of statistic and signal parameters. Analyzing seismic hazard characteristics in this region is crucial for assessing earthquake risks and understanding how local soil conditions influence ground shaking. Earthquake catalogs from several databases spanning from 1970 to 2018 were utilized. Additionally, 40 locations around Jailolo were surveyed using a short‐period seismometer to gather microtremor data. The earthquake catalogs underwent b value analysis using the maximum likelihood method, while microtremor data were examined for f0 and A0 using the horizontal‐to‐vertical spectrum ratio (HVSR) method. VS30 profiles were derived using the H/V curve inversion method. The b value characterizes earthquake size distribution, HVSR evaluates ground properties, especially the shallow subsurface, and VS30 represents the time‐averaged shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m of the Earth’s surface. The findings revealed the average b value around Jailolo is 1.36 with a 15% deviation, categorizing the area as earthquake prone and volcanic. The values of f0 and A0 ranged from 0.536 to 2.44 Hz and 8.97 to 21.2, respectively. The results of f0 and A0 suggested that the Jailolo area is predominantly characterized by thick sediment. The H/V curve analysis provided a VS30 profile ranging from 109 to 460 m/s, indicating that the area is dominated by sediment consisting of stiff soil, very dense soil, and soft rock. In conclusion, Jailolo is highly prone to earthquakes due to its seismic and volcanic activity, supported by soil characteristics that can amplify seismic waves and increase ground shaking intensity during earthquakes. These findings stress the need for long‐term seismic monitoring and community involvement to mitigate seismic risks.
An Overview of Recent Wireless Technologies for IoT‐Enabled Smart Grids
Authors: Abdul Salam Rashiqa , Iqbal Ratyal Naeem , Ahmed Ubaid , Aziz Imran , Sajid Muhammad , Mahmood Anzar
Published: November 2024

Smart Grid is a way of providing bidirectional energy flow with the integration of latest communication technologies and advanced control methods to overcome the issues associated with the current power grid such as unidirectional power flow, resource wastage, reliability, security, enhanced quality, and increasing demand of energy. Integrating Internet of Things (IoTs) makes Smart Grid hyperaware and agile to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity distribution. IoT‐enabled Smart Grids use IoT devices and sensors to collect real‐time data, allowing for automated monitoring, predictive maintenance, and better demand management. This study comprehensively reviews various wireless technologies for IoT‐enabled Smart Grids that could be integrated into home area networks (HANs), neighborhood area networks (NANs), and wide‐area networks (WANs). This work provides a comparison of wireless technologies for HANs, NANs, and WANs in terms of data rates, range, adaptability, internet protocol support, and various other parameters. IoT technologies, including ZigBee, Z‐wave, Bluetooth, Wi‐Fi, NFC, 6LoWPAN, wireless HART, and Thread, are suggested for operations in HANs according to the customer requirements with their operating characteristics. Similarly, for NANs and WANs, long‐term evolution (LTE), WiMax, and LPWAN are explored in terms of requirements of utilities. The study further analyzes the applications of IoT‐enabled Smart Grids and elaborates on the associated challenges and issues.
γ‐Glutamylcysteine Inhibits VSMC‐Derived Foam Cell Formation via Upregulating Thioredoxin‐1 Expression
Authors: Lei Jianzhen , Zhou Jinyi , Zheng Fen , Yang Yang , Wu Qiuyue , Xia Xinyi , Luo Lan
Published: November 2024

The formation and accumulation of foam cells within the arterial wall is the main early event of atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the most abundant cells in human atherosclerotic lesions and are suggested to contribute to atheroma foam cells. γ‐glutamylcysteine (γ‐GC), as an immediate precursor of glutathione, exhibits anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effects of γ‐GC on the formation of atherosclerotic plaques are not yet clarified. Here, we display the effects of γ‐GC against ox‐LDL‐induced formation of foamy VSMCs. Our results showed that γ‐GC apparently reduced the total intracellular cholesterol content in mouse and rat VSMCs. The oil red O and fluorescent BODIPY staining indicated that γ‐GC inhibited the formation of foam cell. Mechanistically, γ‐GC reduced the expression of macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (Msr1) in VSMCs to attenuate cholesterol uptake by the cells. Further RNA‐seq analysis, and immunofluorescence as well as immunoblotting measurements showed that thioredoxin‐1 (Txn1) was important for γ‐GC to reduce Msr1 expression in VSMCs and lipid uptake by the cells. Overall, our research indicated that γ‐GC increases Txn1 expression, which causes scavenger receptor A reduction and lipid uptake inhibition in ox‐LDL‐stimulated VSMCs. Our study revealed that γ‐GC has potential for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Acute, Subchronic, and Genetic Toxicity Assessments of a Composition of Citrus aurantifolia Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts
Authors: Dodda Sundararaju , Polavarapu Sujatha , Alluri Krishnaraju Venkata , Golakoti Trimurtulu , Sengupta Krishanu
Published: November 2024

LN19183 is a standardized composition of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle (CA) fruit rind and Theobroma cacao L. (TC) seed extracts that have recently been demonstrated to increase resting energy expenditure (REE) and reduce body fat in rats. CA and TC are important herbs in traditional medicine for various health benefits. The present study evaluates the comprehensive toxicity of LN19183 in acute, subchronic, and genetic toxicity studies following the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) for testing chemicals. The acute oral and dermal and 90‐day subchronic oral toxicities were performed in rats, and acute dermal and eye irritations were performed in rabbits. In the subchronic toxicity study with a 28‐day recovery period, male and female Sprague Dawley rats were orally gavaged with daily LN19183 doses of 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Furthermore, the genetic toxicity studies included mutagenicity in bacteria, chromosome aberration, and micronucleus assays in human blood mononuclear cells in vitro and micronucleus assay in Swiss albino mice bone marrow in vivo. Acute and subchronic repeat dose oral toxicity studies showed no adverse events, clinical signs, or mortality. All animals exhibited normal food and water intake and natural BW gain. In the 90‐day study, LN19183 did not induce major changes in hematology, biochemical evaluations, and urine analysis; gross and histopathological findings did not show any treatment‐related lesions or abnormality. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of LN19183 supplementation was 2000 mg/kg BW/day. In the genetic toxicity studies, LN19183 treatment did not show significant increases in the revertant bacterial colonies, chromosomal aberrations, or number of micronucleated cells. The present observations affirm that oral consumption of LN19183 is safe, and this botanical composition is nonmutagenic and nonclastogenic.
Ancestral Differences in Anticancer Treatment Efficacy and Their Underlying Genomic and Molecular Alterations
Authors: Luo Mei , Yang Jingwen , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Chen Chengxuan , Liu Yuan , Chen Yamei , Lin Chunru , Diao Lixia , Zang Yong , Lou Yanyan , Salman Huda , Mills Gordon B. , Ruppin Eytan , Han Leng
Published: November 2024

Systematic multiomic analysis has revealed ancestry-dependent molecular alterations, but their impact on the efficacy of anticancer treatment is yet largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov and found that only 8,779/102,721 (8.5%) oncology clinical trials posted information on enrollment by race/ethnicity. The underrepresentation of non-White populations suggests that it remains challenging to determine differences in the efficacy of antitumor treatments among different racial groups. Through a comprehensive analysis of clinically actionable genes, imputed drug responses, and immune features, we identified potential differences in treatment responses to targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy between different ancestral populations. Further analysis of multiple independent cohorts confirmed some of our key findings. Such potential ancestral effects are also identified in response to emerging new treatments like chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and proteolysis-targeting chimeras. These findings are made publicly available in a comprehensive web portal, Ancestral Differences of Efficacy in Cancers (https://hanlaboratory.com/ADEC), to facilitate their further investigation.

Significance:

Our study charts a global landscape of ancestry-associated differences in therapeutic efficacy, highlighting the importance of considering ancestry in anticancer therapies.
Table S5 from Determining the N-Glycan and Collagen/Extracellular Matrix Protein Compositions in a Novel Outcome Cohort of Prostate Cancer Tissue Microarrays Using MALDI-MSI
Authors: Hartig Jordan P. , Bejar Kaitlyn , Young Lyndsay E.A. , Grimsley Grace , Bethard Jennifer R. , Troyer Dean A. , Hernandez Javier , Wu Jennifer D. , Ippolito Joseph E. , Ball Lauren E. , Gelfond Jonathan A.L. , Johnson-Pais Teresa L. , Mehta Anand S. , Leach Robin J. , Angel Peggi M. , Drake Richard R.
Published: November 2024

Patient Statistical Information
Figure S2 from Determining the N-Glycan and Collagen/Extracellular Matrix Protein Compositions in a Novel Outcome Cohort of Prostate Cancer Tissue Microarrays Using MALDI-MSI
Authors: Hartig Jordan P. , Bejar Kaitlyn , Young Lyndsay E.A. , Grimsley Grace , Bethard Jennifer R. , Troyer Dean A. , Hernandez Javier , Wu Jennifer D. , Ippolito Joseph E. , Ball Lauren E. , Gelfond Jonathan A.L. , Johnson-Pais Teresa L. , Mehta Anand S. , Leach Robin J. , Angel Peggi M. , Drake Richard R.
Published: November 2024

MALDI Glycan Images with 5 TMAS