bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angle-programmed tendril-like trajectories enable a multifunctional gripper with ultradelicacy, ultrastrength, and ultraprecision
Authors: Hong Yaoye , Zhao Yao , Berman Joseph , Chi Yinding , Li Yanbin , Huang He , Yin Jie
Published: August 2023

Achieving multicapability in a single soft gripper for handling ultrasoft, ultrathin, and ultraheavy objects is challenging due to the tradeoff between compliance, strength, and precision. Here, combining experiments, theory, and simulation, we report utilizing angle-programmed tendril-like grasping trajectories for an ultragentle yet ultrastrong and ultraprecise gripper. The single gripper can delicately grasp fragile liquids with minimal contact pressure (0.05 kPa), lift objects 16,000 times its own weight, and precisely grasp ultrathin, flexible objects like 4-μm-thick sheets and 2-μm-diameter microfibers on flat surfaces, all with a high success rate. Its scalable and material-independent design allows for biodegradable noninvasive grippers made from natural leaves. Explicitly controlled trajectories facilitate its integration with robotic arms and prostheses for challenging tasks, including picking grapes, opening zippers, folding clothes, and turning pages. This work showcases soft grippers excelling in extreme scenarios with potential applications in agriculture, food processing, prosthesis, biomedicine, minimally invasive surgeries, and deep-sea exploration.
Selective nucleophilic α-C alkylation of phenols with alcohols via Ti=Cα intermediate on anatase TiO2 surface
Authors: Du Xinze , Fan Hongjun , Liu Shenglin , Zhang Z. Conrad
Published: August 2023

C−C bond forming reaction by alkylation of aryl rings is a main pillar of chemistry in the production of broad portfolios of chemical products. The dominant mechanism proceeds via electrophilic substitution of secondary and tertiary carbocations over acid catalysts, forming multiple aryl alkylation products non-selectively through all secondary and tertiary carbons in the alkyl chains but producing little α-C alkylation products because primary carbocations are poorly stable. Herein, we report that anatase TiO2 (TiO2-A) catalyzes nucleophilic α-C alkylation of phenols with alcohols in high selectivity to simply linear alkylphenols. Experimental and computational studies reveal the formation of Ti=C− bond with the α-carbon of the alkyl group at oxygen vacancies of the TiO2-A surface. The subsequent α-C alkylation by selective substitution of phenol ortho-C−H bond is verified by deuterium exchanged substrate and DFT calculations.
Adiabatic topological photonic interfaces
Authors: Vakulenko Anton , Kiriushechkina Svetlana , Smirnova Daria , Guddala Sriram , Komissarenko Filipp , Alù Andrea , Allen Monica , Allen Jeffery , Khanikaev Alexander B.
Published: August 2023

Topological phases of matter have been attracting significant attention across diverse fields, from inherently quantum systems to classical photonic and acoustic metamaterials. In photonics, topological phases offer resilience and bring novel opportunities to control light with pseudo-spins. However, topological photonic systems can suffer from limitations, such as breakdown of topological properties due to their symmetry-protected origin and radiative leakage. Here we introduce adiabatic topological photonic interfaces, which help to overcome these issues. We predict and experimentally confirm that topological metasurfaces with slowly varying synthetic gauge fields significantly improve the guiding features of spin-Hall and valley-Hall topological structures commonly used in the design of topological photonic devices. Adiabatic variation in the domain wall profiles leads to the delocalization of topological boundary modes, making them less sensitive to details of the lattice, perceiving the structure as an effectively homogeneous Dirac metasurface. As a result, the modes showcase improved bandgap crossing, longer radiative lifetimes and propagation distances.
Genomic insight into domestication of rubber tree
Authors: Chao Jinquan , Wu Shaohua , Shi Minjing , Xu Xia , Gao Qiang , Du Huilong , Gao Bin , Guo Dong , Yang Shuguang , Zhang Shixin , Li Yan , Fan Xiuli , Hai Chunyan , Kou Liquan , Zhang Jiao , Wang Zhiwei , Li Yan , Xue Wenbo , Xu Jiang , Deng Xiaomin , Huang Xiao , Gao Xinsheng , Zhang Xiaofei , Hu Yanshi , Zeng Xia , Li Weiguo , Zhang Liangsheng , Peng Shiqing , Wu Jilin , Hao Bingzhong , Wang Xuchu , Yu Hong , Li Jiayang , Liang Chengzhi , Tian Wei-Min
Published: August 2023

Understanding the genetic basis of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) domestication is crucial for further improving natural rubber production to meet its increasing demand worldwide. Here we provide a high-quality H. brasiliensis genome assembly (1.58 Gb, contig N50 of 11.21 megabases), present a map of genome variations by resequencing 335 accessions and reveal domestication-related molecular signals and a major domestication trait, the higher number of laticifer rings. We further show that HbPSK5, encoding the small-peptide hormone phytosulfokine (PSK), is a key domestication gene and closely correlated with the major domestication trait. The transcriptional activation of HbPSK5 by myelocytomatosis (MYC) members links PSK signaling to jasmonates in regulating the laticifer differentiation in rubber tree. Heterologous overexpression of HbPSK5 in Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) can increase rubber content by promoting laticifer formation. Our results provide an insight into target genes for improving rubber tree and accelerating the domestication of other rubber-producing plants.
Decadal changes in Atlantic overturning due to the excessive 1990s Labrador Sea convection
Authors: Böning C. W. , Wagner P. , Handmann P. , Schwarzkopf F. U. , Getzlaff K. , Biastoch A.
Published: August 2023

Changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) represent a crucial component of Northern Hemisphere climate variability. In modelling studies decadal overturning variability has been attributed to the intensity of deep winter convection in the Labrador Sea. This linkage is challenged by transport observations at sections across the subpolar gyre. Here we report simulations with an eddy-rich ocean model which captures the observed concentration of downwelling in the northeastern Atlantic and the negligible impact of interannual variations in Labrador Sea convection during the last decade. However, the exceptionally cold winters in the Labrador Sea during the first half of the 1990s induced a positive AMOC anomaly of more than 20%, mainly by augmenting the downwelling in the northeastern North Atlantic. The remote effect of excessive Labrador Sea buoyancy forcing is related to rapid spreading of mid-depth density anomalies into the Irminger Sea and their entrainment into the deep boundary current off Greenland.
Molecular pathway and structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin
Authors: Neuberger Arthur , Trofimov Yury A. , Yelshanskaya Maria V. , Khau Jeffrey , Nadezhdin Kirill D. , Khosrof Lena S. , Krylov Nikolay A. , Efremov Roman G. , Sobolevsky Alexander I.
Published: August 2023

The calcium-selective oncochannel TRPV6 is an important driver of cell proliferation in human cancers. Despite increasing interest of pharmacological research in developing synthetic inhibitors of TRPV6, natural compounds acting at this channel have been largely neglected. On the other hand, pharmacokinetics of natural small-molecule antagonists optimized by nature throughout evolution endows these compounds with a medicinal potential to serve as potent and safe next-generation anti-cancer drugs. Here we report the structure of human TRPV6 in complex with tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a natural cannabinoid inhibitor extracted fromCannabis sativa. We use cryo-electron microscopy combined with electrophysiology, calcium imaging, mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify THCV binding sites in the portals that connect the membrane environment surrounding the protein to the central cavity of the channel pore and to characterize the allosteric mechanism of TRPV6 inhibition. We also propose the molecular pathway taken by THCV to reach its binding site. Our study provides a foundation for the development of new TRPV6-targeting drugs.
Integrative analysis of transcriptome dynamics during human craniofacial development identifies candidate disease genes
Authors: Yankee Tara N. , Oh Sungryong , Winchester Emma Wentworth , Wilderman Andrea , Robinson Kelsey , Gordon Tia , Rosenfeld Jill A. , VanOudenhove Jennifer , Scott Daryl A. , Leslie Elizabeth J. , Cotney Justin
Published: August 2023

Craniofacial disorders arise in early pregnancy and are one of the most common congenital defects. To fully understand how craniofacial disorders arise, it is essential to characterize gene expression during the patterning of the craniofacial region. To address this, we performed bulk and single-cell RNA-seq on human craniofacial tissue from 4-8 weeks post conception. Comparisons to dozens of other human tissues revealed 239 genes most strongly expressed during craniofacial development. Craniofacial-biased developmental enhancers were enriched +/− 400 kb surrounding these craniofacial-biased genes. Gene co-expression analysis revealed that regulatory hubs are enriched for known disease causing genes and are resistant to mutation in the normal healthy population. Combining transcriptomic and epigenomic data we identified 539 genes likely to contribute to craniofacial disorders. While most have not been previously implicated in craniofacial disorders, we demonstrate this set of genes has increased levels of de novo mutations in orofacial clefting patients warranting further study.
3D integration enables ultralow-noise isolator-free lasers in silicon photonics
Authors: Xiang Chao , Jin Warren , Terra Osama , Dong Bozhang , Wang Heming , Wu Lue , Guo Joel , Morin Theodore J. , Hughes Eamonn , Peters Jonathan , Ji Qing-Xin , Feshali Avi , Paniccia Mario , Vahala Kerry J. , Bowers John E.
Published: August 2023

Photonic integrated circuits are widely used in applications such as telecommunications and data-centre interconnects1–5. However, in optical systems such as microwave synthesizers6, optical gyroscopes7 and atomic clocks8, photonic integrated circuits are still considered inferior solutions despite their advantages in size, weight, power consumption and cost. Such high-precision and highly coherent applications favour ultralow-noise laser sources to be integrated with other photonic components in a compact and robustly aligned format—that is, on a single chip—for photonic integrated circuits to replace bulk optics and fibres. There are two major issues preventing the realization of such envisioned photonic integrated circuits: the high phase noise of semiconductor lasers and the difficulty of integrating optical isolators directly on-chip. Here we challenge this convention by leveraging three-dimensional integration that results in ultralow-noise lasers with isolator-free operation for silicon photonics. Through multiple monolithic and heterogeneous processing sequences, direct on-chip integration of III–V gain medium and ultralow-loss silicon nitride waveguides with optical loss around 0.5 decibels per metre are demonstrated. Consequently, the demonstrated photonic integrated circuit enters a regime that gives rise to ultralow-noise lasers and microwave synthesizers without the need for optical isolators, owing to the ultrahigh-quality-factor cavity. Such photonic integrated circuits also offer superior scalability for complex functionalities and volume production, as well as improved stability and reliability over time. The three-dimensional integration on ultralow-loss photonic integrated circuits thus marks a critical step towards complex systems and networks on silicon.
Synergy and oxygen adaptation for development of next-generation probiotics
Authors: Khan Muhammad Tanweer , Dwibedi Chinmay , Sundh Daniel , Pradhan Meenakshi , Kraft Jamie D. , Caesar Robert , Tremaroli Valentina , Lorentzon Mattias , Bäckhed Fredrik
Published: August 2023

The human gut microbiota has gained interest as an environmental factor that may contribute to health or disease1. The development of next-generation probiotics is a promising strategy to modulate the gut microbiota and improve human health; however, several key candidate next-generation probiotics are strictly anaerobic2and may require synergy with other bacteria for optimal growth.Faecalibacterium prausnitziiis a highly prevalent and abundant human gut bacterium associated with human health, but it has not yet been developed into probiotic formulations2. Here we describe the co-isolation ofF. prausnitziiandDesulfovibrio piger, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, and their cross-feeding for growth and butyrate production. To produce a next-generation probiotic formulation, we adaptedF. prausnitziito tolerate oxygen exposure, and, in proof-of-concept studies, we demonstrate that the symbiotic product is tolerated by mice and humans (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT03728868) and is detected in the human gut in a subset of study participants. Our study describes a technology for the production of next-generation probiotics based on the adaptation of strictly anaerobic bacteria to tolerate oxygen exposures without a reduction in potential beneficial properties. Our technology may be used for the development of other strictly anaerobic strains as next-generation probiotics.
Finite-time complete periodic synchronization of memristive neural networks with mixed delays
Authors: Brahmi Hajer , Ammar Boudour , Ksibi Amel , Cherif Farouk , Aldehim Ghadah , Alimi Adel M.
Published: August 2023

In this paper we study the oscillatory behavior of a new class of memristor based neural networks with mixed delays and we prove the existence and uniqueness of the periodic solution of the system based on the concept of Filippov solutions of the differential equation with discontinuous right-hand side. In addition, some assumptions are determined to guarantee the globally exponentially stability of the solution. Then, we study the adaptive finite-time complete periodic synchronization problem and by applying Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional approach, a new adaptive controller and adaptive update rule have been developed. A useful finite-time complete synchronization condition is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, an illustrative simulation is given to substantiate the main results.
Survey of bed bug infestations in homeless shelters in southern France
Authors: Hasnaoui Bouthaina , Bérenger Jean Michel , Delaunay Pascal , Diarra Adama Zan , Ndiaye El Hadji Ibrahima , M’madi Saidou Ahamada , Masotti Noelle , Sevestre Jacques , Parola Philippe
Published: August 2023

Bed bug has become a major public health pest worldwide. Infestation may result in numerous negative health effects. Homeless shelters are one of the most habitats that can be infested with bed bugs, a few studies have focused on bed bug infestations in these settings. We conducted a survey of infestations of bed bugs in a homeless shelter in southern France, using an innovative seven-level scale (0–6) to assess the degree of infestation, MALDI TOF-MS to identify bed bugs, and a biomolecular tool to detect bacteria. Bed bug infestations were documented in 13% (9/68) of investigated rooms. A total of 184 bed bugs were collected and morphologically identified as Cimex lectularius. MALDI TOF–MS analysis allowed us to obtain high-quality MS spectra for all 184 specimens, to correctly identify all specimens, and included 178/184 (97%) Log Score Values higher than 1.8. Among the bacteria tested, Wolbachia sp. DNA was found in 149/184 (81%) of the bed bugs, and one sample was positive for Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever. Our study is the first of its kind that offers new perspectives for increasing public awareness of the conditions in homeless shelters.
The effect of different hemostatic agents following dental extraction in patients under oral antithrombotic therapy: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Mahardawi Basel , Jiaranuchart Sirimanas , Arunjaroensuk Sirida , Tompkins Kevin A. , Somboonsavatdee Anupap , Pimkhaokham Atiphan
Published: August 2023

This network meta-analysis was done to thoroughly evaluate the available literature on the use of different hemostatic agents for dental extraction in patients under oral antithrombotic therapy, aiming to identify the agent with the best/worst performance in bleeding control. Considering that such patients have a higher risk of bleeding, choosing the right hemostatic is essential. Twenty-three randomized clinical trials articles were included after completing the literature search. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive showed a reduction in the odds of postoperative bleeding events compared with conventional methods (i.e., gauze/cotton pressure, sutures), with a tendency toward a statistical significance (OR 0.03, P = 0.051). Tranexamic acid was the only agent that demonstrated a significantly lower risk of developing postoperative bleeding events (OR 0.27, P = 0.007). Interestingly, chitosan dental dressing and collagen plug had the shortest time to reach hemostasis. However, they ranked last among all hemostatic agents, regarding bleeding events, revealing higher odds than conventional measures. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and tranexamic acid gives favorable results in reducing postoperative bleeding events following dental extractions. Although chitosan dental dressing and collagen exhibited a faster time to reach hemostasis, they led to a higher occurrence of bleeding events.
On the evaluation of the carbon dioxide solubility in polymers using gene expression programming
Authors: Amiri-Ramsheh Behnam , Nait Amar Menad , Shateri Mohammadhadi , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein
Published: August 2023

Evaluation, prediction, and measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) solubility in different polymers are crucial for engineers in various chemical applications, such as extraction and generation of novel materials. In this paper, correlations based on gene expression programming (GEP) were generated to predict the value of carbon dioxide solubility in three polymers. Results showed that the generated correlations could represent an outstanding efficiency and provide predictions for carbon dioxide solubility with satisfactory average absolute relative errors of 9.71%, 5.87%, and 1.63% for polystyrene (PS), polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA), and polybutylene succinate (PBS), respectively. Trend analysis based on Henry’s law illustrated that increasing pressure and decreasing temperature lead to an increase in carbon dioxide solubility. Finally, outlier discovery was applied using the leverage approach to detect the suspected data points. The outlier detection demonstrated the statistical validity of the developed correlations. William’s plot of three generated correlations showed that all of the data points are located in the valid zone except one point for PBS polymer and three points for PS polymer.
Materials fatigue prediction using graph neural networks on microstructure representations
Authors: Thomas Akhil , Durmaz Ali Riza , Alam Mehwish , Gumbsch Peter , Sack Harald , Eberl Chris
Published: August 2023

The local prediction of fatigue damage within polycrystals in a high-cycle fatigue setting is a long-lasting and challenging task. It requires identifying grains tending to accumulate plastic deformation under cyclic loading. We address this task by transcribing ferritic steel microtexture and damage maps from experiments into a microstructure graph. Here, grains constitute graph nodes connected by edges whenever grains share a common boundary. Fatigue loading causes some grains to develop slip markings, which can evolve into microcracks and lead to failure. This data set enables applying graph neural network variants on the task of binary grain-wise damage classification. The objective is to identify suitable data representations and models with an appropriate inductive bias to learn the underlying damage formation causes. Here, graph convolutional networks yielded the best performance with a balanced accuracy of 0.72 and a F1-score of 0.34, outperforming phenomenological crystal plasticity (+ 68%) and conventional machine learning (+ 17%) models by large margins. Further, we present an interpretability analysis that highlights the grains along with features that are considered important by the graph model for the prediction of fatigue damage initiation, thus demonstrating the potential of such techniques to reveal underlying mechanisms and microstructural driving forces in critical grain ensembles.
Additively manufactured flexible on-package phased array antennas for 5G/mmWave wearable and conformal digital twin and massive MIMO applications
Authors: Hu Kexin , Zhou Yi , Sitaraman Suresh K. , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: August 2023

This paper thoroughly investigates material characterization, reliability evaluation, fabrication, and assembly processes of additively manufactured flexible packaging and reconfigurable on-package antenna arrays for next-generation 5G/mmWave wearable and conformal applications. The objective is to bridge the technology gap in current Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) designs at mmWave frequencies and address the challenges of establishing future design standards for additively manufactured flexible packages and System-on-Package (SoP) integrated modules. Multiple 3D printed flexible materials have been characterized for their electrical and mechanical properties over the 5G/mmW frequency band (26–40 GHz), and the inkjet printed interconnects on 3D printed Polypropylene (PP) substrates demonstrated excellent electrical and mechanical performance during a 10,000-time cyclic bending test over typical wearable flexible radii down to 1 inch. A proof-of-concept flexible on-package phased array with an integrated microfluidic cooling channel on 3D printed substrates was fabricated and measured, demonstrating$$\pm 37^{\circ }$$±37∘beam steering capability with efficient cooling. The proposed reconfigurable design and low-temperature fabrication approach using additive manufacturing can be widely applied to next-generation highly-complex on-demand FHE, flexible multi-chip-module integration, and on-package phased-array modules for 5G/mmWave wearable and conformal smart skin, digital twin and massive MIMO applications.
Identification of tophi in ultrasound imaging based on transfer learning and clinical practice
Authors: Lin Tzu-Min , Lee Hsiang-Yen , Chang Ching-Kuei , Lin Ke-Hung , Chang Chi-Ching , Wu Bing-Fei , Peng Syu-Jyun
Published: August 2023

Gout is a common metabolic disorder characterized by deposits of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals (tophi) in soft tissue, triggering intense and acute arthritis with intolerable pain as well as articular and periarticular inflammation. Tophi can also promote chronic inflammatory and erosive arthritis. 2015 ACR/EULAR Gout Classification criteria include clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, where cases of gout are indicated by a threshold score of ≥ 8. Some imaging-related findings, such as a double contour sign in ultrasound, urate in dual-energy computed tomography, or radiographic gout-related erosion, generate a score of up to 4. Clearly, the diagnosis of gout is largely assisted by imaging findings; however, dual-energy computed tomography is expensive and exposes the patient to high levels of radiation. Although musculoskeletal ultrasound is non-invasive and inexpensive, the reliability of the results depends on expert experience. In the current study, we applied transfer learning to train a convolutional neural network for the identification of tophi in ultrasound images. The accuracy of predictions varied with the convolutional neural network model, as follows: InceptionV3 (0.871 ± 0.020), ResNet101 (0.913 ± 0.015), and VGG19 (0.918 ± 0.020). The sensitivity was as follows: InceptionV3 (0.507 ± 0.060), ResNet101 (0.680 ± 0.056), and VGG19 (0.747 ± 0.056). The precision was as follows: InceptionV3 (0.767 ± 0.091), ResNet101 (0.863 ± 0.098), and VGG19 (0.825 ± 0.062). Our results demonstrate that it is possible to retrain deep convolutional neural networks to identify the patterns of tophi in ultrasound images with a high degree of accuracy.
Comparison of particle image velocimetry and the underlying agents dynamics in collectively moving self propelled particles
Authors: Basak Udoy S. , Sattari Sulimon , Hossain Md. Motaleb , Horikawa Kazuki , Toda Mikito , Komatsuzaki Tamiki
Published: August 2023

Collective migration of cells is a fundamental behavior in biology. For the quantitative understanding of collective cell migration, live-cell imaging techniques have been used using e.g., phase contrast or fluorescence images. Particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) is a common recipe to quantify cell motility with those image data. However, the precise tracking of cells is not always feasible. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an alternative to PTV, corresponding to Eulerian picture of fluid dynamics, which derives the average velocity vector of an aggregate of cells. However, the accuracy of PIV in capturing the underlying cell motility and what values of the parameters should be chosen is not necessarily well characterized, especially for cells that do not adhere to a viscous flow. Here, we investigate the accuracy of PIV by generating images of simulated cells by the Vicsek model using trajectory data of agents at different noise levels. It was found, using an alignment score, that the direction of the PIV vectors coincides with the direction of nearby agents with appropriate choices of PIV parameters. PIV is found to accurately measure the underlying motion of individual agents for a wide range of noise level, and its condition is addressed.
Comparison of sexual function of people with colorectal cancer with and without colostomy bag in Iran: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Dahouri Amirmohammad , Sahebihagh Mohammad Hassan , Gilani Neda
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare sexual function in individuals with colorectal cancer, with and without a colostomy bag. A quantitative, descriptive-comparative design was employed, and a cluster random sampling method was used to recruit 252 patients with colorectal cancer. Data collection tools included a participants characteristics form, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for women. The mean IIEF total score for men with a colostomy was 26.17 ± 15.30, and for men without a colostomy, it was 29.05 ± 17.14. The mean FSFI total score for women with a colostomy was 6.40 ± 7.21, and for women without a colostomy, it was 9.10 ± 14.67. There was no statistically difference in IIEF scores between men with and without colostomy bags (p > 0.05). However, women with colostomy bags had significantly lower FSFI scores compared to women without colostomy bags (p < 0.05). Addressing sexual concerns in individuals with colorectal cancer is crucial for enhancing their sexual well-being and overall quality of life. Comprehensive support, timely interventions, and targeted services are essential to help patients navigate the challenges and improve their overall well-being.
Key role of phosphorylation sites in ATPase domain and Linker region of MLH1 for DNA binding and functionality of MutLα
Authors: Firnau May-Britt , Plotz Guido , Zeuzem Stefan , Brieger Angela
Published: August 2023

MutLα is essential for human DNA mismatch repair (MMR). It harbors a latent endonuclease, is responsible for recruitment of process associated proteins and is relevant for strand discrimination. Recently, we demonstrated that the MMR function of MutLα is regulated by phosphorylation of MLH1 at serine (S) 477. In the current study, we focused on S87 located in the ATPase domain of MLH1 and on S446, S456 and S477 located in its linker region. We analysed the phosphorylation-dependent impact of these amino acids on DNA binding, MMR ability and thermal stability of MutLα. We were able to demonstrate that phosphorylation at S87 of MLH1 inhibits DNA binding of MutLα. In addition, we detected that its MMR function seems to be regulated predominantly via phosphorylation of serines in the linker domain, which are also partially involved in the regulation of DNA binding. Furthermore, we found that the thermal stability of MutLα decreased in relation to its phosphorylation status implying that complete phosphorylation might lead to instability and degradation of MLH1. In summary, we showed here, for the first time, a phosphorylation-dependent regulation of DNA binding of MutLα and hypothesized that this might significantly impact its functional regulation during MMR in vivo.
An old diagnostic tool for new indications: inpatient Holter ECG for conditions other than syncope or stroke
Authors: Freund Ophir , Caspi Inbar , Alcalay Idan , Brezis Miriam R. , Frydman Shir , Bornstein Gil
Published: August 2023

Holter electrocardiography (ECG) assists in the diagnosis of arrhythmias. Its use in the inpatient setting has been described solely for the evaluation of stroke and syncope. Our aim was to assess its diagnostic value for other conditions in the internal medicine department. We included all hospitalized patients between 2018 and 2021 in a tertiary referral center. The primary outcome was a diagnostic Holter recording a new arrhythmia that led to a change in treatment. Overall, 289 patients completed a 24-h inpatient Holter ECG for conditions other than syncope or stroke, with 39 (13%) diagnostic findings. The highest diagnostic value was found in patients admitted for pre-syncope (19%), palpitations (18%), and unexplained heart failure exacerbation/dyspnea (17%). A low diagnostic yield was found for the evaluation of chest pain (5%). Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (adjusted OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.4, p = 0.04), and baseline ECG with either a bundle branch block (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.2, p < 0.01) or atrioventricular block (first or second degree, AOR 5, 95% CI 2.04–12.3, p < 0.01) were among the independent predictors for a diagnostic test. Inpatient Holter ECG monitoring may have value as a diagnostic tool for selected patients with conditions other than syncope or stroke.
Automated phenotyping of postoperative delirium-like behaviour in mice reveals the therapeutic efficacy of dexmedetomidine
Authors: Cao Silu , Wu Yiling , Gao Zilong , Tang Jinxuan , Xiong Lize , Hu Ji , Li Cheng
Published: August 2023

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a complicated and harmful clinical syndrome. Traditional behaviour analysis mostly focuses on static parameters. However, animal behaviour is a bottom-up and hierarchical organizational structure composed of time-varying posture dynamics. Spontaneous and task-driven behaviours are used to conduct comprehensive profiling of behavioural data of various aspects of model animals. A machine-learning based method is used to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine. Fourteen statistically different spontaneous behaviours are used to distinguish the non-POD group from the POD group. In the task-driven behaviour, the non-POD group has greater deep versus shallow investigation preference, with no significant preference in the POD group. Hyperactive and hypoactive subtypes can be distinguished through pose evaluation. Dexmedetomidine at a dose of 25 μg kg−1 reduces the severity and incidence of POD. Here we propose a multi-scaled clustering analysis framework that includes pose, behaviour and action sequence evaluation. This may represent the hierarchical dynamics of delirium-like behaviours.
Weak influence of the secondary surface processes on the regolith of Chang’E-5 landing site
Authors: Li Junjie , Li Ziying , Huang Zhixin , Li Ting , Guo Dongfa , Liu Hanbin , Fan Guang , Qin Mingkuan , Lei Liang , Zhou Xin , Wang Hailong , Wang Kaiyu , Gao Xiangbo , Yu Apeng , Liu Ruiping , Zhang Jia , Deng Liumin , He Sheng , Wu Yong , Qiu Linfei
Published: August 2023

Noble gases in lunar soils provide critical information regarding solar wind and cosmic-ray interactions with the lunar surface, as well as the history of impact events affecting the regolith turnover processes. Here, we studied the characteristics of noble gases He, Ne, Ar in Chang’E-5 soil. High 4He/36Ar and 20Ne/36Ar values show that the soil has typical mare terrain characteristics. Furthermore, both values are higher than those in other lunar soils, suggesting the secondary processes occurring in the soil may have been less strong than in other lunar samples. Trapped (3He/4He) tr and (20Ne/22Ne) tr values were less fractionated than those of Apollo soils, also indicating the weak secondary processes the Chang’E-5 soil underwent. Trapped (40Ar/36Ar) tr values indicate the implanted solar wind was young. The integrated exposure times to solar wind of the soil on the lunar surface suggest the Chang’E-5 soil was not seriously admixed by sputtered material from nearby rocks.
Radiomics and outcome prediction to antiangiogenic treatment in advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: findings from the phase II TALENT trial
Authors: Ligero Marta , Hernando Jorge , Delgado Eric , Garcia-Ruiz Alonso , Merino-Casabiel Xavier , Ibrahim Toni , Fazio Nicola , Lopez Carlos , Teulé Alexandre , Valle Juan W. , Tafuto Salvatore , Custodio Ana , Reed Nicholas , Raderer Markus , Grande Enrique , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula , Garcia-Alvarez Alejandro , Escobar Manuel , Casanovas Oriol , Capdevila Jaume , Perez-Lopez Raquel
Published: August 2023

Background

More accurate predictive biomarkers in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) are needed. This study aims to investigate radiomics-based tumour phenotypes as a surrogate biomarker of the tumour vasculature and response prediction to antiangiogenic targeted agents in patients with GEP-NETs.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a radiomics signature was developed in patients with GEP-NETs and liver metastases receiving lenvatinib. Patients were selected from the multicentre phase II TALENT trial (NCT02678780) (development cohort). Radiomics variables were extracted from liver metastases in the pre-treatment CT-scans and selected using LASSO regression and minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR). Logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards models for radiomics and combined radiomics with clinical data were explored. The performance of the models was tested in an external cohort of patients treated with sunitinib (test cohort). Associations between the radiomics score and vascularisation factors in plasma were studied using hierarchical clustering and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 89 patients were included in the study, 408 liver metastases were analysed. The CT-based radiomics signature was associated with clinical benefit in the development (training and validation sets) and test cohorts (AUC 0.75 [0.66–0.90], 0.67 [0.49–0.92] and 0.67 [0.43–0.91], respectively). The combined radiomics-clinical signature (including the radiomics score, Ki-67 index and primary tumour site) improved on radiomics-only signature performance (AUC 0.79 [95% CI 0.64–0.93]; p < 0.001).  A higher radiomics score indicated longer progression-free survival (hazard ration of 0.11 [0.03–0.45]; p = 0.002) and was associated with vascularisation factors (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Radiomics-based phenotypes can provide valuable information about tumour characteristics, including the vasculature, that are associated with response to antiangiogenics.

Clinical trial registration

This is a study of the Lenvatinib Efficacy in Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (TALENT) phase II clinical trial (NCT02678780).
Current trends in the detection and removal of heavy metal ions using functional materials
Authors: Li Meng , Shi Quanyu , Song Ningxin , Xiao Yumeng , Wang Lidong , Chen Zhijun , James Tony D.
Published: August 2023

The shortage of freshwater resources caused by heavy metal pollution is an acute global issue, which has a great impact on environmental protection and human health.
Enhancing electrochemical properties of a two-dimensional zeolitic imidazole framework by incorporating a conductive polymer for dopamine detection
Authors: Liu Jing , Yin Bing , Liu Xiaobo , Yang Cheng , Zang Shiyu , Wu Shuo
Published: August 2023

Synthesis of ZIF-L/PEDOT composites with high electrical conductivity, excellent catalytic activity and outstanding electrochemical properties is reported.
Multivariate curve Resolution-Alternating least squares coupled with Raman microspectroscopy: new insights into the kinetic response of primary oral squamous carcinoma cells to cisplatin
Authors: Notarstefano Valentina , Belloni Alessia , Mariani Paolo , Orilisi Giulia , Orsini Giovanna , Giorgini Elisabetta , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: August 2023

Raman MicroSpectroscopy (RMS) is a powerful label-free tool to probe the effects of drugs at a cellular/subcellular level.
Structural aspects of dehydration and rehydration in the adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)–potassium–water system
Authors: Kaszubowski Oskar , Ślepokura Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

This work presents the solution crystallization, post-crystallization dehydration and structural studies of hydrated and anhydrous potassium salts of adenosine 5′-diphosphate obtained in this way.
Probing conformational landscapes of binding and allostery in the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant complexes using microsecond atomistic simulations and perturbation-based profiling approaches: hidden role of omicron mutations as modulators of allosteric signaling and epistatic relationships
Authors: Verkhivker Gennady , Alshahrani Mohammed , Gupta Grace , Xiao Sian , Tao Peng
Published: August 2023

We study the conformational dynamics, binding and allosteric mechanisms in the Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and BA.4/BA.5 spike protein complexes with the ACE2 receptor using molecular dynamics simulations and perturbation-based network approaches.
A facile synthesis of FeS/Fe3C nanoparticles highly dispersed on in situ grown N-doped CNTs as cathode electrocatalysts for microbial fuel cells
Authors: Chen Zhuoyue , Lin Yingyu , Zhou Yuying , Yang Yuxian , Zhong Yaotang , Xu Mengqing , Li Weishan
Published: August 2023

Nano-FeS/Fe3C@NCNTs are synthesized through a solid state reaction of Fe-, N- and S-containing compounds and exhibit excellent activity as cathode electrocatalysts for microbial fuel cells.
Temperature dependence of radiative and non-radiative decay in the luminescence of one-dimensional pyridinium lead halide hybrids
Authors: Alfaraidi Abdulrahman M. , Schaab Jonas , McClure Eric T. , Kellogg Michael , Hodgkins Taylor L. , Idris Muazzam , Bradforth Stephen E. , Melot Brent C. , Thompson Mark E. , Djurovich Peter I.
Published: August 2023

Temperature dependent luminescence studies were performed on one-dimensional organic–inorganic lead halide hybrid materials to obtain activation energies for non-radiative decay.
A novel phase of superionic conductor β′-Na3PS4 with a large band gap and a low migration barrier
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Yan Luo , Li Qiaoqiao , Zhang Yongqi , Zhou Liujiang
Published: August 2023

α-Na3PS4 transforms into a novel β′-Na3PS4 with a low migration energy barrier of 0.10 eV for an interstitial Na ion.
Excited-state symmetry breaking in quadrupolar pull–push–pull molecules: dicyanovinyl vs. cyanophenyl acceptors
Authors: Verma Pragya , Tasior Mariusz , Roy Palas , Meech Stephen R. , Gryko Daniel T. , Vauthey Eric
Published: August 2023

Excited-state symmetry breaking is only observed in multipolar dyes with weaker electron accepting groups. This unexpected result can be rationalised in terms of a subtle balance between solvation energy and inter-branch electronic coupling.
Neural network potential energy surfaces and dipole moment surfaces for SO2(H2O) and SO2(H2O)2complexes
Authors: Fu Liangfei , Yang Shuo , Zhang Dong H.
Published: August 2023

The first report of full-dimensional PESs and DMSs for SO2(H2O)2(n= 1,2) complexes.
Digital design and 3D printing of reactionware for on demand synthesis of high value probes
Authors: Frei Przemyslaw , Kitson Philip J. , Jones Alexander X. , Cronin Leroy
Published: August 2023

A new modular approach to 3D printed reactionware design is presented, and its effectiveness demonstrated in the synthesis of a number of structurally related, diazirine based, photoaffinity probes.
Self-powered recycling of spent lithium iron phosphate batteries via triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Zhang Baofeng , He Lixia , Wang Jing , Liu Yuebo , Xue Xu , He Shengnan , Zhang Chuguo , Zhao Zhihao , Zhou Linglin , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2023

A self-powered system composed of an electrochemical recycling reactor and a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed for recycling spent lithium-ion battery with the advantages of high purity, self-powering, simplified procedure, and high profit.
Phytoferritin functions in two interface-loading of natural pigment betanin and caffeic acid with enhanced color stability and the sustained release of betanin
Authors: Zhang Yidan , Sha Xinmei , Hu Jiangnan , Wu Jincan , Li Yue , Ma Junrui , Sun Haili , Yang Rui
Published: August 2023

The caffeic acid–ferritin–betanin complex exhibits high thermal, light, and ferric ion stabilities, and controls the sustained release of betanin, providing a scheme to stabilize pigments by multiple shell-core systems.
Inclination of polarized illumination increases symmetry of structures grown via inorganic phototropism
Authors: Meier Madeline C. , Lewis Nathan S. , Carim Azhar I.
Published: August 2023

Inorganic phototropic growth produces ordered, anisotropic semiconductor mesostructures via a template-free, light-mediated process. Asymmetric inclination of the input illumination counterintuitively increases the symmetry of the output structures.
Designing self-healing hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Ding Xiaoya , Fan Lu , Wang Li , Zhou Min , Wang Yongxiang , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: August 2023

Self-healing hydrogels based on various dynamic interactions are comprehensively summarized and their biomedical applications are also thoroughly elaborated.
First-principles study of BX–SiS (X = As, P) van der Waals heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Ahmad Sheraz , Din H. U. , Sabir S. S. Ullah , Amin B.
Published: August 2023

The vertical integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials through weak van der Waals (vdW) interactions is gaining tremendous attention for application in nanotechnology and photovoltaics.
Solvent-assisted sulfur vacancy engineering method in MoS2 for a neuromorphic synaptic memristor
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Im Changik , Lee Chan , Hwang Jinwoo , Jang Hyoik , Lee Jae Hak , Jin Minho , Lee Haeyeon , Kim Junyoung , Sung Junho , Kim Youn Sang , Lee Eunho
Published: August 2023

Novel solvent-assisted vacancy engineering (SAVE) is proposed for S vacancy generation in MoS2, considering the solubility and polarity of the solvent. The SAVE-treated MoS2 synaptic memristor shows non-volatile memory characteristics and synaptic behavior.
Construction of a label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on a Co9S8/Co3C@C dual-heterojunction for the detection of diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Wen Xin , Wang Yangyang , Ding Jianjun , Dong Xiaojing , Sun Yiqiang , Xu Bo
Published: August 2023

A dual-heterostructure nanosheet Co9S8/Co3C@C-based label-free electrochemical immunosensor is capable of detecting DES swiftly, efficiently, and sensitively.
Mechanical property-enhanced thermally conductive self-healing composites: preparation using designed self-healing matrix phase and hyBNNSs
Authors: Wang Zhe , Gong Xiao-Bin , Xu Jing-Chuan , Wang Jing-Wei , Li Ya-Nan , Ge Xin , Xing Rui-Guang , Pan Gao-Fei
Published: August 2023

Polymer composites with good thermal conductivity are gaining more and more attention in the current electronics sector, due to their superior heat management capabilities.
Exploitation of mixed-valency chemistry for designing a monolayer with double ferroelectricity and triferroic couplings
Authors: Gao Yaxin , Li Sha , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Wu Menghao
Published: August 2023

The swapping of Cu(i) and Cu(ii) in mixed-valence Cu2Cl3 monolayer is enabled by vertical ferroelectric switching, while the Jahn–Teller distortion of Cu(ii) layer gives rise in-plane ferroelectricity.
Extraction of alumina and silica from high-silica bauxite by sintering with sodium carbonate followed by two-step leaching with water and sulfuric acid
Authors: Sun Yue , Pan Aifang , Ma Yuzhao , Chang Jie
Published: August 2023

A novel process is proposed to extract alumina and silica from high-silica bauxite without residue discharge.
Supramolecular assemblies in the molecular complexes of 4-cyanophenylboronic acid with different N-donor ligands
Authors: Easmin Samina , Pedireddi Venkateswara Rao
Published: August 2023

Supramolecular assemblies of 4-cyanophenylboronic acid with various N-donor compounds having different conformational features developed exotic networks in the crystal lattices in the form of stacked layers, helical chains, and crossed ribbons.
A modular low-cost automated synthesis machine demonstrated by ring-opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Saugbjerg Jakob Rørbæk , Jensen Thorbjørn Bøgh , Hinge Mogens , Henriksen Martin Lahn
Published: August 2023

Synthesis automatization is of vast interest as it increases the number of experiments, reproducibility, and in general enhances laboratory performance.
Imprinting of nanoparticles in thin films: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Zelikovich Din , Dery Linoy , Sagi-Cohen Hila , Mandler Daniel
Published: August 2023

The combination of molecular imprinting approaches and nanomaterials has recently emerged in new approaches for the imprinting of nanomaterials. This review summarizes the latest studies and the potential implications and applications of this field.
Boosting the zinc storage of a small-molecule organic cathode by a desalinization strategy
Authors: Wang Wei , Tang Ying , Liu Jun , Li Hongbao , Wang Rui , Zhang Longhai , Liang Fei , Bai Wei , Zhang Lin , Zhang Chaofeng
Published: August 2023

We designed a highly conjugated small-molecule organic material, triresazurin-triazine (TRT). This unique molecular design successfully boosts its zinc storage performance.
Understanding the limits of Li-NMC811 half-cells
Authors: McNulty Rory C. , Hampson Elizabeth , Cutler Lewis N. , Grey Clare P. , Dose Wesley M. , Johnson Lee R.
Published: August 2023

Half-cell studies are widely employed to assess the performance of prospective positive electrode chemistries. In this study, we explore the failure mechanism of Li-NMC811 half-cells and propose an alternative cell chemistry for isolated, long-term positive electrode testing.
Ligand modification enhanced quantum dot LEDs: principles and methods
Authors: Dong Xiangyuan , Wang Kaili , Bu Yanyan , Wang Xiangfu
Published: August 2023

Many academics are exploring using quantum dots (QDs) to make better LED devices due to their narrow emission band, low reaction temperature, low self-absorption effect, and high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs).