bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable text-tabular models for predicting mortality risk in companion animals
Authors: Burton James , Farrell Sean , Mäntylä Noble Peter-John , Al Moubayed Noura
Published: June 2024

As interest in using machine learning models to support clinical decision-making increases, explainability is an unequivocal priority for clinicians, researchers and regulators to comprehend and trust their results. With many clinical datasets containing a range of modalities, from the free-text of clinician notes to structured tabular data entries, there is a need for frameworks capable of providing comprehensive explanation values across diverse modalities. Here, we present a multimodal masking framework to extend the reach of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to text and tabular datasets to identify risk factors for companion animal mortality in first-opinion veterinary electronic health records (EHRs) from across the United Kingdom. The framework is designed to treat each modality consistently, ensuring uniform and consistent treatment of features and thereby fostering predictability in unimodal and multimodal contexts. We present five multimodality approaches, with the best-performing method utilising PetBERT, a language model pre-trained on a veterinary dataset. Utilising our framework, we shed light for the first time on the reasons each model makes its decision and identify the inclination of PetBERT towards a more pronounced engagement with free-text narratives compared to BERT-base’s predominant emphasis on tabular data. The investigation also explores the important features on a more granular level, identifying distinct words and phrases that substantially influenced an animal’s life status prediction. PetBERT showcased a heightened ability to grasp phrases associated with veterinary clinical nomenclature, signalling the productivity of additional pre-training of language models.
Deep learning for predicting 16S rRNA gene copy number
Authors: Miao Jiazheng , Chen Tianlai , Misir Mustafa , Lin Yajuan
Published: June 2024

Culture-independent 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding is a commonly used method for microbiome profiling. To achieve more quantitative cell fraction estimates, it is important to account for the 16S rRNA gene copy number (hereafter 16S GCN) of different community members. Currently, there are several bioinformatic tools available to estimate the 16S GCN values, either based on taxonomy assignment or phylogeny. Here we present a novel approach ANNA16, Artificial Neural Network Approximator for 16S rRNA gene copy number, a deep learning-based method that estimates the 16S GCN values directly from the 16S gene sequence strings. Based on 27,579 16S rRNA gene sequences and gene copy number data from the rrnDB database, we show that ANNA16 outperforms the commonly used 16S GCN prediction algorithms. Interestingly, Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) shows that ANNA16 can identify unexpected informative positions in 16S rRNA gene sequences without any prior phylogenetic knowledge, which suggests potential applications beyond 16S GCN prediction.
Comparison of tacrolimus with or without prednisone therapy in primary membranous nephropathy: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Dou Jingyu , Gao Ge , Sheng Xiaoxiao , Shen Ya , Feng Yuhua , Wu Xueying , Zhang Zhen , Cheng Genyang
Published: June 2024

Previous studies showed tacrolimus monotherapy and dual therapy with tacrolimus and prednisone as effective treatment modalities in managing membranous nephropathy. However, few studies have compared these therapeutic regimens. The patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment regimen: (1) tacrolimus and prednisone dual therapy (T + P group, n = 67) treatment group; and (2) tacrolimus monotherapy (T group, n = 65) or the control group. Propensity matching method and subgroup analysis to eliminate the bias in the relationship between the treatment regimen and the outcomes. The mean remission times were 20.33 ± 2.75 weeks at T group and 9.50 ± 1.81 weeks at T + P group. The T group had a remission rates of 73.33, 76.66 and 66.66% at 12weeks, 24weeks and 48weeks, while the T + P group had a remission rate of 81.66, 86.66, 91.66%; At the follow-up of 48 weeks, the relapse rate for the T group was 21.66%, and that for the T + P group was 5%. The anti-PLA2R ab is positive and therapy may be the independent risk factors for predicting remission. Tacrolimus and low-dose prednisone dual therapy is efficacious in managing MN and lowers the recurrence rate in clinical practice.
Glucose transporter-2 regulation of VMN GABA neuron metabolic sensor and transmitter gene expression
Authors: Roy Sagor C. , Sapkota Subash , Pasula Madhu Babu , Katakam Sushma , Shrestha Rami , Briski Karen P.
Published: June 2024

Glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) monitors cellular glucose uptake. Astrocyte GLUT2 controls glucose counterregulatory hormone secretion. In vivo gene silencing and laser-catapult-microdissection tools were used here to investigate whether ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) GLUT2 may regulate dorsomedial (VMNdm) and/or ventrolateral (VMNvl) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission to control this endocrine outflow in female rats. VMN GLUT2 gene knockdown suppressed or stimulated hypoglycemia-associated glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)1 and GAD2 mRNA expression in VMNdm versus VMNvl GABAergic neurons, respectively. GLUT2 siRNA pretreatment also modified co-expressed transmitter marker gene profiles in each cell population. VMNdm GABA neurons exhibited GLUT2 knockdown-sensitive up-regulated 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha1 (AMPKα1) and -alpha2 (AMPKα2) transcripts during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic augmentation of VMNvl GABA neuron AMPKα2 was refractory to GLUT2 siRNA. GLUT2 siRNA blunted (VMNdm) or exacerbated (VMNvl) hypoglycemic stimulation of GABAergic neuron steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) mRNA. Results infer that VMNdm and VMNvl GABA neurons may exhibit divergent, GLUT2-dependent GABA neurotransmission patterns in the hypoglycemic female rat. Data also document differential GLUT2 regulation of VMNdm versus VMNvl GABA nerve cell SF-1 gene expression. Evidence for intensification of hypoglycemic hypercorticosteronemia and -glucagonemia by GLUT2 siRNA infers that VMN GLUT2 function imposes an inhibitory tone on these hormone profiles in this sex.
Mononuclear phagocyte sub-types in vitro display diverse transcriptional responses to dust mite exposure
Authors: Fransen Leonie F. H. , Leonard Martin O.
Published: June 2024

Mononuclear phagocytes (MNP), including macrophages and dendritic cells form an essential component of primary responses to environmental hazards and toxic exposures. This is particularly important in disease conditions such as asthma and allergic airway disease, where many different cell types are present. In this study, we differentiated CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells towards different populations of MNP in an effort to understand how different cell subtypes present in inflammatory disease microenvironments respond to the common allergen house dust mite (HDM). Using single cell mRNA sequencing, we demonstrate that macrophage subtypes MCSPP1+ and MLCMARCO+ display different patterns of gene expression after HDM challenge, noted especially for the chemokines CXCL5, CXCL8, CCL5 and CCL15. MLCCD206Hi alternatively activated macrophages displayed the greatest changes in expression, while neutrophil and monocyte populations did not respond. Further work investigated how pollutant diesel exhaust particles could modify these transcriptional responses and revealed that CXC but not CC type chemokines were further upregulated. Through the use of diesel particles with adsorbed material removed, we suggest that soluble pollutants on these particles are the active constituents responsible for the modifying effects on HDM. This study highlights that environmental exposures may influence tissue responses dependent on which MNP cell type is present, and that these should be considerations when modelling such events in vitro. Understanding the nuanced responsiveness of different immune cell types to allergen and pollutant exposure also contributes to a better understanding of how these exposures influence the development and exacerbation of human disease.
A HUG taxonomy of humans with potential in human–robot hugs
Authors: Yan Zheng , Wang Zhipeng , Ren Ruochen , Wang Chengjin , Jiang Shuo , Zhou Yanmin , He Bin
Published: June 2024

Humans can easily perform various types of hugs in human contact and affection experience. With the prevalence of robots in social applications, they would be expected to possess the capability of hugs as humans do. However, it is still not an easy task for robots, considering the complex force and spatial constraints of robot hugs. In this work, we propose the HUG taxonomy, which distinguishes between different hugging patterns based on human demonstrations and prior knowledge. In this taxonomy, hugs are arranged according to (1) hugging tightness, (2) hugging style, and (3) bilateral coordination, resulting in 16 different hug types. We then further study the hug type preference of humans in different scenarios and roles. Furthermore, we propose a rule-based classification system to validate the potential of this taxonomy in human–robot hugs based on a humanoid robot with an E-skin of contact sensation. The HUG taxonomy could provide human hugging behavior information in advance, facilitating the action control of humanoid robots. We believe the results of our work can benefit future studies on human–robot hugging interactions.
Association between visceral adiposity index and infertility in reproductive-aged women in the United States
Authors: Zhuang Jiaru , Wang Yuan , Wang Shan , Hu Renjing , Wu Yibo
Published: June 2024

Over the years, obesity has become more commonplace and has had a substantial impact on several medical specialties, including reproductive medicine. The potential correlation between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and infertility has yet to be determined. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 were included in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2020. Three tertiles were used to group VAI levels. Subgroup analysis and weighted binary logistic regression were employed to investigate the independent relationship between VAI and infertility. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore nonlinear relationships. This cross-sectional study followed the criteria of the STROBE guidelines. Of the 1231 participants, 127 were infertile women aged 18–45 years. A higher VAI was associated with a higher prevalence of infertility (OR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.03–1.45), which remained consistent across all subgroups (p > 0.05 for all interactions). We demonstrated a positive nonlinear association between VAI and infertility using a smooth curve fit. A higher visceral adiposity index level is positively correlated with a higher incidence of infertility among women in the United States. Women who are infertile can be identified using the visceral obesity index, and controlling visceral obesity may help lower the chances of becoming infertile.
Low densities of immune cells indicate unfavourable overall survival in patients suffering from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Steffens Simone , Kayser Claudia , Roesner Anuschka , Rawluk Justyna , Schmid Severin , Gkika Eleni , Kayser Gian
Published: June 2024

Carcinogenesis and tumor proliferation are characterized by a complex interaction of cancer cells with the tumor microenvironment. In particular, a tumor-promoting effect can be assumed for the stroma and its fibroblasts. An influence of the immune system on non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is now also suspected. In our study, we examined 309 sections of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a subtype of NSCLC. We determined the cell densities and areas of the different tissues in SCC using the software QuPath. Spearman rank correlation showed a significant positive correlation between the different tumor cell densities and stromal cell densities, and between tumor cell densities and immune cell densities. Overall survival curves by the Kaplan–Meier method revealed a prominent negative curve in cases of low immune cell density. Based on our results, we can assume a positive influence of the tumor microenvironment, especially the stromal cells, on tumor proliferation in SCC. We have also revealed that low density of immune cells is prognostically unfavorable.
Investigating the relationship between early cardiovascular disease markers and loneliness in young adults
Authors: Vasan Shradha , Lim Michelle H. , Eikelis Nina , Lambert Elisabeth
Published: June 2024

Loneliness is recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. However, it is unclear whether loneliness itself or other closely related mental health symptoms, such as depression and social anxiety, are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we examined the relationship between loneliness and several early cardiovascular disease markers in young adults, after controlling for depression and social anxiety. Sixty-six young adults (18–35 years old, Mage = 22.70; 75.8% females) completed psychological questionnaires and took part in several physiological tests assessing cardiovascular health (e.g., vascular function). Results revealed higher loneliness was significantly associated with shorter pulse transit time (β = − 0.70, p = 0.002; shorter pulse transit time is a subclinical marker for arterial stiffness). Additionally, results show that while loneliness and depression were both related to vascular dysfunction in young adults, the underlining physiological mechanisms through which they affect vascular function may be different. Specifically, higher loneliness was associated with increased arterial stiffness, whereas depression was associated with increased endothelial dysfunction (β = − 0.43, p = 0.04). Our findings indicate that presence of loneliness and depression in young adults may be accompanied by early indicators of poor cardiovascular health, such as arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Results from the study further support the link between loneliness and cardiovascular disease development.
Identification of a urinary CD276 fragment for detecting resectable pancreatic cancer using a C-terminal proteomics strategy
Authors: Mitsunaga Shuichi , Okumura Nobuaki , Takei Toshiki , Takao Toshifumi , Tsubouchi Hironobu , Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi , Kitahata Yuji , Motobayashi Hideki , Ikeda Masafumi , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to confirm urinary protein fragments in relation to the presence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) via a C-terminal proteomics strategy using exploratory and validation cohorts. Urinary fragments were examined by iTRAQ-labelling of tryptic peptides and concentrations of C-terminal fragments were evaluated. Only the urinary CD276 fragment showed a fold change (FC) of > 1.5 with a significant difference of P < 0.01 between healthy (H) and PDAC participants in both the exploratory (H, n = 42; PDAC, n = 39) and validation cohorts (H, n = 36; resectable PDAC, n = 28). The sensitivity and specificity of the CD276 fragment for diagnosing resectable PDAC were 75% and 89%, respectively, in the validation cohort. Postoperative urinary levels of the CD276 fragment were low as compared to those before surgery (n = 18, P < 0.01). Comprehensive C-terminus proteomics identified an increase in the urinary CD276 fragment level as a feature of patients with PDAC. The urinary CD276 fragment is a potential biomarker for detecting resectable PDAC.
Machine-learning-guided recognition of α and β cells from label-free infrared micrographs of living human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Azzarello Fabio , Carli Francesco , De Lorenzi Valentina , Tesi Marta , Marchetti Piero , Beltram Fabio , Raimondi Francesco , Cardarelli Francesco
Published: June 2024

Human islets of Langerhans are composed mostly of glucagon-secreting α cells and insulin-secreting β cells closely intermingled one another. Current methods for identifying α and β cells involve either fixing islets and using immunostaining or disaggregating islets and employing flow cytometry for classifying α and β cells based on their size and autofluorescence. Neither approach, however, allows investigating the dynamic behavior of α and β cells in a living and intact islet. To tackle this issue, we present a machine-learning-based strategy for identification α and β cells in label-free infrared micrographs of living human islets without immunostaining. Intrinsic autofluorescence is stimulated by infrared light and collected both in intensity and lifetime in the visible range, dominated by NAD(P)H and lipofuscin signals. Descriptive parameters are derived from micrographs for ~ 103 cells. These parameters are used as input for a boosted decision-tree model (XGBoost) pre-trained with immunofluorescence-derived cell-type information. The model displays an optimized-metrics performance of 0.86 (i.e. area under a ROC curve), with an associated precision of 0.94 for the recognition of β cells and 0.75 for α cells. This tool promises to enable longitudinal studies on the dynamic behavior of individual cell types at single-cell resolution within the intact tissue.
Identification of sulfakinin receptor regulating feeding behavior and hemolymph trehalose homeostasis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Lan Jiajing , Wu Qi , Huang Nan , Zhang Hong , Yang Yuanfei , Chen Linjie , Zhou Naiming , He Xiaobai
Published: June 2024

Feeding behavior, the most fundamental physiological activity, is controlled by two opposing groups of factors, orexigenic and anorexigenic factors. The sulfakinin family, an insect analogue of the mammalian satiety factor cholecystokinin (CCK), has been shown to suppress food intake in various insects. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which sulfakinin regulates feeding behavior remain a biological question. This study aimed to elucidate the signaling pathway mediated by the anorexigenic peptide sulfakinin in Bombyx mori. We identified the Bombyx mori neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptor A9 (BNGR-A9) as the receptor for sulfakinin through functional assays. Stimulation with sulfakinin triggered a swift increase in intracellular IP3, Ca2+, and a notable enhancement of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, in a manner sensitive to a Gαq-specific inhibitor. Treatment with synthetic sulfakinin resulted in decreased food consumption and average body weight. Additionally, administering synthetic sulfakinin to silkworms significantly elevated hemolymph trehalose levels, an effect markedly reduced by pre-treatment with BNGR-A9 dsRNA. Consequently, our findings establish the sulfakinin/BNGR-A9 signaling pathway as a critical regulator of feeding behavior and hemolymph trehalose homeostasis in Bombyx mori, highlighting its roles in the negative control of food intake and the positive regulation of energy balance.
A noninferiority randomized open-label pilot study of 3- versus 7-day influenza postexposure prophylaxis with oseltamivir in hospitalized children
Authors: Wrotek August , Jackowska Teresa
Published: June 2024

Short influenza postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) showed high efficacy in adults, but studies in children are lacking. This randomized open-label pilot trial aimed to verify noninferiority of a 3- versus 7-day prophylaxis with oral oseltamivir in hospitalized children. Influenza contacts were randomized to the 3- or 7-day group and efficacy, relative risk of adverse events (AEs), and the cumulative costs of drugs and AEs management were compared. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis included 59 children (n = 28 and n = 31 in the 3- and 7-day group, respectively). The efficacy was 100% (95% CI 87.7–100%) versus 93.6% (95% CI 78.6–99.2%) in the 3- and 7-day group; the differences were statistically insignificant. A per-protocol (PP) analysis including 56 patients (n = 27 and n = 29, respectively) showed 100% (95% CI 87.2–100%) and 93.1% (95% CI 77.2–99.2%) efficacy, respectively, without statistical significance. Differences were within the predefined noninferiority margin with an efficacy difference Δ = 6.45 percentage points (p.p.) with 1-sided 95% CI (− 2.8, − 1.31, p = 0.86; ITT) and Δ = 6.9 p.p. (1-sided 95% CI − 2.83, − 1.27, p = 0.85; PP). Adverse events did not differ significantly, while the cumulative costs of the prophylaxis and AEs management were higher in the 7-day group (median 10.5 euro vs. 4.5 euro, p < 0.01). This pilot study showed the noninferiority of the 3-day versus 7-day PEP, which was associated with lower costs.

Trial registration number: NCT04297462, 5th March 2020, restrospectively registered.
The appropriate sample-handling procedure for measuring the plasma β-amyloid level using a fully automated immunoassay
Authors: Ishiki Kengo , Yamashita Kazuto , Watanabe Shunsuke , Miura Masahiro , Kawahira Junko , Arimatsu Yuji , Kawasaki Kana , Iwanaga Shigeki , Sato Toshiyuki
Published: June 2024

Plasma β-amyloid (Aβ) assays are a promising tool for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in clinical practice. To obtain reliable results, establishing an appropriate sample-handling procedure for each analytical platform is warranted. This study proposes an appropriate sample-handling procedure using HISCL analyzer by elucidating the individual/combined effects of pre-analytical parameters on plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 levels. We investigated the effects of various pre-analytical parameters, including storage times for whole blood, plasma, and freezing conditions, on plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 levels, and confirmed if these values met the acceptable criteria. Plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 levels were acceptable in all conditions. We determined our protocol by confirming that plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 levels remained acceptable when combining pre-analytical parameters. We established an appropriate sample-handling protocol that ensures reliable measurement of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 levels using HISCL analyzer. We believe the Aβ assay, with our protocol, shows promise for aiding AD diagnosis in clinical settings.
Bio-chelate assisted leaching for enhanced heavy metal remediation in municipal solid waste compost
Authors: Khare Srishti , Singhal Anupam , Rallapalli Srinivas , Mishra Anant
Published: June 2024

Municipal solid waste compost, the circular economy's closed-loop product often contains excessive amounts of toxic heavy metals, leading to market rejection and disposal as waste material. To address this issue, the study develops a novel approach based on: (i) utilizing plant-based biodegradable chelating agent, l-glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) to remediate heavy metals from contaminated MSW compost, (ii) comparative assessment of GLDA removal efficiency at optimal conditions with conventional nonbiodegradable chelator EDTA, and (iii) enhanced pre- and post-leaching to evaluate the mobility, toxicity, and bioavailability of heavy metals. The impact of treatment variables, such as GLDA concentration, pH, and retention time, on the removal of heavy metals was investigated. The process was optimized using response surface methodology to achieve the highest removal effectiveness. The findings indicated that under optimal conditions (GLDA concentration of 150 mM, pH of 2.9, retention time for 120 min), the maximum removal efficiencies were as follows: Cd-90.32%, Cu-81.96%, Pb-91.62%, and Zn-80.34%. This process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. Following GLDA-assisted leaching, the geochemical fractions were studied and the distribution highlighted Cd, Cu, and Pb's potential remobilization in exchangeable fractions, while Zn displayed integration with the compost matrix. GLDA-assisted leaching and subsequent fractions illustrated transformation and stability. Therefore, this process could be a sustainable alternative for industrial applications (agricultural fertilizers and bioenergy) and social benefits (waste reduction, urban landscaping, and carbon sequestration) as it has controlled environmental footprints. Hence, the proposed remediation strategy, chemically assisted leaching, could be a practical option for extracting heavy metals from MSW compost, thereby boosting circular economy.
Trigonelline as an anticonvulsant agent: mechanistic insights into NMDA receptor expression and oxidative stress balance
Authors: Kabiri-Samani Nastran , Amini-Khoei Hossein , Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Sureda Antoni , Lorigooini Zahra
Published: June 2024

Glutamatergic neurotransmission and oxidative stress are involved in the pathophysiology of seizures. Some anticonvulsants exert their effects through modulation of these pathways. Trigonelline (TRG) has been shown to possess various pharmacological effects like neuroprotection. Therefore, this study was performed to determine TRG’s anticonvulsant effects, focusing on its potential effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, a type of glutamate receptor, and oxidative stress state in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in PTZ-induced seizure in mice. Seventy-two male mice were randomly divided into nine groups. The groups included mice that received normal saline, TRG at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, diazepam, NMDA (an agonist), ketamine (an antagonist), the effective dose of TRG with NMDA, as well as sub-effective dose of TRG with ketamine, respectively. All agents were administrated intraperitoneally 60 min before induction of seizures by PTZ. Latency to seizure, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and PFC were measured. Furthermore, the gene expression of NR2A and NR2B, subunits of NMDA receptors, was measured in the PFC. TRG administration increased the latency to seizure onset and enhanced TAC while reducing MDA levels in both the PFC and serum. TRG also decreased the gene expression of NR2B in the PFC. Unexpectedly, the findings revealed that the concurrent administration of ketamine amplified, whereas NMDA mitigated, the impact of TRG on latency to seizure. Furthermore, NMDA diminished the positive effects of TRG on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress, while ketamine amplified these beneficial effects, indicating a complex interaction between TRG and NMDA receptor modulation. In the gene expression of NMDA receptors, results showed that ketamine significantly decreased the gene expression of NR2B when co-administrated with a sub-effective dose of TRG. It was found that, at least partially, the anticonvulsant effect of TRG in PTZ-induced seizures in male mice was mediated by the attenuation of glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as the reduction of oxidative stress.
Theory of coherent phonons coupled to excitons
Authors: Perfetto Enrico , Wu Kai , Stefanucci Gianluca
Published: June 2024

The interaction of excitons with lattice vibrations underlies the scattering from bright to dark excitons as well as the coherent modulation of the exciton energy. Unlike the former mechanism, which involves phonons with finite momentum, the latter can be exclusively attributed to coherent phonons with zero momentum. We here lay down the microscopic theory of coherent phonons interacting with resonantly pumped bright excitons and provide the explicit expression of the corresponding coupling. The coupling notably resembles the exciton-phonon one, but with a crucial distinction: it contains the bare electron-phonon matrix elements rather than the screened ones. Our theory predicts that the exciton energy features a polaronic-like red-shift and monochromatic oscillations or beatings, depending on the number of coupled optical modes. Both the red-shift and the amplitude of the oscillations are proportional to the excitation density and to the square of the exciton-coherent-phonon coupling. We validate our analytical findings through comparisons with numerical simulations of time-resolved optical absorbance in resonantly pumped MoS2 monolayers.
Common dietary emulsifiers promote metabolic disorders and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice
Authors: Panyod Suraphan , Wu Wei-Kai , Chang Chih-Ting , Wada Naohisa , Ho Han-Chen , Lo Yi-Ling , Tsai Sing-Ping , Chen Rou-An , Huang Huai-Syuan , Liu Po-Yu , Chen Yi-Hsun , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Shen Ting-Chin David , Tang Sen-Lin , Ho Chi-Tang , Wu Ming-Shiang , Sheen Lee-Yan
Published: June 2024

Dietary emulsifiers are linked to various diseases. The recent discovery of the role of gut microbiota–host interactions on health and disease warrants the safety reassessment of dietary emulsifiers through the lens of gut microbiota. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and mono- and diglycerides (MDG) emulsifiers are common dietary emulsifiers with high exposure levels in the population. This study demonstrates that sucrose fatty acid esters and carboxymethylcellulose induce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in a mouse model. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC disrupt glucose homeostasis in the in vitro insulin-resistance model. MDG impairs circulating lipid and glucose metabolism. All emulsifiers change the intestinal microbiota diversity and induce gut microbiota dysbiosis. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC do not impact mucus–bacterial interactions, whereas MDG tends to cause bacterial encroachment into the inner mucus layer and enhance inflammation potential by raising circulating lipopolysaccharide. Our findings demonstrate the safety concerns associated with using dietary emulsifiers, suggesting that they could lead to metabolic syndromes.
Circadian-driven tissue specificity is constrained under caloric restricted feeding conditions
Authors: Chen Renrui , Zhang Ziang , Ma Junjie , Liu Bing , Huang Zhengyun , Hu Ganlu , Huang Ju , Xu Ying , Wang Guang-Zhong
Published: June 2024

Tissue specificity is a fundamental property of an organ that affects numerous biological processes, including aging and longevity, and is regulated by the circadian clock. However, the distinction between circadian-affected tissue specificity and other tissue specificities remains poorly understood. Here, using multi-omics data on circadian rhythms in mice, we discovered that approximately 35% of tissue-specific genes are directly affected by circadian regulation. These circadian-affected tissue-specific genes have higher expression levels and are associated with metabolism in hepatocytes. They also exhibit specific features in long-reads sequencing data. Notably, these genes are associated with aging and longevity at both the gene level and at the network module level. The expression of these genes oscillates in response to caloric restricted feeding regimens, which have been demonstrated to promote longevity. In addition, aging and longevity genes are disrupted in various circadian disorders. Our study indicates that the modulation of circadian-affected tissue specificity is essential for understanding the circadian mechanisms that regulate aging and longevity at the genomic level.
Speech prosody enhances the neural processing of syntax
Authors: Degano Giulio , Donhauser Peter W. , Gwilliams Laura , Merlo Paola , Golestani Narly
Published: June 2024

Human language relies on the correct processing of syntactic information, as it is essential for successful communication between speakers. As an abstract level of language, syntax has often been studied separately from the physical form of the speech signal, thus often masking the interactions that can promote better syntactic processing in the human brain. However, behavioral and neural evidence from adults suggests the idea that prosody and syntax interact, and studies in infants support the notion that prosody assists language learning. Here we analyze a MEG dataset to investigate how acoustic cues, specifically prosody, interact with syntactic representations in the brains of native English speakers. More specifically, to examine whether prosody enhances the cortical encoding of syntactic representations, we decode syntactic phrase boundaries directly from brain activity, and evaluate possible modulations of this decoding by the prosodic boundaries. Our findings demonstrate that the presence of prosodic boundaries improves the neural representation of phrase boundaries, indicating the facilitative role of prosodic cues in processing abstract linguistic features. This work has implications for interactive models of how the brain processes different linguistic features. Future research is needed to establish the neural underpinnings of prosody-syntax interactions in languages with different typological characteristics.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 2 controls inflammatory signaling in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sauter Camille , Morin Thomas , Guidez Fabien , Simonet John , Fournier Cyril , Row Céline , Masnikov Denis , Pernon Baptiste , Largeot Anne , Aznague Aziza , Hérault Yann , Sauvageau Guy , Maynadié Marc , Callanan Mary , Bastie Jean-Noël , Aucagne Romain , Delva Laurent
Published: June 2024

Arginine methylation is catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and is involved in various cellular processes, including cancer development. PRMT2 expression is increased in several cancer types although its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unknown. Here, we investigate the role of PRMT2 in a cohort of patients with AML, PRMT2 knockout AML cell lines as well as a Prmt2 knockout mouse model. In patients, low PRMT2 expressors are enriched for inflammatory signatures, including the NF-κB pathway, and show inferior survival. In keeping with a role for PRMT2 in control of inflammatory signaling, bone marrow-derived macrophages from Prmt2 KO mice display increased pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling upon LPS treatment. In PRMT2-depleted AML cell lines, aberrant inflammatory signaling has been linked to overproduction of IL6, resulting from a deregulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, therefore leading to hyperactivation of STAT3. Together, these findings identify PRMT2 as a key regulator of inflammation in AML.
Patterns of synchronized clusters in adaptive networks
Authors: Lodi Matteo , Panahi Shirin , Sorrentino Francesco , Torcini Alessandro , Storace Marco
Published: June 2024

Adaptive networks with time-varying connectivity, often called plasticity, provide a fundamental paradigm to model complex dynamical systems. In these systems, different groups of elements frequently exhibit different yet synchronized dynamics within each group. Here we propose a framework to study patterns of synchronous solutions in a large class of plastic networks and derive a general approach to analyze the stability of these solutions. This approach decouples the role of the network topology from that of the dynamic, thus leading to a dimensionality reduction of the stability problem and allowing us to investigate how adaptation affects the emergence of multi-stable patterns of synchronized activity. To illustrate its potentialities, we apply our method to three networks of oscillators, with distinct topology, dynamics, and adaptation rules. Our working framework encompasses a large class of heterogeneous multi-layer dynamical networks, connected (even with delays) via different plastic links, and can have a broad impact on the analysis of complex plastic networks.
Efficient electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia over metal-organic framework single-atom catalysts
Authors: Shan Lutong , Ma Yujie , Xu Shaojun , Zhou Meng , He Meng , Sheveleva Alena M. , Cai Rongsheng , Lee Daniel , Cheng Yongqiang , Tang Boya , Han Bing , Chen Yinlin , An Lan , Zhou Tianze , Wilding Martin , Eggeman Alexander S. , Tuna Floriana , McInnes Eric J. L. , Day Sarah J. , Thompson Stephen P. , Haigh Sarah J. , Kang Xinchen , Han Buxing , Schröder Martin , Yang Sihai
Published: June 2024

The design and preparation of efficient catalysts for ammonia production under mild conditions is a desirable but highly challenging target. Here, we report a series of single-atom catalysts [M-SACs, M = Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Mo(II)] derived from UiO-66 containing structural defects and their application to electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3-) to ammonia (NH3). Cu-SAC and Fe-SAC exhibit remarkable yield rates for NH3 production of 30.0 and 29.0 mg h−1 cm−2, respectively, with a high Faradaic efficiency (FENH3) of over 96% at −1.0 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Importantly, their catalytic performance can be retained in various simulated wastewaters. Complementary experiments confirmed the nature of single-atom sites within these catalysts and the binding domains of NO3- in UiO-66-Cu. In situ spectroscopic techniques, coupled with density functional theory calculations confirm the strong binding of NO3- and the formation of reaction intermediates, thus facilitating the catalytic conversion to NH3.
Cryptic geological histories accessed through entombed and matrix geochronometers in dykes
Authors: Kirkland Christopher L. , Dröllner Maximilian , Quentin de Gromard Raphael , Ribeiro Bruno V. , Olierook Hugo K. H. , Hartnady Michael , Barham Milo , Liebmann Janne , Smithies Hugh , Zametzer Andreas
Published: June 2024

Deep geology of ancient continental crust can be difficult to access, with direct observation restricted to limited exposures. The age and composition of hidden geology can be gleaned from indirect isotopic modelling or via detrital minerals within overlying basins. Here we present an alternative, where direct grain sampling of ancient components within the South West Terrane, Yilgarn Craton, by a Proterozoic dyke evidences deep intact, or detritus from, Paleoarchean crust. U–Pb geochronology on this dyke reveals c. 3440 Ma zircon inclusions within titanite. This zircon was protected from overprinting fluids that obliterated unshielded crystals. Similar ancient zircon is present within recent sediment from the Swan-Avon river, which drains the terrane. The most parsimonious interpretation is that the dyke is 1390 Ma. Sequential overprinting is also recorded, with titanite preserving primary crystallization and c. 1000 Ma Pinjarra Orogeny-related overprinting. In contrast, apatite preserves c. 210 Ma ages, correlated with denudation of sedimentary cover.
Hot rings on Io observed by Juno/JIRAM
Authors: Mura Alessandro , Tosi Federico , Zambon Francesca , Lopes Rosaly M. C. , Mouginis-Mark Peter J. , Becker Heidi , Filacchione Gianrico , Migliorini Alessandra , Hansen Candice. J. , Adriani Alberto , Altieri Francesca , Bolton Scott , Cicchetti Andrea , Di Mico Elisa , Grassi Davide , Noschese Raffaella , Moirano Alessandro , Pettine Madeline , Piccioni Giuseppe , Plainaki Christina , Rathbun Julie , Sordini Roberto , Sindoni Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

It has been thought that Io’s many paterae may contain lava lakes, but observations by NASA’s Galileo spacecraft at sufficiently high resolution were limited to a few locations, such as Loki Patera. Data acquired by NASA’s Juno mission in May 2023 reveal a common set of thermal characteristics for at least ten paterae on Io, with bright (hot) “thermal rings” around the perimeter of their floors. Loki, Surt, Fuchi, Amaterasu, Mulungu, Chors, and Dazhbog Patera, and four unnamed paterae, all show the same pattern of surface temperature. This new Juno/JIRAM data suggests that hot rings around paterae are a common phenomenon, and that they are indicative of active lava lakes. All the investigated paterae lack recent lava flows on their flanks, suggesting that at the time of observations, the level of the lake was not high enough to overflow the rim. These observations provide insight about the characteristics of paterae’s activity, which may involve either central upwelling of magma, or up-and-down “piston-like” vertical motion of the lake surface. Tidal forces, which are extreme at Io, could play a role as well. Future observations from Juno, particularly during the closest flybys, may indicate which mechanism is more plausible.
Extraordinary 2021 snowstorm in Spain reveals critical threshold response to anthropogenic climate change
Authors: Insua-Costa Damián , Lemus-Cánovas Marc , González-Alemán Juan J. , Senande-Rivera Martín , Llasat María del Carmen , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo , Miralles Diego G.
Published: June 2024

Attribution of extreme weather events to anthropogenic climate change (ACC) has become an increasingly important line of research in recent years. However, the potential influence of ACC on heavy snowstorms remains largely unexplored. Here we focus on studying the exceptional January 2021 snowfall event in Spain, known as Filomena. First, using observational data and flow analogs, we show that the characteristic synoptic pattern leading to the episode has not significantly changed in frequency over the past decades. Based on this, we assume a fixed dynamical pattern and focus on studying the influence of ACC on the thermodynamics of the event using an atmospheric model and a storyline attribution approach. Our simulations indicate that in northern highlands, ACC intensified snowfall by up to +40% compared with pre-industrial conditions, while in nearby southern lowlands ACC weakened snowfall by up to –80%. This characteristic shift from weakening to intensification is well defined by a critical threshold in temperature. Furthermore, we show that if Filomena were to occur at the end of the 21stcentury, this contrasting response to ACC would be enhanced. Altogether, our findings highlight the large but uneven impact of global warming on extreme snowstorm events.
A framework to estimate national biofuel potential by siting production facilities: a case study for canola sustainable aviation fuel in Canada
Authors: Siluvai Antony Praveen , Vanderghem Caroline , MacLean Heather L. , Saville Bradley A. , Posen I. Daniel
Published: June 2024

Canola-derived SAF can meet about 20% of the jet fuel consumption in Canada but requires incentives to spur domestic production. Increasing transportation connectivity can increase canola accessibility and reduce supply chain risk.
One-step electrodeposition of MWCNTs-Cu MOF films for the ratiometric electrochemical analysis of glyphosate
Authors: Zhao Fan , Guo Dongqing , Lan Jingyue , Liu Yunxi
Published: June 2024

A novel electrochemical ratiometric biosensor was designed and developed for the accurate quantification of glyphosate based on the one-step electrosynthesis of MWCNTs-Cu MOF films.
Scalable and eco-friendly fabrication of anti-oil-fouling solar interfacial evaporator for efficient water purification
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Xu Yuxia , Guo Yang , Wang Juan
Published: June 2024

A simple room temperature fabrication methodology was reported in this work to prepare an interfacial solar evaporator for achieving stable water evaporation performance, with excellent anti-oil fouling capability.
Design, synthesis, and anticancer assessment of structural analogues of (E)-1-((3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)amino)-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile (6b), an imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-based non-covalent EGFR inhibitor
Authors: Kumar Manvendra , Patil Kiran T. , Maity Pritam , Chatterjee Joydeep , Singh Tashvinder , Joshi Gaurav , Singh Sandeep , Kumar Raj
Published: June 2024

Two lead compounds, 5a and 5l, designed on an imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline template, emerged as potent EGFR inhibitors and anti-lung cancer agents.
Design of ionic liquid crystals enabled by [2]rotaxane structure formation
Authors: Washino Gosuke , Kajitani Takashi , Nishimura Suzushi , Shishido Atsushi
Published: June 2024

A new molecular design approach for liquid crystals is demonstrated by utilizing [2]rotaxane structure formation integrating a molecular axle as a mesogen core and a molecular ring as flexible tails.
Touch initiated on-demand adhesion on rough surfaces
Authors: Shi Zhekun , Tan Di , Xiao Kangjian , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhu Bo , Lin Zhen , Liu Quan , Chen Daobing , Zhang Qinghua , Xue Longjian
Published: June 2024

Inspired by the adhesive capabilities of snails, this work successfully develops a touch-initiated hydrogel adhesive that exhibits remarkable on-demand adhesion on a diverse range of surfaces.
Flexible iontronics with super stretchability, toughness and enhanced conductivity based on collaborative design of high-entropy topology and multivalent ion–dipole interactions
Authors: Zhan Wang , Zhang Jianrui , Zhang Qi , Ye Zhilu , Li Boyang , Zhang Cuiling , Yang Zihao , Xue Li , Zhang Zeying , Ma Feng , Peng Niancai , Lyu Yi , Su Yaqiong , Liu Ming , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: June 2024

All-solid-state ionic conductive elastomers are emerging as a promising alternative to hydrogels and ionogels in flexible electronics.
Direct detection of minimum ionizing charged particles in a perovskite single crystal detector with single particle sensitivity
Authors: Testa Marianna , De Santis Antonio , Tinti Gemma , Paoloni Alessandro , Papalino Giuseppe , Felici Giulietto , Chubinidze Zaza , Matteocci Fabio , Auf der Maur Matthias , Rizzato Silvia , Lo Presti Leonardo , Viola Ilenia , Morganti Silvio , Rovelli Chiara
Published: June 2024

First demonstration of a perovskite-based device that can be used for tracking and counting minimum-ionizing charged particles. Sensitivity down to a single particle (300 MeV electron) crossing a methylammonium lead bromide crystal has been obtained.
How substituents tune quantum interference in meta-OPE3 molecular junctions to control thermoelectric transport
Authors: Yan Shen , Luan Yuxuan , Xu Hailiang , Fan Hao , Martin León , Gupta Arvind Kumar , Linke Heiner , Meyhofer Edgar , Reddy Pramod , Pauly Fabian , Wärnmark Kenneth
Published: June 2024

Substituents can strongly affect electric and thermoelectric properties of molecular junctions (MJs) by tuning quantum interference (QI) in MJs.
Dynamic covalent bonding for directed construction of molecular cages toward carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: He Jingting , Dong Man , Zhao Yang , Cui Dongxu , Yao Xiaohui , Meng Fanfei , Li Wei , Yang Shuai , Sun Chunyi , Su Zhongmin
Published: June 2024

A strategy for customized synthesis of MOCs by constructing dynamic covalent bonds.
Synthesis and near-infrared photothermal conversion of Cp*Rh-based [2]-catenanes in trapezoidal metallacycles
Authors: Hua Pan-Pan , Feng Hui-Jun , Gao Xiang , Zhang Li-Fang , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: June 2024

Minor differences among pyridine ligands led to [2]-catenanes with dramatically different stacking modes of the building blocks, which facilitated the production of assemblies with different photothermal conversion abilities.
Photoredox-catalyzed oxytrifluoromethylation of alkenes toward CF3-containing five-membered cyclic carbonates
Authors: Mao Yihui , Wang Xiangquan , Zhong Chengcheng , Jin Jinkang , Lu Zhan
Published: June 2024

A visible-light-induced oxytrifluoromethylation reaction of carbamate-containing alkenes has been reported for the synthesis of diverse cyclic carbonates and vicinal diols bearing trifluoroethyl substituted quaternary centers.
Comparative metabolomics study on the secondary metabolites of the red alga, Corallina officinalis and its associated endosymbiotic fungi
Authors: Shama Sherif M. , Elissawy Ahmed M. , Salem Mohamed A. , Youssef Fadia S. , Elnaggar Mohamed S. , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Briki Khaled , Hamdan Dalia Ibrahim , Singab Abdel Nasser B.
Published: June 2024

HR-UPLC-MS-MS aided metabolomic analysis of C. officinalis and three endosymbiotic Aspergillus sp. isolated from its inner tissues had led to the identification of 76 secondary metabolites.
Experimental study on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of aqueous emulsifiable diphenylmethane diisocyanate-modified silicon–carbon composite electrodes
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Kong Detao , Yang Qinghua , He Yaolong , Hu Hongjiu
Published: June 2024

Aqueous emulsifiable diphenylmethane diisocyanate (EMDI) can form strong chemical bonds with aqueous adhesives due to the large number of isocyanate (–NCO) groups, which can enhance the mechanical performance of the adhesives.
Understanding heterogeneous growth mechanisms at graphene edges: a theoretical study on acetylene deposition and mechanistic analysis
Authors: Giudici C. , Contaldo G. , Ferri M. , Pratali Maffei L. , Bracconi M. , Pelucchi M. , Maestri M.
Published: June 2024

DFT and CI-NEB are used to investigate potential energy surfaces and determine rate constants of C2H2 deposition on graphene edges. Chemical lumping enables implementation of the proposed rate constants in pyrocarbon deposition kinetic models.