bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Measure of Departure from Marginal Homogeneity using Continuation Odds for Square Contingency Tables with Ordered Categories
Authors: Ando Shuji , Fujimoto Kei , Tomizawa Sadao
Published: August 2024

For the analysis of square contingency tables with ordinal classifications, the marginal homogeneity (MH) model is the one of important models. Some measures for analyzing the degree of departure from the MH model have been proposed. This study proposes a new measure using the continuation odds. Continuation odds may be considered as discrete time hazard. The proposed measure is expressed in the form of Cressie-Read’s power-divergence (including the Kullback-Leibler divergence) or Patil and Taillie’s diversity index (including Shannon entropy). This study derives a plug-in estimator of the proposed measure and an approximate confidence interval for the proposed measure. Through numerical examples, we evaluate the performances of them. Additionally. the usefulness of the proposed measure is demonstrated by applying it to real data that the row and column variables are the discrete survival time variables.
A novel UHMWPE composite with low friction coefficient for long-term ice sliding
Authors: Hou Yacong , Chen Lei , Zhang Zheng , Chang Jinlin , Weng Ding , Ma Yuan , Wang Jiadao
Published: August 2024

Low friction ice sliding interfaces were critical for ski performance optimization. Traditional fluorinated ski waxes have attracted considerable attention for enhancing the hydrophobicity, anti-wearing, and oxidation resistance of ski-ice base. However, the toxicity and complexity of the waxing process limited batch manufacturing of low-cost and non-toxic ski-ice base, what is more, the wax covering on the base wore and failed during skiing due to the friction between ski and ice. Herein, we demonstrated a novel ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite that could maintain a low coefficient of friction (COF) with about 0.026 for at least 160 min when skiing on the ice. Microcapsule (MS) could release liquid (liquid paraffin (LP)). The released LP further enhanced the hydrophobicity of UHMWPE’s surfaces when friction occurred, which would maintain the stability and durability of the water film, and achieved superior and long-lasting friction resistance. Compared with other microcapsules with lower hydrophobic core, microcapsules with LP performed the best in reducing the friction of ski base from 0.126 to 0.024. Meanwhile, the COF of the surface kept at about 0.02 even after 12 rapid temperature changes. The presented UHMWPE composite of encapsulated liquids showed great potential and broad application owing to its simplicity and efficiency in winter sports.
Audio-guided implicit neural representation for local image stylization
Authors: Lee Seung Hyun , Kim Sieun , Byeon Wonmin , Oh Gyeongrok , In Sumin , Park Hyeongcheol , Yoon Sang Ho , Hong Sung-Hee , Kim Jinkyu , Kim Sangpil
Published: August 2024

We present a novel framework for audio-guided localized image stylization. Sound often provides information about the specific context of a scene and is closely related to a certain part of the scene or object. However, existing image stylization works have focused on stylizing the entire image using an image or text input. Stylizing a particular part of the image based on audio input is natural but challenging. This work proposes a framework in which a user provides an audio input to localize the target in the input image and another to locally stylize the target object or scene. We first produce a fine localization map using an audio-visual localization network leveraging CLIP embedding space. We then utilize an implicit neural representation (INR) along with the predicted localization map to stylize the target based on sound information. The INR manipulates local pixel values to be semantically consistent with the provided audio input. Our experiments show that the proposed framework outperforms other audio-guided stylization methods. Moreover, we observe that our method constructs concise localization maps and naturally manipulates the target object or scene in accordance with the given audio input.
The point scatterer approximation for wave dynamics
Authors: Mantile Andrea , Posilicano Andrea
Published: August 2024

Given an open, bounded and connected set $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^{3}$$

Ω
⊂

R

3

and its rescaling $$\Omega _{\varepsilon }$$

Ω
ε

of size $$\varepsilon \ll 1$$

ε
≪
1

, we consider the solutions of the Cauchy problem for the inhomogeneous wave equation $$\begin{aligned} (\varepsilon ^{-2}\chi _{\Omega _{\varepsilon }}+\chi _{\mathbb {R}^{3}\backslash \Omega _{\varepsilon }})\partial _{tt}u=\Delta u+f \end{aligned}$$

(

ε

-
2

χ

Ω
ε

+

χ

R

3

\

Ω
ε

)

∂

tt

u
=
Δ
u
+
f

with initial data and source supported outside $$\Omega _{\varepsilon }$$

Ω
ε

; here, $$\chi _{S}$$

χ
S

denotes the characteristic function of a set S. We provide the first-order $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-corrections with respect to the solutions of the inhomogeneous free wave equation and give space-time estimates on the remainders in the $$L^{\infty }((0,1/\varepsilon ^{\tau }),L^{2}(\mathbb {R}^{3})) $$

L
∞

(

(
0
,
1
/

ε
τ

)

,

L
2

(

R

3

)

)

-norm. Such corrections are explicitly expressed in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Newton potential operator in $$L^{2}(\Omega )$$

L
2

(
Ω
)

and provide an effective dynamics describing a legitimate point scatterer approximation in the time domain.
Reencuentros with Paulin Hountondji
Authors: Quesada Sarah M.
Published: August 2024

These reflections look back on Paulin Hountondji’s mentorship, and how he helped a comparatist to bridge Latin American (and Latinx) studies with African studies during fieldwork in Benin.
A nonparametric entropy-based measure of mass political polarization
Authors: Bao Le , Gill Jeff
Published: August 2024

Political polarization has become an increasingly salient issue worldwide, but a systematic examination of the variation and sources of mass polarization across countries is limited by current measurement methods. This work proposes a nonparametric, entropy-based measure of mass political polarization. It exploits the specific structure of ordinal distributions in public opinion data, makes no prior assumptions about the form and spacing of the data, and can still draw reliable measures of issue-based polarization. We demonstrate the theoretical and practical superiority of the measure with analytical comparisons and simulations. We then apply the proposed measure to questions about mass polarization in the USA, the relationship between radical parties and polarization in Europe, and cross-country trends in affective and ideological polarization.
A Digital Nudge-Based Intervention to Interrupt Instagram Usage
Authors: Keller Jan , Herrmann-Schwarz Tobias , Roitzheim Christina , Mertens Lea , Christin Brockmeier Lina , Kumar Purohit Aditya
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Background: Overuse of smartphones can have harmful health effects. Patricularly, overuse of social media apps are related to problematic forms of smartphone use because individuals find it difficult to finish their smartphone session (e.g., on Instagram). Aims: This randomized controlled pilot study aims at examining effects and intervention characteristics of a digital nudge-based intervention aiming to interrupt Instagram usage. Method: A total of 70 Instagram users (47% female; Mage: 31 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to the intervention ( n = 33) or control group ( n = 37). Across 14 days, the intervention group received notifications from a pool of 80 messages (e.g., stimulating reflection on smartphone use), whenever Instagram was used for 3 minutes. Self-reported problematic smartphone use as well as time of overall smartphone use and Instagram use were assessed via five weekly online questionnaires. Results: The longitudinal sample comprised 40 participants. Significant reductions in self-reported problematic smartphone use were observed in both groups, but no significant changes were found for the time of smartphone and Instagram use. The intervention had a minor relevance for six participants who received less than 7 notifications across 14 days. For 17 participants, the number of notifications ranged between 12 and 139, with a median duration of closing Instagram after 6:44 minutes (range: 1:06 to 23:47 minutes). Limitations: A small convenience sample was investigated and findings do not generalize to the general population. Conclusion: High interindividual differences were found in how the intervention worked providing insights for future nudge-based interventions.
Tree Mortality May Lead to Carbon Tipping Point in the Amazon by 2050s
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: August 2024

A new study suggests drought conditions in the Amazon rainforest over the rest of the century.
Hungry Stingrays Shift Serious Amounts of Sediment
Authors: Chakravorty Adityarup
Published: August 2024

While digging for food on estuary bottoms, rays push around literally tons of sediment, changing their habitat in profound ways.
Caspase-11 mediated inflammasome activation in macrophages by systemic infection of A. actinomycetemcomitans exacerbates arthritis
Authors: Okano Tokuju , Ashida Hiroshi , Komatsu Noriko , Tsukasaki Masayuki , Iida Tamako , Iwasawa Marie , Takahashi Yuto , Takeuchi Yasuo , Iwata Takanori , Sasai Miwa , Yamamoto Masahiro , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Suzuki Toshihiko
Published: August 2024

Clinical studies have shown that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is associated with aggressive periodontitis and can potentially trigger or exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that systemic infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans triggers the progression of arthritis in mice anti-collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model following IL-1β secretion and cell infiltration in paws in a manner that is dependent on caspase-11-mediated inflammasome activation in macrophages. The administration of polymyxin B (PMB), chloroquine, and anti-CD11b antibody suppressed inflammasome activation in macrophages and arthritis in mice, suggesting that the recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the cytosol after bacterial degradation by lysosomes and invasion via CD11b are needed to trigger arthritis following inflammasome activation in macrophages. These data reveal that the inhibition of caspase-11-mediated inflammasome activation potentiates aggravation of RA induced by infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans. This work highlights how RA can be progressed by inflammasome activation as a result of periodontitis-associated bacterial infection and discusses the mechanism of inflammasome activation in response to infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans.
AMPA receptors modulate enhanced dopamine neuronal activity induced by the combined administration of venlafaxine and brexpiprazole
Authors: Daniels Stephen , El Mansari Mostafa , Blier Pierre
Published: August 2024

Addition of dopamine (DA)/serotonin (5-HT) partial agonists to 5-HT/norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to enhance the antidepressant response. The simultaneous inhibition of 5-HT and NE transporters with venlafaxine and its combination of brexpiprazole, which blocks the α2-adrenergic autoreceptor on NE terminals, could constitute a superior strategy. Anesthetized rats received venlafaxine and brexpiprazole for 2 and 14 days, then the firing activity of dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT, locus coeruleus NE, and ventral tegmental area DA neurons were assessed. Net 5-HT and NE neurotransmissions were evaluated by assessing the tonic activation of 5-HT1A, and α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors in the hippocampus. The combination of brexpiprazole with venlafaxine resulted in normalized 5-HT and NE neuron activity, which occurred earlier than that with venlafaxine alone. A significant enhancement of the tonic activation of 5-HT1A receptors and α2-adrenoceptors in the hippocampus was observed following administration of the combination for 14 days. The combination more than doubled the number of DA neurons per electrode descent, after both 2 and 14 days, while this increase was observed only after 14 days of venlafaxine administration. This increase in population activity was prevented by NBQX, an AMPA receptor antagonist. In conclusion, early during administration, the combination of venlafaxine with brexpiprazole normalized firing activity of 5-HT and NE neurons, and increased the population activity of DA neurons through AMPA receptors. In the hippocampus, there was an overall increase in both 5-HT and NE transmissions. These results imply that this strategy could be a rapid-acting approach to treat depression.
Adapting cytoskeleton-mitochondria patterning with myocyte differentiation by promyogenic PRR33
Authors: Fu Xuyang , Zhang Feng , Dong Xiaoxuan , Pu Linbin , Feng Yan , Xu Yang , Gao Feng , Liang Tian , Kang Jianmeng , Sun Hongke , Hong Tingting , Liu Yunxia , Zhou Hongmei , Jiang Jun , Yin Deling , Hu Xinyang , Wang Da-Zhi , Ding Jian , Chen Jinghai
Published: August 2024

Coordinated cytoskeleton-mitochondria organization during myogenesis is crucial for muscle development and function. Our understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms remains inadequate. Here, we identified a novel muscle-enriched protein, PRR33, which is upregulated during myogenesis and acts as a promyogenic factor. Depletion of Prr33 in C2C12 represses myoblast differentiation. Genetic deletion of Prr33 in mice reduces myofiber size and decreases muscle strength. The Prr33 mutant mice also exhibit impaired myogenesis and defects in muscle regeneration in response to injury. Interactome and transcriptome analyses reveal that PRR33 regulates cytoskeleton and mitochondrial function. Remarkably, PRR33 interacts with DESMIN, a key regulator of cytoskeleton-mitochondria organization in muscle cells. Abrogation of PRR33 in myocytes substantially abolishes the interaction of DESMIN filaments with mitochondria, leading to abnormal intracellular accumulation of DESMIN and mitochondrial disorganization/dysfunction in myofibers. Together, our findings demonstrate that PRR33 and DESMIN constitute an important regulatory module coordinating mitochondrial organization with muscle differentiation.
Astrocytes and the tumor microenvironment inflammatory state dictate the killing of glioblastoma cells by Smac mimetic compounds
Authors: Malone Kyle , Dugas Melanie , Earl Nathalie , Alain Tommy , LaCasse Eric C. , Beug Shawn T.
Published: August 2024

Smac mimetic compounds (SMCs) are small molecule drugs that sensitize cancer cells to TNF-α-induced cell death and have multiple immunostimulatory effects through alterations in NF-κB signaling. The combination of SMCs with immunotherapies has been reported to result in durable cures of up to 40% in syngeneic, orthotopic murine glioblastoma (GBM) models. Herein, we find that SMC resistance is not due to a cell-intrinsic mechanism of resistance. We thus evaluated the contribution of GBM and brain stromal components to identify parameters leading to SMC efficacy and resistance. The common physiological features of GBM tumors, such as hypoxia, hyaluronic acid, and glucose deprivation were found not to play a significant role in SMC efficacy. SMCs induced the death of microglia and macrophages, which are the major immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment. This death of microglia and macrophages then enhances the ability of SMCs to induce GBM cell death. Conversely, astrocytes promoted GBM cell growth and abrogated the ability of SMCs to induce death of GBM cells. The astrocyte-mediated resistance can be overcome in the presence of exogenous TNF-α. Overall, our results highlight that SMCs can induce death of microglia and macrophages, which then provides a source of death ligands for GBM cells, and that the targeting of astrocytes is a potential mechanism for overcoming SMC resistance for the treatment of GBM.
GPR50 regulates neuronal development as a mitophagy receptor
Authors: Liu Ji-Chuan , Zhao Xiu-Yun , Wu Ming-Lei , Shi Yi-fan , Huang Ze-Ping , Fang Li-Pao , Zhu Chao , Peng Xuan , Shi Zi-Ling , Lan Li-Jun , Ji Wen-Li , Luo Li , Feng Lei , Zhang Zeng-Li , Xu De-en , Li Shao , Qin Zheng-Hong , Sun Yan-Yun , Schachner Melitta , Ma Quan-Hong
Published: August 2024

Neurons rely heavily on high mitochondrial metabolism to provide sufficient energy for proper development. However, it remains unclear how neurons maintain high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) during development. Mitophagy plays a pivotal role in maintaining mitochondrial quality and quantity. We herein describe that G protein-coupled receptor 50 (GPR50) is a novel mitophagy receptor, which harbors the LC3-interacting region (LIR) and is required in mitophagy under stress conditions. Although it does not localize in mitochondria under normal culturing conditions, GPR50 is recruited to the depolarized mitochondrial membrane upon mitophagy stress, which marks the mitochondrial portion and recruits the assembling autophagosomes, eventually facilitating the mitochondrial fragments to be engulfed by the autophagosomes. Mutations Δ502-505 and T532A attenuate GPR50-mediated mitophagy by disrupting the binding of GPR50 to LC3 and the mitochondrial recruitment of GPR50. Deficiency of GPR50 causes the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and disrupts OXPHOS, resulting in insufficient ATP production and excessive ROS generation, eventually impairing neuronal development. GPR50-deficient mice exhibit impaired social recognition, which is rescued by prenatal treatment with mitoQ, a mitochondrially antioxidant. The present study identifies GPR50 as a novel mitophagy receptor that is required to maintain mitochondrial OXPHOS in developing neurons.
Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency in Purkinje neurons drives cerebellar ataxia by impairing the BK channel-mediated after-hyperpolarization and cytosolic calcium homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Jianwei , Qiu Wenqiao , Wei Fan , Zhang Jin , Yuan Ying , Liu Ling , Cheng Meixiong , Xiong Huan , Xu Ruxiang
Published: August 2024

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 contributes to be the induction of neuroinflammation by recognizing pathology-associated ligands and activating microglia. In addition, numerous physiological signaling factors act as agonists or antagonists of TLR4 expressed by non-immune cells. Recently, TLR4 was found to be highly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs) and involved in the maintenance of motor coordination through non-immune pathways, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that mice with PN specific TLR4 deletion (TLR4PKO mice) exhibited motor impairments consistent with cerebellar ataxia, reduced PN dendritic arborization and spine density, fewer parallel fiber (PF) – PN and climbing fiber (CF) – PN synapses, reduced BK channel expression, and impaired BK-mediated after-hyperpolarization, collectively leading to abnormal PN firing. Moreover, the impaired PN firing in TLR4PKO mice could be rescued with BK channel opener. The PNs of TLR4PKO mice also exhibited abnormal mitochondrial structure, disrupted mitochondrial endoplasmic reticulum tethering, and reduced cytosolic calcium, changes that may underly abnormal PN firing and ultimately drive ataxia. These results identify a previously unknown role for TLR4 in regulating PN firing and maintaining cerebellar function.
Intraocular pressure, primary open-angle glaucoma and the risk of retinal vein occlusion: A Mendelian randomization mediation analysis
Authors: Katsimpris Andreas , Baumeister Sebastian-Edgar , Voulgari Nafsika , Baurecht Hansjörg , Kandarakis Stylianos , Nolde Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

The etiological connection between intraocular pressure (IOP) and the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) remains elusive, particularly regarding whether this risk emanates from the direct influence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), irrespective of the presence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), or if it arises as a consequence of the sequelae of POAG. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian Randomization (MR) mediation analysis to elucidate the mediating role of POAG in the association between IOP and RVO.

Methods

We identified 47 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with IOP (P-value < 5 × 10−8) leveraging data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) (N = 97,653) obtained from the UK Biobank and 50 SNPs associated with POAG (P-value < 5 × 10−8) from a GWAS meta-analysis (16,677 cases and 199,580 controls). We related these SNPs with RVO using a GWAS of 775 RVO cases and 376,502 controls from FinnGen. By utilizing univariable and multivariable MR analyses we calculated the total effect of IOP on RVO and estimated the degree to which POAG mediates this association.

Results

MR analyses showed that higher IOP is associated with higher RVO risk (odds ratio of RVO per 1 mmHg increase in IOP: 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.26; p-value = 0.03). Moreover, our MR mediation analysis suggested that 91.6% of the total effect of IOP on RVO risk was mediated through POAG. The primary results were consistent with estimates of pleiotropy-robust MR methods.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher IOP increases the risk of RVO and that the majority of this effect is mediated through POAG.
An anionic two dimensional covalent organic framework from tetratopic borate centres pillared by lithium ions
Authors: Asgari Darosch , Grüneberg Julia , Luo Yunkai , Küçükkeçeci Hüseyin , Ghosh Samrat , Chevelkov Veniamin , Fischer-Lang Sabrina , Roeser Jérôme , Lange Adam , Dunn Bruce , Gradzielski Michael , Thomas Arne
Published: August 2024

Non-covalent interactions play an important role for the framework formation of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks. Until now, π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding are the main reported forces facilitating the stacking of framework layers. Here, we present a two-dimensional anionic covalent organic framework based on tetratopic borate linkages, where layers are connected by ionic interactions between the linkage site and counter cations. The crystalline covalent organic framework is accessed through the formation of an amorphous borate-based polymer and subsequent solvothermal treatment. The progress of crystallization is investigated, revealing the crystallite growth and morphological change from agglomerated dense particles to hollow crystallite spheres. Due to the pillared nature, the crystallites can be exfoliated into nanosheets by sonication of the material in the presence of methanol. The crystallization and ordered arrangement of the lithium ions in the interlayer space is shown to benefit the conductivity tenfold compared to the amorphous material.
Environmental permittivity-asymmetric BIC metasurfaces with electrical reconfigurability
Authors: Hu Haiyang , Lu Wenzheng , Antonov Alexander , Berté Rodrigo , Maier Stefan A. , Tittl Andreas
Published: August 2024

Achieving precise spectral and temporal light manipulation at the nanoscale remains a critical challenge in nanophotonics. While photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a powerful means of controlling light, their reliance on geometrical symmetry breaking for obtaining tailored resonances makes them highly susceptible to fabrication imperfections, and their generally fixed asymmetry factor fundamentally limits applications in reconfigurable metasurfaces. Here, we introduce the concept of environmental symmetry breaking by embedding identical resonators into a surrounding medium with carefully placed regions of contrasting refractive indexes, activating permittivity-driven quasi-BIC resonances (ε-qBICs) without altering the underlying resonator geometry and unlocking an additional degree of freedom for light manipulation through active tuning of the surrounding dielectric environment. We demonstrate this concept by integrating polyaniline (PANI), an electro-optically active polymer, to achieve electrically reconfigurable ε-qBICs. This integration not only demonstrates rapid switching speeds and exceptional durability but also boosts the system’s optical response to environmental perturbations. Our strategy significantly expands the capabilities of resonant light manipulation through permittivity modulation, opening avenues for on-chip optical devices, advanced sensing, and beyond.
Loss-of-function variants in ITSN1 confer high risk of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Skuladottir Astros Th. , Tragante Vinicius , Sveinbjornsson Gardar , Helgason Hannes , Sturluson Arni , Bjornsdottir Anna , Jonsson Palmi , Palmadottir Vala , Sveinsson Olafur A. , Jensson Brynjar O. , Gudjonsson Sigurjon A. , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Gisladottir Rosa S. , Gunnarsson Arni F. , Walters G. Bragi , Jonsdottir Gudrun A. , Thorgeirsson Thorgeir E. , Bjornsdottir Gyda , Holm Hilma , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Sulem Patrick , Stefansson Hreinn , Stefansson Kari
Published: August 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder and its rising global incidence highlights the need for the identification of modifiable risk factors. In a gene-based burden test of rare variants (8647 PD cases and 777,693 controls) we discovered a novel association between loss-of-function variants in ITSN1 and PD. This association was further supported with burden data from the Neurodegenerative Disease Knowledge Portal and the Accelerating Medicines Partnership Parkinson’s Disease Knowledge Platform. Our findings show that Rho GTPases and disruptions in synaptic vesicle transport may be involved in the pathogenesis of PD, pointing to the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches.
Structure of a fully assembled γδ T cell antigen receptor
Authors: Gully Benjamin S. , Ferreira Fernandes João , Gunasinghe Sachith D. , Vuong Mai T. , Lui Yuan , Rice Michael T. , Rashleigh Liam , Lay Chan-sien , Littler Dene R. , Sharma Sumana , Santos Ana Mafalda , Venugopal Hariprasad , Rossjohn Jamie , Davis Simon J.
Published: August 2024

T cells in jawed vertebrates comprise two lineages, αβ T cells and γδ T cells, defined by the antigen receptors they express—that is, αβ and γδ T cell receptors (TCRs), respectively. The two lineages have different immunological roles, requiring that γδ TCRs recognize more structurally diverse ligands1. Nevertheless, the receptors use shared CD3 subunits to initiate signalling. Whereas the structural organization of αβ TCRs is understood2,3, the architecture of γδ TCRs is unknown. Here, we used cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the structure of a fully assembled, MR1-reactive, human Vγ8Vδ3 TCR–CD3δγε2ζ2 complex bound by anti-CD3ε antibody Fab fragments4,5. The arrangement of CD3 subunits in γδ and αβ TCRs is conserved and, although the transmembrane α-helices of the TCR-γδ and -αβ subunits differ markedly in sequence, packing of the eight transmembrane-helix bundles is similar. However, in contrast to the apparently rigid αβ TCR2,3,6, the γδ TCR exhibits considerable conformational heterogeneity owing to the ligand-binding TCR-γδ subunits being tethered to the CD3 subunits by their transmembrane regions only. Reducing this conformational heterogeneity by transfer of the Vγ8Vδ3 TCR variable domains to an αβ TCR enhanced receptor signalling, suggesting that γδ TCR organization reflects a compromise between efficient signalling and the ability to engage structurally diverse ligands. Our findings reveal the marked structural plasticity of the TCR on evolutionary timescales, and recast it as a highly versatile receptor capable of initiating signalling as either a rigid or flexible structure.
Infrared spectral library of tooth enamel from African ungulates for accurate electron spin resonance dating
Authors: Toffolo Michael B. , Richard Maïlys
Published: August 2024

Electron spin resonance coupled with uranium-series dating (ESR/U-series) of carbonate hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel is the main technique used to obtain age determinations from Pleistocene fossils beyond the range of radiocarbon dating. This chronological information allows to better understand diachronic change in the palaeontological record, especially with regard to the evolution of the genus Homo. Given the relative paucity of human teeth at palaeontological and archaeological localities, ESR/U-series is widely applied to the teeth of ungulate species. However, the accuracy of ESR/U-series ages is greatly affected by the incorporation of uranium in the enamel during burial in sediments. It has been shown that uranium content is positively correlated with an increased degree of atomic order in carbonate hydroxyapatite crystals, the latter determined using infrared spectroscopy. Here we present a reference infrared spectral library of tooth enamel from African ungulates, based on the grinding curve method, which serves as baseline to track the diagenetic history of carbonate hydroxyapatite in different species and thus select the best-preserved specimens for dating.
The synergistic effect of Ficus carica nanoparticles and Praziquantel on mice infected by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae
Authors: El-Attar Naira A. , El-Sawi Mamdouh R. , El-Shabasy Eman A.
Published: August 2024

Bilharzia is a parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical illness worldwide. Praziquantel (PZQ) is a commercial single treatment of schistosomiasis so alternative drugs are needed to get rid of its side effects on the liver. The current study aimed to estimate the effective role of Ficus carica nanoparticles (Fc-NPCs), silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPCs) and Ficus carica nanoparticles loaded on silver nanoparticles (Fc-Ag NPCs) on C57BL/6 black female mice infected by Schistosoma mansoni and treated with PZQ treatment. It was proved that schistosomiasis causes liver damage in addition to the PZQ is ineffective as an anti-schistosomiasis; it is recorded in the infected mice group and PZQ treated group as in liver function tests, oxidative stress markers & anti-oxidants, pro-inflammatory markers, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers also in liver cells’ DNA damage. The amelioration in all tested parameters has been clarified in nanoparticle-protected mice groups. The Fc-Ag NPCs + PZQ group recorded the best preemptive effects as anti-schistosomiasis. Fc-NPCs, Ag-NPCs and Fc-Ag NPCs could antagonize PZQ effects that were observed in amelioration of all tested parameters. The study showed the phytochemicals’ nanoparticles groups have an ameliorated effect on the health of infected mice.
Differential patch-leaving behavior during probabilistic foraging in humans and gerbils
Authors: Güldener Lasse , Saravanakumar Parthiban , Happel Max F. K. , Ohl Frank W. , Vollmer Maike , Pollmann Stefan
Published: August 2024

Foraging confronts animals, including humans, with the need to balance exploration and exploitation: exploiting a resource until it depletes and then deciding when to move to a new location for more resources. Research across various species has identified rules for when to leave a depleting patch, influenced by environmental factors like patch quality. Here we compare human and gerbil patch-leaving behavior through two analogous tasks: a visual search for humans and a physical foraging task for gerbils, both involving patches with randomly varying initial rewards that decreased exponentially. Patch-leaving decisions of humans but not gerbils follow an incremental mechanism based on reward encounters that is considered optimal for maximizing reward yields in variable foraging environments. The two species also differ in their giving-up times, and some human subjects tend to overharvest. However, gerbils and individual humans who do not overharvest are equally sensitive to declining collection rates in accordance with the marginal value theorem. Altogether this study introduces a paradigm for a between-species comparison on how to resolve the exploitation-exploration dilemma.
Improving wheat grain composition for human health by constructing a QTL atlas for essential minerals
Authors: Sigalas Petros P. , Shewry Peter R. , Riche Andrew , Wingen Luzie , Feng Cong , Siluveru Ajay , Chayut Noam , Burridge Amanda , Uauy Cristobal , Castle March , Parmar Saroj , Philp Charlie , Steele David , Orford Simon , Leverington-Waite Michelle , Cheng Shifeng , Griffiths Simon , Hawkesford Malcolm J.
Published: August 2024

Wheat is an important source of minerals for human nutrition and increasing grain mineral content can contribute to reducing mineral deficiencies. Here, we identify QTLs for mineral micronutrients in grain of wheat by determining the contents of six minerals in a total of eleven sample sets of three biparental populations from crosses between A.E. Watkins landraces and cv. Paragon. Twenty-three of the QTLs are mapped in two or more sample sets, with LOD scores above five in at least one set with the increasing alleles for sixteen of the QTLs being present in the landraces and seven in Paragon. Of these QTLs, the number for each mineral varies between three and five and they are located on 14 of the 21 chromosomes, with clusters on chromosomes 5A (four), 6A (three), and 7A (three). The gene content within 5 megabases of DNA on either side of the marker for the QTL with the highest LOD score is determined and the gene responsible for the strongest QTL (chromosome 5A for Ca) identified as an ATPase transporter gene (TraesCS5A02G543300) using mutagenesis. The identification of these QTLs, together with associated SNP markers and candidate genes, will facilitate the improvement of grain nutritional quality.
Converging deep learning and human-observed tumor-adipocyte interaction as a biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Reitsam Nic G. , Grosser Bianca , Steiner David F. , Grozdanov Veselin , Wulczyn Ellery , L’Imperio Vincenzo , Plass Markus , Müller Heimo , Zatloukal Kurt , Muti Hannah S. , Kather Jakob N. , Märkl Bruno
Published: August 2024

Background

Tumor-Adipose-Feature (TAF) as well as SARIFA (Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas) are two histologic features/biomarkers linking tumor-associated adipocytes to poor outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Whereas TAF was identified by deep learning (DL) algorithms, SARIFA was established as a human-observed histopathologic biomarker.

Methods

To study the overlap between TAF and SARIFA, we performed a systematic pathological review of TAF based on all published image tiles. Additionally, we analyzed the presence/absence of TAF in SARIFA-negative CRC cases to elucidate the biologic and prognostic role of a direct tumor-adipocyte contact. TCGA-CRC gene expression data is investigated to assess the association of FABP4 (fatty-acid binding protein 4) and CD36 (fatty-acid translocase) with both TAF and CRC prognosis.

Results

By investigating the TAF/SARIFA overlap, we show that many TAF patches correspond to the recently described SARIFA-phenomenon. Even though there is a pronounced morphological and biological overlap, there are differences in the concepts. The presence of TAF in SARIFA-negative CRCs is not associated with poor outcomes in this cohort, potentially highlighting the importance of a direct tumor-adipocyte interaction. Upregulation of FABP4 and CD36 gene expression seem both linked to a poor prognosis in CRC.

Conclusions

By proving the substantial overlap between human-observed SARIFA and DL-based TAF as morphologic biomarkers, we demonstrate that linking DL-based image features to independently developed histopathologic biomarkers is a promising tool in the identification of clinically and biologically meaningful biomarkers. Adipocyte-tumor-cell interactions seem to be crucial in CRC, which should be considered as biomarkers for further investigations.
Histidine-rich glycoprotein modulates neutrophils and thrombolysis-associated hemorrhagic transformation
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhao Yuexin , Liu Rongrong , Zhang Bohao , Xie Yuhan , Gao Bin , Shi Kaibin , Zou Ming , Jia Dongmei , Ding Jiayue , Hu Xiaowei , Duan Yanli , Han Ranran , Huang DeRen , Van Kaer Luc , Shi Fu-Dong
Published: August 2024

Intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the primary treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the mechanism of tPA-related hemorrhagic transformation (HT) remains poorly understood. Elevation of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) expression was detected by nano-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at 1 h following tPA infusion as compared to baseline prior to tPA infusion (discovery cohort, n = 10), which was subsequently confirmed in a validation cohort (n = 157) by ELISA. Surprisingly, no elevation of HRG was detected in individuals who subsequently developed HT. During in vitro experiments, HRG reduced neutrophil NETosis, inflammatory cytokine production, and migration across the blood–brain barrier induced by tPA. In a photothrombotic murine AIS model, HRG administration ameliorated HT with delayed thrombolysis, by inhibiting neutrophil immune infiltration and downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Neutrophil depletion or NETosis inhibition also alleviated HT, whereas HRG siRNA treatment exacerbated HT. In conclusion, fluctuations in HRG levels may reflect tPA therapy and its associated HT. The inhibitory effect of HRG on neutrophils may counteract tPA-induced immune abnormalities and HT in patients with AIS.
Predicting and screening high-performance polyimide membranes using negative correlation based deep ensemble methods
Authors: Xi Ruochen , Liu Hongjing , Liu Xueli , Zhao Xu
Published: August 2024

Polyimide polymer membranes have become critical materials in gas separation and storage applications due to their high selectivity and excellent permeability.
A remarkable membrane-permeable fluorescent probe for real-time imaging of mitochondrial SO2 with high fidelity during ferroptosis
Authors: Zhou Lina , Jiang Zekun , Kong Xiuqi
Published: August 2024

Remarkable membrane permeability fluorescent probe for real-time imaging mitochondrial SO2 with high-fidelity during ferroptosis was developed.
A stable radical within a N–Co–N core
Authors: Bhandari Anirban , Park Gyeong Min , Lee Heui Beom , Hong Sugyeong , Kim Sun Hee , Byon Hye Ryung , Lee Yunho
Published: August 2024

A stable radical species of an octahedral cobalt complex reveals a delocalized spin density within a N–Co–N core. Its reversible redox interconversion was observed in the presence of an acid or a base.
Geometric constraints regulated regioselectivity: Pd-catalyzed α-deuteration of pyridines with secondary phosphine oxide
Authors: Zheng Chenxu , Xue Jiben , Jiang Zhi-Jiang , Han Jiawei , Wang Jiaxin , Bai Jian-Fei , Chen Jia , Gao Zhanghua
Published: August 2024

The regioselectivity of deuterium labelling is controlled by the geometric constraints introduced by a supporting ligand.
Isolation of a chloride-capped cerium polyoxo nanocluster built from 52 metal ions
Authors: Blanes-Díaz Anamar , Wacker Jennifer N. , Szymanowski Jennifer E. S. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Knope Karah E.
Published: August 2024

A chloride/water terminated Ce–oxo cluster built from 52 metal ions, with the longest Ce–Ce distance measuring roughly 1.6 nm, was isolated from acidic aqueous solution using pyridinium counterions.
Designing photothermal catalytic systems in multi-component MOFs for enhanced conversion of carbon dioxide
Authors: Wu Yulun , Gao Lei , Zhou Xiao-Cheng , Yu Xiang , Meng Ya-Ru , Zuo Jing-Lin , Su Jian , Yuan Shuai
Published: August 2024

A multi-component MOF incorporating Lewis acidic Zr4+, nucleophilic iodide, and photothermal donor–acceptor pairs has been developed to enhance photothermal catalysis for CO2 cycloaddition.
Recent advances of 5-endo-trig radical cyclization: promoting strategies and applications
Authors: Zhou Yulu , Xu Sangxuan , Zhang Xuemei , Zhou Lanxi , Zheng Hanliang , Zhu Gangguo
Published: August 2024

This review presents a concise summary of recent progress in the field of 5-endo-trig radical cyclization, elucidating effective strategies for facilitating this significant yet challenging cyclization process.
Removal of mercury and lead ions from water using bioinspired N3Se3 type small sized moieties
Authors: Chaurasia Avinash , Kumar Abhishek
Published: August 2024

Small sized N3Se3 moieties function as excellent Hg(ii) and Pb(ii) removal agents from water.
Responsive DNA hydrogels: design strategies and prospects for biosensing
Authors: Qi Fenglian , Li Hanwen , Wang Yonghao , Ding Caifeng
Published: August 2024

This feature article summarizes recent developments in the design strategies of responsive DNA hydrogels and their applications in the biosensing area.
Electronic properties and vibrationally averaged structures of X̃ 2Σ+ MgOH: a computational molecular spectroscopy study
Authors: Hirano Tsuneo , Nagashima Umpei , Baba Masaaki
Published: August 2024

For X̃ 2Σ+ MgOH, we have calculated the 3D potential energy surface (PES) at the MR-SDCI+Q/[cc-pCV5Z (Mg), aug-cc-pV5Z (O), cc-pV5Z (H)] level and derived the vibrational properties from there using the discrete variable representation (DVR) method.
The nonradiative decay mechanism of dinuclear iridium complexes: a density functional theory study
Authors: Kang Guo-Jun , Wu Yong-Fei , Ren Xue-Feng , Mei Jie-Qiong , Lu Shi-Jian , Zeng Xi
Published: August 2024

The deactivation pathways connecting the Franck–Condon region and the minimum energy seam of crossing (MESX) show that D1 and D2 possess a small energy barrier to the MESX state from the T1 state.
Effect of the degree of polymerization, crystallinity and sulfonation on the thermal behaviour of PEEK: a molecular dynamics-based study
Authors: Mittal Ashutosh , Parashar Avinash
Published: August 2024

The safe and efficient working of fuel cells depends on the thermal management of the heat generated during the electrochemical process.
Porous liquids: a novel porous medium for efficient carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Li Jiayi , Lu Fei , Xie Fengjin , Xu Xinming , Su Long , Gao Xinpei , Zheng Liqiang
Published: August 2024

Porous liquids (PLs) are the combination of porous solid material and flowing liquid, which provides alternative options to solve difficulties in the development of porous solids. It shows great application potential in CO2 capture.
Advancing flexible thermoelectrics for integrated electronics
Authors: Shi Xiao-Lei , Wang Lijun , Lyu Wanyu , Cao Tianyi , Chen Wenyi , Hu Boxuan , Chen Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2024

This review offers a comprehensive examination of the advancements, challenges, and future prospects in multifunctional integrated energy conversion and storage technologies, focusing on flexible thermoelectrics.
Electrochemically synthesized Ce-doped Cu-mesh catalyst with high activity and stability towards HMF to FDCA conversion
Authors: Wu Haoran , Liu Qi , Li Didi , Gu Haoyuan , Liu Hao , Liu Xiaohui , Yang Zixu , Xu Jing , Zhu Minghui
Published: August 2024

The electrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to high value-added downstream products is a sustainable and cost-effective strategy.
Towards building blocks for metallosupramolecular structures: non-symmetrically-functionalised ferrocenyl compounds
Authors: Tremlett William D. J. , Crowley James D. , Wright L. James , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: August 2024

Ferrocene-based ligands with NHC and N,N′ donor systems were designed to undergo stimulus-induced dissociation from coordinated metal centres. Studies with Ru(p-cymene) indicate coordination to the metal with the coordination mode to be elucidated.
Ambient scalable fabrication of high-performance flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Pengchi , Wang Hui , Niu Tianqi , Yin Lei , Du Yachao , Lang Lei , Zhang Zheng , Tu Yongchao , Liu Xiujie , Chen Xin , Wang Shuang , Wu Nan , Qin Ru , Wang Likun , Yang Shaoan , Zhang Chunfu , Pan Xu , (Frank) Liu Shengzhong , Zhao Kui
Published: August 2024

Ionic-liquid mediated scalable ambient-printing for efficient perovskite solar modules to achieve wearable electronic integration.
Green and efficient separation of vanadium and chromium from high-chromium vanadium slag: a review of recent developments
Authors: Liu Weizao , Wang Zhenghao , Cao Wen , Liang Yanjie , Rohani Sohrab , Xin Yuntao , Hua Jinmao , Ding Chunlian , Lv Xuewei
Published: August 2024

Strategies for efficient extraction and separation of vanadium and chromium from high-chromium vanadium slag with green chemistry principles are summarized.
Radical cascade synthesis of γ-amino acids or γ-lactams via carboxyl-mediated intramolecular C–H amination
Authors: Huang Tao , Liu Can , Yuan Pan-Feng , Wang Tao , Yang Biao , Ma Yao , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2024

A switchable chemo-divergent strategy for γ-amino acid and γ-lactam preparation via intramolecular γ C–H amination of carboxylic acids.
Structure–property relationships in TMD materials AB2 (A = Nb, Ta; B = S, Se, Te): assessing exchange–correlation functionals
Authors: Behera Sushant Kumar , Ramamurthy Praveen C
Published: August 2024

The graph shows vdW gap values for TaS2's 1T and 2H phases using different XC functionals, compared with experimental data. It evaluates the performance of these functionals for vdW TMDs, including AB2 (A = Nb, Ta; B = S, Se, Te).
Comparing total chemical synthesis and total biosynthesis routes to fungal specialized metabolites
Authors: Tian Dong-Song , Zhang Xiao , Cox Russell J.
Published: August 2024

Here we compare chemical and biological total syntheses to the same metabolites.
Efficient and regioselective synthesis of ortho-diiodinated homobenzylic alcohol derivatives: in silico evaluation as potential anticancer IDO/TDO inhibitors
Authors: Al-Zoubi Raed M. , Al-Jammal Walid K. , Shkoor Mohanad , Bani-Yaseen Abdulilah D. , Khan Abbas , Agouni Abdelali , McDonald Robert
Published: August 2024

A direct and highly regioselective method for synthesizing 2,6-diiodophenylethanol is presented. In silico analysis shows compounds 7a, 7p, 7t, and 7z interact favourably with IDO/TDO receptors, highlighting their unmatched anticancer potential.
Porous calcium silicate bioactive material–alginate composite for bone regeneration
Authors: Shendage Shital S. , Kachare Kranti , Gaikwad Kajal , Kashte Shivaji , Ghule Anil Vithal
Published: August 2024

A biocompatible, porous, and eco-friendly BM–sodium alginate composite for bone regeneration application.
Unveiling the photocatalytic potential of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4): a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud A. , Mahmoud Safwat A. , Mohamed Ashraf A.
Published: August 2024

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based materials have emerged as promising photocatalysts due to their unique band structure, excellent stability, and environmental friendliness.
Inverse design of lateral hybrid metasurfaces structural colour: an AI approach
Authors: Fang Rui , Ghasemi Amir , Zeze Dagou , Keshavarz Hedayati Mehdi
Published: August 2024

In this work, we employ machine learning as a tool to optimise the design process, enabling the identification of the most effective metasurface structural colour without relying on conventional trial-and-error methods.
Ultrafast photophysics of para-substituted 2,5-bis(arylethynyl) rhodacyclopentadienes: thermally activated intersystem crossing
Authors: Guo Zilong , Wang Yaxin , Heitmüller Julia , Sieck Carolin , Prüfer Andreas , Ralle Philipp , Steffen Andreas , Henke Petr , Ogilby Peter R. , Marder Todd B. , Ma Xiaonan , Brixner Tobias
Published: August 2024

Full photophysical picture and thermally activated ISC was revealed for rhodacyclopentadienes by fs-spectroscopy and Marcus analysis, while potential application on 1O2 sensitizing was explored.
Targeting lysosomes by design: novel N-acridine thiosemicarbazones that enable direct detection of intracellular drug localization and overcome P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated resistance
Authors: Kaya Busra , Smith Henry , Chen Yanbing , Azad Mahan Gholam , M. Russell Tiffany , Richardson Vera , Bernhardt Paul V. , Dharmasivam Mahendiran , Richardson Des R.
Published: August 2024

Inclusion of the acridine moiety into the thiosemicarbazone framework of NATs facilitates their function as lysosomotropic substrates for P-glycoprotein (Pgp). This promotes lysosomal targeting and effectively overcomes Pgp-mediated drug resistance.