bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gankyrin inhibits ferroptosis through the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Lei Ming , Zhang Yun-Long , Huang Feng-Ying , Chen Heng-Yu , Chen Ming-Hui , Wu Ri-Hong , Dai Shu-Zhen , He Gui-Sheng , Tan Guang-Hong , Zheng Wu-Ping
Published: December 2023

Gankyrin is found in high levels in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and has been established to form a complex with the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 and p53, resulting in the degradation of p53 in hepatocarcinoma cells. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether gankyrin could inhibit ferroptosis through this mechanism in TNBC cells. The expression of gankyrin was investigated in relation to the prognosis of TNBC using bioinformatics. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays were then conducted to determine the presence of a gankyrin and MDM2 complex. RT-qPCR and immunoblotting were used to examine molecules related to ferroptosis, such as gankyrin, p53, MDM2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Additionally, cell death was evaluated using flow cytometry detection of 7-AAD and a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, as well as lipid peroxide C11-BODIPY. Results showed that the expression of gankyrin is significantly higher in TNBC tissues and cell lines, and is associated with a poor prognosis for patients. Subsequent studies revealed that inhibiting gankyrin activity triggered ferroptosis in TNBC cells. Additionally, silencing gankyrin caused an increase in the expression of the p53 protein, without altering its mRNA expression. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down experiments indicated that gankyrin and MDM2 form a complex. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking both MDM2 and p53, this gankyrin/MDM2 complex was observed to ubiquitinate p53, thus raising the expression of molecules inhibited by ferroptosis, such as SLC7A11 and GPX4. Furthermore, silencing gankyrin in TNBC cells disrupted the formation of the gankyrin/MDM2 complex, hindered the degradation of p53, increased SLC7A11 expression, impeded cysteine uptake, and decreased GPX4 production. Our findings suggest that TNBC cells are able to prevent cell ferroptosis through the gankyrin/p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, indicating that gankyrin may be a useful biomarker for predicting TNBC prognosis or a potential therapeutic target.
Combined effects of nitrate and medium-chain fatty acids on methane production, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial populations in vitro
Authors: Vadroňová Mariana , Šťovíček Adam , Jochová Kateřina , Výborná Alena , Tyrolová Yvona , Tichá Denisa , Homolka Petr , Joch Miroslav
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the combined effects of nitrate (NT) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), including C8, C10, C12, and C14, on methane (CH4) production, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen bacteria using a 24 h batch incubation technique. Four types of treatments were used: control (no nitrate, no MCFA), NT (nitrate at 3.65 mM), NT + MCFA (nitrate at 3.65 mM + one of the four MCFA at 500 mg/L), and NT + MCFA/MCFA (nitrate at 3.65 mM + a binary combination of MCFA at 250 and 250 mg/L). All treatments decreased (P < 0.001) methanogenesis (mL/g dry matter incubated) compared with the control, but their efficiency was dependent on the MCFA type. The most efficient CH4 inhibitor was the NT + C10 treatment (− 40%). The combinations containing C10 and C12 had the greatest effect on bacterial alpha and beta diversity and relative microbial abundance (P < 0.001). Next-generation sequencing showed that the family Succinivibrionaceae was favored in treatments with the greatest CH4 inhibition at the expense of Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Archaea decreased (P < 0.05) in the NT + C10 and NT + C10/C12 treatments. These results confirm that the combination of NT with MCFA (C10 and C12 in particular) may effectively reduce CH4 production.
Chicoric acid ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory injury in bovine lamellar keratinocytes by modulating the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Lan Xiang , Qi Dongdong , Ren Hao , Liu Tao , Shao Hong , Zhang Jiantao
Published: December 2023

Damage to lamellar keratinocytes, an essential cellular component of the epidermal layer of hoof tissue, can have a detrimental effect on hoof health and the overall production value of dairy cows. We isolated and cultured cow lamellar keratinocytes using the Dispase II and collagenase methods. We purified them by differential digestion and differential velocity adherent methods at each passaging and identified them by keratin 14 immunofluorescence. We established an in vitro model of inflammation in laminar keratinocytes using LPS and investigated whether chicoric acid protects against inflammatory responses by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results showed that cow lamellar keratinocytes were successfully isolated and cultured by Dispase II combined with the collagenase method. In the in vitro inflammation model established by LPS, the Chicoric acid decreased the concentration of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 (P < 0.01), down-regulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, p-ERK, p-p38, IKKβ, p-p65, p-p50 (P < 0.05), and increased the IκBα protein expression (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Chicoric acid successfully protected cow lamellar keratinocytes from LPS-induced inflammatory responses by modulating the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulating inflammatory mediators.
The ubiquitin thioesterase YOD1 ameliorates mutant Huntingtin induced pathology in Drosophila
Authors: Farkas Anita , Zsindely Nóra , Nagy Gábor , Kovács Levente , Deák Péter , Bodai László
Published: December 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a dominant gain-of-function mutation in the huntingtin gene, resulting in an elongated polyglutamine repeat in the mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) that mediates aberrant protein interactions. Previous studies implicated the ubiquitin–proteasome system in HD, suggesting that restoring cellular proteostasis might be a key element in suppressing pathology. We applied genetic interaction tests in a Drosophila model to ask whether modulating the levels of deubiquitinase enzymes affect HD pathology. By testing 32 deubiquitinase genes we found that overexpression of Yod1 ameliorated all analyzed phenotypes, including neurodegeneration, motor activity, viability, and longevity. Yod1 did not have a similar effect in amyloid beta overexpressing flies, suggesting that the observed effects might be specific to mHtt. Yod1 overexpression did not alter the number of mHtt aggregates but moderately increased the ratio of larger aggregates. Transcriptome analysis showed that Yod1 suppressed the transcriptional effects of mHtt and restored the expression of genes involved in neuronal plasticity, vesicular transport, antimicrobial defense, and protein synthesis, modifications, and clearance. Furthermore, Yod1 overexpression in HD flies leads to the upregulation of genes involved in transcriptional regulation and synaptic transmission, which might be part of a response mechanism to mHtt-induced stress.
Genome-wide characterization and evolutionary analysis of the AP2/ERF gene family in lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Authors: Park Sunchung , Shi Ainong , Meinhardt Lyndel W. , Mou Beiquan
Published: December 2023

The APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) gene family plays vital roles in plants, serving as a key regulator in responses to abiotic stresses. Despite its significance, a comprehensive understanding of this family in lettuce remains incomplete. In this study, we performed a genome-wide search for the AP2/ERF family in lettuce and identified a total of 224 members. The duplication patterns provided evidence that both tandem and segmental duplications contributed to the expansion of this family. Ka/Ks ratio analysis demonstrated that, following duplication events, the genes have been subjected to purifying selection pressure, leading to selective constraints on their protein sequence. This selective pressure provides a dosage benefit against stresses in plants. Additionally, a transcriptome analysis indicated that some duplicated genes gained novel functions, emphasizing the contribution of both dosage effect and functional divergence to the family functionalities. Furthermore, an orthologous relationship study showed that 60% of genes descended from a common ancestor of Rosid and Asterid lineages, 28% from the Asterid ancestor, and 12% evolved in the lettuce lineage, suggesting lineage-specific roles in adaptive evolution. These results provide valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of the AP2/ERF gene family in lettuce, with implications for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance, ultimately contributing to the genetic improvement of lettuce crop production.
Theoretical basis validation and oxidative stress markers for cancer prevention clinical trials of aspirin
Authors: Hamoya Takahiro , Tomono Susumu , Miyamoto Shingo , Fujii Gen , Wakabayashi Keiji , Mutoh Michihiro
Published: December 2023

Aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been proven effective in a clinical trial of carcinogenesis blockade. However, various modes of action have been reported for these effects. Thus, in this study, we aimed to present reasonable mode of actions as a proof of concept for human trials, especially trials for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Aspirin treatment at 1000 ppm inhibited intestinal tumorigenesis in FAP model Min mice. As a mode of action, aspirin regulated β-catenin signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we examined novel markers predictive of aspirin treatment based on liquid biopsy. Here, we demonstrated that aspirin reduced the levels of reactive carbonyl species in the serum of Min mice. These data are expected to be of use for proof of concept of aspirin human trials and implied for the prediction of aspirin efficacy.
White and other fur colourations and hybridization in golden jackals (Canis aureus) in the Carpathian basin
Authors: Ninausz Nóra , Fehér Péter , Csányi Erika , Heltai Miklós , Szabó László , Barta Endre , Kemenszky Péter , Sándor Gyula , Jánoska Ferenc , Horváth Mihály , Kusza Szilvia , Frank Krisztián , Varga László , Stéger Viktor
Published: December 2023

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a reoccurring species in the centre of the Carpathian basin, in Hungary. In total, 31 golden jackal tissue samples were collected, from 8 white-coated, 2 black-coated and one mottled animal across Hungary. Sequences and fragment length polymorphisms were studied for white colour (MC1R), and for black coat colouration (CBD103). In each white animal, the most widespread mutation causing white fur colour in dogs in homozygous form was detected. Three animals were found to carry the mutation in heterozygous form. The two black golden jackals were heterozygous for the 3 bp deletion in CBD103 that mutation for black coat colouration in dogs, and one of them also carried the mutation causing white fur. None of the white animals showed signs of hybridization, but both the black and the mottled coloured individuals were found to be hybrids based on genetic testing. Kinship was found three times, twice between white animals, and once between a white animal and an agouti animal carrying the mutation of white coat. Our results confirm the findings that golden jackal–dog hybrids may occur without human intervention, and the detected mutation causing white fur colour in golden jackals could possibly be due to an early hybridization event.
Development of a novel sandwich-structured composite from biopolymers and cellulose microfibers for building envelope applications
Authors: Dadras Chomachayi Masoud , Blanchet Pierre , Hussain Atif , Pepin Simon
Published: December 2023

A novel sandwich-structured composite was developed from the surface layers of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and the interlayer of polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose microfibers (CMF) composite. Moreover, CMF was chemically modified via a sol–gel process to improve the compatibility between the natural reinforcement and the polymer matrix. According to the obtained results, the modified CMF exhibited a highly hydrophobic characteristic (contact angel value of approximately 118°), and they were homogeneously dispersed in the PLA matrix. The results of the thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the sandwich composites reinforced with the modified CMF showed improvement in thermal stability. Regarding the mechanical properties, the incorporation of the natural reinforcement into sandwich composites increased the values of tensile modulus and strength of materials. The water vapor permeability of sandwich composites increased with the addition of untreated fibers; however, the composites reinforced with the modified CMF showed superior barrier performance than that of untreated CMF. In addition, a durability test was performed to determine the effect of accelerated aging on the properties of sandwich composites. The results demonstrated that the mechanical and barrier properties of composites incorporated with untreated CMF decreased after the accelerated aging, whereas the composites reinforced with the modified CMF experienced the least change.
The relationship between socio-demographic factors and depression: a cross sectional study among civilian participants in hostilities in Ukraine
Authors: Fel Stanisław , Jurek Krzysztof , Lenart-Kłoś Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

There is still a gap in scientific knowledge in relation to civilian participants in hostilities. This is despite the fact that there is an extensive body of literature on major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals who have experienced armed conflict. The purpose of this article is to identify socio-demographic factors which are related to levels of depression among civilian participants in the war in Ukraine, based on a cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2019 from a convenience sample of 314 Ukrainian adults (235 males). Depression was assessed via the Beck Depression Inventory. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify possible predictors of depression. Significant predictors were: loss of a loved one, place of residence, age, health insurance, financial situation, and marital status (F (6, 224) = 10.515, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.21; Adjusted R2 = 0.19). They also show that symptoms of depression resulting from the loss of a loved one due to war can be reduced through participation in an educational system. Having children is associated with a risk of more severe depression. Specialists are encouraged to engage in face-to-face interviews and to maintain a supportive and safe environment for participants in hostilities, e.g., in the area of education.
Simplified entanglement swapping protocol for the quantum Internet
Authors: Mastriani Mario
Published: December 2023

In this study, a simplified version of the entanglement-swapping protocol, commonly used in the deployment of quantum networks, is presented. Quantum repeaters are essential in extending the range of quantum networks, especially when they are implemented through the laying of optical fiber. The simplified version of the entanglement-swapping protocol does not require the use of unitary transforms to finish characterizing the shared Bell state at both ends to be connected, as happens in the traditional version of the protocol, facilitating and reducing costs in quantum repeater implementations. Both a theoretical demonstration and an experimental one on an optical table, based on two revealing experiments, show the excellent performance of the presented protocol.
Terahertz large-area unidirectional surface magnetoplasmon and its applications
Authors: Shen Qian , Yan Jinhua , You Yun , Li Senpeng , Shen Linfang
Published: December 2023

Unidirectional surface waves in nonreciprocal plasmonic platforms with nonlocal effects have been a topic of significant interest and some controversy. In this study, we present a scheme to achieve unidirectional surface magnetoplasmons (USMPs) with large modal areas at terahertz frequencies. Such large-area USMPs (LUSMPs) exist in a metal-UENZ (uniaxial-$$\varepsilon $$
ε
-near-zero)-Si-InSb structure under external magnetic field, where the effect of nonlocality is included. The field of the LUSMP extends almost uniformly in the UENZ layer with a thickness of wavelength scale, thus its modal size can be represented by the UENZ-layer thickness. Due to the modal energy primarily distributed in the thick UENZ layer, the nonlocality-induced leakage of the LUSMP is significantly reduced by an order of magnitude, compared to previous USMP existing at interface between InSb and opaque isotropic medium. Due to their large modal sizes, such LUSMPs can be efficiently excited by terahertz radiations directly from free space. In addition, LUSMPs offer high degree of freedom for manipulating terahertz waves, such as energy squeezing and trapping. Based on LUSMPs, a terahertz free-space isolator is also developed. Our findings have important implications to the development of innovative plasmonic devices in terahertz regime.
Social dilemma in foraging behavior and evolution of cooperation by learning
Authors: Lee Nahyeon , Chae Sunhee , Baek Seung Ki , Jeong Hyeong-Chai
Published: December 2023

We consider foraging behaviors in a two-dimensional continuum space and show that a cooperative chasing strategy can emerge in a social dilemma. Predators can use two different chasing strategies: A direct chasing strategy (DCS) and a group chasing strategy (GCS). The DCS is a selfish strategy with which a chaser moves straight toward the nearest prey, and the GCS is a cooperative strategy in the sense that the chaser chooses the chasing direction for the group at a cost of its own speed. A prey flees away from the nearest hazard, either a chaser or the boundary, within its recognition range. We check the capturing activities of each strategy and find a social dilemma between the two strategies because the GCS is more efficient for the group whereas the DCS is better individually. Using a series of numerical simulations, we further show that the cooperative strategy can proliferate when a learning process of nearby successful strategies is introduced.
Multiproxy bioarchaeological data reveals interplay between growth, diet and population dynamics across the transition to farming in the central Mediterranean
Authors: Parkinson E. W. , Stoddart S. , Sparacello V. , Bertoldi F. , Fonzo O. , Malone C. , Marini E. , Martinet F. , Moggi-Cecchi J. , Pacciani E. , Raiteri L. , Stock J. T.
Published: December 2023

The transition to farming brought on a series of important changes in human society, lifestyle, diet and health. The human bioarchaeology of the agricultural transition has received much attention, however, relatively few studies have directly tested the interrelationship between individual lifestyle factors and their implications for understanding life history changes among the first farmers. We investigate the interplay between skeletal growth, diet, physical activity and population size across 30,000 years in the central Mediterranean through a ‘big data’ cross-analysis of osteological data related to stature (n = 361), body mass (n = 334) and long bone biomechanics (n = 481), carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes (n = 1986 human,n = 475 animal) and radiocarbon dates (n = 5263). We present the observed trends on a continuous timescale in order to avoid grouping our data into assigned ‘time periods’, thus achieving greater resolution and chronological control over our analysis. The results identify important changes in human life history strategies associated with the first farmers, but also highlight the long-term nature of these trends in the millennia either side of the agricultural transition. The integration of these different data is an important step towards disentangling the complex relationship between demography, diet and health, and reconstruct life history changes within a southern European context. We believe the methodological approach adopted here has broader global implications for bioarchaeological studies of human adaptation more generally.
Slip considered path planning of a novel angled-spoke based robot in a terrain mixture of granular media and rigid support
Authors: Lee Kyungwook , Kim Chaewon , Ryu Sijun , Seo TaeWon
Published: December 2023

Navigation in terrains mixture of rigid support and granular media is associated with slippage. It is important to find the optimal path because slippage implies the possibility of a mobile robot being stuck in the sand. This research introduce concept of effective distance which consider effect of slippage to present a path planning algorithm. Effective distance is a conceptual distance that the mobile robot traverse to reach next node, and it is calculated based on traversable difficulty. Traversable difficulty varies with the slope angle, and the revolution speed of the angled spoke-based wheel (ASW) is estimated using meta-model. The meta-model is achieved empirically. Experiments have done in testbench which can implement slope angle and terrain types. Effectiveness of this algorithm was verified through simulation. For the simulations three cost determination methods, namely, the effective distance with varying revolution speed of the ASW, the effective distance with fixed revolution speed of the ASW, and actual distance were examined in four different scenarios. The effective distance with varying revolution speed of the ASW has maximum $$135.94\%$$

135.94
%

longer total actual distance. However, it results minimum $$44.72\%$$

44.72
%

shorter total effective distance.
The burden of psychological distress and unhealthy dietary behaviours among 222,401 school-going adolescents from 61 countries
Authors: Shawon Md Shajedur Rahman , Rouf Rashawan Raziur , Jahan Esrat , Hossain Fariha Binte , Mahmood Sultan , Gupta Rajat Das , Islam Md Irteja , Al Kibria Gulam Muhammed , Islam Shariful
Published: December 2023

We aimed to calculate the sex-specific prevalence of psychological distress and unhealthy eating habits among adolescents across countries and regions, and to explore their potential associations. We used data from the Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) for 61 countries. Psychological distress was defined based on the existence of ≥ 2 factors from the following: loneliness, anxiety, suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempt. Four unhealthy dietary behaviours were examined: inadequate fruit intake, inadequate vegetable intake, daily consumption of soft drinks, and weekly fast-food consumption. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall and regional pooled prevalence. Mixed-effect multilevel logistic regressions were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of unhealthy dietary behaviours in relation to psychological distress. Among 222,401 school-going adolescents (53.3% girls), the prevalence of psychological distress was 17.9%, with girls reporting higher than boys (20.8% vs. 14.9%). Adolescents in the African region reported the highest prevalence (22.5%), while those in the South-East Asia region reported the lowest (11.3%). The prevalence of inadequate fruit intake, inadequate vegetable intake, daily soft drink consumption, and weekly fast-food consumption was 37.0%, 28.5%, 50.0%, and 57.4% respectively. Psychological distress was associated with inadequate fruit intake (pooled aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.17–1.23), inadequate vegetable intake (pooled OR = 1.19, 1.16–1.22), daily consumption of soft drinks (pooled aOR = 1.14, 1.12–1.17), and weekly consumption of fast food (pooled aOR = 1.12, 1.09–1.15). Our findings indicate a substantial variance in the burden of psychological distress and unhealthy dietary behaviours across different regions. Adolescents experiencing psychological distress were more likely to have unhealthy dietary habits.
SARS-COV-2 Omicron variants conformationally escape a rare quaternary antibody binding mode
Authors: Goike Jule , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Horton Andrew P. , Gardner Elizabeth C. , Zhou Ling , Bartzoka Foteini , Wang Nianshuang , Javanmardi Kamyab , Herbert Andrew , Abbassi Shawn , Xie Xuping , Xia Hongjie , Shi Pei-Yong , Renberg Rebecca , Segall-Shapiro Thomas H. , Terrace Cynthia I. , Wu Wesley , Shroff Raghav , Byrom Michelle , Ellington Andrew D. , Marcotte Edward M. , Musser James M. , Kuchipudi Suresh V. , Kapur Vivek , Georgiou George , Weaver Scott C. , Dye John M. , Boutz Daniel R. , McLellan Jason S. , Gollihar Jimmy D.
Published: December 2023

The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 into more easily transmissible and infectious variants has provided unprecedented insight into mutations enabling immune escape. Understanding how these mutations affect the dynamics of antibody-antigen interactions is crucial to the development of broadly protective antibodies and vaccines. Here we report the characterization of a potent neutralizing antibody (N3-1) identified from a COVID-19 patient during the first disease wave. Cryogenic electron microscopy revealed a quaternary binding mode that enables direct interactions with all three receptor-binding domains of the spike protein trimer, resulting in extraordinary avidity and potent neutralization of all major variants of concern until the emergence of Omicron. Structure-based rational design of N3-1 mutants improved binding to all Omicron variants but only partially restored neutralization of the conformationally distinct Omicron BA.1. This study provides new insights into immune evasion through changes in spike protein dynamics and highlights considerations for future conformationally biased multivalent vaccine designs.
Inverse design of nonlinear mechanical metamaterials via video denoising diffusion models
Authors: Bastek Jan-Hendrik , Kochmann Dennis M.
Published: December 2023

The accelerated inverse design of complex material properties—such as identifying a material with a given stress–strain response over a nonlinear deformation path—holds great potential for addressing challenges from soft robotics to biomedical implants and impact mitigation. Although machine learning models have provided such inverse mappings, they are typically restricted to linear target properties such as stiffness. Here, to tailor the nonlinear response, we show that video diffusion generative models trained on full-field data of periodic stochastic cellular structures can successfully predict and tune their nonlinear deformation and stress response under compression in the large-strain regime, including buckling and contact. Key to success is to break from the common strategy of directly learning a map from property to design and to extend the framework to intrinsically estimate the expected deformation path and the full-field internal stress distribution, which closely agree with finite element simulations. This work thus has the potential to simplify and accelerate the identification of materials with complex target performance.
Hostility has a trivial effect on persuasiveness of rebutting science denialism on social media
Authors: Schmid Philipp , Werner Benedikt
Published: December 2023

Polarised social media debates between science deniers and advocates for science frequently devolve into hostilities. We conducted four preregistered experiments (N = 3226; U.S. Americans) to assess how hostility influences the impact of misinformation from science deniers and rebuttals from advocates in social media discussions about vaccination (Experiment 1–3) and genetically modified food (Experiment 4). Results revealed only trivial to small effects of hostility on the persuasiveness of discussants: most internal meta-analyses revealed that the effects of hostility were smaller than the smallest effect size of interest (SESOI: d = 0.2). Thus, rebuttal is effective in mitigating the impact of misinformation on attitudes towards behaviours dismissed by deniers (for example, vaccination) and intentions to perform these behaviours, even if advocates for science lose their temper. Not responding had negative effects. Likewise, misinformation was impactful even if presented in a hostile tone. Hostility, however, consistently reduced the perceived competence of messages.
Carbonylation of dimethoxymethane: a study on the reactivity of different solid acid catalysts
Authors: Sheikh Kalim A. , Zaghini Francesconi Victor , Zevaco Thomas A. , Sauer Jörg
Published: December 2023

Solvent-free carbonylation in liquid phase with solid acid catalysts.
Flexible NHC-aryloxido aluminum complex and its zwitterionic imidazolium aluminate precursor in ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone
Authors: Goswami Santu , Mandal Pranay , Sarkar Subham , Mukherjee Mainak , Pal Samanwita , Mallick Dibyendu , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: December 2023

An NHC-aryloxide hybrid ligand-bound aluminum complex and its zwitterionic imidazolium precursor catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone through two different mechanistic pathways with and without benzyl alcohol as a cocatalyst.
Magnetic properties of a europium(iii) complex – possible multiplet crossover
Authors: Mičová Romana , Bielková Zuzana , Rajnák Cyril , Titiš Ján , Moncoľ Ján , Bieńko Alina , Boča Roman
Published: December 2023

A dinuclear complex [(H2O)Zn(LH)Eu(NO3)3] containing a hexadentate Schiff-base {N2O4}-donor ligand LH2− was prepared and characterized by X-ray structural analysis, IR, electronic and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Manganese–cobalt hydroxide nanosheets anchored on a hollow sulfur-doped bimetallic MOF for high-performance supercapacitors and the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Zhang Li , Sun Jingyu , Li Fengbo , Cao Zhen , Lang Jiaxin , Li Shaobin
Published: December 2023

A novel poplar flower-like hollow S-MnCo-MOF-74@MnCo LDH composite was firstly synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method, which has potential applications for high-performance supercapacitors and the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media.
In situ biomimetic mineralization of a paper microfluidic device as a luminescent sensor for nitrite determination
Authors: Blasco-Pascual Isabel , Ortiz-Gómez Inmaculada , Capitán-Vallvey Luis F. , Delgado-López José M. , Ramírez-Rodríguez Gloria B. , Salinas-Castillo Alfonso
Published: December 2023

Nucleation and growth of terbium-doped amorphous calcium phosphate (Tb-ACP) on cellulose fibers of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) towards an environmentally friendly design of a sensor for water pollutant.
A combined effect of fish-originated collagen peptides and caffeine on the cognitive function of sleep-deprived mice
Authors: Zhu Hongkang , Bai Shuang , Ma Wen , Qian He , Du Peng
Published: December 2023

Refreshing beverages, consumed worldwide, commonly take advantage of caffeine's impacts on attention and motor performance.
Layered nanomaterials for renewable energy generation and storage
Authors: Nikitina Anna A. , Lavrentev Filipp V. , Yurova Veronika Yu. , Piarnits Daniil Yu. , Volkova Olga O. , Skorb Ekaterina V. , Shchukin Dmitry G.
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on potential applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials in renewable energy research.
Discovery of new dibenzodiazepine derivatives as antibacterials against intracellular bacteria
Authors: Chen Ling-Han , Lin Man-Yi , Lin Hsueh-Chun , Yang Fan-Wei , Liao Hsiao-Wei , Shiau Chung-Wai , Chiu Hao-Chieh , Su Jung-Chen
Published: December 2023

A tricyclic core derivative, SW33, showed potency against intracellular drug-resistant strains of S. typhimurium and other intracellular pathogens with no toxicity, indicating a broad-spectrum activity against intracellular bacteria.
Manipulating the crystallization and interfacial charge behavior with a jellyfish-like molecular template for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Haoyan , Zhao Chenyu , Fan Lin , Wei Maobin , Liu Huilian , Liu Xiaoyan , Yang Jinghai , Wang Fengyou , Yang Lili
Published: December 2023

A jellyfish-like molecular template was constructed using MoS2 and glycine to obtain highly oriented perovskite films to enhance interfacial charge transfer in perovskite solar cells.
A sustainable solar-driven electrochemical process for reforming lignocellulosic biomass effluent into high value-added products: green hydrogen, carboxylic and vanillic acids
Authors: Campos da Paixão Izaías , Cardozo Jussara Câmara , Sales Monteiro Mayra Kerolly , Gondim Amanda Duarte , Cavalcanti Lívia Nunes , Fabiano de Santana Souza Domingos , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , Vieira dos Santos Elisama
Published: December 2023

Energizing the future with lignocellulosic biomass by electrochemical production of organic acids and green H2 production.
Combined experimental and simulation study on H2 storage in oxygen and nitrogen co-doped activated carbon derived from biomass waste: superior pore size and surface chemistry development
Authors: Anuchitsakol Suphakorn , Dilokekunakul Waralee , Khongtor Numphueng , Chaemchuen Somboon , Klomkliang Nikom
Published: December 2023

Modification enhanced the pyridinic-N oxide and superior pore sizes in activated carbon derived from biomass waste for improved H2 storage.
Insect multimeric G-quadruplexes fold into antiparallel structures of different compactness and stability in K+ and Na+ solutions
Authors: Gao Chao , Chen Jixin , Anwar Naureen , Deng Jieya , Wang Zhangqian , Umer Muhammad , He Yi
Published: December 2023

Insect telomeric G-quadruplexes have a more compact and stable structure in Na+ solutions, and have a different binding pattern to ligand BMPQ-1 in K+ and Na+ solutions.
An attempt to prepare sulfonyl analogues of fotemustine: unexpected rearrangement to sulfamate during nitrosation step
Authors: Aouf Zineb , Boughaba Sara , Sayad Rayene , Lebreton Jacques , Mathe-Allainmat Monique , Aouf Nour-Eddine
Published: December 2023

A flexible strategy to access to dialkyl (((N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-sulfamoyl) amino) arylmethyl) phosphonates, as sulfonamidophosphonates precursors of Fotemustine analogues was developed. The last nitrosation step proceeded as a rearrangement to the non expected sulfonate analogues.
Photoactivation of LOV domains with chemiluminescence
Authors: Ji Yuhao , Heidari Ali , Nzigou Mombo Brice , Wegner Seraphine V.
Published: December 2023

We describe the photoactivation of light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domains (LOV domains) with in situ generated blue light from a chemiluminescence reaction, opening new possibilities for optogenetic tools in optically non-transparent systems.
Simultaneous organic carbon, nitrogen removal, and electricity generation in a novel A4-MFC system for the treatment of leachate from a composting site: performance and modeling
Authors: Karami Sahar , Mousavi Seyyed Alireza , Mohammadi Parviz , Nayeri Danial
Published: December 2023

A novel multi-chamber (A4) microbial fuel cell was utilized for the treatment of compost leachate with high organic matter and ammonium concentration.
An iron phosphate hydroxide hydrate electrocatalyst: synergistic effects of Fe2+ and Fe3+ for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction stability
Authors: Reddy Jeygeerthika , Raman Vivekanandan , Viswanathan K. K. , Prabakar Kandasamy
Published: December 2023

Synthesized via unique electrodeposition, Fe3(PO4)(OH)6·3H2O HER catalyst, with varied ratios, boasts enriched Fe3+/Fe2+ sites. In 1 M KOH, it excels with a low 130 mV overpotential, 87 mV dec−1 Tafel value, and 80 hour durability at 100 mA cm−2.
Alcohol-based adsorption heat pumps using hydrophobic metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Madero-Castro R. M. , Luna-Triguero A. , González-Galán C. , Vicent-Luna José Manuel , Calero Sofía
Published: December 2023

Alcohol adsorption using hydrophobic MOFs is a promising strategy for heating and cooling applications. Finding optimal conditions for each adsorbent-working fluid pair is key to maximize the performance of the devices.
The role of protein folding in prenucleation clusters on the activity of enzyme@metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Carpenter Brooke P. , Rose Ben , Olivas Elisa M. , Navarro Mariana X. , Talosig A. Rain , Hurst Paul J. , Di Palma Giuseppe , Xing Li , Guha Rweetuparna , Copp Stacy M. , Patterson Joseph P.
Published: December 2023

Two steps must be satisfied to achieve high activity enzyme@MOFs: proper enzyme folding and low MOF crystallinity.
Addressing the stability challenges of TiOx-based passivating contacts for high-efficiency c-Si solar cells
Authors: Shehata Mohamed M. , Truong Thien N. , Bartholazzi Gabriel , Macdonald Daniel H. , Black Lachlan E.
Published: December 2023

Our research unveils strategies for developing exceptional TiOx-based passivating contacts, potentially replacing traditional Si-based ones with highly stable, transparent alternatives.
Ameliorating electrochemical performance of Li-rich Mn-based cathodes for Li-ion batteries by Fe substitution
Authors: Kim Won-Chan , Kim Juo , Kim Ji-Hwan , Park Deok-Hye , Park Yu-Yeon , Jang Jae-Sung , Ahn So-Yeon , Min Kyoungmin , Park Kyung-Won
Published: December 2023

Ameliorating electrochemical performance of Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (Li2MnO3, LMO) cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by Fe substitution.
Ultralong lifespan of SuperRedox Capacitor using Ti-doped Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode with suppressed vanadium dissolution
Authors: Harada Yuta , Okita Naohisa , Fukuyama Masahiro , Iwama Etsuro , Naoi Wako , Naoi Katsuhiko
Published: December 2023

The substitution of Ti4+ into LVP increased the electron density of the V–O bonds and modified the LVP surface morphology, resulting in suppressed vanadium dissolution and longer cyclability over 10 000 cycles for LVP cathode-based full cells.
Enhancing precision in PANI/Gr nanocomposite design: robust machine learning models, outlier resilience, and molecular input insights for superior electrical conductivity and gas sensing performance
Authors: Boublia Abir , Guezzout Zahir , Haddaoui Nacerddine , Badawi Michael , Darwish Ahmad S. , Lemaoui Tarek , Banat Fawzi , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Jeon Byong-Hun , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Benguerba Yacine , AlNashef Inas M.
Published: December 2023

This study employs various machine learning algorithms to model the electrical conductivity and gas sensing responses of polyaniline/graphene (PANI/Gr) nanocomposites based on a comprehensive dataset gathered from over 100 references.
Effects of matrix viscoelasticity on cell–matrix interaction, actin cytoskeleton organization, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells
Authors: Deng Huan , Wang Yao , Yin Yue , Shu Jun , Zhang Junwei , Shu Xuedong , Wu Fang , He Jing
Published: December 2023

The matrix viscosity plays a critical role in indirecting the cellular responses and apoptosis of tumor cells and exhibits somewhat different mechanotransduction mechanisms.
A new era in cancer treatment: harnessing ZIF-8 nanoparticles for PD-1 inhibitor delivery
Authors: Rastin Farangis , Oryani Mahsa Akbari , Iranpour Sonia , Javid Hossein , Hashemzadeh Alireza , Karimi-Shahri Mehdi
Published: December 2023

ZIF-8 nanoparticles, with large surface area and pore capacity, can be functionalized for targeted cancer treatment. This enhances chemotherapeutic drug efficacy and potentially improves PD-1 inhibitors’ effectiveness.
Phase-engineering compact and flexible CsPbBr3 microcrystal films for robust X-ray detection
Authors: Clinckemalie Lotte , Pradhan Bapi , Brande Roel Vanden , Zhang Heng , Vandenwijngaerden Jonathan , Saha Rafikul Ali , Romolini Giacomo , Sun Li , Vandenbroucke Dirk , Bonn Mischa , Wang Hai I. , Debroye Elke
Published: December 2023

In this article, the introduction of a second phase with controlled defect states in the perovskite structure is shown to be advantageous for stable, high-energy X-ray detection.
Optimized physical properties of [001]-textured (Na, K)NbO3-based lead-free piezoceramics for high power piezoelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Chae Seok-June , Kim Seung-Hyun , Kim In-Su , Lee Geun-Soo , Park Seok-Jung , Nahm Sahn
Published: December 2023

The [001]-textured 0.96NK(N0.99S0.01)–0.01CZ–0.03BAZ piezoceramic has large kp and d33 × g33 values; therefore, the piezoelectric energy harvester fabricated using this piezoceramic exhibits a large power density.
High-performance molecular spin filters based on a square-planar four-coordinate Fe complex and covalent pyrazine anchoring groups
Authors: Wang Yudi , Pan Haoyang , Jiang Yuxuan , Li Jie , Lin Dongying , Li Shi , Wang Yongfeng , Sanvito Stefano , Hou Shimin
Published: December 2023

We propose a promising method to generate highly spin-polarized currents by connecting a magnetic molecule to carbon electrodes with appropriate anchors, whose HOMOs and LUMOs have distinct features of spatial distribution for the two spin types.
Neural mechanisms of dopamine function in learning and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: McMillen Anna , Chew Yee Lian
Published: December 2023

Research into learning and memory over the past decades has revealed key neurotransmitters that regulate these processes, many of which are evolutionarily conserved across diverse species. The monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine is one example of this, with countless studies demonstrating its importance in regulating behavioural plasticity. However, dopaminergic neural networks in the mammalian brain consist of hundreds or thousands of neurons, and thus cannot be studied at the level of single neurons acting within defined neural circuits. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has an experimentally tractable nervous system with a completely characterized synaptic connectome. This makes it an advantageous system to undertake mechanistic studies into how dopamine encodes lasting yet flexible behavioural plasticity in the nervous system. In this review, we synthesize the research to date exploring the importance of dopaminergic signalling in learning, memory formation, and forgetting, focusing on research in C. elegans. We also explore the potential for dopamine-specific fluorescent biosensors in C. elegans to visualize dopaminergic neural circuits during learning and memory formation in real-time. We propose that the use of these sensors in C. elegans, in combination with optogenetic and other light-based approaches, will further illuminate the detailed spatiotemporal requirements for encoding behavioural plasticity in an accessible experimental system. Understanding the key molecules and circuit mechanisms that regulate learning and forgetting in more compact invertebrate nervous systems may reveal new druggable targets for enhancing memory storage and delaying memory loss in bigger brains.
Improved scheme based on memory voltage for transformer differential protection considering the effects of PLL
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhang Ruozhu , Chen Ying , Ai Jingwen , Sun Yilin
Published: December 2023

The phase‐locked loop (PLL) is a critical control module applied in the control system of renewable energy sources (RESs) to synchronize with the grid voltage. When a fault occurs, the dynamic response process of the PLL will generate a phase locking error, resulting in a mass of harmonic components in the fault current of the PV inverter, which further poses challenges to transformer differential protection. To address the challenges posed by the phase locking error in practical engineering applications, this paper proposes an improved scheme that uses a digital computer algorithm to record and store the pre‐fault voltage and introduces the limiting coefficient. Firstly, the memory voltage is used to eliminate the phase locking error of the PLL, thereby mitigating harmonic distortion in the fault current of the RESs and ensuring the reliability of the transformer differential protection. In addition, the limiting coefficient is introduced to eliminate the effect of the increased amplitude of the fault current caused by the memory voltage. The voltage reference value of the inverter is multiplied by an appropriate limiting coefficient k and then output to the physical system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by MATLAB/Simulink simulation.
Detecting active latitudes of Sun-like stars using asteroseismic a-coefficients
Authors: Benomar Othman , Takata Masao , Bazot Michael , Sekii Takashi , Gizon Laurent , Lu Yuting
Published: December 2023

Aims. We introduce a framework to measure the asphericity of Sun-like stars using a1, a2, and a4 coefficients and constrain their latitudes of magnetic activity.

Methods. We evaluated systematic errors on the inferred coefficients in function of key physical and seismic parameters (inclination of rotation axis, average rotation, height-to-noise ratio of peaks in power spectrum). The measured a-coefficients account for rotational oblateness and the effect of surface magnetic activity. We used a simple model that assumes a single latitudinal band of activity.

Results. Using solar SOHO, VIRGO, and SPM data, we demonstrate the capability of the method to detect the mean active latitude and its intensity changes between 1999 and 2002 (maximum of activity) and 2006 and 2009 (minimum of activity). We further applied the method to study the solar-analogue stars 16 Cyg A and B using Kepler observations. In 16 Cyg A, we detected an equatorial band of activity exhibiting an intensity that could be comparable to that of the Sun. However, 16 Cyg B exhibits a bimodality in a4 that is challenging to explain. We suggest that this could be a manifestation of the transition between a quiet and an active phase of activity. Validating or invalidating this hypothesis may require new observations.
The internal Faraday screen of Sagittarius A*
Authors: Wielgus Maciek , Issaoun Sara , Martí-Vidal Iván , Emami Razieh , Moscibrodzka Monika , Brinkerink Christiaan D. , Goddi Ciriaco , Fomalont Ed
Published: December 2023

We report on 85−101 GHz light curves of the Galactic Center supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), observed in April 2017 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). This study of high-cadence full-Stokes data provides new measurements of the fractional linear polarization at a 1−2% level resolved in 4 s time segments, and stringent upper limits on the fractional circular polarization at 0.3%. We compare these findings to ALMA light curves of Sgr A* at 212−230 GHz observed three days later, characterizing a steep depolarization of the source at frequencies below about 150 GHz. We obtain time-dependent rotation measure (RM) values, with the mean RM at 85−101 GHz being a factor of two lower than that at 212−230 GHz. Together with the rapid temporal variability of the RM and its different statistical characteristics in both frequency bands, these results indicate that the Faraday screen in Sgr A* is largely internal, with about half of the Faraday rotation taking place inside the inner 10 gravitational radii, contrary to the common external Faraday screen assumption. We then demonstrate how this observation can be reconciled with theoretical models of radiatively inefficient accretion flows for a reasonable set of physical parameters. Comparisons with numerical general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations suggest that the innermost part of the accretion flow in Sgr A* is much less variable than these models predict; in particular, the observed magnetic field structure appears to be coherent and persistent.