bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher-order connectomics of human brain function reveals local topological signatures of task decoding, individual identification, and behavior
Authors: Santoro Andrea , Battiston Federico , Lucas Maxime , Petri Giovanni , Amico Enrico
Published: November 2024

Traditional models of human brain activity often represent it as a network of pairwise interactions between brain regions. Going beyond this limitation, recent approaches have been proposed to infer higher-order interactions from temporal brain signals involving three or more regions. However, to this day it remains unclear whether methods based on inferred higher-order interactions outperform traditional pairwise ones for the analysis of fMRI data. To address this question, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using fMRI time series of 100 unrelated subjects from the Human Connectome Project. We show that higher-order approaches greatly enhance our ability to decode dynamically between various tasks, to improve the individual identification of unimodal and transmodal functional subsystems, and to strengthen significantly the associations between brain activity and behavior. Overall, our approach sheds new light on the higher-order organization of fMRI time series, improving the characterization of dynamic group dependencies in rest and tasks, and revealing a vast space of unexplored structures within human functional brain data, which may remain hidden when using traditional pairwise approaches.
The interplay of DNA repair context with target sequence predictably biases Cas9-generated mutations
Authors: Pallaseni Ananth , Peets Elin Madli , Girling Gareth , Crepaldi Luca , Kuzmin Ivan , Moor Marilin , Muñoz-Subirana Núria , Schimmel Joost , Serçin Özdemirhan , Mardin Balca R. , Tijsterman Marcel , Peterson Hedi , Kosicki Michael , Parts Leopold
Published: November 2024

Repair of double-stranded breaks generated by CRISPR/Cas9 is highly dependent on the flanking DNA sequence. To learn about interactions between DNA repair and target sequence, we measure frequencies of over 236,000 distinct Cas9-generated mutational outcomes at over 2800 synthetic target sequences in 18 DNA repair deficient mouse embryonic stem cells lines. We classify the outcomes in an unbiased way, finding a specialised role for Prkdc (DNA-PKcs protein) and Polm in creating 1 bp insertions matching the nucleotide on the protospacer-adjacent motif side of the break, a variable involvement of Nbn and Polq in the creation of different deletion outcomes, and uni-directional deletions dependent on both end-protection and end-resection. Using our dataset, we build predictive models of the mutagenic outcomes of Cas9 scission that outperform the current standards. This work improves our understanding of DNA repair gene function, and provides avenues for more precise modulation of Cas9-generated mutations.
Soil carbon in the world’s tidal marshes
Authors: Maxwell Tania L. , Spalding Mark D. , Friess Daniel A. , Murray Nicholas J. , Rogers Kerrylee , Rovai Andre S. , Smart Lindsey S. , Weilguny Lukas , Adame Maria Fernanda , Adams Janine B. , Austin William E. N. , Copertino Margareth S. , Cott Grace M. , Duarte de Paula Costa Micheli , Holmquist James R. , Ladd Cai J. T. , Lovelock Catherine E. , Ludwig Marvin , Moritsch Monica M. , Navarro Alejandro , Raw Jacqueline L. , Ruiz-Fernández Ana-Carolina , Serrano Oscar , Smeaton Craig , Van de Broek Marijn , Windham-Myers Lisamarie , Landis Emily , Worthington Thomas A.
Published: November 2024

Tidal marshes are threatened coastal ecosystems known for their capacity to store large amounts of carbon in their water-logged soils. Accurate quantification and mapping of global tidal marshes soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is of considerable value to conservation efforts. Here, we used training data from 3710 unique locations, landscape-level environmental drivers and a global tidal marsh extent map to produce a global, spatially explicit map of SOC storage in tidal marshes at 30 m resolution. Here we show the total global SOC stock to 1 m to be 1.44 Pg C, with a third of this value stored in the United States of America. On average, SOC in tidal marshes’ 0–30 and 30–100 cm soil layers are estimated at 83.1 Mg C ha−1 (average predicted error 44.8 Mg C ha−1) and 185.3 Mg C ha−1 (average predicted error 105.7 Mg C ha−1), respectively.
Spin transport of a doped Mott insulator in moiré heterostructures
Authors: Regan Emma C. , Lu Zheyu , Wang Danqing , Zhang Yang , Devakul Trithep , Nie Jacob H. , Zhang Zuocheng , Zhao Wenyu , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Tongay Sefaattin , Zettl Alex , Fu Liang , Wang Feng
Published: November 2024

Moiré superlattices of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide heterobilayers are model systems for investigating strongly correlated electronic phenomena. Specifically, WSe2/WS2 moiré superlattices have emerged as a quantum simulator for the two-dimensional extended Hubbard model. Experimental studies of charge transport have revealed correlated Mott insulator and generalized Wigner crystal states, but spin transport of the moiré heterostructure has not yet been sufficiently explored. Here, we use spatially and temporally resolved circular dichroism spectroscopy to directly image the spin transport as a function of carrier doping and temperature in WSe2/WS2 moiré heterostructures. We observe diffusive spin transport at all hole concentrations at 11 Kelvin — including the Mott insulator at one hole per moiré unit cell — where charge transport is strongly suppressed. At elevated temperatures the spin diffusion constant remains unchanged in the Mott insulator state, but it increases significantly at finite doping away from the Mott state. The doping- and temperature-dependent spin transport can be qualitatively understood using a t–J model, where spins can move via the hopping of spin-carrying charges and via the exchange interaction.
Quantitative determination of the spatial distribution of components in single cells with CellDetail
Authors: Schuster Tanja , Amoah Amanda , Vollmer Angelika , Marka Gina , Niemann Julian , Saçma Mehmet , Sakk Vadim , Soller Karin , Vogel Mona , Grigoryan Ani , Wlaschek Meinhard , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin , Mulaw Medhanie , Geiger Hartmut
Published: November 2024

The distribution of biomolecules within cells changes upon aging and diseases. To quantitatively determine the spatial distribution of components inside cells, we built the user-friendly open-source 3D-cell-image analysis platform Cell Detection and Analysis of Intensity Lounge (CellDetail). The algorithm within CellDetail is based on the concept of the dipole moment. CellDetail provides quantitative values for the distribution of the polarity proteins Cdc42 and Tubulin in young and aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Septin proteins form networks within cells that are critical for cell compartmentalization. We uncover a reduced level of organization of the Septin network within aged HSCs and within senescent human fibroblasts. Changes in the Septin network structure might therefore be a common feature of aging. The level of organization of the network of Septin proteins in aged HSCs can be restored to a youthful level by pharmacological attenuation of the activity of the small RhoGTPase Cdc42.
Dual therapy with corticosteroid ablates the beneficial effect of DP2 antagonism in chronic experimental asthma
Authors: Ullah Md Ashik , Rittchen Sonja , Li Jia , Curren Bodie F. , Namubiru Patricia , Ahmed Tufael , Howard Daniel R. , Rahman Muhammed Mahfuzur , Sikder Md Al Amin , Rashid Ridwan B. , Collinson Natasha , Lor Mary , Smythe Mark L. , Phipps Simon
Published: November 2024

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signals via the DP1 and DP2 receptors. In Phase II trials, DP2 antagonism decreased airway inflammation and airway smooth muscle (ASM) area in moderate-to-severe asthma patients. However, in Phase III, DP2 antagonism failed to lower the rate of exacerbations, and DP2 as a target was shelved. Here, using a preclinical model of chronic experimental asthma, we demonstrate that rhinovirus-induced exacerbations increase PGD2 release, mucus production, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and type-2 inflammation. DP2 antagonism or DP1 agonism ablates these phenotypes, increases epithelial EGF expression and decreases ASM area via increased IFN-γ. In contrast, dual DP1-DP2 antagonism or dual corticosteroid/DP2 antagonism, which attenuates endogenous PGD2, prevented ASM resolution. We demonstrate that DP2 antagonism resolves ASM remodelling via PGD2/DP1-mediated upregulation of IFN-γ expression, and that dual DP2 antagonism/corticosteroid therapy, as often occurred in the human trials, impairs the efficacy of DP2 antagonism by suppressing endogenous PGD2 and IFN-γ production.
Multiomics approaches disclose very-early molecular and cellular switches during insect-venom allergen-specific immunotherapy: an observational study
Authors: Pogorelov Dimitrii , Bode Sebastian Felix Nepomuk , He Xin , Ramiro-Garcia Javier , Hedin Fanny , Ammerlaan Wim , Konstantinou Maria , Capelle Christophe M. , Zeng Ni , Poli Aurélie , Domingues Olivia , Montamat Guillem , Hunewald Oliver , Ciré Séverine , Baron Alexandre , Longworth Joseph , Demczuk Agnieszka , Bazon Murilo Luiz , Casper Ingrid , Klimek Ludger , Neuberger-Castillo Lorie , Revets Dominique , Guyonnet Lea , Delhalle Sylvie , Zimmer Jacques , Benes Vladimir , Codreanu-Morel Françoise , Lehners-Weber Christiane , Weets Ilse , Alper Pinar , Brenner Dirk , Gutermuth Jan , Guerin Coralie , Morisset Martine , Hentges François , Schneider Reinhard , Shamji Mohamed H. , Betsou Fay , Wilmes Paul , Glaab Enrico , Cosma Antonio , Goncalves Jorge , Hefeng Feng Q. , Ollert Markus
Published: November 2024

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance, showing the highest success rate (>95%) for insect venom while a much lower chance for pollen allergy. However, the molecular switches leading to successful durable tolerance restoration remain elusive. The primary outcome of this observational study is the comprehensive immunological cellular characterization during the AIT initiation phase, whereas the secondary outcomes are the serological and Th2-cell-type-specific transcriptomic analyses. Here we apply a multilayer-omics approach to reveal dynamic peripheral immune landscapes during the AIT-initiation phase in venom allergy patients (VAP) versus pollen-allergic and healthy controls. Already at baseline, VAP exhibit altered abundances of several cell types, including classical monocytes (cMono), CD4+ hybrid type 1-type 17 cells (Th1-Th17 or Th1/17) and CD8+ counterparts (Tc1-Tc17 or Tc1/17). At 8-24 h following AIT launch in VAP, we identify a uniform AIT-elicited pulse of late-transitional/IL-10-producing B cells, IL-6 signaling within Th2 cells and non-inflammatory serum-IL-6 levels. Sequential induction of activation and survival protein markers also immediately occur. A disequilibrium between serum IL-6 and cMono in VAP baseline is restored at day seven following AIT launch. Our longitudinal analysis discovers molecular switches during initiation-phase insect-venom AIT that secure long-term outcomes. Trial number: NCT02931955.
Denoising-autoencoder-facilitated MEMS computational spectrometer with enhanced resolution on a silicon photonic chip
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhang Hui , Qiao Qifeng , Chen Heng , Huang Qian , Wang Hanxing , Ren Qinghua , Wang Nan , Ma Yiming , Lee Chengkuo
Published: November 2024

Silicon photonics enables the construction of chip-scale spectrometers, in which those using a single tunable interferometer provide a simple and cost-effective solution. Among various tuning mechanisms, electrostatic MEMS reconfiguration stands out as an ideal candidate, given its high tuning efficiency and ultra-low power consumption. Nonetheless, MEMS devices face significant noise challenges arising from their susceptible minuscule components, adversely impacting spectral resolution. Here, we propose a distinct paradigm of spectrometers through synergizing an easily-fabricated MEMS-reconfigurable low-loss waveguide coupler on a silicon photonic chip and a convolutional autoencoder denoising (CAED) mechanism. The spectrometer offers a 300 nm bandwidth and a reconstruction resolution of 0.3 nm in a noise-free condition. In a noisy environment with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as 30 dB, the reconstruction resolution of the interferograms processed by the CAED exhibits an enhancement from 1.2 to 0.4 nm, approaching the noise-free value. Our technology is envisaged to provide a powerful and cost-effective solution for applications requiring accurate, broadband, and energy-efficient spectral analysis.
miR-1, miR-133a, miR-29b and skeletal muscle fibrosis in chronic limb-threatening ischaemia
Authors: Keane Alan J. , Sanz-Nogués Clara , Jayasooriya Dulan , Creane Michael , Chen Xizhe , Lyons Caomhán J. , Sikri Isha , Goljanek-Whysall Katarzyna , O’Brien Timothy
Published: November 2024

Chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), the most severe manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is associated with a poor prognosis and high amputation rates. Despite novel therapeutic approaches being investigated, no significant clinical benefits have been observed yet. Understanding the molecular pathways of skeletal muscle dysfunction in CLTI is crucial for designing successful treatments. This study aimed to identify miRNAs dysregulated in muscle biopsies from PAD cohorts. Using MIcroRNA ENrichment TURned NETwork (MIENTURNET) on a publicly accessible RNA-sequencing dataset of PAD cohorts, we identified a list of miRNAs that were over-represented among the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CLTI. Next, we validated the altered expression of these miRNAs and their targets in mice with hindlimb ischaemia (HLI). Our results showed a significant downregulation of miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-29b levels in the ischaemic limbs versus the contralateral non-ischaemic limb. A miRNA target protein-protein interaction network identified extracellular matrix components, including collagen-1a1, -3a1, and -4a1, fibronectin-1, fibrin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -14, and Sparc, which were upregulated in the ischaemic muscle of mice. This is the first study to identify miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-29b as potential contributors to fibrosis and vascular pathology in CLTI muscle, which supports their potential as novel therapeutic agents for this condition.
eEF2K as an important kinase associated with cancer survival and prognosis
Authors: Wang Nan , Cen Li-Lan , Tian Zhe , An Miao-Miao , Gu Qian , Zhou Xin-Hong , Zhang Yi-He , Liu Lucas , Zhang Jun , Yang Di , Huang Yong-Zhi , Long Xi-Dai , Yang Qian
Published: November 2024

Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K), a member of the α-kinase family, services as a crucial negative regulator of protein synthesis, particularly under conditions of cellular stress. A pan-cancer analysis of eEF2K expression, genetic variants, and clinical relevance across multiple tumor types was performed using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO. Our findings suggest that eEF2K has dual roles in cancer progression, with its expression correlating with patient prognosis. Significant phosphorylation of eEF2 at T57, Y434, and T59 was observed, which may regulate protein synthesis during stress. The elevated T59 phosphorylation in COAD, despite the low eEF2K expression, indicates that this may be regulated by alternative kinases, such as AMPK or mTOR. This suggests that compensatory mechanisms may be involved. In addition to modulating eEF2 phosphorylation, eEF2K is involved in a number of other processes, including peptidyl-serine phosphorylation, the G2/M transition, and the MAPK cascade. The protein products of eEF2K are capable of localizing to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cytosol, where they bind to a range of proteins, including ATP and calcium ions. These findings provide novel insights into the role of eEF2K in cancer biology and suggest that the targeting of eEF2K and eEF2 phosphorylation may offer promising therapeutic strategies.
Calculation of vessel pulse wave velocities in retinal vein segments within the optic disc centre
Authors: Vukmirovic A. , Morgan W. H. , Obreschkow D. , Abdul-Rahman A. , Yu D. Y. , Mehnert A.
Published: November 2024

The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) method is used clinically to determine degrees of stiffness and other indices of disease. It is believed PWV measurement in retinal vessels may allow early detection of diseases. In this paper we present a new non-invasive method for estimating PWVs in retinal vein segments close to the optic disc centre, based on the measurement of blood column pulsation in retinal veins (reflective of vessel wall pulsation), using modified photoplethysmography (PPG). An optic disc (OD) PPG video is acquired spanning three cardiac cycles for a fixed ophthalmodynamometric force. The green colour channel frames are extracted, cropped and aligned. A harmonic regression model is fitted to each pixel intensity time series along the vein centreline from the centre to the periphery of the OD. The phase of the first harmonic is plotted against centreline distance. A least squares line is fitted between the first local maximum phase and first local minimum phase and its slope used to compute PWV. Five left eye inferior hemi-retinal veins from five healthy subjects were analysed. Velocities were calculated for several induced intraocular pressures ranging from a mean baseline of 14 mmHg (SD 5) to 56 mmHg in steps of approximately 5 mmHg. The median PWV over all pressure steps and subjects was 20.77 mm/s (IQR 29.27). The experimental results show that pulse wave propagation direction was opposite to flow in this initial venous segment.
Longitudinal study of metacognition’s role in self-efficacy and hope development
Authors: Kleka Paweł , Brycz Hanna , Zięba Mariusz , Fanslau Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Self-regulation is a critical component of adaptive functioning, and individual differences in traits like metacognitive self-awareness (MCS), general self-efficacy (GSE), and hope play significant roles in influencing this ability. Self-awareness of cognitive biases is particularly relevant as it may enhance one’s capacity to manage challenges and pursue goals effectively. Prior research suggests that higher levels of MCS are associated with improved self-regulation, greater self-efficacy, and stronger hope for success. This longitudinal study sought to explore the development of self-regulation across 3 years of college education, with a specific focus on the role of MCS in shaping the trajectories of GSE and hope. Over 400 undergraduates were assessed five times throughout this period. Growth curve and causal mediation analyses were employed to examine the extent to which MCS contributed to changes in GSE and hope. Our findings indicate that self-awareness of cognitive biases (MCS) significantly influences the development of self-efficacy. Participants with higher levels of MCS exhibited a slightly faster increase in coping skills than those with lower levels. Additionally, MCS moderated the development of hope: individuals with above-median MCS scores showed a faster increase in hope, whereas those with below-median scores experienced an irregular decrease. In conclusion, MCS serves as a valuable resource for developing self-efficacy and hope. However, the influence of real-life challenges on hope appears to depend on an individual’s metacognitive skills, with better outcomes observed among those with higher MCS.
Eco-friendly bupropion detection sensor with co-formulated dextromethorphan in AUVELITY tablet and spiked plasma
Authors: Algmaal Shrouk E. , Mahmoud Amr M. , Boltia Shereen A. , El-Saharty Yasser S. , Ghoniem Nermine S.
Published: November 2024

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials designed to selectively recognize and bind to specific target molecules. The process of determining Bupropion (BUP) using MIPs involves preparing the MIP, extracting the target molecule, and conducting subsequent analysis. A bio-inspired MIP-based electrochemical sensor was developed to detect BUP, utilizing the specific binding of MIPs to Bupropion molecules, enabling precise and sensitive detection. The combination of molecular imprinting and electrochemistry in this approach allows for the development of a highly reliable and effective sensor specifically designed for BUP detection. In this method, copolymerization conditions were carefully optimized to ensure selectivity and sensitivity in detecting BUP. Different monomers, including o-phenylenediamine, 4-aminophenol, L-dopa, and 1,4-phenylenediamine, were explored, with the best interaction observed for L-dopa and 1,4-phenylenediamine. Consequently, their copolymer was implemented to create selective MIPs through a straightforward electropolymerization process on a disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) substrate for BUP detection. The functionality of the copolymer of L-dopa and 1,4-phenylenediamine as an electroactive copolymer in preparing electro-polymerized MIP films was investigated for the first time. This was demonstrated by constructing a novel electrochemical sensor for the selective recognition of BUP in different matrices. The interactions between L-dopa and 1,4-phenylenediamine, used as functional monomers, and the template were studied experimentally using UV spectroscopy. BUP was used as the template, and the copolymer was electrografted onto PGE. The constructed sensor was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and BUP binding to the MIP cavities was measured indirectly with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox probe. A linear and repeatable response was displayed by the sensor across a range of 1.0 × 10⁻13 M to 1.0 × 10⁻11 M of BUP, with a limit of detection of 3.18 × 10⁻14 M. The sensor demonstrated robust selectivity for BUP over interfering drugs, such as dextromethorphan, in pharmaceutical dosage forms and spiked human plasma. The environmental impact of the proposed approach was evaluated using green analytical chemistry principles, including the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) metric.
Effect of silver ion and silicate group on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of nanosized hydroxyapatite
Authors: Pinchuk Nataliia D. , Piecuch Agata , Charczuk Natalia , Sobierajska Paulina , Targonska Sara , Bezkrovnyi Oleksii , Ogórek Rafał , Wang Yadong , Wiglusz Rafal J.
Published: November 2024

Hydroxyapatite is one of the most widely used materials in biomedical applications in reparative and regenerative medicine. Doping of nanosized hydroxyapatite improves its bioactive properties, and thus, the synthesis of different types of nanohydroxyapatite with antimicrobial activity is a perspective route of modern materials science. In this study, undoped hydroxyapatite (HAp), hydroxyapatite doped with silver (HAp with 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mol% Ag+ ions), and silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite doped with silver (Si-HAp with 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mol% Ag+ ions) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique and sintered at 450 °C. The structural properties and composition of obtained hydroxyapatite NPs were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The morphology of synthesized nanosized powders was detected using the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) technique. The results of XRPD for all synthesized nanosized powders confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite crystal structure. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of the hydroxyapatite structure. The EDS analysis of obtained materials has shown the presence of Ca, P, O, Si, and Ag elements. Significant differences in size and morphology of the obtained particles were found using HRTEM. The particles have an elongated, rod-like shape with subtle differences. Moreover, HAp doped with 1 mol% Ag+ ions and Si-HAp doped with 1 mol% Ag+ ions nanosized powders showed antibacterial activity in comparison to pure hydroxyapatite both against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis). These two types of hydroxyapatite NPs also demonstrated antifungal activity against reference strains of Candida albicans, Candida kruzei, and Candida tropicalis, with stronger activity observed for Si-HAp doped with silver.
Carob fruit extract as naturally products corrosion inhibitor for copper-nickel alloys in brine solutions
Authors: Fouda Abd El Aziz S. , Nageeb Mona , Gaber Ghalia A. , Ahmed Amal S. , El-Hossiany Ahmed A. , Atia Mohamed F.
Published: November 2024

Copper-nickel alloys are the preferred material for desalination facilities and condensers and heat exchangers that use saltwater as a coolant. The eco-friendly compounds especially Carob fruit extract (CFE) has emerged as excessive green corrosion inhibitor for alloys. Cu-Ni alloys are widely used in various industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance. However, their performance can be compromised in aggressive environments like seawater (which is approximately 3.5% NaCl). To evaluate the corrosion behavior of these alloys and the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors, researchers often employ weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that CFE exhibited a good ability to decrease the CR of alloys in 3.5% NaCl solution. The inhibition efficacy (IE) was reached to 92.6% and ̴ 83.2% at 300 ppm dose of CFE for Cu-10Ni alloy and Cu-30Ni alloy, respectively. The CR increases with temperature rising, but the addition of CFE reduces the CR, and the reduction depends on the dose of the extract. Adsorption of the extract gives a good fit to Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich isotherms model. The free adsorption energies of CFE on Cu-10Ni and Cu-30Ni alloys were 17.61 and 15.86 kJ mol−1, respectively, suggesting that CFE was weakly held to both alloys. The presence of a protective film on the alloys surface is confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). The study suggests that utilizing affordable, natural substances as green corrosion inhibitors presents a new strategy for promoting both resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Application of recycled battery graphite decorated with poly hippuric acid/ multiwalled carbon nanotubes as an ecofriendly sensor for serotonin
Authors: El-Nasser Aya G. Abd , Metwally Mahmoud G. , Shoukry Azza A. , El Nashar Rasha M.
Published: November 2024

A novel modified sensor based on electropolymerization of hippuric acid (HA) using cyclic voltammetry within the potential window − 1 to 1.5 V for 10 cycles at a scan rate 100 mV s−1 over multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on battery graphite electrode (BGE). Poly (HA)/MWCNTs/BGE sensor exhibited two linearity ranges 3.00 × 10−3 to 1.00 µM (5.29 × 10−4 – 0.18 µg/ml) and 5.00 to 1.00 × 103 µM (0.88− 176.22 µg/ml) with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.06 × 10−2 µM (1.06 × 10−4 µg/ml) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.00 × 10−3 µM (3.52 × 10−4 µg/ml). The poly (HA)/MWCNTs/BGE sensor was successfully applied to the determination of SER in the presence of tryptophan and in human blood serum with recovery ranges 98.31–105.47% with RSD values 3.02– 4.77%. Green chemistry metrics : national environmental index (NEMI), analytical greenness metric (AGREE), Raynie and Driver, green analytical procedure index (GAPI), and the analytical eco-scale were employed and indicated that the proposed sensor can be classified as an excellent green method, achieving an analytical eco-scale score of 84.
Comparative architecture of the tessellated boxfish (Ostracioidea) carapace
Authors: Eigen Lennart , Wölfer Jan , Baum Daniel , Le Mai-Lee Van , Werner Daniel , Dean Mason N. , Nyakatura John A.
Published: November 2024

Tessellations (surface architectures of arrays of hard tiles) are common in natural and man-made designs. Boxfishes (Ostracioidea) are almost completely encased in a tessellated armor and have evolved a plethora of cross-sectional carapace shapes, yet whether the scutes constructing these exhibit comparable variation is unknown. Using high-resolution microCT and semi-automatic segmentation algorithms, we quantitatively examined thousands of scutes from 13 species of diverse body form. A cluster analysis revealed that certain scute types are associated with specific carapace regions independent of carapace shape. Scute types differentiate between carapace edges and flat regions, as well as between the head region with many carapace openings and the more consistently closed abdominal region, pointing at a constructional commonality or constraint shared by all boxfish species. However, the dimensions of edge scutes varied systematically with carapace shape (e.g., scute aspect ratio tended to increase with decreasing carapace height). This suggests that protection is maintained across body forms by managing scute- and carapace-level mechanisms for increasing bending resistance. Future studies on other taxa are necessary to understand whether these architectural principles are specific evolutionary solutions for building a boxfish carapace or whether they are shared by other biological systems that serve a similar protective function.
Different sustained and induced alpha oscillations emerge in the human auditory cortex during sound processing
Authors: López-Madrona Víctor J. , Trébuchon Agnès , Bénar Christian G. , Schön Daniele , Morillon Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Alpha oscillations in the auditory cortex have been associated with attention and the suppression of irrelevant information. However, their anatomical organization and interaction with other neural processes remain unclear. Do alpha oscillations function as a local mechanism within most neural sources to regulate their internal excitation/inhibition balance, or do they belong to separated inhibitory sources gating information across the auditory network? To address this question, we acquired intracerebral electrophysiological recordings from epilepsy patients during rest and tones listening. Thanks to independent component analysis, we disentangled the different neural sources and labeled them as “oscillatory” if they presented strong alpha oscillations at rest, and/or “evoked” if they displayed a significant evoked response to the stimulation. Our results show that 1) sources are condition-specific and segregated in the auditory cortex, 2) both sources have a high-gamma response followed by an induced alpha suppression, 3) only oscillatory sources present a sustained alpha suppression during all the stimulation period. We hypothesize that there are two different alpha oscillations in the auditory cortex: an induced bottom-up response indicating a selective engagement of the primary cortex to process the stimuli, and a sustained suppression reflecting a general disinhibited state of the network to process sensory information.
Signatures of under-the-barrier dynamics in a tunneling electron wavepacket
Authors: Klaiber Michael , Hatsagortsyan Karen Z. , Keitel Christoph H.
Published: November 2024

The time delay in strong field tunneling ionization presents a captivating challenge in the field of attoscience. It is linked to the phase of the photoelectron wavepacket, a relationship that modern attosecond photoelectron interferometry can effectively probe. However, the connection between sub-barrier dynamics and the phase formation remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the role of under-the-barrier recollisions for shaping the phase of the photoelectron wavepacket. We establish a general analytical relationship between the phase of the tunneled electron wavepacket and the tunneling rate. Our results demonstrate that the Coulomb field effect of the atomic potential enhances both the amplitude of the recolliding path and the phase shift of the wavepacket, effectively countering the lateral spreading of the tunneling wavepacket during sub-barrier propagation. The insights gained from this research will aid in the development of free electron wavepackets with tailored properties through strong field ionization.
β-Cyclodextrin modified imidazole probe specific recognition of organic acids based on nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Zhang Chenglin , Du Yanqi , Lu Ye , Wang Leyi , Wang Dequan , Zhang Qiang , Wang Yong , Xiao Yin
Published: November 2024

Synergy between cyclodextrin and imidazole confers new functions to the molecular probe. 1-Adamantanecarboxylic acid is distinguished from its analogs by the altered hydrogen–deuterium exchange dynamics of the H-2 and NMR peak shape of H-4, H-5.
A length-band fluorescence-based paper analytical device for detecting dipicolinic acid via ofloxacin complexation with Cu2+
Authors: Nghia Nguyen Ngoc , The Huy Bui , Hieu Nguyen Huu , Kim Phuong Nguyen Thi , Lee Yong-Ill
Published: November 2024

Dipicolinic acid (DPA) is a key biomarker of bacterial spores.
An electrochemical aptasensor based on C-ZIF-67@PAN nanofibers for detection of ampicillin in milk
Authors: Luo Yuting , Sun Yiwei , Wang Haoxiang , He Yuyang , Zhang Yuxun , Lei Hailu , Yang Hong , Wei Jinhao , Xu Dongpo
Published: November 2024

C-ZIF-67@PAN nanofibers are prepared as an active material for ampicillin (AMP) detection.
Bottom-up approaches to prepare ultrathin TiO2 nanosheets
Authors: Jia Wenyu , Zhai Tianyu , Lu Xiaotong , Cui Pengfei , Wang Yuan , Wang Yuxuan , Jiang Jiani , Liu Xinchen , Xiang Guolei
Published: November 2024

This Review summarizes the bottom-up wet-chemistry synthetic protocols of atomically thin TiO2 nanosheets.
Assembling molecular semiconductor composites for enhanced photocatalytic cyclohexene oxidation
Authors: Yu Haiyan , Wang Xueting , Kong Tingting , Gao Mei-Yan , Cui Xiaofeng
Published: November 2024

A molecular semiconductor composite was assembled by integrating atomically precise Ti12-oxo clusters and phosphotungstic acid into a cocrystal system.
Elucidating the influence of side chains on the self-assembly of semi-flexible mesogens
Authors: Gearba Raluca I. , Anokhin Denis V. , Ivanov Dimitri A.
Published: November 2024

We report a double-helical superstructure formed by star-shaped molecules with semiflexible oligoester arms. The formation of the helices is driven by the organization of alkyl chains, which serve as the driving force for structural assembly.
Robust phosphine-based covalent-organic framework palladium catalysts for the highly efficient carbonylation coupling reaction
Authors: Yu Benling , He Liuqing , Wei Shiyuan , Li Jiawei , Wang You , Zhong Juan , Huang Jianhan , Liu You-Nian
Published: November 2024

Through three-component Knoevenagel condensation, the first vinyl-linked PPh3-based covalent-organic frameworks (Pd@TMBen-PPh3 and Pd@TMBen-4F-PPh3) were constructed and utilized in the highly efficient Pd-catalyzed carbonylation coupling reaction.
A fully polydicyclopentadiene skeletonized epoxy resin system and its fundamental properties as an electronic material
Authors: Li Yuqing , Zhao Peng , Ju Xiongtao , Jiang Shutong , Zhang Long , Li Jianhua , Li Shun , Li Xu , Zhang Jianming
Published: November 2024

A fully polydicyclopentadiene-networked epoxy resin demonstrates outstanding properties with a high Tg of over 250 °C and a low Dk of 0.0065 at 10 GHz as an electronic material, outperforming commercial DGEBA epoxy resins.
Mechanistic insights into an enantioselective synthetic strategy for 1,3-disubstituted planar chiral ferrocenes
Authors: Jia Feiyun , Zhang Chenghua , Yang Yongsheng , Zheng Xueting , Shi Mingsong
Published: November 2024

A cooperative palladium/norbornene (NBE)-catalyzed enantioselective relay remote C–H bond activation mechanism is established by a DFT calculation.
Modulating the electronic interaction between Au and nitrogen-rich porous organic polymers for enhanced CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid
Authors: Yan Huixin , Wang Xingyan , Liang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xinxin , Liu LongFei , Ji Min , Wang Min , Wang Xinkui
Published: November 2024

Au nanoparticles supported on the amine functionalized porous organic polymers show efficient CO2 activation and hydrogenation to formic acid.
Triphenylamine–ethylenedioxythiophene copolymers for perovskite solar cells: impact of substituent type and alternation
Authors: He Lifei , Zhang Yuyan , Zhang Bing , Mu Yanfei , Xu Niansheng , Cai Yaohang , Yuan Yi , Zhang Jing , Zhang Min , Wang Peng
Published: November 2024

A copolymer of triphenylamine and ethylenedioxythiophene affords stable perovskite solar cells with an average efficiency of 25.4%.
Contriving a gel polymer electrolyte to drive quasi-solid-state high-voltage Li metal batteries at ultralow temperatures
Authors: Chen Xuanfeng , Qin Chunhao , Chu Fulu , Li Fangkun , Liu Jun , Wu Feixiang
Published: November 2024

A simple gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) for low-temperature operation is designed with multifunctional components, enabling fast ion transport and stable interface. Li//LCO cells with the GPE achieve high capacity and stable cycling even at −60 °C.
Solid phase silver sulfide nanoparticles contribute significantly to biotic silver in agricultural systems
Authors: Huang Yingnan , Yan Huijun , Dang Fei , Wang Zhenyu , White Jason C. , Wang Yujun
Published: November 2024

This study presents the first evidence of a substantial contribution of soil-borne NPs to biotic silver burden in comparison to aqueous phase NPs observed in the water column.
Trapping intermediates of the NO2 hydrolysis reaction on ice
Authors: Maurais Josée , Wespiser Clément , Robidas Raphaël , Legault Claude Y. , Ayotte Patrick
Published: November 2024

Metastable ONONO2 is prepared using molecular beam techniques and adsorbed at the surface of an ice film at 40 K allowing this heterogeneous NO2 hydrolysis reaction intermediate to be trapped and characterized in situ using vibrational spectroscopy.
Substituting animal protein with black soymilk reduces advanced glycation end product level and improves gut microbiota composition in obese prediabetic individuals: a randomized crossover intervention trial
Authors: Chang Yu-Ho , Lee Pei-Ni , Chen Cheng-Hsu , Yang Hsin-Yi , Wu Chi-Hao , Doong Jia-Yau , Yeh Wan-Ju
Published: November 2024

Prediabetes (PreDM) and obesity increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Polydopamine-mediated gold nanoparticle coating strategy and its application in photothermal polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Chae Woo Ri , Song Yoon-Jae , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: November 2024

Polydopamine, a mussel-foot-inspired polymer, was implemented to facilitate the deposition of photothermally active gold via electroless deposition, and the coated surface was applied to achieve a light-triggered polymerase chain reaction on a chip.
Repeated pulses of ultrasound maintain sperm motility
Authors: Vafaie Ali , Shahali Sahar , Raveshi Mohammad Reza , Nosrati Reza , Neild Adrian
Published: November 2024

Pulsed ultrasound in an acoustofluidic device maintains sperm motility without compromising viability or DNA integrity, offering a safer, non-toxic alternative for assisted reproduction.
Highly conductive and stable electrolytes for solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cells: fabrication, characterisation, recent progress and challenges
Authors: Li Jing , Cai Qiong , Amini Horri Bahman
Published: November 2024

Solid oxide electrolyser (SOE) technology emerges as a promising alternative, typified by high-efficiency water-splitting capability and lower cost for large-scale hydrogen production. Electrolytes are the critical part of SOECs and SOFCs, which affect the performance and operation temperatures.
YAP/TAZ cytoskeletal remodelling is driven by mechanotactic and electrotactic cues
Authors: Basilico Bernadette , Grieco Maddalena , D’Amone Stefania , Palamà Ilaria Elena , Lauro Clotilde , Mozetic Pamela , Rainer Alberto , de Panfilis Simone , de Turris Valeria , Gigli Giuseppe , Cortese Barbara
Published: November 2024

Cells respond dynamically to multiple cues in complex microenvironments, which influence their behaviour, function, and molecular pathways.
Bismuth and tellurium co-doping: a route to improve thermoelectric efficiency in InSe polycrystals
Authors: Shankar Manasa R. , Prabhu A. N. , Srivastava Tulika
Published: November 2024

Bi and Te co-doping in InSe leads to enhanced electrical transport properties and reduced thermal conductivity results in significant improvement in the power factor and ZT, making InSe a promising material for thermoelectric applications.
Long-chain surface-modified red-emitting carbon dots as fluorescent additives for 3D printing vat-photopolymerization
Authors: Maturi Simone , Baschieri Andrea , Locatelli Erica , Buccioli Martina , Comes Franchini Mauro , Sambri Letizia
Published: November 2024

Red-emitting carbon dots from renewable materials can be used as fluorescent additives in 3D-printing vat-photopolymerization.
Carbon nanospheres: an antimicrobial approach for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Sah Samantha Raj , Samal Debashree Banita , Venkatasubbu G. Devanand
Published: November 2024

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial strain that induces infections and exhibits resistance to most standard medications, complicating treatment efforts.
Facile synthesis and anion binding properties of a preorganized macrocyclic receptor
Authors: Cheng Channi , Li Zhengxiang , Zhao Dezhi , Han Chengyou
Published: November 2024

Herein, we report a novel Schiff base macrocyclic receptor which was characterized by NMR, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing it was a rigid and preorganized planar π-conjugated fluorescent macrocycle showing anion binding properties.
Microfluidics-generated PLA nanoparticles: impact of purification method on macrophage interactions, anti-inflammatory effects, biodistribution, and protein corona formation
Authors: Shaw Jacob R. , Vaidya Radha , Xu Fanny , Dharmaraj Shruti , Pearson Ryan M.
Published: November 2024

This study identifies TFF as an efficient method for scalable NP purification compared to centrifugation, though it alters biological properties that should be evaluated case-by-case.
Effects of crosslink density and plasticizer on thermorheological properties of dissociative guanidine-based covalent adaptable networks
Authors: Koenig Adelle L. , Allis Kelsey M. , Lehr John S. , Larsen Michael B.
Published: November 2024

This work describes the effect of varying crosslink density and plasticizer loading on covalent adaptable networks that have equal amounts of reactive functionalities.
Exogenous/endogenous stimuli-responsive nanocatalysts trigger in situ chemical reactions for tumor catalytic therapy: an up-to-date mini-review
Authors: Song Kaiyue , Jiang Cong , Huang Shaorong , Li Xianglong
Published: November 2024

This mini-review briefly but relatively comprehensively summarizes recent advances in exogenous/endogenous stimuli-responsive nanocatalysts that trigger in situ chemical reactions for tumor catalytic therapy, and discusses the future challenges.
Practical heptafluoroisopropylation of nitrogen-containing (hetero)aromatics under visible light
Authors: Luo Xin , Lou Shao-Jie , Sun Yan-Biao , Jing Cheng-Cheng , Fei Xiang , Zhang Xiao-Xiao , Zhai Jing-Jing , Wang Yi-Feng , Xu Dan-Qian
Published: November 2024

An operationally practical visible-light-driven heptafluoroisopropylation of diverse anilines and heterocyclic aromatics with the readily accessible heptafluoroisopropyl iodide (iC3F7-I) by an electron-donor–acceptor (EDA) strategy is presented.
Artificial photoenzyme catalyzed aerobic oxidative cleavage of olefins in water
Authors: Fu Yu , Ye Xutong , Sun Yuanjie , Wang Zehui , Xu Yingru , Wu Yuzhou , Xie Shangxian , Zhao Weining , Wu Guojiao , Zhong Fangrui
Published: November 2024

An efficient photocatalytic system based on an artificially engineered photoenzyme, BSA-TXO, has been developed for the oxidative cleavage of various alkenes into ketones.
Application of machine learning in developing a quantitative structure–property relationship model for predicting the thermal decomposition temperature of nitrogen-rich energetic ionic salts
Authors: Zhang Yunling , Fan Liang , Su Chao , Shu Zhenyu , Zhang Haijie
Published: November 2024

A reliable QSPR model of thermal decomposition temperature (Td) was built and developed using support vector machine (SVM) learning technology to predict the property of newly designed nitrogen-rich energetic ionic salts.
A review on the multifaceted effects of δ-MnO2 on heavy metals, organic matter, and other soil components
Authors: Hu Haoran , Li Xiang , Gao Xinyu , Wang Lei , Li Bo , Zhan Fandong , He Yongmei , Qin Li , Liang Xinran
Published: November 2024

Manganese oxide minerals are prevalent in soils and play a pivotal role in the immobilization of heavy metals and the transformation of materials.
Ruthenium(ii) catalyzed C-3 site selective alkenylation of indole derivatives via C–H activation
Authors: Rallabandi Jithender , Mohanty Smrutiranjan , Shown Indrajit
Published: November 2024

Using a cost-effective Ru(ii) catalyst under mild conditions for C3-selective alkenylation of indoles via C–H activation, this method offers high selectivity, a broad substrate scope, and moderate to high yields, producing 3-substituted indoles.
Can selenenyl sulfides be a substrate of glutathione reductase enzyme? A theoretical insight
Authors: Chari Vishnu Rama , Behera Raghu Nath
Published: November 2024

Glutathione reductase (GR) catalyzes the reduction of selenenyl sulfide (RSeSG) to glutathione (GSH) and selenol (RSeH).
High-performance H2S gas sensor utilizing MXene/MoS2 heterostructure synthesized via the Langmuir–Blodgett technique and chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shin Jae Hyuk , Jo Su Hun , Rhyu Hyejin , Park Chanwon , Kang Myung Hyun , Song Wooseok , Lee Sun Sook , Lim Jongsun , Myung Sung
Published: November 2024

An H2S gas sensor was developed using an MXene/MoS2 heterostructure, fabricated through Langmuir–Blodgett and CVD. The gas sensor showed a 5-fold enhancement in gas response for H2S, demonstrating a new approach for advanced electronic applications.
Slow magnetic relaxation and strong magnetic coupling in the nitroxyl radical complexes of lanthanide(iii) with diamagnetic ground state (Ln = Lu, Eu)
Authors: Sorace Lorenzo , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Perfetti Mauro , Vostrikova Kira E.
Published: November 2024

A combined EPR and magnetic study of [LnRad(NO3)3], supported by calculations, unveiled an unprecedentedly large antiferromagnetic coupling between Eu3+ and radical spins with slow magnetization dynamics below 20 K discovered for Eu and Lu species.
Oleylammonium fluoride passivated blue-emitting 2D CsPbBr3 nanoplates with near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield: safeguarding against threats from external perturbations
Authors: Sen Arghya , Dutta Abhijit , Bose Abir Lal , Sen Pratik
Published: November 2024

Post-synthetic treatment of two-dimensional (2D) colloidal CsPbBr3 nanoplates by oleylammonium fluoride has boosted the PLQY upto near unity with significant enhancement of stability from the external exposures like heat, UV light, water and oxygen.
YFO photocathode fabricated via spray pyrolysis for unassisted solar water splitting for generation of hydrogen fuel
Authors: Alfaifi Bandar Y. , Ullah Hameed , Jiang Xin , Tahir Asif Ali
Published: November 2024

YFeO3 films were fabricated on FTO glass via spray pyrolysis for solar fuel (H2) production through water splitting without any external potential bias. The films demonstrated excellent stability under HER conditions.
Understanding charge separation in CdS/Ce-UiO66-NH2 heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Hou Wenqing , Hillman Sam A. J. , Gonzalez-Carrero Soranyel , Yao Shilin , Zhu Huangtianzhi , Durrant James R.
Published: November 2024

The enhanced H2 evolution efficiency of the CdS/Ce-UiO-NH2 heterojunction is attributed to its ability to generate long-lived (ms) charges. In contrast with Zr-UiOs, Ce-UiO-NH2 acts as the electron donor in this heterojunction.