bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light-evoked deformations in rod photoreceptors, pigment epithelium and subretinal space revealed by prolonged and multilayered optoretinography
Authors: Tan Bingyao , Li Huakun , Zhuo Yueming , Han Le , Mupparapu Rajeshkumar , Nanni Davide , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Palanker Daniel , Schmetterer Leopold , Ling Tong
Published: June 2024

Phototransduction involves changes in concentration of ions and other solutes within photoreceptors and in subretinal space, which affect osmotic pressure and the associated water flow. Corresponding expansion and contraction of cellular layers can be imaged using optoretinography (ORG), based on phase-resolved optical coherence tomography (OCT). Until now, ORG could reliably detect only photoisomerization and phototransduction in photoreceptors, primarily in cones under bright stimuli. Here, by employing a phase-restoring subpixel motion correction algorithm, which enables imaging of the nanometer-scale tissue dynamics during minute-long recordings, and unsupervised learning of spatiotemporal patterns, we discover optical signatures of the other retinal structures’ response to visual stimuli. These include inner and outer segments of rod photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and subretinal space in general. The high sensitivity of our technique enables detection of the retinal responses to dim stimuli: down to 0.01% bleach level, corresponding to natural levels of scotopic illumination. We also demonstrate that with a single flash, the optoretinogram can map retinal responses across a 12° field of view, potentially replacing multifocal electroretinography. This technique expands the diagnostic capabilities and practical applicability of optoretinography, providing an alternative to electroretinography, while combining structural and functional retinal imaging in the same OCT machine.
Bulk-suppressed and surface-sensitive Raman scattering by transferable plasmonic membranes with irregular slot-shaped nanopores
Authors: Wyss Roman M. , Kewes Günter , Marabotti Pietro , Koepfli Stefan M. , Schlichting Karl-Philipp , Parzefall Markus , Bonvin Eric , Sarott Martin F. , Trassin Morgan , Oezkent Maximilian , Lu Chen-Hsun , Gradwohl Kevin-P. , Perrault Thomas , Habibova Lala , Marcelli Giorgia , Giraldo Marcela , Vermant Jan , Novotny Lukas , Frimmer Martin , Weber Mads C. , Heeg Sebastian
Published: June 2024

Raman spectroscopy enables the non-destructive characterization of chemical composition, crystallinity, defects, or strain in countless materials. However, the Raman response of surfaces or thin films is often weak and obscured by dominant bulk signals. Here we overcome this limitation by placing a transferable porous gold membrane, (PAuM) on the surface of interest. Slot-shaped nanopores in the membrane act as plasmonic antennas and enhance the Raman response of the surface or thin film underneath. Simultaneously, the PAuM suppresses the penetration of the excitation laser into the bulk, efficiently blocking its Raman signal. Using graphene as a model surface, we show that this method increases the surface-to-bulk Raman signal ratio by three orders of magnitude. We find that 90% of the Raman enhancement occurs within the top 2.5 nm of the material, demonstrating truly surface-sensitive Raman scattering. To validate our approach, we quantify the strain in a 12.5 nm thin Silicon film and analyze the surface of a LaNiO3 thin film. We observe a Raman mode splitting for the LaNiO3 surface-layer, which is spectroscopic evidence that the surface structure differs from the bulk. These results validate that PAuM gives direct access to Raman signatures of thin films and surfaces.
Discovery and substrate specificity engineering of nucleotide halogenases
Authors: Ni Jie , Zhuang Jingyuan , Shi Yiming , Chiang Ying-Chih , Cheng Gui-Juan
Published: June 2024

C2′-halogenation has been recognized as an essential modification to enhance the drug-like properties of nucleotide analogs. The direct C2ʹ-halogenation of the nucleotide 2′-deoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate (dAMP) has recently been achieved using the Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent nucleotide halogenase AdaV. However, the limited substrate scope of this enzyme hampers its broader applications. In this study, we report two halogenases capable of halogenating 2ʹ-deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP), thereby expanding the family of nucleotide halogenases. Computational studies reveal that nucleotide specificity is regulated by the binding pose of the phosphate group. Based on these findings, we successfully engineered the substrate specificity of these halogenases by mutating second-sphere residues. This work expands the toolbox of nucleotide halogenases and provides insights into the regulation mechanism of nucleotide specificity.
Emergent flat band and topological Kondo semimetal driven by orbital-selective correlations
Authors: Chen Lei , Xie Fang , Sur Shouvik , Hu Haoyu , Paschen Silke , Cano Jennifer , Si Qimiao
Published: June 2024

Flat electronic bands are expected to show proportionally enhanced electron correlations, which may generate a plethora of novel quantum phases and unusual low-energy excitations. They are increasingly being pursued in d-electron-based systems with crystalline lattices that feature destructive electronic interference, where they are often topological. Such flat bands, though, are generically located far away from the Fermi energy, which limits their capacity to partake in the low-energy physics. Here we show that electron correlations produce emergent flat bands that are pinned to the Fermi energy. We demonstrate this effect within a Hubbard model, in the regime described by Wannier orbitals where an effective Kondo description arises through orbital-selective Mott correlations. Moreover, the correlation effect cooperates with symmetry constraints to produce a topological Kondo semimetal. Our results motivate a novel design principle for Weyl Kondo semimetals in a new setting, viz. d-electron-based materials on suitable crystal lattices, and uncover interconnections among seemingly disparate systems that may inspire fresh understandings and realizations of correlated topological effects in quantum materials and beyond.
Direct bandgap quantum wells in hexagonal Silicon Germanium
Authors: Peeters Wouter H. J. , van Lange Victor T. , Belabbes Abderrezak , van Hemert Max C. , Jansen Marvin Marco , Farina Riccardo , van Tilburg Marvin A. J. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Botti Silvana , Bechstedt Friedhelm , Haverkort Jos. E. M. , Bakkers Erik P. A. M.
Published: June 2024

Silicon is indisputably the most advanced material for scalable electronics, but it is a poor choice as a light source for photonic applications, due to its indirect band gap. The recently developed hexagonal Si1−xGex semiconductor features a direct bandgap at least for x > 0.65, and the realization of quantum heterostructures would unlock new opportunities for advanced optoelectronic devices based on the SiGe system. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis and characterization of direct bandgap quantum wells realized in the hexagonal Si1−xGex system. Photoluminescence experiments on hex-Ge/Si0.2Ge0.8 quantum wells demonstrate quantum confinement in the hex-Ge segment with type-I band alignment, showing light emission up to room temperature. Moreover, the tuning range of the quantum well emission energy can be extended using hexagonal Si1−xGex/Si1−yGey quantum wells with additional Si in the well. These experimental findings are supported with ab initio bandstructure calculations. A direct bandgap with type-I band alignment is pivotal for the development of novel low-dimensional light emitting devices based on hexagonal Si1−xGex alloys, which have been out of reach for this material system until now.
The DIAPH3 linker specifies a β-actin network that maintains RhoA and Myosin-II at the cytokinetic furrow
Authors: Shah Riya , Panagiotou Thomas C. , Cole Gregory B. , Moraes Trevor F. , Lavoie Brigitte D. , McCulloch Christopher A. , Wilde Andrew
Published: June 2024

Cytokinesis is the final step of the cell division cycle that leads to the formation of two new cells. Successful cytokinesis requires significant remodelling of the plasma membrane by spatially distinct β- and γ-actin networks. These networks are generated by the formin family of actin nucleators, DIAPH3 and DIAPH1 respectively. Here we show that β- and γ-actin perform specialized and non-redundant roles in cytokinesis and cannot substitute for one another. Expression of hybrid DIAPH1 and DIAPH3 proteins with altered actin isoform specificity relocalized cytokinetic actin isoform networks within the cell, causing cytokinetic failure. Consistent with this we show that β-actin networks, but not γ-actin networks, are required for the maintenance of non-muscle myosin II and RhoA at the cytokinetic furrow. These data suggest that independent and spatially distinct actin isoform networks form scaffolds of unique interactors that facilitate localized biochemical activities to ensure successful cell division.
Consecutive multimaterial printing of biomimetic ionic hydrogel power sources with high flexibility and stretchability
Authors: He Pei , Yue Junyu , Qiu Zhennan , Meng Zijie , He Jiankang , Li Dichen
Published: June 2024

Electric eel is an excellent example to harness ion-concentration gradients for sustainable power generation. However, current strategies to create electric-eel-inspired power sources commonly involve manual stacking of multiple salinity-gradient power source units, resulting in low efficiency, unstable contact, and poor flexibility. Here we propose a consecutive multimaterial printing strategy to efficiently fabricate biomimetic ionic hydrogel power sources with a maximum stretchability of 137%. The consecutively-printed ionic hydrogel power source filaments showed seamless bonding interface and can maintain stable voltage outputs for 1000 stretching cycles at 100% strain. With arrayed multi-channel printhead, power sources with a maximum voltage of 208 V can be automatically printed and assembled in parallel within 30 min. The as-printed flexible power source filaments can be woven into a wristband to power a digital wristwatch. The presented strategy provides a tool to efficiently produce electric-eel-inspired ionic hydrogel power sources with great stretchability for various flexible power source applications.
Structural insights into GABAA receptor potentiation by Quaalude
Authors: Chojnacka Weronika , Teng Jinfeng , Kim Jeong Joo , Jensen Anders A. , Hibbs Ryan E.
Published: June 2024

Methaqualone, a quinazolinone marketed commercially as Quaalude, is a central nervous system depressant that was used clinically as a sedative-hypnotic, then became a notorious recreational drug in the 1960s-80s. Due to its high abuse potential, medical use of methaqualone was eventually prohibited, yet it persists as a globally abused substance. Methaqualone principally targets GABAA receptors, which are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter-gated ion channels in the brain. The restricted status and limited accessibility of methaqualone have contributed to its pharmacology being understudied. Here, we use cryo-EM to localize the GABAA receptor binding sites of methaqualone and its more potent derivative, PPTQ, to the same intersubunit transmembrane sites targeted by the general anesthetics propofol and etomidate. Both methaqualone and PPTQ insert more deeply into subunit interfaces than the previously-characterized modulators. Binding of quinazolinones to this site results in widening of the extracellular half of the ion-conducting pore, following a trend among positive allosteric modulators in destabilizing the hydrophobic activation gate in the pore as a mechanism for receptor potentiation. These insights shed light on the underexplored pharmacology of quinazolinones and further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of allosteric GABAA receptor modulation through transmembrane binding sites.
Therapy-induced secretion of spliceosomal components mediates pro-survival crosstalk between ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Shender Victoria O. , Anufrieva Ksenia S. , Shnaider Polina V. , Arapidi Georgij P. , Pavlyukov Marat S. , Ivanova Olga M. , Malyants Irina K. , Stepanov Grigory A. , Zhuravlev Evgenii , Ziganshin Rustam H. , Butenko Ivan O. , Bukato Olga N. , Klimina Ksenia M. , Veselovsky Vladimir A. , Grigorieva Tatiana V. , Malanin Sergey Y. , Aleshikova Olga I. , Slonov Andrey V. , Babaeva Nataliya A. , Ashrafyan Lev A. , Khomyakova Elena , Evtushenko Evgeniy G. , Lukina Maria M. , Wang Zixiang , Silantiev Artemiy S. , Nushtaeva Anna A. , Kharlampieva Daria D. , Lazarev Vassili N. , Lashkin Arseniy I. , Arzumanyan Lorine K. , Petrushanko Irina Yu. , Makarov Alexander A. , Lebedeva Olga S. , Bogomazova Alexandra N. , Lagarkova Maria A. , Govorun Vadim M.
Published: June 2024

Ovarian cancer often develops resistance to conventional therapies, hampering their effectiveness. Here, using ex vivo paired ovarian cancer ascites obtained before and after chemotherapy and in vitro therapy-induced secretomes, we show that molecules secreted by ovarian cancer cells upon therapy promote cisplatin resistance and enhance DNA damage repair in recipient cancer cells. Even a short-term incubation of chemonaive ovarian cancer cells with therapy-induced secretomes induces changes resembling those that are observed in chemoresistant patient-derived tumor cells after long-term therapy. Using integrative omics techniques, we find that both ex vivo and in vitro therapy-induced secretomes are enriched with spliceosomal components, which relocalize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and subsequently into the extracellular vesicles upon treatment. We demonstrate that these molecules substantially contribute to the phenotypic effects of therapy-induced secretomes. Thus, SNU13 and SYNCRIP spliceosomal proteins promote therapy resistance, while the exogenous U12 and U6atac snRNAs stimulate tumor growth. These findings demonstrate the significance of spliceosomal network perturbation during therapy and further highlight that extracellular signaling might be a key factor contributing to the emergence of ovarian cancer therapy resistance.
Spindle-locked ripples mediate memory reactivation during human NREM sleep
Authors: Schreiner Thomas , Griffiths Benjamin J. , Kutlu Merve , Vollmar Christian , Kaufmann Elisabeth , Quach Stefanie , Remi Jan , Noachtar Soheyl , Staudigl Tobias
Published: June 2024

Memory consolidation relies in part on the reactivation of previous experiences during sleep. The precise interplay of sleep-related oscillations (slow oscillations, spindles and ripples) is thought to coordinate the information flow between relevant brain areas, with ripples mediating memory reactivation. However, in humans empirical evidence for a role of ripples in memory reactivation is lacking. Here, we investigated the relevance of sleep oscillations and specifically ripples for memory reactivation during human sleep using targeted memory reactivation. Intracranial electrophysiology in epilepsy patients and scalp EEG in healthy participants revealed that elevated levels of slow oscillation - spindle activity coincided with the read-out of experimentally induced memory reactivation. Importantly, spindle-locked ripples recorded intracranially from the medial temporal lobe were found to be correlated with the identification of memory reactivation during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Our findings establish ripples as key-oscillation for sleep-related memory reactivation in humans and emphasize the importance of the coordinated interplay of the cardinal sleep oscillations.
The wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm4 also confers resistance to wheat blast
Authors: O’Hara Tom , Steed Andrew , Goddard Rachel , Gaurav Kumar , Arora Sanu , Quiroz-Chávez Jesús , Ramírez-González Ricardo , Badgami Roshani , Gilbert David , Sánchez-Martín Javier , Wingen Luzie , Feng Cong , Jiang Mei , Cheng Shifeng , Dreisigacker Susanne , Keller Beat , Wulff Brande B. H. , Uauy Cristóbal , Nicholson Paul
Published: June 2024

Wheat blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, threatens global cereal production since its emergence in Brazil in 1985 and recently spread to Bangladesh and Zambia. Here we demonstrate that the AVR-Rmg8 effector, common in wheat-infecting isolates, is recognized by the gene Pm4, previously shown to confer resistance to specific races of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, the cause of powdery mildew of wheat. We show that Pm4 alleles differ in their recognition of different AVR-Rmg8 alleles, and some confer resistance only in seedling leaves but not spikes, making it important to select for those alleles that function in both tissues. This study has identified a gene recognizing an important virulence factor present in wheat blast isolates in Bangladesh and Zambia and represents an important first step towards developing durably resistant wheat cultivars for these regions.
Use of ctDNA in early breast cancer: analytical validity and clinical potential
Authors: Panet François , Papakonstantinou Andri , Borrell Maria , Vivancos Joan , Vivancos Ana , Oliveira Mafalda
Published: June 2024

Circulating free tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis is gaining popularity in precision oncology, particularly in metastatic breast cancer, as it provides non-invasive, real-time tumor information to complement tissue biopsies, allowing for tailored treatment strategies and improved patient selection in clinical trials. Its use in early breast cancer has been limited so far, due to the relatively low sensitivity of available techniques in a setting characterized by lower levels of ctDNA shedding. However, advances in sequencing and bioinformatics, as well as the use of methylome profiles, have led to an increasing interest in the application of ctDNA analysis in early breast cancer, from screening to curative treatment evaluation and minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. With multiple prospective clinical trials in this setting, ctDNA evaluation may become useful in clinical practice. This article reviews the data regarding the analytical validity of the currently available tests for ctDNA detection and the clinical potential of ctDNA analysis in early breast cancer.
Understanding the role of cerebellum in early Parkinson’s disease: a structural and functional MRI study
Authors: Pietracupa S. , Ojha A. , Belvisi D. , Piervincenzi C. , Tommasin S. , Petsas N. , De Bartolo M. I. , Costanzo M. , Fabbrini A. , Conte A. , Berardelli A. , Pantano P.
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that the cerebellum may have a role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Hence, the scope of this study was to investigate whether there are structural and functional alterations of the cerebellum and whether they correlate with motor and non-motor symptoms in early PD patients. Seventy-six patients with early PD and thirty-one age and sex-matched healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled and underwent a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. The following MRI analyses were performed: (1) volumes of 5 cerebellar regions of interest (sensorimotor and cognitive cerebellum, dentate, interposed, and fastigial nuclei); (2) microstructural integrity of the cerebellar white matter connections (inferior, middle, and superior cerebellar peduncles); (3) functional connectivity at rest of the 5 regions of interest already described in point 1 with the rest of brain. Compared to controls, early PD patients showed a significant decrease in gray matter volume of the dentate, interposed and fastigial nuclei, bilaterally. They also showed abnormal, bilateral white matter microstructural integrity in all 3 cerebellar peduncles. Functional connectivity of the 5 cerebellar regions of interest with several areas in the midbrain, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex was altered. Finally, there was a positive correlation between abnormal functional connectivity of the fastigial nucleus with the volume of the nucleus itself and a negative correlation with axial symptoms severity. Our results showed that structural and functional alterations of the cerebellum are present in PD patients and these changes contribute to the pathophysiology of PD in the early phase.
Discovery of isoquinoline sulfonamides as allosteric gyrase inhibitors with activity against fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria
Authors: Bakker Alexander T. , Kotsogianni Ioli , Avalos Mariana , Punt Jeroen M. , Liu Bing , Piermarini Diana , Gagestein Berend , Slingerland Cornelis J. , Zhang Le , Willemse Joost J. , Ghimire Leela B. , van den Berg Richard J. H. B. N. , Janssen Antonius P. A. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , van Boeckel Constant A. A. , van Wezel Gilles P. , Ghilarov Dmitry , Martin Nathaniel I. , van der Stelt Mario
Published: June 2024

Bacteria have evolved resistance to nearly all known antibacterials, emphasizing the need to identify antibiotics that operate via novel mechanisms. Here we report a class of allosteric inhibitors of DNA gyrase with antibacterial activity against fluoroquinolone-resistant clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. Screening of a small-molecule library revealed an initial isoquinoline sulfonamide hit, which was optimized via medicinal chemistry efforts to afford the more potent antibacterial LEI-800. Target identification studies, including whole-genome sequencing of in vitro selected mutants with resistance to isoquinoline sulfonamides, unanimously pointed to the DNA gyrase complex, an essential bacterial topoisomerase and an established antibacterial target. Using single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy, we determined the structure of the gyrase–LEI-800–DNA complex. The compound occupies an allosteric, hydrophobic pocket in the GyrA subunit and has a mode of action that is distinct from the clinically used fluoroquinolones or any other gyrase inhibitor reported to date. LEI-800 provides a chemotype suitable for development to counter the increasingly widespread bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones.
Direct radical functionalization of native sugars
Authors: Jiang Yi , Wei Yi , Zhou Qian-Yi , Sun Guo-Quan , Fu Xia-Ping , Levin Nikita , Zhang Yijun , Liu Wen-Qiang , Song NingXi , Mohammed Shabaz , Davis Benjamin G. , Koh Ming Joo
Published: June 2024

Naturally occurring (native) sugars and carbohydrates contain numerous hydroxyl groups of similar reactivity1,2. Chemists, therefore, rely typically on laborious, multi-step protecting-group strategies3 to convert these renewable feedstocks into reagents (glycosyl donors) to make glycans. The direct transformation of native sugars to complex saccharides remains a notable challenge. Here we describe a photoinduced approach to achieve site- and stereoselective chemical glycosylation from widely available native sugar building blocks, which through homolytic (one-electron) chemistry bypasses unnecessary hydroxyl group masking and manipulation. This process is reminiscent of nature in its regiocontrolled generation of a transient glycosyl donor, followed by radical-based cross-coupling with electrophiles on activation with light. Through selective anomeric functionalization of mono- and oligosaccharides, this protecting-group-free ‘cap and glycosylate’ approach offers straightforward access to a wide array of metabolically robust glycosyl compounds. Owing to its biocompatibility, the method was extended to the direct post-translational glycosylation of proteins.
SDWPF: A Dataset for Spatial Dynamic Wind Power Forecasting over a Large Turbine Array
Authors: Zhou Jingbo , Lu Xinjiang , Xiao Yixiong , Tang Jian , Su Jiantao , Li Yu , Liu Ji , Lyu Junfu , Ma Yanjun , Dou Dejing
Published: June 2024

Wind power is a clean and renewable energy, yet it poses integration challenges to the grid due to its variable nature. Thus, Wind Power Forecasting (WPF) is crucial for its successful integration. However, existing WPF datasets often cover only a limited number of turbines and lack detailed information. To bridge this gap and advance WPF research, we introduce the Spatial Dynamic Wind Power Forecasting dataset (SDWPF). The SDWPF dataset not only provides information on power generation and wind speed but also details the spatial distribution of the wind turbines and dynamic contextual factors specific to each turbine. These factors include weather information and the internal status of each wind turbine, thereby enriching the dataset and improving its applicability for predictive analysis. Further leveraging the potential of SDWPF, we initiated the ACM KDD Cup 2022, a competition distinguished as the foremost annual event in data mining, renowned for presenting cutting-edge challenges and attracting top talent from academia and industry. Our event successfully draws registrations from over 2400 teams around the globe.
Zigzag boron nitride nanoribbon doped with carbon atom for giant magnetoresistance and rectification behavior based nanodevices
Authors: Wang Rigao , Shuang Feng , Lin Mingsong , Wei Xiangfu , Fang Zheng , She Duan , Cai Wei , Shi Xiaowen , Chen Mingyan
Published: June 2024

Using the principles of density functional theory (DFT) and nonequilibrium Green’s function (NEGF), We thoroughly researched carbon-doped zigzag boron nitride nanoribbons (ZBNNRs) to understand their electronic behavior and transport properties. Intriguingly, we discovered that careful doping can transform carbon-doped ZBNNRs into a spintronic nanodevice with distinct transport features. Our model showed a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) up to a whopping 10$$^5$$

5

under mild bias conditions. Plus, we spotted a spin rectifier having a significant rectification ratio (RR) of 10$$^4$$

4

. Our calculated transmission spectra have nicely explained why there’s a GMR up to 10$$^5$$

5

for spin-up current at biases of $$-1.2$$

-
1.2

V, $$-1.1$$

-
1.1

V, and $$-1.0$$

-
1.0

V, and also accounted for a GMR up to 10$$^3$$

3

–10$$^5$$

5

for spin-down current at biases of 1.0 V, 1.1 V, and 1.2 V. Similarly, the transmission spectra elucidate that at biases of 1.0 V, 1.1 V, and 1.2 V for spin-up, and at biases of 1.1 V and 1.2 V for spin-down in APMO, the RRs reach 10$$^4$$

4

. Our research shines a light on a promising route to push forward the high-performance spintronics technology of ZBNNRs using carbon atom doping. These insights hint that our models could be game-changers in the sphere of nanoscale spintronic devices.
Scenting serenity: influence of essential-oil vaporization on dental anxiety - a cluster-randomized, controlled, single-blinded study (AROMA_dent)
Authors: Czakert Judith , Kandil Farid I. , Boujnah Hiba , Tavakolian Pantea , Blakeslee Sarah B. , Stritter Wiebke , Dommisch Henrik , Seifert Georg
Published: June 2024

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is known as an immense challenge in oral healthcare, which can result in compromised oral health, pain, and uncomfortable treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of essential-oil vaporization on acute anxiety of patients in dental practices. Four dental practices used five weekly cycles of vaporization with each scent: Orange (Citrus sinensis), Swiss Pine (Pinus cembra), Good Mood (blended essential oils: Citrus sinensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus limon, Osmanthus fragrance (5%)), Forest Walk (blended essential oils: Abies grandis, Pinus cembra, Myrtus communis c. t. 1,8-cineol, Abies alba, Citrus paradisi, Abies sibirica, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Vetiveria zizanoides), and water. Acute anxiety was the primary outcome (state-trait-anxiety inventory (STAI-S)). Secondary outcomes were trait anxiety (STAI-T), dental anxiety (Kleinknecht dental fear survey), and pain perception in treatment (numeric rating scale). Across all patients (n = 486), STAI-S was slightly higher in the control group (40.7 ± 11.6) than in the intervention groups (38.4 ± 10.5). Post-hoc analyses revealed that the effect is only robust for the subgroup of female patients (n = 296, p = 0.044). We also conducted a post-hoc additional analysis on a subpopulation with an increased level of STAI-T ≥ 42 (n = 131 patients). For this group the difference in acute anxiety between the control group (51.1 ± 11.9, n = 30) vs. the intervention groups (46.8 ± 9.6, n = 118) was significant (T = 4.39, p = 0.0379). The results of the study indicate a promising potential of essential-oil vaporization to alleviate dental anxiety, particularly in the subgroups of patients with a high level of trait anxiety, and particularly in female patients. The calming effects of the essential-oil vaporization were also highlighted by the anecdotical statements of the dental-practice staff. The anxiety-reducing role of essential-oil vaporization alone and as one part of combined techniques to counter DFA should be further explored using multi-perspective methodological approaches in research.
Confidence judgments interfere with perceptual decision making
Authors: Double Kit S. , Birney Damian P.
Published: June 2024

Determining one’s confidence in a decision is a vital part of decision-making. Traditionally, psychological experiments have assessed a person’s confidence by eliciting confidence judgments. The notion that such judgments can be elicited without impacting the accuracy of the decision has recently been challenged by several studies which have shown reactivity effects—either an increase or decrease in decision accuracy when confidence judgments are elicited. Evidence for the direction of reactivity effects has, however, been decidedly mixed. Here, we report three studies designed to specifically make reactivity effects more prominent by eliciting confidence judgment contemporaneously with perceptual decisions. We show that confidence judgments elicited contemporaneously produce an impairment in decision accuracy, this suggests that confidence judgments may rely on a partially distinct set of cues/evidence than the primary perceptual decision and, additionally, challenges the continued use of confidence ratings as an unobtrusive measure of metacognition.
Compliance-free, analog RRAM devices based on SnOx
Authors: Garlapati Suresh Kumar , Simanjuntak Firman Mangasa , Stathopoulos Spyros , A Syed Jalaluddeen , Napari Mari , Prodromakis Themis
Published: June 2024

Brain-inspired resistive random-access memory (RRAM) technology is anticipated to outperform conventional flash memory technology due to its performance, high aerial density, low power consumption, and cost. For RRAM devices, metal oxides are exceedingly investigated as resistive switching (RS) materials. Among different oxides, tin oxide (SnOx) received minimal attention, although it possesses excellent electronic properties. Herein, we demonstrate compliance-free, analog resistive switching behavior with several stable states in Ti/Pt/SnOx/Pt RRAM devices. The compliance-free nature might be due to the high internal resistance of SnOx films. The resistance of the films was modulated by varying Ar/O2 ratio during the sputtering process. The I–V characteristics revealed a well-expressed high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance states (LRS) with bipolar memristive switching mechanism. By varying the pulse amplitude and width, different resistance states have been achieved, indicating the analog switching characteristics of the device. Furthermore, the devices show excellent retention for eleven states over 1000 s with an endurance of > 100 cycles.
Hemodynamics with mechanical circulatory support devices using a cardiogenic shock model
Authors: Yahagi Kazuyuki , Nishimura Gohki , Kuramoto Kei , Tsuboko Yusuke , Iwasaki Kiyotaka
Published: June 2024

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, including veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and Impella, have been widely used for patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). However, hemodynamics with each device and combination therapy is not thoroughly understood. We aimed to elucidate the hemodynamics with MCS using a pulsatile flow model. Hemodynamics with Impella CP, VA-ECMO, and a combination of Impella CP and VA-ECMO were assessed based on the pressure and flow under support with each device and the pressure–volume loop of the ventricle model. The Impella CP device with CS status resulted in an increase in aortic pressure and a decrease in end-diastolic volume and end-diastolic pressure (EDP). VA-ECMO support resulted in increased afterload, leading to a significant increase in aortic pressure with an increase in end-systolic volume and EDP and decreasing venous reservoir pressure. The combination of Impella CP and VA-ECMO led to left ventricular unloading, regardless of increase in afterload. Hemodynamic support with Impella and VA-ECMO should be a promising combination for patients with severe CS.
Rotation with other crops slow down the fungal process in tobacco-growing soil
Authors: Liu Ming , Xue Rujun , Yang Chengwei , Han Ningbo , Hu Yanxia , Gu Kaiyuan , Zhao Jie , Guan Shuyue , Su Jiaen , Jiang Yonglei
Published: June 2024

Continuous cultivation of tobacco could cause serious soil health problems, which could cause bacterial soil to change to fungal soil. In order to study the diversity and richness of fungal community in tobacco-growing soil under different crop rotation, three treatments were set up in this study: CK (tobacco continuous cropping); B (barley-tobacco rotation cropping) and R (oilseed rape-tobacco rotation cropping). The results of this study showed that rotation with other crops significantly decreased the soil fungal OTUs, and also decreased the community richness, evenness, diversity and coverage of fungal communities. Among them, B decreased the most. In the analysis of the composition and structure of the fungal community, it was found that the proportion of plant pathogens Nectriaceae decreased from 19.67% in CK to 5.63% in B, which greatly reduced the possibility of soil-borne diseases. In the analysis of the correlation between soil environmental factors and fungal communities, it was found that Filobasidiaceae had a strong correlation with TP and AP, and Erysiphaceae had a strong correlation with TK and AK. NO3−-N and NH4+-N were the two environmental factors with the strongest correlation with fungal communities. The results of this study showed that rotation with other crops slowed down the process of soil fungi in tobacco-growing soil and changed the dominant species of soil fungi community. At the same time, crop rotation changed the diversity and richness of soil fungal community by changing the physical and chemical properties of soil.
First detection and prevalence of Apis mellifera filamentous virus in Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Thu , Yoo Mi-Sun , Lee Hyang-Sim , Truong A-Tai , Youn So-Youn , Lee Se-Ji , Kim Jaemyung , Cho Yun Sang
Published: June 2024

Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects Apis mellifera bees. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study aiming to detect and analyse the genetic diversity and prevalence of AmFV in Korean honeybee colonies. Phylogenetic analysis based on baculovirus repeat open reading frame–N gene (Bro–N) sequences revealed that AmFV isolates from the Republic of Korea (ROK) fell into two distinct lineages, with genetic origins in Switzerland and China, with nucleotide similarities of 98.3% and 98.2%, respectively. Our prevalence analysis demonstrated a noteworthy infection rate of AmFV in 545 honeybee colonies, reaching 33.09% in 2022 and increasing to 44.90% by 2023. Intriguingly, we also detected AmFV in Varroa destructor mites, highlighting their potential role as vectors and carriers of AmFV. The presence of AmFV was correlated with an increased infection rate of sacbrood virus, deformed wing virus, Lake Sinai virus 2, black queen cell virus, and Nosema ceranae in honeybee colonies. These findings provide valuable insight into the prevalence and potential transmission mechanisms of AmFV in honeybee colonies in the ROK. The results of this study may be instrumental in the effective management of viral infections in honeybee apiaries.
Cell-SELEX for aptamer discovery and its utilization in constructing electrochemical biosensor for rapid and highly sensitive detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1
Authors: Shaukat Aysha , Chrouda Amani , Sadaf Saima , Alhamlan Fatimah , Eissa Shimaa , Zourob Mohammed
Published: June 2024

This study introduces an innovative electrochemical aptasensor designed for the highly sensitive and rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (L. pneumophila SG1), a particularly virulent strain associated with Legionellosis. Employing a rigorous selection process utilizing cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (cell-SELEX), we identified new high-affinity aptamers specifically tailored for L. pneumophila SG1. The selection process encompassed ten rounds of cell-SELEX cycles with live L. pneumophila, including multiple counter-selection steps against the closely related Legionella sub-species. The dissociation constant (Kd) of the highest affinity sequence to L. pneumophila SG1 was measured at 14.2 nM, representing a ten-fold increase in affinity in comparison with the previously reported aptamers. For the development of electrochemical aptasensor, a gold electrode was modified with the selected aptamer through the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The newly developed aptasensor exhibited exceptional sensitivity, and specificity in detecting and differentiating various Legionella sp., with a detection limit of 5 colony forming units (CFU)/mL and an insignificant/negligible cross-reactivity with closely related sub-species. Furthermore, the aptasensor effectively detected L. pneumophila SG1 in spiked water samples, demonstrating an appreciable recovery percentage. This study shows the potential of our aptamer-based electrochemical biosensor as a promising approach for detecting L. pneumophila SG1 in diverse environments.
Phylogeny, envenomation syndrome, and membrane permeabilising venom produced by Australia’s electric caterpillar Comana monomorpha
Authors: Goudarzi Mohaddeseh H. , Robinson Samuel D. , Cardoso Fernanda C. , Mitchell Michela L. , Cook Lyn G. , King Glenn F. , Walker Andrew A.
Published: June 2024

Zygaenoidea is a superfamily of lepidopterans containing many venomous species, including the Limacodidae (nettle caterpillars) and Megalopygidae (asp caterpillars). Venom proteomes have been recently documented for several species from each of these families, but further data are required to understand the evolution of venom in Zygaenoidea. In this study, we examined the ‘electric’ caterpillar from North-Eastern Australia, a limacodid caterpillar densely covered in venomous spines. We used DNA barcoding to identify this caterpillar as the larva of the moth Comana monomorpha (Turner, 1904). We report the clinical symptoms of C. monomorpha envenomation, which include acute pain, and erythema and oedema lasting for more than a week. Combining transcriptomics of venom spines with proteomics of venom harvested from the spine tips revealed a venom markedly different in composition from previously examined limacodid venoms that are rich in peptides. In contrast, the venom of C. monomorpha is rich in aerolysin-like proteins similar to those found in venoms of asp caterpillars (Megalopygidae). Consistent with this composition, the venom potently permeabilises sensory neurons and human neuroblastoma cells. This study highlights the diversity of venom composition in Limacodidae.
Validation of microwave acid digestion, diffusive gradients in thin-film preconcentration and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry methodology for the determination of REEs in natural zeolites
Authors: Senila Marin , Levei Erika Andrea , Senila Lacrimioara , Cadar Oana
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an analytical methodology based on acid digestion, diffusive gradients in thin-film preconcentration and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for rare earth element determination from zeolites.
Selective electrochemical nitrogen fixation to ammonia catalyzed by a novel microporous vanadium phosphonate via the distal pathway
Authors: Purohit Smruti Vardhan , Mohanty Rupali Ipsita , Dash Bibek , Bhanja Piyali , Jena Bikash Kumar
Published: June 2024

Microporous vanadium phosphonate material was synthesized to show a good surface area, regular microporous channel, and crystalline pore wall that exhibited a selective electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) through the distal mechanism.
AI-assisted chemistry research: a comprehensive analysis of evolutionary paths and hotspots through knowledge graphs
Authors: Yang Lin , Guo Qingle , Zhang Lijing
Published: June 2024

This review has examined the development progress and future trends in artificial intelligence-assisted chemistry research from 2000 to 2024, which will provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the overall landscape of “AI + chem”.
Selective CO2 electroreduction to formate over a Cu-based catalyst in S2−-containing electrolyte
Authors: Liang Shuyu , Fang Ziyi , Yang Chaoran , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2024

A Cu-based electrocatalyst selectively and durably electroreduces CO2 to formate with a maximum faradaic efficiency of up to 74% in a S2−-containing electrolyte.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical dialkoxydiarylsilanes and diarylsilanediols from tetraalkoxysilane having a dioxasilepane unit
Authors: Hitoshio Kenshiro , Maeda Hiroki , Teranishi Kento , Shimokawa Jun , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: June 2024

The stepwise arylation of a seven-membered dioxasilepane, a tailored tetraalkoxysilane, enables the synthesis of unsymmetrical dialkoxydiarylsilanes and diarylsilanediols.
Modification strategies of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals for efficient and stable LEDs
Authors: Rahman Sami Ur , Song Yong-Hui , Yao Hong-Bin
Published: June 2024

Modification strategies of highly photoluminescent metal halide nanocrystals are summarized for efficient and stable LEDs through crystal structure modulation, size regulation, ligand exchange and surface passivation.
Electrochemical synthesis of phosphorylated azaspiro[4.5]di/trienones through dearomative spirocyclization
Authors: Zhou Xiaocong , Wang Jian , Ma Dumei , Shen Yirui , Zhao Yufen , Wu Ju
Published: June 2024

Cp2Fe-mediated electrochemical synthesis of a diverse array of phosphorylated azaspiro[4.5]di/trienones has been developed, which demonstrated broad substrate scope and good diastereoselectivity.
Photomechanical properties in metal–organic crystals
Authors: Khan Samim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: June 2024

This feature article aims to provide an authoritative view to understand the chemical aspects of the photosalient behavior of metal–organic crystals for further progress in this field of photoactuating smart materials.
Dispersion interaction between thin conducting cylinders
Authors: Pal Subhojit , Brevik Iver , Boström Mathias
Published: June 2024

The ground state and excited state resonance dipole–dipole interaction energy between two elongated conducting molecules is explored in this study.
Cyclometalated luminescent platinum(ii) complexes of dissymmetrical 2,2′:4′,2′′-terpyridine and its self-assembled dimer presenting Pt–Ag dative bonds
Authors: Benda Lorien , Miton Louise , Hadj Seyd Nihal , Chamoreau Lise-Marie , Jonusauskas Gediminas , McClenaghan Nathan D. , Hasenknopf Bernold , Marvaud Valérie , Vives Guillaume
Published: June 2024

A novel dissymmetrical terpyridine ligand was synthesized and used to prepare luminescent cyclometalated platinum complexes and a self-assembled helical dimer stabilized by metallophilic Pt–Ag interactions.
Ti3C2Tx MXene reinforcement: a nickel–vanadium selenide/MXene based multi-component composite as a battery-type electrode for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Chaudhary Khadija , Zulfiqar Sonia , Abualnaja Khamael M. , Shahid Muhammad , Abo-Dief Hala M. , Farooq Warsi Muhammad , Cochran Eric W.
Published: June 2024

Three-dimensional graphene oxide assisted Ti3C2Tx MXene aerogel foam impregnated with battery-type bimetallic nickel vanadium selenide for supercapacitor application.
A breathable inorganic–organic interface for fabricating a crack-free nickel-rich cathode with long-term stability
Authors: Sun Yipeng , Ma Jinjin , Wu Duojie , Wang Changhong , Zhao Yang , Zheng Matthew , Yu Ruizhi , Li Weihan , Li Minsi , Gao Yingjie , Lin Xiaoting , Duan Hui , Fu Jiamin , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Ruying , Gu M. Danny , Sham Tsun-Kong , Sun Xueliang
Published: June 2024

A thin molecular level surface modification layer is constructed for a nickel-rich layered oxide cathode to boost long-term cycling stability.
Stretchable and biodegradable plant-based redox-diffusion batteries
Authors: Rahmanudin Aiman , Mohammadi Mohsen , Isacsson Patrik , Li Yuyang , Seufert Laura , Kim Nara , Mardi Saeed , Engquist Isak , Crispin Reverant , Tybrandt Klas
Published: June 2024

A stretchable battery design that uses sustainable plant-based materials and enables high electrochemical and mechanical performance and is biodegradable at the end-of-life.
Potentiometric study of the interaction of Sm3+ and O2− ions: thermodynamic properties of samarium compounds in molten NaCl–2CsCl eutectic
Authors: Zhang Henan , Liu Qi , Novoselova Alena , Smolenski Valeri , Jiang Kewei , Yan Yongde , Zhang Milin , Wang Jun
Published: June 2024

The interaction mechanism between Sm3+ and O2− in NaCl–2CsCl eutectic has been investigated by potentiometric titration, and Pourbaix diagram has been drawn to determine the types of samarium compounds.
Application of artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis and tumor nanomedicine
Authors: Wang Junhao , Liu Guan , Zhou Cheng , Cui Xinyuan , Wang Wei , Wang Jiulin , Huang Yixin , Jiang Jinlei , Wang Zhitao , Tang Zengyi , Zhang Amin , Cui Daxiang
Published: June 2024

This review summarizes the early screening of tumors based on artificial intelligence technology, and discusses the application of artificial intelligence technology in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor-related diseases.
Stereo flexible synthesis of the C8–C23 fragment of antarlides, androgen receptor antagonists
Authors: Ghosh Palash , Das Pralay , Mainkar Prathama S. , Kumaraguru Thenkrishnan , Madhavachary Rudrakshula , Chandrasekhar Srivari
Published: June 2024

By combining enzymatic and chemical processes, we achieve stereo-flexible synthesis of a key C8–C23 fragment shared among all antarlides which are androgen receptor antagonists.
Impact of charges on the hybridization kinetics and thermal stability of PNA duplexes
Authors: López-Tena Miguel , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: June 2024

Clicking-on side chains to assess the impact of charges on hybridization properties of PNA.
Doping modification of sodium superionic conductor Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes for sodium-ion batteries: a mini-review
Authors: Shao Yurui , Qian Yijun , Zhang Tianshu , Zhang Pengcheng , Wang Haocong , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: June 2024

This mini-review summarises the recent progress of doping strategies and elucidates the corresponding element substitution mechanisms in sodium vanadium phosphate (N3VP) for obtaining high-performance cathode materials.
Enhanced energy storage capabilities in PbHfO3-based antiferroelectric ceramics through delayed phase switching and induced multiphase transitions
Authors: Hu Jiawen , Pan Zhongbin , Lv Ling , Zhou Zhixin , Chen Xiqi , Xie Hongzhen , Liu Jinjun , Li Peng , Zhai Jiwei
Published: June 2024

Extremely high energy storage properties of PbHfO3-based antiferroelectric ceramics were achieved through improved sample quality and delayed phase switching fields, along with multiple phase transitions induced by electrical field.
Solvent processing for improved separation of hydrothermal liquefaction products
Authors: Kilgore Uriah , Diaz Emily , Spry Ben , Jiang Yuan , Li Shuyun , Schmidt Andrew , Thorson Michael R.
Published: June 2024

Solvent extraction and separation of HTL products using naphtha range hydrocarbons was studied with the aim of decreasing operational hazards while improving scalability, reliability, and yields.
System-level feasibility analysis of a novel chemical looping combustion integrated with electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Pankhedkar Nimish , Sartape Rohan , Singh Meenesh R. , Gudi Ravindra , Biswas Pratim , Bhargava Suresh
Published: June 2024

A schematic of an integrated polygeneration process combining chemical looping combustion with electrochemical CO2 reduction to produce electric power and ethylene.