bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of cionin, a cholecystokinin/gastrin family peptide, and its receptor in the central nervous system of Ciona intestinalis type A
Authors: Taniguchi Shiho , Nakayama Satoshi , Iguchi Rin , Sasakura Yasunori , Satake Honoo , Wada Shuichi , Suzuki Nobuo , Ogasawara Michio , Sekiguchi Toshio
Published: March 2024

The cholecystokinin (CCK)/gastrin family peptides are involved in regulation of feeding and digestion in vertebrates. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta), cionin, a CCK/gastrin family peptide, has been identified. Cionin is expressed exclusively in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, cionin receptor expression has been detected in the CNS, digestive tract, and ovary. Although cionin has been reported to be involved in ovulation, its physiological function in the CNS remains to be investigated. To elucidate its neural function, in the present study, we analyzed the expression of cionin and cionin receptors in the CNS. Cionin was expressed mainly in neurons residing in the anterior region of the cerebral ganglion. In contrast, the gene expressin of the cionin receptor gene CioR1, was detected in the middle part of the cerebral ganglion and showed a similar expression pattern to that of VACHT, a cholinergic neuron marker gene. Moreover, CioR1 was found to be expressed in cholinergic neurons. Consequently, these results suggest that cionin interacts with cholinergic neurons as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator via CioR1. This study provides insights into a biological role of a CCK/gastrin family peptide in the CNS of ascidians.
Separation of bimodal fMRI responses in mouse somatosensory areas into V1 and non-V1 contributions
Authors: Dinh Thi Ngoc Anh , Moon Hyun Seok , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: March 2024

Multisensory integration is necessary for the animal to survive in the real world. While conventional methods have been extensively used to investigate the multisensory integration process in various brain areas, its long-range interactions remain less explored. In this study, our goal was to investigate interactions between visual and somatosensory networks on a whole-brain scale using 15.2-T BOLD fMRI. We compared unimodal to bimodal BOLD fMRI responses and dissected potential cross-modal pathways with silencing of primary visual cortex (V1) by optogenetic stimulation of local GABAergic neurons. Our data showed that the influence of visual stimulus on whisker activity is higher than the influence of whisker stimulus on visual activity. Optogenetic silencing of V1 revealed that visual information is conveyed to whisker processing via both V1 and non-V1 pathways. The first-order ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) was functionally affected by non-V1 sources, while the higher-order posterior medial thalamic nucleus (POm) was predominantly modulated by V1 but not non-V1 inputs. The primary somatosensory barrel field (S1BF) was influenced by both V1 and non-V1 inputs. These observations provide valuable insights for into the integration of whisker and visual sensory information.
Monitoring plant responses in field-grown peanuts exposed to exogenously applied chitosan under full and limited irrigation levels
Authors: Mohammed Kassem A. S. , Hussein Hussein Mohamed , Elshamly Ayman M. S.
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, numerous studies have examined the effects of climate change on the responses of plants. These studies have primarily examined the effects of solitary stress on plants, neglecting the simultaneous effects of mixed stress, which are anticipated to transpire frequently as a result of the extreme climatic fluctuations. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of applied chitosan on boosting the resistance responses of peanuts to alkali and mixed drought-alkali stresses. Peanuts were grown in mid-alkaline soil and irrigated with full irrigation water requirements (100%IR), represented alkali condition (100% IR × alkali soil) and stress conditions (70% IR × alkali soil—represented mixed drought-alkali conditions). Additionally, the plants were either untreated or treated with foliar chitosan. The study evaluated various plant physio-chemical characteristics, including element contents (leaves and roots), seed yield, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Plants that experienced solitary alkali stress were found to be more vulnerable. However, chitosan applications were effective for reducing (soil pH and sodium absorption), alongside promoting examined physio-chemical measurements, yield traits, and IWUE. Importantly, when chitosan was applied under alkali conditions, the accumulations of (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) in leaves and roots were maximized. Under mixed drought-alkali stresses, the results revealed a reduction in yield, reaching about 5.1 and 5.8% lower than under (100% IR × alkali), in the first and second seasons, respectively. Interestingly, treated plants under mixed drought-alkali stresses with chitosan recorded highest values of relative water content, proline, yield, IWUE, and nutrient uptake of (nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium) as well as the lowest sodium content in leaves and roots. Enhances the accumulation of (N, K, and Mg) instead of (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) was the primary plant response to chitosan applications, which averted severe damage caused by mixed drought-alkali conditions, over time. These findings provide a framework of the nutrient homeostasis changes induced by chitosan under mixed stresses. Based on the findings, it is recommended under mixed drought-alkali conditions to treat plants with chitosan. This approach offers a promising perspective for achieving optimal yield with reduced water usage.
Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bersama abyssinica F. seed extracts
Authors: Alemu Belayhun , Molla Meseret Derbew , Tezera Hiwot , Dekebo Aman , Asmamaw Tadesse
Published: March 2024

Medicinal plants can be potential sources of therapeutic agents. Traditional healers use a medicinal plant from Ethiopia, Bersama abyssinica Fresen, to treat various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of B. abyssinica seed extracts (BASE). Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis was used to determine the phytochemical compositions of BASE. The antioxidant activities were assessed by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) assay, ferric chloride reducing assay and hydroxyl scavenging capacity assay. Antimicrobial activity was investigated using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 30 volatile compounds; α-pinene (23.85%), eucalyptol (20.74%), β-pinene (5.75%), d-limonene (4.05%), and o-cymene (5.02%). DPPH-induced free radical scavenging (IC50 = 8.78), TBARS (IC50 = 0.55 µg/mL), and hydroxyl radicals’ scavenging capacities assays (IC50 = 329.23) demonstrated high antioxidant effects of BASE. Reducing power was determined based on Fe3+–Fe2+ transformation in the presence of extract. BASE was found to show promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa (zone of inhibition 15.7 ± 2.5 mm, 16.0 ± 0.0 mm, and 16.7 ± 1.5 mm, respectively), but excellent antifungal activities against C. albican and M. furfur (zone of inhibition 22.0 ± 2.0 mm and 22.0 ± 4.0 mm, respectively). The seeds of B. abyssinica grown in Ethiopia possess high antioxidant potential, promising antibacterial and superior antifungal activity. Therefore, seeds of B. abyssinica provide a potential source for drug discovery.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Analytical investigations of propagation of ultra-broad nonparaxial pulses in a birefringent optical waveguide by three computational ideas
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Manafian Jalil , Singh Gurpreet , Alkader Naief Alabed , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: March 2024

This paper mainly concentrates on obtaining solutions and other exact traveling wave solutions using the generalized G-expansion method. Some new exact solutions of the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger system using the mentioned method are extracted. This method is based on the general properties of the nonlinear model of expansion method with the support of the complete discrimination system for polynomial method and computer algebraic system (AS) such as Maple or Mathematica. The nonparaxial solitons with the propagation of ultra-broad nonparaxial pulses in a birefringent optical waveguide is studied. To attain this, an illustrative case of the coupled nonlinear Helmholtz (CNLH) system is given to illustrate the possibility and unwavering quality of the strategy utilized in this research. These solutions can be significant in the use of understanding the behavior of wave guides when studying Kerr medium, optical computing and optical beams in Kerr like nonlinear media. Physical meanings of solutions are simulated by various Figures in 2D and 3D along with density graphs. The constraint conditions of the existence of solutions are also reported in detail. Finally, the modulation instability analysis of the CNLH equation is presented in detail.
Asymmetric metamaterial sandwich structure with NIM characteristics for THz imaging application
Authors: Ramachandran Tayaallen , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Al-mugren K. S.
Published: March 2024

This study presented a unique, miniaturised asymmetric interconnected vertical stripe (IVS) design for terahertz (THz) frequency applications. Therefore, this research aimed to achieve a frequency response of 0 to 10 THz using a 5 × 5 µm2 Silicon (Si) substrate material. Meanwhile, various parametric examinations were conducted to investigate variations in the performance. For example, the unit cell selection process was carefully examined by using various design structures and modifying the structure by adding split gaps and connecting bars between vertical stripes. Furthermore, the proposed sandwich structure design was used to compute the absorbance and reflectance properties. All the analytical examinations were executed utilising the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) 2019 software. The introduced IVS metamaterial exhibits negative index behaviour and has a single resonance frequency of 5.23 THz with an acceptable magnitude of − 24.38 dB. Additionally, the quadruple-layer IVS structure exhibits optimised transmission coefficient behaviour between 3 and 6 THz and 7 to 9 THz, respectively. However, the magnitude of the transmission coefficient increased with the number of material layers. Besides that, the absorbance study shows that using a quadruple-layer structure obtains unique and promising results. Overall, the proposed asymmetric IVS metamaterial design achieves the required performance by using a compact structure rather than extending the dimensions of the design.
Detection of prions in matching post-mortem skin and cerebrospinal fluid samples using second-generation real-time quaking-induced conversion assay
Authors: Baranová Soňa , Moško Tibor , Brůžová Magdalena , Haldiman Tracy , Kim Chae , Safar Jiri G. , Matěj Radoslav , Holada Karel
Published: March 2024

Real-time quaking-induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC) exploits templating activity of pathogenic prion protein for ultrasensitive detection of prions. We have utilized second generation RT-QuIC assay to analyze matching post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid and skin samples of 38 prion disease patients and of 30 deceased neurological controls. The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples led to 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, but some samples had to be diluted before the analysis to alleviate the effect of present RT-QuIC inhibitors. The analysis of the corresponding skin samples provided 89.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The median seeding dose present in the skin was one order of magnitude higher than in the cerebrospinal fluid, despite the overall fluorescent signal of the skin samples was comparatively lower. Our data support the use of post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid for confirmation of prion disease diagnosis and encourage further studies of the potential of skin biopsy samples for intra-vitam prion diseases´ diagnostics.
Diverse adolescents’ transcendent thinking predicts young adult psychosocial outcomes via brain network development
Authors: Gotlieb Rebecca J. M. , Yang Xiao-Fei , Immordino-Yang Mary Helen
Published: March 2024

Developmental scientists have long described mid-adolescents’ emerging capacities to make deep meaning about the social world and self, here called transcendent thinking, as a hallmark developmental stage. In this 5-years longitudinal study, sixty-five 14–18 years-old youths’ proclivities to grapple psychologically with the ethical, systems-level and personal implications of social stories, predicted future increases in the coordination of two key brain networks: the default-mode network, involved in reflective, autobiographical and free-form thinking, and the executive control network, involved in effortful, focused thinking; findings were independent of IQ, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. This neural development predicted late-adolescent identity development, which predicted young-adult self-liking and relationship satisfaction, in a developmental cascade. The findings reveal a novel predictor of mid-adolescents’ neural development, and suggest the importance of attending to adolescents’ proclivities to engage agentically with complex perspectives and emotions on the social and personal relevance of issues, such as through civically minded educational approaches.
The RoxyScan is a novel measurement of red blood cell deformability under oxidative and shear stress
Authors: Larkin Sandra K. , Hernández Carolina , van Beers Eduard J. , van Wijk Richard , Kuypers Frans A.
Published: March 2024

Exposure to both oxidative and shear stress, a condition that the red blood cell (RBC) continuously experiences in the circulation in vivo can be mimicked in a Couette type viscometer and monitored by ektacytometry. RBCs maintain their deformation and orientation under shear stress and oxidative stress until a threshold is reached at which these conditions appear to overwhelm the elaborate and complex pathways that maintain a proper redox environment in the cell. Oxidative stress under shear alters the ability of the cell to deform, changes cell morphology, its orientation in the shear stress field, and appears to alter intracellular and membrane characteristics. The application of the RoxyScan technology allows the comparison of oxidant effects and the role of antioxidant systems. This provides the opportunity to study the ability of RBC to deal with oxidative stress in various conditions, including RBC disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD).
Machine-learning-based global optimization of microwave passives with variable-fidelity EM models and response features
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna
Published: March 2024

Maximizing microwave passive component performance demands precise parameter tuning, particularly as modern circuits grow increasingly intricate. Yet, achieving this often requires a comprehensive approach due to their complex geometries and miniaturized structures. However, the computational burden of optimizing these components via full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations is substantial. EM analysis remains crucial for circuit reliability, but the expense of conducting rudimentary EM-driven global optimization by means of popular bio-inspired algorithms is impractical. Similarly, nonlinear system characteristics pose challenges for surrogate-assisted methods. This paper introduces an innovative technique leveraging variable-fidelity EM simulations and response feature technology within a kriging-based machine-learning framework for cost-effective global parameter tuning of microwave passives. The efficiency of this approach stems from performing most operations at the low-fidelity simulation level and regularizing the objective function landscape through the response feature method. The primary prediction tool is a co-kriging surrogate, while a particle swarm optimizer, guided by predicted objective function improvements, handles the search process. Rigorous validation demonstrates the proposed framework's competitive efficacy in design quality and computational cost, typically requiring only sixty high-fidelity EM analyses, juxtaposed with various state-of-the-art benchmark methods. These benchmarks encompass nature-inspired algorithms, gradient search, and machine learning techniques directly interacting with the circuit's frequency characteristics.
Initial non-invasive in vivo sensing of the lung using time domain diffuse optics
Authors: Pifferi Antonio , Miniati Massimo , Farina Andrea , Konugolu Venkata Sekar Sanathana , Lanka Pranav , Dalla Mora Alberto , Maffeis Giulia , Taroni Paola
Published: March 2024

The in vivo diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disorders (caused for example by emphysema, Covid-19, immature lung tissue in infants) could be effectively supported by the non-invasive sensing of the lung through light. With this purpose, we investigated the feasibility of probing the lung by means of time-resolved diffuse optics, leveraging the increased depth (a few centimeters) attained by photons collected after prolonged propagation time (a few nanoseconds). We present an initial study that includes measurements performed on 5 healthy volunteers during a breathing protocol, using a time-resolved broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy system. Those measurements were carried out across the spectral range of 600–1100 nm at a source-detector distance of 3 cm, and at 820 nm over a longer distance (7–9 cm). The preliminary analysis of the in vivo data with a simplified homogeneous model revealed a maximum probing depth of 2.6–3.9 cm, suitable for reaching the lung. Furthermore, we observed variations in signal associated with respiration, particularly evident at long photon propagation times. However, challenges stemming from both intra- and inter-subject variability, along with inconsistencies potentially arising from conflicting scattering and absorption effects on the collected signal, hindered a clear interpretation. Aspects that require further investigation for a more comprehensive understanding are outlined.
Body mass index and risk of cancer in young women
Authors: Dikaiou Pigi , Edqvist Jon , Lagergren Jesper , Adiels Martin , Björck Lena , Rosengren Annika
Published: March 2024

It is unclear how increasing body mass index (BMI) influences risk of cancer in young women. We used data from the Medical Birth, Patient and Cause of Death registers collected between 1982 and 2014 to determine the risk of obesity-related cancer types, breast cancer, all cancer and cancer-related death in relation to BMI in 1,386,725 women, aged between 18 and 45 years, in Sweden. During a median follow-up of 16.3 years (IQR 7.7–23.5), 9808 women developed cancer. The hazard ratio (HR) of endometrial and ovarian cancer increased with higher BMI from 1.08 (95% CI 0.93–1.24) and 1.08 (95% CI 0.96–1.21) among women with BMI 22.5–< 25 to 2.33 (95% CI 1.92–2.83) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.24–1.77), respectively, among women with BMI ≥ 30. There were linear and positive associations between BMI and incident cancer in the ovary, colon, endometrium, pancreas, rectum, gallbladder, esophageal cancer and renal cell carcinoma, as well as death from obesity-related cancer forms. In conclusion, we found that elevated BMI in young women linearly associated with several obesity-related cancer forms, including death from these cancers.
Prognostic impact and predictors of persistent renal dysfunction in acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Nakamura Takuya , Watanabe Makoto , Sugiura Junichi , Kyodo Atsushi , Nobuta Saki , Nogi Kazutaka , Nakada Yasuki , Ishihara Satomi , Hashimoto Yukihiro , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Ueda Tomoya , Seno Ayako , Nishida Taku , Onoue Kenji , Hikoso Shungo
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact and predictors of persistent renal dysfunction in acute kidney injury (AKI) after an emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 877 patients who underwent emergency PCI for AMI were examined. AKI was defined as serum creatinine (SCr) ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or ≥ 50% from baseline within 48 h after PCI. Persistent AKI was defined as residual impairment of SCr ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or ≥ 50% from baseline 1 month after the procedure. The primary outcome was the composite endpoints of death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, and dialysis. AKI and persistent AKI were observed in 82 (9.4%) and 25 (2.9%) patients, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that persistent AKI, but not transient AKI, was an independent predictor of primary outcome (hazard ratio, 4.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.30–10.8; P < 0.001). Age > 75 years, left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, a high maximum creatinine phosphokinase MB level, and bleeding after PCI were independently associated with persistent AKI. Persistent AKI was independently associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients who underwent emergency PCI for AMI. Advanced age, poor cardiac function, large myocardial necrosis, and bleeding were predictors of persistent AKI.
Dual-tasking modulates movement speed but not value-based choices during walking
Authors: Grießbach Eric , Raßbach Philipp , Herbort Oliver , Cañal-Bruland Rouwen
Published: March 2024

Value-based decision-making often occurs in multitasking scenarios relying on both cognitive and motor processes. Yet, laboratory experiments often isolate these processes, thereby neglecting potential interactions. This isolated approach reveals a dichotomy: the cognitive process by which reward influences decision-making is capacity-limited, whereas the influence of motor cost is free of such constraints. If true, dual-tasking should predominantly impair reward processing but not affect the impact of motor costs. To test this hypothesis, we designed a decision-making task in which participants made choices to walk toward targets for rewards while navigating past an obstacle. The motor cost to reach these rewards varied in real-time. Participants either solely performed the decision-making task, or additionally performed a secondary pitch-recall task. Results revealed that while both reward and motor costs influenced decision-making, the secondary task did not affect these factors. Instead, dual-tasking slowed down participants’ walking, thereby reducing the overall reward rate. Hence, contrary to the prediction that the added cognitive demand would affect the weighing of reward or motor cost differentially, these processes seem to be maintained at the expense of slowing down the motor system. This slowdown may be indicative of interference at the locomotor level, thereby underpinning motor-cognitive interactions during decision-making.
Plasma extracellular vesicle microRNAs reflecting the therapeutic effect of the CBP/β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Yoshida Mayu , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Fujita Koji , Kimura Masamichi , Umezu Tomohiro , Tokuda Noi , Yamaguchi Tomoko , Kuroda Masahiko , Ochiya Takahiro , Saito Yoshimasa , Kimura Kiminori
Published: March 2024

There is an unmet need for antifibrotic therapies to prevent the progression of liver cirrhosis. Previously, we conducted an exploratory trial to assess the safety and antifibrotic efficacy of PRI-724, a selective CBP/β-catenin inhibitor, in patients with liver cirrhosis. PRI-724 was well tolerated and exerted a potential antifibrotic effect. Here, we investigated whether the profiles of circulating microRNAs packaged in extracellular vesicles (EV-miRNAs) are associated with responses to liver fibrosis treatments. Eighteen patients who received PRI-724 for 12 weeks in a phase 1/2a study were classified as responders (n = 10) or non-responders (n = 8) based on changes in liver stiffness. Plasma samples were obtained before and after PRI-724 administration and the levels of EV-miRNAs were analyzed. Three miRNAs (miR-6510-5p, miR-6772-5p, and miR-4261) were identified as predictors of response or non-response to PRI-724, and the levels of three other miRNAs (miR-939-3p, miR-887-3p, and miR-7112-5p) correlated with the efficacy of treatment. Expression of miR-887-3p was detected in hepatocytes and was decreased significantly in liver tissue following PRI-724 treatment. In addition, transfection of a miR-887-3p mimic activated hepatic stellate cells. Thus, decreases in the miR-887-3p level in blood may reflect recovery from liver fibroses in patients with liver cirrhosis treated with PRI-724, although further validation studies are warranted to confirm this.
Excavation method optimization and mechanical responses investigating of a shallow buried super large section tunnels: a case study in Zhejiang
Authors: Chen Yunteng , Geng Xiaoliang , Li Jianjun , Zhang Mingfeng , Zhu Chengfeng , Cai Mingcheng , Zhao Wenlin , Zhou Xin , Wang Tianzuo
Published: March 2024

The construction of super large section (SLS) shallow buried tunnels involves challenges related to their large span, high flat rate, and complex construction process. Selecting an appropriate excavation method is crucial for ensuring stability, controlling costs, and managing the construction timeline. This study focuses on the selection of excavation methods and the mechanical responses of SLS tunnels in different types of surrounding rock. The research is based on the Yangjiashan tunnel project in Zhejiang Province, China, which is a four-line highway tunnel with a span of 21.3 m. Three sequential excavation methods were proposed and simulated using the three-dimensional finite difference method: the “upper first and lower later” side drift (SD) method, the central diaphragm method, and the top heading and bench (HB) method. The mechanical response characteristics of tunnel construction under these methods were investigated, including rock deformation, rock pressure, and the internal forces acting on the primary support. By comparing the performance of the three construction methods in rock masses of Grades III to V, the study aimed to determine the optimal construction method for SLS tunnels considering factors such as safety, cost, and schedule. Field tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the optimized construction scheme. The results of the field monitoring indicated that the “upper first and lower later” SD method in Grade V rock mass and the HB method in Grade III to IV rock mass are feasible and cost-effective under certain conditions. The research findings provide valuable insights for the design and construction of SLS tunnels in complex conditions, serving as a reference for engineers and project managers.
Differential connectivity of the posterior piriform cortex in Parkinson’s disease and postviral olfactory dysfunction: an fMRI study
Authors: Georgiopoulos Charalampos , Buechner Martha Antonia , Falkenburger Bjoern , Engström Maria , Hummel Thomas , Haehner Antje
Published: March 2024

Olfactory dysfunction is a common feature of both postviral upper respiratory tract infections (PV) and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our aim was to investigate potential differences in the connectivity of the posterior piriform cortex, a major component of the olfactory cortex, between PV and PD patients. Fifteen healthy controls (median age 66 years, 9 men), 15 PV (median age 63 years, 7 men) and 14 PD patients (median age 70 years, 9 men) were examined with task-based olfactory fMRI, including two odors: peach and fish. fMRI data were analyzed with the co-activation pattern (CAP) toolbox, which allows a dynamic temporal assessment of posterior piriform cortex (PPC) connectivity. CAP analysis revealed 2 distinct brain networks interacting with the PPC. The first network included regions related to emotion recognition and attention, such as the anterior cingulate and the middle frontal gyri. The occurrences of this network were significantly fewer in PD patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.023), with no significant differences among PV patients and the other groups. The second network revealed a dissociation between the olfactory cortex (piriform and entorhinal cortices), the anterior cingulate gyrus and the middle frontal gyri. This second network was significantly more active during the latter part of the stimulation, across all groups, possibly due to habituation. Our study shows how the PPC interacts with areas that regulate higher order processing and how this network is substantially affected in PD. Our findings also suggest that olfactory habituation is independent of disease.
New measurements reveal a large contribution of nitrogenous molecules to ambient organic aerosol
Authors: Yu Xu , Li Qianfeng , Liao Kezheng , Li Yumin , Wang Xinming , Zhou Yang , Liang Yongmei , Yu Jian Zhen
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen is a significant element that constitutes ambient organic aerosol. Individual N-containing organic molecules are known to have both natural and anthropogenic sources and implicated in a wide-ranging health and environmental effects. Yet, unlike carbon (C), the total quantity of aerosol organic nitrogen (ON) remains largely unquantified, hindering a quantitative understanding of their major sources and impacts. Here, aerosol ON is quantitatively surveyed in hundreds of aerosol filter samples collected from sites of varying urban influence in China using our recently developed method that permits simple, and yet sensitive, simultaneous detection of inorganic and organic nitrogen. Annual average ON concentration was in the range of 0.4–1.4 μg N m−3, representing 17–31% of aerosol total nitrogen. Monte Carlo simulations constrained by paired ON and OC measurements suggest N-containing organic molecules contributed typically 37–50%, with a 95% confidence interval of [12%, 94%], to ambient organic aerosols. Source apportionment analysis reveals that biomass burning and secondary formation are dominant ON sources, accounting for 21–24% and ~ 30% of ON, respectively. Primary biological aerosol is also a significant source of ON (7–18%), with its contribution more prominent in non-urban atmospheres. The results provide the quantitative data for the extent of presence of organic nitrogenous aerosol and the origin of their major sources. Such data, we anticipate, would bring forth a breakthrough in our ability to describe and model organic aerosols and to assess their environmental impacts, such as atmospheric nitrogen nutrient inputs to ecosystems.
Acoustic monitoring reveals a diel rhythm of an arctic seabird colony (little auk, Alle alle)
Authors: Podolskiy Evgeny A. , Ogawa Monica , Thiebot Jean-Baptiste , Johansen Kasper L. , Mosbech Anders
Published: March 2024

The child-like question of why birds sing in the morning is difficult to answer, especially in polar regions. There, in summer animals live without the time constraints of daylight, and little is known about the rhythmicity of their routines. Moreover, in situ monitoring of animal behavior in remote areas is challenging and rare. Here, we use audio data from Greenland to show that a colony of a key Arctic-breeding seabird, the little auk (Alle alle), erupts with acoustic excitement at night in August, under the midnight sun. We demonstrate that the acoustic activity cycle is consistent with previous direct observations of the feeding and attendance patterns of the little auk. We interpret this pattern as reflecting their foraging activities, but further investigation on fledging and predators is needed. The study demonstrates that acoustic monitoring is a promising alternative to otherwise demanding manual observations of bird colonies in remote Arctic areas.
Ca2+ oscillation in vascular smooth muscle cells control myogenic spontaneous vasomotion and counteract post-ischemic no-reflow
Authors: Li Jinze , Zhang Yiyi , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Wentao , Xie Huiqi , Ruan Jiayu , Jin Yuxiao , Li Tingbo , Li Xuzhao , Zhao Bingrui , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Lin Jiayi , Shi Hongjun , Jia Jie-Min
Published: March 2024

Ischemic stroke produces the highest adult disability. Despite successful recanalization, no-reflow, or the futile restoration of the cerebral perfusion after ischemia, is a major cause of brain lesion expansion. However, the vascular mechanism underlying this hypoperfusion is largely unknown, and no approach is available to actively promote optimal reperfusion to treat no-reflow. Here, by combining two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) and a mouse middle cerebral arteriolar occlusion (MCAO) model, we find myogenic vasomotion deficits correlated with post-ischemic cerebral circulation interruptions and no-reflow. Transient occlusion-induced transient loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) permanently impairs mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contacts and abolish Ca2+ oscillation in smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the driving force of myogenic spontaneous vasomotion. Furthermore, tethering mitochondria and ER by specific overexpression of ME-Linker in SMCs restores cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis, remotivates myogenic spontaneous vasomotion, achieves optimal reperfusion, and ameliorates neurological injury. Collectively, the maintaining of arteriolar myogenic vasomotion and mitochondria-ER contacts in SMCs, are of critical importance in preventing post-ischemic no-reflow.
A systematic pan-cancer study on deep learning-based prediction of multi-omic biomarkers from routine pathology images
Authors: Arslan Salim , Schmidt Julian , Bass Cher , Mehrotra Debapriya , Geraldes Andre , Singhal Shikha , Hense Julius , Li Xiusi , Raharja-Liu Pandu , Maiques Oscar , Kather Jakob Nikolas , Pandya Pahini
Published: March 2024

Background

The objective of this comprehensive pan-cancer study is to evaluate the potential of deep learning (DL) for molecular profiling of multi-omic biomarkers directly from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained whole slide images.

Methods

A total of 12,093 DL models predicting 4031 multi-omic biomarkers across 32 cancer types were trained and validated. The study included a broad range of genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic biomarkers, as well as established prognostic markers, molecular subtypes, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Here we show that 50% of the models achieve an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.644 or higher. The observed AUC for 25% of the models is at least 0.719 and exceeds 0.834 for the top 5%. Molecular profiling with image-based histomorphological features is generally considered feasible for most of the investigated biomarkers and across different cancer types. The performance appears to be independent of tumor purity, sample size, and class ratio (prevalence), suggesting a degree of inherent predictability in histomorphology.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that DL holds promise to predict a wide range of biomarkers across the omics spectrum using only H&E-stained histological slides of solid tumors. This paves the way for accelerating diagnosis and developing more precise treatments for cancer patients.
Improved measurement of disease progression in people living with early Parkinson’s disease using digital health technologies
Authors: Czech Matthew D. , Badley Darryl , Yang Liuqing , Shen Jie , Crouthamel Michelle , Kangarloo Tairmae , Dorsey E. Ray , Adams Jamie L. , Cosman Josh D.
Published: March 2024

Background

Digital health technologies show promise for improving the measurement of Parkinson’s disease in clinical research and trials. However, it is not clear whether digital measures demonstrate enhanced sensitivity to disease progression compared to traditional measurement approaches.

Methods

To this end, we develop a wearable sensor-based digital algorithm for deriving features of upper and lower-body bradykinesia and evaluate the sensitivity of digital measures to 1-year longitudinal progression using data from the WATCH-PD study, a multicenter, observational digital assessment study in participants with early, untreated Parkinson’s disease. In total, 82 early, untreated Parkinson’s disease participants and 50 age-matched controls were recruited and took part in a variety of motor tasks over the course of a 12-month period while wearing body-worn inertial sensors. We establish clinical validity of sensor-based digital measures by investigating convergent validity with appropriate clinical constructs, known groups validity by distinguishing patients from healthy volunteers, and test-retest reliability by comparing measurements between visits.

Results

We demonstrate clinical validity of the digital measures, and importantly, superior sensitivity of digital measures for distinguishing 1-year longitudinal change in early-stage PD relative to corresponding clinical constructs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the potential of digital health technologies to enhance sensitivity to disease progression relative to existing measurement standards and may constitute the basis for use as drug development tools in clinical research.
Cellular energy regulates mRNA degradation in a codon-specific manner
Authors: Tomaz da Silva Pedro , Zhang Yujie , Theodorakis Evangelos , Martens Laura D , Yépez Vicente A , Pelechano Vicent , Gagneur Julien
Published: March 2024

Codon optimality is a major determinant of mRNA translation and degradation rates. However, whether and through which mechanisms its effects are regulated remains poorly understood. Here we show that codon optimality associates with up to 2-fold change in mRNA stability variations between human tissues, and that its effect is attenuated in tissues with high energy metabolism and amplifies with age. Mathematical modeling and perturbation data through oxygen deprivation and ATP synthesis inhibition reveal that cellular energy variations non-uniformly alter the effect of codon usage. This new mode of codon effect regulation, independent of tRNA regulation, provides a fundamental mechanistic link between cellular energy metabolism and eukaryotic gene expression.
Contact evaluation of the penta-PdPSe/graphene vdW heterojunction: tuning the Schottky barrier and optical properties
Authors: Hassan Arzoo , Guo Yaguang , Younis Umer , Mehmood Andleeb , Tian Xiaoqing , Wang Qian
Published: March 2024

Schematic representation of the CIP model and band alignment in the penta-PdPSe/G heterojunction.
Theoretical dynamics studies of the CH3 + HBr → CH4 + Br reaction: effects of isotope substitution and vibrational excitation of CH3
Authors: Szabó Péter , Lendvay György
Published: March 2024

The rate coefficient for two deuterium substituted isotopologues of reaction CH3 + HBr → CH4 + Br has been determined using the quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) method.
Application of the symmetric Poisson–Boltzmann theory to a model colloidal mixture
Authors: Molero Miguel , Outhwaite Christopher W. , Bhuiyan Lutful Bari
Published: March 2024

A symmetric Poisson–Boltzmann theory is used to analyse the structure of a primitive model colloidal system which contains either 4 or 6 components.
Photophysics of a nucleic acid–protein crosslinking model strongly depends on solvation dynamics: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Iuzzolino Gabriele , Perrella Fulvio , Valadan Mohammadhassan , Petrone Alessio , Altucci Carlo , Rega Nadia
Published: March 2024

Optical measurements and QM/MM/non-periodic boundary conditions molecular dynamics of a DNA–protein interaction model show that the character and brightness of its first two excited states can swap, depending on the conformation and microsolvation.
Coexistence of giant Goos–Hänchen shift and high reflectance in Dirac semimetal based multilayered structure
Authors: Yin Dekang , Liu Wentao , Zhang Mengru , Da Haixia
Published: March 2024

This study realizes the coexistence of a giant GH shift (blue solid line) with high reflectance (red dashed line).
Analysis of a PVT-powered multi-effect mechanical vapor compression desalination system at different feed configurations: energy, exergy, and economic aspects
Authors: Sheta Mahmoud , Hassan Hamdy
Published: March 2024

Energy, exergy, environmental, and economic analysis of an externally preheated multi-effect mechanical vapor compression (ME-MVC) desalination system coupled with photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors was conducted.
Modification of plant and algal proteins through the Maillard reaction and complex coacervation: mechanisms, characteristics, and applications in encapsulating oxygen-sensitive oils
Authors: Zhang Zijia , Wang Bo , Chen Jie , Adhikari Benu
Published: March 2024

There is an increasing demand for plant and algal proteins as alternatives to animal proteins.
A novel BODIPY-based theranostic agent for in vivo fluorescence imaging of cerebral Aβ and ameliorating Aβ-associated disorders in Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Ren Wenming , Liu Xiaohui , Chen Jingjing , Zeng Yuteng , Xiang Huaijiang , Hu Youhong , Zhang Haiyan
Published: March 2024

We report the synthesis, characteristics, and biological evaluations of a novel theranostic agent, P14, for both in vitro and in vivo imaging of central Aβ plaques, inhibition of Aβ aggregation, and neuronal damage as well as behavioral deficits.
Antimicrobial coatings based on amine-terminated graphene oxide and Nafion with remarkable thermal resistance
Authors: Beg Mohammed Suleman , Gibbons Ella Nicole , Gavalas Spyridon , Holden Mark A. , Krysmann Marta , Kelarakis Antonios
Published: March 2024

Nafion and amine-terminated graphene oxide (GO–NH2) coatings inhibit bacterial growth by 99% and this performance is maintained upon thermal annealing.
Pivalate complexes of copper(ii) with aliphatic amines as potential precursors for depositing nanomaterials from the gas phase
Authors: Butrymowicz-Kubiak A. , Luba W. , Madajska K. , Muzioł T. , Szymańska I. B.
Published: March 2024

New copper(ii) complexes [Cu2(RNH2)2(μ-O2CtBu)4]n can be promising for the vapour deposition methods (CVD and FEBID). The pivalate-amine ligand system allowed multinuclear single crystals to grow through the partial release of the secondary ligand.
GeSn-on-GaAs with photoconductive carrier lifetime >400 ns: role of substrate orientation and atomistic simulation
Authors: Karthikeyan Sengunthar , Johnston Steven W. , Gayakwad Dhammapriy , Mahapatra Suddhasatta , Bodnar Robert J. , Zhao Jing , Joshi Rutwik , Hudait Mantu K.
Published: March 2024

Microwave reflection photoconductive decay carrier lifetimes of Ge0.94Sn0.06 materials on oriented GaAs substrates at 300 K.
Selective synthesis of an elusive C-functional bis-cyclam and study of its inhibition of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor
Authors: Le Roy Marie M. , Claes Sandra , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie , Schols Dominique , Troadec Thibault , Tripier Raphaël
Published: March 2024

A rare example of C,C′-linked bis-cyclam has been synthesized with controlled manner in mild conditions thanks to the “bis-aminal” tool, and its good CXCR4-recognition properties could be demonstated in vitro.
Mycomining: perspective on fungi as scavengers of scattered metal, mineral, and rare earth element resources
Authors: Jones Mitchell P. , Bismarck Alexander
Published: March 2024

Established principles and practical application of phytomining and mycoremediation bioaccumulation processes hint at a feasible and environmentally sustainable “mycomining” solution with considerable growth environment versatility.
SrTiO3 thin film photoanodes fabricated by combinatorial chemical beam vapour deposition: intricate connection between elemental composition and thin films' properties
Authors: Rogé Vincent , Garlisi Corrado , Popa Petru Lunca , Menguelti Kevin , Michel Marc , Vergne Christèle , Wagner Estelle , Maudez William , Benvenuti Giacomo , Pistillo Bianca Rita , Barborini Emanuele
Published: March 2024

In this research, we highlight an innovative combinatorial approach to explore the correlation between the elemental composition of SrTiO3 thin films and their photoelectrochemical characteristics for water splitting.
Enhancing photocatalytic CO2 reduction via a single-domain ferroelectric Z-scheme heterojunction of BiFeO3/CsPbBr3 inducing dual built-in electric fields
Authors: Pan Danrui , Lu Yi , Idris Ahmed Mahmoud , Chen Zhihao , Xu Leyi , Wang Jin , Jiang Guocan , Chen Zhaojiang , Li Zhengquan
Published: March 2024

A Z-scheme heterojunction designed via hot injection method enables growth of nanocrystals on nanosheets. This single-domain design causes a polarization electric field within the nanosheets and an electric field at the heterojunction interface. Both drive charge separation enhancing CO2 reduction.
Red blood cell (RBC)-like Ni@N–C composites for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction and Zn–CO2 batteries
Authors: Han Liu , Wang Cheng-wei , Xu Hai-ping , Yang Ming , Li Bing , Liu Ming
Published: March 2024

This contribution introduces an efficient catalyst of nickel and nitrogen-doped carbon for CO2 reduction and Zn–CO2 batteries.
High-entropy PtCuSnWNb nanoalloys as efficient and stable catalysts for ethanol oxidation electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yongying , Zhang Zhengwei , Hu Tieyu , Yang Juan , Li Yi
Published: March 2024

Extending ternary PtCuSn to high-entropy PtCuSnWNb nanoalloys has resulted in enhanced performance toward the ethanol oxidation reaction, which is derived from the unique high-entropy mixing states and strong catalyst–support interactions.
IR spectroscopic characterization of [M,C,2H]+ (M = Ru and Rh) products formed by reacting 4d transition metal cations with oxirane: Spectroscopic evidence for multireference character in RhCH2+
Authors: Wensink Frank J. , Smink Corry E. , Stevenson Brandon C. , Steele Ryan P. , Bakker Joost M. , Armentrout P. B.
Published: March 2024

A combination of infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations was employed to investigate the [M,C,2H]+ (M = Ru and Rh) species.
Crystallization kinetics of (S)-4′-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)biphenyl-4-yl 4-[4-(2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxy)but-1-oxy]-2-fluorobenzoate
Authors: Deptuch Aleksandra , Lalik Sebastian , Jasiurkowska-Delaporte Małgorzata , Urbańska Magdalena , Marzec Monika
Published: March 2024

Melt crystallization of liquid crystalline 3F4HPhF6 is investigated by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. X-ray diffraction and broadband dielectric spectroscopy are used to characterize the crystal phases.
Amplitude multiplexed wastewater surveillance for campus health: tracking SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and norovirus
Authors: Saldana Michael A. , Geng Jiayu , Shen Litao , Ghanem-Uzqueda Angie , Van Orman Sarah , Tilley Kimberly B. , Sun Dick , Willes Deona , Smith Adam L.
Published: March 2024

This study implements wastewater surveillance on a university campus to monitor highly infectious communal diseases utilizing ddPCR and overcoming the limitation of two fluorescent channels of a ddPCR reader by employing an amplitude multiplex.
Interactions between alkali cations and cyanide-bridged network in A2Co4[Fe(CN)6]3.3 Prussian blue analogues revealed by far-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Dronova Maria , Altenschmidt Laura , Bordage Amélie , Brubach Jean-Blaise , Verseils Marine , Balthazar Gregory , Roy Pascale , Bleuzen Anne
Published: March 2024

A variable temperature far-infrared spectroscopy study of Prussian blue analogues revealed different positioning of alkali cations in the network.
Mechanistic insights into on-surface reactions from isothermal temperature-programmed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Grossmann Lukas , Hocke Manuela , Galeotti Gianluca , Contini Giorgio , Floreano Luca , Cossaro Albano , Ghosh Amit , Schmittel Michael , Rosen Johanna , Heckl Wolfgang M. , Björk Jonas , Lackinger Markus
Published: March 2024

The temporal evolution of the reactant concentrations as measured by XPS for different temperature profiles reveals that the debromination of organic molecules on Ag(111) is activated by Ag adatoms.