bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dedifferentiated fat cells administration ameliorates abnormal expressions of fatty acids metabolism-related protein expressions and intestinal tissue damage in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Mimatsu Haruka , Onoda Atsuto , Kazama Tomohiko , Nishijima Koji , Shimoyama Yoshie , Go Shoji , Ueda Kazuto , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Taro , Hayakawa Masahiro , Sato Yoshiaki
Published: May 2023

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious disease of premature infants that necessitates intensive care and frequently results in life-threatening complications and high mortality. Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs) are mesenchymal stem cell-like cells derived from mature adipocytes. DFATs were intraperitoneally administrated to a rat NEC model, and the treatment effect and its mechanism were evaluated. The NEC model was created using rat pups hand fed with artificial milk, exposed to asphyxia and cold stress, and given oral lipopolysaccharides after cesarean section. The pups were sacrificed 96 h after birth for macroscopic histological examination and proteomics analysis. DFATs administration significantly improved the survival rate from 25.0 (vehicle group) to 60.6% (DFAT group) and revealed a significant reduction in macroscopical, histological, and apoptosis evaluation compared with the vehicle group. Additionally, the expression of C–C motif ligand 2 was significantly decreased, and that of interleukin-6 decreased in the DFAT group. DFAT administration ameliorated 93 proteins mainly related to proteins of fatty acid metabolism of the 436 proteins up-/down-regulated by NEC. DFATs improved mortality and restored damaged intestinal tissues in NEC, possibly by improving the abnormal expression of fatty acid-related proteins and reducing inflammation.
Importance of surface morphology on secondary electron emission: a case study of Cu covered with carbon, carbon pairs, or graphitic-like layers
Authors: Diaz L. , Karkash A. , Alsharari S. , Joshi R. P. , Schamiloglu E. , Sanati M.
Published: May 2023

Understanding the relationship between surface adsorbates and secondary electronic emission is critical for a variety of technologies, since the secondary electrons can have deleterious effects on the operation of devices. The mitigation of such phenomena is desirable. Here, using the collective efforts of first-principles, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations, we studied the effects of a variety of carbon adsorbates on the secondary electron emission of Cu (110). It was demonstrated that the adsorption of atomic C and C$$_2$$

2

pair layers can both reduce and increase the number of secondary electrons depending on the adsorbate coverage. It was shown that under electron irradiation, the C–Cu bonds can be dissociated and reformed into C$$_2$$

2

pairs and graphitic-like layers, in agreement with experimental observation. It was verified that the lowest secondary electron emission was due to the formation of the graphitic-like layer. To understand the physical reason for changes in number of secondary electrons for different systems from an electronic structure perspective, two-dimensional potential energy surfaces and charge density contour plots were calculated and analyzed. It was shown that the changes are strongly influenced by the Cu surface morphology and depends highly on the nature of the interactions between the surface Cu and C atoms.
Impact of d-states on transition metal impurity diffusion in TiN
Authors: Nayak Ganesh Kumar , Holec David , Zelený Martin
Published: May 2023

In this work, we studied the energetics of diffusion-related quantities of transition-metal impurities in TiN, a prototype ceramic protective coating. We use ab-initio calculations to construct a database of impurity formation energies, vacancy-impurity binding energies, migration, and activation energies of 3d and selected 4d and 5d elements for the vacancy-mediated diffusion process. The obtained trends suggest that the trends in migration and activation energies are not fully anti-correlated with the size of the migration atom. We argue that this is caused by a strong impact of chemistry in terms of binding. We quantified this effect for selected cases using the density of electronic states, Crystal Orbital Hamiltonian Population analysis, and charge density analysis. Our results show that the bonding of impurities in the initial state of a diffusion jump (equilibrium lattice position), as well as the charge directionality at the transition state (energy maximum along the diffusion jump pathway), significantly impact the activation energies.
Postural adaptation to microgravity underlies fine motor impairment in astronauts’ speech
Authors: Shamei Arian , Sóskuthy Márton , Stavness Ian , Gick Bryan
Published: May 2023

Understanding the role of anti-gravity behaviour in fine motor control is crucial to achieving a unified theory of motor control. We compare speech from astronauts before and immediately after microgravity exposure to evaluate the role of anti-gravity posture during fine motor skills. Here we show a generalized lowering of vowel space after space travel, which suggests a generalized postural shift of the articulators. Biomechanical modelling of gravitational effects on the vocal tract supports this analysis—the jaw and tongue are pulled down in 1g, but movement trajectories of the tongue are otherwise unaffected. These results demonstrate the role of anti-gravity posture in fine motor behaviour and provide a basis for the unification of motor control models across domains.
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) regulates the glucocorticoid signaling pathway during the early phase of adipogenesis
Authors: Roberti Annalisa , Tejedor Juan Ramon , Díaz-Moreno Irene , López Virginia , Santamarina-Ojeda Pablo , Pérez Raúl F. , Urdinguio Rocío G. , Concellón Carmen , Martínez-Chantar María Luz , Fernández-Morera Juan Luis , Díaz-Quintana Antonio , del Amo Vicente , Fernández Agustín F. , Fraga Mario F.
Published: May 2023

Obesity is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction through the differentiation and expansion of pre-adipocytes to adipocytes (hyperplasia) and/or increases in size of pre-existing adipocytes (hypertrophy). A cascade of transcriptional events coordinates the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into fully differentiated adipocytes; the process of adipogenesis. Although nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has been associated with obesity, how NNMT is regulated during adipogenesis, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms, remain undefined. In present study we used genetic and pharmacological approaches to elucidate the molecular signals driving NNMT activation and its role during adipogenesis. Firstly, we demonstrated that during the early phase of adipocyte differentiation NNMT is transactivated by CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein beta (CEBPB) in response to glucocorticoid (GC) induction. We found that Nnmt knockout, using CRISPR/Cas9 approach, impaired terminal adipogenesis by influencing the timing of cellular commitment and cell cycle exit during mitotic clonal expansion, as demonstrated by cell cycle analysis and RNA sequencing experiments. Biochemical and computational methods showed that a novel small molecule, called CC-410, stably binds to and highly specifically inhibits NNMT. CC-410 was, therefore, used to modulate protein activity during pre-adipocyte differentiation stages, demonstrating that, in line with the genetic approach, chemical inhibition of NNMT at the early stages of adipogenesis impairs terminal differentiation by deregulating the GC network. These congruent results conclusively demonstrate that NNMT is a key component of the GC-CEBP axis during the early stages of adipogenesis and could be a potential therapeutic target for both early-onset obesity and glucocorticoid-induced obesity.
The effect of lifestyle on the mortality associated with respiratory diseases in the general population
Authors: Murano Hiroaki , Inoue Sumito , Sato Kento , Sato Masamichi , Igarashi Akira , Fujimoto Shouichi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Moriyama Toshiki , Shibagaki Yugo , Kasahara Masato , Narita Ichiei , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kondo Masahide , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Konta Tsuneo , Watanabe Masafumi
Published: May 2023

Lifestyle factors, including smoking habit, diet, and physical activity, affect the prognosis of various diseases. We elucidated the effect of lifestyle factors and health status on deaths from respiratory diseases in the general Japanese population using data from a community health examination database. Data of the nationwide screening program of the Specific Health Check-up and Guidance System (Tokutei-Kenshin), targeting the general population in Japan, from 2008 to 2010 were analyzed. The underlying causes of death were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10. The hazard ratios of the incidence of mortality associated with respiratory disease were estimated using the Cox regression model. This study included 664,926 participants aged 40–74 years, who were followed up for 7 years. There were 8051 deaths, including 1263 (15.69%) deaths from respiratory diseases. The independent risk factors of mortality associated with respiratory diseases were male sex, older age, low body mass index, no exercise habit, slow walking speed, no drinking habit, smoking history, history of cerebrovascular diseases, high hemoglobin A1c and uric acid levels, low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and proteinuria. Aging and decline of physical activity are significant risk factors for mortality associated with respiratory diseases, regardless of the smoking status.
Experimental evidence of a size-dependent sign change of the Seebeck coefficient of Bi nanowire arrays
Authors: Wagner Michael Florian Peter , Paulus Anna Sarina , Sigle Wilfried , Brötz Joachim , Trautmann Christina , Voss Kay-Obbe , Völklein Friedemann , Toimil-Molares Maria Eugenia
Published: May 2023

The electrical transport in bismuth nanowires is strongly influenced by both sample geometry and crystallinity. Compared to bulk bismuth, the electrical transport in nanowires is dominated by size effects and influenced by surface states, which gain increasing relevance with increasing surface-to-volume ratios, i.e. with decreasing wire diameter. Bismuth nanowires with tailored diameter and crystallinity constitute, therefore, excellent model systems, allowing to study the interplay of the different transport phenomena. Here, we present temperature-dependent Seebeck coefficient and relative electrical resistance measurements of parallel bismuth nanowire arrays with diameters between 40 and 400 nm synthesized by pulsed electroplating in polymer templates. Both electrical resistance and Seebeck coefficient exhibit a non-monotonic temperature dependence, with the sign of the Seebeck coefficient changing from negative to positive with decreasing temperature. The observed behavior is size-dependent and is attributed to limitations of the mean free path of the charge carriers within the nanowires. The observed size-dependent Seebeck coefficient and in particular the size-dependent sign change opens a promising avenue for single-material thermocouples with p- and n-legs made from nanowires with different diameters.
A novel approach to topological network analysis for the identification of metrics and signatures in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Isabella , Wang Xin
Published: May 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the primary histological form of lung cancer, accounts for about 25%—the highest—of all cancer deaths. As NSCLC is often undetected until symptoms appear in the late stages, it is imperative to discover more effective tumor-associated biomarkers for early diagnosis. Topological data analysis is one of the most powerful methodologies applicable to biological networks. However, current studies fail to consider the biological significance of their quantitative methods and utilize popular scoring metrics without verification, leading to low performance. To extract meaningful insights from genomic data, it is essential to understand the relationship between geometric correlations and biological function mechanisms. Through bioinformatics and network analyses, we propose a novel composite selection index, the C-Index, that best captures significant pathways and interactions in gene networks to identify biomarkers with the highest efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, we establish a 4-gene biomarker signature that serves as a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC and personalized medicine. The C-Index and biomarkers discovered were validated with robust machine learning models. The methodology proposed for finding top metrics can be applied to effectively select biomarkers and early diagnose many diseases, revolutionizing the approach to topological network research for all cancers.
A preliminary study of the use of MinION sequencing to specifically detect Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in culture swipes containing multiple serovars of this species
Authors: Tunsjø Hege S. , Ullmann Ingvild Falkum , Charnock Colin
Published: May 2023

An important challenge relating to clinical diagnostics of the foodborne pathogen Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), is that PCR-detection of the shiga-toxin gene (stx) in DNA from stool samples can be accompanied by a failure to identify an STEC isolate in pure culture on agar. In this study, we have explored the use of MinION long-read sequencing of DNA from bacterial culture swipes to detect the presence of STEC, and bioinformatic tools to characterize the STEC virulence factors. The online workflow “What’s in my pot” (WIMP) in the Epi2me cloud service, rapidly identified STEC also when it was present in culture swipes together with multiple other E. coli serovars, given sufficient abundance. These preliminary results provide useful information about the sensitivity of the method, which has potential to be used in clinical diagnostic of STEC, particularly in cases where a pure culture of the STEC isolate is not obtained due to the ‘STEC lost Shiga toxin’ phenomenon.
Deletion of endothelial leptin receptors in mice promotes diet-induced obesity
Authors: Gogiraju Rajinikanth , Witzler Claudius , Shahneh Fatemeh , Hubert Astrid , Renner Luisa , Bochenek Magdalena L. , Zifkos Konstantinos , Becker Christian , Thati Madhusudhan , Schäfer Katrin
Published: May 2023

Obesity promotes endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cells not only respond, but possibly actively promote the development of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Our aim was to characterize the role of endothelial leptin receptors (LepR) for endothelial and whole body metabolism and diet-induced obesity. Mice with tamoxifen-inducible, Tie2.Cre-ERT2-mediated deletion of LepR in endothelial cells (End.LepR knockout, KO) were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Body weight gain, serum leptin levels, visceral adiposity and adipose tissue inflammation were more pronounced in obese End.LepR-KO mice, whereas fasting serum glucose and insulin levels or the extent of hepatic steatosis did not differ. Reduced brain endothelial transcytosis of exogenous leptin, increased food intake and total energy balance were observed in End.LepR-KO mice and accompanied by brain perivascular macrophage accumulation, whereas physical activity, energy expenditure and respiratory exchange rates did not differ. Metabolic flux analysis revealed no changes in the bioenergetic profile of endothelial cells from brain or visceral adipose tissue, but higher glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration rates in those isolated from lungs. Our findings support a role for endothelial LepRs in the transport of leptin into the brain and neuronal control of food intake, and also suggest organ-specific changes in endothelial cell, but not whole-body metabolism.
Variation in pentose phosphate pathway-associated metabolism dictates cytotoxicity outcomes determined by tetrazolium reduction assays
Authors: Coyle Jayme P. , Johnson Caroline , Jensen Jake , Farcas Mariana , Derk Raymond , Stueckle Todd A. , Kornberg Tiffany G. , Rojanasakul Yon , Rojanasakul Liying W.
Published: May 2023

Tetrazolium reduction and resazurin assays are the mainstay of routine in vitro toxicity batteries. However, potentially erroneous characterization of cytotoxicity and cell proliferation can arise if verification of baseline interaction of test article with method employed is neglected. The current investigation aimed to demonstrate how interpretation of results from several standard cytotoxicity and proliferation assays vary in dependence on contributions from the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Non-tumorigenic Beas-2B cells were treated with graded concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) for 24 and 48 h prior to cytotoxicity and proliferation assessment with commonly used MTT, MTS, WST1, and Alamar Blue assays. B[a]P caused enhanced metabolism of each dye assessed despite reductions in mitochondrial membrane potential and was reversed by 6-aminonicotinamide (6AN)—a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor. These results demonstrate differential sensitivity of standard cytotoxicity assessments on the PPP, thus (1) decoupling “mitochondrial activity” as an interpretation of cellular formazan and Alamar Blue metabolism, and (2) demonstrating the implicit requirement for investigators to sufficiently verify interaction of these methods in routine cytotoxicity and proliferation characterization. The nuances of method-specific extramitochondrial metabolism must be scrutinized to properly qualify specific endpoints employed, particularly under the circumstances of metabolic reprogramming.
Biomechanical adaptations during exhaustive runs at 90 to 120% of peak aerobic speed
Authors: Patoz Aurélien , Blokker Thomas , Pedrani Nicola , Spicher Romain , Borrani Fabio , Malatesta Davide
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to examine how running biomechanics (spatiotemporal and kinetic variables) adapt with exhaustion during treadmill runs at 90, 100, 110, and 120% of the peak aerobic speed (PS) of a maximal incremental aerobic test. Thirteen male runners performed a maximal incremental aerobic test on an instrumented treadmill to determine their PS. Biomechanical variables were evaluated at the start, mid, and end of each run until volitional exhaustion. The change of running biomechanics with fatigue was similar among the four tested speeds. Duty factor and contact and propulsion times increased with exhaustion (P ≤ 0.004; F ≥ 10.32) while flight time decreased (P = 0.02; F = 6.67) and stride frequency stayed unchanged (P = 0.97; F = 0.00). A decrease in vertical and propulsive peak forces were obtained with exhaustion (P ≤ 0.002; F ≥ 11.52). There was no change in the impact peak with exhaustion (P = 0.41; F = 1.05). For runners showing impact peaks, the number of impact peaks increased (P ≤ 0.04; $${\upchi }^{2}$$

χ

2

 ≥ 6.40) together with the vertical loading rate (P = 0.005; F = 9.61). No changes in total, external, and internal positive mechanical work was reported with exhaustion (P ≥ 0.12; F ≤ 2.32). Results suggest a tendency towards a “smoother” vertical and horizontal running pattern with exhaustion. A smoother running pattern refers to the development of protective adjustments, leading to a reduction of the load applied to the musculoskeletal system at each running step. This transition seemed continuous between the start and end of the running trials and could be adopted by the runners to decrease the muscle force level during the propulsion phase. Despite these changes with exhaustion, there were no changes in either gesture speed (no alteration of stride frequency) or positive mechanical work, advocating that runners unconsciously organize themselves to maintain a constant whole-body mechanical work output.
Mathematical optimization of frost resistant crop production to ensure food supply during a nuclear winter catastrophe
Authors: Wilson Nick , Payne Ben , Boyd Matt
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to estimate the optimal mix of frost resistant crops and land area needed to provide basic nutrition during various nuclear winter scenarios for New Zealand (NZ), a temperate island nation. It used linear programming to minimize land area required for cropping while producing enough food to achieve dietary energy and protein requirements for the whole population. The potential agricultural impacts of three nuclear winter scenarios on NZ, were sourced from the literature. The optimized combinations of frost resistant crops that were found to feed the entire population were, in descending order: wheat and carrots; sugar beet; oats; onions and carrots; cabbage and barley; canola and cabbage; linseed and parsnip; rye and lupins; swede and field beans; and cauliflower. But in terms of current production levels of these frost resistant crops in NZ, there would be a 26% shortfall for the “war without a nuclear winter” scenario and a 71% shortfall for the severe nuclear winter scenario (150 Tg of soot in the stratosphere with a 61% decline in crop yields). In conclusion, at current production levels, frost resistant food crops could not feed all NZ citizens following a nuclear war. There is a need for the NZ Government to conduct a detailed pre-war analysis on how these shortfalls are best addressed. For example, by: increased pre-war production of these crops and/or post-war scalability; growing enough frost sensitive crops (i.e., in greenhouses or the warmest parts of the country); and/or ensuring continuing production of food derived from livestock fed on frost resistant grasses.
Solid acid-catalyzed one-step synthesis of oleacein from oleuropein
Authors: Shimamoto Yasuhiro , Fujitani Tadahiro , Uchiage Eriko , Isoda Hiroko , Tominaga Ken-ichi
Published: May 2023

In this study, we developed a new synthetic strategy to convert secoiridoid glucosides into unique dialdehydic compounds using solid acid catalysts. Specifically, we succeeded in the direct synthesis of oleacein, a rare component of extra-virgin olive oil, from oleuropein, which is abundant in olive leaves. Whereas the conventional total synthesis of oleacein from lyxose requires more than 10 steps, these solid acid catalysts enabled the one-step synthesis of oleacein from oleuropein. A key step in this synthesis was the selective hydrolysis of methyl ester. Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/631+G (d) level of theory revealed the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate bonded to one H2O molecule. These solid acid catalysts were easily recovered and reused at least five times by simple cleaning. Importantly, this synthetic procedure was not only applicable to other secoiridoid glucosides, but could also be employed for the corresponding scale-up reaction using oleuropein extracted from olive leaves as the starting material.
The association between dietary acrylamide intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes incidence in the Tehran lipid and glucose study
Authors: Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Beheshti Niloofar , Nematollahi Amene , Koochakpoor Glareh , verij-Kazemi Soheil , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoon
Published: May 2023

This study aimed at investigating the association of acrylamide consumption with the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults. The 6022 subjects of the Tehran lipid and glucose study participants were selected. The acrylamide content of food items were summed and computed cumulatively across follow up surveys. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to estimate the hazards ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of incident T2D. This study was done on men and women, respectively aged 41.5 ± 14.1 and 39.2 ± 13.0 years. The mean ± SD of dietary acrylamide intake was 57.0 ± 46.8 µg/day. Acrylamide intake was not associated with the incidence of T2D after adjusting for confounding variables. In women, a higher acrylamide intake was positively associated with T2D [HR (CI) for Q4: 1.13 (1.01–1.27), P trend: 0.03] after adjusting for confounding factors. Our results demonstrated that dietary intake of acrylamide was associated with an increased risk of T2D in women.
Assessing coastline recession for adaptation planning: sea level rise versus storm erosion
Authors: Ranasinghe Roshanka , Callaghan David P. , Li Fan , Wainwright David J. , Duong Trang Minh
Published: May 2023

The Sixth Assessment report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states with high confidence that most sandy coasts around the world will experience an increase in coastal erosion over the twenty-first century. An increase in long term coastal erosion (coastline recession) along sandy coasts can translate into massive socio-economic impacts, unless appropriate adaptation measures are implemented in the next few decades. To adequately inform adaptation measures, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the relative importance of the physical processes driving coastline recession, as well as of linkages between consideration (or not) of certain processes and the level of risk tolerance; understandings that are hitherto lacking. Here, we apply the multi-scale Probabilistic Coastline Recession (PCR) model to two end-member sandy coastal types (swell dominated and storm dominated), to investigate where and when coastline recession projections are dominated by the differential contributions from Sea Level Rise (SLR) and storm erosion. Results show that SLR substantially increases the projected end-century recession at both types of coasts and that projected changes in the wave climate have only a marginal impact. An analysis of the Process Dominance Ratio (PDR), introduced here, shows that the dominance of storm erosion over SLR (and vice versa) on total recession by 2100 depends on both the type of the beach and the risk tolerance levels. For moderately risk-averse decisions (i.e. decisions accounting only for high exceedance probability recessions and hence do not account for very high amounts of potential recession—for example, the placement of temporary summer beach cabins), additional erosion due to SLR can be considered as the dominant driver of end-century recession at both types of beaches. However, for more risk-averse decisions that would typically account for higher potential recession (i.e. lower exceedance probability recessions), such as the placement of coastal infrastructure, multi-storey apartment buildings etc., storm erosion becomes the dominant process. The results of this study provide new insights on which physical processes need to be considered when and where in terms of numerical modelling efforts needed for supporting different management decisions, potentially enabling more streamlined and comprehensive assessments of the efficacy of coastal adaptation measures.
Selecting optimal support grids for super-resolution cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy
Authors: Last Mart G. F. , Tuijtel Maarten W. , Voortman Lenard M. , Sharp Thomas H.
Published: May 2023

Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy are two popular and ever improving methods for high-resolution imaging of biological samples. In recent years, the combination of these two techniques into one correlated workflow has gained attention as a promising route towards contextualizing and enriching cryo-TEM imagery. A problem that is often encountered in the combination of these methods is that of light-induced damage to the sample during fluorescence imaging that renders the sample structure unsuitable for TEM imaging. In this paper, we describe how absorption of light by TEM sample support grids leads to sample damage, and we systematically explore the importance of parameters of grid design. We explain how, by changing the grid geometry and materials, one can increase the maximum illumination power density in fluorescence microscopy by up to an order of magnitude. Finally, we demonstrate the significant improvements in super-resolution image quality that are enabled by the selection of support grids that are optimally suited for correlated cryo-microscopy.
Effects of human activities on Sericinus montela and its host plant Aristolochia contorta
Authors: Park Si-Hyun , Kim Jae Hyun , Kim Jae Geun
Published: May 2023

Sericinus montela,a globally threatened butterfly species, feeds exclusively onAristolochia contorta(Northern pipevine).Field surveys and glasshouse experiments were conducted to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between the two species. Interviews with the persons concerned withA. contortawere conducted to collect information about the site management measures. We found that management practices to control invasive species and manage the riverine areas might reduce the coverage ofA. contortaand the number of eggs and larvae ofS. montela. Our results indicated that the degraded quality ofA. contortamay result in a decrease inS. montelapopulations by diminishing their food source and spawning sites. This study implies that ecological management in the riverine area should be set up to protect rare species and biodiversity.
Diagnostic value of two-time point [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in the primary staging of untreated prostate cancer
Authors: Weitzer Friedrich , Pernthaler Birgit , Plhak Elisabeth , Riedl Regina , Aigner Reingard Maria
Published: May 2023

The emerging PET tracer [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 has been established for staging in prostate cancer (PCa). Aim was to determine the value of early static imaging in two-phase PET/CT. 100 men with newly diagnosed histopathologically confirmed untreated PCa who underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT from January 2017 to October 2019 were included. The two-phase imaging protocol consisted of an early static scan of the pelvis (6 min p.i.) and a late total-body scan (60 min p.i). Associations of semi-quantitative parameters derived via volumes of interest (VOI) with Gleason grade group and PSA were investigated. In 94/100 patients (94%) the primary tumor was detected in both phases. In 29/100 patients (29%) metastases were detected at a median PSA level of 32.2 ng/ml (0.41–503 ng/ml). In 71/100 patients (71%) without metastasis a median PSA level of 10.1 ng/ml (0.57–103 ng/ml) was observed (p = < 0.001). Primary tumors demonstrated a median standard uptake value maximum (SUVmax) of 8.2 (3.1–45.3) in early phase versus 12.2 (3.1–73.4) in late phase and a median standard uptake value mean (SUVmean) of 4.2 (1.6–24.1) in early phase versus 5.8 (1.6–39.9) in late phase, significantly increasing over time (p = < 0.001). Higher SUVmax and SUVmean were associated with higher Gleason grade group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively) and higher PSA levels (p = < 0.001). In 13/100 patients the semi-quantitative parameters including SUVmax were declining in the late phase compared to early phase. Two-phase [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT demonstrates a high detection rate for primary tumor of untreated PCa of 94% and improves diagnostic accuracy. Higher PSA levels and Gleason grade group are associated with higher semi-quantitative parameters in the primary tumor. Early imaging provides additional information in a small sub-group with declining semi-quantitative parameters in the late phase.
Abundance does not predict extinction risk in the fossil record of marine plankton
Authors: Trubovitz Sarah , Renaudie Johan , Lazarus David , Noble Paula J.
Published: May 2023

A major premise of ecological neutral theory is that population size is inversely related to extinction risk. This idea is central to modern biodiversity conservation efforts, which often rely on abundance metrics to partially determine species extinction risk. However, limited empirical studies have tested whether extinction is indeed more probable for species with low abundances. Here we use the fossil record of Neogene radiolaria to test the relationship between relative abundance and longevity (time from first to last occurrence). Our dataset includes abundance histories for 189 polycystine radiolarian species from the Southern Ocean, and 101 species from the tropical Pacific. Using linear regression analyses, we show that neither maximum nor average relative abundance are significant predictors of longevity in either oceanographic region. This suggests that neutral theory fails to explain the plankton ecological-evolutionary dynamics we observe. Extrinsic factors are likely more important than neutral dynamics in controlling radiolarian extinction.
Metabolic landscape of the male mouse gut identifies different niches determined by microbial activities
Authors: Meier Karin H. U. , Trouillon Julian , Li Hai , Lang Melanie , Fuhrer Tobias , Zamboni Nicola , Sunagawa Shinichi , Macpherson Andrew J. , Sauer Uwe
Published: May 2023

Distinct niches of the mammalian gut are populated by diverse microbiota, but the contribution of spatial variation to intestinal metabolism remains unclear. Here we present a map of the longitudinal metabolome along the gut of healthy colonized and germ-free male mice. With this map, we reveal a general shift from amino acids in the small intestine to organic acids, vitamins and nucleotides in the large intestine. We compare the metabolic landscapes in colonized versus germ-free mice to disentangle the origin of many metabolites in different niches, which in some cases allows us to infer the underlying processes or identify the producing species. Beyond the known impact of diet on the small intestinal metabolic niche, distinct spatial patterns suggest specific microbial influence on the metabolome in the small intestine. Thus, we present a map of intestinal metabolism and identify metabolite–microbe associations, which provide a basis to connect the spatial occurrence of bioactive compounds to host or microorganism metabolism.
Recent decreases in snow water storage in western North America
Authors: Hale Katherine E. , Jennings Keith S. , Musselman Keith N. , Livneh Ben , Molotch Noah P.
Published: May 2023

Mountain snowpacks act as natural water towers, storing winter precipitation until summer months when downstream water demand is greatest. We introduce a Snow Storage Index (SSI), representing the temporal phase difference between daily precipitation and surface water inputs—sum of rainfall and snowmelt into terrestrial systems—weighted by relative magnitudes. Different from snow water equivalent or snow fraction, the SSI represents the degree to which the snowpack delays the timing and magnitude of surface water inputs relative to precipitation, a fundamental component of how snow water storage influences the hydrologic cycle. In western North America, annual SSI has decreased (p < 0.05) from 1950–2013 in over 25% of mountainous areas, as a result of substantially earlier snowmelt and rainfall in spring months, with additional declines in winter precipitation. The SSI and associated trends offer a new perspective on hydrologic sensitivity to climate change which have broad implications for water resources and ecosystems.
Current availability and distribution of Congo Basin’s freshwater resources
Authors: Tourian Mohammad J. , Papa Fabrice , Elmi Omid , Sneeuw Nico , Kitambo Benjamin , Tshimanga Raphael M. , Paris Adrien , Calmant Stéphane
Published: May 2023

The Congo Basin is of global significance for biodiversity and the water and carbon cycles. However, its freshwater availability and distribution remain relatively unknown. Using satellite data, here we show that currently the Congo Basin’s Total Drainable Water Storage lies within a range of 476 km3to 502 km3, unevenly distributed throughout the region, with 63% being stored in the southernmost sub-basins, Kasaï (220–228 km3) and Lualaba (109–169 km3), while the northern sub-basins contribute only 173 ± 8 km3. We further estimate the hydraulic time constant for draining its entire water storage to be 4.3 ± 0.1 months, but, regionally, permanent wetlands and large lakes act as resistors resulting in greater time constants of up to 105 ± 3 months. Our estimate provides a robust basis to address the challenges of water demand for 120 million inhabitants, a population expected to double in a few decades.
Mass spectrometry-based assays for assessing replicative bypass and repair of DNA alkylation in cells
Authors: Li Jiaxian , Hu Zhihai , Liu Dandan , Wang Pengcheng
Published: May 2023

Mass spectrometry-based assays for assessing the impact of DNA alkylation on replication.
Paper microzone assay embedded on a 3D printed support for colorimetric quantification of proteins in different biological and food samples
Authors: Pettinau Francesca , Pittau Barbara , Orrù Alessandro
Published: May 2023

We show an inexpensive and reliable approach to extend the areas of application of paper-based analytical devices for protein quantification.
Photoisomerization-controlled wavelength-tunable plasmonic lasers
Authors: Wen Shuang , Zhou Wu , Tian Zhiyuan , Yan Yongli , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: May 2023

The change of refractive index resulting from the isomerization of photochromic molecules under light irradiation reconfigures lattice plasmon resonances, which allows for the realization of dynamically and continuously tunable plasmonic lasers.
Efficient electrochemical CO2 conversion by cobalt-based metal organic frameworks modified by bimetallic gold–silver nanostructures
Authors: Beheshti Mohammadali , Saeidi Mohsen , Adel-Rastkhiz MahsaSadat , Shahrestani Shohreh , Zarrabi Ali , Bai Jing , Simchi Abdolreza , Akbarmolaie Samineh
Published: May 2023

Au–Ag NPs improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of ZIP-67 toward CO2RR.
Nanotubular Pt-loaded TiO2 catalysts with vanadium-doping to enhance water–gas shift reaction activity
Authors: Song Jihyeon , Jang Myeong Gon , Noh Kyung-Jong , Kim Yunkyung , Han Jeong Woo
Published: May 2023

By utilizing shape control and metal-doping techniques, the dispersion of loaded metal and the H2O dissociation ability were significantly improved, resulting in a more sustainable and efficient hydrogen production via the water–gas shift reaction.
Single-site catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Huang Wenzhong , Zhu Jiexin , Liu Shanlin , Zhang Wei , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: May 2023

The emerging single-site catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction have been comprehensively summarized and discussed, including their catalytic mechanisms, synthesis, optimization strategies, remaining challenges and perspectives.
Recent progress in construction methods and applications of perovskite photodetector arrays
Authors: Lu Hui , Wu Wenqiang , He Zeping , Han Xun , Pan Caofeng
Published: May 2023

The construction methods and image sensing applications of perovskite photodetector arrays in the development trends of the flexible, large-scale, narrow-band, and bionic photodetection are summarized and presented.
An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein detection based on signal amplification strategy of DMSN@QDs
Authors: Feng Shasha , Pei Fubin , Hu Wei , Liu Zhiwei , Du Bin , Mu Xihui , Liu Bing , Hao Qingli , Lei Wu , Tong Zhaoyang
Published: May 2023

Based on signal amplification strategy of dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres loaded with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, an ultrasensitive ECL immunosensor with magnetic separation was constructed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.
Defect passivation and electron band energy regulation of a ZnO electron transport layer through synergetic bifunctional surface engineering for efficient quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Cai Fensha , Tu Yufei , Tian Dadi , Fang Yan , Hou Bo , Ishaq Muhammad , Jiang Xiaohong , Li Meng , Wang Shujie , Du Zuliang
Published: May 2023

Bifunctional engineering leads to passivation of surface defects in ZnO NPs as well as elevation of the conduction band level of ZnO to promote charge balance. State-of-the-art blue QLEDs with an EQE of 16.31% and a T50@100 cd m−2 of 1685 h are achieved.
The development of rare-earth combined Fe-based magnetic nanocomposites for use in biological theranostics
Authors: Peng Hao , Ren Guiping , Hampp Norbert , Wu Aiguo , Yang Fang
Published: May 2023

The combination strategies as well as biomedical applications of rare earth combined Fe-based nanocomposites.
An artificial neural network to predict reactivity ratios in radical copolymerization
Authors: Farajzadehahary Kiarash , Telleria-Allika Xabier , Asua José M. , Ballard Nicholas
Published: May 2023

An artificial neural network model is described which is capable of predicting reactivity ratios in radical copolymerization solely based on monomer chemical structures. It outperforms classical approaches, enabling prediction without kinetic data.
Insights on the seed selection criteria of SAPO-34 synthesis: structural units and their chemical microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Xiaosi , Yang Miao , Wang Ye , Lou Caiyi , Xu Shutao , Tian Peng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: May 2023

The working mechanism of seed-assisted crystallization of SAPO-34 was systematically investigated, which reveals that both d6r units and complex Si environments are key features for a highly effective SAPO seed.
Insight into the structural, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of Fe2HfSi Heusler by DFT investigation
Authors: Azam Abida , Sharma Ramesh , Behera Debidatta , Raza Hafiz Hamid , Ali H. Saad , Abdelmohsen Shaimaa A. M. , Abdelbacki Ashraf M. M. , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar
Published: May 2023

At high pressure, the pressure dependencies of the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Fe2HfSi Heusler were calculated using the FP-LAPW method within the framework of the density functional theory.
The redox mediated – scanning droplet cell system for evaluation of the solid electrolyte interphase in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Muñoz-Torrero David , Santana Santos Carla , García-Quismondo Enrique , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Erichsen Thomas , Palma Jesús , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ventosa Edgar
Published: May 2023

The redox-mediated scanning droplet cell system is able to autonomously evaluate the protecting character of the solid electrolyte interphase of Li-ion batteries.
Modification of biochar by phosphoric acid via wet pyrolysis and using it for adsorption of methylene blue
Authors: Xu Jia , Fu Meiyuan , Ma Qianhui , Zhang Xiaopeng , You Chenghang , Shi Zaifeng , Lin Qiang , Wang Xianghui , Feng Wen
Published: May 2023

Algae biochar (ABC), coconut shell biochar (CSBC), and coconut coat biochar (CCBC) were prepared by wet pyrolysis in a phosphoric acid solvent under normal pressure.
Mussel-inspired dynamic facet-selective capping approach to highly uniform α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate crystals
Authors: Feng Fu , Cui Yu-xin , Hu Yong-qi , Hu Sheng , Zhang Ai-dong
Published: May 2023

Shape evolution of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate crystals with long prisms with top {111} facets to highly size- and shape-uniform thin hexagonal plates with solely top {002} facets.
Functional impacts of polyaniline in composite matrix of photocatalysts: an instrumental overview
Authors: Oyetade Joshua Akinropo , Machunda Revocatus Lazaro , Hilonga Askwar
Published: May 2023

The functional impacts of polyaniline in the fabricated photocatalyst nanocomposites used in dye photocatalysis were critically investigatedviaspectroscopic and microscopic instrumental overview.
Facile formation of barium titanium oxyhydride on a titanium hydride surface as an ammonia synthesis catalyst
Authors: Goto Yoshihiro , Kikugawa Masashi , Kobayashi Keisuke , Manaka Yuichi , Nanba Tetsuya , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Matsumoto Mitsuru , Aoki Masakazu , Imagawa Haruo
Published: May 2023

The conventional wet impregnation method yields nanoparticles of BaTi02.5H0.5 perovskite hydride on a TiH2 surface that works as a support for ammonia synthesis catalysts.
Citric acid modified semi-embedded silver nanowires/colorless polyimide transparent conductive substrates for efficient flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gong Jie , Fan Xiao , Zong Zhangyang , Yang Mingyang , Sun Ya , Zhao Guoqun
Published: May 2023

High-performance flexible perovskite solar cells based on a citric acid modified transparent conductive substrate of silver nanowires semi-embedded in colorless polyimide.
A pyridine dicarboxylate based hydrazone Schiff base for reversible colorimetric recognition of Ni2+ and PPi
Authors: Bawa Rashim , Negi Swati , Singh Bholey , Pani Balaram , Kumar Rakesh
Published: May 2023

A pyridine dicarboxylate Schiff-base DAS was synthesized for cascade colorimetric recognition of Ni2+ and PPi.
Green emission from trivalent cerium doped LaAlO3/MgO nano-composite for photonic and latent finger printing applications
Authors: Makhija Ashima , Sharma Anjli , Dahiya Sajjan , Deopa Nisha , Malik Rajesh , Punia R. , Maan A. S.
Published: May 2023

Synthesized nano-composites are green emissive phosphors that have high band gaps (∼5.5–5.8 eV) and are found to be suitable for photonic and latent finger printing (LFP) applications.
Rapid quantitative analysis of rare earth elements Lu and Y in rare earth ores by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with iPLS-VIP and partial least squares
Authors: Liu Xiangqian , Yan Chunhua , An Duanyang , Yue Chengen , Zhang Tianlong , Tang Hongsheng , Li Hua
Published: May 2023

Rapid quantitative analysis of rare earth elements Lu and Y in rare earth ores by LIBS combined with iPLS-VIP and PLS.
Preparation and characterization of diphenyl silicone rubber/microfiber glass wool composite thermal control films
Authors: Li Lin , Fu Xin , Xu Xiang , Wei Dafu , Guan Yong
Published: May 2023

Innovative research on the development of thermal control films for spacecraft surfaces is presented.
Recovery of metals and valuable chemicals from waste electric and electronic materials: a critical review of existing technologies
Authors: Gulliani Sahil , Volpe Maurizio , Messineo Antonio , Volpe Roberto
Published: May 2023

The growing development of technology has increased the amount of waste generated by electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) every year.
Anisotropic wettability manipulation via capturing architected liquid bridge shapes
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Jaekyoung , Kim Sohyun , Yoon Hyunsik , Lee Won Bo
Published: May 2023

A novel fabrication method demonstrates liquid manipluation based on surface tension using liquid bridge-shaped microstructures.
Copper–barium-decorated carbon-nanotube composite for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2 products
Authors: Wu Feng-Yi , Tsai Hsin-Jung , Lee Tsung-Ju , Lin Zih-Yi , Peng Kang-Shun , Chen Pei-Hsuan , Hiraoka Nozomu , Liao Yen-Fa , Hu Chih-Wei , Hsu Shao-Hui , Lu Ying-Rui , Hung Sung-Fu
Published: May 2023

A copper–barium-decorated carbon nanotube nanocomposite enabled a faradaic efficiency of 71% and partial current density of 355 mA cm−2 at −0.7 V vs. RHE.
Rational design of metal–organic frameworks featuring macrocycle and helical chain motifs for propylene/propane separation
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Huang Xin , Feng Mengchu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Bo
Published: May 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring macrocycle or helical chain motifs were designed and synthesized for the kinetic separation of propylene/propane.
Toward narrowband emission: the chemical strategies for modifying boron-based luminescent materials
Authors: Liu Fu-Ming , Ding Ling-Yi , Yu You-Jun , Li Meng-Tian , Liao Liang-Sheng , Jiang Zuo-Quan
Published: May 2023

In this graphic, the molecular design strategy for achieving high efficiency and maintaining a narrowband emission profile of boron-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters is comprehensively summarized.
Towards deliberate design of persistent phosphors: a study of La–Ga admixing in LuAG:Ce crystals to engineer elemental homogeneity and carrier trap depths
Authors: Bartosiewicz Karol , Fritz Verena , Van der Heggen David , Szymanski Damian , Zeler Justyna , Pejchal Jan , Yamaji Akihiro , Kucerkova Romana , Beitlerova Alena , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Akira , Smet Philippe F. , Zych Eugeniusz , Nikl Martin
Published: May 2023

Persistent luminescence in Lu3Al2Ga2O12:Ce,La crystal was studied. La codoping elongated luminescence and increased trapping centers. The influence of La on crystal growth, structure, and Al/Ga sublattices was analyzed.