bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of visual and acoustic mismatch negativity as potential biomarkers in schizophrenia
Authors: Molnár Hajnalka , Marosi Csilla , Becske Melinda , Békési Emese , Farkas Kinga , Stefanics Gábor , Czigler István , Csukly Gábor
Published: January 2024

Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event-related potential (ERP) component generated when an unexpected deviant stimulus occurs in a pattern of standard stimuli. Several studies showed that the MMN response to both auditory and visual stimuli is attenuated in schizophrenia. While previous studies investigated auditory and visual MMN in different cohorts, here we examined the potential clinical utility of MMN responses to auditory and visual stimuli within the same group of patients. Altogether 39 patients with schizophrenia and 39 healthy controls matched in age, gender, and education were enrolled. We recorded EEG using 64 channels in eight experimental blocks where we presented auditory and visual stimulus sequences. Mismatch responses were obtained by subtracting responses to standard from the physically identical deviant stimuli. We found a significant MMN response to the acoustic stimuli in the control group, whereas no significant mismatch response was observed in the patient group. The group difference was significant for the acoustic stimuli. The 12 vane windmill pattern evoked a significant MMN response in the early time window in the control group but not in the patient group. The 6 vane windmill pattern evoked MMN only in the patient group. However, we found no significant difference between the groups. Furthermore, we found no correlation between the clinical variables and the MMN amplitudes. Our results suggest that predictive processes underlying mismatch generation in patients with schizophrenia may be more affected in the acoustic compared to the visual domain. Acoustic MMN tends to be a more promising biomarker in schizophrenia.
Detecting iodine deficiency risks from dietary transitions using shopping data
Authors: Mansilla Roberto , Long Gavin , Welham Simon , Harvey John , Lukinova Evgeniya , Nica-Avram Georgiana , Smith Gavin , Salt David , Smith Andrew , Goulding James
Published: January 2024

Plant-based product replacements are gaining popularity. However, the long-term health implications remain poorly understood, and available methods, though accurate, are expensive and burdensome, impeding the study of sufficiently large cohorts. To identify dietary transitions over time, we examine anonymised loyalty-card shopping records from Co-op Food, UK. We focus on 10,626 frequent customers who directly replaced milk with alternative milk. We then use product nutritional information to estimate weekly nutrient intake before and after the transition. 83% who converted to alternative milk saw a fall in iodine (44%), calcium (30%) and vitamin B12 (39%) consumption, with 57% reducing iodine purchase by more than 50%. The decline is even higher for those switching dairy and meat products. Our findings suggest that dietary transitions - such as replacing milk with alternative milk - could lead to nutritional deficiencies, notably iodine, which, if not addressed, may represent a significant public health concern, particularly in countries which do not mandate salt iodisation.
Convective modes reveal the incoherence of the Southern Polar Vortex
Authors: Blachut Chantelle , Balasuriya Sanjeeva
Published: January 2024

The Southern Polar Vortex (SPV) is prominent over Antarctica in the Austral winter, and typically associated with a region of low temperature, low ozone concentration, negative potential vorticity, and polar stratospheric clouds. Seasonal and unexpected changes in the SPV have a profound influence on global weather. A methodology which identifies the SPV’s coherence and breakup using only wind and pressure data is developed and validated against temperature, ozone and potential vorticity data. The process identifies “convective modes”, each with an assigned “coherence” value, which form building blocks for the observed spatial variation of the SPV. Analysis and interpretation are presented for 4 years with quite different known behavior of the SPV: 1999 (a relatively standard year), 2002 (when the SPV split into two), 2019 (an atmospheric warming year which led to an early dissipation in the SPV), and the most recent year 2022 (which was influenced by submarine volcano eruptions and a prolonged La Niña event). In decomposing convective effects into modes with quantifiable coherence, this study solidifies connections between wind velocities and atmospheric variables while providing new tools to study the evolution of coherent structures and signal the occurrence of atypical geophysical events.
Optimization of extracellular vesicles preparation from saliva of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Tengler Luisa , Tiedtke Moritz , Schütz Julia , Bieback Karen , Uhlig Stefanie , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Nitschke Katja , Worst Thomas Stefan , Seiz Elena , Scherl Claudia , Rotter Nicole , Ludwig Sonja
Published: January 2024

Small extracellular vesicles from saliva (SEVs) have high potential as biomarkers in Head and Neck cancer (HNC). However, there is no common consensus on the ideal method for their isolation. This study compared different ultracentrifugation (UC) methods (durations and + /− additional purification) with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and investigated the potential of SEVs as diagnostic biomarkers and their biological activity on NK and CD8+ T cells. SEVs from 19 HNC patients and 8 healthy donors (HDs) were thoroughly characterized. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the isolation of vesicles by all methods. The average size determined via nanoparticle-tracking analysis was smaller for SEVs isolated by SEC than UC. The highest particle-to-protein yield was achieved by UC (3 h + 3 h) (UCopt) and SEC. However, SEC yielded considerably fewer SEVs. Comparing the surface marker cargo, SEVs isolated by UCopt from HNC patients carried more PD-L1, FasL, and TGF-β than SEVs from HDs. These levels correlated with tumor stage and HPV status. SEVs downregulated NKG2D expression on primary NK cells. HNC SEVs accelerated CD8+ T cell death compared to HD SEVs. This study suggests that UCopt is preferable when isolation of a high particle-to-protein load is required. Especially PD-L1 and FasL on SEVs hold substantial potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
Integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data revealed T cell marker genes based molecular sub-types and a prognostic signature in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Yueling , Dong Yafang , Sun Qihui , Zhang Yue , Zhou Xiangyang , Li Xiaoyang , Ma Yuehong , Liu Xingwei , Li Rongshan , Guo Fengjie , Guo Lili
Published: January 2024

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising modality for addressing advanced or conventionally drug-resistant malignancies. When it comes to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), T cells have demonstrated significant influence on both antitumor activity and the tumor microenvironment. However, their specific contributions remain largely unexplored. This investigation aimed to delineate molecular subtypes and prognostic indicators founded on T cell marker genes, thereby shedding light on the significance of T cells in LUAD prognosis and precision treatment. The cellular phenotypes were identified by scrutinizing the single-cell data obtained from the GEO repository. Subsequently, T cell marker genes derived from single-cell sequencing analyses were integrated with differentially expressed genes from the TCGA repository to pinpoint T cell-associated genes. Utilizing Cox analysis, molecular subtypes and prognostic signatures were established and subsequently verified using the GEO dataset. The ensuing molecular and immunological distinctions, along with therapy sensitivity between the two sub-cohorts, were examined via the ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA methodologies. Compartmentalization, somatic mutation, nomogram development, chemotherapy sensitivity prediction, and potential drug prediction analyses were also conducted according to the risk signature. Additionally, real-time qPCR and the HPA database corroborated the mRNA and protein expression patterns of signature genes in LUAD tissues. In summary, this research yielded an innovative T cell marker gene-based signature with remarkable potential to prognosis and anticipate immunotherapeutic outcomes in LUAD patients.
Optimal dilation duration of 10 mm diameter balloons after limited endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Miao Yin-Shui , Wang Cai-Feng , Yan Jing , Zhou Xiao-Jiang , Chen You-Xiang , Li Guo-Hua , Zhu Liang
Published: January 2024

Limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is widely used. However, the optimal duration of small balloon dilation in choledocholithiasis remains controversial. We aimed to determine the optimal duration for 10 mm diameter balloon dilation after limited EST in choledocholithiasis. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 320 patients were randomly assigned to receive small balloon dilation (10 mm in diameter) for 1 min (n = 160) or 3 min (n = 160) after deep bile duct cannulation. No significant difference in success rate of stone extraction between the two groups was observed. The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was higher in the 1 min group (10.6%) than in the 3 min group (4.4%) (P = 0.034). The logistic regression analysis showed that guidewire into the pancreatic duct, cannulation time > 5 min and 1 min balloon dilation were independent risk factors for PEP. There were no significant differences in other post-ERCP adverse events such as acute cholangitis, bleeding, perforation, etc. between the two groups. In conclusion, 3 min in duration was determined to be the optimal dilation condition for the removal of common bile duct stones.
Enhancing ReaxFF for molecular dynamics simulations of lithium-ion batteries: an interactive reparameterization protocol
Authors: De Angelis Paolo , Cappabianca Roberta , Fasano Matteo , Asinari Pietro , Chiavazzo Eliodoro
Published: January 2024

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become an essential technology for the green economy transition, as they are widely used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a key component for the correct operation, performance, and safety of LIBs. The SEI arises from the initial thermal metastability of the anode-electrolyte interface, and the resulting electrolyte reduction products stabilize the interface by forming an electrochemical buffer window. This article aims to make a first—but important—step towards enhancing the parametrization of a widely-used reactive force field (ReaxFF) for accurate molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of SEI components in LIBs. To this end, we focus on Lithium Fluoride (LiF), an inorganic salt of great interest due to its beneficial properties in the passivation layer. The protocol relies heavily on various Python libraries designed to work with atomistic simulations allowing robust automation of all the reparameterization steps. The proposed set of configurations, and the resulting dataset, allow the new ReaxFF to recover the solid nature of the inorganic salt and improve the mass transport properties prediction from MD simulation. The optimized ReaxFF surpasses the previously available force field by accurately adjusting the diffusivity of lithium in the solid lattice, resulting in a two-order-of-magnitude improvement in its prediction at room temperature. However, our comprehensive investigation of the simulation shows the strong sensitivity of the ReaxFF to the training set, making its ability to interpolate the potential energy surface challenging. Consequently, the current formulation of ReaxFF can be effectively employed to model specific and well-defined phenomena by utilizing the proposed interactive reparameterization protocol to construct the dataset. Overall, this work represents a significant initial step towards refining ReaxFF for precise reactive MD simulations, shedding light on the challenges and limitations of ReaxFF force field parametrization. The demonstrated limitations emphasize the potential for developing more versatile and advanced force fields to upscale ab initio simulation through our interactive reparameterization protocol, enabling more accurate and comprehensive MD simulations in the future.
Toxicity of ZnFe-SO4 layered double hydroxide in Tetradesmus obliquus and evaluation of some physiological responses of the microalgae for stress management
Authors: Torbati Samaneh , Yekan Motlagh Parisa , Khataee Alireza
Published: January 2024

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), regarding their physical and structural properties, have different and wide applications industry and their increasing use may raise ecological and human health concerns. However, the potential toxicity mechanisms of LDHs in different organisms are still unclear. In the present work, after synthesizing of ZnFe-SO4 LDH and studying of its characterization by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX-mapping, TEM and Raman, its toxicity in Tetradesmus obliquus was evaluated. According to experimental results, the growth of the algae and content of photosynthetic pigments were significantly decreased after treatment with 100 mg/L of ZnFe-SO4 LDH. The high dose exposure to the LDH also inhibited the activity of SOD and POD enzymes, possibly due to the LDH- catalyzed reactive oxygen species production. In addition, lipid peroxidation and the content of phenolic compounds, as no-enzymatic antioxidants were increased by enhancement of the LDH concentration. The rise of phenol, flavonoids and MDA contents could be regarded as some manifestations and responses to the toxic effects of the contaminant in the algae cells. The results provided a better understanding of the undesirable effects and toxicity of LDHs in aquatic organisms.
A self-adaptive attraction and repulsion-based naked mole-rat algorithm for energy-efficient mobile wireless sensor networks
Authors: Singh Supreet , Singh Urvinder , Mittal Nitin , Gared Fikreselam
Published: January 2024

Naked mole-rat algorithm (NMRA) is a swarm intelligence-based algorithm that draws inspiration from the mating behaviour of mole rats (workers and breeders). This approach, which is based on the ability of breeders to reproduce with the queen, has been utilized to tackle optimization problems. The algorithm, however, suffers from local optima stagnation problem and a slower rate of convergence in order to provide gobal optimal solution. This study suggests attraction and repulsion strategy based NMRA (ARNMRA) along with self-adaptive properties to avoid trapping of solution in local optima. This strategy is utilized to create new breeder rat solutions and mating factor$$(\lambda )$$(λ)is made self-adaptive using simulated annealing (sa) based mutation operator. ARNMRA is evaluated on CEC 2005 numerical benchmark problems and found to be superior to other algorithms, including well-known ones like selective operation based GWO (SOGWO), opposition based laplacian equilibrium optimizer (OB-L-EO), improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA), success-history based adaptive DE (SHADE) and original NMRA. Further, according to experimental results, the performance of ARNMRA is likewise superior to the NMRA for the CEC 2019 and CEC 2020 numerical problems. Convergence profiles and statistical tests (rank-sum test and Friedman test) are employed further to validate the experimental results. Moreover, this article extends the application of ARNMRA to address the data gathering aspect in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) with the goal of prolonging network lifetime and enhancing energy efficiency. In this MWSN-based protocol, a sensor node is elected as a cluster head based on factors like mobility, residual energy, and connection time. The protocol aims to maximize the system lifetime by efficiently collecting data from all sensors and transmitting it to the base station. The study emphasizes the significance of considering dynamic node densities and speed when designing effective data-gathering protocols for MWSNs.
Effects of floral display size, local open raceme density, patch size, and distance between patches on pollinator behaviour in Salvia nipponica
Authors: Murakoshi Noriko , Itagaki Tomoyuki , Oguro Michio , Sakai Satoki
Published: January 2024

Flowers cluster at various spatial scales, so pollinators use information from multiple scales when foraging in natural plant populations. Little is known about the effects of interactions between scales or their relative strength. We examined bumblebee foraging behaviour in a natural population of Salvia nipponica in 10 and 7 patches in 2019 and 2020, respectively. We recorded within-patch factors (display size of racemes and local open raceme densities) and patch-level factors (patch size and distance from the nearest patch) and analysed their relationships with pollinator behaviour. The numbers of visits per raceme and flower were mainly affected by the interaction of patch size and raceme density; they were higher in locations with lower raceme density in larger patches. The ratio of flowers visited to all open flowers in a raceme during a raceme visit, which relates to a bumblebee’s choice to leave a raceme, was mainly affected by the interaction of display size and local open raceme density; in 2019 it was higher in racemes with smaller display sizes, while in 2020 the strength and direction of the relationship depended on the open raceme density. These results suggest that pollinators relied on the sizes of flower clusters at different spatial scales when visiting and leaving racemes and adjusted their responses to the sizes of flower clusters depending on the distances between clusters. Therefore, it is important to evaluate factors at various spatial scales and their interactions to fully understand pollinator behaviour in natural plant populations.
Large-scale production of myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite using endophytic Colonstachys rosea with its antimicrobial efficacy against human pathogens
Authors: EL-Moslamy Shahira H. , Abd-Elhamid Ahmed Ibrahim , Fawal Gomaa El
Published: January 2024

In this study, a ZnO/MnO nanocomposite was myco-fabricated using the isolated endophytic Clonostachys rosea strain EG99 as the nano-factory. The extract of strain EG99, a reducing/capping agent, was successfully titrated with equal quantities of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and Mn(NO3)2·6H2O (precursors) in a single step to fabricate the rod-shaped ZnO/MnO nanocomposite of size 6.22 nm. The ZnO/MnO nanocomposite was myco-fabricated in 20 min, and the results were validated at 350 and 400 nm using UV–Vis spectroscopy. In a 7-L bioreactor, an industrial biotechnological approach was used to scale up the biomass of this strain, EG99, and the yield of the myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite. A controlled fed-batch fermentation system with a specific nitrogen/carbon ratio and an identical feeding schedule was used in this production process. Higher yields were obtained by adopting a controlled fed-batch fermentation approach in a 7-L bioreactor with a regular feeding schedule using a nitrogen/carbon ratio of 1:200. Overall, the fed-batch produced 89.2 g/l of biomass at its maximum, 2.44 times more than the batch's 36.51 g/l output. Furthermore, the fed-batch's maximum ZnO/MnO nanocomposite yield was 79.81 g/l, a noteworthy 14.5-fold increase over the batch's yield of 5.52 g/l. Finally, we designed an innovative approach to manage the growth of the endophytic strain EG99 using a controlled fed-batch fermentation mode, supporting the rapid, cheap and eco-friendly myco-fabrication of ZnO/MnO nanocomposite. At a dose of 210 µg/ml, the tested myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite exhibited the maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (98.31 ± 0.8%), Escherichia coli (96.70 ± 3.29%), and Candida albicans (95.72 ± 0.95%). At the same dose, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm was eradicated in 48 h; however, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans biofilms needed 72 and 96 h, respectively. Our myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite showed strong and highly selective antagonistic effects against a variety of multidrug-resistant human pathogens. Therefore, in upcoming generations of antibiotics, it might be employed as a nano-antibiotic.
Ablation alone is noninferior to radiotherapy plus ablation in the patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a population-based study
Authors: Guo Yusheng , Chen Hebing , Wan Jiayu , Ren Yanqiao , Wu Feihong , Chen Lei , Sun Tao , Yang Lian , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: January 2024

Recently, the efficacy of two low-invasive treatments, ablation, and radiotherapy, has been fully compared for the patients with the early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the comparison between radiotherapy plus ablation and ablation alone has been less frequently reported. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were searched for early-stage HCC patients treated with ablation plus radiotherapy or ablation alone. The outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selection bias. We included 240 and 6619 patients in the radiotherapy plus ablation group and ablation group before the PSM. After PSM, 240 pairs of patients were included. The median OS (mOS) and median CSS (mCSS) of patients receiving ablation alone were longer than that of receiving radiotherapy plus ablation (mOS: 47 vs. 34 months, P = 0.019; mCSS: 77 vs. 40 months, P = 0.018, after PSM) before and after PSM. The multivariate analysis indicated that radiotherapy plus ablation independent risk factor for OS and CSS before PSM, but the significance disappeared after PSM. The detailed subgroup analyses indicated ablation alone brought more benefit in very early-stage HCC and older patients. In addition, we found different types of radiotherapy might lead to different outcomes when combined with ablation. In conclusion, ablation alone is noninferior to radiotherapy plus ablation in patients with early-stage HCC. The additional radiation prior to ablation may bring survival benefits in the patients with higher tumor stage. However, due to the risk of selection bias in that study, the results should be interpreted cautiously.
Research on a new management model of distribution Internet of Things
Authors: Chen Chao , Gong Liwu , Luo Xin , Wang Fuwang
Published: January 2024

Based on the characteristics of controllable intelligence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the requirements of the new distribution Network for function and transmission delay, this study proposes a method of combining edge collaborative computing and distribution Network station area, and builds a distribution Network management structure model by combining the Packet Transport Network (PTN) Network structure. The multi-terminal node distribution model of distributed IoT is established. Finally, a distribution IoT management model is constructed based on the edge multi-node cooperative reasoning algorithm and collaborative computing architecture model. The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of large reasoning delay caused by heavy computing tasks in distribution cloud servers. The final results show that the model reduces the inference delay of cloud computing when a large number of smart device terminals of distribution IoT are connected to the network.
Functionally coherent transcriptional responses of Jatropha curcas and Pseudomonas fragi for rhizosphere mediated degradation of pyrene
Authors: Singha L. Paikhomba , Singha K. Malabika , Pandey Piyush
Published: January 2024

Pyrene is an extremely hazardous, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The plant–microbe interaction between Pseudomonas fragi DBC and Jatropha curcas was employed for biodegradation of pyrene and their transcriptional responses were compared. The genome of P. fragi DBC had genes for PAH degrading enzymes i.e. dioxygenases and dehydrogenases, along with root colonization (trpD, trpG, trpE and trpF), chemotaxis (flhF and flgD), stress adaptation (gshA, nuoHBEKNMG), and detoxification (algU and yfc). The transcriptional expression of catA and yfc that respectively code for catabolic enzyme (catechol-1, 2-dioxygnase) and glutathione-s-transferase for detoxification functions were quantitatively measured by qPCR. The catA was expressed in presence of artificial root exudate with or without pyrene, and glucose confirming the non-selective approach of bacteria, as desired. Pyrene induced 100-fold increase of yfc expression than catA, while there was no expression of yfc in absence of pyrene. The transcriptome of plant roots, in presence of pyrene, with or without P. fragi DBC inoculation was analysed. The P. fragi DBC could upregulate the genes for plant growth, induced the systemic acquired resistance and also ameliorated the stress response in Jatropha roots.
Neuroactive steroid effects on autophagy in a human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cell model
Authors: Salvatore Sofia V. , Ilagan Ma. Xenia G. , Shu Hongjin , Lambert Peter M. , Benz Ann , Qian Mingxing , Covey Douglas F. , Zorumski Charles F. , Mennerick Steven
Published: January 2024

Neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders are correlated with cellular stress. Macroautophagy (autophagy) may represent an important protective pathway to maintain cellular homeostasis and functionality, as it targets cytoplasmic components to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Given recent evidence that some novel psychiatric treatments, such as the neuroactive steroid (NAS) allopregnanolone (AlloP, brexanolone), may induce autophagy, we stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cells with a ratiometric fluorescent probe to assay NAS effects on autophagy. We hypothesized that NAS may modulate autophagy in part by the ability of uncharged NAS to readily permeate membranes. Microscopy revealed a weak effect of AlloP on autophagic flux compared with the positive control treatment of Torin1. In high-throughput microplate experiments, we found that autophagy induction was more robust in early passages of HEK cells. Despite limiting studies to early passages for maximum sensitivity, a range of NAS structures failed to reliably induce autophagy or interact with Torin1 or starvation effects. To probe NAS in a system where AlloP effects have been shown previously, we surveyed astrocytes and again saw minimal autophagy induction by AlloP. Combined with other published results, our results suggest that NAS may modulate autophagy in a cell-specific or context-specific manner. Although there is merit to cell lines as a screening tool, future studies may require assaying NAS in cells from brain regions involved in neuropsychiatric disorders.
An image inpainting-based data augmentation method for improved sclerosed glomerular identification performance with the segmentation model EfficientNetB3-Unet
Authors: He Songping , Zou Yi , Li Bin , Peng Fangyu , Lu Xia , Guo Hui , Tan Xin , Chen Yanyan
Published: January 2024

The percent global glomerulosclerosis is a key factor in determining the outcome of renal transfer surgery. At present, the rate is typically computed by pathologists, which is labour intensive and nonstandardized. With the development of Deep Learning (DL), DL-based segmentation models can be used to better identify and segment normal and sclerosed glomeruli. Based on this, we can better quantify percent global glomerulosclerosis to reduce the discard rate of donor kidneys. We used 51 whole slide images (WSIs) from different institutions that are publicly available on the internet. However, the number of sclerosed glomeruli is much smaller than that of normal glomeruli in different WSIs, which can reduce the effectiveness of Deep Learning. For better sclerosed glomerular identification and segmentation performance, we modified and trained a GAN (generative adversarial network)-based image inpainting model to obtain more synthetic sclerosed glomeruli. Our proposed inpainting method achieved an average SSIM (Structural Similarity) of 0.8086 and an average PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of 22.8943 dB in the area of generated sclerosed glomeruli. We obtained sclerosed glomerular segmentation performance improvement by adding synthetic sclerosed glomerular images and achieved the best Dice of glomerular segmentation in different test sets based on the modified Unet model.
Coronavirus takeover of host cell translation and intracellular antiviral response: a molecular perspective
Authors: Karousis Evangelos D , Schubert Katharina , Ban Nenad
Published: January 2024

Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause respiratory diseases in humans and animals. Understanding the mechanisms of translation regulation during coronaviral infections is critical for developing antiviral therapies and preventing viral spread. Translation of the viral single-stranded RNA genome in the host cell cytoplasm is an essential step in the life cycle of coronaviruses, which affects the cellular mRNA translation landscape in many ways. Here we discuss various viral strategies of translation control, including how members of the Betacoronavirus genus shut down host cell translation and suppress host innate immune functions, as well as the role of the viral non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) in the process. We also outline the fate of viral RNA, considering stress response mechanisms triggered in infected cells, and describe how unique viral RNA features contribute to programmed ribosomal −1 frameshifting, RNA editing, and translation shutdown evasion.
Pseudouridine-modified RNA probe for label-free electrochemical detection of nucleic acids on 2D MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Das Prabhangshu Kumer , Adil Omair , DeGregorio Anthony P. , Sumita Minako , Shamsi Mohtashim Hassan
Published: January 2024

The first pseudouridine-modified RNA probe for label-free electrochemical detection of RNA.
Qualitative and quantitative rapid detection of VOCs differentially released by VAP-associated bacteria using PTR-MS and FGC-PTR-MS
Authors: Xu Wei , Zou Xue , Ding Yueting , Zhang Qi , Song Yulan , Zhang Jin , Yang Min , Liu Zhou , Zhou Qiang , Ge Dianlong , Zhang Qiangling , Song Wencheng , Huang Chaoqun , Shen Chengyin , Chu Yannan
Published: January 2024

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a prevalent disease caused by bacterial infection, and the traditional methods of identifying bacterial strains are time-consuming. In this study, the rapid identification of bacterial strains is expected to be achieved by detecting VOCs released by bacteria.
Colorimetric and electrochemical dual-mode uric acid determination utilizing peroxidase-mimicking activity of CoCu bimetallic nanoclusters
Authors: Liu Yaopeng , Zhao Wei , Gao Yi , Zhuo Qing , Chu Tingting , Zhou Chengyu , Huang Wensheng , Zheng Yin , Li Yingru
Published: January 2024

As-prepared CoCu bimetal nanocluster (Co@Cu-BNC) nanozymes exhibit outstanding peroxidase-mimicking activity. The method “kills two birds with one stone” is rationally constructed based on Co@Cu-BNCs for colorimetric and electrochemical dual-readout sensing to detect uric acid (UA).
A porous silicon composite with irregular silver nano-dendritic particles: a rapid optical sensor for trace detection of malachite green in freshwater fish
Authors: Liu Zhen , Ge Daohan , Zhao Chengxiang , Shi Jiakang , Zeng Zhou , Fang Zhiwei , Liu Jingcheng , Zhang Liqiang
Published: January 2024

A dendritic silver structure was synthesized on porous silicon. The composite substrate prepared using this structure achieved highly sensitive Raman detection of MG in fish, with detection limits as low as 10–8.
Visualization of therapeutic intervention for acute liver injury using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound-responsive phase variant nanoparticles
Authors: Yang You , Zhang Ju-ying , Ma Zi-jun , Wang Shi-chun , He Ping , Tang Xiao-qing , Yang Chao-feng , Luo Xia , Yang Xing , Li Ling , Zhang Mao-chun , Li Yang , Yu Jin-hong
Published: January 2024

We have developed phase variant nanoparticles capable of carrying cerium oxide nanoparticles, which function as scavengers for reactive oxygen species and ultrasound imaging.
Interpenetrating network hydrogels for studying the role of matrix viscoelasticity in 3D osteocyte morphogenesis
Authors: Bernero Margherita , Zauchner Doris , Müller Ralph , Qin Xiao-Hua
Published: January 2024

3D osteocyte cultures reveal that fast stress-relaxing hydrogels enhance early osteocyte morphogenesis, while slow-relaxing hydrogels favor osteogenic differentiation after 14 days, highlighting their mechanosensitivity to matrix mechanics.
Tailoring chelating sites in two-dimensional covalent organic framework nanosheets for enhanced uranium capture
Authors: Huang Ying , Liao Jun , Li Jiahao , Cheng Changming , Zhang Yong , Peng Yongwu
Published: January 2024

Two isoreticular two-dimensional covalent organic framework nanosheets are elaborately designed and synthesized, showcasing distinctive U(vi) capture performance attributed to the varied spatial arrangement of chelating sites.
Pyridine-catalyzed ring-opening reaction of cyclopropenone with bromomethyl carbonyl compounds toward furan-2(5H)-ones
Authors: Liang Chen , Zheng Kui , Ding Yifang , Gao Junhang , Wang Zhenlian , Cheng Jiang
Published: January 2024

We developed a pyridine-catalyzed annulation of diaryl cyclopropenone with bromomethyl carbonyl compounds leading to 5-carbonyl furan-2(5H)-ones.
Ammonium carboxylate salts: the additivity of intermolecular interaction energies in charged organic compounds
Authors: Rosa Jessica M. L. , Lima Priscila S. V. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Zanatta Nilo , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: January 2024

The supramolecular organization of organic salts has been widely researched, revealing recurring patterns in crystalline lattices that describe their supramolecular properties.
Selective crystal growth of magnesium hydroxide via solvent control for dye adsorption
Authors: Weng Cunjian , Zhang Jing , Li Hui , Li Kaitao , Liu Wenyan , Luo Xianping , Liu Wendi , Lin Yanjun
Published: January 2024

This study provides a solvent control method for synthesizing Mg(OH)2 with different polarities and improved dye adsorption abilities.
Synthesis, structures and electrocatalytic properties of coordination polymers of 4,4′,4′′,4′′′-tetrakiscarboxyphenylsilane and 1,3,5-tris(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene
Authors: Cao Tingting , Li Yang , Xie Tinghui , Wang Xinfang , Huang Zuogang , Yu Huaguang
Published: January 2024

Coordination polymers based on H4tcps and tmib were synthesized, and the pristine crystals and thermal derivation composites were converted into their metal hydroxides and oxidized hydroxides in alkaline solution as OER catalysts.
Nonvolatile switchable half-metallicity and magnetism in the MXene Hf2MnC2O2/Sc2CO2 multiferroic heterostructure
Authors: Wu Changwei , Sun Shanwei , Gong Weiping , Li Jiangyu , Wang Xiao
Published: January 2024

Nonvolatile electrical control of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnetism is important for spintronic devices.
Nonadiabatic quantum dynamics explores non-monotonic photodissociation branching of N2 into the N(4S) + N(2D) and N(4S) + N(2P) product channels
Authors: Gelfand Natalia , Komarova Ksenia , Remacle Francoise , Levine R. D.
Published: January 2024

Nonadiabatic quantum dynamics sheds light on the non-monotonic energy dependence of the branching fractions of N2.
Theoretical trends in the dynamics simulations of molecular machines across multiple scales
Authors: Xu Weijia , Tao Yuanda , Xu Haoyang , Wen Jin
Published: January 2024

Using multiscale models in computational simulations, the collective motion of an array of molecular machines is regulated under external fields.
Full control of the orientation of non-symmetric molecules using weak and moderate electric fields
Authors: González-Férez Rosario , Omiste Juan J.
Published: January 2024

Full control of the molecular orientation of planar molecules is achieved by means of electric fields designed using quantum optimal control theory.
Doping SnO2 with metal ions of varying valence states: discerning the importance of active surface oxygen species vs. acid sites for C3H8 and CO oxidation
Authors: Yan Haiming , Liu Teng , Lv Yu , Xu Xianglan , Xu Junwei , Fang Xiuzhong , Wang Xiang
Published: January 2024

To elucidate the valence state effect of doping cations, Li+, Mg2+, Cr3+, Zr4+ and Nb5+ with radii similar to Sn4+ (CN = 6) were chosen to dope tetragonal SnO2.
Computational understanding of Na-LTA for ethanol–water separation
Authors: Wan Zicheng , Zhou Chen , Lin Yichao , Chen Liang , Tian Ziqi
Published: January 2024

LTA-type molecular sieve has been used for producing high purity ethanol from ethanol–water mixture. DFT simulations reveal the influence of cation distribution on the framework energy and the key role of Na+ migration for ethanol–water separation.
Low-dimensional nanostructures for monolithic 3D-integrated flexible and stretchable electronics
Authors: Hua Qilin , Shen Guozhen
Published: January 2024

Low-dimensional nanostructures, with their small size, unique characteristics, flexible/elastic adaptability, and effective vertical stacking capability, play a crucial role in advancing monolithic 3D-integrated flexible/stretchable systems.
Electron-deficient Fe3O4@AC–NH2@Cu–MOF nanoparticles for enhanced degradation of electron-rich benzene derivatives via synergistic adsorption and catalytic oxidation
Authors: Cao Qingpeng , Huang Mengjia , Qian Libin , Wang Jin , Wang Di , Zheng Xubin
Published: January 2024

Benzene derivatives in wastewater have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, making their removal prior to discharge imperative.
Formation of moth-eye-like structures on silicon through in situ crystallization of layered Mg silicate
Authors: Nakauchi Yuki , Minamisawa Hikari , Okada Tomohiko
Published: January 2024

Fine thorn-like platelets of Mg silicate completely cover the Si surface, which was achieved by aging an aqueous suspension of Si at 150 °C in the presence of LiF, MgCl2, and urea, reducing the reflectance of Si (moth-eye effect).
Integrated multi-omics profiling highlights the benefits of resveratrol hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex for A53T transgenic mice through the microbiota–gut–brain axis
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Feng Shenglan , Qin Bingqing , Ye Junjie , Xie Lixia , Gui Jianjun , Sang Ming
Published: January 2024

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Resveratrol HP-B-CD inclusion complex improved motor dysfunction and pathological progression of A53T mice through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Dietary nobiletin regulated cefuroxime- and levofloxacin-associated “gut microbiota-metabolism” imbalance and intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice
Authors: Zhan Minmin , Yang Xiaoshuang , Zhao Chenxi , Han Yanhui , Xie Peichun , Mo Zheqi , Xiao Jie , Cao Yong , Xiao Hang , Song Mingyue
Published: January 2024

Dietary nobiletin alleviated antibiotic-associated gut dysbiosis by maintaining the balance of intestinal microbiota and metabolism to enhance the intestinal barrier function.
Wood-inspired dual-scale directional channel cellulose bioreactors with high mass transfer efficiency for continuous flow catalytic green conversion
Authors: Liu En-Jiang , Shen Yu-Shi , Ling Mei-Yan , He Chen-Xi , Zhou Xing , Wang Jun , You Shuai , Zhao Wei-Guo , Yao Xiao-Hui , Zhang Dong-Yang
Published: January 2024

A cellulose bioreactor with dual-scale directional channels and a porous inner wall is reported for the continuous catalytic conversion of polydatin into resveratrol, which can achieve a high conversion rate of 98.58% of resveratrol within 2 h.
Scalable droplet-based radiosynthesis of [18F]fluorobenzyltriphenylphosphonium cation ([18F]FBnTP) via a “numbering up” approach
Authors: Lu Yingqing , Collins Jeffrey , Lin Kuo-Shyan , van Dam R. Michael
Published: January 2024

Rapid, efficient and straightforward radiosynthesis scale-up strategy for droplet-based reactions via a numbering up technique.
Mg-doped cathodic properties and solid-state ionic conduction in P2-type layered material for Na-ion batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Panigrahi Rachita , Mallik Bhabani S.
Published: January 2024

Sodium-ion batteries and supercapacitors look promising candidates as an alternative solution for electrochemical energy storage due to their decent energy density, low cost, good reversibility, and high abundance on the Earth's surface.
Fabrication of polypyrrole conductive matrix covered MnNi2O4 nanocomposite as a positive electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor applications
Authors: Sathiyan Anandaraj , Elanthamilan Elaiyappillai , Wang Sea-Fue , Dhineshkumar Sivanantham , Merlin Johnson Princy
Published: January 2024

In this study, we successfully prepared a polypyrrole conductive matrix (PPY) covered manganese nickel oxide (MnNi2O4) nanocomposite via co-precipitation and a chemical oxidative polymerization route.
Zn@ZrO2 nanoparticles decorated on naringin-based sensor for electrochemical detection of p-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol
Authors: Madhaiyan Ramesh , Seeman Umamatheswari , Chinnusamy Sankar , Ramasamy Jayavel
Published: January 2024

The development of modest and accurate electrochemical sensors for organic waste in water systems is of the highest priority.
Preparation of an amino-modified biochar supported sulfide nanoscale zero-valent iron composite and its efficient removal of U(vi) from wastewater by adsorption and reduction
Authors: Sun Yunkai , Yin Na , Liu Cheng , Ding Yi , Yang Pengfei
Published: January 2024

A new amino-modified biochar supported sulfide nanoscale zero-valent iron composite (SnZVI–BC–NH2) was prepared by a simple method, which removes uranyl ions efficiently through the synergistic effect of adsorption and reduction.
Purine nucleoside antibiotics: recent synthetic advances harnessing chemistry and biology
Authors: Motter Jonas , Benckendorff Caecilie M. M. , Westarp Sarah , Sunde-Brown Peter , Neubauer Peter , Kurreck Anke , Miller Gavin J.
Published: January 2024

This Highlight offers a perspective on recent strategies for synthesising purine nucleoside antibiotics, an untapped source of natural products for developing novel antimicrobial agents.
Direct observation of carbon slurry flow behavior and its effect on electrochemical performance in a microfluidic electrochemical flow capacitor
Authors: Stacks Brandon , Esteban-Linares Alberto , Galazzo Matthew , Luo Haoxiang , Li Deyu
Published: January 2024

A transparent microfluidic electrochemical flow capacitor platform allows for probing the hydrodynamic effects on the electrochemical performance of flowable electrodes.
Probing compositional engineering effects on lead-free perovskite-inspired nanocrystal thin films using correlative nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Annurakshita Shambhavee , Liu Maning , Vivo Paola , Bautista Godofredo
Published: January 2024

We demonstrate the use of correlative nonlinear optical microscopy to investigate the nonlinear response of compositionally engineered perovskite-inspired nanocrystal films.
Determination of phenolic compounds in water using a multivariate statistical analysis method combined with three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Wei , Yang Ruifang , Zhao Nanjing , Yin Gaofang , Liu Jianguo
Published: January 2024

Phenolic compounds are toxic chemical pollutants present in water.
Promotion of SO2 resistance of Ce–La/TiO2 denitrification catalysts by V doping
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Na , Xie Huidong , Sun Yepeng , Yang Kaiyue , Zhang Liang , Yang Chang , Ge Chengmin
Published: January 2024

Ce–La–V/TiO2 was prepared using cerium-based catalysts and the effect of the V active component tested. The mechanism of the catalyst's resistance to SO2 toxicity at high temperatures was elucidated using various physicochemical characterization techniques and reaction kinetics analysis.
Enhanced particle separation through ultrasonically-induced microbubble streaming for automated size-selective particle depletion
Authors: Bakhtiari Amirabas , Kähler Christian J.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we explore an automated technique for size-selective particle depletion in microchannels using microbubble streaming. The method isolates larger particles near microbubbles and expels them for analysis in a collection chamber.
Water-stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs): rational construction and carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Xiao Cao , Tian Jindou , Chen Qihui , Hong Maochun
Published: January 2024

This review highlights the design and synthesis of water-stable MOFs, as well as their applications in carbon capture.
Thermo-plasmonic assisted structural optimization of micro/nanocrystals based on single-particle spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Chengyun , Zhou Xilin , Kong Ting , Xi Lei , Zhang Ruobin , Zhang Baobao , Chen Huan , Fu Zhengkun , Zhang Zhenglong
Published: January 2024

A novel thermo-plasmonic-assisted scheme for precise control of ion doping and local structure of micro/nanomaterials with single-particle spectroscopy methods.
Superconducting Ce2P3 and CeP2 with an interesting planar P layer
Authors: Li Xing , Bergara Aitor , Zhang Xiaohua , Li Fei , Liu Yong , Yang Guochun
Published: January 2024

Ce2P3 with 3-4-5-polygon P layer and CeP2 with honeycomb P layer exhibit an enhanced superconductivity with decreasing pressure.
Bat algorithm based semi‐distributed resource allocation in ultra‐dense networks
Authors: Fan Yaozong , Ma Yu , Pan Peng , Yang Can
Published: January 2024

This paper addresses the resource allocation (RA) for ultra‐dense network (UDN), where base stations (BSs) are densely deployed to meet the demands of future wireless communications. However, the design of RA in UDN is challenging, as the RA problem is non‐convex and NP‐hard. Therefore, this paper considers and studies a semi‐distributed resource block (RB) allocation scheme, in order to achieve a well‐balanced trade‐off between performance and complexity. In the context of semi‐distributed RB allocation scheme, the problem can be decomposed into the subproblem of clustering and the subproblem of cluster‐based RB allocation. We first improve the K‐means clustering algorithm by employing the Gaussian modified method, which can significantly decrease the number of iterations for carrying out the K‐means algorithm as well as the failure possibility of clustering. Then, bat algorithm (BA) is introduced to attack the problem of cluster‐based RB allocation. In order to make the original BA applicable to the problem of RB allocation, chaotic sequences are adopted to discretize the initial position of the bats, and simultaneously increase the population diversity of the bats. Furthermore, in order to speed up the convergence of BA, the logarithmic decreasing inertia weight is employed for improving the original BA. Our studies and performance results show that the proposed approaches are capable of achieving a desirable trade‐off between the performance and the implementation complexity.
Tangent barrier Lyapunov function based adaptive event‐triggered control for CPS under false data injection attacks
Authors: Miao Baoling , Zeng Qiang , Liu Lei
Published: January 2024

In this paper, an adaptive event‐triggered control scheme is proposed for a class of continuous‐time linear cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) with unknown false data injection attacks (FDIA) and state constraints. First, the adaptive boundary estimation mechanism and Nussbaum‐type function are introduced into the two‐step backstepping control, which successfully reduces the impact of unknown attack gain. Second, considering that the Nussbaum function causes the chattering problem of the system state, the Tangent Barrier Lyapunov function (TBLF) is used to constrain the state. Then, the controller is designed in combination with the event‐triggered mechanism (ETM), which saves communication resources. Based on the designed adaptive event‐triggered security control method, all signals of the closed‐loop system can be guaranteed to be bounded, and the state constraints are not violated. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed control strategy.