bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum uric acid levels and prognosis of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yang Xinyi , Lin Yan , Huang Jiaofeng , Chi Yujing , Wu Yinlian , Lin Su
Published: March 2024

Uric acid (UA) is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, it is unclear whether UA plays a predictive role in NAFLD prognosis. This study aimed to explore the relationship between UA levels and mortality in NAFLD patients without severe renal disease. Data were obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Time-dependent Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for mortality. Overall, 2493 individuals with NAFLD and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 26.58 years. Patients were divided into high and low-UA groups according to UA levels. Time-independent Cox regression showed that UA level was not an independent risk factor for mortality in NAFLD patients without decreased eGFR (P > 0.05). After matching for age and sex using the propensity score matching method, UA remained not independently associated with death in NAFLD patients (P > 0.05). Similar results were found for cardiovascular-related and cancer-related deaths. Although UA is closely related to NAFLD, UA levels are not independently associated with the long-term survival of patients with NAFLD without decreased eGFR.
The Joint Simon task is not joint for capuchin monkeys
Authors: Martínez Mayte , Babb Matthew H. , Range Friederike , Brosnan Sarah F.
Published: March 2024

Human cooperation can be facilitated by the ability to create a mental representation of one’s own actions, as well as the actions of a partner, known as action co-representation. Even though other species also cooperate extensively, it is still unclear whether they have similar capacities. The Joint Simon task is a two-player task developed to investigate this action co-representation. We tested brown capuchin monkeys (Sapajus [Cebus] apella), a highly cooperative species, on a computerized Joint Simon task and found that, in line with previous research, the capuchins' performance was compatible with co-representation. However, a deeper exploration of the monkeys’ responses showed that they, and potentially monkeys in previous studies, did not understand the control conditions, which precludes the interpretation of the results as a social phenomenon. Indeed, further testing to investigate alternative explanations demonstrated that our results were due to low-level cues, rather than action co-representation. This suggests that the Joint Simon task, at least in its current form, cannot determine whether non-human species co-represent their partner’s role in joint tasks.
Investigating female versus male differences in white matter neuroplasticity associated with complex visuo-motor learning
Authors: Kirby Eric D. , Andrushko Justin W. , Rinat Shie , D’Arcy Ryan C. N. , Boyd Lara A.
Published: March 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has increasingly been used to characterize structure–function relationships during white matter neuroplasticity. Biological sex differences may be an important factor that affects patterns of neuroplasticity, and therefore impacts learning and rehabilitation. The current study examined a participant cohort before and after visuo-motor training to characterize sex differences in microstructural measures. The participants (N = 27) completed a 10-session (4 week) complex visuo-motor training task with their non-dominant hand. All participants significantly improved movement speed and their movement speed variability over the training period. White matter neuroplasticity in females and males was examined using fractional anisotropy (FA) and myelin water fraction (MWF) along the cortico-spinal tract (CST) and the corpus callosum (CC). FA values showed significant differences in the middle portion of the CST tract (nodes 38–51) across the training period. MWF showed a similar cluster in the inferior portion of the tract (nodes 18–29) but did not reach significance. Additionally, at baseline, males showed significantly higher levels of MWF measures in the middle body of the CC. Combining data from females and males would have resulted in reduced sensitivity, making it harder to detect differences in neuroplasticity. These findings offer initial insights into possible female versus male differences in white matter neuroplasticity during motor learning. This warrants investigations into specific patterns of white matter neuroplasticity for females versus males across the lifespan. Understanding biological sex-specific differences in white matter neuroplasticity may have significant implications for the interpretation of change associated with learning or rehabilitation.
A new class of polyphenolic carbosilane dendrimers binds human serum albumin in a structure-dependent fashion
Authors: Grodzicka Marika , Michlewska Sylwia , Buczkowski Adam , Sekowski Szymon , Pena-Gonzalez Cornelia E. , Ortega Paula , de la Mata Francisco Javier , Blasiak Janusz , Bryszewska Maria , Ionov Maksim
Published: March 2024

The use of dendrimers as drug and nucleic acid delivery systems requires knowledge of their interactions with objects on their way to the target. In the present work, we investigated the interaction of a new class of carbosilane dendrimers functionalized with polyphenolic and caffeic acid residues with human serum albumin, which is the most abundant blood protein. The addition of dendrimers to albumin solution decreased the zeta potential of albumin/dendrimer complexes as compared to free albumin, increased density of the fibrillary form of albumin, shifted fluorescence spectrum towards longer wavelengths, induced quenching of tryptophan fluorescence, and decreased ellipticity of circular dichroism resulting from a reduction in the albumin α-helix for random coil structural form. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that, on average, one molecule of albumin was bound by 6–10 molecules of dendrimers. The zeta size confirmed the binding of the dendrimers to albumin. The interaction of dendrimers and albumin depended on the number of caffeic acid residues and polyethylene glycol modifications in the dendrimer structure. In conclusion, carbosilane polyphenolic dendrimers interact with human albumin changing its structure and electrical properties. However, the consequences of such interaction for the efficacy and side effects of these dendrimers as drug/nucleic acid delivery system requires further research.
Novel magnetic bimetallic AuCu catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes and degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Gholinejad Mohammad , Bashirimousavi Saba , Sansano José M.
Published: March 2024

Herein, core–shell magnetic nanoparticles are modified with imidazolium-tagged phosphine and propylene glycol moieties and used for the stabilization of bimetallic AuCu nanoparticles. The structure and morphology of the prepared material are identified with SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fourier translation infrared spectroscopy, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. This hydrophilic magnetic bimetallic catalyst is applied in the reduction of toxic nitroarenes and reductive degradation of hazardous organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO), methyl red (MR), and rhodamine B (RhB), as well as in the degradation of tetracycline (TC). This magnetic AuCu catalyst indicated superior activity in all three mentioned reactions in comparison with its single metal Au and Cu analogs. This catalyst is recycled for 17 consecutive runs in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol without a significant decrease in catalytic activity and recycled catalyst is characterized.
Early-life influenza A (H1N1) infection independently programs brain connectivity, HPA AXIS and tissue-specific gene expression profiles
Authors: Merz Myriam P. , Seal Snehaa V. , Grova Nathalie , Mériaux Sophie , Guebels Pauline , Kanli Georgia , Mommaerts Elise , Nicot Nathalie , Kaoma Tony , Keunen Olivier , Nazarov Petr V. , Turner Jonathan D.
Published: March 2024

Early-life adversity covers a range of physical, social and environmental stressors. Acute viral infections in early life are a major source of such adversity and have been associated with a broad spectrum of later-life effects outside the immune system or “off-target”. These include an altered hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and metabolic reactions. Here, we used a murine post-natal day 14 (PND 14) Influenza A (H1N1) infection model and applied a semi-holistic approach including phenotypic measurements, gene expression arrays and diffusion neuroimaging techniques to investigate HPA axis dysregulation, energy metabolism and brain connectivity. By PND 56 the H1N1 infection had been resolved, and there was no residual gene expression signature of immune cell infiltration into the liver, adrenal gland or brain tissues examined nor of immune-related signalling. A resolved early-life H1N1 infection had sex-specific effects. We observed retarded growth of males and altered pre-stress (baseline) blood glucose and corticosterone levels at PND42 after the infection was resolved. Cerebral MRI scans identified reduced connectivity in the cortex, midbrain and cerebellum that were accompanied by tissue-specific gene expression signatures. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed that these were tissue-specific changes with few common pathways. Early-life infection independently affected each of the systems and this was independent of HPA axis or immune perturbations.
Increasing silage maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency as a result of combined rabbit manure and mineral nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Wysokinski Andrzej , Kożuchowska Monika
Published: March 2024

Combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is crucial to obtaining high crop yields, increasing the utilization of nutrients by plants, and limiting their dispersion, thus protecting the environment, which underscores the importance of sustainable and minimally invasive agriculture. The aim of the field experiment was to determine the effect of application of rabbit manure (RM) and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) on the dry matter (DM) yield of maize and on nitrogen content, uptake, and use efficiency (NUE). RM application was tested at levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60 t·ha−1, and Nmin application at 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg·ha−1. Significant differences were noted in yield and in the content and uptake of nitrogen depending on both experimental factors. Increasing the application of RM and Nmin led to an increase in the yield of harvested maize and in the content and uptake of nitrogen. In terms of DM yield and nitrogen uptake (yield of crude protein), the most beneficial fertilizer variant was 60 t·ha−1 RM applied together with 100 kg·ha−1 Nmin. The highest NUE value was obtained following application of 20 t·ha−1 RM together with 150 kg·ha−1 Nmin.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a school-based mental health literacy intervention from a comprehensive demographic and social-cognitive perspective
Authors: Wei Yifeng , Sha Li , McWeeny Robert , Johal Rav , Easton Constance , Baxter Andrew , Cao Bo , Greenshaw Andrew , Carr Wendy
Published: March 2024

Childhood and adolescence are a critical period for the onset of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders and a time when many can be first identified. Research demonstrates that mental health literacy applied in school settings may be an effective approach to address these challenges. In contrast to many existing studies conducted in multicultural and multilingual settings that treated subjects’ language as a demographic feature, the present study recognizes English proficiency as a social-cognitive factor and views the school-based mental health literacy (MHL) intervention as a learning process. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of school-based mental health literacy intervention and explore how ethnicity and English proficiency as a social-cognitive factor, as a modified, rather than a fixed variable, impacted the intervention outcomes. Grade 9 students (n = 240) from schools in West Canada with diverse social/cultural background received the intervention in the classroom delivered by trained teachers and completed the pre-test and post-test over a 6-month period. The intervention was effective in improving knowledge and help-seeking attitudes among all students. Non-Chinese and native English-speaking students performed the best on all outcomes. Gender demonstrated an association with changes in stigma, stress and wellbeing. English proficiency was linked to knowledge acquisition, while ethnicity was connected to changes of attitude-related outcomes. These findings deepened our understanding of how demographic and social-cognitive factors underlie changes in mental health literacy outcomes, which will facilitate the development of mental health literacy interventions for diverse student populations.
Mediating roles of sleep quality and resilience in the relationships between chronotypes and mental health symptoms
Authors: Poon Kean , Ho Mimi S. H. , Tai Alan P. L. , Leung Mei-Kei , Chan Meanne C. M. , Lau Way K. W.
Published: March 2024

Sleep and mental health are intrinsically intertwined, but not every individual with problems sleeping develops a mental health disorder. This study examined the association among chronotypes, resilience, sleep quality and mental health symptoms amongst otherwise healthy individuals. Two hundred adults (Mage = 27.75 ± 5.11, 68% female) with no previous diagnosis of mental illness were recruited and filled in a set of questionnaires measuring chronotypes, sleep quality, depression and anxiety symptoms. The findings from the path analysis showed that the morning type had a statistically significant direct effect on a range of sleep quality indices. These included better subjective sleep quality, shortened sleep latency, and fewer daytime dysfunctions, as well as a higher level of resilience. However, it did not significantly affect depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the morning type had statistically significant indirect effects on a higher level of resilience and fewer depression and anxiety symptoms through the mediating effect of sleep quality indices. Findings from this study support that morning type is associated with better resilience and psychological health, which is mediated through better sleep quality.
Unveiling the dynamics of sequential extreme precipitation-heatwave compounds in China
Authors: Miao Lijuan , Ju Lei , Sun Shao , Agathokleous Evgenios , Wang Qianfeng , Zhu Zhiwei , Liu Ran , Zou Yangfeng , Lu Yutian , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2024

Amidst the escalating impacts of global warming, the occurrence and severity of compound extreme weather events have risen significantly, presenting substantial threats to both lives and property. Existing response strategies predominantly focus on individual events, often overlooking the cumulative effects rising from their inherent complexity. To address this critical gap, we conducted a thorough examination of sequential extreme precipitation–heatwave compound events (SEPHCE) in China from 1975 to 2020, utilizing data from 1929 meteorological stations. Our investigation revealed a consistent rise in the frequency and duration of SEPHCE, with a particularly notable surge since 1993. Furthermore, shorter interval events disproportionately affected the regions of southwestern and southeast coastal China. Furthermore, SEPHCE onset times exhibited advancement, and the endings were delayed, thereby intensifying the overall trend. These findings underscore the pressing need to prioritize effective planning and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of these compound event, while also addressing the potential exacerbation of inequality resulting from climate change.
Biallelic EPCAM deletions induce tissue-specific DNA repair deficiency and cancer predisposition
Authors: Forster V. J. , Aronson M. , Zhang C. , Chung J. , Sudhaman S. , Galati M. A. , Kelly J. , Negm L. , Ercan A. B. , Stengs L. , Durno C. , Edwards M. , Komosa M. , Oldfield L. E. , Nunes N. M. , Pedersen S. , Wellum J. , Siddiqui I. , Bianchi V. , Weil B. R. , Fox V. L. , Pugh T. J. , Kamihara J. , Tabori U.
Published: March 2024

We report a case of Mismatch Repair Deficiency (MMRD) caused by germline homozygous EPCAM deletion leading to tissue-specific loss of MSH2. Through the use of patient-derived cells and organoid technologies, we performed stepwise in vitro differentiation of colonic and brain organoids from reprogrammed EPCAMdel iPSC derived from patient fibroblasts. Differentiation of iPSC to epithelial-colonic organoids exhibited continuous increased EPCAM expression and hypermethylation of the MSH2 promoter. This was associated with loss of MSH2 expression, increased mutational burden, MMRD signatures and MS-indel accumulation, the hallmarks of MMRD. In contrast, maturation into brain organoids and examination of blood and fibroblasts failed to show similar processes, preserving MMR proficiency. The combined use of iPSC, organoid technologies and functional genomics analyses highlights the potential of cutting-edge cellular and molecular analysis techniques to define processes controlling tumorigenesis and uncovers a new paradigm of tissue-specific MMRD, which affects the clinical management of these patients.
Unsupervised ensemble-based phenotyping enhances discoverability of genes related to left-ventricular morphology
Authors: Bonazzola Rodrigo , Ferrante Enzo , Ravikumar Nishant , Xia Yan , Keavney Bernard , Plein Sven , Syeda-Mahmood Tanveer , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: March 2024

Recent genome-wide association studies have successfully identified associations between genetic variants and simple cardiac morphological parameters derived from cardiac magnetic resonance images. However, the emergence of large databases, including genetic data linked to cardiac magnetic resonance facilitates the investigation of more nuanced patterns of cardiac shape variability than those studied so far. Here we propose a framework for gene discovery coined unsupervised phenotype ensembles. The unsupervised phenotype ensemble builds a redundant yet highly expressive representation by pooling a set of phenotypes learnt in an unsupervised manner, using deep learning models trained with different hyperparameters. These phenotypes are then analysed via genome-wide association studies, retaining only highly confident and stable associations across the ensemble. We applied our approach to the UK Biobank database to extract geometric features of the left ventricle from image-derived three-dimensional meshes. We demonstrate that our approach greatly improves the discoverability of genes that influence left ventricle shape, identifying 49 loci with study-wide significance and 25 with suggestive significance. We argue that our approach would enable more extensive discovery of gene associations with image-derived phenotypes for other organs or image modalities.
Continuous iron spreading on carbon-shell composite nanotubes for electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Yining , Zhang Can , Guan Zhenjie , Zhen Liang , Jiang Jiantang
Published: March 2024

Iron-based nanotubes are promising candidates for high performance electromagnetic wave absorbing fillers due to their high aspect ratio, light weight, high axial permeability and high saturation magnetization. Furthermore, the introduction of carbon can improve dielectric loss and block the agglomeration of iron nanotubes. Here, Fe@C composite nanotubes were prepared by introducing carbon onto the surface of precursor α-FeOOH’ fibers followed by hydrogen-thermal annealing. We find that Fe@C composite nanotubes retain the one-dimensional nanostructure of the precursor throughout the annealing. The well-developed lattice and nanostructure of Fe@C nanotubes endow high saturation magnetization, high anisotropy, suppressed eddy current effect and cross-particle exchange coupling as well, and thus contribute to an enhanced permeability. Coatings with Fe@C as fillers achieve a reflection loss of up to −69.34 dB at 3.37 GHz at the matching thickness of 3.97 mm. The Fe@C composite nanotubes developed here are a promising candidate for high performance electromagnetic wave absorbing fillers.
Detection of COVID-19 features in lung ultrasound images using deep neural networks
Authors: Zhao Lingyi , Fong Tiffany Clair , Bell Muyinatu A. Lediju
Published: March 2024

Background

Deep neural networks (DNNs) to detect COVID-19 features in lung ultrasound B-mode images have primarily relied on either in vivo or simulated images as training data. However, in vivo images suffer from limited access to required manual labeling of thousands of training image examples, and simulated images can suffer from poor generalizability to in vivo images due to domain differences. We address these limitations and identify the best training strategy.

Methods

We investigated in vivo COVID-19 feature detection with DNNs trained on our carefully simulated datasets (40,000 images), publicly available in vivo datasets (174 images), in vivo datasets curated by our team (958 images), and a combination of simulated and internal or external in vivo datasets. Seven DNN training strategies were tested on in vivo B-mode images from COVID-19 patients.

Results

Here, we show that Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) between ground truth and DNN predictions are maximized when simulated data are mixed with external in vivo data and tested on internal in vivo data (i.e., 0.482 ± 0.211), compared with using only simulated B-mode image training data (i.e., 0.464 ± 0.230) or only external in vivo B-mode training data (i.e., 0.407 ± 0.177). Additional maximization is achieved when a separate subset of the internal in vivo B-mode images are included in the training dataset, with the greatest maximization of DSC (and minimization of required training time, or epochs) obtained after mixing simulated data with internal and external in vivo data during training, then testing on the held-out subset of the internal in vivo dataset (i.e., 0.735 ± 0.187).

Conclusions

DNNs trained with simulated and in vivo data are promising alternatives to training with only real or only simulated data when segmenting in vivo COVID-19 lung ultrasound features.
TDCS over PPC or DLPFC does not improve visual working memory capacity
Authors: Jiang Shuangke , Jones Myles , von Bastian Claudia C.
Published: March 2024

Non-invasive brain stimulation has been highlighted as a possible intervention to induce cognitive benefits, including on visual working memory (VWM). However, findings are inconsistent, possibly due to methodological issues. A recent high-profile study by Wang et al.1 reported that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over posterior parietal cortex (PPC), but not over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), selectively improved VWM capacity but not precision, especially at a high VWM load. Thus, in the current pre-registered conceptual replication study, we accounted for the key potential methodological issues in the original study and tested an adequate number of participants required to demonstrate the previously reported effects (n = 48 compared to n = 20). Participants underwent counterbalanced PPC, DLPFC and sham stimulation before completing 360 trials of a continuous orientation-reproduction task with a slight variation of task stimuli and setup. We found no evidence for the selective effect of PPC stimulation. Instead, our results showed that tDCS effects were absent regardless of stimulation region and VWM load, which was largely supported by substantial to strong Bayesian evidence. Therefore, our results challenge previously reported benefits of single-session anodal PPC-tDCS on VWM.
Key mechanistic features of the trade-off between antibody escape and host cell binding in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spike proteins
Authors: Li Weiwei , Xu Zepeng , Niu Tianhui , Xie Yufeng , Zhao Zhennan , Li Dedong , He Qingwen , Sun Wenqiao , Shi Kaiyuan , Guo Wenjing , Chang Zhen , Liu Kefang , Fan Zheng , Qi Jianxun , Gao George F
Published: March 2024

Since SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged, it is constantly evolving into multiple sub-variants, including BF.7, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB, XBB.1.5 and the recently emerged BA.2.86 and JN.1. Receptor binding and immune evasion are recognized as two major drivers for evolution of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. However, the underlying mechanism of interplay between two factors remains incompletely understood. Herein, we determined the structures of human ACE2 complexed with BF.7, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB and XBB.1.5 RBDs. Based on the ACE2/RBD structures of these sub-variants and a comparison with the known complex structures, we found that R346T substitution in the RBD enhanced ACE2 binding upon an interaction with the residue R493, but not Q493, via a mechanism involving long-range conformation changes. Furthermore, we found that R493Q and F486V exert a balanced impact, through which immune evasion capability was somewhat compromised to achieve an optimal receptor binding. We propose a “two-steps-forward and one-step-backward” model to describe such a compromise between receptor binding affinity and immune evasion during RBD evolution of Omicron sub-variants.
Supramolecular helix of an oligomeric azapeptide building block containing four β-turn structures
Authors: Zhao Yingdan , Yan Xiaosheng , Jiang Yun-Bao
Published: March 2024

Oligomers of benzoylalanine-based amidothiourea, consisting of 4 β-turns spaced by meta-substituted benzenes, assembled into supramolecular helices in CH3CN, but not those containing less turns or 4 turns but spaced by para-substituted benzenes.
Degradable biomedical elastomers: paving the future of tissue repair and regenerative medicine
Authors: Jia Ben , Huang Heyuan , Dong Zhicheng , Ren Xiaoyang , Lu Yanyan , Wang Wenzhi , Zhou Shaowen , Zhao Xin , Guo Baolin
Published: March 2024

This review critically analyzes degradable biomedical elastomers, focusing on their degradation, synthesis, microstructure, and role in tissue repair. It guides experts in balancing degradation with tissue repair for improved applications.
The effects of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on autofluorescence properties and growth of algae Desmodesmus communis: dependence on cultivation medium
Authors: Kalnaitytė-Vengelienė Agnė , Montvydienė Danguolė , Januškaitė Emilija , Jurgelėnė Živilė , Kazlauskas Mindaugas , Kazlauskienė Nijolė , Bagdonas Saulius
Published: March 2024

The cultivation media markedly influence the quantum dot induced effects on photosynthesis properties and growth of green freshwater microalgae.
In situ atomic-resolution study of transformations in double polymorph γ/β-Ga2O3 structures
Authors: García-Fernández J. , Kjeldby S. B. , Zeng L. J. , Azarov A. , Pokle A. , Nguyen P. D. , Olsson E. , Vines L. , Kuznetsov A. , Prytz Ø.
Published: March 2024

In situ TEM heating studies of double γ/β-Ga2O3 polymorph structures revealed γ-to-β polymorph transition via the formation of β-Ga2O3 domains.
Operando exploration of tribochemical decomposition in synthetic FeS2 thin film and mineral iron pyrite
Authors: Muñoz-Cortés E. , Sánchez-Prieto J. , Zabala B. , Sanchez C. , Flores E. , Flores A. , Roman E. , Ares J. R. , Nevshupa R.
Published: March 2024

The tribochemical decomposition of iron pyrite at room temperature involves rich solid-state reactions of FeS2 with impurities such as hydrogen, oxygen and carbon and is controlled by the concentrations of precursors.
Nickel and cobalt-based tungstate nanocomposites as promising electrocatalysts in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Mahmoud Imtenan , Farghali Ahmed A. , El-Rouby Waleed M. A. , Abdelwahab Abdalla
Published: March 2024

In this work, a non-precious group metal (non-PGM) electrocatalyst based on transition metals is introduced as a promising solution for enhancing the efficiency of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
Physical reservoirs based on MoS2–HZO integrated ferroelectric field-effect transistors for reservoir computing systems
Authors: Li Lingqi , Xiang Heng , Zheng Haofei , Chien Yu-Chieh , Duong Ngoc Thanh , Gao Jing , Ang Kah-Wee
Published: March 2024

This work demonstrated a high-performance ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) via the integration of HZO and 2D MoS2, showing efficacy in processing diverse real-life tasks within a reservoir computing system.
Synthesis and bioimaging of mitochondria targeted nitroreductase-responsive fluorescent probe
Authors: Li Yixuan , Bai Wenjun , Bao Yating , Wang Jinhui , Hu Jingbo , Huang Jing
Published: March 2024

Schematic diagram for mitochondrial imaging of tumor cells.
Decomposition mechanism and morphological evolution of in situ realized Cu nanoparticles in Cu complex inks
Authors: Mohan Nihesh , Ahuir-Torres Juan Ignacio , Bhogaraju Sri Krishna , Webler Ralf , Kotadia Hiren R. , Erdogan Huseyin , Elger Gordon
Published: March 2024

Controlling in situ nanoparticle formation and growth in Cu complex inks during decomposition and sintering process by modifying ink chemistry (complexing molar ratio, organic solvent) and influencing sintering parameters (temperature, ramp rate).
Lewis acid-mediated modular route to the synthesis of 3-substituted quinolines from 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and enamine(one)s
Authors: Ghosh Aritra , Upadhyay Samridhi , Dahatonde Dipak J. , Kant Ruchir , Batra Sanjay
Published: March 2024

A Lewis acid-mediated modular synthesis of 3-substituted quinolines bearing electron-withdrawing groups from readily available 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and N,N′-dimethylenamine(one)s is described.
Efficient and convenient strategy for recovering hexavalent chromium ions from wastewater using a novel photocatalytic iron-based metal–organic framework mesh
Authors: Gao Yu , Liu Siyu , Huang Xu , Lu Weiwen , Huang Jian , Zhang Hua , Zhang Yong , Wang Jinhua , Xi Shanshan , Liu Jun , Luo Tao
Published: March 2024

A series of Fe@MIL mesh photocatalysts reduced and recovered Cr(vi) under visible light.
Bacillus subtilis as a host for natural product discovery and engineering of biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Put Hanne , Gerstmans Hans , Vande Capelle Hanne , Fauvart Maarten , Michiels Jan , Masschelein Joleen
Published: March 2024

This review explores the use of Bacillus as a heterologous host for natural product discovery and engineering, highlighting its unique traits, successful natural product examples and available genetic engineering tools.
Microwave-enhanced antibacterial activity of polydopamine–silver hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Lingamgunta Swetha , Xiao Yao , Choi Heungjae , Christie Graham , Fruk Ljiljana
Published: March 2024

Ag containing hybrid nanomaterials can be used to induce microwave-guided deactivation of bacterial pathogens.
A facile on–off fluorescence approach for fluvoxamine determination in pharmaceutical tablets; application to content uniformity testing
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Oraby Mohamed , Zaafan Al Amir S. , Hamad Ahmed Abdulhafez , Nagy Dalia M.
Published: March 2024

Ion pair complex formation between fluvoxamine and erythrosine B dye quench the fluorescence of the dye in a concentration dependent profile.
Implementing an interactive online platform in a large undergraduate general chemistry course and its impact on student learning and perceptions
Authors: Cresswell Sarah L. , Loughlin Wendy A. , Kim Tak H.
Published: March 2024

The rise of technology and online approaches has challenged the traditional learning and teaching model for first year chemistry of formal face-to-face lectures and in-person laboratory sessions. The COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 has created a rapidly changing environment in assessment and learning experiences for students and led to rapid adoption of online technology within chemistry courses. This study, during 2019–2021, examined the implementation of an active learning platform in a large undergraduate chemistry course. This study was informed by constructivist theories of learning and of relevance was the 5E framework, with learning phases of engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. A combination of post-survey data and coursework data were analysed. Post-survey results indicated that students positively perceived that the interactive online platform helped them to learn. User statistics data for learning and self-assessment activities affirmed that students gave priority to the self-paced interactive online approach, in preference to conventional social learning activities. Modernization of delivery of the curriculum to replace unstructured independent private study with structured learning and revision activities was of greatest benefit to student learning for lower performing students that were typically mature age students, with significant differences observed for online quiz and final exam results for this cohort of students. Overall, student learning was supported with the introduction of digital technologies in the course. The findings revealed that the self-paced learning activities for chemistry, delivered with an interactive online platform, combined with conventional learning activities can be effective in creating a culture of learning in students and maintaining academic outcomes.
Chemical and linguistic considerations for encoding Chinese characters: an embodiment using chain-end degradable sequence-defined oligourethanes created by consecutive solid phase click chemistry
Authors: Zhang Le , Krause Todd B. , Deol Harnimarta , Pandey Bipin , Xiao Qifan , Park Hyun Meen , Iverson Brent L. , Law Danny , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: March 2024

The information (a proverb from The Analects of Confucius) is stored in chain-end degradable sequence-defined oligourethanes, sequenced with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) under suitable conditions and decrypted with in-house Python scripts.
A copper-loaded self-assembled nanoparticle for disturbing the tumor redox balance and triple anti-tumor therapy
Authors: Yin Jieli , Liu Chen , Guo Jiaqi , Li Mao , Chen Baoyin , Zhang Xuewen , Wang Bing , Zhu Xuan , Chen Dengyue
Published: March 2024

A copper-loaded self-assembled nanoparticle effectively depletes intracellular GSH at tumor sites, enhancing triple anti-tumor therapy.
Soft actuators based on the flexible MOF MIL-88B(Fe) with a fast response to various organic solvent vapours
Authors: Song Shizhen , Zheng Tengfei , Li Bo , Yang Hangcheng , Jia Qin-Xiang , Hao Zhuting , Zhang Wen , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2024

A multiple-solvent-driven soft actuator based on MIL-88B(Fe)/PVDF asymmetric film exhibits deformation response to methanol, toluene and chloroform.
Lattice strain-induced high-performance low-operating-voltage organic field-effect transistors by solution-sheared organic single crystal
Authors: Geng Bowen , Zhang Feng , Huang Congcong , He Lihua , Li Chengtai , Duan Shuming , Ren Xiaochen , Hu Wenping
Published: March 2024

This work employs lattice strain engineering to enhance OFET performance. By modulating the shear speed of solution shearing, lattice strain is induced in the C8-BTBT crystals, leading to a reduction in π–π stacking distance and thinner crystals.
Discerning toxic nerve gas agents via a distinguishable ‘turn-on’ fluorescence response: multi-stimuli responsive quinoline derivatives in action
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Krishna Bandarupalli , Roy Sounak , Dey Nilanjan
Published: March 2024

We have successfully synthesized quinoline derivatives that exhibit easy scalability and responsiveness to multiple stimuli.
Microdialysis coupled with droplet microfluidics and mass spectrometry for determination of neurotransmitters in vivo with high temporal resolution
Authors: Wells Shane S. , Bain Ian J. , Valenta Alec C. , Lenhart Ashley E. , Steyer Daniel J. , Kennedy Robert T.
Published: March 2024

Samples collected from brain of living subjects are segmented to nanoliter droplets and infused to the mass spectrometer. Temporal resolution for in vivo concentration dynamics of key neurotransmitters of 10 s is achieved. Created with Biorender.com.
Heparin-stabilized gold nanoparticles embedded in graphene for the electrochemical determination of esculetin
Authors: da Silva Vinicius José , Baumgarten Luan Gabriel , Dreyer Juliana Priscila , Santana Edson Roberto , Spinelli Almir , Winiarski João Paulo , Vieira Iolanda Cruz
Published: March 2024

A conductive nanocomposite consisting of heparin-stabilized gold nanoparticles embedded in graphene was prepared for esculetin determination in tea and jam samples.
Fusion of amyloid beta with ferritin yields an isolated oligomeric beta-sheet-rich aggregate inside the ferritin cage
Authors: Maity Basudev , Kameyama Shiori , Tian Jiaxin , Pham Thuc Toan , Abe Satoshi , Chatani Eri , Murata Kazuyoshi , Ueno Takafumi
Published: March 2024

Amyloid beta peptide is genetically fused with a ferritin monomer. When the 24-mer ferritin cage is formed, 24 Aβ peptides are encapsulated and form a β-sheet-rich oligomer which can be directly visualized by high-speed AFM after cage disassembly.
Two-dimensional Cs3Sb2Br9 inducing transformation of three-dimensional CsPbBr3 to nanoplates
Authors: Shen Wei , Jiang Jiayu , He Yanxing , Chen Zhihua , Qiu Yue , Cui Hao , Chen Yanfeng , Liu Lihui , Cheng Gang , Chen Shufen
Published: March 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) Cs3Sb2Br9 inducing a transformation of three-dimensional (3D) CsPbBr3 to 2D nanoplates (NPLs) to achieve a deep-blue emission at a wavelength of 464 nm with good stability.
Control of giant vesicle assemblies by stimuli-responsive lipids
Authors: Lee Youngjun , Fracassi Alessandro , Devaraj Neal K.
Published: March 2024

Light triggers substantial changes in the morphology of synthetic membranes composed of stimuli-responsive diazobenzene lipid building blocks.
A three-in-one point-of-care electrochemical sensing platform for accurate monitoring of diabetes
Authors: Zheng Youwei , Cen Yingying , Du Tianchen , Zhu Dan , Su Shao , Wang Lianhui
Published: March 2024

A three-in-one point-of-care electrochemical sensing platform was designed for accurate monitoring of diabetes based on dual-aptamer recognition strategies and screen-printed carbon electrodes.
Strategic structure modulation of novel quinoxaline-derived liquid organic hydrogen carriers for enhanced dehydrogenation kinetics
Authors: Liu Li , Zhu Ting , Li Jiaqi , Wang Can , Zhao Yinheng , Yang Ming , Cheng Hansong , Dong Yuan
Published: March 2024

We strategically modified methyl groups and N atoms within 2-methylquinoline and present 2-methylquinoxaline and 2,3-dimethylquinoxaline as potential LOHCs with hydrogen storage densities of 6.49 wt% and 5.95 wt%, respectively.
Phonon softening induced phase transition of CeSiO4: a density functional theory study
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Strzelecki Andrew C. , Dacheux Nicolas , Qi Liang , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: March 2024

We used DFT+U to explore high-P structures and energetics of CeSiO4, and found the stetindite → scheelite transition at ∼15 GPa (>8.4 GPa predicted by enthalpy) is driven by lattice instability, due to softening and imaginary state of the Eg1 mode.
Insights into the interfaces of VO2(M) and VO2(B) polymorphs with different substrates
Authors: Mohebbi Elaheh , Pavoni Eleonora , Pierantoni Luca , Stipa Pierluigi , Laudadio Emiliano , Mencarelli Davide
Published: March 2024

The phenomena arising at the interface between oxide materials and substrates can fundamentally and practically change the physical and chemical properties of the materials themselves.
Correction: Carbon-based two-dimensional (2D) materials: a next generation biocidal agent
Authors: Talreja Neetu , Chauhan Divya , Ashfaq Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Correction for ‘Carbon-based two-dimensional (2D) materials: a next generation biocidal agent’ by Neetu Talreja et al., Mater. Adv., 2024, 5, 1454–1461, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00952A.
MoS2 2D materials induce spinal cord neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity affecting locomotor performance in zebrafish
Authors: Di Mauro Giuseppe , González Viviana Jehová , Bambini Francesco , Camarda Silvia , Prado Eduardo , Holgado Juan Pedro , Vázquez Ester , Ballerini Laura , Cellot Giada
Published: March 2024

Upon ambient exposure, MoS2 nanomaterials can reach the nervous system of zebrafish larvae, resulting in a direct neurological damage characterized by neuroinflammation related cell alterations and behavioral abnormalities.
Phen-2NO, a new C2-symmetric rigid-featured tetradentate ligand, and its application in the asymmetric alkylation reaction of indoles
Authors: Chen Zi-Yue , Xu Ke-Lan , Wang Xi-Rui , Hu Pan , Jiang Wei-Yan , Dai Yi-Feng , Peng Li-Jun , Liu Xiong-Li
Published: March 2024

A new class of C2-symmetric rigid-featured chiral phen ligands that provide the N,N,O,O-tetradentate coordination of the phen moiety and two additional N,N-dioxides were rationally designed and developed.
Dual emissive Ln(iii)–Ag(i) heterometallic chains based on tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide
Authors: Bryleva Yuliya A. , Rakhmanova Mariana I. , Artem'ev Alexander V. , Baranov Andrey Yu. , Glinskaya Ludmila A.
Published: March 2024

Tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide has been successfully used to assemble novel 1D Ln(iii)–Ag(i) heterometallic coordination polymers demonstrating dual emission behavior and excitation wavelength dependent photoluminescence.
Structural phase transition drives outright photoluminescence quenching and dielectric duple bistable switching
Authors: Wang Zhi-Jie , Shen Ming-Jing , Rao Zhi-Peng , Huang Pei-Zhi , Lun Meng-Meng , Deng Bo-Wen , Li Jun-Yi , Wang Chang-Feng , Lu Hai-Feng , Fu Da-Wei , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2024

(TECA)PbBr3 and (TEBA)PbBr3 have a wide range of photoluminescence signals and undergo coupling of the structural phase transition and photoluminescence quenching.
Naphthyridine–2NO, a new C2-symmetric rigid tetradentate bimetallic ligand and its application in asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation
Authors: Hu Pan , Xu Ke-Lan , Wang Xi-Rui , Chen Zi-Yue , Zhang Wen-Hui , Zhou Ying , Zhang Wen-Jing , Liu Xiong-Li
Published: March 2024

The development of a series of novel and easily accessed chiral naphthyridine-type binucleating ligands for asymmetric catalysis.
A novel ultrasensitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay by employment of a signal enhancement of horseradish peroxidase-luminol-hydrogen peroxide reaction for the quantitation of atezolizumab, a monoclonal antibody used for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Darwish Ibrahim A. , Ali Mohammad A. H. , Alsalhi Mohammed S. , Zhang Daohong
Published: March 2024

An ultrasensitive non-competitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) for the quantification of atezolizumab (ATZ), a monoclonal antibody used for treatment of different types of cancer. The assay employed a new chemiluminescence-enhancement reaction for detection.
Microwave engineered NiZrO3@GNP as efficient electrode material for energy storage applications
Authors: Benitto J. John , Vijaya J. Judith , Saravanakumar B. , Al-Lohedan Hamad , Bellucci Stefano
Published: March 2024

Supercapacitors (SCs) have emerged as attractive energy storage devices due to their rapid charge/discharge rates, long cycle life, and high-power density.
A portable smartphone platform utilizing dual-sensing signals for visual determination of semicarbazide in food samples
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Lai Bihong , Ran Xueguang , Tang Hao , Cao Derong
Published: March 2024

(1) A novel fluorescent probe for SEM detection is developed for the first time. (2) Portable sensing platforms utilizing colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence modes for sensing SEM.
Preparation and assessment of agar/TEMPO-oxidized bacterial cellulose cryogels for hemostatic applications
Authors: Shakya Kaushal R. , Nigam Kuldeep , Sharma Arpit , Jahan Kousar , Tyagi Amit Kumar , Verma Vivek
Published: March 2024

Agar and oxidized bacterial cellulose based cryogels are promising biomaterials in the field of hemostatic dressing, offering superabsorbent properties, rapid blood clotting, and excellent biocompatibility.
Preparation of WO3-based flexible electrochromic fabrics and their near infrared shielding application
Authors: Li Mengjie , Jiang Wei , Lin Yun , Huang Chengjie , Hao Panpan , Wang Wenwen , Yang Liyan , Wang Yuedan , Wang Dong
Published: March 2024

In this work, tungsten trioxide (WO3) films are prepared on carbon cloth using a one-step hydrothermal method.
Modeling and Simulation of Flow through The Construction of River Cover Embankment: Case Study of Sei Wampu Weir, Langkat Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Yulius Elma , Setiawan Fanis , Nuryati Sri , Gunarti Anita Setyowati Srie
Published: March 2024

Sei Wampu Weir construction project faced problems related to river cover embankment work, where the river cover embankment experiences scouring on the riverbed during flooding. The purpose of this study is to simulate flow model and determine the maximum flow speed, hence, the appropriate structure of cover concrete blocks can be determined. The analysis of water availability in this study used the F.J. Mock method by considering the watershed area, rainfall data, climatological data, evapotranspiration, and other supporting data to obtain 80% of the mainstay. Modeling and simulation of flow through river cover embankments was performed using the Hec-Ras 5.0.7 program with three scenarios. The determination of Locked Concrete Blocks as a handling solution refers to the Scientific Manuscript of Locked Concrete Blocks as Riverbed Control Buildings of the Water Resources Center in 2014. Results found the mainstay discharge analysis of 80% in year 2020, which was 139.10 m3/s. The model results in the first scenario (width of the river still open about 85 meters) obtained a flow speed of 2.04 m/s, the second scenario (width of the river still open about 30 meters) obtained a flow speed of 2.48 m/s, and the third scenario (width that was still open about 10 meters) obtained a flow speed of 4.34 m/s. The locked concrete blocks for the first scenario used the six-foot locked concrete block type, whereas the second and third scenarios used the eight-foot locked concrete block. Based on numerical modeling and analysis results of locked concrete blocks, the appropriate and efficient scenario for closing the river cover embankment in the sei wampu weir construction project is the second scenario.
River Morphological Stability of Juana River based on Sediment Transport
Authors: Hutagaol Zefania Iqnes Freddy , Nugroho Eka Oktariyanto , Soeharno Agung Wiyono Hadi , Lestari Slamet , Farchan Archyuda
Published: March 2024

Juana River is a river located in the north of Central Java. The downstream part of the Juana River flows into the North Java Sea. Problems with the Juana River include drought during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season. In addition, saline water intrusion makes it difficult for communities to access raw water. Flooding in the Juana River is caused by land use changes in the upper reaches of the river, the presence of a large number fishing boats anchored downstream, flooding in the lower reaches, and the relatively gentle slope of the Juana River. Currently, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (Kementerian PUPR) is undertaking the construction of normalization, dam raising, and rubber dams in the Juana River. This study aims to analyze the stability of the Juana River. The analysis in this study uses the regime method to obtain the dimension of stability in the Juana River. The analysis in this study uses the regime method to obtain the dimension of stability in the Juana River. The results of the stability analysis in the Juana River found that the depth and slope parameters in the Juana River were unstable while the width parameters in the Juana River were stable. This research is useful to provide input to the Central and Regional Governments in planning and implementing river management in the Juana River.