bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tectonic Evolution of the Himalayan Fold‐Thrust Belt in the Okhaldhunga Region, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Sherpa Tshering Z. L. , G. DeCelles Peter , E. Gehrels George , Pokhrel Chhabilal
Published: December 2024

New regional mapping and two focused geological maps with two crustal‐scale balanced cross‐sections along the Dudh Kosi and Tama Kosi Rivers in the Okhaldhunga region reveal the structural architecture of the eastern Nepal Himalaya. Our detrital zircon U‐Pb ages for 14 samples and igneous zircon U‐Pb ages for four samples show that the Okhaldhunga window primarily exposes the Ramgarh thrust sheet, which is composed of Paleoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan metasedimentary and igneous rocks. Structurally, the Ramgarh thrust sheet lies in the footwall of the Main Central thrust and is underlain by the Lesser Himalayan duplex (LHD), a hinterland dipping bumpy‐roofed duplex, comprising Paleo‐Mesoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan rocks and upper Paleozoic Gondwana Sequence rocks. The frontal part of the LHD is exposed in the southern sector of the Okhaldhunga window, above a major footwall ramp on the Main Himalayan thrust. Neoproterozoic‐Cambrian Greater Himalayan rocks in the hanging‐wall of the Main Central thrust are exposed toward the south in the synformal Mahabharat Range and in the north in the Sagarmatha‐Rolwaling region. Kinematic restorations for our two transects, combined with published chronometric data, indicate that most of the deformation has been accommodated by Lesser Himalayan rocks since Middle‐Late Miocene. The two balanced cross‐sections indicate minimum shortening of ∼561 and 544 km. Comparison of these estimates with published data for rocks structurally below the South Tibetan detachment system in the Himalaya indicates that heterogeneous post‐collisional crustal shortening has determined the current tectonic configuration of the region.
Hydrodynamics of In‐Stream Leaky Barriers for Natural Flood Management
Authors: Alzabari Fawaz , Wilson Catherine A. M. E. , Ouro Pablo
Published: December 2024

Leaky barriers are in‐stream natural flood management solutions designed for peak flow attenuation, whose effectiveness is dependent on their design. Flow around leaky barriers (LB) composed of three cylindrical logs were investigated using large‐eddy simulation. The main LB configuration considered vertically aligned logs, with other layouts inclined at 15, 30, and 45 in the upstream and downstream directions. Results reveal that the frontal projected blockage area of the LB leads to an increase in the upstream flow depth, with momentum being redirected toward the bottom gap, creating a primary wall‐jet, whose peak velocity and coherence varied depending on LB design, however, attained a similar decay downstream. The porous LBs allowed for distinct internal flow paths that generated secondary jets, either diverting momentum upwards or downwards depending on the direction of the barrier inclination, impacting main flow features and turbulent characteristics. Turbulent kinetic energy and vertical Reynolds shear stress decreased when the barrier was inclined downstream. In the upstream inclination cases, these showed no significant variation, with magnitudes similar to those in the vertical configuration. Bed shear stress decreased with increasing barrier angle, reducing the risk of local scour and sediment mobilization. The vertical LB achieves the maximum backwater rise at the expense of promoting larger sediment bed mobilization. Structural loads on the logs vary with LB inclination, with drag forces decreasing as barrier angles increase. Hydrodynamic findings, evaluated through five design criteria, show that upstream‐inclined designs, particularly with large barrier angles, exhibit improved relative performance compared to other designs.
Spirituality, Social Support, and Adjustment Among Parents of Children With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Stanek Charis , Olsavsky Anna L. , Hill Kylie N. , Kenney Ansley E. , Himelhoch Alexandra C. , Humphrey Lisa , Olshefski Randal , Nahata Leena , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: December 2024

Objective: Pediatric cancer can impact the emotional health of both children and their caregivers. Although previous research has established that social support and spiritual involvement may be protective for parents of children with cancer, less is known about parents of children with an advanced cancer diagnosis. In this study of mothers and fathers of children with advanced cancer, we aimed to: (a) examine the direct effects of general and cancer-specific stress, spiritual involvement, and social support on depressive symptoms and (b) determine if spiritual involvement and social support moderate the association between stress (i.e., general and cancer-specific) and parents’ depressive symptoms. Method: Participants ( N = 72 families; n = 55 mothers; n = 30 fathers) were from a larger longitudinal study of families of children with advanced cancer at a large pediatric hospital. At enrollment, parents completed surveys on demographics, cancer-specific stress, general stress, spiritual values and beliefs, and self-reported depressive symptoms. Results: For mothers, significant predictors of greater depressive symptoms included higher general stress and lower social support. For fathers, the only significant predictor was general stress. Moderation analyses revealed that social support was a significant moderator of the impact of general stress on depressive symptoms for mothers and fathers. Spiritual involvement was also a significant moderator of the association between cancer-specific stress and depressive symptoms for mothers only. Conclusions: This study suggests that even in the context of advanced pediatric cancer social support and spiritual involvement can serve as protective factors for parents, but that mothers and fathers may have unique supportive care needs.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study suggests that social support and spiritual involvement may be points of intervention in mitigating the impact of parents’ stress from their child’s advanced cancer diagnosis on depressive symptoms. Thus, interdisciplinary cancer care teams are needed to develop and implement multidimensional psychosocial interventions to meet the unique social and spiritual needs of these families across their cancer trajectory.
“Faith, Family, and Friends”: Pandemic-Related Coping in Parents of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Baudino Marissa N. , Garcia Perez Samantha , O’Donnell Maeve B. , Duran Brenda , DeSalvo Daniel J. , Malik Faisal , Pihoker Catherine , Gallagher Katherine , Butler Ashley M. , Yi-Frazier Joyce P. , Rosenberg Abby R. , Hilliard Marisa E.
Published: December 2024

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique stressors for parents of youth with chronic health conditions including type 1 diabetes (T1D), such as managing youths’ diabetes self-management demands without usual routines, changes in interactions with health care system, and concerns about increased health risks related to COVID-19 exposure. While data have been published on how adolescents with T1D coped with pandemic-related stress, little is known about their parents’ perspectives. To fill this gap, we explored parents’ coping strategies. Method: At the baseline of a multisite trial of a psychosocial intervention for adolescents with T1D, parents answered an open-ended question, “What is helping you through the pandemic?” A multidisciplinary qualitative research team used thematic analysis to code, analyze responses, and generate themes and explored patterns by gender, study site, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status indices. Results: Eighty-nine parents (89% female, 18% Hispanic/Latinx, 7% non-Hispanic Black/African American, 70% non-Hispanic White) provided text responses to the qualitative question. We generated six themes: safety practices, social efforts, maintaining a positive perspective, efforts to distract, cognitive avoidance, and religious/spiritual coping. The spiritual/religious coping theme was more common among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx parents. There were no other demographic group patterns for the other themes. Conclusions: Themes aligned with primary control, secondary control, and disengagement coping strategies of the control-based model of coping. Religious and spiritual coping represented an additional coping category that was especially common in marginalized groups. During stressful times, pediatric psychologists should attend to parental coping and consider cultural factors in relation to parental well-being.

Implications for Impact Statement

The present study extends the literature by identifying how parents of adolescents with type 1 diabetes coped with the COVID-19 pandemic and describing how patterns of coping differed by race and ethnicity. Results suggest religious/spiritual coping is an important aspect of well-being when faced with significant sources of stress, and underscore the importance of considering how cultural factors may influence coping and well-being.
Partnering With Pastoral Care to Address Secondary Trauma via a Bereavement Ritual
Authors: Herbst Rachel Becker , Fiat Aria , Behm Karen , Turner Bobbie , Mescher Anne , Buzek Sarah , Walters Jessica , Burkhardt Mary Carol
Published: December 2024

Objective: A multitude of factors contribute to the burnout of staff and providers within health care, including secondary traumatic stress (STS), which has a unique negative impact on patient care. Unfortunately, STS is often unrecognized within pediatric primary care (PPC), even in clinics providing care to a patient population that experiences a disproportionate rate of negative events (e.g., sleep-related infant deaths, gun violence, abuse/neglect). We developed and implemented one strategy to address STS through an interdisciplinary partnership with pastoral care. Method: This work arose from identified needs (e.g., group-level assessment) in two PPC clinics at a large academic medical center that are the medical homes for families experiencing social complexity, trauma, adversity secondary to poverty, oppression, and discrimination. Specifically, we developed a bereavement ritual informed by the literature on meaning making. Results: A pediatric psychologist in one of the PPC clinics assembled a multidisciplinary team comprising medical providers, nurses, clinical managers, social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors to collaboratively develop a trauma-informed workplace model. The team used the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance/sustainment (RE-AIM) implementation science framework to guide the conceptualization, implementation, and spread of this model to the second clinic. Results from a group-level assessment indicated the need to incorporate meaning making into trauma-informed interventions. Conclusions: This bereavement ritual creates opportunities for inclusive spiritual practices and meaning making while also promoting a relationship between the primary care team and chaplaincy, which increases the likelihood that team members would utilize other hospital-wide services offered by pastoral care.

Implications for Impact Statement

Working in a busy pediatric primary care setting with patients experiencing high levels of social complexity can result in secondary traumatic stress among staff and providers. Multidisciplinary teams that include pastoral care are uniquely positioned to mitigate this stress by developing and implementing interventions for the medical team that incorporate individual spiritual practices and promote meaning making.
Searching for Religion and Spirituality: Content Analysis of Pediatric Psychology Journals
Authors: Harry Kasey R. , Heard Cherish , Berlin Kristoffer S.
Published: December 2024

Objectives: A bibliometric content analysis of articles published in Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology and Journal of Pediatric Psychology from 2018 to 2023 seeks to determine the ubiquity, variety, balance, and disparity of articles that address religion and spirituality. Method: Thirty-five key terms related to religion and spirituality were selected and articles were sourced and screened in both journals via “full text” searches for all key terms. Each relevant article was downloaded as a full-text PDF and organized by key terms. Utilizing Adobe Acrobat’s advanced search, we conducted a “Whole Word” search using each key term separately across all PDF files. Search results were imported into Microsoft Excel via .csv files, where the “Countif” function determined term frequencies within articles. Articles were double coding to ensure reliability and consistency in the results. Results: Of 1,570 articles identified between 2018 and 2023 ( Journal of Pediatric Psychology, n = 1,318; Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, n = 252), 60 (4%) included at least one of 35 key terms focused on religion and spirituality. The most common terms were spiritual ( f = 145), religious coping ( f = 134), religion ( f = 63), spiritual coping ( f = 62), and spirituality ( f = 36). The average number of articles that primarily focused on religion and spirituality was 4.72 ± 4.15. Conclusions: The limited coverage of religion and spirituality in pediatric psychology flagship journals revealed by this content analysis signals an important call for increased publication of work that focused on diverse aspects of identity.

Implications for Impact Statement

The study discovered that there’s a lack of research primarily focusing on religion and spirituality in pediatric psychology. Articles that focused on religion and spirituality found that religious and spiritual coping was beneficial for some families in managing disease-related stress and adjustment. They also highlighted the bidirectional effects of such coping on both patients and families. To offer culturally responsive care, further evaluation and integration of religion and spirituality into training programs, and clinical and research practices is needed. This ensures that pediatric psychologists effectively understand and address the religious and spiritual needs of children and families.
Revolutionary self-powered transducing mechanism for long-lasting and stable glucose monitoring: achieving selective and sensitive bacterial endospore germination in microengineered paper-based platforms
Authors: Gao Yang , Elhadad Anwar , Choi Seokheun
Published: December 2024

We introduce a groundbreaking proof-of-concept for a novel glucose monitoring transducing mechanism, marking the first demonstration of a spore-forming microbial whole-cell sensing platform. The approach uses selective and sensitive germination of Bacillus subtilis spores in response to glucose in potassium-rich bodily fluids such as sweat. As the rate of germination and the number of metabolically active germinating cells are directly proportional to glucose concentration, the electrogenic activity of these cells—manifested as electricity—serves as a self-powered transducing signal for glucose detection. Within a microengineered, paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC), these electrical power outputs are measurable and can be visually displayed through a compact interface, providing real-time alerts. The dormant spores extend shelf-life, and the self-replicating bacteria ensure robustness. The MFC demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity of 2.246 µW·(log mM)−1·cm−2 to glucose concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 10 mM, with a notably lower limit of detection at ~0.07 mM. The sensor exhibited exceptional selectivity, accurately detecting glucose even in the presence of various interferents. Comparative analyses revealed that, unlike conventional enzymatic biosensors whose performance degrades significantly through time even when inactive, the spore-based MFC is stable for extended periods and promptly regains functionality when needed. This preliminary investigation indicates that the spore-forming microbial whole-cell sensing strategy holds considerable promise for efficient diabetes management and can be extended toward noninvasive wearable monitoring, overcoming critical challenges of current technologies and paving the way for advanced biosensing applications.
Acute cannabidiol administration reduces alcohol craving and cue-induced nucleus accumbens activation in individuals with alcohol use disorder: the double-blind randomized controlled ICONIC trial
Authors: Zimmermann Sina , Teetzmann Anton , Baeßler Joscha , Schreckenberger Lena , Zaiser Judith , Pfisterer Marlen , Stenger Manuel , Bach Patrick
Published: December 2024

Although alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent, only a few medications are approved for its treatment leaving much room for improvement. Cannabidiol (CBD) might be a particularly promising candidate, with preclinical data suggesting that CBD is effective in targeting AUD symptoms and disease processes that drive alcohol use and relapse, due to its anti-craving, stress-reducing, and anti-compulsive effects. Here we report data from the double-blind randomized controlled ICONIC trial that compared the effects of a single dose of 800 mg cannabidiol against placebo (PLC) in N = 28 individuals with AUD. Cue-induced nucleus accumbens (NAc) activation, alcohol craving during a combined stress- and alcohol cue exposure session, as well as craving during an fMRI alcohol cue-reactivity task and CBD plasma levels served as outcomes. Individuals receiving CBD showed lower bilateral cue-induced NAc activation (tleft_NAc(23) = 4.906, p < 0.001, d = 1.15; tright_NAc (23) = 4.873, p < 0.001, d = 1.13) and reported significantly lower alcohol craving after a combined stress- and alcohol cue exposure session (Fgroup(1,26) = 4.516, p = 0.043, eta2 = 0.15) and during the fMRI cue-reactivity task (Fgroup(1,24) = 6.665, p = 0.015, eta2 = 0.23). CBD levels were significantly higher in the CBD group (t(25) = 3.808, p < 0.001, d = 1.47) and showed a significant negative association with alcohol craving during the cue exposure experiment (r = −0.394, pFDR = 0.030) and during fMRI (r = −0.389, pFDR = 0.030), and with left and right NAc activation (rleft_NAc = −0.459, pFDR = 0.030; rright_NAc = −0.405, pFDR = 0.030). CBD’s capacity to reduce stress- and cue-induced alcohol craving and to normalize NAc activation – a region critical to the pathophysiology of AUD – contribute to understanding the neurobiological basis of its clinical effects and support its potential as a treatment option for AUD. Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00029993.
Clinical and biomarker analyses of SHR-1701 combined with famitinib in patients with previously treated advanced biliary tract cancer or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a phase II trial
Authors: Yi Lixia , Pan Haoqi , Ning Zhouyu , Xu Litao , Zhang Hena , Peng Longfei , Liu Yaowu , Yang Yifan , Si Waimei , Wang Ying , Zhu Xiaoyan , Huang Shenglin , Meng Zhiqiang , Xie Jing
Published: December 2024

Advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have poor prognoses and limited treatment options. Here, we conducted this first-in-class phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SHR-1701, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), combined with famitinib, a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced BTC or PDAC who failed previous standard treatment (trial registration: ChiCTR2000037927). Among 51 enrolled patients, the BTC cohort showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 28% (including 2 complete responses) and a disease control rate (DCR) of 80%, with a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 5.1 months and a median overall survival (mOS) of 16.0 months. In the PDAC cohort, the ORR was 15% (2 complete responses), with a DCR of 60%, and the mPFS and mOS were 2.1 months and 5.3 months, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 29.4% of patients, with no grade 5 TRAEs reported. Exploratory analyses revealed that primary tumor resection history, peripheral blood immunophenotype changes, and distinct immune-metabolic profiles were associated with treatment benefits. An immune/metabolism score integrating the features of six genes was developed as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response in multiple cohorts, allowing for the selection of patients most likely to experience positive outcomes from this therapy regimen. In conclusion, our study provides proof-of-concept data supporting the potential of SHR-1701 plus famitinib as an effective and safe subsequent-line therapy for refractory BTC and PDAC, highlighting the promise of targeting PD-L1, TGF-β, and angiogenesis pathways simultaneously.
Cancer-type somatic mutations in saccular cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Rezai Jahromi Behnam , Valori Miko , Tulamo Riikka , Jauhiainen Suvi , Ilmonen Henna , Kantonen Jonas , Kaikkonen-Määttä Minna , Laakso Aki , Ylä-Hertuala Seppo , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Tienari Pentti J. , Niemelä Mika
Published: December 2024

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a major cause of subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) which can have a significant morbidity and mortality. The processes underlying the aneurysm development remains unclear. We performed whole exome sequencing of DNA derived from 20 saccular cerebral aneurysms of 20 patients, followed by somatic variant calling. Eleven (55%) of the 20 patients had detectable nonsynonymous somatic mutations and in total, 48 mutations were detected in the aneurysm samples. The mutations were highly enriched in cancer-related genes and 77% were predictably deleterious. A p.Tyr562Asp somatic mutation was detected in the PDGFRB gene; somatic mutations at the same codon have been reported in fusiform cerebral aneurysms. These results widen the concept on the role of somatic mutations in cerebral aneurysms, indicating their possible role in the more common saccular aneurysm, similarly to the rarer fusiform aneurysm.
Earliest modern human genomes constrain timing of Neanderthal admixture
Authors: Sümer Arev P. , Rougier Hélène , Villalba-Mouco Vanessa , Huang Yilei , Iasi Leonardo N. M. , Essel Elena , Bossoms Mesa Alba , Furtwaengler Anja , Peyrégne Stéphane , de Filippo Cesare , Rohrlach Adam B. , Pierini Federica , Mafessoni Fabrizio , Fewlass Helen , Zavala Elena I. , Mylopotamitaki Dorothea , Bianco Raffaela A. , Schmidt Anna , Zorn Julia , Nickel Birgit , Patova Anna , Posth Cosimo , Smith Geoff M. , Ruebens Karen , Sinet-Mathiot Virginie , Stoessel Alexander , Dietl Holger , Orschiedt Jörg , Kelso Janet , Zeberg Hugo , Bos Kirsten I. , Welker Frido , Weiss Marcel , McPherron Shannon P. , Schüler Tim , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Velemínský Petr , Brůžek Jaroslav , Peter Benjamin M. , Meyer Matthias , Meller Harald , Ringbauer Harald , Hajdinjak Mateja , Prüfer Kay , Krause Johannes
Published: December 2024

Modern humans arrived in Europe more than 45,000 years ago, overlapping at least 5,000 years with Neanderthals1–4. Limited genomic data from these early modern humans have shown that at least two genetically distinct groups inhabited Europe, represented by Zlatý kůň, Czechia3 and Bacho Kiro, Bulgaria2. Here we deepen our understanding of early modern humans by analysing one high-coverage genome and five low-coverage genomes from approximately 45,000-year-old remains from Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany4, and a further high-coverage genome from Zlatý kůň. We show that distant familial relationships link the Ranis and Zlatý kůň individuals and that they were part of the same small, isolated population that represents the deepest known split from the Out-of-Africa lineage. Ranis genomes harbour Neanderthal segments that originate from a single admixture event shared with all non-Africans that we date to approximately 45,000–49,000 years ago. This implies that ancestors of all non-Africans sequenced so far resided in a common population at this time, and further suggests that modern human remains older than 50,000 years from outside Africa represent different non-African populations.
Io’s tidal response precludes a shallow magma ocean
Authors: Park R. S. , Jacobson R. A. , Gomez Casajus L. , Nimmo F. , Ermakov A. I. , Keane J. T. , McKinnon W. B. , Stevenson D. J. , Akiba R. , Idini B. , Buccino D. R. , Magnanini A. , Parisi M. , Tortora P. , Zannoni M. , Mura A. , Durante D. , Iess L. , Connerney J. E. P. , Levin S. M. , Bolton S. J.
Published: December 2024

Io experiences tidal deformation as a result of its eccentric orbit around Jupiter, which provides a primary energy source for Io’s continuing volcanic activity and infrared emission1. The amount of tidal energy dissipated within Io is enormous and has been suggested to support the large-scale melting of its interior and the formation of a global subsurface magma ocean. If Io has a shallow global magma ocean, its tidal deformation would be much larger than in the case of a more rigid, mostly solid interior2. Here we report the measurement of Io’s tidal deformation, quantified by the gravitational tidal Love number k
2, enabled by two recent flybys of the Juno spacecraft. By combining Juno3,4 and Galileo5–7 Doppler data from the NASA Deep Space Network and astrometric observations, we recover Re(k
2) of 0.125 ± 0.047 (1σ) and the tidal dissipation parameter Q of 11.4 ± 3.6 (1σ). These measurements confirm that a shallow global magma ocean in Io does not exist and are consistent with Io having a mostly solid mantle2. Our results indicate that tidal forces do not universally create global magma oceans, which may be prevented from forming owing to rapid melt ascent, intrusion and eruption8,9, so even strong tidal heating—such as that expected on several known exoplanets and super-Earths10—may not guarantee the formation of magma oceans on moons or planetary bodies.
MouseGoggles: an immersive virtual reality headset for mouse neuroscience and behavior
Authors: Isaacson Matthew , Chang Hongyu , Berkowitz Laura , Zirkel Rick , Park Yusol , Hu Danyu , Ellwood Ian , Schaffer Chris B.
Published: December 2024

Small-animal virtual reality (VR) systems have become invaluable tools in neuroscience for studying complex behavior during head-fixed neural recording, but they lag behind commercial human VR systems in terms of miniaturization, immersivity and advanced features such as eye tracking. Here we present MouseGoggles, a miniature VR headset for head-fixed mice that delivers independent, binocular visual stimulation over a wide field of view while enabling eye tracking and pupillometry in VR. Neural recordings in the visual cortex validate the quality of image presentation, while hippocampal recordings, associative reward learning and innate fear responses to virtual looming stimuli demonstrate an immersive VR experience. Our open-source system’s simplicity and compact size will enable the broader adoption of VR methods in neuroscience.
Autonomous medical evaluation for guideline adherence of large language models
Authors: Fast Dennis , Adams Lisa C. , Busch Felix , Fallon Conor , Huppertz Marc , Siepmann Robert , Prucker Philipp , Bayerl Nadine , Truhn Daniel , Makowski Marcus , Löser Alexander , Bressem Keno K.
Published: December 2024

Autonomous Medical Evaluation for Guideline Adherence (AMEGA) is a comprehensive benchmark designed to evaluate large language models’ adherence to medical guidelines across 20 diagnostic scenarios spanning 13 specialties. It includes an evaluation framework and methodology to assess models’ capabilities in medical reasoning, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and guideline adherence, using open-ended questions that mirror real-world clinical interactions. It includes 135 questions and 1337 weighted scoring elements designed to assess comprehensive medical knowledge. In tests of 17 LLMs, GPT-4 scored highest with 41.9/50, followed closely by Llama-3 70B and WizardLM-2-8x22B. For comparison, a recent medical graduate scored 25.8/50. The benchmark introduces novel content to avoid the issue of LLMs memorizing existing medical data. AMEGA’s publicly available code supports further research in AI-assisted clinical decision-making, aiming to enhance patient care by aiding clinicians in diagnosis and treatment under time constraints.
Neurobeachin regulates receptor downscaling at GABAergic inhibitory synapses in a protein kinase A-dependent manner
Authors: Lützenkirchen Felix P. , Zhu Yipeng , Maric Hans M. , Boeck Dominik S. , Gromova Kira V. , Kneussel Matthias
Published: December 2024

GABAergic synapses critically modulate neuronal excitability, and plastic changes in inhibitory synaptic strength require reversible interactions between GABAA receptors (GABAARs) and their postsynaptic anchor gephyrin. Inhibitory long-term potentiation (LTP) depends on the postsynaptic recruitment of gephyrin and GABAARs, whereas the neurotransmitter GABA can induce synaptic removal of GABAARs. However, the mechanisms and players underlying plastic adaptation of synaptic strength are incompletely understood. Here we show that neurobeachin (Nbea), a receptor trafficking protein, is a component of inhibitory synapses, interacts with gephyrin and regulates the downscaling of inhibitory synaptic transmission. We found that the recruitment of Nbea to GABAergic synapses is activity-dependent and that Nbea regulates GABAAR internalization in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner. In heterozygous neurons lacking one Nbea allele, re-expression of Nbea but not expression of a PKA binding-deficient Nbea mutant rescued the internalization of GABAARs. Our data suggest a mechanism by which Nbea mediates PKA anchoring at inhibitory postsynaptic sites to downregulate GABAergic transmission. They emphasize the importance of kinase positioning in the regulation of synaptic strength.
Non-invasive eye tracking and retinal view reconstruction in free swimming schooling fish
Authors: Wu Ruiheng , Deussen Oliver , Couzin Iain D. , Li Liang
Published: December 2024

Eye tracking has emerged as a key method for understanding how animals process visual information, identifying crucial elements of perception and attention. Traditional fish eye tracking often alters animal behavior due to invasive techniques, while non-invasive methods are limited to either 2D tracking or restricting animals after training. Our study introduces a non-invasive technique for tracking and reconstructing the retinal view of free-swimming fish in a large 3D arena without behavioral training. Using 3D fish bodymeshes reconstructed by DeepShapeKit, our method integrates multiple camera angles, deep learning for 3D fish posture reconstruction, perspective transformation, and eye tracking. We evaluated our approach using data from two fish swimming in a flow tank, captured from two perpendicular viewpoints, and validated its accuracy using human-labeled and synthesized ground truth data. Our analysis of eye movements and retinal view reconstruction within leader-follower schooling behavior reveals that fish exhibit negatively synchronised eye movements and focus on neighbors centered in the retinal view. These findings are consistent with previous studies on schooling fish, providing a further, indirect, validation of our method. Our approach offers new insights into animal attention in naturalistic settings and potentially has broader implications for studying collective behavior and advancing swarm robotics.
Generative language models exhibit social identity biases
Authors: Hu Tiancheng , Kyrychenko Yara , Rathje Steve , Collier Nigel , van der Linden Sander , Roozenbeek Jon
Published: December 2024

Social identity biases, particularly the tendency to favor one’s own group (ingroup solidarity) and derogate other groups (outgroup hostility), are deeply rooted in human psychology and social behavior. However, it is unknown if such biases are also present in artificial intelligence systems. Here we show that large language models (LLMs) exhibit patterns of social identity bias, similarly to humans. By administering sentence completion prompts to 77 different LLMs (for instance, ‘We are…’), we demonstrate that nearly all base models and some instruction-tuned and preference-tuned models display clear ingroup favoritism and outgroup derogation. These biases manifest both in controlled experimental settings and in naturalistic human–LLM conversations. However, we find that careful curation of training data and specialized fine-tuning can substantially reduce bias levels. These findings have important implications for developing more equitable artificial intelligence systems and highlight the urgent need to understand how human–LLM interactions might reinforce existing social biases.
qTAG: an adaptable plasmid scaffold for CRISPR-based endogenous tagging
Authors: Philip Reuben , Sharma Amit , Matellan Laura , Erpf Anna C , Hsu Wen-Hsin , Tkach Johnny M , Wyatt Haley D M , Pelletier Laurence
Published: December 2024

Endogenous tagging enables the study of proteins within their native regulatory context, typically using CRISPR to insert tag sequences directly into the gene sequence. Here, we introduce qTAG, a collection of repair cassettes that makes endogenous tagging more accessible. The cassettes support N- and C-terminal tagging with commonly used selectable markers and feature restriction sites for easy modification. Lox sites also enable the removal of the marker gene after successful integration. We demonstrate the utility of qTAG with a range of diverse tags for applications in fluorescence imaging, proximity labeling, epitope tagging, and targeted protein degradation. The system includes novel tags like mStayGold, offering enhanced brightness and photostability for live-cell imaging of native protein dynamics. Additionally, we explore alternative cassette designs for conditional expression tagging, selectable knockout tagging, and safe-harbor expression. The plasmid collection is available through Addgene, featuring ready-to-use constructs for common subcellular markers and tagging cassettes to target genes of interest. The qTAG system will serve as an open resource for researchers to adapt and tailor their own experiments.
Cholesterol restriction primes antiviral innate immunity via SREBP1-driven noncanonical type I IFNs
Authors: Nishimura Tasuku , Kouwaki Takahisa , Takashima Ken , Ochi Akie , Mtali Yohana S , Oshiumi Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Cholesterol metabolism is associated with innate immune responses; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we perform chemical screening to isolate small molecules influencing RIG-I activity, a cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor. We find that statins, which inhibit cholesterol synthesis, dramatically enhance RIG-I-dependent antiviral responses in specific cell types. Since statins exhibit pleiotropic effects on type I interferon (IFN) responses, we further focus on their effects on RIG-I signaling. The restriction of cholesterol synthesis induces expression of noncanonical type I IFNs, such as IFN-ω, in an SREBP1 transcription factor-dependent manner. This pathway subsequently enhances RIG-I-mediated signaling following viral infection. Administration of statins augments RIG-I-dependent cytokine expression in the lungs of mice. Conversely, a mouse obesity model shows a diminished RIG-I response. Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal a subset of alveolar macrophages that increase RIG-I expression in response to inhibited cholesterol synthesis in vivo. This study reveals SREBP1-mediated noncanonical type I IFN expression, linking cholesterol metabolism and RIG-I signaling.
Optical fibre long-period grating sensors modified with antifouling bio-functional nano-brushes
Authors: Vrabcová Markéta , Spasovová Monika , Forinová Michala , Giannetti Ambra , Houska Milan , Lynn N. Scott , Baldini Francesco , Kopeček Jaromír , Chiavaioli Francesco , Vaisocherová-Lísalová Hana
Published: December 2024

Our study pioneers a post-modification strategy using antifouling terpolymer nano-brushes grafted onto long-period grating fibres, achieving excellent antifouling and biorecognition performance.
Cerium(iii) yldiide complexes with divergent CO reactivity
Authors: Gremillion Alexander J. , Kumar Hemant , Del Rosal Iker , Kelley Steven P. , Maron Laurent , Gessner Viktoria H. , Walensky Justin R.
Published: December 2024

Synthesis of cerium yldiide complexes and their reactivity with CO is demonstrated.
Dynamic evolution of metal–nitrogen–codoped carbon catalysts in electrocatalytic reactions
Authors: Han Zixuan , Shi Yanmei , Zhang Bin , Kong Lingjun
Published: December 2024

This review summarizes the recent focus on the dynamic evolution of atomic metal–nitrogen-codoped catalysts in electrocatalytic reactions.
Isolation of mixed valence charge-neutral Ag12, and dicationic Ag10 nano-clusters stabilized by carbene-phosphaalkenides
Authors: Francis Maria , Patra Asutosh , Salam Farsana Abdul , Prathapa Siriyara Jagannatha , Roy Sudipta
Published: December 2024

Two mixed-valence Ag nano-clusters (NCs) with Ag12, and Ag10 cores were isolated in solid state, and structurally characterized, revealing the presence of both Ag(0)/Ag(i) atoms/ions. The paramagnetic nature of the NCs was confirmed by EPR studies.
Facile access to chiral anti-1,2-diol derivatives via Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-alkoxy-β-ketoesters
Authors: Wang Yuan-Zheng , Lu Bin , Chen Gen-Qiang , Zhang Xumu
Published: December 2024

We herein report the highly efficient and enantioselective iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-alkoxy-β-ketoesters, providing differentiated anti-1,2-diol derivatives efficiently (up to 99% yield, up to 99% ee and up to 99 : 1 dr).
N skeleton-regulated cobalt phthalocyanine promotes polysulfide adsorption and redox kinetics
Authors: Zhao Jiaqi , Xu Zhanwei , Zhang Yujiao , Yao Kai , Li Liang , Niu Hang , Li Jiayin , Li Zhi
Published: December 2024

Skeleton N substituents of CoPc to boost the LiPS shuttling inhibition, conversion kinetics, mass diffusion efficiency and cycling stability of Li–S batteries.
Atomistic adsorption of PETase onto large-scale PET 3D-models that mimic reality
Authors: Paiva P. , Ippoliti E. , Carloni P. , Fernandes P. A. , Ramos M. J.
Published: December 2024

This study explores PET biodegradation through large-scale computational modeling of its crystalline and amorphous states and IsPETase adsorption, providing valuable insights and advancing innovative strategies for sustainable PET waste management.
Antiferromagnetic semiconductor nature in a GeS2 monolayer doped with Mn and Fe transition metals
Authors: Van On Vo , Thi Phuong Thuy Huynh , Guerrero-Sanchez J. , Hoat D. M.
Published: December 2024

Antiparallel spin ordering in 2MnGe-2 and 2FeGe-2 systems.
Further exploration of the physicochemical nature of μ2-bridge-relevant deprotonations via the elucidation of four kinds of alditol complexes
Authors: Wu Yi , Xie Linchen , Jiang Ye , He Anqi , Li Da , Yang Limin , Xu Yizhuang , Liu Kexin , Ozaki Yukihiro , Noda Isao
Published: December 2024

The structures of complexes of alditols where μ2-bridge-relevant-deprotonations occur are described and the structural features of the complexes are discussed.
Molecular dynamics as an efficient process to predict 15N chemical shift anisotropy at very high NMR magnetic fields
Authors: Hologne Maggy , Chen Po-Chia , Cantrelle François-Xavier , Walker Olivier
Published: December 2024

Accurate determination of site-specific CSA and S2 by combining molecular dynamics and NMR spin relaxation at one magnetic field only.
Frequency and time domain 19F ENDOR spectroscopy: role of nuclear dipolar couplings to determine distance distributions
Authors: Kehl Annemarie , Sielaff Lucca , Remmel Laura , Rämisch Maya L. , Bennati Marina , Meyer Andreas
Published: December 2024

We investigate the origins of the spectral line width parameter in 19F electron nuclear double resonance, which is of key importance for simulating spectra of disordered systems.
Structural contributions of Zn in enhancing CO2 hydrogenation to methanol over ZnxZrOy catalysts
Authors: Zanganeh Zinat , Bols Max , Yazdani Parviz , Poelman Hilde , Saeys Mark
Published: December 2024

While Zn and Zr are selective towards CO production, the addition of Zn to ZrO2 shifts the selectivity to methanol by inducing a phase transformation from tetragonal to cubic ZrO2, enhancing methanol synthesis efficiency in CO2 hydrogenation.
Perhemiacetal formation and Cl/NO3-initiated chemistry of hydroperoxymethylthioformate (HPMTF) in atmospheric DMS oxidation
Authors: Vereecken L. , Novelli A. , Taraborrelli D. , Wahner A.
Published: December 2024

Formation of thio-perhemiacetal from HPMTF prevents OCS formation after transition to the aqueous phase, improving the model atmospheric OCS budget.
Beveled microneedles with channel for transdermal injection and sampling, fabricated with minimal steps and standard MEMS technology
Authors: Bagolini Alvise , Di Novo Nicolò G. , Pedrotti Severino , Valt Matteo , Collini Cristian , Pugno Nicola M. , Lorenzelli Leandro
Published: December 2024

Microneedles hold the potential for enabling shallow skin penetration applications where biomarkers are extracted from the interstitial fluid (ISF) and drugs are injected in a painless and effective manner.
Liquid metal electrodes enabled cascaded on-chip dielectrophoretic separation of large-size-range particles
Authors: Chai Huichao , Huang Liang , Zhu Junwen , Tian Jialu , Wang Wenhui
Published: December 2024

We cascade accumulative dielectrophoretic deflection effects with passive flow fraction mechanisms for high-efficiency separation of a large range of particles, using alternative side-wall liquid metal electrode segments and bypass outlets.
Tuning of the structural and electrical properties of thermo-luminescent tungsten-doped indium oxide thin film
Authors: C. Aparna , Shetty Pramoda Kumara , M. G. Mahesha
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to synthesize tungsten-doped indium oxide thin film and to study its properties.
Comparative analysis of monomeric vs. dimeric salen fluorescent probes: transition from a turn-on to ratiometric response towards nerve gas agents in organic to aqueous media
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Dey Nilanjan
Published: December 2024

Nerve agents are among the most hazardous chemical warfare agents, requiring easy detection and prompt remediation.
Looking back at the Materials Horizons 10th anniversary
Authors: Stenzel Martina H.
Published: December 2024

As the 10th anniversary of Materials Horizons draws to an end, Editorial Board Chair Martina Stenzel reflects on the celebrations that took place and thanks the community for their continued support.
Eu3+-doped ZnO quantum dots: structure, vibration characteristics, optical properties, and energy transfer process
Authors: Huong T. T. T. , Sa N. T. , Thuy N. T. M. , Hao P. V. , Thao N. H. , Hien N. T. , Ca N. X.
Published: December 2024

Schematic energy level diagram and the energy transfer process from ZnO host to Eu ions.
Vitamin C derived carbon dots: inhibiting amyloid aggregation and scavenging reactive oxygen species
Authors: Fan Tiange , Cao Xiuyun , Wang Chao , Shao Xu , Wang Xin , Guan Ping , Hu Xiaoling
Published: December 2024

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is very complex, so its multifunctional treatment is of great significance, in which the synergistic therapy of the amyloid cascade hypothesis and oxidative stress hypothesis shows good results.
A series of enantiopure BEDT-TTF-acetamide derivatives with two stereogenic centres
Authors: Short Jonathan I. , Rushbridge Elizabeth K. , Blundell Toby J. , Ogar Joseph O. , Yang Songjie , Wallis John D. , Martin Lee
Published: December 2024

Synthesis of enantiopure BEDT-TTF donors with two stereogenic centres and hydrogen bonding functionality, and formation of their first radical cation salts.
Synthesis of C4-functionalized 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine-based Pfitzinger acid derivatives in deep eutectic solvents and their biological evaluation as dual cholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Shirisha Thangellapally , Majhi Subir , Divakar Kalivarathan , Kashinath Dhurke
Published: December 2024

Herein, we report an efficient strategy for the synthesis of C4-functionalized novel Pfitzinger acid derivatives via C(sp3)–H bond functionalization.
Electrochemical properties of MnMoO4 nanoparticles for energy storage applications synthesized via a green approach using Camellia sinensis extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent
Authors: Khan M. I. , Mujtaba Ali , Alshahrani Dhafer O. , Ezzine Safa , Islam Ghalib Ul
Published: December 2024

The advantages of using Camellia sinensis extract in nanoparticle synthesis, including eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, enhanced stability, and improved morphological and electrochemical performance.
Fabrication and characterization of ConA-conjugated curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for theranostic applications in lung cancer treatment
Authors: Nikwade Vinit , Choudhary Nisha , Solanki Raghu , Patel Ashish , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Salmen Saleh H. , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Chatap Vivekanand
Published: December 2024

ConA-conjugated curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, their characterization (UV-vis, DSC, PSA, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM), and therapeutic applications in lung cancer, including drug release, anti-proliferation assays, and lung model studies.
Nano-spherical tip-based smoothing with minimal damage for 2D van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Ding Xiaolei , Qiao Boshi , Uzoma Paul C. , Anwar Muhammad Abid , Chen Yuxuan , Zhang Lansheng , Xu Yang , Hu Huan
Published: December 2024

Two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures have significant potential for future developments in materials science and optoelectronics due to their unique properties.
Graphene or MoS2 nanopores: pore adhesion and protein linearization
Authors: Wei Peijia , Kansari Mayukh , Fyta Maria
Published: December 2024

Graphene nanopores in a GdmCl solution can linearize proteins and provide better-resolved signals, while MoS2 nanopores in pure KCl offer slower translocation dynamics and less effective protein linearization.
Association of Zn- and Mg-based chain transfer agents in coordinative chain transfer polymerizations of olefins for enhanced control and activity
Authors: Desgranges Ariane , Verrieux Ludmilla , Lancenet Victor , Baulu Nicolas , Jean-Baptiste-dit-Dominique François , Ngo Robert , D'Agosto Franck , Perrin Marie-Eve L. , Boisson Christophe
Published: December 2024

ZnEt2 is used for the first time as a reversible transfer agent in olefin polymerization with a neodymium metallocene catalyst. Its presence has improved the catalyst's performance for the coordinative chain transfer polymerization of ethylene.
Anticancer iridium(iii) cyclopentadienyl complexes
Authors: Štarha Pavel
Published: December 2024

A comprehensive review of anticancer iridium(iii) cyclopentadienyl complexes, including a critical discussion of structure–activity relationships and mechanisms of action, is provided.
Tunable mono- or 1,1-double Heck-type coupling reaction of unconjugated amido-alkenes with remote benzylic C(sp3)–H of N-fluorobenzamides
Authors: Lu Tianyu , Chang Weixing , Liu Lingyan , Li Jing
Published: December 2024

A tunable mono- or unprecedented 1,1-double Heck-type cross-coupling of unconjugated amido-alkenes directed by the remote C(sp3)–H of N-fluorobenzamides was developed, and a variety of polysubstituted alkenes was obtained in good yields.
Cancer treatment approaches within the frame of hyperthermia, drug delivery systems, and biosensors: concepts and future potentials
Authors: Sayed Zeinab S. , Hieba Eman M. , Batakoushy Hany A. , Rashdan Huda R. M. , Ismail Enas , Elkatlawy Saeid M. , Elzwawy Amir
Published: December 2024

This work presents a review of the therapeutic modalities and approaches for cancer treatment.
ESG assessment methodology for emerging technologies: plasma versus conventional technology for ammonia production
Authors: Yu Le , Keilani Amin , Tran Nam Nghiep , Escribà-Gelonch Marc , Goodsite Michael , Sandhu Sukhbir , Sandhu Harpinder , Hessel Volker
Published: December 2024

This study provides a demonstrated ESG assessment of emerging plasma-technology companies, exploring their potential for environmental advances and social viability, which highlights their sustainability compared to traditional methods.