bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4D Printing of Multifunctional Devices Induced by Synergistic Role of Magnetite and Silver Nanoparticles in Polymeric Nanocomposites
Authors: Cosola Andrea , Roppolo Ignazio , Frascella Francesca , Napione Lucia , Barrera Gabriele , Tiberto Paola , Turbant Florian , Arluison Veronique , Caldelari Isabelle , Mercier Noémie , Castellino Micaela , Aubrit Florian , Rizza Giancarlo
Published: July 2024

Emerging as a revolutionary strategy to fabricate dynamic three dimesional (3D) structures, 4D printing (4DP) mainly refers to printed materials capable of changing form over time when exposed to a predetermined stimulus. Nevertheless, the 4D concept can be extended beyond shape‐morphing, by including also changes in the properties and/or functionalities of printed materials over time. To this end, this work explores the 4DP of multifunctional nanocomposites that can adapt to different application scenarios exploiting the stimuli‐activable properties of two functional nanofillers embedded into the polymeric matrix. In particular, a photocurable system loaded with both Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and AgNO3, as precursors for the in situ photo‐induced generation of Ag NPs, is used for the digital light processing of magnetic nanocomposites with integrated electrical and antibacterial functions. The composition of formulations is designed to both optimize their printability and maximize the magneto‐responsiveness and the electrical conductivity and/or antibacterial activity of the printed objects, given by Fe3O4 and Ag NPs, respectively. Finally, it is shown that the functional responses of the nanocomposites can be activated individually or in combination, which may be of particular interest for the fabrication of smart multifunctional devices with potential applications ranging from soft electronics to biomedicine.
High‐Performance Zn2+‐Crosslinked MXene Fibers for Versatile Flexible Electronics
Authors: Cao Xiaohui , Wu Guiqing , Li Kerui , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: July 2024

The advent of flexible electronics has prompted the development of functional fibers with superior mechanical and electrical properties. MXenes, a novel family of 2D functional materials, have a variety of potential applications in flexible electronics. Herein, wet‐spinning is employed to continuously assemble Ti3C2Tx MXene liquid crystals into macroscopic fibers. Meanwhile, Zn2+ is introduced into the fiber to eliminate the electrostatic repulsion between the MXene nanosheets and enhance interlayer interactions and sheet alignment. The as‐obtained MXene fibers have strong mechanical strength (150.7 MPa), high electrical conductivity (3637.9 S cm−1), and good flexibility that facilitates weaving and knotting, making them suitable for fabric‐like flexible devices. The sound pressure sensors are woven from MXene fibers, which feature quick response time (286 ms) and recovery time (642 ms), ultra‐high sensitivity (280.2 kPa−1), and a low detection limit (0.1 Pa). Sound detection and recording are achieved using this sensor. MXene fibers as wearable thermal management devices are also demonstrated, exhibiting fast Joule thermal responses and good cycling stability.
Room Temperature Emission Line Narrowing and Long‐Range Photon Transport in Colloidal Quantum Wells Coupled to Metasurface Resonance
Authors: Sharma Komal , Rout Dipak , Nag Amitrajit , P Venkatachalam , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar , Agarwal Girish S. , Basu Jaydeep K.
Published: July 2024

Highly efficient and spectrally pure single photon sources are desirable in fundamental studies of quantum physics and in many varied applications like in quantum metrology and quantum cryptography. 2D semiconductor colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) are quite appropriate as nanoscale photon sources because of their giant oscillator strengths and large absorption cross sections. The integration of such sources with dielectric metasurfaces exhibiting narrow resonances provides an excellent platform for highly efficient light‐matter interactions and the development of on‐chip light sources with high spectral purity. Here details on the use of capillary filling method are reported to achieve photonic coupling of CQWs to a metasurface resonator (MSR) featuring a square‐lattice geometry of holes on a slab‐waveguide to achieve strongly enhanced and almost spectrally pure emission of ≈3% of the original out‐of‐plane emission line‐width of the quantum emitters at room temperature. Long‐range exciton‐mediated photon transport facilitated by in‐plane slab waveguide modes is demonstrated and a theoretical basis to explain all the experimental data including that in terms of the MSR‐modified Lamb shifts and Purcell decays is provided. The results demonstrate a new platform with emergent photonic properties and suggest possibility of their use in on‐chip photonic quantum information processing.
Redox‐Neutral Vicarious‐Type Nucleophilic Amination of Heterocyclic N‐Oxides with Organic Azides
Authors: Min Jeonghyun , Min Sujin , Chung Eunjae , Moon Kyeongwon , Kim Hyung Sik , Jeong Taejoo , Rakshit Amitava , Singh Pargat , Park Jung Su , Kim In Su
Published: July 2024

Site‐selective amination of N‐heterocycles is an interesting topic in organic synthesis and drug discovery. We herein present a method for the vicarious‐type nucleophilic amination of azine N‐oxides and cyclic iminoamides using iminyl anions, readily generated from organic azides under basic conditions. The plausible reaction mechanism involving nucleophilic aromatic substitution by iminyl anions is elucidated by a series of mechanistic investigations.
Highly Sensitive Hybrid Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Ferris‐Wheel‐Like Structure for Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting
Authors: Li Songying , Chen Chunjin , Guo Dongxin , Liu Heng , Ning Heng , Liu Guanlin , Wan Lingyu
Published: July 2024

Ocean wave energy represents a widely distributed and abundant clean, renewable energy source. However, its efficient harnessing remains a challenge. In this study, a triboelectric‐electromagnetic hybrid generator of a Ferris‐wheel‐like structure (FWS‐TEHG) with magnetic repulsion assistance is proposed to effectively enhance the collection of low‐frequency and low‐amplitude water wave energy. The Ferris‐wheel shell and the internal rotator are designed with a phase difference to heighten the swing amplitude, while the introduction of magnetic repulsion augments the motion frequency. The device has demonstrated excellent performance in low‐frequency conditions, from laboratory to ocean wave tests. Operating at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and a swing angle of 12° on a six‐freedom platform, it lights up 64 LEDs with a power rating of 2 W. Triggered by simulated water waves with a frequency of 1 Hz, the FWS‐TEHG charges a 19 mF capacitor at an average charging rate of ≈0.58 W h−1, powering a water‐level alarm. In oceanic conditions, the FWS‐TEHG effectively harvests energy from water waves by exhibiting an output frequency approximately four to five times higher than that of the primary frequency of ocean waves, thus enabling it to power electrical devices such as temperature–humidity meters efficiently. This study provides a valuable reference for advancing the practical application of nanogenerators in natural ocean environments.
Effects of tariff and non‐tariff barriers on India‐US agricultural trade
Authors: Choi Yejun , Acharya Ram N. , Devadoss Stephen , Regmi Madhav
Published: July 2024

India has a growing demand for high‐value agricultural products due to rising incomes, urbanization, and consumer preferences. The United States is currently India's fifth‐largest supplier of agricultural products. However, trade barriers restrict bilateral trade between these two nations, and both countries are evaluating the prospects for lowering trade restrictions and enhancing bilateral trade. We employ a gravity model to analyze the effects of trade policies on India‐US bilateral trade and the potential implications for global agricultural trade. The results indicate that elimination of tariffs significantly boosts US exports to India and lowers Indian domestic prices, particularly for tree nuts, fresh fruit, and distilled spirits.
Cerebral arteriolosclerosis, lacunar infarcts, and cognition in older Black adults
Authors: Fleischman Debra A. , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Leurgans Sue E. , Arvanitakis Zoe , Lamar Melissa , Han S. Duke , Poole Victoria N. , Bennett David A. , Barnes Lisa L.
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Older Black adults are at risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), which contributes to dementia risk. Two subtypes of CSVD, arteriolosclerosis and ischemic lacunar infarcts, have been independently linked to lower cognition and higher dementia risk, but their combined effects on cognition in older Black adults are unclear.

METHODS

Mixed models were used to examine the associations of in vivo measures of arteriolosclerosis (ARTS) and ischemic lacunar infarcts to cognitive level and change in 370 older Black adults without dementia. 

RESULTS

Modeled together, higher ARTS load accounted for lower levels of global cognition, episodic memory, semantic memory, and perceptual speed, whereas higher infarct load accounted for lower levels of working memory. There were no associations with rate of cognitive change.

DISCUSSION

Both arteriolosclerosis and ischemic infarcts impact the cognitive health of older Black adults, but arteriolosclerosis affects cognition more broadly and offers promise as an in vivo biomarker of dementia risk.

Highlights

Older Black adults are at risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and dementia.

Examined magnetic resonance imaging‐derived measure of arteriolosclerosis (ARTS), infarcts, and cognition.

ARTS load was widely associated with lower cognition after adjusting for infarct load.

Infarct load was specifically associated with lower complex attention.

More within‐Black in vivo studies of CSVD subtypes and cognition are needed.
Single‐cell sequencing reveals the features of adaptive immune responses in the liver of a mouse model of dengue fever
Authors: Yuan Yizhen , Chen Qian , Li Zhe , Cai Fangzhou , Li Dan , Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Background

Dengue fever, an acute insect‐borne infectious disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a great challenge to global public health. Hepatic involvement is the most common complication of severe dengue and is closely related to the occurrence and development of disease. However, the features of adaptive immune responses associated with liver injury in severe dengue are not clear.

Methods

We used single‐cell sequencing to examine the liver tissues of mild or severe dengue mice model to analyze the changes in immune response of T cells in the liver after dengue virus infection, and the immune interaction between macrophages and T cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect T cells and macrophages in mouse liver and blood to verify the single‐cell sequencing results.

Results

Our result showed CTLs were significantly activated in the severe liver injury group but the immune function‐related signal pathway was down‐regulated. The reason may be that the excessive immune response in the severe group at the late stage of DENV infection induces the polarization of macrophages into M2 type, and the macrophages then inhibit T cell immunity through the TGF‐β signaling pathway. In addition, the increased proportion of Treg cells suggested that Th17/Treg homeostasis was disrupted in the livers of severe liver injury mice.

Conclusions

In this study, single‐cell sequencing and flow cytometry revealed the characteristic changes of T cell immune response and the role of macrophages in the liver of severe dengue fever mice. Our study provides a better understanding of the pathogenesis of liver injury in dengue fever patients.
Spatially Confined Engineering Toward Deep Eutectic Electrolyte in Metal‐Organic Framework Enabling Solid‐State Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Miao Cheng‐Lin , Wang Xiao‐Xue , Guan De‐Hui , Li Jia‐Xin , Li Jian‐You , Xu Ji‐Jing
Published: July 2024

Uncontrollable interfacial side reactions generated from common aqueous electrolytes, just like the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and dendrite growth, have severely prevented the practical application of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Solid‐state ZIBs are considered to be an efficient strategy by adopting high‐quality solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs). Here, by confining deep eutectic electrolyte (DEE) into the nanochannels of metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐PCN‐222, a stable DEE@PCN‐222 SSE with internal Zn2+ transport channels was obtained. A distinctive ion‐transport network composed of DEE and PCN‐222 in the interior of DEE@PCN‐222 realizes the efficient Zn2+ conduction, contributing to high ionic conductivity of 3.13×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature, low activation energy of 0.12 eV, and a high Zn2+ transference number of 0.74. Furthermore, experimental and theoretical investigations demonstrate that DEE@PCN‐222 with its unique channel structure could homogeneously regulate the Zn2+ distribution and effectively alleviate the side reactions. Highly reversible Zn plating/stripping performance of 2476 h can be realized by the SSE. The solid‐state ZIBs show a specific capacity of 306 mAh g−1 and display cycling stability of 517 cycles. This unique design concept provides a new perspective in realizing the high‐safety and high‐performance ZIBs.
Living Hybrid Exciton Materials: Enhanced Fluorescence and Chiroptical Properties in Living Supramolecular Polymers with Strong Frenkel/Charge‐Transfer Exciton Coupling
Authors: Han Jianlei , Fujikawa Shigenori , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: July 2024

A family of chiral perylene diimides (PDIs) was newly developed as excellent circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials. They are asymmetrically derivatized with a double‐alkyl‐chained L‐ or D‐glutamate unit and a linear or branched alkyl chain. When water is added to the tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of glutamate‐PDI‐linear‐alkyl chain compounds, kinetically formed H‐aggregates are formed in globular nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs undergo spontaneous transformation into thermodynamically stable nanotubes via helical nanostructures, which showed structured broad spectra originating from the strong coupling of delocalized Frenkel excitations (FE) and charge transfer excitations (CTE). Significant enhancement of circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence quantum yield, and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) are observed during the transformation of NPs to the FE/CTE‐coupled helical and tubular structures. This transformation process is significantly accelerated by applying physical stimuli, i.e., ultrasonication or adding helical aggregates as seed crystals, a feature unique to living supramolecular polymerization. Meanwhile, the branched chain‐containing PDIs only form H‐aggregates and did not show FE/CTE hybrid exciton states with living supramolecular polymerization properties. This study unveils that suitably designed chiral PDI derivatives show FE/CTE coupling accompanied by high fluorescence quantum yields, enhanced chiroptical properties, and supramolecular living polymerization characteristics.
Rational Molecular Design of a Fluorescent Probe for Selectively Sensing Human Cytochrome P450 2D6
Authors: Ning Jing , Tian Zhenhao , Wang Jiayue , Yan Fei , Shi Chao , Zhang Shujing , Feng Lei , Shu Xiaohong , Cui Jingnan , James Tony D. , Ma Xiaochi
Published: July 2024

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is a key enzyme that mediates the metabolism of various drugs and endogenous substances in humans. However, its biological role in drug‐drug interactions especially mechanism‐based inactivation (MBI), and various diseases remains poorly understood, owing to the lack of molecular tools suitable for selectively monitoring CYP2D6 in complex biological systems. Herein, using a tailored molecular strategy, we developed a fluorescent probe BDPM for CYP2D6. BDPM exhibits excellent specificity and imaging capability for CYP2D6, making it suitable for the real‐time monitoring of endogenous CYP2D6 activity in living bio‐samples. Therefore, our tailored strategy proved useful for constructing the highly selective and enzyme‐activated fluorescent probes. BDPM as a molecular tool to explore the critical roles of CYP2D6 in the pathogenesis of diseases, high‐throughput screening of inhibitors and intensive investigation of CYP2D6‐induced MBI in natural systems.
Lost in translation: How neurons cope with tRNA decoding
Authors: Guo Wei , Russo Stefano , Tuorto Francesca
Published: July 2024

Post‐transcriptional tRNA modifications contribute to the decoding efficiency of tRNAs by supporting codon recognition and tRNA stability. Recent work shows that the molecular and cellular functions of tRNA modifications and tRNA‐modifying‐enzymes are linked to brain development and neurological disorders. Lack of these modifications affects codon recognition and decoding rate, promoting protein aggregation and translational stress response pathways with toxic consequences to the cell. In this review, we discuss the peculiarity of local translation in neurons, suggesting a role for fine‐tuning of translation performed by tRNA modifications. We provide several examples of tRNA modifications involved in physiology and pathology of the nervous system, highlighting their effects on protein translation and discussing underlying mechanisms, like the unfolded protein response (UPR), ribosome quality control (RQC), and no‐go mRNA decay (NGD), which could affect neuronal functions. We aim to deepen the understanding of the roles of tRNA modifications and the coordination of these modifications with the protein translation machinery in the nervous system.
New pathways to neurogenesis: Insights from injury‐induced retinal regeneration
Authors: Blackshaw Seth , Qian Jiang , Hyde David R.
Published: July 2024

The vertebrate retina is a tractable system for studying control of cell neurogenesis and cell fate specification. During embryonic development, retinal neurogenesis is under strict temporal regulation, with cell types generated in fixed but overlapping temporal intervals. The temporal sequence and relative numbers of retinal cell types generated during development are robust and show minimal experience‐dependent variation. In many cold‐blooded vertebrates, acute retinal injury induces a different form of neurogenesis, where Müller glia reprogram into retinal progenitor‐like cells that selectively regenerate retinal neurons lost to injury. The extent to which the molecular mechanisms controlling developmental and injury‐induced neurogenesis resemble one another has long been unclear. However, a recent study in zebrafish has shed new light on this question, using single‐cell multiomic analysis to show that selective loss of different retinal cell types induces the formation of fate‐restricted Müller glia‐derived progenitors that differ both from one another and from progenitors in developing retina. Here, we discuss the broader implications of these findings, and their possible therapeutic relevance.
Biostatistical Aspects of Whole Genome Sequencing Studies: Preprocessing and Quality Control
Authors: Betschart Raphael O. , Riccio Cristian , Aguilera‐Garcia Domingo , Blankenberg Stefan , Guo Linlin , Moch Holger , Seidl Dagmar , Solleder Hugo , Thalén Felix , Thiéry Alexandre , Twerenbold Raphael , Zeller Tanja , Zoche Martin , Ziegler Andreas
Published: July 2024

Rapid advances in high‐throughput DNA sequencing technologies have enabled large‐scale whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies. Before performing association analysis between phenotypes and genotypes, preprocessing and quality control (QC) of the raw sequence data need to be performed. Because many biostatisticians have not been working with WGS data so far, we first sketch Illumina's short‐read sequencing technology. Second, we explain the general preprocessing pipeline for WGS studies. Third, we provide an overview of important QC metrics, which are applied to WGS data: on the raw data, after mapping and alignment, after variant calling, and after multisample variant calling. Fourth, we illustrate the QC with the data from the GENEtic SequencIng Study Hamburg–Davos (GENESIS‐HD), a study involving more than 9000 human whole genomes. All samples were sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 with an average coverage of 35× using a PCR‐free protocol. For QC, one genome in a bottle (GIAB) trio was sequenced in four replicates, and one GIAB sample was successfully sequenced 70 times in different runs. Fifth, we provide empirical data on the compression of raw data using the DRAGEN original read archive (ORA). The most important quality metrics in the application were genetic similarity, sample cross‐contamination, deviations from the expected Het/Hom ratio, relatedness, and coverage. The compression ratio of the raw files using DRAGEN ORA was 5.6:1, and compression time was linear by genome coverage. In summary, the preprocessing, joint calling, and QC of large WGS studies are feasible within a reasonable time, and efficient QC procedures are readily available.
Perillaldehyde alleviates polyQ‐induced neurodegeneration through the induction of autophagy and mitochondrial UPR in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Fang Minglv , Liu Ying , Gao Xiaoyan , Yu Jing , Tu Xiaohui , Mo Xueying , Zhu Huanhu , Zou Yan , Huang Cheng , Fan Shengjie
Published: July 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with autophagy disorder and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we identified therapeutic potential of perillaldehyde (PAE), a monoterpene compound obtained from Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt., in the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of HD, which included lifespan extension, healthspan improvement, decrease in polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregation, and preservation of mitochondrial network. Further analyses indicated that PAE was able to induce autophagy and mitochondrial unfolded protein reaction (UPRmt) activation and positively regulated expression of associated genes. In lgg‐1 RNAi C. elegans or C. elegans with UPRmt‐related genes knockdown, the effects of PAE treatment on polyQ aggregation or rescue polyQ‐induced toxicity were attenuated, suggesting that its neuroprotective activity depended on autophagy and UPRmt. Moreover, we found that pharmacological and genetic activation of UPRmt generally protected C. elegans from polyQ‐induced cytotoxicity. Finally, PAE promoted serotonin synthesis by upregulating expression of TPH‐1, and serotonin synthesis and neurosecretion were required for PAE‐mediated UPRmt activation and its neuroprotective activity. In conclusion, PAE is a potential therapy for polyQ‐related diseases including HD, which is dependent on autophagy and cell‐non‐autonomous UPRmt activation.
Biomass specific perfusion rate as a control lever for the continuous manufacturing of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies from CHO cell cultures
Authors: Leong Jiayu , Tang Wen Qin , Chng Jake , Ler Wei Xuan , Manan Norhaizat Abdul , Sim Lyn Chiin , Zheng Zi Ying , Zhang Wei , Walsh Ian , Zijlstra Gerben , Pennings Maarten , Ng Say Kong
Published: July 2024

Continuous manufacturing enables high volumetric productivities of biologics such as monoclonal antibodies. However, it is challenging to maintain both high viable cell densities and productivities at the same time for long culture durations. One of the key controls in a perfusion process is the perfusion rate which determines the nutrient availability and potentially controls the cell metabolism. Cell Specific Perfusion Rate (CSPR) is a feed rate proportional to the viable cell density while Biomass Specific Perfusion Rate (BSPR) is a feed rate proportional to the biomass (cell volume multiply by cell density). In this study, perfusion cultures were run at three BSPRs in the production phase. Low BSPR favored a growth arresting state that led to gradual increase in cell volume, which in turn led to an increase in net perfusion rate proportional to the increase in cell volume. Consequently, at low BSPR, while the cell viability and cell density decreased, high specific productivity of 55 pg per cell per day was achieved. In contrast, the specific productivity was lower in bioreactors operating at a high BSPR. The ability to modulate the cell metabolism by using BSPR was confirmed when the specific productivity increased after lowering the BSPR in one of the bioreactors that was initially operating at a high BSPR. This study demonstrated that BSPR significantly influenced cell growth, metabolism, and productivity in cultures with variable cell volumes.
Toehold region triggered CRISPR/Cas12a trans‐cleavage for detection of uracil‐DNA glycosylase activity
Authors: Cui Chenyu , Guo Guihuan , Chen Ting‐Hsuan
Published: July 2024

DNA glycosylases are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in the DNA repair process by recognizing and removing damaged or incorrect bases from DNA molecules, which maintains the integrity of the genetic information. The abnormal expression of uracil‐DNA glycosylase (UDG), one of significant DNA glycosylases in the base‐excision repair pathway, is linked to numerous diseases. Here, we proposed a simple UDG activity detection method based on toehold region triggered CRISPR/Cas12a trans‐cleavage. The toehold region on hairpin DNA probe (HP) produced by UDG could induce the trans‐cleavage of ssDNA with fluorophore and quencher, generating an obvious fluorescence signal. This protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)‐free approach achieves remarkable sensitivity and specificity in detecting UDG, with a detection limit as low as 0.000368 U mL−1. Moreover, this method is able to screen inhibitors and measure UDG in complex biological samples. These advantages render it highly promising for applications in clinical diagnosis and drug discovery.
Efficient CRISPR‐mediated C‐to‐T base editing in Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Wu Ling‐Yu , Xu Yan , Yu Xiao‐Wei
Published: July 2024

The nonconventional methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii is widely applied in the production of industrial enzymes, pharmaceutical proteins, and various high‐value chemicals. The development of robust and versatile genome editing tools for K. phaffii is crucial for the design of increasingly advanced cell factories. Here, we first developed a base editing method for K. phaffii based on the CRISPR‐nCas9 system. We engineered 24 different base editor constructs, using a variety of promoters and cytidine deaminases (CDAs). The optimal base editor (PAOX2*‐KpA3A‐nCas9‐KpUGI‐DAS1TT) comprised a truncated AOX2 promoter (PAOX2*), a K. phaffii codon‐optimized human APOBEC3A CDA (KpA3A), human codon‐optimized nCas9 (D10A), and a K. phaffii codon‐optimized uracil glycosylase inhibitor (KpUGI). This optimal base editor efficiently performed C‐to‐T editing in K. phaffii, with single‐, double‐, and triple‐locus editing efficiencies of up to 96.0%, 65.0%, and 5.0%, respectively, within a 7‐nucleotide window from C‐18 to C‐12. To expand the targetable genomic region, we also replaced nCas9 in the optimal base editor with nSpG and nSpRy, and achieved 50.0%–60.0% C‐to‐T editing efficiency for NGN‐protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sites and 20.0%–93.2% C‐to‐T editing efficiency for NRN‐PAM sites, respectively. Therefore, these constructed base editors have emerged as powerful tools for gene function research, metabolic engineering, genetic improvement, and functional genomics research in K. phaffii.
Resting‐state neural activity and cerebral blood flow alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insights from hippocampal subfields
Authors: Li Mingrui , Li Yifan , Tan Xin , Qin Chunhong , Chen Yuna , Liang Yi , Qiu Shijun , An Jie
Published: July 2024

Objective

In this study, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging was used to deeply analyze the changes of hippocampal subfields perfusion and function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), aiming to provide image basis for the diagnosis of hippocampal‐related nerve injury in patients with T2DM.

Methods

We recruited 35 patients with T2DM and 40 healthy control subjects (HCs). They underwent resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI), arterial spin labeling (ASL) scans, and a series of cognitive tests. Then, we compared the differences of two groups in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) value, amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) value, and regional homogeneity (ReHo) value of the bilateral hippocampus subfields.

Results

The CBF values of cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1), dentate gyrus (DG), and subiculum in the right hippocampus of T2DM group were significantly lower than those of HCs. The ALFF values of left hippocampal CA3, subiculum, and bilateral hippocampus amygdala transition area (HATA) were higher than those of HCs in T2DM group. The ReHo values of CA3, DG, subiculum, and HATA in the left hippocampus of T2DM group were higher than those of HCs. In the T2DM group, HbAc1 and FINS were negatively correlated with imaging characteristics in some hippocampal subregions.

Conclusion

This study indicates that T2DM patients had decreased perfusion in the CA1, DG, and subiculum of the right hippocampus, and the right hippocampus subiculum was associated with chronic hyperglycemia. Additionally, we observed an increase in spontaneous neural activity within the left hippocampal CA3, subiculum, and bilateral HATA regions, as well as an enhanced local neural coordination in the left hippocampal CA3, DG, HATA, and subiculum among patients with type 2 diabetes, which may reflect an adaptive compensation for cognitive decline. However, this compensation may decline with the exacerbation of metabolic disorders.
Mild exercise plus levothyroxine ameliorate deficits of spatial navigation, anxiety profile, and hippocampal BDNF in hypothyroid male offspring rats
Authors: Boustani Ali , Rashidy‐Pour Ali , Bozorgi Hossein , Vafaei Abbas Ali , Raise‐Abdullahi Payman
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Levothyroxine (LEV) monotherapy cannot completely improve cognitive and behavioral impairments induced by hypothyroidism, whereas a combination therapy of exercise and LEV may ameliorate these deficits. This study aimed to determine the effects of mild‐intensity forced exercise and LEV treatment on the anxiety profile and cognitive functions in male offspring of hypothyroid dams.

Method

Twenty‐four female rats (mothers) were randomly divided into sham (healthy) and hypothyroidism groups and then placed with male rats to mate. The presence of vaginal plaque confirmed pregnancy (gestational day, GD 0). 6‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil (PTU, 100 ppm) was added to the drinking water of the hypothyroidism group from GD 6 to the 21st postnatal day (PND). The sham group received tap water. On PND 21, serum T4 levels of mothers, and 10 pups were measured to confirm hypothyroidism. Sixty‐four male pups were left undisturbed for 30 days and then were divided into eight groups that received saline or LEV (50 μg/kg, i.p.) with or without forced mild‐intensity exercise. After 14 days of interventions, anxiety‐like behaviors, spatial learning and memory, and hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were evaluated.

Finding

A pre and postnatal PTU‐induced model of hypothyroidism increased anxiety‐like behaviors, impaired spatial learning and memory, and decreased hippocampal BDNF levels in male offspring rats. LEV alone increased BDNF levels and improved spatial learning. Exercise alone increased BDNF levels, improved spatial learning and memory, and decreased anxiety‐like behaviors. Exercise plus LEV more effectively improved anxiety‐like behaviors and spatial learning than exercise or LEV alone.

Conclusion

Practically, these pre‐clinical findings highlight the importance of the combination of exercise and LEV regimen in treating patients with hyperthyroidism.
The use of modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Ghazanfar Shamas , Farooq Minaam , Qazi Shurjeel Uddin , Chaurasia Bipin , Kaunzner Ulrike
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological condition affecting nearly one million people across the United States. Among the most prominent symptoms of the condition are excessive fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Numerous clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of modafinil in addressing fatigue among these patients.

Objective

The objective of the present study is to assess the safety and efficacy of modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in MS.

Methodology

An electronic search of PUBMED, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central was conducted for articles published from inception to December 2023 using search terms such as “modafinil,” “fatigue,” and “MS.”

Results

Seven studies were included in our analysis. Modafinil leads to a meaningful reduction in fatigue when compared with placebo, as measured by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [mean difference (MD) = −4.42 [−8.01, −.84]; I2 = 45%; p = .02] and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [MD = −.87 [−1.64, −.10]; I2 = 0%; p = .03]. Modafinil also demonstrated a greater risk of precipitating adverse events (e.g., insomnia, gastrointestinal symptoms) when compared with placebo [RR = 1.30 [1.03, 1.66]; I2 = 0%; p = .03]. In quality‐of‐life assessments, modafinil was associated with overall improvement in well‐being [standardized mean difference = .18 [.01, .35]; I2 = 56%; p = .04].

Conclusion

The data indicates that modafinil confers a therapeutic benefit when treating fatigue in patients with MS and improves overall quality of life; however, there is a risk of precipitating adverse events. Ultimately, higher quality of evidence may be required to better inform clinical management.
PROTOCOL: Behavioral, information and monetary interventions to reduce energy consumption in households: A “living” systematic review
Authors: Khanna Tarun M. , Danilenko Diana , Andor Mark , Callaghan Max , Elliott Julian H. , Repke Tim , Smith Luke A. , Sanchez Jorge , Bhumika T. V. , Minx Jan C.
Published: July 2024

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: Our proposed systematic review and meta‐analysis will integrate the evidence available from all sources to answer the following questions: (1) to what extent can information, behavioral and monetary interventions reduce energy consumption of households in residential buildings? (average treatment effect of interventions) (2) what is the relative effectiveness of interventions? (account for heterogeneity in treatment effects across and within studies) (3) how effective are combinations of different interventions?
Early Development of the Thalamo‐Pallial Stage of the Tectofugal Visual Pathway in the Chicken (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Reyes‐Pinto Rosana , Rojas María‐José , Letelier Juan‐Carlos , Marín Gonzalo J. , Mpodozis Jorge
Published: July 2024

The tectofugal pathway is a highly conserved visual pathway in all amniotes. In birds and mammals, retinorecipient neurons located in the midbrain roof (optic tectum/superior colliculus) are the source of ascending projections to thalamic relays (nucleus rotundus/caudal pulvinar), which in turn project to specific pallial regions (visual dorsal ventricular ridge [vDVR]/temporal cortex) organized according to a columnar recurrent arrangement of interlaminar circuits. Whether or to which extent these striking hodological correspondences arise from comparable developmental processes is at present an open question, mainly due to the scarcity of data about the ontogeny of the avian tectofugal system. Most of the previous developmental studies of this system in birds have focused on the establishment of the retino‐tecto‐thalamic connectivity, overlooking the development of the thalamo‐pallial‐intrapallial circuit. In this work, we studied the latter in chicken embryos by means of immunohistochemical assays and precise ex vivo crystalline injections of biocytin and DiI. We found that the layered organization of the vDVR as well as the system of homotopic reciprocal connections between vDVR layers were present as early as E8. A highly organized thalamo‐vDVR projection was also present at this stage. Our immunohistochemical assays suggest that both systems of projections emerge simultaneously even earlier. Combined with previous findings, these results reveal that, in striking contrast with mammals, the peripheral and central stages of the avian tectofugal pathway develop along different timelines, with a tecto‐thalamo‐intrapallial organization arising before and possibly independently of the retino‐isthmo‐tectal circuit.
Highthroughput Screening of CuBi Bimetallic Catalyst Array for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reaction by Scanning Electrochemical Microscope
Authors: Gu Xiaofeng , Wang Zhen , Li Jie , Ni Gang , Liu Limin , Zhan Dongping , Peng Juan
Published: July 2024

The testing and evaluation of catalysts in CO2 electroreduction is a very tedious process. To study the catalytic system of CO2 reduction more quickly and efficiently, it is necessary to establish a method that can detect multiple catalysts at the same time. Herein, a series of CuBi bimetallic catalysts have been successfully prepared on a single glass carbon electrode by a scanning micropieptte contact method. The application of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) enabled the visualization of the CO2 reduction activity in diverse catalyst micro‐points. The SECM imaging with Substrate generation/tip collection (SG/TC) mode was conducted on CuBi bimetallic micro‐points, revealing that HER reaction emerged as the prevailing reaction when a low overpotential was employed. While the applied potential was lower than −1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl, the reduction of CO2 to formic acid became dominant. Increasing the bismuth proportion in the bimetallic catalyst can inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction at low potential and enhances the selectivity of the CO product at high cathode overpotential. This research offers a novel approach to examining arrays of catalysts for CO2 reduction.
Improved gray prediction parameter identification sliding mode current control of experimental advanced superconducting tokamak fast control power supply
Authors: Chen Zhao , Huang Haihong , Wang Haixin
Published: July 2024

Experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) fast control power supply (FCPS) is an essential device to realize balance control of plasma vertical displacement during controllable nuclear fusion process. The primary control purpose of EAST FCPS is to quickly output current to track reference current. Change of load inductance parameters due to plasma motion poses higher robustness requirements for fast tracking control of output current. Therefore, an improved gray prediction parameter identification sliding mode control method is proposed to achieve fast tracking and robust control of output current under changes in load inductance parameters. Parameter identification sliding mode control method applied to identify load inductance parameters in real‐time, accurate EAST FCPS output current tracking sliding mode control model is established. High‐order terms are added to discrete exponential convergence reaching law, and a new smooth saturation function is designed to replace traditional sign function to achieve chattering suppression and accelerate system convergence speed. Gray prediction used in current sampling to achieve output current trajectory advanced prediction to further accelerate output current response speed. Four times equal interval time sampling within a fixed switching period and new information priority period by period prediction is proposed to improving gray prediction, achieving digital control delay compensation, and improving prediction accuracy of output current trajectory at abrupt edge. Simulation and experimental verification show that the proposed improved gray prediction parameter identification sliding mode control method has good output current tracking control performance under changes in load parameters. Compared with PI control method currently used in engineering, the proposed control method performs better in output current fast response and overshoot suppression.
Probabilistic inference and Bayesian‐like estimation in animals: Empirical evidence
Authors: Valone Thomas J.
Published: July 2024

Animals often make decisions without perfect knowledge of environmental parameters like the quality of an encountered food patch or a potential mate. Theoreticians often assume animals make such decisions using a Bayesian updating process that combines prior information about the frequency distribution of resources in the environment with sample information from an encountered resource; such a process leads to decisions that maximize fitness, given the available information. I examine three aspects of empirical work that shed light on the idea that animals can make such decisions in a Bayesian‐like manner. First, many animals are sensitive to variance differences in behavioral options, one metric used to characterize frequency distributions. Second, several species use information about the relative frequency of preferred versus nonpreferred items in different populations to make probabilistic inferences about samples taken from populations in a manner that results in maximizing the likelihood of obtaining a preferred reward. Third, the predictions of Bayesian models often match the behavior of individuals in two main approaches. One approach compares behavior to models that make different assumptions about how individuals estimate the quality of an environmental parameter. The patch exploitation behavior of nine species of birds and mammals has matched the predictions of Bayesian models. The other approach compares the behavior of individuals who learn, through experience, different frequency distributions of resources in their environment. The behavior of three bird species and bumblebees exploiting food patches and fruit flies selecting mates is influenced by their experience learning different frequency distributions of food and mates, respectively, in ways consistent with Bayesian models. These studies lend support to the idea that animals may combine prior and sample information in a Bayesian‐like manner to make decisions under uncertainty, but additional work on a greater diversity of species is required to better understand the generality of this ability.
Wood ducks and hooded mergansers as interspecific brood parasites: An evaluation of parasitic egg survival
Authors: Bakner Dylan L. , Ringelman Kevin M. , Reynolds Larry A. , Kaminski Richard M. , Stephens Scott E. , Davis J. Brian
Published: July 2024

Conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism are alternate reproductive strategies more pervasive in waterfowl than in any other group of birds. While previous research has measured costs incurred by nest hosts incubating parasitized clutches, few studies have focused on the relative success of parasites. Here, we evaluated the success of wood duck (Aix sponsa) and hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) eggs laid parasitically in Louisiana and Mississippi. We monitored nest boxes, assigned eggs in each nest as host or parasitic, and determined the number of eggs that hatched and failed. Across all study areas (1994–1999 and 2020–2023), we monitored 1750 wood duck and 377 hooded merganser nests; ~13% of wood duck and ~24% of hooded merganser nests were interspecifically parasitized. We modeled egg survival of 2925 host and 691 parasitic eggs from 197 successful nests (≥1 hatched egg, regardless of species). Wood duck eggs laid in hooded merganser nests had lower survival [0.293, CI = 95% credible intervals (after, CI) = 0.176, 0.439] than hooded merganser eggs (0.762, CI = 0.704, 0.810) laid in wood duck nests. Clutch size negatively influenced parasitic wood duck egg survival (β = −.24, CI = −0.39, −0.10) but had a slight positive influence on parasitic hooded merganser eggs (β = .08, CI = 0.04, 0.12). Our results revealed that hooded merganser eggs experience higher success when laid parasitically in wood duck nests, whereas wood duck eggs experience lower success when laid parasitically in hooded merganser nests. Our results reveal new complexity in waterfowl interspecific brood parasitism, where the success of parasitic eggs is species‐, host‐, and context‐specific.
Preliminary insights of the genetic diversity and invasion pathways of Cedrela odorata in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Authors: Albuja‐Quintana Martina , Rivas‐Torres Gonzalo , Rojas López Karla E. , Asadobay Pacarina , Palacios Cuenca Walter , Vinueza Génesis , Torres Maria de Lourdes
Published: July 2024

Cedrela odorata is considered the second most invasive tree species of the Galapagos Islands. Although it is listed in CITES Appendix II and there are population losses in mainland Ecuador, in Galapagos it is paradoxically a species of concern due to its invasive potential. Genetic studies can shed light on the invasion history of introduced species causing effects on unique ecosystems like the Galapagos. We analyzed nine microsatellite markers in C. odorata individuals from Galapagos and mainland Ecuador to describe the genetic diversity and population structure of C. odorata in the Galapagos and to explore the origin and invasion history of this species. The genetic diversity found for C. odorata in Galapagos (He = 0.55) was lower than reported in the mainland (He = 0.81), but higher than other invasive insular plant species, which could indicate multiple introductions. Our results suggest that Ecuador's northern Coastal region is the most likely origin of the Galapagos C. odorata, although further genomic studies, like Whole Genome Sequencing, Rad‐Seq, and/or Whole Genome SNP analyses, are needed to confirm this finding. Moreover, according to our proposed pathway scenarios, C. odorata was first introduced to San Cristobal and/or Santa Cruz from mainland Ecuador. After these initial introductions, C. odorata appears to have arrived to Isabela and Floreana from either San Cristobal or Santa Cruz. Here, we report the first genetic study of C. odorata in the Galapagos and the first attempt to unravel the invasion history of this species. The information obtained in this research could support management and control strategies to lessen the impact that C. odorata has on the islands' local flora and fauna.
Effects of landscape position on perennial biomass and food crop performance in buffer areas
Authors: Black Katie L. , Johnson Gregg A. , Wells Samantha S. , Garcia y Garcia Axel , Jungers Jacob M. , Strock Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2024

Due to the environmental consequences of annual‐dominated cropping systems, there is an increasing need to identify agronomic strategies that incorporate perennial crops. One strategy for increasing perennial cover is through the targeted use of annually harvested perennial food and bioproduct crops in buffer strips, which has the potential to create new revenue streams for farmers and substantially mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution from conventional cropping systems. As buffers are typically installed on marginal land, it is critical to understand how landscape position influences the success of perennial crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the relatively early influence of landscape position on the productivity of a variety of perennial crops and their subsequent soil nutrients and soil water storing capabilities. In this experiment, nine perennial (alfalfa, alsike clover, indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, high‐diversity polyculture, low‐diversity polyculture) and two annual (corn, soybean) crops were planted across two landscape positions (hillslope and deposition). Plant biomass, plant tissue nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil NO3‐N and NH4‐N were measured and compared at two different locations in Minnesota. Overall, the polyculture mixes, and to some extent intermediate wheatgrass, performed the best with respect to biomass production while also providing ecosystem services across most soil by landscape position combinations tested in this study. However, there were some important findings specific to each soil and landscape position combination, mainly oriented toward biomass production. We also observed temporal patterns in soil moisture and depth‐related patterns in soil N reductions. This study presents an opportunity to optimize the use of perennial crops on marginal agricultural lands for improved environmental and economic benefit.