bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid cold plasma synthesis of cobalt metal–organic framework/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for use as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Karimzadeh Zeinab , Shokri Babak , Morsali Ali
Published: September 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized as a desirable class of porous materials for energy storage applications, despite their limited conductivity. In the present study, Co-MOF-71 was fabricated as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode at ambient temperature using a fast and straightforward, one-pot cold plasma method. A supercapacitor electrode based on Co-MOF@rGO was also synthesized by adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) during processing to increase the capacitance retention and stability after 4000 cycles from 80 to 95.4%. The Co-MOF-71 electrode provided a specific capacitance (Cs) of 651.7 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1, whereas the Co-MOF@rGO electrode produced a Cs value of 967.68 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1. In addition, we fabricated an asymmetric device (Co-MOF@rGO||AC) using Co-MOF-rGO as a high-rate positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode. This hybrid device has a remarkable specific energy and power density. The combination of MOFs with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in a cold plasma environment resulted in the formation of a three-dimensional nanostructure composed of nanosheets. This nanostructure exhibited an increased number of electroactive sites, providing benefits for energy storage applications.
Comparison of sampling methods for the determination of volatile organic compounds in consumer aerosol sprays
Authors: Jung Sungyo , Lee Myoungho , Do Geonho , kim Boowook , Lee Kiyoung , Zoh Kyung-Duk , Yoon Chungsik
Published: September 2023

Many studies have evaluated the hazardous substances contained in various household chemical products. However, for aerosol spray products there is currently no international standard sampling method for use in a component analysis. The aim of this study was to develop an appropriate sampling method for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in consumer aerosol sprays. Two different sampling methods, spraying (into a vial) and perforating (and transferring the contents into a vial), were used to evaluate the levels of 16 VOC components in eight different aerosol spray products. All eight products contained trace amounts of hazardous VOCs, and a quantitative analysis showed that, for the same product, VOC concentrations were higher when spraying than when perforating. Using the spraying method, average toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, o-xylene, and styrene concentrations were 1.80-, 2.10- 2.25-, 2.03-fold, and 1.28-fold higher, respectively, than when using the perforating method. The spraying method may provide more realistic estimates of the user's exposure to harmful substances and the associated health risks when using spray products. Of the two representative methods widely used to analyze harmful substances in consumer aerosol sprays, the spraying method is recommended over the perforating method for the analysis of VOCs.
Migratory destinations and spatial structuring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Nicaragua
Authors: De Weerdt Joëlle , Pacheco Aldo S. , Calambokidis John , Castaneda Melvin , Cheeseman Ted , Frisch-Jordán Astrid , Garita Alpízar Frank , Hayslip Craig , Martínez-Loustalot Pamela , Palacios Daniel M. , Quintana-Rizzo Ester , Ransome Nicola , Urbán Ramírez Jorge , Clapham Phillip , Van der Stocken Tom
Published: September 2023

Understanding the migratory patterns of large whales is of conservation importance, especially in identifying threats to specific populations. Migration ecology, including migratory destinations, movements and site fidelity for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) remain poorly studied in parts of the range of the Central America population, considered endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act. This study aimed to investigate the migratory destinations of humpback whales sighted at two study sites in Nicaragua, which are part of the Central America population. A ten-year photographic database of humpback whales observed off Nicaragua was combined with citizen science contributions and sightings from dedicated research programs. The resulting image collection was compared with available historical photo identifications and databases using an automated image recognition algorithm. This approach yielded 36 years of photographic identification totaling 431 recaptures in Nicaragua (2006–2008 and 2016–2021) and 2539 recaptures (1986–2020) in both feeding and breeding grounds of 176 unique individuals sighted in Nicaragua. Our results showed that photo-identified whales were recaptured between October and April in breeding grounds and year-round in feeding grounds between British Columbia and California, with peak recaptures between June and October. Our study provided first-time evidence on fine-scale site affinity of individual humpback whales within Nicaraguan waters and to other breeding and feeding grounds.
Short-term triphenyltin exposure alters microbial homeostasis in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) midgut
Authors: Zhou Wenlin , Zhang Xing , Chen Xuedong , Wu Xuehui , Ye Aihong , Cao Jinru , Hu Xiaolong
Published: September 2023

Triphenyltin (TPT) is a widespread synthetic chemical used in many fields and its potential risk to organisms has been comprehensively investigated using different animal models and species. Currently, little is known about the effects of TPT exposure on microbial midgut diversity, therefore we explored these effects in the lepidopterous silkworm model using 16S rDNA sequencing. In total, 5273 and 5065 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in control and TPT-exposure group samples, ranging from 424 to 728 OTUs/sample. Alpha-diversity analyses revealed that TPT exposure induced the fluctuations of gut microbial diversity and abundance while beta-diversity analyses identified a distinct impact on major gut microbiota components. In our microbiome analyses, 23 phyla and 353 genera were recognized in the control group, while 20 phyla and 358 genera were recognized in the TPT exposure group. At the genus level, midgut microbiota were composed of several predominant bacterial genera, including Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and UCG-010. In the TPT exposure group, o__Bacillales, f__Bacillaceae, and f__Caldicoprobacteraceae abundance was relatively high, while f__Oscillospiraceae, f__Fusobacteriaceae, and f__SC_I_84 abundance was relatively high in the control group. Gene function analyses in silkworm microbiota after TPT exposure showed that biosynthesis of ansamycins, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, type II diabetes mellitus, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, translation proteins, atrazine degradation, DNA repair and recombination proteins, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were significantly increased. Collectively, our silkworm model identified gut microbial diversity risks and the adverse effects from TPT exposure, which were similar to other aquatic animals. Therefore, TPT levels in environmental samples must be monitored to prevent ecological harm.
Enhanced antibody-antigen structure prediction from molecular docking using AlphaFold2
Authors: Gaudreault Francis , Corbeil Christopher R. , Sulea Traian
Published: September 2023

Predicting the structure of antibody-antigen complexes has tremendous value in biomedical research but unfortunately suffers from a poor performance in real-life applications. AlphaFold2 (AF2) has provided renewed hope for improvements in the field of protein–protein docking but has shown limited success against antibody-antigen complexes due to the lack of co-evolutionary constraints. In this study, we used physics-based protein docking methods for building decoy sets consisting of low-energy docking solutions that were either geometrically close to the native structure (positives) or not (negatives). The docking models were then fed into AF2 to assess their confidence with a novel composite score based on normalized pLDDT and pTMscore metrics after AF2 structural refinement. We show benefits of the AF2 composite score for rescoring docking poses both in terms of (1) classification of positives/negatives and of (2) success rates with particular emphasis on early enrichment. Docking models of at least medium quality present in the decoy set, but not necessarily highly ranked by docking methods, benefitted most from AF2 rescoring by experiencing large advances towards the top of the reranked list of models. These improvements, obtained without any calibration or novel methodologies, led to a notable level of performance in antibody-antigen unbound docking that was never achieved previously.
A new fluorescence-based approach for direct visualization of coat formation during sporulation in Bacillus cereus
Authors: Lablaine Armand , Chamot Stéphanie , Serrano Mónica , Billaudeau Cyrille , Bornard Isabelle , Carballido-López Rut , Carlin Frédéric , Henriques Adriano O. , Broussolle Véronique
Published: September 2023

The human pathogenic bacteria Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis and the entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis form spores encased in a protein coat surrounded by a balloon-like exosporium. These structures mediate spore interactions with its environment, including the host immune system, control the transit of molecules that trigger germination and thus are essential for the spore life cycle. Formation of the coat and exosporium has been traditionally visualized by transmission electronic microscopy on fixed cells. Recently, we showed that assembly of the exosporium can be directly observed in live B. cereus cells by super resolution-structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) using the membrane MitoTrackerGreen (MTG) dye. Here, we demonstrate that the different steps of coat formation can also be visualized by SR-SIM using MTG and SNAP-cell TMR-star dyes during B. cereus sporulation. We used these markers to characterize a subpopulation of engulfment-defective B. cereus cells that develops at a suboptimal sporulation temperature. Importantly, we predicted and confirmed that synthesis and accumulation of coat material, as well as synthesis of the σK-dependent protein BxpB, occur in cells arrested during engulfment. These results suggest that, unlike the well-studied model organism Bacillus subtilis, the activity of σK is not strictly linked to the state of forespore development in B. cereus.
In-situ δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr proxies in an unconformable clastic unit at the Ordovician–Silurian transition
Authors: Park Chaewon , Song Yungoo , Kim Namsoo , Choi Sung-Ja , Chwae Ueechan , Jang Yirang , Kwon Sanghoon , Kim Jeongmin , Kim Ha , Jeong Youn-Joong
Published: September 2023

Clastic successions found in the carbonate platform of continental margin during the Ordovician–Silurian Transition (OST) period are archives for interpreting paleo-depositional systems. Here, we report in-situ δ18Oquartz and 87Sr/86Srcarbonate isotope chemo-stratigraphy for an unconformable clastic unit from the Cathaysia terrane that rifted off the Gondwana Supercontinent in the Early Paleozoic Era. Our results suggest a depositional proxy and model for geological events attributed to rapid changes in the sedimentary environment during the OST period. Importantly, these results present crucial clues that infer the influence of Paleo-Tethys Sea opening, global eustatic regression, and rapid sedimentary provenance change. Our study provides insight into paleo-tracer that could be a key method for interpreting depositional system of carbonate platform based on in-situ mineral isotope chemo-stratigraphy that preserves the original value of provenance and geochemical condition.
Patterns of high-flying insect abundance are shaped by landscape type and abiotic conditions
Authors: Knop Eva , Grimm Majken Leonie , Korner-Nievergelt Fränzi , Schmid Baptiste , Liechti Felix
Published: September 2023

Insects are of increasing conservation concern as a severe decline of both biomass and biodiversity have been reported. At the same time, data on where and when they occur in the airspace is still sparse, and we currently do not know whether their density is linked to the type of landscape above which they occur. Here, we combined data of high-flying insect abundance from six locations across Switzerland representing rural, urban and mountainous landscapes, which was recorded using vertical-looking radar devices. We analysed the abundance of high-flying insects in relation to meteorological factors, daytime, and type of landscape. Air pressure was positively related to insect abundance, wind speed showed an optimum, and temperature and wind direction did not show a clear relationship. Mountainous landscapes showed a higher insect abundance than the other two landscape types. Insect abundance increased in the morning, decreased in the afternoon, had a peak after sunset, and then declined again, though the extent of this general pattern slightly differed between landscape types. We conclude that the abundance of high-flying insects is not only related to abiotic parameters, but also to the type of landscapes and its characteristics, which, on a long-term, should be taken into account for when designing conservation measures for insects.
Triboelectric charge saturation on single and multiple insulating particles in air and vacuum
Authors: Cruise Reuben D. , Starr Stanley O. , Hadler Kathryn , Cilliers Jan J.
Published: September 2023

Triboelectric charge transfer is complex and depends on contact properties such as material composition and contact area, as well as environmental factors including humidity, temperature, and air pressure. Saturation surface charge density on particles is inversely dependent on particle size and the number of nearby particles. Here we show that electrical breakdown of air is the primary cause of triboelectric charge saturation on single and multiple electrically insulating particles, which explains the inverse dependence of surface charge density on particle size and number of particles. We combine computational simulations with experiments under controlled humidity and pressure. The results show that the electric field contribution of multiple particles causes electrical breakdown of air, reducing saturation surface charge density for greater numbers of particles. Furthermore, these results show that particles can be discharged in a low pressure environment, yielding opportunities for improved industrial powder flows and dust mitigation from surfaces.
It is easy and effective to locate adrenal gland during retroperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy by the landmark of left PFSV
Authors: Wu Ning , Zhang Nan , Chen Jianhuai , Zhao Tong , Gao Songzhan , Zhao Jiangbo , Lv Longfei , Lu Min , Yang Jie , Zhong Qinggui
Published: September 2023

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical significance of the left perinephric fat sac vein (PFSV) as an anatomical landmark in locating left adrenal gland (LAD) during retroperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy (RLLA). In this study, a total of 36 patients who underwent RLLA were enrolled from February 2019 and March 2021. By following a vein vessel on the internal surface of perinephric fat sac (PFS), known as PFSV, LAD was searched finally along the upper edge of this vein. The demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients were acquired, including tumor features and perioperative outcomes (operating time, estimated blood loss, complications). The operations were successfully completed in all the 36 patients without conversion to open surgery. In addition, the LAD was successfully found along the upper edge of PFSV in 34 patients. For all operations, the mean operative time was 75 min (range 60–95) and the estimated blood loss was 20 ml (range 10–50). The median oral intake was 20.7 h (range 6–39). The median hospital stay was 6.3 days (range 4–9), and the median follow-up was 12.3 months (range 9–17). Moreover, no intraoperative complications were observed and no residual tumors were detected after 9 to 15 months follow-up. It may be a safe and efficient procedure to use PFSV as a landmark for searching LAD during RLLA, especially for beginners. However, more studies with larger sample size are need to be conducted to further evaluate the outcomes of this method and the significance of PFSV in searching LAD during RLLA.
Identification of microRNA editing sites in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yulong , Guo Shiyong , Xie Wenping , Yang Huaide , Li Wanran , Zhou Nan , Yang Jun , Zhou Guangchen , Mao Chunyi , Zheng Yun
Published: September 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignant tumor originating from the renal tubular epithelium. Although the microRNAs (miRNAs) transcriptome of ccRCC has been extensively studied, the role of miRNAs editing in ccRCC is largely unknown. By analyzing small RNA sequencing profiles of renal tissues of 154 ccRCC patients and 22 normal controls, we identified 1025 miRNA editing sites from 246 pre-miRNAs. There were 122 editing events with significantly different editing levels in ccRCC compared to normal samples, which include two A-to-I editing events in the seed regions ofhsa-mir-376a-3pandhsa-mir-376c-3p, respectively, and one C-to-U editing event in the seed region ofhsa-mir-29c-3p. After comparing the targets of the original and edited miRNAs, we found thathsa-mir-376a-1_49g,hsa-mir-376c_48gandhsa-mir-29c_59uhad many new targets, respectively. Many of these new targets were deregulated in ccRCC, which might be related to the different editing levels ofhsa-mir-376a-3p,hsa-mir-376c-3p,hsa-mir-29c-3pin ccRCC compared to normal controls. Our study sheds new light on miRNA editing events and their potential biological functions in ccRCC.
Prebiotic inulin enhances gut microbial metabolism and anti-inflammation in apolipoprotein E4 mice with sex-specific implications
Authors: Chang Ya-Hsuan , Yanckello Lucille M. , Chlipala George E. , Green Stefan J. , Aware Chetan , Runge Amelia , Xing Xin , Chen Anna , Wenger Kathryn , Flemister Abeoseh , Wan Caixia , Lin Ai-Ling
Published: September 2023

Gut dysbiosis has been identified as a crucial factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD) development for apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) carriers. Inulin has shown the potential to mitigate dysbiosis. However, it remains unclear whether the dietary response varies depending on sex. In the study, we fed 4-month-oldAPOE4 mice with inulin for 16 weeks and performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing to determine changes in microbiome diversity, taxonomy, and functional gene pathways. We also formed the same experiments withAPOE3 mice to identify whether there areAPOE-genotype dependent responses to inulin. We found thatAPOE4female mice fed with inulin had restored alpha diversity, significantly reducedEscherichia coliand inflammation-associated pathway responses. However, compared withAPOE4male mice, they had less metabolic responses, including the levels of short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria and the associated kinases, especially those related to acetate andErysipelotrichaceae. These diet- and sex- effects were less pronounced in theAPOE3mice, indicating that differentAPOEvariants also play a significant role. The findings provide insights into the higher susceptibility ofAPOE4females to AD, potentially due to inefficient energy production, and imply the importance of considering precision nutrition for mitigating dysbiosis and AD risk in the future.
Public concerns and attitudes towards autism on Chinese social media based on K-means algorithm
Authors: Zhou Qi , Lei Yuling , Du Hang , Tao Yuexian
Published: September 2023

To investigate the hot topics and attitudes of autism in the larger community. In this study, we analyzed and summarized experimental texts from the social media platform Zhihu using the TF-IDF algorithm and K-means clustering approach. Based on the analysis of the 1,740,826-word experimental text, we found that the popularity of autism has steadily risen over recent years. Sufferers and their parents primarily discuss autism. The K-means clustering algorithm revealed that the most popular topics are divided into four categories: self-experience of individuals with autism, external views of individuals with autism, caring and stressful behaviors of caregivers, and information about autism. This study concluded that people with autism face more incredible negative emotions, external cognitive evaluations of the autistic group reflect stereotypes, the caregiver’s family suffers high financial and psychological stress, and disorders caused by disease in autistic individuals.
Species diversity of environmentally-transmitted bacteria colonizing Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) and symbiotic effects of the most dominant bacteria
Authors: Gook Do-Hun , Jung Minhyung , Kim Soowan , Lee Doo-Hyung
Published: September 2023

Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) establish endosymbiosis with specific bacteria from extremely diverse microbiota in soil. To better understand ecology and evolution of the symbiosis, it is important to characterize bacterial species diversity colonizing R. pedestris and evaluate their symbiotic effects. Nonetheless, previous research was limited to a few bacteria strains such as Caballeronia insecticola. In this study, second-instar nymphs were provided with field soils and reared to adult. Then, bacteria colonizing the midgut M4 region of R. pedestris were analyzed for bacterial species identification based on the 16S rRNA gene. First, a total of 15 bacterial species were detected belonging to Burkholderiaceae. Most of R. pedestris were found to harbor single bacterial species, whereas several insects harbored at most two bacterial species simultaneously. Among the total insects harboring single bacterial species, 91.2% harbored genus Caballeronia. The most dominant species was C. jiangsuensis, not previously documented for symbiotic associations with R. pedestris. Second, in laboratory conditions, C. jiangsuensis significantly enhanced the development, body size, and reproductive potentials of R. pedestris, compared to individuals with no symbiotic bacteria. These results add novel information to better understand symbiotic bacteria community establishing in R. pedestris and symbiotic effects on the host insects.
Evolution of structural rearrangements in prostate cancer intracranial metastases
Authors: Khani Francesca , Hooper William F. , Wang Xiaofei , Chu Timothy R. , Shah Minita , Winterkorn Lara , Sigouros Michael , Conteduca Vincenza , Pisapia David , Wobker Sara , Walker Sydney , Graff Julie N. , Robinson Brian , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Sboner Andrea , Elemento Olivier , Robine Nicolas , Beltran Himisha
Published: September 2023

Intracranial metastases in prostate cancer are uncommon but clinically aggressive. A detailed molecular characterization of prostate cancer intracranial metastases would improve our understanding of their pathogenesis and the search for new treatment strategies. We evaluated the clinical and molecular characteristics of 36 patients with metastatic prostate cancer to either the dura or brain parenchyma. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 10 intracranial prostate cancer metastases, as well as WGS of primary prostate tumors from men who later developed metastatic disease (n = 6) and nonbrain prostate cancer metastases (n = 36). This first study focused on WGS of prostate intracranial metastases led to several new insights. First, there was a higher diversity of complex structural alterations in prostate cancer intracranial metastases compared to primary tumor tissues. Chromothripsis and chromoplexy events seemed to dominate, yet there were few enrichments of specific categories of structural variants compared with non-brain metastases. Second, aberrations involving the AR gene, including AR enhancer gain were observed in 7/10 (70%) of intracranial metastases, as well as recurrent loss of function aberrations involving TP53 in 8/10 (80%), RB1 in 2/10 (20%), BRCA2 in 2/10 (20%), and activation of the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway in 8/10 (80%). These alterations were frequently present in tumor tissues from other sites of disease obtained concurrently or sequentially from the same individuals. Third, clonality analysis points to genomic factors and evolutionary bottlenecks that contribute to metastatic spread in patients with prostate cancer. These results describe the aggressive molecular features underlying intracranial metastasis that may inform future diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Deep spatial-omics analysis of Head & Neck carcinomas provides alternative therapeutic targets and rationale for treatment failure
Authors: Causer Andrew , Tan Xiao , Lu Xuehan , Moseley Philip , Teoh Siok M. , Molotkov Natalie , McGrath Margaret , Kim Taehyun , Simpson Peter T. , Perry Christopher , Frazer Ian H. , Panizza Benedict , Ladwa Rahul , Nguyen Quan , Gonzalez-Cruz Jazmina L.
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has had limited success (<30%) in treating metastatic recurrent Head and Neck Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OPSCCs). We postulate that spatial determinants in the tumor play a critical role in cancer therapy outcomes. Here, we describe the case of a male patient diagnosed with p16+ OPSCC and extensive lung metastatic disease who failed Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab/Lenvatinib therapies. Using advanced integrative spatial proteogenomic analysis on the patient’s recurrent OPSCC tumors we demonstrate that: (i) unbiased tissue clustering based on spatial transcriptomics (ST) successfully detected tumor cells and enabled the investigation of phenotypic traits such as proliferation or drug-resistance genes in the tumor’s leading-edge and core; (ii) spatial proteomic imagining used in conjunction with ST (SpiCi, Spatial Proteomics inferred Cell identification) can resolve the profiling of tumor infiltrating immune cells, (iii) ST data allows for the discovery and ranking of clinically relevant alternative medicines based on their interaction with their matching ligand-receptor. Importantly, when the spatial profiles of ICI pre- and post-failure OPSCC tumors were compared, they exhibited highly similar PD-1/PD-L1low and VEGFAhigh expression, suggesting that these new tumors were not the product of ICI resistance but rather of Lenvatinib dose reduction due to complications. Our work establishes a path for incorporating spatial-omics in clinical settings to facilitate treatment personalization.
Lysosome-related organelles promote stress and immune responses in C. elegans
Authors: Hajdú Gábor , Somogyvári Milán , Csermely Péter , Sőti Csaba
Published: September 2023

Lysosome-related organelles (LROs) play diverse roles and their dysfunction causes immunodeficiency. However, their primordial functions remain unclear. Here, we report that C. elegans LROs (gut granules) promote organismal defenses against various stresses. We find that toxic benzaldehyde exposure induces LRO autofluorescence, stimulates the expression of LRO-specific genes and enhances LRO transport capacity as well as increases tolerance to benzaldehyde, heat and oxidative stresses, while these responses are impaired in glo-1/Rab32 and pgp-2 ABC transporter LRO biogenesis mutants. Benzaldehyde upregulates glo-1- and pgp-2-dependent expression of heat shock, detoxification and antimicrobial effector genes, which requires daf-16/FOXO and/or pmk-1/p38MAPK. Finally, benzaldehyde preconditioning increases resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 in a glo-1- and pgp-2-dependent manner, and PA14 infection leads to the deposition of fluorescent metabolites in LROs and induction of LRO genes. Our study suggests that LROs may play a role in systemic responses to stresses and in pathogen resistance.
Omicron sub-lineage BA.5 infection results in attenuated pathology in hACE2 transgenic mice
Authors: Rizvi Zaigham Abbas , Dandotiya Jyotsna , Sadhu Srikanth , Khatri Ritika , Singh Janmejay , Singh Virendra , Adhikari Neeta , Sharma Kritika , Das Vinayake , Pandey Amit Kumar , Das Bhabatosh , Medigeshi Guruprasad , Mani Shalendra , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Samal Sweety , Pandey Anil Kumar , Garg Pramod Kumar , Awasthi Amit
Published: September 2023

A recently emerged sub-lineage of Omicron, BA.5, together with BA.4, caused a fifth wave of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in South Africa and subsequently emerged as a predominant strain globally due to its high transmissibility. The lethality of BA.5 infection has not been studied in an acute hACE2 transgenic (hACE2.Tg) mouse model. Here, we investigated tissue-tropism and immuno-pathology induced by BA.5 infection in hACE2.Tg mice. Our data show that intranasal infection of BA.5 in hACE2.Tg mice resulted in attenuated pulmonary infection and pathology with diminished COVID-19-induced clinical and pathological manifestations. BA.5, similar to Omicron (B.1.1.529), infection led to attenuated production of inflammatory cytokines, anti-viral response and effector T cell response as compared to the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2, Wuhan-Hu-1. We show that mice recovered from B.1.1.529 infection showed robust protection against BA.5 infection associated with reduced lung viral load and pathology. Together, our data provide insights as to why BA.5 infection escapes previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure induced-T cell immunity but may result in milder immuno-pathology and alleviated chances of re-infectivity in Omicron-recovered individuals.
Integration of landmark and saccade target signals in macaque frontal cortex visual responses
Authors: Schütz Adrian , Bharmauria Vishal , Yan Xiaogang , Wang Hongying , Bremmer Frank , Crawford J. Douglas
Published: September 2023

Visual landmarks influence spatial cognition and behavior, but their influence on visual codes for action is poorly understood. Here, we test landmark influence on the visual response to saccade targets recorded from 312 frontal and 256 supplementary eye field neurons in rhesus macaques. Visual response fields are characterized by recording neural responses to various target-landmark combinations, and then we test against several candidate spatial models. Overall, frontal/supplementary eye fields response fields preferentially code either saccade targets (40%/40%) or landmarks (30%/4.5%) in gaze fixation-centered coordinates, but most cells show multiplexed target-landmark coding within intermediate reference frames (between fixation-centered and landmark-centered). Further, these coding schemes interact: neurons with near-equal target and landmark coding show the biggest shift from fixation-centered toward landmark-centered target coding. These data show that landmark information is preserved and influences target coding in prefrontal visual responses, likely to stabilize movement goals in the presence of noisy egocentric signals.
Covalent organic frameworks: linkage types, synthetic methods and bio-related applications
Authors: Qin Yanhui , Zhu Xinran , Huang Rongqin
Published: September 2023

The various linkages, multiple synthesis methods and cutting-edge bio-related applications including drug delivery, tumor therapy, bioimaging, biosensing and antimicrobial applications of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are summarized.
Theoretical prediction of 2D biphenylene as a potential anchoring material for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Han , Kong Fan , Qiu Zonggang , Guo Jiyuan , Shu Huabing , Wei Qin
Published: September 2023

Intrinsic and B doped BIP exhibit excellent electronic conductivity, appropriate adsorption performance, and superior catalytic performance, and could be promising anchoring materials for Li–S batteries.
Efficient degradation of formaldehyde based on DFT-screened metal-doped C3N6 monolayer photocatalysts: performance evaluation and mechanistic insights
Authors: Chen Mengshan , Wang Haijian , Wang Jinhu , Sun Mingyuzhi , Hu Yaxuan , Zhao Xue , Zhou Yingtang
Published: September 2023

Photocatalytic oxidation is an efficient and promising technology for reducing indoor pollution levels of formaldehyde (HCHO).
Enthalpy of formation of 6-phenyl-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane by combustion calorimetry and theoretical approach for efficient prediction of thermochemistry of diaziridines
Authors: Lukyanova Vera A. , Kuznetsov Vladimir V. , Konstantinova Natalia M. , Dmitrenok Andrey S. , Kosaya Maria P. , Dorofeeva Olga V. , Druzhinina Anna I.
Published: September 2023

High-level ab initio calculations of gas phase enthalpies of formation combined with enthalpies of sublimations estimated using descriptors of electrostatic potential allow predicting the enthalpies of formation of diaziridines in the solid phase.
Redox processes in Cu-binding proteins: the “in-between” states in intrinsically disordered peptides
Authors: Falcone Enrico , Hureau Christelle
Published: September 2023

The “in-between” states (IBS) in copper bound to intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are accessible due to the flexibility of IDPs and fast exchange between coordination sites, and they account for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Digital biology approach for macroscale studies of biofilm growth and biocide effects with electron microscopy
Authors: Kozlov Konstantin S. , Boiko Daniil A. , Detusheva Elena V. , Detushev Konstantin V. , Pentsak Evgeniy O. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: September 2023

Combination of automated scanning electron microscopy and a comprehensive software system that uses deep neural networks to perform an in-depth analysis of biofilms.
Biosynthesis of α-bisabolene from low-cost renewable feedstocks by peroxisome engineering and systems metabolic engineering of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Zhao Baixiang , Zhang Yahui , Wang Yaping , Lu Zhihui , Miao Lin , Wang Shuhui , Li Zhuo , Sun Xu , Han Yuqing , He Sicheng , Zhang Ziyuan , Xiao Dongguang , Zhang Cuiying , Foo Jee Loon , Wong Adison , Yu Aiqun
Published: September 2023

Establishing efficient synthetic pathways for microbial production of biochemicals is often hampered by competing pathways and insufficient precursor supply.
Carbon-coated ReS2 hierarchical nanospheres to inhibit polysulfide dissolution in ether-based electrolytes for high-performance Na-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhang Xuhui , Cao Fang , Mao Zilin , Jiang Junbao , Chen Junwei , Zhang Yan , Xing Kun
Published: September 2023

Excellent high-rate capability and long-term cycling stability of layered ReS2 electrodes for Na-ion storage are achieved by an amorphous carbon coating that inhibits the shuttle effect and side reactions of polysulfides in ether-based electrolytes.
Resolving isobaric interference in the determination of Nd isotopes using laser ionisation mass spectrometry towards atom percent fission measurements
Authors: Janardhanan Namitha , Maity Ujjwal Kumar , Joseph M. , Manoravi P. , Sivaraman N.
Published: September 2023

Use of LIMS for determination of Nd in the presence of Sm.
Introducing RSC Applied Polymers
Authors: Pentzer Emily
Published: September 2023

Editor-in-Chief, Emily Pentzer, introduces the first issue of RSC Applied Polymers.
Solution-processable thin-film transistors from anthradithiophene (ADT) and naphthothiopene (NT) small molecule-based p-type organic semiconductors
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Scagliotti Mattia , Beverina Luca , Mariucci Luigi , Rapisarda Matteo , Pasini Dario
Published: September 2023

Sustainable green electronics is increasingly needed for a multitude of new applications that will fill daily life in the coming decades.
Melanin/PEDOT:PSS blend as organic mixed ionic electronic conductor (OMIEC) for sustainable electronics
Authors: Nozella Natan Luis , Lima João Victor Morais , de Oliveira Rafael Furlan , Graeff Carlos Frederico de Oliveira
Published: September 2023

A new and green blend based on PEDOT:PSS and synthetic melanin is demonstrated as an organic mixed ionic electronic conductor (OMIEC) with enhanced ionic–electronic coupling for organic electrochemical transistors and supercapacitors.
Dynamic covalent polymer engineering for stable and self-healing perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Peng , Liu Jian , Wang Shuai , Chen Jiujiang , Han Bin , Meng Yuanyuan , Yang Shuncheng , Xie Lisha , Yang Mengjin , Jia Runping , Ge Ziyi
Published: September 2023

Utilizing acylhydrazone-bonded waterborne polyurethane as a dynamic covalent polymer engineering approach, self-repairing perovskite solar cells demonstrate excellent durability with activation occurring at a relatively low temperature of ∼60 oC.
Enhancing paracellular and transcellular permeability using nanotechnological approaches for the treatment of brain and retinal diseases
Authors: Khalil Asmaa , Barras Alexandre , Boukherroub Rabah , Tseng Ching-Li , Devos David , Burnouf Thierry , Neuhaus Winfried , Szunerits Sabine
Published: September 2023

Discussion on how to overcome the current failures of synthetic and cell-derived nanomaterials to bypass or temporally open tight junctions of the brain and the eye using recent advancements in various nanotechnological strategies.
Cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen doped graphite as a highly efficient and reusable catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Huang Yi-Jen , Chen Yi-Sheng , Xi Sheng-Yao , Hu Xun-Wen , Tsai Mei-Hui
Published: September 2023

Novel precursors including glucose, urea, and cobalt nitrate developed the Co@NC catalyst, which contains cobalt nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped graphite. The catalyst transformed 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol and is reusable.
An AIE active acidochromic pyrimidine-functionalized two-in-one fluorescent probe for selective relay detection of Al3+/Zn2+ and PPi with various detection applications
Authors: Anitha Ottoor , Aiswarya Janardhanan , Thiruppathiraja Thangaraj , Lakshmipathi Senthilkumar , Małecki Jan Grzegorz , Murugesapandian Balasubramanian
Published: September 2023

An AIE active acidochromic pyrimidine-functionalized bis-hydrazone was developed which acts as a two-in-one fluorescent probe for selective relay detection of Al3+/Zn2+ and PPi with various detection applications.
Performance enhancement using an embedded nano-pyramid in a perovskite solar cell with TaTm as a hole transport layer
Authors: Bhattarai Sagar , Hossain M. Khalid , Ben Farhat Lamia , Marzouki Riadh , Hossain Ismail , Ansari Mohd Zahid , Madan Jaya , Pandey Rahul
Published: September 2023

The trapping of photons and broad-spectrum absorption of solar irradiance are the primary focus of numerous solar cell research applications.
Investigation of high-order resonant modes for aluminium nanoparticles (arrays) using the finite-difference time-domain method
Authors: Wang Zhen , Lu Jinqiao , Wang Zilong , Huang Jie , Wang Le , Chen Qiang , Li Yunfeng , Jin Yongxing , Liang Pei
Published: September 2023

The optical properties of aluminum nanoparticles are simulated and calculated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method.
Synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes by cross-coupling induced by transition metals – formation of C–C bonds
Authors: Yasukawa Tomohiro , Håheim Katja S. , Cossy Janine
Published: September 2023

The synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs), by forming a C–C bond, can be achieved by cross-coupling reaction using transition metal catalysts.
A new synthetic approach to cyclic ureas through carbonylation using di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (boc anhydride) via one pot strategy
Authors: Thrinadh Kumar Rapeti , Makam Parameshwar , Katari Naresh Kumar , Kottalanka Ravi K.
Published: September 2023

A new ecofriendly approach with high yields and it eliminates the need for any hazardous reagents.
Overlooked aza-S(iv) motifs: synthesis and transformations of sulfinamidines and sulfinimidate esters
Authors: Andresini Michael , Colella Marco , Degennaro Leonardo , Luisi Renzo
Published: September 2023

Significant advancements have recently been made in the chemistry of sulfinamidines and sulfinimidate esters. This review aims to provide an overview of the synthetic methods for the preparation and transformation of these overlooked compounds.
Maximizing the catalytic performance of FER zeolite in the methanol-to-hydrocarbon process by manipulating the crystal size and constructing a bifunctional system
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhou Hexun , Ye Yiru , You Xinyu , Zhou Xue , Jiang Shican , Liu Kun , Dutta Chowdhury Abhishek
Published: September 2023

An unprecedented catalyst lifespan was accomplished with a preferential selectivity for C4–C7hydrocarbons by combining Y2O3with a unique flake-shaped FER zeolite with optimized physicochemical properties.
Bisguanidinium-catalyzed formation of oxygen-containing quaternary stereogenic carbon centers
Authors: Ban Xu , Chen Changxing , Khoa Kha Tuan , Wang Chao , Jiang Zhiyong , Tan Choon-Hong
Published: September 2023

A bisguanidinium-catalyzed enantioconvergent SN2X reaction is described for the formation of C(sp3)–O bonds from racemic tertiary bromides and hydroxylamides/phenols, enabling efficient synthesis of bioactive compounds such as enantiopure bicalutamide and chiral fibrates.
Engineering the optical properties of nickel sulphide thin films by zinc integration for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Younus Junaid , Shahzad Warda , Ismail Bushra , Fazal Tanzeela , Shah Mazloom , Iqbal Shahid , Jawhari Ahmed Hussain , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A.
Published: September 2023

Herein, zinc-doped NiS thin films with acceptable lateral homogeneity and an energy bandgap between 2.25 and 2.50 eV have been constructed. Our findings indicated that doping is a useful method for modifying the composition and characteristics of NiS thin films.
Fracture and mechanical properties of an impact toughened polypropylene composite: modification for automotive dashboard-airbag application
Authors: Mohd Yasin Saiful Bahri , Terry Joseph S. , Taylor Ambrose C.
Published: September 2023

Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is the principal material for automotive instrument panels and is prone to fracture especially under heavy airbag deployment, which can prevent the airbag deploying properly.
Correction: Protein profile analysis of tear fluid with hyphenated HPLC-UV LED-induced fluorescence detection for the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome
Authors: Adigal Sphurti S. , Bhandary Sulatha V. , Hegde Nagaraj , Nidheesh V. R. , John Reena V. , Rizvi Alisha , George Sajan D. , Kartha V. B. , Chidangil Santhosh
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Protein profile analysis of tear fluid with hyphenated HPLC-UV LED-induced fluorescence detection for the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome’ by Sphurti S. Adigal et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 22559–22568. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA04389D.
Sustainable continuous flow synthesis of β-aminocarbonyls via acid-catalyzed hydration of N-Boc-2-azetines
Authors: Andresini Michael , Colella Marco , Dibenedetto Roberta Savina , Graziano Elena , Romanazzi Giuseppe , Aramini Andrea , Degennaro Leonardo , Luisi Renzo
Published: September 2023

In this work we report a waste-minimized continuous flow process for the synthesis of β-aminocarbonyls through hydration of N-Boc-2-azetines promoted under acid-catalysed conditions.
From random to rational: improving enzyme design through electric fields, second coordination sphere interactions, and conformational dynamics
Authors: Chaturvedi Shobhit S. , Bím Daniel , Christov Christo Z. , Alexandrova Anastassia N.
Published: September 2023

A forward-looking perspective on optimizing enzyme design through synergizing electric fields, coordination spheres, and dynamics.
Divergent total syntheses of ITHQ-type bis-β-carboline alkaloids by regio-selective formal aza-[4 + 2] cycloaddition and late-stage C–H functionalization
Authors: Wang Qixuan , Guo Fusheng , Wang Jin , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: September 2023

The first biomimetic total syntheses of indolotetrahydroquinolizinium-type bis-β-carboline alkaloids were accomplished via a unique umpolung type-III aza-[4 + 2] cycloaddition and late-stage C–H functionalization strategy.
Record release of tetramethylguanidine using a green light activated photocage for rapid synthesis of soft materials
Authors: Chung Kun-You , Uddin Ain , Page Zachariah A.
Published: September 2023

Novel boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) photocages release a strong organobase, tetramethylguanidine, with record efficiency upon green light exposure to enable rapid anionic step-growth polymerizations.
Production of 1,2-propanediol from fructose over a biochar-supported RuWCu catalyst
Authors: Liu Yong , Chen Lungang , Chi Dongfeng , Wang Chenguang , Zhang Xinghua , Liu Jianguo , Zhang Qi , Ma Longlong
Published: September 2023

A pomelo peel-derived biochar supported RuWCu catalyst was synthesized for the production of 1,2-propanediol from fructose hydrodeoxygenation.
A domain knowledge enhanced machine learning method to predict the properties of halide double perovskite A2B+B3+X6
Authors: Wei Xiao , Zhang Yunong , Liu Xi , Peng Junjie , Li Shengzhou , Che Renchao , Zhang Huiran
Published: September 2023

Material datasets are high-dimensional and high-noise, which makes most machine learning (ML) methods inefficient. We present a new framework which embeds material domain knowledge into the ML method. By doing so, we illustrate its role and improve the prediction accuracy of 540 perovskite materials.
A self-assembled CuS–MXene bridge for hole-boosting 10.51%-efficiency all-inorganic tri-brominated perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Weilin , Yao Xinpeng , He Benlin , Sui Haojie , Wei Meng , Chen Haiyan , Duan Jialong , Tang Qunwei
Published: September 2023

A charge delocalized CuS–Mxene composite is used as a hole extractor to form an interface charge transport bridge and passivate the defects of perovskite film, which helps the CsPbBr3 PSCs achieve a champion PCE up to 10.51% and excellent stability.
Review on vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing of bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds
Authors: Guo Wang , Li Bowen , Li Ping , Zhao Lei , You Hui , Long Yu
Published: September 2023

Bone defects frequently occur in clinical settings due to trauma, disease, tumors, and other causes.
An ultra pH-responsive peptide nanocarrier for cancer gene therapy
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Zhang Xuelin , Han Mingshan , Jiao Xinhao , Zhou Jialin , Wang Xinyao , Su Rongxin , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei
Published: September 2023

An ultra pH-responsive peptide nanocarrier that can efficiently and precisely target cancer cells to release gene drugs was reported.
Molybdenum sulfo-selenide nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Namsheer K  , Pramoda K. , Kumar Kothanahally S. Sharath , Radhakrishnan Sithara , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2023

We report a facile method for the preparation of nanocomposites of molybdenum sulfo-selenide (MoSxSe1−x) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via a solvothermal approach.
Two‐stage deadbeat‐based predictive torque control strategy for modular multilevel converter‐fed three‐phase induction motors
Authors: Khosravi Mahyar , Arab Khaburi Davood , Alikhani Mohsen , Yousefzade Meysam
Published: September 2023

Recently, Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) are considered to be extensively used in medium‐voltage AC drives A two‐stage deadbeat‐based strategy is developed by the authors to make the implementation of Predictive Torque Control (PTC) technique for an induction motor that is fed by a three‐phase MMC possible . Despite various benefits of PTC strategy, it has not been widely employed for multilevel topologies due to the huge number of switching states of these converters, and the complex internal dynamics of topologies such as MMC. The proposed control scheme results in significant reduction of the computational burden, using an initial reference voltage that is determined at the first stage of the strategy by the deadbeat technique. Next, the predictive evaluation process is conducted at the second stage to simultaneously control the stator flux, electromagnetic torque and circulating current. The number of admissible vectors that should be evaluated in the cost function is effectively limited by only considering some adjacent vectors of the reference voltage in the first stage. Moreover, the circulating current control capability, which is necessary for effective operation of MMC, is also considered in the developed scheme. Finally, the satisfactory performance of the proposed strategy is validated through various experimental tests.