bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eg5 UFMylation promotes spindle organization during mitosis
Authors: Li Guangxu , Huang Yuanjiang , Han Wenbo , Wei Liyi , Huang Hongjing , Zhu Yingbao , Xiao Qiao , Wang Zujia , Huang Wen , Duan Ranhui
Published: July 2024

UFMylation is a highly conserved ubiquitin-like post-translational modification that catalyzes the covalent linkage of UFM1 to its target proteins. This modification plays a critical role in the maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis, DNA damage response, autophagy, and transcriptional regulation. Mutations in UFM1, as well as in its specific E1 enzyme UBA5 and E2 enzyme UFC1, have been genetically linked to microcephaly. Our previous research unveiled the important role of UFMylation in regulating mitosis. However, the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear due to the limited identification of substrates. In this study, we identified Eg5, a motor protein crucial for mitotic spindle assembly and maintenance, as a novel substrate for UFMylation and identified Lys564 as the crucial UFMylation site. UFMylation did not alter its transcriptional level, phosphorylation level, or protein stability, but affected the mono-ubiquitination of Eg5. During mitosis, Eg5 and UFM1 co-localize at the centrosome and spindle apparatus, and defective UFMylation leads to diminished spindle localization of Eg5. Notably, the UFMylation-defective Eg5 mutant (K564R) exhibited shorter spindles, metaphase arrest, spindle checkpoint activation, and a failure of cell division in HeLa cells. Overall, Eg5 UFMylation is essential for proper spindle organization, mitotic progression, and cell proliferation.
Downregulation of 4-HNE and FOXO4 collaboratively promotes NSCLC cell migration and tumor growth
Authors: Zhong Tianfei , Li Ying , Jin Meng , Liu Jingqun , Wu Zhenyu , Zhu Feiye , Zhao Lisha , Fan Yongsheng , Xu Li , Ji Jinjun
Published: July 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is among the most prevalent cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from NSCLC play a pivotal role in lung cancer progression. Our findings reveal a direct correlation between the abundance of EVs and the transfection efficiencies. Co-culturing two different lung cancer cell lines could enhance EVs formation, cell proliferation, migration and tumorigenicity. mRNA chip and metabolic analyses revealed significant alterations in the FOXO signaling pathway and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism within tumor tissues derived from co-cultured cells. Shotgun lipidomics studies and bioinformatics analyses guided our attention towards 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and FOXO4. Elevating 4-HNE or FOXO4 levels could reduce the formation of EVs and impede cell growth and migration. While silencing FOXO4 expression lead to an increase in cell cloning rate and enhanced migration. These findings suggest that regulating the production of 4-HNE and FOXO4 might provide an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of NSCLC.
Chemotherapy-induced acetylation of ACLY by NAT10 promotes its nuclear accumulation and acetyl-CoA production to drive chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yuying , Su Kunqi , Wang Chang , Deng Tao , Liu Xiaofeng , Sun Shiqi , Jiang Yang , Zhang Chunfeng , Xing Baocai , Du Xiaojuan
Published: July 2024

Chemotherapeutic efficacy is seriously impeded by chemoresistance in more than half of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced upregulation of chemoresistant genes are not fully understood. Here, this study unravels a novel mechanism controlling nuclear acetyl-CoA production to activate the transcription of chemoresistant genes in HCC. NAT10 is upregulated in HCC tissues and its upregulation is correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. NAT10 is also upregulated in chemoresistant HCC cells. Targeting NAT10 increases the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy in HCC cells and mouse xenografts. Upon chemotherapy, NAT10 translocates from the nucleolus to the nucleus to activate the transcription of CYP2C9 and PIK3R1. Additionally, nuclear acetyl-CoA is specifically upregulated by NAT10. Mechanistically, NAT10 binds with ACLY in the nucleus and acetylates ACLY at K468 to counteract the SQSTM1-mediated degradation upon chemotherapy. ACLY K468-Ac specifically accumulates in the nucleus and increases nuclear acetyl-CoA production to activate the transcription of CYP2C9 and PIK3R1 through enhancing H3K27ac. Importantly, K468 is required for nuclear localization of ACLY. Significantly, ACLY K468-Ac is upregulated in HCC tissues, and ablation of ACLY K468-Ac sensitizes HCC cells and mouse xenografts to chemotherapy. Collectively, these findings identify NAT10 as a novel chemoresistant driver and the blockage of NAT10-mediated ACLY K468-Ac possesses the potential to attenuate HCC chemoresistance.
Asgard archaea modulate potential methanogenesis substrates in wetland soil
Authors: Valentin-Alvarado Luis E. , Appler Kathryn E. , De Anda Valerie , Schoelmerich Marie C. , West-Roberts Jacob , Kivenson Veronika , Crits-Christoph Alexander , Ly Lynn , Sachdeva Rohan , Greening Chris , Savage David F. , Baker Brett J. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: July 2024

The roles of Asgard archaea in eukaryogenesis and marine biogeochemical cycles are well studied, yet their contributions in soil ecosystems remain unknown. Of particular interest are Asgard archaeal contributions to methane cycling in wetland soils. To investigate this, we reconstructed two complete genomes for soil-associated Atabeyarchaeia, a new Asgard lineage, and a complete genome of Freyarchaeia, and predicted their metabolism in situ. Metatranscriptomics reveals expression of genes for [NiFe]-hydrogenases, pyruvate oxidation and carbon fixation via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Also expressed are genes encoding enzymes for amino acid metabolism, anaerobic aldehyde oxidation, hydrogen peroxide detoxification and carbohydrate breakdown to acetate and formate. Overall, soil-associated Asgard archaea are predicted to include non-methanogenic acetogens, highlighting their potential role in carbon cycling in terrestrial environments.
Heteroatom doping enables hydrogen spillover via H+/e− diffusion pathways on a non-reducible metal oxide
Authors: Shun Kazuki , Mori Kohsuke , Kidawara Takumi , Ichikawa Satoshi , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen spillover, the simultaneous diffusion of protons (H+) and electrons (e−) is considered to be applicable to ubiquitous technologies related to hydrogen but limited to over reducible metal oxides. The present work demonstrates that a non-reducible MgO with heteroatom Al dopants (Al–MgO) allows hydrogen spillover in the same way as reducible metal oxides. Furthermore, a H+ storage capacity of this material owing to hydrogen spillover is more than three times greater than those of various standard metal oxides based on H+ transport channels within its bulk region. Atomic hydrogen diffuses over the non-reducible Al–MgO produces active H+-e− pairs, as also occurs on reducible metal oxides, to enhance the catalytic performance of Ni during CO2 hydrogenation. The H+ and e− diffusion pathways generated by the heteroatom Al doping are disentangled based on systematic characterizations and calculations. This work provides a new strategy for designing functional materials intended to hydrogen spillover for diverse applications in a future hydrogen-based society.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors improve muscle stem cell function and muscle regeneration in male mice
Authors: Fefeu Mylène , Blatzer Michael , Kneppers Anita , Briand David , Rocheteau Pierre , Haroche Alexandre , Hardy David , Juchet-Martin Mélanie , Danckaert Anne , Coudoré François , Tutakhail Abdulkarim , Huchet Corinne , Lafoux Aude , Mounier Rémi , Mir Olivier , Gaillard Raphaël , Chrétien Fabrice
Published: July 2024

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as fluoxetine are widely used to treat mood disorders. The mechanisms of action include an increase in extracellular level of serotonin, neurogenesis, and growth of vessels in the brain. We investigated whether fluoxetine could have broader peripheral regenerative properties. Following prolonged administration of fluoxetine in male mice, we showed that fluoxetine increases the number of muscle stem cells and muscle angiogenesis, associated with positive changes in skeletal muscle function. Fluoxetine also improved skeletal muscle regeneration after single and multiples injuries with an increased muscle stem cells pool and vessel density associated with reduced fibrotic lesions and inflammation. Mice devoid of peripheral serotonin treated with fluoxetine did not exhibit beneficial effects during muscle regeneration. Specifically, pharmacological, and genetic inactivation of the 5-HT1B subtype serotonin receptor also abolished the enhanced regenerative process induced by fluoxetine. We highlight here a regenerative property of serotonin on skeletal muscle.
Towards large-scale single-shot millimeter-wave imaging for low-cost security inspection
Authors: Bian Liheng , Li Daoyu , Wang Shuoguang , Teng Chunyang , Wu Jinxuan , Liu Huteng , Xu Hanwen , Chang Xuyang , Zhao Guoqiang , Li Shiyong , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2024

Millimeter-Wave (MMW) imaging is a promising technique for contactless security inspection. However, the high cost of requisite large-scale antenna arrays hinders its widespread application in high-throughput scenarios. Here, we report a large-scale single-shot MMW imaging framework, achieving low-cost high-fidelity security inspection. We first analyzed the statistical ranking of each array element through 1934 full-sampled MMW echoes. The highest-ranked elements are preferentially selected based on the ranking, building the experimentally optimal sparse sampling strategy that reduces antenna array cost by one order of magnitude. Additionally, we derived an untrained interpretable learning scheme, realizing robust and accurate MMW image reconstruction from sparsely sampled echoes. Last, we developed a neural network for automatic object detection, and experimentally demonstrated successful detection of concealed centimeter-sized targets using 10% sparse array, whereas all the other contemporary approaches failed at such a low sampling ratio. With the strong detection ability and order-of-magnitude cost reduction, we anticipate that this technique provides a practical way for large-scale single-shot MMW imaging.
Cilia-enriched oxysterol 7β,27-DHC is required for polycystin ion channel activation
Authors: Ha Kodaji , Mundt-Machado Nadine , Bisignano Paola , Pinedo Aide , Raleigh David R. , Loeb Gabriel , Reiter Jeremy F. , Cao Erhu , Delling Markus
Published: July 2024

Polycystin-1 (PC-1) and PC-2 form a heteromeric ion channel complex that is abundantly expressed in primary cilia of renal epithelial cells. This complex functions as a non-selective cation channel, and mutations within the polycystin complex cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The spatial and temporal regulation of the polycystin complex within the ciliary membrane remains poorly understood. Using both whole-cell and ciliary patch-clamp recordings, we identify a cilia-enriched oxysterol, 7β,27-dihydroxycholesterol (DHC), that serves as a necessary activator of the polycystin complex. We further identify an oxysterol-binding pocket within PC-2 and showed that mutations within this binding pocket disrupt 7β,27-DHC–dependent polycystin activation. Pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of oxysterol synthesis reduces channel activity in primary cilia. In summary, our findings reveal a regulator of the polycystin complex. This oxysterol-binding pocket in PC-2 may provide a specific target for potential ADPKD therapeutics.
Single-cell profiling identifies a CD8bright CD244bright Natural Killer cell subset that reflects disease activity in HLA-A29-positive birdshot chorioretinopathy
Authors: Nath Pulak R. , Maclean Mary , Nagarajan Vijay , Lee Jung Wha , Yakin Mehmet , Kumar Aman , Nadali Hadi , Schmidt Brian , Kaya Koray D. , Kodati Shilpa , Young Alice , Caspi Rachel R. , Kuiper Jonas J. W. , Sen H. Nida
Published: July 2024

Birdshot chorioretinopathy is an inflammatory eye condition strongly associated with MHC-I allele HLA-A29. The striking association with MHC-I suggests involvement of T cells, whereas natural killer (NK) cell involvement remains largely unstudied. Here we show that HLA-A29-positive birdshot chorioretinopathy patients have a skewed NK cell pool containing expanded CD16 positive NK cells which produce more proinflammatory cytokines. These NK cells contain populations that express CD8A which is involved in MHC-I recognition on target cells, display gene signatures indicative of high cytotoxic activity (GZMB, PRF1 and ISG15), and signaling through NK cell receptor CD244 (SH2D1B). Long-term monitoring of a cohort of birdshot chorioretinopathy patients with active disease identifies a population of CD8bright CD244bright NK cells, which rapidly declines to normal levels upon clinical remission following successful treatment. Collectively, these studies implicate CD8bright CD244bright NK cells in birdshot chorioretinopathy.
Substantial terrestrial carbon emissions from global expansion of impervious surface area
Authors: Qiu Linghua , He Junhao , Yue Chao , Ciais Philippe , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: July 2024

Global impervious surface area (ISA) has more than doubled over the last three decades, but the associated carbon emissions resulting from the depletion of pre-existing land carbon stores remain unknown. Here, we report that the carbon losses from biomass and top soil (0–30 cm) due to global ISA expansion reached 46–75 Tg C per year over 1993–2018, accounting for 3.7–6.0% of the concurrent human land-use change emissions. For the Annex I countries of UNFCCC, our estimated emissions are comparable to the carbon emissions arising from settlement expansion as reported by the national greenhouse gas inventories, providing independent validation of this kind. The contrast between growing emissions in non-Annex I countries and declining ones in Annex I countries over the study period can be explained by an observed emerging pattern of emissions evolution dependent on the economic development stage. Our study has implications for international carbon accounting and climate mitigation as it reveals previously ignored but substantial contributions of ISA expansion to anthropogenic carbon emissions through land-use effects.
Rotational and translational motions in a homogeneously cooling granular gas
Authors: Trittel Torsten , Puzyrev Dmitry , Harth Kirsten , Stannarius Ralf
Published: July 2024

A granular gas composed of monodisperse spherical particles was studied in microgravity experiments in a drop tower. Translations and rotations of the particles were extracted from optical video data. Equipartition is violated, the rotational degrees of freedom were excited only to roughly 2/3 of the translational ones. After stopping the mechanical excitation, we observed granular cooling of the ensemble for a period of three times the Haff time, where the kinetic energy dropped to about 5% of its initial value. The cooling rates of all observable degrees of freedom were comparable, and the ratio of rotational and translational kinetic energies fluctuated around a constant value. The distributions of translational and rotational velocity components showed slight but systematic deviations from Gaussians at the start of cooling.
Biopurification using non-growing microorganisms to improve plant protein ingredients
Authors: Nugroho Avis Dwi Wahyu , van Schalkwijk Saskia , Cebeci Sabri , Jacobs Simon , Wesselink Wilma , Staring Guido , Goerdayal Soenita , Prodan Andrei , Stijnman Ann , Teuling Emma , Broersen Kerensa , Bachmann Herwig
Published: July 2024

Securing a sustainable global food supply for a growing population requires a shift toward a more plant-based diet. The application of plant-based proteins is therefore increasing, but unpleasant off-flavors complicate their use. Here, we screened 97 microorganisms for their potential to remove off-flavors in a process with limiting amounts of fermentable sugar. This allowed the production of a more neutral-tasting, purified food ingredient while limiting microbial growth and the production of typical fermentation end products. We demonstrate that various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts remove “green” aldehydes and ketones. This conversion can be carried out in less than one hour in almond, pea, potato, and oat proteins. Heterofermentative LAB was best at aldehyde and ketone neutralization with minimum de novo formation of microbial volatiles such as ethylacetate (sweet, fruity) or alpha-diketones (butter- and cheese-like). While sensory properties were improved, changes in protein solubility, emulsification, foaming, and in vitro digestibility were limited.
Polymersomes with splenic avidity target red pulp myeloid cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wauters Annelies C. , Scheerstra Jari F. , van Leent Mandy M. T. , Teunissen Abraham J. P. , Priem Bram , Beldman Thijs J. , Rother Nils , Duivenvoorden Raphaël , Prévot Geoffrey , Munitz Jazz , Toner Yohana C. , Deckers Jeroen , van Elsas Yuri , Mora-Raimundo Patricia , Chen Gal , Nauta Sheqouia A. , Verschuur Anna Vera D. , Griffioen Arjan W. , Schrijver David P. , Anbergen Tom , Li Yudong , Wu Hanglong , Mason Alexander F. , van Stevendaal Marleen H. M. E. , Kluza Ewelina , Post Richard A. J. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G. , Calcagno Claudia , Fayad Zahi A. , van der Meel Roy , Schroeder Avi , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A. , Mulder Willem J. M. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: July 2024

Regulating innate immunity is an emerging approach to improve cancer immunotherapy. Such regulation requires engaging myeloid cells by delivering immunomodulatory compounds to hematopoietic organs, including the spleen. Here we present a polymersome-based nanocarrier with splenic avidity and propensity for red pulp myeloid cell uptake. We characterized the in vivo behaviour of four chemically identical yet topologically different polymersomes by in vivo positron emission tomography imaging and innovative flow and mass cytometry techniques. Upon intravenous administration, relatively large and spherical polymersomes accumulated rapidly in the spleen and efficiently targeted myeloid cells in the splenic red pulp. When loaded with β-glucan, intravenously administered polymersomes significantly reduced tumour growth in a mouse melanoma model. We initiated our nanotherapeutic’s clinical translation with a biodistribution study in non-human primates, which revealed that the platform’s splenic avidity is preserved across species.
Chirality conferral enables the observation of hyper-Raman optical activity
Authors: Jones Robin R. , Kerr John F. , Kwon Hyunah , Clowes Samuel R. , Ji Ruidong , Petronijevic Emilija , Zhang Liwu , Dan Pantoș G. , Smith Brian , Batten Tim , Fischer Peer , Wolverson Daniel , Andrews David L. , Valev Ventsislav K.
Published: July 2024

Chirality conferral is fundamental for understanding the origin of life, and it is of direct importance for synthesizing new pharmaceuticals in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. Human-made, self-assembling nanostructures replicate the biological chirality conferral processes utilizing covalent and non-covalent bonds. However, chirality conferral from one form of matter to another via electromagnetic fields is more subtle and less explored. Here we report chirality conferral between gold nanohelices and achiral molecules (crystal violet). This conferral enables the experimental observation of a physical effect predicted in 1979—hyper-Raman optical activity. To benefit from Fermi’s golden rule, the chirality conferral system was designed as doubly resonant, with the nanohelices and molecules resonating at the fundamental frequency and at the second-harmonic, respectively. We provide a theoretical framework for our results that expands the original mathematical formalism to include surface-enhanced hyper-Raman scattering and the chirality conferral process. Our results demonstrate that field-driven chirality conferral mechanisms are opening up entire fields of research, as exemplified by the discovery of a physical phenomenon.
Nonlinear processing with linear optics
Authors: Yildirim Mustafa , Dinc Niyazi Ulas , Oguz Ilker , Psaltis Demetri , Moser Christophe
Published: July 2024

Deep neural networks have achieved remarkable breakthroughs by leveraging multiple layers of data processing to extract hidden representations, albeit at the cost of large electronic computing power. To enhance energy efficiency and speed, the optical implementation of neural networks aims to harness the advantages of optical bandwidth and the energy efficiency of optical interconnections. In the absence of low-power optical nonlinearities, the challenge in the implementation of multilayer optical networks lies in realizing multiple optical layers without resorting to electronic components. Here we present a novel framework that uses multiple scattering, and which is capable of synthesizing programmable linear and nonlinear transformations concurrently at low optical power by leveraging the nonlinear relationship between the scattering potential, represented by data, and the scattered field. Theoretical and experimental investigations show that repeating the data by multiple scattering enables nonlinear optical computing with low-power continuous-wave light. Moreover, we empirically find that scaling of this optical framework follows a power law.
Randomized placebo controlled trial of phytoterpenes in DMSO for the treatment of plantar fasciitis
Authors: Burke Briant E. , Baillie Jon E.
Published: July 2024

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults with an overall prevalence of 0.85% in the adult population of the US, affecting over 2 million adults annually. Most current treatment modalities are not supported by sufficient evidence to recommend one particular strategy over another. Topical application of analgesics for soft tissue pain is well established, however the plantar fascia presents challenges in this regard due to thick skin, fibrotic tissue, and an often thickened fat pad. Sixty-two patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to a placebo controlled trial testing the efficacy of a topical solution of plant terpenes containing camphor, menthol, eugenol, eucalyptol, and vanillin. Skin permeation of the mixture was enhanced with 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1% limonene, and rosemary oil. One ml of solution was applied topically twice daily, and pain scores evaluated on Day 0, Day 1, Day 3, and Day 10. Using the validated foot function index 78.1% of patients reported an 85% or greater decrease in their total pain score by day 10 while placebo treatment was without effect (One Way ANOVA, P < 0.01). This study adapts the treatment modality of topical analgesia for soft tissue pain to a problematic area of the body and shows therapeutic promise.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05467631
Colorectal cancer prognosis based on dietary pattern using synthetic minority oversampling technique with K-nearest neighbors approach
Authors: Prasath S. Thanga , Navaneethan C.
Published: July 2024

Generally, a person’s life span depends on their food consumption because it may cause deadly diseases like colorectal cancer (CRC). In 2020, colorectal cancer accounted for one million fatalities globally, representing 10% of all cancer casualties. 76,679 males and 78,213 females over the age of 59 from ten states in the United States participated in this analysis. During follow-up, 1378 men and 981 women were diagnosed with colon cancer. This prospective cohort study used 231 food items and their variants as input features to identify CRC patients. Before labelling any foods as colorectal cancer-causing foods, it is ethical to analyse facts like how many grams of food should be consumed daily and how many times a week. This research examines five classification algorithms on real-time datasets: K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression with Classifier Chain (LRCC), and Logistic Regression with Label Powerset (LRLC). Then, the SMOTE algorithm is applied to deal with and identify imbalances in the data. Our study shows that eating more than 10 g/d of low-fat butter in bread (RR 1.99, CI 0.91–4.39) and more than twice a week (RR 1.49, CI 0.93–2.38) increases CRC risk. Concerning beef, eating in excess of 74 g of beef steak daily (RR 0.88, CI 0.50–1.55) and having it more than once a week (RR 0.88, CI 0.62–1.23) decreases the risk of CRC, respectively. While eating beef and dairy products in a daily diet should be cautious about quantity. Consuming those items in moderation on a regular basis will protect us against CRC risk. Meanwhile, a high intake of poultry (RR 0.2, CI 0.05–0.81), fish (RR 0.82, CI 0.31–2.16), and pork (RR 0.67, CI 0.17–2.65) consumption negatively correlates to CRC hazards.
Aquaponic growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum) with African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in standard substrate combined with a Humicacid Fiber-Substrate (HFS)
Authors: Knaus Ulrich , Hübner Dirk Hyo-Dschung , Küchenmeister Christian , Appelbaum Samuel , Iten Walter , Palm Harry W.
Published: July 2024

A major challenge in agriculture, horticulture and aquaponics practices is the reduction of mineral fertilisers and peat to reduce CO2 emissions and increase sustainability. This study used a three-phase-natural fertiliser, the Humicacid Fiber-Substrate (HFS), made from natural regenerative organic and mineral-fractions (Humus-Mineral-Complex), to reduce the peat content in plant pots for aquaponics farming. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth was compared with i) 100% standard media substrate ("Einheitserde", white peat 80%, clay 20%), and ii) 85% "Einheitserde" and 15% of HFS under irrigation with aquaculture process waters from an extensive and intensive production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) under coupled aquaponic conditions. The substitution with 15% HFS and use of intensive fish water resulted in comparable plant growth to a fertiliser solution as control, and in higher leaf width and leaf green weight and lower root dry weight compared with the standard media substrate "Einheitserde". Basil leaf chlorophyll content from the aquaponics was higher compared with local market plants. This suggests the possible substitution of the peat substrate "Einheitserde" with at least 15% HFS to reduce the natural peat fraction. Further studies on crop-specific substrates are needed to reduce peat in aquaponics farming plant cultivation.
Increased trial-to-trial similarity and reduced temporal overlap of muscle synergy activation coefficients manifest during learning and with increasing movement proficiency
Authors: Kaufmann Paul , Koller Willi , Wallnöfer Elias , Goncalves Basilio , Baca Arnold , Kainz Hans
Published: July 2024

Muscle synergy analyses are used to enhance our understanding of motor control. Spatially fixed synergy weights coordinate multiple co-active muscles through activation commands, known as activation coefficients. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of motor learning, it is essential to understand how activation coefficients vary during a learning task and at different levels of movement proficiency. Participants walked on a line, a beam, and learned to walk on a tightrope—tasks that represent different levels of proficiency. Muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography signals across all conditions and the number of synergies was determined by the knee-point of the total variance accounted for (tVAF) curve. The results indicated that the tVAF of one synergy decreased with task proficiency, with the tightrope task resulting in the highest tVAF compared to the line and beam tasks. Furthermore, with increasing proficiency and after a learning process, trial-to-trial similarity increased and temporal overlap of synergy activation coefficients decreased. Consequently, we propose that precise adjustment and refinement of synergy activation coefficients play a pivotal role in motor learning.
Exploring protein relative relations in skeletal muscle proteomic analysis for insights into insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Czajkowska Anna , Czajkowski Marcin , Szczerbinski Lukasz , Jurczuk Krzysztof , Reska Daniel , Kwedlo Wojciech , Kretowski Marek , Zabielski Piotr , Kretowski Adam
Published: July 2024

The escalating prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) underscores the urgent need for improved early detection techniques and effective treatment strategies. In this context, our study presents a proteomic analysis of post-exercise skeletal muscle biopsies from individuals across a spectrum of glucose metabolism states: normal, prediabetes, and T2D. This enabled the identification of significant protein relationships indicative of each specific glycemic condition. Our investigation primarily leveraged the machine learning approach, employing the white-box algorithm relative evolutionary hierarchical analysis (REHA), to explore the impact of regulated, mixed mode exercise on skeletal muscle proteome in subjects with diverse glycemic status. This method aimed to advance the diagnosis of IR and T2D and elucidate the molecular pathways involved in its development and the response to exercise. Additionally, we used proteomics-specific statistical analysis to provide a comparative perspective, highlighting the nuanced differences identified by REHA. Validation of the REHA model with a comparable external dataset further demonstrated its efficacy in distinguishing between diverse proteomic profiles. Key metrics such as accuracy and the area under the ROC curve confirmed REHA’s capability to uncover novel molecular pathways and significant protein interactions, offering fresh insights into the effects of exercise on IR and T2D pathophysiology of skeletal muscle. The visualizations not only underscored significant proteins and their interactions but also showcased decision trees that effectively differentiate between various glycemic states, thereby enhancing our understanding of the biomolecular landscape of T2D.
Automated analysis of spontaneous eye blinking in patients with acute facial palsy or facial synkinesis
Authors: Schuhmann Lukas , Büchner Tim , Heinrich Martin , Volk Gerd Fabian , Denzler Joachim , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: July 2024

Although patients with facial palsy often complain of disturbed eye blinking which may lead to visual impairment, a blinking analysis is not part of routine grading of facial palsy. Twenty minutes of spontaneous eye blinking at rest of 30 patients with facial palsy (6 with acute palsy; 24 patients with facial synkinesis; median age: 58 years, 67% female), and 30 matched healthy probands (median age: 57 years; 67% female) was smart phone video recorded. A custom computer program automatically extracted eye measures and determined the eye closure rate (eye aspect ratio [EAR]), blink frequency, and blink duration. Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE), Facial Disability Index (FDI) were assessed as patient-reported outcome measures. The minimal EAR, i.e., minimal visible eye surface during blinking, was significantly higher on the paretic side in patients with acute facial palsy than in patients with synkinesis or in healthy controls. The blinking frequency on the affected side was significantly lower in both patient groups compared to healthy controls. Vice versa, blink duration was longer in both patient groups. There was no clear correlation between the blinking values and FaCE and FDI. Blinking parameters are easy to estimate automatically and add a functionally important parameter to facial grading.
The importance of missing data in estimating BMI trajectories
Authors: Gray Laura A.
Published: July 2024

Body Mass Index (BMI) trajectories are important for understanding how BMI develops over time. Missing data is often stated as a limitation in studies that analyse BMI over time and there is limited research exploring how missing data influences BMI trajectories. This study explores the influence missing data has in estimating BMI trajectories and the impact on subsequent analysis. This study uses data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Distinct BMI trajectories are estimated for adults aged 50 years and over. Next, multiple methods accounting for missing data are implemented and compared. Estimated trajectories are then used to predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Four distinct trajectories are identified using each of the missing data methods: stable overweight, elevated BMI, increasing BMI, and decreasing BMI. However, the likelihoods of individuals following the different trajectories differ between the different methods. The influence of BMI trajectory on T2DM is reduced after accounting for missing data. More work is needed to understand which methods for missing data are most reliable. When estimating BMI trajectories, missing data should be considered. The extent to which accounting for missing data influences cost-effectiveness analyses should be investigated.
Phase II study of talazoparib in advanced cancers with BRCA1/2, DNA repair, and PTEN alterations
Authors: Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Tseng Chieh , Leung Cheuk Hong , Yuan Ying , Karp Daniel D. , Subbiah Vivek , Hong David , Fu Siqing , Naing Aung , Rodon Jordi , Javle Milind , Ajani Jaffer A. , Raghav Kanwal P. , Somaiah Neeta , Mills Gordon B. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Zheng Xiaofeng , Chen Ken , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: July 2024

Cancer cells with BRCA1/2 deficiencies are sensitive to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. We evaluated the efficacy of talazoparib in DNA-Damage Repair (DDR)-altered patients. In this phase II trial, patients were enrolled onto one of four cohorts based on molecular alterations: (1) somatic BRCA1/2, (2) other homologous recombination repair pathway, (3) PTEN and (4) germline BRCA1/2. The primary endpoint was a clinical benefit rate (CBR): complete response, partial response or stable disease ≥24 weeks. 79 patients with a median of 4 lines of therapy were enrolled. CBR for cohorts 1–4 were: 32.5%, 19.7%, 9.4% and 30.6%, respectively. PTEN mutations correlated with reduced survival and a trend towards shorter time to progression.Talazoparib demonstrated clinical benefit in selected DDR-altered patients. PTEN mutations/loss patients derived limited clinical benefit. Further study is needed to determine whether PTEN is prognostic or predictive of response to PARP inhibitors.
AIPHAD, an active learning web application for visual understanding of phase diagrams
Authors: Tamura Ryo , Morito Haruhiko , Deffrennes Guillaume , Naito Masanobu , Nose Yoshitaro , Abe Taichi , Terayama Kei
Published: July 2024

Phase diagrams provide considerable information that is vital for materials exploration. However, the determination of multidimensional phase diagrams typically requires a significant investment of time, cost, and human resources owing to the necessity of numerous experiments or simulations. Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques present a viable solution for expediting phase diagrams investigations. Additionally, effective visualization is critical for understanding phase diagrams. This study reports the development of AIPHAD (Artificial Intelligence technique for PHAse Diagram), an open-source web application to assist in the investigation and visual understanding of phase diagrams using active learning. AIPHAD employs PDC (Phase Diagram Construction) algorithm, which operates on the principle of uncertainty sampling in active learning. The AIPHAD application facilitates the examination of five diagram types: two-variable diagrams, three-variable diagrams, ternary sections, ternary phase diagrams, and quaternary sections. The efficacy of the application is demonstrated in the study of the Fe-Ti-Sn ternary system, where it efficiently identified the presence of the Heusler phase. The integration of machine learning tools with traditional materials science approaches showcased in this study has the potential to drive groundbreaking advancements in materials exploration and discovery.
Lanthanide-based nanothermometers for bioapplications: excitation and temperature sensing in optical transparency windows
Authors: Jurga Natalia , Runowski Marcin , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: July 2024

Review article summarizing the current state of knowledge on remote optical nanothermometers based on the properties of lanthanide ions, both excitable and emitting within the biological windows range.
Impact of morphological features and chemical composition of tendon biomimetic scaffolds on immune recognition via Toll-like receptors
Authors: Gil-Cantero Sara , Iorio Francesco , Unalan Irem , Kurtuldu Fatih , Künig Sarojinidevi , Wenhardt Claus , Pinnaro′ Veronica , Aigner-Radakovics Katharina , Steinberger Peter , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Stöckl Johannes
Published: July 2024

This work demonstrates that scaffolds’ fiber alignment has an impact on the immune recognition of the scaffolds and presents TLR reporter cells as a simple and fast read out system for analyzing the recognition of the scaffolds by TLRs.
ZIF-8 pyrolized N-doped carbon-supported iron catalysts for enhanced CO2 hydrogenation activity to valuable hydrocarbons
Authors: Deng Chao , Wang Xu , Chen Xixi , Gao Ruxing , Zhang Leiyu , Zhang Chundong , Jun Ki-Won , Kim Seok Ki , Wan Hui , Guan Guofeng
Published: July 2024

The N atom in the nitrogen-doped carbon materials can promote the adsorption and conversion of CO2. In addition, as a bridge between N and Fe, the degree of graphitization of carbon supports significantly affects the electron transfer process.
Zeolite-based materials eliminating nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs): advances and future perspectives
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Xin Ying , Yu Long , Liu Shuai , Han Dongxu , Jia Junxiu , Wang Jin , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: July 2024

Advances and future perspectives of zeolite-based materials in adsorption and catalytic conversion of NOx and VOCs were reported.
A critical review investigating the use of nanoparticles in cosmetic skin products
Authors: Piluk Thipphathong (Dorothy) , Faccio Greta , Letsiou Sophia , Liang Robert , Freire-Gormaly Marina
Published: July 2024

This review article focuses on current cosmetic ingredients claiming a nano nature, the unique characteristics of nanomaterials and their behaviour on the skin, how they can be suitable for natural cosmetics and nanocosmetic environmental fate.
Phase and frequency-resolved microscopy of operating spin Hall nano-oscillator arrays
Authors: Alemán A. , Awad A. A. , Muralidhar S. , Khymyn R. , Kumar A. , Houshang A. , Hanstorp D. , Åkerman J.
Published: July 2024

An efficient platform to perform phase imaging and individual nano-addressing for application in novel SHNO-based computing devices.
Improved electrochemical reduction of CO2 to syngas with a highly exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene–gold composite
Authors: Krishnan Murugan , Vijayaprabhakaran Aathilingam , Kathiresan Murugavel
Published: July 2024

Transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals via electroreduction presents a sustainable and viable approach to mitigating excess CO2 in the atmosphere.
Trimethylguanosine cap-fluorescent molecular rotor (TMG–FMR) conjugates are potent, specific snurportin1 ligands enabling visualization in living cells
Authors: Surynt Piotr , Wojtczak Blazej A. , Chrominski Mikolaj , Panecka-Hofman Joanna , Kwapiszewska Karina , Kalwarczyk Tomasz , Kubacka Dorota , Spiewla Tomasz , Kasprzyk Renata , Holyst Robert , Kowalska Joanna , Jemielity Jacek
Published: July 2024

The synthesis of TMG cap–FMR conjugates and their evaluation as molecular probes with nanomolar affinity for snurportin1.
Revealing the effect of templates on atomic scale ordering and the hydrophilic properties of aluminophosphates
Authors: Pace Ludovica , Dib Eddy , Honorato-Piva Diogenes , Ruaux Valérie , Vicente Aurelie , Mintova Svetlana
Published: July 2024

The atomic-scale ordering induced by templates leads to significant differences in the hydrophilic properties of AFI zeotypes.
A sustainable methodology employing the extract of red dragon fruit peel as a fluorescence probe for detection of indigo carmine (E132) in food samples: evaluation of the method's greenness, whiteness, and blueness
Authors: Salem AlSalem Huda , Alharbi Sara Naif , Al-Goul Soha Talal , Katamesh Noha S. , Abdel-Lateef Mohamed A.
Published: July 2024

Utilizing the extract of red dragon fruit peel for the development of a sustainable and green spectrofluorimetric method for the detection of indigo carmine in food samples based on the inner filter effect.
Fabrication of a free-standing Ti3C2Tx-PTh counter electrode via interfacial polymerization for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Nagalingam Suruthi Priya , Pandiaraj Saravanan , Alzahrani Khalid E. , Alodhayb Abdullah. N. , Grace Andrews Nirmala
Published: July 2024

The current work involves the fabrication of a MXene-Polythiophene (Ti3C2Tx-PTh) composite via interfacial polymerization, alongside its deployment as a counter electrode (CE) or photocathode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Expanded graphite with boron-doping for cathode materials of high-capacity and stable aluminum ion batteries
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhao Ruirui , Chen Yong P.
Published: July 2024

B− doping induces layer spacing enlarging of expanded graphite, which accelerates the AlCl4− ion and electron diffusion and improves specific capacity.
Iron-based metal–organic framework/graphene oxide composite electrodes for efficient flow-injection amperometric detection of dexamethasone
Authors: Jakkrawhad Chanida , Makkliang Fonthip , Nurerk Piyaluk , Siaj Mohamed , Poorahong Sujittra
Published: July 2024

A highly stable flow-injection amperometric sensor for dexamethasone (DEX) was developed using a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified with Fe-based metal organic frameworks, MIL-100(Fe) and graphene oxide composite materials (MIL-100(Fe)/GO).
Dynamics of CH/n hydrogen bond networks probed by time-resolved CARS spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Hanlin , Deng Xinyu , Yakovlev Vladislav V. , Zhang Delong
Published: July 2024

Vibrational dephasing spectroscopy reveals a new percolation threshold in CH/n hydrogen bond networks.
Vesicular neurotransmitters exocytosis monitored by amperometry: theoretical quantitative links between experimental current spikes shapes and intravesicular structures
Authors: Dannaoui Reina , Hu Ren , Hu Lihui , Tian Zhong-Qun , Svir Irina , Huang Wei-Hua , Amatore Christian , Oleinick Alexander
Published: July 2024

Single-cell amperometry: theoretical analysis of individual exocytotic spikes with two-exponential decay tails provides insights into intravesicular structure.
An interfacial host–guest inclusion complex regulated supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogel showing tunable mechanical strength, self-healing, strain sensitivity and NIR responsiveness
Authors: Yang Yuxuan , Huang Yingying , Chen Hongyi , Liu Simin , Zhang Xiongzhi
Published: July 2024

The development of supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogels with good mechanical properties and multifunctional characteristics remains challenging.
Interfacial insights for divergent dendrite formation mechanisms in lithium and magnesium anodes
Authors: Chen Hong-Kai , Tian Hong-Kang
Published: July 2024

Impact of SEI component variability in Li and Mg anodes on dendrite formation: influences of plating tendency and electron transfer.
High-entropy configuration of O3-type layered transition-metal oxide cathode with high-voltage stability for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Lei , Xin Yuhang , Wang Yingshuai , Ding Xiangyu , Zhou Qingbo , Wang Ziye , Huang Weiqing , Gao Hongcai
Published: July 2024

The O3-type cathode of NaNi0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2 stands out for its remarkable theoretical capacity, straightforward production process, affordability, and ecological compatibility for sodium-ion batteries.
Investigation of local structure and phase recovery in an irradiated Nd2Zr2O7 pyrochlore
Authors: Singh Yogendar , Sharma S. K. , Kumar Vivek , Rajput Parasmani , Manna Gouranga , Kulriya P. K.
Published: July 2024

SHI irradiation-induced order–disorder transition in an Nd2Zr2O7 pyrochlore is observed by XRD and XAS measurements. The recrystallization of the irradiated phase was observed as a result of thermal annealing.
Ionized gas in quiescent galaxies: Temperature measurement and constraint on the ionization source
Authors: Lee Man-Yin Leo , Yan Renbin , Ji Xihan , Algodon Gerome , Westfall Kyle , Lin Zesen , Belfiore Francesco , Bundy Kevin
Published: July 2024

In non-star-forming, passively evolving galaxies, regions with emission lines dominated by low-ionization species are classified as low-ionization emission regions (LIERs). The ionization mechanism behind such regions has long been a mystery. Active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which were once believed to be the source, have been found not to be the dominant mechanism, especially in regions distant from the galaxy nuclei. The remaining candidates, photoionization by post-asymptotic giant branch (pAGB) stars and interstellar shocks can only be distinguished with in-depth analysis. As the temperature predictions of these two models differ, temperature measurements can provide strong constraints on this puzzle. We selected a sample of 2795 quiescent red-sequence galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV) Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey. We divided the sample spectra into three groups based on the [N II]/Hα flux ratio, and utilized stacking techniques to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the observed spectra. We determined the temperature of [O III], [N II], [S II], and [O II] through their temperature-sensitive emission line ratios. Subsequently, we compared the measured temperatures with predictions from different models. The results demonstrate consistency with the interstellar shock model with pre-shock density n = 1 cm−3 and solar metallicity, thus supporting shocks as the dominant ionization source of LIERs. Additionally, we also find that the interstellar dust extinction value measured through the Balmer decrement appears to be larger than that implied by the forbidden line ratios of low-ionization lines.
The IACOB project
Authors: Negueruela I. , Simón-Díaz S. , de Burgos A. , Casasbuenas A. , Beck P. G.
Published: July 2024

Context. With the advent of large spectroscopic surveys, automated stellar parameter determination has become commonplace. Nevertheless, spectral classification still offers a quick and useful alternative for obtaining parameter estimates for large samples of spectra of varying quality.

Aims. We present a new atlas of stellar spectra covering the B-type range, with the intention of providing detailed classification criteria valid for modern spectra and improving the grid of reliable standards. This new grid will be used in future works to provide classification criteria beyond the classical classification range and addressing, in particular, the use of Gaia/RVS spectra.

Methods. We analysed historical standards by means of multiple high-resolution spectra, marking out problematic cases and complementing the grid with a new set of reliable comparators. We then elaborated on a new set of classification criteria based on high-quality R = 4000 spectra.

Results. Our new classification grid is much thicker than any previous set of standards, presenting a high degree of self-consistency. Although it is based entirely on morphological criteria, the grid demonstrates a much better correlation with different physical parameters.

Conclusions. The new grid can be used to study classification criteria in other spectral ranges, providing a valuable tool for the study of B-type stars that covers a very wide range of temperatures, luminosities, and stellar masses. The very process of classification also offers valuable insights into stellar evolution.