bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Asian giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii
Authors: Hong Xiaoyou , Liu Haiyang , Wang Yakun , Li Mingzhi , Ji Liqin , Wang Kaikuo , Wei Chengqing , Li Wei , Chen Chen , Yu Lingyun , Zhu Xinping , Liu Xiaoli
Published: November 2023

The Asian giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii is one of the largest aquatic turtles in China and has been designated a First Grade Protected Animal in China. To advance conservation research, a combination of Illumina short-read, PacBio long-read, and Hi-C scaffolding technologies was used to develop a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for P. cantorii. A total of 262.77 Gb of clean data were produced (121.6 × depth) and then the genome was assembled into 2.16 Gb with a contig N50 of 41.44 Mb and scaffold N50 length of 120.17 Mb, respectively. Moreover, about 99.98% assembly genome sequences were clustered and ordered onto 33 pseudochromosomes. Genome annotation revealed that 21,833 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 96.40% of them were annotated. This new chromosome-level assembly will be an enabling resource for genetic and genomic studies to support fundamental insight into P. cantorii biology.
Sequence optimized diagnostic assay for Ebola virus detection
Authors: Koehler Jeffrey W. , Stefan Christopher P. , Hall Adrienne T. , Delp Korey L. , O’Hearn Aileen E. , Taylor-Howell Cheryl L. , Wauquier Nadia , Schoepp Randal J. , Minogue Timothy D.
Published: November 2023

Rapid pathogen identification is a critical first step in patient isolation, treatment, and controlling an outbreak. Real-time PCR is a highly sensitive and specific approach commonly used for infectious disease diagnostics. However, mismatches in the primer or probe sequence and the target organism can cause decreased sensitivity, assay failure, and false negative results. Limited genomic sequences for rare pathogens such as Ebola virus (EBOV) can negatively impact assay performance due to undiscovered genetic diversity. We previously developed and validated several EBOV assays prior to the 2013–2016 EBOV outbreak in West Africa, and sequencing EBOV Makona identified sequence variants that could impact assay performance. Here, we assessed the impact sequence mismatches have on EBOV assay performance, finding one or two primer or probe mismatches resulted in a range of impact from minimal to almost two log sensitivity reduction. Redesigning this assay improved detection of all EBOV variants tested. Comparing the performance of the new assay with the previous assays across a panel of human EBOV samples confirmed increased assay sensitivity as reflected in decreased Cq values with detection of three positive that tested negative with the original assay.
Preclinical evaluation of [58mCo]Co-DOTA-PSMA-617 for Auger electron therapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Baun Christina , Dam Johan Hygum , Hildebrandt Malene Grubbe , Ewald Jesper Dupont , Kristensen Bjarne Winther , Gammelsrød Vigga Sand , Olsen Birgitte Brinkmann , Thisgaard Helge
Published: November 2023

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), highly expressed in prostate cancer, is a promising target for radionuclide therapy. Auger electron-emitting radionuclides are well suited for targeted radionuclide therapy if they can be delivered close to the DNA of the targeted cells. This preclinical study evaluated the theranostic pair [55/58mCo]Co-DOTA-PSMA-617 for PET imaging and Auger electron therapy of prostate cancer. [58mCo]Co-DOTA-PSMA-617 was successfully prepared with > 99% radiochemical yield and purity. In vitro, uptake and subcellular distribution assays in PSMA-positive prostate cancer cells showed PSMA-specific uptake with high cell-associated activity in the nucleus. Incubation with [58mCo]Co-DOTA-PSMA-617 reduced cell viability and clonogenic survival in a significant dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Biodistribution of xenografted mice showed high specific tumor uptake of the cobalt-labeled PSMA ligand for all time points with rapid clearance from normal tissues, which PET imaging confirmed. In vivo, therapy with [58mCo]Co-DOTA-PSMA-617 in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated significantly increased median survival for treated mice compared to control animals (p = 0.0014). In conclusion, [55/58mCo]Co-DOTA-PSMA-617 displayed excellent in vitro and in vivo properties, offering significant survival benefits in mice with no observed toxicities.
The effectiveness of hot-air, infrared and hybrid drying techniques for lemongrass: appearance acceptability, essential oil yield, and volatile compound preservation
Authors: Setareh Roghayeh , Mohammadi-Ghermezgoli Khosro , Ghaffari-Setoubadi Hossein , Alizadeh-Salteh Saeideh
Published: November 2023

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb with lengthy, thin leaves that contains myrcene (an aromatic compound) as well as citral and geraniol (antimicrobial compounds). Therefore, identifying an appropriate drying method for this plant is crucial for maintaining aromatic and antimicrobial compounds and enhancing the shelf life of the product. This investigation seeks to assess the influence of various drying tactics involving hot air at temperatures of 40, 50, and 60 °C, infrared radiation at intensities of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.8 $$\mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$$

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cm

2

, sequential hot-air/infrared, as well as simultaneous hot air-infrared, on the drying mechanism, color, appearance, yield, and essential oil constituents of lemongrass leaves, with the objective of enhancing the marketability of the product. The essential oils of lemongrass were extracted through the process of hydro-distillation, and subsequently, the volatile compounds present were analyzed using Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The findings indicated: (a) The most appropriate technique for preserving optimal color quality of lemongrass leaves was through the application of hot air drying solely at a temperature of 60 °C; (b) To optimize the retention and amplification of the essential oil content in lemongrass, our study recommends the employment of a simultaneous hybrid drying technique involving hot air drying at a temperature of 50 °C in conjunction with infrared drying set at a radiation intensity level of 0.6 $$\mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$$

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cm

2

; and (c) The data analysis demonstrated that in order to achieve elevated levels of volatile compounds, specifically neral and geranial, infrared drying with a radiation intensity of 0.6 and 0.8 $$\mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$$

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cm

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, respectively, was found to be optimal.
Extended methods for spatial cell classification with DBSCAN-CellX
Authors: Küchenhoff Leonie , Lukas Pascal , Metz-Zumaran Camila , Rothhaar Paul , Ruggieri Alessia , Lohmann Volker , Höfer Thomas , Stanifer Megan L. , Boulant Steeve , Talemi Soheil Rastgou , Graw Frederik
Published: November 2023

Local cell densities and positioning within cellular monolayers and stratified epithelia have important implications for cell interactions and the functionality of various biological processes. To analyze the relationship between cell localization and tissue physiology, density-based clustering algorithms, such as DBSCAN, allow for a detailed characterization of the spatial distribution and positioning of individual cells. However, these methods rely on predefined parameters that influence the outcome of the analysis. With varying cell densities in cell cultures or tissues impacting cell sizes and, thus, cellular proximities, these parameters need to be carefully chosen. In addition, standard DBSCAN approaches generally come short in appropriately identifying individual cell positions. We therefore developed three extensions to the standard DBSCAN-algorithm that provide: (i) an automated parameter identification to reliably identify cell clusters, (ii) an improved identification of cluster edges; and (iii) an improved characterization of the relative positioning of cells within clusters. We apply our novel methods, which are provided as a user-friendly OpenSource-software package (DBSCAN-CellX), to cellular monolayers of different cell lines. Thereby, we show the importance of the developed extensions for the appropriate analysis of cell culture experiments to determine the relationship between cell localization and tissue physiology.
Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and fasting blood glucose in osteoporosis patients
Authors: Ye Yao-wei , Lu Ke , Yin Yi , Yang Xu-feng , Xu Si-ming , Xu Min-zhe , Shi Qin , Gong Ya-qin
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis (OP) is often associated with other complications, such as impaired glucose homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency is common and has been linked to bone metabolism and the regulation of blood sugar levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) in a group of patients diagnosed with OP. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study from a prospectively collected database at our tertiary referral center. Consecutive 2084 OP patients who were hospitalization were finally analyzed in this study. FBG is the dependent variable, serum 25(OH)D level of OP patients is exposure variable of this study. There was a linear significantly negative association between serum 25(OH)D and FBG (β, − 0.02; 95% CI − 0.03 to − 0.01; P = 0.0011) in the fully adjusted models. Specifically, when serum 25(OH)D level was less than 23.39 ng/mL, FBG decreased by 0.04 mmol/L for every 1 ng/mL increase of serum 25(OH)D level. When serum 25(OH)D was greater than 23.39 ng/ mL, the negative association was insignificant (P = 0.9616). If the association is confirmed, the clinical management of blood glucose in OP patients with serum 25(OH)D deficiency has instructive implications.
Effect of He2+ ion irradiation on the mechanical properties of automated fibre placement (AFP) CF-PEEK thermoplastics composites
Authors: Oromiehie Ebrahim , Nair Vishnu , Short Ken , Wei Tao , Bhattacharyya Dhriti , Prusty B. Gangadhara
Published: November 2023

Carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) composites have gained significant usage across diverse industries like automotive and aerospace due to their desirable characteristics. These properties encompass recyclability, low density, high strength, wear resistance and thermal stability. The components made from CF-PEEK composites for space applications will be subjected to a high radiation environment due to the incoming cosmic rays, comprising protons, α particles, electrons, γ rays, etc., once they escape the Earth’s atmosphere. The ion irradiation of CF-PEEK is accompanied by radiation-induced effects, which drastically change the structure and properties of irradiated material. Since the resistance of CF-PEEK to radiation damage has not been studied extensively, this study aims to understand the effect of high-energy He2+ ions on the microstructure and properties of CF-PEEK composites manufactured using automated fibre placement (AFP) under different processing conditions. The samples have been radiated with 5 MeV He2+ ions using an energy degrader wheel to create a layer with relatively uniform damage. Then, were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy and their hardness was evaluated using nanoindentation. It was observed that, irradiation increases the hardness of the fibres in all cases. Also, fibre orientation affects the hardness in a statistically significant manner in both unirradiated and irradiated conditions.
Digital media exposure and cognitive functioning in European children and adolescents of the I.Family study
Authors: Sina Elida , Buck Christoph , Ahrens Wolfgang , Coumans Juul M. J. , Eiben Gabriele , Formisano Annarita , Lissner Lauren , Mazur Artur , Michels Nathalie , Molnar Dénes , Moreno Luis A. , Pala Valeria , Pohlabeln Hermann , Reisch Lucia , Tornaritis Michael , Veidebaum Toomas , Hebestreit Antje ,   I. Family consortium
Published: November 2023

The digital environment can pose health risks through exposure to unhealthy content. Yet, little is known about its relation to children’s cognitive functioning. This study investigates the association between digital media (DM) exposure and children’s cognitive functioning. This cross-sectional study is based on examinations of children aged 8–18 years (N = 8673) of the I.Family cohort (2013–2014). Exposure to television, computer, smartphone and internet was self-reported (hours/day). Media multitasking (MMT) was defined as simultaneous use of computers with other digital or non-screen-based activities. Standard instruments were used to assess cognitive inflexibility (score: 0–39), decision-making ability (− 100 to + 100) and impulsivity (12–48). Adjusted regression coefficients and 99.9%CIs were calculated by generalized linear mixed-effects models. In total, 3261 participants provided data for impulsivity, 3441 for cognitive inflexibility and 4046 for decision-making. Exposure to smartphones and media multitasking were positively associated with impulsivity (βsmartphone = 0.74; 99.9%CI = 0.42–1.07; βMMT = 0.73; 99.9%CI = 0.35–1.12) and cognitive inflexibility (βsmartphone = 0.32; 99.9%CI = -0.02–0.66; βMMT = 0.39; 99.9%CI = 0.01–0.77) while being inversely associated with decision-making ability. Extensive smartphone/internet exposure combined with low computer/medium TV exposure was associated with higher impulsivity and cognitive inflexibility scores, especially in girls. DM exposure is adversely associated with cognitive functioning in children and adolescents. Children require protection against the likely adverse impact of digital environment.
Transcriptomic analyses reveal proinflammatory activation of human brain microvascular endothelial cells by aging-associated peptide medin and reversal by nanoliposomes
Authors: Zhang Yining , Karamanova Nina , Morrow Kaleb T. , Madine Jillian , Truran Seth , Lozoya Maria , Weissig Volkmar , Li Ming , Nikkhah Mehdi , Park Jin G. , Migrino Raymond Q.
Published: November 2023

Medin is a common vascular amyloidogenic peptide recently implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia and its pathology remains unknown. We aim to identify changes in transcriptomic profiles and pathways in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) exposed to medin, compare that to exposure to β-amyloid (Aβ) and evaluate protection by monosialoganglioside-containing nanoliposomes (NL). HBMVECs were exposed for 20 h to medin (5 µM) without or with Aβ(1-42) (2 µM) or NL (300 µg/mL), and RNA-seq with signaling pathway analyses were performed. Separately, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of select identified genes was done in HBMVECs treated with medin (5 µM) without or with NFκB inhibitor RO106-9920 (10 µM) or NL (300 µg/mL). Medin caused upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes that was not aggravated by Aβ42 co-treatment but reversed by NL. Pathway analysis on differentially expressed genes revealed multiple pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the nuclear factor-κB (NFkB) signaling pathways, were affected specifically by medin treatment. RO106-9920 and NL reduced medin-induced pro-inflammatory activation. Medin induced endothelial cell pro-inflammatory signaling in part via NFκB that was reversed by NL. This could have potential implications in the pathogenesis and treatment of vascular aging, AD and vascular dementia.
The influence of nano filter elements on pressure drop and pollutant elimination efficiency in town border stations
Authors: Heris Saeed Zeinali , Ebadiyan Hamed , Mousavi Seyed Borhan , Nami Shamin Hosseini , Mohammadpourfard Mousa
Published: November 2023

Natural gas stands as the most ecologically sustainable fossil fuel, constituting nearly 25% of worldwide primary energy utilization and experiencing rapid expansion. This article offers an extensive comparative analysis of nano filter elements, focusing on pressure drop and pollutant removal efficiency. The primary goal was to assess the superior performance of nano filter elements and their suitability as an alternative for Town Border Station (TBS). The research encompassed a six-month examination period, involving routine pressure assessments, structural examinations, and particle characterization of the filter elements. The results revealed that nano filters showed better performance in adsorbing aluminum than conventional filters, possibly due to their cartridge composition. Nano filters contained phosphorus, sulfur, and copper, while conventional filters lacked these elements. The disparity can be attributed to the finer mesh of the nano filter, capturing smaller pollutants. Although the nano filter had minimal silicon, the conventional filter showed some, posing concerns. Despite having 19 extra pleats, the nano filter maintained gas flow pressure while capturing more particles than the conventional filter.
Research on the mathematical model and design of a three loop controller for the oscillating scanning system of a laser line scanning galvanometer
Authors: Du Xiaoyan , Li Jianying , Zhao Wenjie
Published: November 2023

The scanning vibration mirror system drives the scanning mirror fixed to it through the oscillation of the motor shaft, so as to control the reflected light to form a dynamic variable light path. The vibration mirror scanning system has higher controllability than the fixed optical path system and has been widely used.In this dissertation, after establishing the models of the core components of the scanning vibration mirror system, the mathematical model of the whole system is established.On this basis, simulation and theoretical analysis show that the system has some shortcomings, such as small bandwidth, low dynamic tracking accuracy, and the comprehensive dynamic performance of the system is easily affected by the input of external interference branches. A series correction controller and three closed-loop controller are designed for the above problems, respectively, and the control effects of the two controllers on the scanning vibration mirror system are studied through simulation experiments. By comparing the output response results of the system under the action of sinusoidal signals of different frequencies, it can be seen that the comprehensive effect of the three closed-loop controllers is better. Under the action of step signals, the overshoot of the three closed-loop correction controller correction system is 21.5% higher than that of the series controller correction system, the adjustment time is 82.7% less, and the steady-state error is significantly smaller. Therefore, it indicates that the three closed-loop correction system has good rapidity and steady-state accuracy.
Causal effect of gut microbiota on DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yedong , Chen Xiaoyun , Ye Jingwen , Yi Huan , Zheng Xiangqin
Published: November 2023

The causal relationship between gut microbiota and DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration remains unclear. This study aims to examine the causal effect of gut microbiota on the acceleration of DNA methylation phenotypic age using Mendelian randomization. A total of 212 gut microbiota were included in this study, and their 16S rRNA sequencing data were obtained from the Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) database. The GWAS data corresponding to DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration were selected as the outcome variable. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) was conducted using R software. During the analysis process, careful consideration was given to address potential biases arising from linkage disequilibrium and weak instrumental variables. The results from inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis revealed significant associations (P < 0.05) between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) corresponding to 16 gut microbiota species and DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration. Out of the total, 12 gut microbiota species exhibited consistent and robust causal effects. Among them, 7 displayed a significant positive correlation with the outcome while 5 species showed a significant negative correlation with the outcome. This study utilized Mendelian randomization to unravel the intricate causal effects of various gut microbiota species on DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration.
To what extent can the ozone valley over the Tibetan Plateau influence the East Asian summer precipitation?
Authors: Zhu Lingaona , Wu Zhiwei
Published: November 2023

The ozone valley over the Tibetan Plateau (OVTP) has experienced significant interannual variations during the past decades. Previous studies have primarily focused on the origins of OVTP rather than its climate impact. This study reveals that OVTP during its peak season (May–July) explains up to 15% of the summer precipitation variability in East Asia. The results suggest that the surface temperature (Ts) anomaly over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) acts as a link between OVTP and East Asian precipitation. Through the positive land-atmosphere feedback, the Ts anomaly over the TP is amplified. The anomalous Ts pattern persists into summer (June–August) due to the land memory effect and impacts the East Asian precipitation by modulating the local circulation. The Specified-Chemistry version of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model is employed to validate that MJJ OVTP results in a substantial increase of Ts over TP and induces an anomalous anti-cyclone centered over the Yangtze-Huaihe River Basin during summer. Consequently, negative precipitation anomalies are observed in the Yangtze River Basin, while positive precipitation anomalies occur in Southern China. The linear baroclinic model further demonstrates that the diabatic heating over the TP serves as the link between MJJ OVTP and East Asian summer precipitation patterns. Our analysis of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models reveals that a more accurate prediction of East Asian precipitation requires an improved understanding of the relationship between OVTP and TP Ts.
Convection-permitting simulations reveal expanded rainfall extremes of tropical cyclones affecting South Korea due to anthropogenic warming
Authors: Lee Minkyu , Min Seung-Ki , Cha Dong-Hyun
Published: November 2023

Understanding how global warming affects tropical cyclone (TC) intensity and precipitation for target regions is essential to preparing for associated damages but detailed processes remain uncertain. This study provides the first quantification of anthropogenic influences on TC characteristics affecting South Korea using convection-permitting model (CPM) simulations (3 km resolution). For the observed four recent TCs that strongly affected South Korea, CPM simulations were performed under current (ALL) and counterfactual conditions without human influences (NAT). The observed sea surface temperature and lateral boundary conditions were used for ALL while changes attributable to human influences (estimated using CMIP6 multimodel simulations) were removed from observed boundary conditions for NAT runs. ALL experiments captured the observed TC intensity and precipitation reasonably. After removing human influences, TC intensity and precipitation were reduced in NAT experiments. Importantly, areas with extreme precipitation (i.e., having precipitation larger than 150 mm) were found to expand by 16–37% in ALL compared to NAT, which was induced by an enhanced upward motion near the TC core and an increase of background water vapor in line with warming. Further, the role of increased moisture was found to become important as TC moves to mid-latitudes. This study provides valuable insights into how greenhouse warming can intensify TC-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia.
Steady global surface warming from 1973 to 2022 but increased warming rate after 1990
Authors: Samset B. H. , Zhou C. , Fuglestvedt J. S. , Lund M. T. , Marotzke J. , Zelinka M. D.
Published: November 2023

The change in global mean surface temperature is a crucial and broadly used indicator of the evolution of climate change. Any decadal scale changes in warming rate are however obfuscated by internal variability. Here we show that the surface temperature increase through the recent La Nina influenced years (2022) is consistent with the 50-year trend of 0.18 °C/decade. We use an Earth System Model based tool to filter out modulations to the warming rate by sea-surface temperature patterns and find consistent warming rates in four major global temperature data series. However, we also find clear indications, in all observational series, of a step-up in warming rate since around 1990. CMIP6 models generally do not capture this observed combination of long-term warming rate and recent increase.
NMR Study of the Structure and Dynamics of Chaperone–Client Complexes
Authors: Saio T.
Published: November 2023

Recent technical developments in solution NMR have increased the understanding of molecular chaperones. Increased structural information on chaperone–client protein complexes at atomic resolution has unveiled the mechanisms underlying the recognition of client proteins by molecular chaperones. Furthermore, understanding of the dynamics and kinetics of chaperone–client complexes has highlighted the effect of chaperones on the folding properties of client proteins. This chapter summarizes recent advancements in NMR studies of molecular chaperones and chaperone–client protein complexes.
Visualization of Chaperone Mediated Protein Folding Using X-ray Crystallography
Authors: Wu K. , Horowitz S. , Bardwell J. C. A.
Published: November 2023

How chaperones affect the structure of their substrate proteins is a central question in chaperone biology. There have been some successes in using crystallography to elucidate chaperone complexes. However, given the heterogenous and at least partially disordered nature of chaperone–substrate interactions, this question has often proven to be very difficult to address using conventional crystallographic approaches. While a few chaperone–client structures have been solved, those solved at high resolution often involve short peptides or fully folded proteins serving as substrates, both of which may not adequately reflect the physiological nature of chaperone substrates. Recently a crystallographic approach using heavy atom derivatives has allowed the tracking of multiple conformations of substrates bound to a chaperone. This chapter tracks the successes and challenges of crystallography on chaperone:substrate complexes and comments on the suitability of the approach in the future.
Probing Single Chaperone Substrates
Authors: Wruck F. , Avellaneda M. J. , Naqvi M. M. , Koers E. J. , Till K. , Gross L. , Moayed F. , Roland A. , Heling L. W. H. J. , Mashaghi A. , Tans S. J.
Published: November 2023

Regulating protein states is considered the core function of chaperones. However, despite their importance to all major cellular processes, the conformational changes that chaperones impart on polypeptide chains are difficult to study directly due to their heterogeneous, dynamic, and multi-step nature. Here, we review recent advances towards this aim using single-molecule manipulation methods, which are rapidly revealing new mechanisms of conformational control and helping to define a different perspective on the chaperone function.
Ammonium fluoride additive-modified interphase chemistry stabilizes zinc anodes in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Xian , Fu Qingjin , Qu Haotian , Borowiec Joanna , Isaacs Mark , Zhou Guangmin , Parkin Ivan P. , He Guanjie
Published: November 2023

NH4F is reported as an effective electrolyte additive to realize high-performance zinc electrodeposition in aqueous electrolytes.
Silver(i) coordination polymers of trans-5-styrylpyrimidine – from structural diversity to solid-state reactivity under sunlight
Authors: Baig K. Mohamed Yusuf , Kole Goutam Kumar
Published: November 2023

Structural diversity and sunlight driven solid state photo-reactivity of a series of one-dimensional silver(i) coordination polymers of trans-5-styrylpyrimidine are demonstrated.
A microfluidic labyrinth self-assembled by a chemical garden
Authors: Testón-Martínez Sergio , Huertas-Roldán Teresa , Knoll Pamela , Barge Laura M. , Sainz-Díaz C. Ignacio , Cartwright Julyan H. E.
Published: November 2023

A chemical-garden reaction in 2D self-assembles a controllable bubble-guided microfluidic labyrinth.
The search for a maximum of the D–π–A paradigm for second order nonlinear optical molecular materials
Authors: Yang Cui-Cui , Su Xiao , Zheng Qi-Zheng , Chen Jiu , Tian Wei Quan , Li Wei-Qi , Yang Ling
Published: November 2023

The proposed D–π–A molecule design protocol through frontier molecular orbital matching based on molecular orbital theory provides an effective means to design novel high-performance nonlinear and optoelectronic molecular functional materials.
High pressure behaviour of the organic semiconductor salt (TTF-BTD)2I3
Authors: Montisci Fabio , Lanza Arianna , Fisch Martin , Sonneville Camille , Geng Yan , Decurtins Silvio , Reber Christian , Liu Shi-Xia , Macchi Piero
Published: November 2023

The high pressure form of the organic semiconductor (TTF-BTD)2I3 is analysed with Raman and XRD and theoretical approaches. Although experimentally a very high-pressure form cannot be obtained, theory predicts the dimerization of TTF-BTD cations.
Synchrotron macro ATR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy to unlock silver ion-induced biochemical alterations in bacteria
Authors: Nguyen Tien Thanh , Nguyen Ngoc Huu , Pham Giang Tuyet , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Brown Melissa H. , Truong Vi Khanh , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: November 2023

The use of synchrotron macro ATR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy to reveal the antibacterial mechanism of silver ions against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Electron/hole piezocatalysis in chemical reactions
Authors: Asgari Shadi , Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Badiei Alireza , Iravani Siavash
Published: November 2023

This review provides an overview of different piezoelectric materials and the latest studies regarding piezoelectrically mediated organic synthesis, polymerization/crosslinking, water splitting, and water remediation.
Momentum and thickness dependent excitonic and plasmonic properties of 2D h-BN and MoS2 restored from supercell calculations
Authors: Yang Guang , Fan Jiachen , Gao Shang-Peng
Published: November 2023

Intrinsic excitonic and plasmonic properties of 2D h-BN and MoS2 beyond the optical limit (at finite momentum transfers) are investigated using an effective restoration procedure to eliminate the influence of artificial vacuum spacing in the periodic supercell calculations.
Tailoring oxygen vacancies and active surface oxygen species in CrOx hierarchical strawberry-type three-dimensional (3D) micro-spindle catalysts for total catalytic oxidation of VOCs
Authors: Acharyya Shankha S. , Rana Swati , Sharma Sachin K. , Poddar Mukesh K. , Kumar Vinod , Sasaki Takehiko , Ghosh Shilpi , Bal Rajaram
Published: November 2023

Developing efficient and stable non-noble metal catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has always been key for controlling air pollution.
Mechanism and kinetics of atmospheric degradation of menthol initiated by hydroxyl radical
Authors: Mano Priya Angappan , Aazaad Basheer
Published: November 2023

Menthol is a naturally occurring compound belonging to the cyclic monoterpene family and is one of the main constituents of peppermint oil, recognized worldwide as a cooling agent.
Fe, S-uniformly dispersed Ni MOFs based on FeS substrate precipitation-dissolution equilibrium for water and seawater oxidation
Authors: Xu Na , Wang Fu-Li , Han Jun-Qi , Yu Wen-Li , Li Wen-Jing , Li Yi-Chuan , Zhou Yu-Lu , Chai Yong-Ming , Dong Bin
Published: November 2023

In the pursuit of advancing electrocatalysts for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the development of nickel-based metal–organic frameworks with a judicious balance of cost-effectiveness and catalytic efficacy is of paramount importance.
Ultrathin core–shell–satellite structured Au@PtPd@Pt nanowires for superior electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Caikang , Jiang Xian , Liu Qicheng , Ding Jiaqian , Zhou Juan , Tang Yawen , Fu Gengtao , Lee Jong-Min
Published: November 2023

The rational structural and compositional design of Pt-based electrocatalysts is effective in synergizing the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of Pt for developing high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts.
Formation of charge-transfer complexes in ionic crystals composed of 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indan anion and viologens bearing alkyl chains
Authors: Saito Erika , Yamakado Ryohei , Yasuhara Taichi , Yamaguchi Hiroto , Okada Shuji , Yoshida Tsukasa
Published: November 2023

The relationship between the structure and optical properties of ion pair crystals containing 1,3-bis(dicyanomethilidene)indan anion was clarified.
Boosting the catalytic performance of a marine yeast in a SpinChem® reactor for the synthesis of perillyl alcohol
Authors: Donzella Silvia , Compagno Concetta , Molinari Francesco , Paradisi Francesca , Contente Martina Letizia
Published: November 2023

A sustainable approach for the reduction of perillaldehyde to perillyl alcohol (POH) through alginate immobilized yeast cell beads has been here developed.
Manganese-mineralized cancer cells as immunogenic cancer vaccines for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Lin Jiake , Li Benke , Zhou Yuemin , Li Chen , Cui Yihao , Tian Fengchao , Tang Ruikang , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: November 2023

Mn-mineralized tumor cells generated by reaction with KMnO4 induce strong activation of macrophages and antigen presentation of dendritic cells as a whole-cell-based cancer vaccine.
Homeopathic Medicines in the Management of Dermatophytosis (Tinea Infections): A Clinico-epidemiological Study with Pre–post Comparison Design
Authors: Dixit Ashish Kumar , Javed Danish , Srivastava Amit , Bala Renu , Giri Nibha
Published: November 2023

Background Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection of the skin and nails. Insufficient data exist regarding the clinico-epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis and the usefulness of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) for patients visiting a homeopathy outpatient department (OPD).

Objectives This article undertakes a clinico-epidemiological profiling of dermatophytosis and the usefulness of IHMs in its management.

Methods This open-label, pre–post, comparative observational study was conducted in a homeopathy OPD from November 2018 to February 2020. IHMs were prescribed based on symptom totality and repertorization. A numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) patient questionnaires were used, and results were analyzed using SPSS-IBM version 20.

Results Data from a total of 103 patients, mean age 29.65 ± 15.40 years, were analyzed. Tinea cruris was the most common infection (29.1%), followed by tinea corporis (13.6%). After 3 months of treatment, significant reductions in NRS and DLQI scores were observed (8.51 ± 1.24 to 0.59 ± 0.83, p < 0.001, and 16.28 ± 5.30 to 1.44 ± 1.56, p < 0.001, respectively), with Sepia (15.5%), Sulphur (14.6%), Calcarea carbonica (11.7%), Natrum muriaticum (9.7%) and Bacillinum (8.7%) being the most frequently prescribed medicines. There was no significant correlation between occupation, sex, home location or marital status and the clinical types of dermatophytosis. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion T. cruris and T. corporis were prevalent dermatophytic infections. The decrease in NRS and DLQI scores associated with homeopathy indicates its usefulness as an integrative treatment option for dermatophytosis. Further research in larger and more diverse population samples is needed.
Rod Migration into the Posterior Cranial Fossa after C1–C2–C3–C4 Screw Fixation: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Basankin Igor Vadimovich , Porkhanov Vladimir Alekseevich , Giulzatyan Abram Akopovich , Nesterenko Pavel Borisovich , Khurshudyan Eduard Romanovich , Tomina Marina Igorevna , Gritsaev Ivan Evgenievich , Takhmazyan Karapet Karapetovich , Malakhov Sergey Borisovich
Published: November 2023

Screw loosening, avulsion, fracture, and rod migration are mechanical complications associated with dorsal fixation of the cervical spine. These usually occur in the late postoperative period and range from 2 to 5%. In this article, we describe a rare case of rod migration into the posterior cranial fossa 4 years after C1–C2–C3–C4 screw fixation in a patient with traumatic fracture of the C2 and C3 vertebrae.
Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Feasibility of Online Survey for Postshunt Hydrocephalus Follow-Up
Authors: Dutta Hemonta Kr. , Baruah Mauchumi , Dutta Mridusmita
Published: November 2023

Objective Children with hydrocephalus need regular monitoring following shunt surgery. A parent-completed assessment tool was used successfully in follow-up of postshunt hydrocephalus children in the recent pandemic.

Methods The Ages & and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) was sent via WhatsApp to parents of 40 postventriculoperitoneal (post-VP) shunt hydrocephalus children (7–57 months). Assessment was done by the parents/guardians in five domains over a period of 3 months. The completed questionnaires were analyzed and children with below the cutoff scores were called to the hospital for further evaluations and intervention if necessary.

Result Questionnaires of 25 children were found completed and analyzed. There were 16 males and 18 children had aqueductal stenosis and 11 had meningomyelocele. Eighteen children with failed/borderline (11/7) ASQ scores were called for further evaluation and in all but one the scores obtained by the parents and clinical psychologists were found comparable. Two children needed hospital admissions for shunt revision and adjustment of anticonvulsant medicines.

Conclusion The ASQ could be a useful tool, as parents can conduct the test at home and attend clinics in case of failed or borderline scores for further developmental assessment and/or intervention. This can be used as a routine monitoring tool in other clinical situations as well.
Schwannoma-like Breast Metastasis in the Meckel Cave: Case Report
Authors: Gibbon Frederico de Lima , Vial Antônio Delacy Martini , Gago Guilherme , Magalhães Matheus Prado , Ferreira Marcelo Paglioli
Published: November 2023

Tumors of the Meckel cave are very rare lesions, especially if they are malignant. We report the case of a patient who presented with a breast metastasis in the Meckel cave and a clinical presentation similar to that of a fifth nerve schwannoma.
Alcohol Consumption and Helmet Use in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury due to Motorcycle Accident
Authors: Gonçalves Vitor de Deus da Rocha Ribeiro , Cavalcante Carlos Eduardo Cordeiro , Maia Ana Luiza Ribeiro Barroso , Sousa Raimundo Nonato Campos , Cardoso Arquimedes Cavalcante , Almeida Kelson James Silva de
Published: November 2023

Alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it has a great impact on its incidence and severity. However, studies suggest potential beneficial effects of alcohol during hospitalization and in the prognosis of moderate or severe TBI, with conflicting results. The objective of the present study was to associate alcohol consumption and helmet use in TBI patients, as well as the prognostic variables and patterns of injuries secondary to TBI. We analyzed 109 medical records of patients who suffered TBI due to a motorcycle accident. We evaluated data on alcohol consumption, helmet use, TBI severity, and tomographic findings on admission. The subjects with moderate or severe TBI were evaluated regarding hospitalization, mortality and prognosis variables. Patients who wore a helmet at the time of trauma had lower rates of skull fracture and extradural hematoma (EDH), but an increased incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Furthermore, patients with moderate or severe TBI who were those under alcohol intoxication had a greater need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and a tendency to have a lower in-hospital mortality rate and a higher score on the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS). Thus, although the consumption of alcohol has an impact on the incidence and severity of TBI at admission, it seems to be related to a lower in-hospital mortality rate and a better prognosis. In addition, helmet use is essential to prevent injuries from direct head-to-shield impact, but no similar reduction in the incidence of injuries caused by indirect forces was observed.
Neonatal and Maternal Outcomes of Pregnancies following Stillbirth
Authors: Brakewood Eleanor S. , Stoever Kara , Has Phinnara , Ayala Nina K. , Danilack-Fekete Valery A. , Savitz David , Lewkowitz Adam K.
Published: November 2023

Objective Prior stillbirth increases risk of subsequent stillbirth but has unclear effect on subsequent liveborn pregnancies. We examined associations between prior stillbirth, adverse neonatal outcomes, and maternal morbidity in subsequent liveborn pregnancies.

Study Design This is a secondary analysis of a large, National Institutes of Health-funded retrospective cohort study of parturients who delivered a singleton infant at a tertiary-care hospital from January 2002 to March 2013 and had a past medical/obstetric history of diabetic, and/or hypertensive disorders, and/or pregnancy with fetal growth restriction. Our analysis included all multiparous patients from the parent study. The primary outcome was a neonatal morbidity composite (neonatal resuscitation, neonatal birth injury, respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, hypoglycemia, sepsis). Secondary outcomes included a maternal morbidity composite (venous thromboembolism, intensive care unit admission, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis, hysterectomy, pulmonary edema, renal failure, blood transfusion), other maternal/delivery complications, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Outcomes were compared between those with versus without prior stillbirth. Negative binomial regression controlled for maternal comorbidities and delivery year.

Results Among 171 and 5,245 multiparous parturients with versus without prior stillbirth, respectively, those with prior stillbirth had higher rates of pregestational diabetes, autoimmune disease, and clotting disorders. After controlling for these differences and delivery year, infants of parturients with prior stillbirth had similar risk of composite neonatal morbidity (adjusted relative ratio [aRR] 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.45) but higher risk of NICU admission (aRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.06–1.91) compared with infants of parturients without prior stillbirth, despite delivering at similar gestational ages. Multiparous patients with prior stillbirth had equal maternal morbidity risk but higher risk of developing preeclampsia with severe features (aRR 2.11; 95% CI 1.19–3.72).

Conclusion Compared with high-risk multiparous patients without prior stillbirth, those with prior stillbirth have higher risk of NICU admission and preeclampsia with severe features.

Key Points
Preventing unwanted airflow at building doors
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: November 2023

Data-driven model more accurately predicts air-curtain performance.
Finite-time control of dual-user haptic system with online authority transfer
Authors: Liu Xia , Wu You , Yang Yong
Published: November 2023

A finite-time control method with online authority transfer is proposed for a class of dual-user haptic system (DUHS) with training tasks. An authority transfer strategy based on the error system reflecting task performance is designed to adjust the dominance factor so that the system can realize smooth online switching between different modes. Next, the desired position is defined according to the dominance factor, and then the sliding mode surface is constructed by the position tracking error to design a nonsingular terminal sliding-mode control. The stability and position tracking performance of DUHS are analyzed by Lyapunov theory, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified. The proposed method not only enables smooth online switching of task authority between the trainer and the trainee but also ensures that the position tracking error of the system converges in a finite time.
Photonic THz mixers based on iron-doped InGaAs embedded in a plasmonic microcavity
Authors: Tannoury Charbel , Merupo Victor , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Avramovic Vanessa , Troadec David , Lampin Jean-François , Ducournau Guillaume , Breuer Steffen , Globisch Björn , Barbieri Stefano , Kohlhaas Robert B. , Peytavit Emilien
Published: November 2023

We present an optoelectronic mixer for the terahertz (THz) frequency-domain based on an iron-doped InGaAs layer integrated in a plasmonic microcavity. We show that this structure, under 1550-nm-wavelength illumination, allows for more than 70% absorption efficiency in a 220 nm-thin InGaAs absorber and very high Roff/Ron >1000. It leads to THz mixers driven by 1550-nm lasers showing conversion loss as low as ∼30 dB at 300 GHz. Therefore, this design is very promising for application as receivers in high-data-rate wireless telecom, in cw-THz spectrometers, or in photonics-enabled THz spectrum analyzers.
Exploring the impact of ions on oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy in NaCl solution using the GW-Bethe-Salpeter-equation approach
Authors: Tang Fujie , Shi Kefeng , Wu Xifan
Published: November 2023

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful experimental tool to probe the local structure in materials with the core hole excitations. Here, the oxygen K-edge XAS spectra of the NaCl solution and pure water are computed by using a recently developed GW-Bethe-Salpeter equation approach, based on configurations modeled by path-integral molecular dynamics with the deep-learning technique. The neural network is trained on ab initio data obtained with strongly constrained and appropriately normed density functional theory. The observed changes in the XAS features of the NaCl solution, compared to those of pure water, are in good agreement between experimental and theoretical results. We provided detailed explanations for these spectral changes that occur when NaCl is solvated in pure water. Specifically, the presence of solvating ion pairs leads to localization of electron-hole excitons. Our theoretical XAS results support the theory that the effects of the solvating ions on the H-bond network are mainly confined within the first hydration shell of ions, however beyond the shell the arrangement of water molecules remains to be comparable to that observed in pure water.
Study of sheath properties in collisional dusty plasma with nonthermal electrons and ionization
Authors: Hu Zuozhi , Yang Shengmei , Chen Xiaochang , Chen Hui , Liu Sanqiu
Published: November 2023

The characteristic behaviors of the sheath in a collisional dusty plasma composed of nonthermal electrons, ions, neutral atoms, and negatively charged dusts are investigated. To suit the realistic environment, the ionization effect is considered. The result reveals that the peculiarities of the sheath relied on ionization frequency σ, non-thermality parameter b, and dust grains concentration μ. At the sheath edge, the requirement of ion-entering-sheath-velocity enhances with increased b and μ, conversely, reduces with the increment of σ. Nevertheless, when the ionization is pronounced, the impact of b on the Bohm velocity is almost negligible. In the sheath, the increased σ leads to the reduction of the sheath thickness, which results in the redistribution of particles densities. It is noted that ion accumulation is present near the sheath edge. As expected, the present results can give more insight into the interaction processes that happened in the plasma–wall transition region.