bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dectin-1 ligands produce distinct training phenotypes in human monocytes through differential activation of signaling networks
Authors: Cheng Quen J. , Farrell Kylie , Fenn Jeffrey , Ma Zuchao , Makanani Sara K. , Siemsen Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Cells of the innate immune system retain memory of prior exposures through a process known as innate immune training. β-glucan, a Dectin-1 ligand purified from the Candida albicans cell wall, has been one of the most widely utilized ligands for inducing innate immune training. However, many Dectin-1 ligands exist, and it is not known whether these all produce the same phenotype. Using a well-established in vitro model of innate immune training, we compared two commercially available Dectin-1 agonists, zymosan and depleted zymosan, with the gold standard β-glucan in the literature. We found that depleted zymosan, a β-glucan purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall through alkali treatment, produced near identical effects as C. albicans β-glucan. However, untreated zymosan produced a distinct training effect from β-glucans at both the transcript and cytokine level. Training with zymosan diminished, rather than potentiated, induction of cytokines such as TNF and IL-6. Zymosan activated NFκB and AP-1 transcription factors more strongly than β-glucans. The addition of the toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand Pam3CSK4 was sufficient to convert the training effect of β-glucans to a phenotype resembling zymosan. We conclude that differential activation of TLR signaling pathways determines the phenotype of innate immune training induced by Dectin-1 ligands.
An all-ultrasound cranial imaging method to establish the relationship between cranial FUS incidence angle and transcranial attenuation in non-human primates in 3D
Authors: Singh Aparna , Jiménez-Gambín Sergio , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: January 2024

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive and non-ionizing technique which deploys ultrasound waves to induce bio-effects. When paired with acoustically active particles such as microbubbles (MBs), it can open the blood brain barrier (BBB) to facilitate drug delivery otherwise inhibited due to the presence of BBB. One of the parameters that affects the FUS beam propagation is the beam incidence angle on the skull. Prior work by our group has shown that, as incidence angles deviate from 90°, FUS focal pressures attenuate and result in a smaller BBB opening volume. The incidence angles calculated in our prior studies were in 2D and used skull information from CT. The study presented herein develops methods to calculate incidence angle in 3D in non-human primate (NHP) skull fragments using harmonic ultrasound imaging without using ionizing radiation. Our results show that ultrasound harmonic imaging is capable of accurately depicting features such as sutures and eye-sockets of the skull. Furthermore, we were able to reproduce previously reported relationships between the incidence angle and FUS beam attenuation. We also show feasibility of performing ultrasound harmonic imaging in in-vivo non-human primates. The all-ultrasound method presented herein combined with our neuronavigation system stands to increase more widespread adoption of FUS and render it accessible by eliminating the need for CT cranial mapping.
Neuronal knockdown of Cullin3 as a Drosophila model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tener Samantha J. , Lin Zhi , Park Scarlet J. , Oraedu Kairaluchi , Ulgherait Matthew , Van Beek Emily , Martínez-Muñiz Andrés , Pantalia Meghan , Gatto Jared A. , Volpi Julia , Stavropoulos Nicholas , Ja William W. , Canman Julie C. , Shirasu-Hiza Mimi
Published: January 2024

Mutations in Cullin-3 (Cul3), a conserved gene encoding a ubiquitin ligase, are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we characterize ASD-related pathologies caused by neuron-specific Cul3 knockdown in Drosophila. We confirmed that neuronal Cul3 knockdown causes short sleep, paralleling sleep disturbances in ASD. Because sleep defects and ASD are linked to metabolic dysregulation, we tested the starvation response of neuronal Cul3 knockdown flies; they starved faster and had lower triacylglyceride levels than controls, suggesting defects in metabolic homeostasis. ASD is also characterized by increased biomarkers of oxidative stress; we found that neuronal Cul3 knockdown increased sensitivity to hyperoxia, an exogenous oxidative stress. Additional hallmarks of ASD are deficits in social interactions and learning. Using a courtship suppression assay that measures social interactions and memory of prior courtship, we found that neuronal Cul3 knockdown reduced courtship and learning compared to controls. Finally, we found that neuronal Cul3 depletion alters the anatomy of the mushroom body, a brain region required for memory and sleep. Taken together, the ASD-related phenotypes of neuronal Cul3 knockdown flies establish these flies as a genetic model to study molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ASD pathology, including metabolic and oxidative stress dysregulation and neurodevelopment.
Traces of EEG-fMRI coupling reveals neurovascular dynamics on sleep inertia
Authors: Wang Zhitong John , Lee Hsin-Chien , Chuang Chun-Hsiang , Hsiao Fan-Chi , Lee Shwu-Hua , Hsu Ai-Ling , Wu Changwei W.
Published: January 2024

Upon emergence from sleep, individuals experience temporary hypo-vigilance and grogginess known as sleep inertia. During the transient period of vigilance recovery from prior nocturnal sleep, the neurovascular coupling (NVC) may not be static and constant as assumed by previous neuroimaging studies. Stemming from this viewpoint of sleep inertia, this study aims to probe the NVC changes as awakening time prolongs using simultaneous EEG-fMRI. The time-lagged coupling between EEG features of vigilance and BOLD-fMRI signals, in selected regions of interest, was calculated with one pre-sleep and three consecutive post-awakening resting-state measures. We found marginal changes in EEG theta/beta ratio and spectral slope across post-awakening sessions, demonstrating alterations of vigilance during sleep inertia. Time-varying EEG-fMRI coupling as awakening prolonged was evidenced by the changing time lags of the peak correlation between EEG alpha-vigilance and fMRI-thalamus, as well as EEG spectral slope and fMRI-anterior cingulate cortex. This study provides the first evidence of potential dynamicity of NVC occurred in sleep inertia and opens new avenues for non-invasive neuroimaging investigations into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying brain state transitions.
Synthesis, toxicological and in silico evaluation of novel spiro pyrimidines against Culex pipiens L. referring to chitinase enzyme
Authors: Abbass Eslam M. , Ali Ali Khalil , El-Farargy Ahmed F. , Abdel-Haleem Doaa R. , Shaban Safaa S.
Published: January 2024

The exponential development of resistance to conventional chemical insecticides adds another important motive for the creation of novel insecticidal active agents. One of the keys to meeting this challenge is the exploration of novel classes of insecticidal molecules with different modes of action. Herein, a novel series of spiro pyrimidine derivatives was prepared using some green synthetic methodologies such as microwave irradiation, and sonication under ultrasound waves. Spiro pyrimidine aminonitrile 1 is a key starting material for the synthesis of targets 2–9 by reaction with different carbon electrophiles and nitrogen nucleophiles. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were approved using spectral data. The toxicological efficiency and biological impacts of the synthesized spiro pyrimidine derivatives were assessed against Culex pipiens L. larvae. The toxicity of synthesized compounds showed remarkable variations against the C. pipiens larvae. Where, 3, 4 and 2 were the most efficient compounds with LC50 values of 12.43, 16.29 and 21.73 µg/mL, respectively. While 1 was the least potent compound with an LC50 value of 95.18 µg/mL. As well, other compounds were arranged according to LC50 values as follows 5 > 7 > 6 > 9 > 8. In addition, 3 and 4 exhibited significant prolongation of the developmental duration and greatly inhibited adult emergence. Moreover, many morphological deformities were observed in all developmental stages. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of the most effective compounds was assessed against the normal human cells (WI-38) as non-target organisms, where compounds 2, 4 and 3 showed weak to non-toxic effects. The study of binding affinity and correlation between chemical structure and reactivity was carried out using molecular docking study and DFT calculations to investigate their mode of action. This study shed light on promising compounds with larvicidal activity and biological impacts on the C. pipiens life cycle.
Weakly nonlinear analysis on synchronization and oscillation quenching of coupled mechanical oscillators
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Kori Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

Various oscillatory phenomena occur in the world. Because some are associated with abnormal states (e.g. epilepsy), it is important to establish ways to terminate oscillations by external stimuli. However, despite the prior development of techniques for stabilizing unstable oscillations, relatively few studies address the transition from oscillatory to resting state in nonlinear dynamics. This study mainly analyzes the oscillation-quenching of metronomes on a platform as an example of such transitions. To facilitate the analysis, we describe the impulsive force (escapement mechanism) of a metronome by a fifth-order polynomial. By performing both averaging approximation and numerical simulation, we obtain a phase diagram for synchronization and oscillation quenching. We find that quenching occurs when the feedback to the oscillator increases, which will help explore the general principle regarding the state transition from oscillatory to resting state. We also numerically investigate the bifurcation of out-of-phase synchronization and beat-like solution. Despite the simplicity, our model successfully reproduces essential phenomena in interacting mechanical clocks, such as the bistability of in-phase and anti-phase synchrony and oscillation quenching occurring for a large mass ratio between the oscillator and the platform. We believe that our simple model will contribute to future analyses of other dynamics of mechanical clocks.
The exploration of optimal gestational weight gain after oral glucose tolerance test for Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zheng QingXiang , Zhu Yu , Jiang XiuMin , Huang Ling , Li JiaNing , Liu RuLin
Published: January 2024

Now, no recommendations of gestational weight gain (GWG) after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis for Chinese women was made. This study aimed to explore the optimal GWG after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for Chinese women with GDM. The GWG status of 11,570 women was retrospectively analyzed. Binary regression model and restricted cubic spline were used to estimate the association between GWG after OGTT and the predicted probability of adverse outcomes. Based on above, the optimal GWG was defined as the range that not exceed 1% increase in the predicted probability from the lowest point. Results shown that every increased one unit GWG after OGTT was associated with higher risks of macrosomia, cesarean section and LGA, and lower risk of preterm birth. According to the WHO and Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) recommended pre-pregnancy BMI category, the optimal GWG were proposed: 3.66 to 6.66 kg/3.66 to 6.66 kg in underweight group, 3.07 to 6.50 kg/3.02 to 6.40 kg in normal weight group, 1.06 to 2.73 kg/0 to 1.99 kg in overweight group, and not applicable/− 0.22 to 2.53 kg in obese group, respectively. Therefore, it is necessary to classified Chinese population based on the WGOC recommended pre-pregnancy BMI category, that influenced the contribution of pre-pregnancy BMI groups and the optimal GWG recommendation for GDM women with overweight or obesity.
Immunomodulatory response to neoadjuvant nivolumab in non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Singla Nirmish , Nirschl Thomas R. , Obradovic Aleksandar Z. , Shenderov Eugene , Lombardo Kara , Liu Xiaopu , Pons Alice , Zarif Jelani C. , Rowe Steven P. , Trock Bruce J. , Hammers Hans J. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Deutsch Julie S. , Lotan Tamara L. , Taube Janis M. , Ged Yasser M. A. , Gorin Michael A. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Drake Charles G.
Published: January 2024

Novel perioperative strategies are needed to reduce recurrence rates in patients undergoing nephrectomy for high-risk, non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We conducted a prospective, phase I trial of neoadjuvant nivolumab prior to nephrectomy in 15 evaluable patients with non-metastatic ccRCC. We leveraged tissue from that cohort to elucidate the effects of PD-1 inhibition on immune cell populations in ccRCC and correlate the evolving immune milieu with anti-PD-1 response. We found that nivolumab durably induces a pro-inflammatory state within the primary tumor, and baseline immune infiltration within the primary tumor correlates with nivolumab responsiveness. Nivolumab increases CTLA-4 expression in the primary tumor, and subsequent nephrectomy increases circulating concentrations of sPD-L1, sPD-L3 (sB7-H3), and s4-1BB. These findings form the basis to consider neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for high-risk ccRCC while the tumor remains in situ and provide the rationale for perioperative strategies of novel ICI combinations.
Stress–strain characteristics of FRP–PVC confined spontaneous combustion gangue concrete columns
Authors: Zhang Jinyang , Liu Haiqing , Wang Jinli , Lei Ming , Chen Zimu
Published: January 2024

A total of 40 fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) confined spontaneous combustion gangue coarse-aggregate concrete (SAC) specimens were subjected to axial compression tests and theoretical studies. The main analysis focused on the impact of the replacement rate of spontaneous combustion gangue (SCG), the type of CFRP confinement, and the number of CFRP layers on the axial compression performance of CFRP–PVC confined SAC (CFRP–PVC–SAC). The results show that CFRP–PVC confinement can effectively enhance the axial compressive capacity, axial deformation, and lateral deformation of the components. The increase in strength ranges from 1.68 to 3.48 times, while the increase in strain ranges from 5.21 to 11.98 times. The crack patterns and expansive behavior of the coal gangue concrete under confinement exhibit significant differences compared to ordinary concrete. In addition, based on the framework of the existing FRP-confined plain concrete model, a modified model is established to facilitate prediction of stress–strain relationships for short columns of CFRP–PVC–SAC, with the calculated results in good agreement with experimental values.
Dimensions management of traffic big data for short-term traffic prediction on suburban roadways
Authors: Rasaizadi Arash , Hafizi Fateme , Seyedabrishami Seyedehsan
Published: January 2024

Since intelligent systems were developed to collect traffic data, this data can be collected at high volume, velocity, and variety, resulting in big traffic data. In previous studies, dealing with the large volume of big traffic data has always been discussed. In this study, big traffic data were used to predict traffic state on a section of suburban road from Karaj to Chalous located in the north of Iran. Due to the many and various extracted features, data dimensions management is necessary. This management was accomplished using principal component analysis to reduce the number of features, genetic algorithms to select features influencing traffic states, and cyclic features to change the nature of features. The data set obtained from each method is used as input to the models. The models used include long short-term memory, support vector machine, and random forest. The results show that using cyclic features can increase traffic state prediction's accuracy than the model, including all the initial features (base model). Long short-term memory model with 71 cyclic features offers the highest accuracy, equivalent to 88.09%. Additionally, this model's reduced number of features led to a shorter modelling execution time, from 456 s (base model) to 201 s.
Full resolution reconstruction of whole-mount sections from digitized individual tissue fragments
Authors: Schouten Daan , van der Laak Jeroen , van Ginneken Bram , Litjens Geert
Published: January 2024

Whole-mount sectioning is a technique in histopathology where a full slice of tissue, such as a transversal cross-section of a prostate specimen, is prepared on a large microscope slide without further sectioning into smaller fragments. Although this technique can offer improved correlation with pre-operative imaging and is paramount for multimodal research, it is not commonly employed due to its technical difficulty, associated cost and cumbersome integration in (digital) pathology workflows. In this work, we present a computational tool named PythoStitcher which reconstructs artificial whole-mount sections from digitized tissue fragments, thereby bringing the benefits of whole-mount sections to pathology labs currently unable to employ this technique. Our proposed algorithm consists of a multi-step approach where it (i) automatically determines how fragments need to be reassembled, (ii) iteratively optimizes the stitch using a genetic algorithm and (iii) efficiently reconstructs the final artificial whole-mount section on full resolution (0.25 µm/pixel). PythoStitcher was validated on a total of 198 cases spanning five datasets with a varying number of tissue fragments originating from different organs from multiple centers. PythoStitcher successfully reconstructed the whole-mount section in 86–100% of cases for a given dataset with a residual registration mismatch of 0.65–2.76 mm on automatically selected landmarks. It is expected that our algorithm can aid pathology labs unable to employ whole-mount sectioning through faster clinical case evaluation and improved radiology-pathology correlation workflows.
A comprehensive analysis of carbonate matrix acidizing using viscoelastic diverting acid system in a gas field
Authors: Keihani Kamal Mostafa , Mahdavi Kalatehno Javad , Daneshfar Peyman , Yousefmarzi Fatemeh
Published: January 2024

This paper explores matrix acidizing, a method to enhance well productivity by injecting acid into the formation to dissolve damage or create flow channels. Focusing on gas well acidizing, it introduces a groundbreaking three-stage approach with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and viscoelastic diverting acid (VDA). Unlike recent research, which often overlooked specific VDA stages and favored VES or surfactant gelled systems, this study innovatively integrates VDA throughout laboratory experimentation, simulation modeling, and operational execution. The article showcases the effectiveness of HCl and VDA in dissolving reservoir materials, preventing issues like emulsion formation and iron precipitation, reducing corrosion and H2S emissions, enhancing penetration depth, fluid flow channels, and stimulating all reservoir layers. Utilizing a numerical model, it recommends an optimal acidizing method with five main acid injection stages and five VDA injection stages. The results demonstrate a notable increase of 100% in gas production, an 84% rise in gas pressure, and a reduction of BS&W from 7 to 3%. Aimed at industry professionals, this paper serves as a guide for optimizing well productivity and gas recovery processes.
Evolution shapes interaction patterns for epistasis and specific protein binding in a two-component signaling system
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Wang Jin
Published: January 2024

The elegant design of protein sequence/structure/function relationships arises from the interaction patterns between amino acid positions. A central question is how evolutionary forces shape the interaction patterns that encode long-range epistasis and binding specificity. Here, we combined family-wide evolutionary analysis of natural homologous sequences and structure-oriented evolution simulation for two-component signaling (TCS) system. The magnitude-frequency relationship of coupling conservation between positions manifests a power-law-like distribution and the positions with highly coupling conservation are sparse but distributed intensely on the binding surfaces and hydrophobic core. The structure-specific interaction pattern involves further optimization of local frustrations at or near the binding surface to adapt the binding partner. The construction of family-wide conserved interaction patterns and structure-specific ones demonstrates that binding specificity is modulated by both direct intermolecular interactions and long-range epistasis across the binding complex. Evolution sculpts the interaction patterns via sequence variations at both family-wide and structure-specific levels for TCS system.
Metasurface-based perfect vortex beam for optical eraser
Authors: Su Vin-Cent , Chiang Chia-Hung , Chen Meng-Hsin , Xu Kai-Lun , Huang Shao-Yang
Published: January 2024

Perfect vortex beams (PVBs) take advantage of conventional vortex beams regarding their property of constant diameter of the annular intensity distribution on different topological charges (TCs), facilitating spatially coupling multiple beams with different TCs simultaneously. However, there are demands for PVBs with larger TCs that can be integrated with CMOS-fabrication processes in applications since conditional PVBs are composed of bulky optical components. In this work, we demonstrate metasurface-based PVBs (MPVBs) with TCs as high as −32 and 16 in the visible, manifesting annular intensity distributions capable of broadband operation. The optical eraser concept by integrating MPVBs has been conducted, and the flower-like interference performs a helicity switch to facilitate the uniformization of ring-shaped intensity profiles for the MPVBs with different TCs. The optical eraser experiments demonstrate the potential of MPVBs in advancing both quantum optics and optical device engineering and pave the way for probing quantum behaviors in optics.
INPP5A phosphatase is a synthetic lethal target in GNAQ and GNA11-mutant melanomas
Authors: Elbatsh Ahmed M. O. , Amin-Mansour Ali , Haberkorn Anne , Textor Claudia , Ebel Nicolas , Renard Emilie , Koch Lisa M. , Groenveld Femke C. , Piquet Michelle , Naumann Ulrike , Ruddy David A. , Romanet Vincent , Martínez Gómez Julia M. , Shirley Matthew D. , Wipfli Peter , Schnell Christian , Wartmann Markus , Rausch Martin , Jager Martine J. , Levesque Mitchell P. , Maira Sauveur-Michel , Manchado Eusebio
Published: January 2024

Activating mutations in GNAQ/GNA11 occur in over 90% of uveal melanomas (UMs), the most lethal melanoma subtype; however, targeting these oncogenes has proven challenging and inhibiting their downstream effectors show limited clinical efficacy. Here, we performed genome-scale CRISPR screens along with computational analyses of cancer dependency and gene expression datasets to identify the inositol-metabolizing phosphatase INPP5A as a selective dependency in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells in vitro and in vivo. Mutant cells intrinsically produce high levels of the second messenger inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) that accumulate upon suppression of INPP5A, resulting in hyperactivation of IP3-receptor signaling, increased cytosolic calcium and p53-dependent apoptosis. Finally, we show that GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells and patients’ tumors exhibit elevated levels of IP4, a biomarker of enhanced IP3 production; these high levels are abolished by GNAQ/11 inhibition and correlate with sensitivity to INPP5A depletion. Our findings uncover INPP5A as a synthetic lethal vulnerability and a potential therapeutic target for GNAQ/11-mutant-driven cancers.
Stochastic simulation of storm surge extremes along the contiguous United States coastlines using the max-stable process
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur , Moftakhari Hamed , Moradkhani Hamid
Published: January 2024

Extreme sea levels impact coastal society, property, and the environment. Various mitigation measures are engineered to reduce these impacts, which require extreme event probabilities typically estimated site-by-site. The site-by-site estimates usually have high uncertainty, are conditionally independent, and do not provide estimates for ungauged locations. In contrast, the max-stable process explicitly incorporates the spatial dependence structure and produces more realistic event probabilities and spatial surfaces. We leverage the max-stable process to compute extreme event probabilities at gridded locations (gauged and ungauged) and derive their spatial surfaces along the contiguous United States coastlines by pooling annual maximum (AM) surges from selected long-record tide gauges. We also generate synthetic AM surges at the grid locations using the predicted distribution parameters and reordering them in the rank space to integrate the spatiotemporal variability. The results will support coastal planners, engineers, and stakeholders to make the most precise and confident decisions for coastal flood risk reduction.
Regulation of centrosome size by the cell-cycle oscillator in Drosophila embryos
Authors: Wong Siu-Shing , Wainman Alan , Saurya Saroj , Raff Jordan W
Published: January 2024

Mitotic centrosomes assemble when centrioles recruit large amounts of pericentriolar material (PCM) around themselves. In earlyC. elegansembryos, mitotic centrosome size appears to be set by the limiting amount of a key component. InDrosophilasyncytial embryos, thousands of mitotic centrosomes are assembled as the embryo proceeds through 13 rounds of rapid nuclear division, driven by a core cell cycle oscillator. These divisions slow during nuclear cycles 11–13, and we find that centrosomes respond by reciprocally decreasing their growth rate, but increasing their growth period—so that they grow to a relatively consistent size at each cycle. At the start of each cycle, moderate CCO activity initially promotes centrosome growth, in part by stimulating Polo/PLK1 recruitment to centrosomes. Later in each cycle, high CCO activity inhibits centrosome growth by suppressing the centrosomal recruitment and/or maintenance of centrosome proteins. Thus, in fly embryos, mitotic centrosome size appears to be regulated predominantly by the core cell cycle oscillator, rather than by the depletion of a limiting component.
The CDK Pho85 inhibits Whi7 Start repressor to promote cell cycle entry in budding yeast
Authors: Ros-Carrero Cristina , Spiridon-Bodi Mihai , Igual J Carlos , Gomar-Alba Mercè
Published: January 2024

Pho85 is a multifunctional CDK that signals to the cell when environmental conditions are favorable. It has been connected to cell cycle control, mainly in Start where it promotes the G1/S transition. Here we describe that the Start repressor Whi7 is a key target of Pho85 in the regulation of cell cycle entry. The phosphorylation of Whi7 by Pho85 inhibits the repressor and explains most of the contribution of the CDK in the activation of Start. Mechanistically, Pho85 downregulates Whi7 protein levels through the control of Whi7 protein stability and WHI7 gene transcription. Whi7 phosphorylation by Pho85 also restrains the intrinsic ability of Whi7 to associate with promoters. Furthermore, although Whi5 is the main Start repressor in normal cycling cells, in the absence of Pho85, Whi7 becomes the major repressor leading to G1 arrest. Overall, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which Pho85 promotes Start through the regulation of the Whi7 repressor at multiple levels, which may confer to Whi7 a functional specialization to connect the response to adverse conditions with the cell cycle control.
Decoding the function of Atg13 phosphorylation reveals a role of Atg11 in bulk autophagy initiation
Authors: Bhattacharya Anuradha , Torggler Raffaela , Reiter Wolfgang , Romanov Natalie , Licheva Mariya , Ciftci Akif , Mari Muriel , Kolb Lena , Kaiser Dominik , Reggiori Fulvio , Ammerer Gustav , Hollenstein David M , Kraft Claudine
Published: January 2024

Autophagy is initiated by the assembly of multiple autophagy-related proteins that form the phagophore assembly site where autophagosomes are formed. Atg13 is essential early in this process, and a hub of extensive phosphorylation. How these multiple phosphorylations contribute to autophagy initiation, however, is not well understood. Here we comprehensively analyze the role of phosphorylation events on Atg13 during nutrient-rich conditions and nitrogen starvation. We identify and functionally characterize 48 in vivo phosphorylation sites on Atg13. By generating reciprocal mutants, which mimic the dephosphorylated active and phosphorylated inactive state of Atg13, we observe that disrupting the dynamic regulation of Atg13 leads to insufficient or excessive autophagy, which are both detrimental to cell survival. We furthermore demonstrate an involvement of Atg11 in bulk autophagy even during nitrogen starvation, where it contributes together with Atg1 to the multivalency that drives phase separation of the phagophore assembly site. These findings reveal the importance of post-translational regulation on Atg13 early during autophagy initiation, which provides additional layers of regulation to control bulk autophagy activity and integrate cellular signals.
Colorimetric sensing for the sensitive detection of UO22+via the phosphorylation functionalized mesoporous silica-based controlled release system
Authors: Wang Yating , Liu Jinquan , Shi Jiao , Zhou Xiayu , Tan Yan , Dai Zhongran , Zhen Deshuai , Li Le
Published: January 2024

In this study, we developed a simple and sensitive colorimetric sensing method for the detection of UO22+, which was built to release MB from the molybdenum disulfide with a phosphate group MoS2-PO4) gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized phosphate group (MSN-PO4) with UO22+ chelating.
Emerging Pt-based intermetallic nanoparticles for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Guan Jingyu , Dong Duo , Khan Niaz Ali , Zheng Yong
Published: January 2024

This review aims to introduce the preparation methods and latest progress in ORR application of Pt-based intermetallic, which not only allows researchers to grasp the latest trends of intermetallic, but also promotes more research efforts in the field of Pt-based intermetallic.
DMF as an amine source: iron-catalyzed cyclization of 2H-azirines to imidazoles
Authors: Zhao Mi-Na , Yang Zi-Mo , Li Lian-Qing
Published: January 2024

The Fe(ii)-catalyzed cyclization of 2H-azirines and N,N-dimethylformamide as an amine source has been developed for the synthesis of 1-methyl-4,5-diaryl-1H-imidazoles.
Electrochemical detection of glutathione based on accelerated CRISPR/Cas12a trans-cleavage with MnO2 nanosheets
Authors: Xia Renpeng , Ouyang Nan , Wang Tingting , Zhuang Yuan , Miao Peng
Published: January 2024

The CRISPR/Cas12a system is accelerated by glutathione-mediated reduction of MnO2 nanosheets.
Nanostructure and thermal characteristics of silica/human serum albumin systems based on a modified nanosilica entero-vulnerosorbent
Authors: Chrzanowska Agnieszka , Nosach Liudmyla V. , Derylo-Marczewska Anna
Published: January 2024

Entero-vulnerosorbents based on geometrically modified (GM) fumed nanosilica and protein molecules (GM-nanosilica/human serum albumin systems) were characterized with a focus on their surface, morphology, topography, and thermal properties.
Intramolecular rate-constant calculations based on the correlation function using temperature dependent quantum Green's functions
Authors: Valiev R. R. , Merzlikin B. S. , Nasibullin R. T. , Cherepanov V. N. , Sundholm D. , Kurtén T.
Published: January 2024

A theoretical method for calculating rate constants for internal conversion (IC), intersystem crossing (ISC) and radiative (R) electronic transitions is presented.
Impact of Ce doping on the optoelectronic and structural properties of a CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cell
Authors: Khan M. I. , Mujtaba Ali , Fatima Mahvish , Marzouki Riadh , Hussain Saddam , Anwar Tauseef
Published: January 2024

PSCs rely on valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) limits of perovskite films. Efficient electron injection requires a higher CB edge than the ETL's CB, while hole injection needs a lower VB edge than the HTL's VB in CsPbIBr2.
Understanding the importance of individual samples and their effects on materials data using explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Liu Tommy , Tho Zhi Yang , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: January 2024

Explaining the influence of data instances (materials) to predictions such as structure/property relationships in materials informatics can complement structural feature importance profiling, and guide data generation, cleaning, and verification.
Realization of white-light-emitting diodes from a high-brightness zirconium-based metal–organic gel driven by the AIE effect
Authors: Song Jianxin , Jiang Lisha , Wang Xiaoze , Hou Chuanxin , Wang Xuemin , Xu Zijun , Liang Chao , Yuan Mengnan , Tan Chuan , Yang Jing , Song Enhai , Wang Yanlong , Liu Wei
Published: January 2024

White-light-emitting diodes are realized from a high-brightness zirconium-based metal–organic gel driven by the AIE effect.
Anion doping and interfacial effects in B-Ni5P4/Ni2P for promoting urea-assisted hydrogen production in alkaline media
Authors: Sun Mingming , Wang Huichao , Wu Hongjing , Yang Yuquan , Liu Jiajia , Cong Riyu , Liang Zhengwenda , Huang Zhongning , Zheng Jinlong
Published: January 2024

This study provides a simple method to prepare a bifunctional electrocatalyst that has a positive effect on urea-assisted overall water splitting.
Alkyl chain length influence of the functionalized diethanolamine ligand on the slow relaxation of the magnetization in {CoIII3DyIII3} complexes
Authors: Bonnenfant Chloë , Vadra Nahir , Rouzières Mathieu , Clérac Rodolphe , Cukiernik Fabio D. , Alborés Pablo
Published: January 2024

A new series of Co(iii)/Dy(iii) complexes bearing long CnH2n+1 alkyl chains (n = 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10) at a diethanolamine ligand, and exhibiting an hexanuclear core, shows SMM behavior with chain length relaxation times dependency.
Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of a rutile unit featuring a titanium-oxide cluster by Pb2+ doping
Authors: Said Amir , Chen Guanjie , Zhang Guanyun , Wang Dexin , Liu Yanshu , Gao Fangfang , Wang Guo , Tung Chen-Ho , Wang Yifeng
Published: January 2024

A novel Pb-doped TOC, Ti12Pb2, was synthesized, which resembles two {TiTi6} units of Pb-doped TiO2. Ti12Pb2 is isostructural to Ti14, but with 2 Ti4+ replaced by 2 Pb2+, and the performance of Ti12Pb2 improved 2.5 times than Ti14 in cycloaddition.
Wide-band excited and deep-red sensitized Mn2+ emission from an NaSrSc(BO3)2:Eu2+,Mn2+ phosphor with vanished Eu2+ emission
Authors: Fan Jiaqi , Song Hongji , Huang Wenjing , Zhang Jiahui , Wu Lingran , Zhou Chunyan , Wu Zhan-chao , Zhang Xinguo
Published: January 2024

A deep-red sensitized Mn2+ emission from an NaSrSc(BO3)2:Eu2+,Mn2+ phosphor through Eu2+-Mn2+ energy transfer with vanished Eu2+ emission.
High anhydrous proton conductivity and a smart proton transportation approach of a sulfate coordination polymer
Authors: Zhao Xing , Wang Jiasheng , Li Bo , Zhang Man , Zhang Jingping
Published: January 2024

Which way will a proton choose? Long or short hydrogen bonds? High or low energy barrier? Does the proton transfer via solo proton hopping or dual proton hopping?
Effects of carbon diversion to primary sludge production on thermal hydrolysis pretreatment-enhanced anaerobic digestion
Authors: Luo Hao , Zhang Xueyao , Nguyen Caroline , Taylor Malcolm , Wang Zhi-Wu
Published: January 2024

Solid mass flow through the WRRF (a) without primary settling, (b) with primary settling and a PS-to-WAS ratio of 1 : 1, and (c) with primary settling and a PS-to-WAS ratio of 3 : 1.
Oat protein isolate-Pleurotus ostreatus β-glucan conjugate nanoparticles bound to β-carotene effectively alleviate immunosuppression by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Zhong Lei , Hu Qiuhui , Zhan Qiping , Zhao Mingwen , Zhao Liyan
Published: January 2024

β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles, stabilized by Maillard-type oat protein isolate-Pleurotus ostreatus β-glucan conjugates, can mitigate immunosuppression through the regulation of gut microbiota.
A systematic study on the processes of lignin extraction and nanodispersion to control properties and functionality
Authors: Sheridan Ekaterina , Filonenko Svitlana , Volikov Alexander , Sirviö Juho Antti , Antonietti Markus
Published: January 2024

This article is analyzing differences in chemistry and structure of lignins isolated using various protocols and reveals influence of their properties on nanolignins prepared at different pH.
Optimization of standard zircon U–Pb dating: insights into high-temperature thermal annealing
Authors: Fan Mingpu , Liu Xiaoming , Sun Shengsi , Dong Yunpeng , Bao Zhian
Published: January 2024

The weighted average 206Pb/238U ages for unannealed and annealed Plešovice zircons (photomicrographs are shown in (a) and (b)) using LA-ICP-MS are shown in (c) and (d) and Sri Lanka zircons using SIMS are shown in (e) and (f).
Multistep transitions in spin crossover materials without long-range spin state order from dimensional reduction
Authors: Ruzzi Gian , Cruddas Jace , Powell Benjamin J.
Published: January 2024

The interplay of distinct metal centres with elastic interactions causes multistep spin crossover with disordered spin states in the intermediate phases; via a reduction in the effective dimensionality of the material due to partial spin state order.
Point defect-mediated hot carrier relaxation dynamics of lead-free FASnI3 perovskites
Authors: Ghosh Atish , Kumar Subhash , Sarkar Pranab
Published: January 2024

In search of a promising optoelectronic performance, we herein investigated the hot carrier relaxation dynamics of a lead-free cubic phased bulk formamidinium tin triiodide (FASnI3) perovskite.
Precise synthesis of graphene by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Liu Bing , Ma Siguang
Published: January 2024

This review discusses the precise synthesis of four critical graphene structures by chemical vapor deposition (CVD): single-crystal graphene (SCG), AB-stacked bilayer graphene (AB-BLG), etched graphene and clean graphene.
Multifunctional siRNA/ferrocene/cyclodextrin nanoparticles for enhanced chemodynamic cancer therapy
Authors: Raj Gowtham , Vasudev D. S. , Christopher Sarah , Babulal Anupama , Harsha P. , Ram Soumakanya , Tiwari Mehul , Sauer Markus , Varghese Reji
Published: January 2024

A supramolecular nanoformulation for the co-delivery of MTH1 siRNA and a Fenton reagent into a cancer cell is reported.
Ultralow-cost piezoelectric sensor constructed by thermal compression bonding for long-term biomechanical signal monitoring in chronic mental disorders
Authors: Shao Xiaodong , Chen Zenan , Yu Junxiao , Lu Fangzhou , Chen Shisheng , Xu Jingfeng , Yao Yihao , Liu Bin , Yang Ping , Jiang Qin , Hu Benhui
Published: January 2024

This work constructs a thermal compression bonding piezoelectric sensor (TCBPS) for long-term biomechanical signal monitoring in bipolar disorder.
The Michael donor–acceptor reactivity of curcumins in the synthesis of diverse multi-functional scaffolds
Authors: Laha Banamali , Tiwari Abhishek R. , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: January 2024

Curcumin and its analogs, display Michael donor–acceptor ability with various reactants in the presence of bases, Lewis acids and catalysts, under conventional, microwave and mechanochemical conditions and generate diverse synthetic scaffolds.
Metal-free C(sp3)–H functionalization (C–C and C–N bond formation) of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridines using deep eutectic solvents as catalyst and reaction medium
Authors: Shirisha Thangellapally , Majhi Subir , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Kashinath Dhurke
Published: January 2024

A simple and efficient protocol for the addition of azodicarboxylates (C–N bond) and maleimides (C–C bond) at the C4-position of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridines was achieved under metal-free conditions using deep eutectic solvents with high atom efficiency, regioselectivity, and yields.
Further study on particle size, stability, and complexation of silver nanoparticles under the composite effect of bovine serum protein and humic acid
Authors: Qiao Yu-jing , Kang Jia , Song Chu-qiong , Zhou Ning , Zhang Peng , Song Gang-fu
Published: January 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used due to their unique antibacterial properties and excellent photoelectric properties.
Twistronics in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-based van der Waals interface
Authors: Gupta Neelam , Sachin Saurav , Kumari Puja , Rani Shivani , Ray Soumya Jyoti
Published: January 2024

The effects of twist on the structural, electronic and optical properties of some vertically stacked transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures (namely MoSe2/WSe2, WS2/WSe2, MoSe2/WS2 and MoS2/WSe2) have been systematically explored.
Fluorinated polyether-coated Fe3O4-functionalized oxidized carbon nanotubes as a recyclable demulsifier for crude oil emulsion treatment
Authors: Liu Chao , Wei Lixin , Qin Weining , Gu Yuxin , Jia Xinlei
Published: January 2024

Based on the excellent adsorption properties of carbon materials, a new magnetic nanodemulsifier was prepared in this study.
Enhancing the reversibility of the chemical evolution of the Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode via a simple pre-oxidation process
Authors: Mo Yan , Liu Shaofeng , Yuan Guohui , Li Zikun , Zhang Meng , Guo Lingjun
Published: January 2024

H2O2 is adopted to treat the precursor of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, which reduces the cation mixing of Li+/Ni2+ and residual lithium on the cathode.
Chalcone derivatives' interaction with human serum albumin and cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Karthikeyan Subramani , Thirunarayanan Ayyavu , Shano Leon Bernet , Hemamalini Arasappan , Sundaramoorthy Anandh , Mangaiyarkarasi Rajendiran , Abu Norhidayah , Ganesan Singaravelu , Chinnathambi Shanmugavel , Pandian Ganesh N.
Published: January 2024

In this study, various spectroscopic and computational techniques were utilized to investigate how new chalcone derivatives bind with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Human Serum Albumin (HSA).
New sustainable polymers and oligomers for Cultural Heritage conservation
Authors: Bandelli Damiano , Mastrangelo Rosangela , Poggi Giovanna , Chelazzi David , Baglioni Piero
Published: January 2024

We highlight here current trends of “green” materials for Cultural Heritage, and we introduce a new methodology to determine macromolecule's log P, applying it to the development of new smart organogels for Cultural Heritage conservation.
Direct imaging of dynamic heterogeneous lithium–gold interaction at the electrochemical interface during the charging/discharging processes
Authors: Mao Jiaxin , Li Guopeng , Xu Dongwei , Hao Rui
Published: January 2024

The dynamic interaction between lithium and gold during the charging–discharging processes with high spatiotemporal and chemical resolution, including heterogeneous alloying and perforation, was unveiled using a facile operando optical imaging approach.
Probing the evaporation dynamics of semi-volatile organic compounds to reveal the thermodynamics of liquid–liquid phase separated aerosol
Authors: Choczynski Jack M. , Shokoor Bilal , Salazar Jorge , Zuend Andreas , Davies James F.
Published: January 2024

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a thermodynamically driven process that occurs in mixtures of low miscibility material.
Studying the cation dependence of CO2 reduction intermediates at Cu by in situ VSFG spectroscopy
Authors: Banerji Liam C. , Jang Hansaem , Gardner Adrian M. , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: January 2024

The nature of the electrolyte cation has a significant impact on electrochemical reduction of CO2 at catalyst|electrolyte interfaces. VSFG spectroscopy shows that the presence of Cs+ correlates with CO(bridge) formation, indicating a role in C2 product formation.
Rational molecular design of multifunctional self-assembled monolayers for efficient hole selection and buried interface passivation in inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jiang Wenlin , Liu Ming , Li Yanxun , Lin Francis R. , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: January 2024

Lewis-basic oxygen and sulfur heteroatoms are introduced to novel asymmetric self-assembled monolayers, realizing enhanced packing, effectively adjusting ITO work function, and passivating buried interface in inverted perovskite solar cells.
Package delivered: folate receptor-mediated transporters in cancer therapy and diagnosis
Authors: Ahmadi Mohsen , Ritter Christoph A. , von Woedtke Thomas , Bekeschus Sander , Wende Kristian
Published: January 2024

In the quest to overcome traditional chemotherapy limitations, this review explores targeted drug delivery via folate receptor-guided nanocarriers and drug conjugates bridging chemical and biomedical perspectives emphasizing brain and breast cancer.
A DNAzymes-in-droplets assay for Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans with single-bacterium sensitivity
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Chang Yangyang , Wu Yunping , Liu Meng
Published: January 2024

A DNAzymes-in-droplets (DID) assay was developed to detect live B. cocovenenans with a detection limit of 1 CFU in culture- and amplification-free reactions within 2 h.
Global genome mining-driven discovery of an unusual biosynthetic logic for fungal polyketide–terpenoid hybrids
Authors: Yan Dexiu , Matsuda Yudai
Published: January 2024

Global genome mining resulted in the discovery of an unusual biosynthetic mechanism for fungal meroterpenoids, in which the dimethylallyltryptophan synthase-type prenyltransferase MfmD installs a farnesyl group for subsequent cyclization.
Stereo effects for efficient synthesis of orange-red multiple resonance emitters centered on a pyridine ring
Authors: Du Mingxu , Mai Minqiang , Zhang Dongdong , Duan Lian , Zhang Yuewei
Published: January 2024

Despite theoretical difficulties, we herein for the first time demonstrate an effective concept for the synthesis of an orange-red multiple resonance (MR) emitter centered on a pyridine ring via stereo effects.
Water oxidation utilizing a ruthenium complex featuring a phenolic moiety inspired by the oxygen-evolving centre (OEC) of photosystem II
Authors: Kumagai Yugo , Takabe Risa , Nakazono Takashi , Shoji Mitsuo , Isobe Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Kizashi , Misawa-Suzuki Tomoyo , Nagao Hirotaka , Wada Tohru
Published: January 2024

A ruthenium complex bearing a phenolic moiety inspired by the OEC of photosystem II exhibits a high catalytic activity for electrochemical water oxidation, clearly indicating the promoting influence of the phenolic moiety on the catalytic activity.
Elucidating the structure of donor–acceptor conjugated polymer aggregates in liquid solution
Authors: Saha Chinmoy , Huda Md Masrul , Sabuj Md Abdus , Rai Neeraj
Published: January 2024

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal insights into π-stacking, molecular conformations, and solvation effects on the self-assembly of conjugated polymers in liquid solution.
Conductive origin and design principles of electrically controllable high conductivity La-doped perovskites
Authors: Hu Xin , Qi Jingang , Fu Xing , Liu Juntao , Qiao Sifan , Gao Yong , Zhao Rongda , Shang Jian , Liu Liang , Tang Lidan , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2024

Pulse electric current-induced nanoparticle exsolution (PECINE) enhances electrocatalytic properties. We used first-principles calculations to boost the conductivity of doped perovskites. Combining with PECINE process led to increased nanoparticles on the material's surface, boosting OER activity.
A well-designed hierarchical Bi19S27Br3 nanorods@SnIn4S8 nanosheet core–shell S-scheme heterostructure for robust photothermal-assisted photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Jia Weifeng , Xiong Renzhi , Sun Yiting , Xiao Yanhe , Cheng Baochang , Lei Shuijin
Published: January 2024

The photothermal effect of Bi19S27Br3 is first reported and a Bi19S27Br3@SnIn4S8 core–shell S-scheme heterojunction is constructed for photothermal-assisted photocatalytic CO2 reduction.