bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of waste cooking oil on the performance of EVA modified asphalt and its mechanism analysis
Authors: Zhang Renwei , Wang Junfang , Kang Haixin
Published: June 2024

The balance between the low and high temperature performance of asphalt materials is important to avoid either rutting deformation or low temperature cracking resistance of asphalt pavement. This is beneficial for improving the asphalt pavement comprehensive performance. Considering the excellent high temperature performance of Ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) modified asphalt, this study first modified it with Waste Biological Oil (WBO) to prepare WBO/EVA composite modified asphalt (WEMA) with different dosages. Then the samples were evaluated by the traditional physical properties, low and high temperature rheological properties. Finally, the micro mechanism of WBO on EVA modified asphalt were explored by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) test and atomic force microscope (AFM) experiments. The experimental results reveal that WBO has a softening effect on EVA modified asphalt, reducing its stiffness and improving its stretching performance and flowability. In addition, WBO can reduce the high-temperature deformation resistance of EMA modified asphalt, but it significantly enhances the low-temperature property of EVA modified asphalt. When the WBO content ranges from 1.5 to 2.5%, the high-temperature performance of WEMA is inferior to that of EVA-modified asphalt, however, its low-temperature performance is significantly better than that of EVA-modified asphalt. Importantly, within this WBO content range, the comprehensive performance of WEMA is superior to that of pure asphalt. Mechanism investigation showed that WBO reduces the content of macromolecular micelles and average molecular weight in EVA modified asphalt, and it also diluts the asphaltene components in the asphalt system, resulting in a slight weakening of the performance of WEMA at high temperatures and a significant performance enhancement at low temperatures. Ultimately, the utilization of WBO/EVA composite modified asphalt has a better comprehensive performance.
A comprehensive algorithm for vertical positioning in multi-building environments as an advancement in indoor floor-level detection
Authors: Marjasz Rafał , Grochla Krzysztof , Połys Konrad
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of smartphones has catalyzed diverse services, mainly focusing on indoor localization to determine users’ and devices’ positions within buildings. Despite decades of exploration, the seamless integration of wireless technologies in tracking devices and users has become pivotal in various sectors, including health, industry, disaster management, building operations, and surveillance. Extensive research in laboratory and industrial settings, particularly in wireless sensor networks and robotics, has informed indoor localization techniques. This paper, referencing surveys and original literature reviews, proposes an innovative indoor location system amalgamating GPS and barometer readings. GPS identifies entry through doors, while barometer readings facilitate accurate floor-level tracking. The integration promises continuous real-time location updates, enhancing security, navigation, and emergency response. Notably, the algorithm is infrastructure-independent, relying on the smartphone’s barometer, and versatile, detecting elevator travel when Wi-Fi AP or LTE signals are available. Results indicate high accuracy, with building entry exceeding 93%, elevator recognition achieving 75% sensitivity and 97% specificity, and floor change detection surpassing 95% sensitivity and nearly 98% specificity (which translates to nearly 97% accuracy). This comprehensive solution, emphasizing the critical role of precise vertical positioning, signifies an advancement in tracking within urban structures.
FLI1 is associated with regulation of DNA methylation and megakaryocytic differentiation in FPDMM caused by a RUNX1 transactivation domain mutation
Authors: Tanaka Yuki , Nakanishi Yuri , Furuhata Erina , Nakada Ken-ichi , Maruyama Rino , Suzuki Harukazu , Suzuki Takahiro
Published: June 2024

Familial platelet disorder with associated myeloid malignancies (FPDMM) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by heterozygous germline mutations in RUNX1. It is characterized by thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, and a predisposition to hematological malignancies. Although FPDMM is a precursor for diseases involving abnormal DNA methylation, the DNA methylation status in FPDMM remains unknown, largely due to a lack of animal models and challenges in obtaining patient-derived samples. Here, using genome editing techniques, we established two lines of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with different FPDMM-mimicking heterozygous RUNX1 mutations. These iPSCs showed defective differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and megakaryocytes (Mks), consistent with FPDMM. The FPDMM-mimicking HPCs showed DNA methylation patterns distinct from those of wild-type HPCs, with hypermethylated regions showing the enrichment of ETS transcription factor (TF) motifs. We found that the expression of FLI1, an ETS family member, was significantly downregulated in FPDMM-mimicking HPCs with a RUNX1 transactivation domain (TAD) mutation. We demonstrated that FLI1 promoted binding-site-directed DNA demethylation, and that overexpression of FLI1 restored their megakaryocytic differentiation efficiency and hypermethylation status. These findings suggest that FLI1 plays a crucial role in regulating DNA methylation and correcting defective megakaryocytic differentiation in FPDMM-mimicking HPCs with a RUNX1 TAD mutation.
Effects of monopolar pulsed-capacitive dielectric radiofrequency diathermy in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lara-Palomo Inmaculada Carmen , Capel-Alcaraz Ana María , García-López Héctor , Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María , Albornoz-Cabello Manuel
Published: June 2024

Monopolar capacitive diathermy is a physiotherapy technique that uses high-frequency currents to generate heat in deep tissues. This heat can have several therapeutic effects, especially in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP), however, until now there is little evidence of this type of diathermy. The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of a pulsed monopolar dielectric radiofrequency diathermy (PRF)-capacitive type versus simulated treatment on symptomatology of patients with CLBP. A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients with CLBP were randomly assigned to a PRF-capacitive or a simulated treatment group. All participants received 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks. Disability, pain intensity, movement phobia, lumbar anteflexion, quality of life, and sleep quality were assessed at baseline, after treatment, and at two months. The application of 9 sessions of PRF-capacitive showed significant improvements compared to simulated therapy during the entire follow-up for disability (F = 26.99, p < 0.001), pain intensity (F = 0.550, p < 0.001), the quality of life components of physical function (F = 0.780, p < 0.001), social function (F = 0.780, p < 0.001) and mental health (F = 0.858, p = 0.003) and for sleep duration (F = 0.863, p = 0.004).
Detecting sorghum aphid infestation in grain sorghum using leaf spectral response
Authors: Craigie Grace , Hefley Trevor , Grijalva Ivan , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , Goodin Douglas G. , McCornack Brian
Published: June 2024

Sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) have become a major economic pest in sorghum causing 70% yield loss without timely insecticide applications. The overarching goal is to develop a monitoring system for sorghum aphids using remote sensing technologies to detect changes in plant-aphid density interactions, thereby reducing scouting time. We studied the effect of aphid density on sorghum spectral responses near the feeding site and on distal leaves from infestation and quantified potential systemic effects to determine if aphid feeding can be detected. A leaf spectrometer at 400–1000 nm range was used to measure reflectance changes by varying levels of sorghum aphid density on lower leaves and those distant to the caged infestation. Our study results demonstrate that sorghum aphid infestation can be determined by changes in reflected light, especially between the green–red range (550–650 nm), and sorghum plants respond systemically. This study serves as an essential first step in developing more effective pest monitoring systems for sorghum aphids, as leaf reflection sensors can be used to identify aphid feeding regardless of infestation location on the plant. Future research should address whether such reflectance signatures can be detected autonomously using small unmanned aircraft systems or sUAS equipped with comparable sensor technologies.
Origin and diversity of the wild cottons (Gossypium hirsutum) of Mound Key, Florida
Authors: Ning Weixuan , Rogers Karen M. , Hsu Chuan-Yu , Magbanua Zenaida V. , Pechanova Olga , Arick Mark A. , Kayal Ehsan , Hu Guanjing , Peterson Daniel G. , Udall Joshua A. , Grover Corrinne E. , Wendel Jonathan F.
Published: June 2024

Elucidating genetic diversity within wild forms of modern crops is essential for understanding domestication and the possibilities of wild germplasm utilization.Gossypium hirsutumis a predominant source of natural plant fibers and the most widely cultivated cotton species. Wild forms ofG. hirsutumare challenging to distinguish from feral derivatives, and truly wild populations are uncommon. Here we characterize a population from Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Florida using genome-wide SNPs extracted from 25 individuals over three sites. Our results reveal that this population is genetically dissimilar from other known wild, landrace, and domesticated cottons, and likely represents a pocket of previously unrecognized wild genetic diversity. The unexpected level of divergence between the Mound Key population and other wild cotton populations suggests that the species may harbor other remnant and genetically distinct populations that are geographically scattered in suitable habitats throughout the Caribbean. Our work thus has broader conservation genetic implications and suggests that further exploration of natural diversity in this species is warranted.
Association of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase with prognosis and immune regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Chenxuan , Zhang En-di , Ye Youzhi , Xiao Zhongyun , Huang Hanfei , Zeng Zhong
Published: June 2024

Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2), a mitochondrial isoenzyme, supports the growth of cancer cells under glucose deficiency conditions in vitro. This study investigated the role and potential mechanism of PCK2 in the occurrence and development of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and other databases distinguish the expression of PCK2 and verified by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Kaplan–Meier was conducted to assess PCK2 survival in HCC. The potential biological function of PCK2 was verified by enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The correlation between PCK2 expression and immune invasion and checkpoint was found by utilizing Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). Lastly, the effects of PCK2 on the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were evaluated by cell tests, and the expressions of Epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and apoptosis related proteins were detected. PCK2 is down-regulated in HCC, indicating a poor prognosis. PCK2 gene mutation accounted for 1.3% of HCC. Functional enrichment analysis indicated the potential of PCK2 as a metabolism-related therapeutic target. Subsequently, we identified several signaling pathways related to the biological function of PCK2. The involvement of PCK2 in immune regulation was verified and key immune checkpoints were predicted. Ultimately, after PCK2 knockdown, cell proliferation and migration were significantly increased, and N-cadherin and vimentin expression were increased. PCK2 has been implicated in immune regulation, proliferation, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and is emerging as a novel predictive biomarker and metabolic-related clinical target.
High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Taiwanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Yang Chen-Ta , Yen Hsu-Heng , Su Pei-Yuan , Chen Yang-Yuan , Huang Siou-Ping
Published: June 2024

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in a Taiwanese IBD cohort. Vitamin D levels were checked in adult patients with IBD who were treated at Changhua Christian Hospital, a medical center in central Taiwan, from January 2017 to December 2023. The risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were evaluated. 106 adult IBD patients were included, including 20 patients with Crohn’s disease and 86 with ulcerative colitis. The median age at diagnosis was 39.2 years. The mean vitamin D level was 22.2 ± 8 ng/mL. Forty-five patients (42.5%) had vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D level < 20 ng/mL). Comparing patients with normal vitamin D levels and those with vitamin D deficiency after multivariate adjustment, female sex and early age at diagnosis were identified as statistically significant risk factors. We found a prevalence of 42.5% of vitamin D deficiency in the Taiwanese IBD population. Understanding this issue is essential for teaching patients and doctors about vitamin D deficiency screening and improving patient outcomes.
Sedentary behaviour may cause differences in physical outcomes and activities of daily living in older cardiovascular disease patients participating in phase I cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Izawa Kazuhiro P. , Ishihara Kodai , Kanejima Yuji , Kitamura Masahiro , Ogura Asami , Kubo Ikko , Oka Koichiro , Brubaker Peter H. , Nagashima Hitomi , Tawa Hideto , Matsumoto Daisuke , Shimizu Ikki
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the rate of sedentary behaviour and differences in physical outcomes and activities of daily living (ADL) based on sedentary behaviour time of hospitalized older cardiovascular disease patients undergoing phase I cardiac rehabilitation. Older cardiovascular disease patients were enrolled from October 2020 to September 2023 and were divided into the high sedentary behaviour group (≥ 480 min/day) and low sedentary behaviour group (< 480 min/day). Patients’ clinical characteristics, usual gait speed, and Five Times Sit to Stand Test time were compared as indices of physical outcomes. Motor, cognitive, and total Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were used as indices of ADL and compared between groups using analysis of covariance. Final analysis included 402 patients (mean age: 76.7 years, female: 35.3%). The high sedentary behaviour group included 48.5% of the study patients. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, gait speed (0.80 ± 0.27 vs. 0.96 ± 0.23 m/s, p < 0.001) was lower and FTSST time (11.31 ± 4.19 vs. 9.39 ± 3.11 s, p < 0.001) was higher in the high sedentary behaviour group versus low sedentary behaviour group. Motor (85.82 ± 8.82 vs. 88.09 ± 5.04 points, p < 0.001), cognitive (33.32 ± 2.93 vs. 34.04 ± 2.24 points, p < 0.001), and total FIM scores (119.13 ± 10.66 vs. 122.02 ± 6.30 points, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the high sedentary behaviour group versus low sedentary behaviour group after adjustment. In older cardiovascular disease patients in phase I cardiac rehabilitation, sedentary behaviour time might influence physical outcomes and ADL at discharge. It is thus important to consider the amount of sedentary behaviour time spent by these patients during daily life while hospitalized.
Expression characteristics of lipid metabolism-related genes and correlative immune infiltration landscape in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Wu Jiahe , Luo Jingyi , Cai Huanhuan , Zhu Haoyan , Lei Zhe , Lu Yi , Gao Xinchen , Ni Lihua , Lu Zhibing , Hu Xiaorong
Published: June 2024

Lipid metabolism is an important part of the heart's energy supply. The expression pattern and molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are still unclear, and the link between lipid metabolism and immunity is far from being elucidated. In this study, 23 Common differentially expressed LMRGs were discovered in the AMI-related mRNA microarray datasets GSE61144 and GSE60993. These genes were mainly related to “leukotriene production involved in inflammatory response”, “lipoxygenase pathway”, “metabolic pathways”, and “regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes” pathways. 12 LMRGs (ACSL1, ADCY4, ALOX5, ALOX5AP, CCL5, CEBPB, CEBPD, CREB5, GAB2, PISD, RARRES3, and ZNF467) were significantly differentially expressed in the validation dataset GSE62646 with their AUC > 0.7 except for ALOX5AP (AUC = 0.699). Immune infiltration analysis and Pearson correlation analysis explored the immune characteristics of AMI, as well as the relationship between these identified LMRGs and immune response. Lastly, the up-regulation of ACSL1, ALOX5AP, CEBPB, and GAB2 was confirmed in the mouse AMI model. Taken together, LMRGs ACSL1, ALOX5AP, CEBPB, and GAB2 are significantly upregulated in AMI patients' blood, peripheral blood of AMI mice, myocardial tissue of AMI mice, and therefore might be new potential biomarkers for AMI.
Subpopulations of fibroblasts derived from human iPS cells
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Yamashita Akihiro , Tsumaki Noriyuki , Watanabe Hideto
Published: June 2024

Organ fibrosis causes collagen fiber overgrowth and impairs organ function. Cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction impairs cardiac function significantly, pulmonary fibrosis reduces gas exchange efficiency, and liver fibrosis disturbs the natural function of the liver. Its development is associated with the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increased collagen synthesis. Fibrosis has organ specificity, defined by the heterogeneity of fibroblasts. Although this heterogeneity is established during embryonic development, it has not been defined yet. Fibroblastic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) recapitulates the process by which fibroblasts acquire diversity. Here, we differentiated iPSCs into cardiac, hepatic, and dermal fibroblasts and analyzed their properties using single-cell RNA sequencing. We observed characteristic subpopulations with different ratios in each organ-type fibroblast group, which contained both resting and distinct ACTA2+ myofibroblasts. These findings provide crucial information on the ontogeny-based heterogeneity of fibroblasts, leading to the development of therapeutic strategies to control fibrosis.
Sepsis endotypes identified by host gene expression across global cohorts
Authors: Chenoweth Josh G. , Brandsma Joost , Striegel Deborah A. , Genzor Pavol , Chiyka Elizabeth , Blair Paul W. , Krishnan Subramaniam , Dogbe Elliot , Boakye Isaac , Fogel Gary B. , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Woods Christopher W. , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Oppong Chris , Oduro George , Vantha Te , Letizia Andrew G. , Beckett Charmagne G. , Schully Kevin L. , Clark Danielle V.
Published: June 2024

Background

Sepsis from infection is a global health priority and clinical trials have failed to deliver effective therapeutic interventions. To address complicating heterogeneity in sepsis pathobiology, and improve outcomes, promising precision medicine approaches are helping identify disease endotypes, however, they require a more complete definition of sepsis subgroups.

Methods

Here, we use RNA sequencing from peripheral blood to interrogate the host response to sepsis from participants in a global observational study carried out in West Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America (N = 494).

Results

We identify four sepsis subtypes differentiated by 28-day mortality. A low mortality immunocompetent group is specified by features that describe the adaptive immune system. In contrast, the three high mortality groups show elevated clinical severity consistent with multiple organ dysfunction. The immunosuppressed group members show signs of a dysfunctional immune response, the acute-inflammation group is set apart by molecular features of the innate immune response, while the immunometabolic group is characterized by metabolic pathways such as heme biosynthesis.

Conclusions

Our analysis reveals details of molecular endotypes in sepsis that support immunotherapeutic interventions and identifies biomarkers that predict outcomes in these groups.
Development of an efficient electrochemical sensing platform based on ter-poly(luminol-o-anisidine-o-toluidine)/ZnO/GNPs nanocomposites for the detection of antimony (Sb3+) ions
Authors: Al-Sodies Salsabeel , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alam M. M. , Alamry Khalid A. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Hussein Mahmoud A.
Published: June 2024

A poly(luminol-o-anisidine-o-toluidine) terpolymer was synthesized, characterized, and modified with GNPs and ZnO NPs. The NCs were examined for their electroactivity and potential use as cationic electrochemical sensors for detecting Sb3+.
Tri-armed Schiff base fluorescent sensor for the rapid recognition of Zn(ii): application in live cell imaging, test strips and TLC
Authors: Chethanakumar  , Budri Mahantesh B. , Gudasi Kalagouda B. , Vadavi Ramesh S. , Patil Mallikarjun K. , Kumbar Vijay M. , Inamdar Sanjeev R.
Published: June 2024

Graphical abstract of sensor THDBP.
Disclosing the mechanism and origin of stereoselectivity of the NHC-catalyzed transformation reaction of enals with acyl azolium as a key intermediate
Authors: Liang Pingxin , Shi Dongying , Wang Yang
Published: June 2024

The reaction mechanism and origin of stereoselectivity of the NHC-catalyzed transformation of an acyl azolium intermediate have been theoretically investigated using the DFT method.
Exploring structural and optical properties of a new series of soft salts based on cyclometalated platinum complexes
Authors: Rico Alexandre , Le Poul Pascal , Rodríguez-López Julián , Achelle Sylvain , Gauthier Sébastien
Published: June 2024

This article describes the synthesis and structure–property relationships of novel emissive soft salts based on Pt(ii) complexes. External stimuli responses of soft salts demonstrate their potentials as materials for anti-counterfeiting applications.
A new MOF@bioactive glass composite reinforced with silver nanoparticles – a new approach to designing antibacterial biomaterials
Authors: Fandzloch Marzena , Augustyniak Adam W. , Trzcińska-Wencel Joanna , Golińska Patrycja , Roszek Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

A new approach to overcoming the problem of infected bone defects has been developed by combining three components: bioactive glass, a Cu-based MOF, and AgNPs. Ag@Cu-MOF@BG exhibits antibacterial properties while being bioactive and biocompatible.
Ruthenium-based single atom catalysts: synthesis and application in the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Feng , Wu Qikang , Yuan Wenjuan , Chen Zheng
Published: June 2024

The Ru-based single atom catalysts have been extensively applied in electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production, in which single-atom Ru acts as either a single site or a combination site depending on the type of catalyst used.
Facile synthesis of AuIr alloy nanoparticles and their enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance under acidic and alkaline conditions
Authors: Xu Xiaomei , Liu Cun , Jiang Pengfei , Choi Sang-Hyun , Yu Taekyung
Published: June 2024

The AuIr nanoparticles were synthesized using an anti-solvent crystallization method and exhibited excellent OER activity under acidic and alkaline conditions.
Facile synthesis and bonding of 4-ferrocenyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene complexes
Authors: Franc Michal , Schulz Jiří , Štěpnička Petr
Published: June 2024

Triazolium salt obtained by alkylation of 4-ferrocenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole reacts smoothly with metal hydroxides and alkoxides to produce 4-ferrocenyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene complexes, whose bonding was studied experimentally and theoretically.
“Catch and release” of the CpN3 ligand using cobalt: dissociation, protonation, and C–H bond thermochemistry
Authors: Luhach Sanju , Lalancette Roger A. , Prokopchuk Demyan E.
Published: June 2024

Coordination of the amine-rich CpN3 ligand to cobalt is reported. Ligand displacement leads to ligand protonation and evaluation of the metal-free C–H bond thermochemistry, revealing a weak homolytic C–H bond dissociation free energy (52 kcal mol−1).
Harnessing nanobiotechnology for drought stress: transforming agriculture's future; what, why and how?
Authors: Khan Shahid Ullah , Khan Muhammad Sirab , Wang Hui , Qian Mingchao , Javed Talha , Fahad Shah , Lu Kun
Published: June 2024

Nanobiotechnology has received tremendous attention in recent years owing to its wide range of applications in various fields.
Tuning the heterostructure of Zn–Fe–O nanoparticles for highly efficient photocatalytic removal of U(vi) under different light intensities
Authors: Wu Yunxuan , Zhou Weixia , Dong Zhimin , Wu Yongchuan , Liu Jiayu , Huang Jian , Zheng Zhijian , Zhang Zhibin , Xu Lin , Cao Xiaohong , Liu Yunhai
Published: June 2024

Fe2O3 has received a lot of attention due to its low cost, easy doping regulation, and convenient recovery.
Peptidome profiling of human, bovine, and donkey colostrum through label-free quantitative analysis reveals proteolysis of milk proteins
Authors: Ning Jianting , Chen Jialu , Zhu Qing , Shi Mingyue , Chen Jiali , Liu Xiaoyu , Luo Xue , Yue Xiqing
Published: June 2024

Revealing the differences in endogenous peptides and parent proteins in human, bovine, and donkey colostrum through 4D Label-free technology.
Advances in engineered nanosystems: immunomodulatory interactions for therapeutic applications
Authors: Khatua Rupam , Bhar Bibrita , Dey Souradeep , Jaiswal Chitra , J Victoria , Mandal Biman B.
Published: June 2024

This review extensively explores immunomodulatory nanomedicines, focusing on their unique properties and critical design strategies for interacting with immune components for various therapeutic applications.
Hydrostatic pressure-induced reversible phase transformation in iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Das Arkaprava , Kaur Anumeet , Kaur Parwinder
Published: June 2024

Pictorial representation substantiating the reversible phase transformation phenomenon in iron oxide nanoparticles.
Near-infrared BODIPY photosensitizers for two-photon excited singlet oxygen generation and tumor cell photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Ruibo , Qian Ying
Published: June 2024

Synthesis of near-infrared photosensitizers, two-photon excitation of singlet oxygen generation by Cz-BDPI in zebrafish, and simulated photodynamic therapy with Cz-BDPI in A549 tumor cells.
Borylation via iridium catalysed C–H activation: a new concise route to duocarmycin derivatives
Authors: Cominetti Marco M. D. , Goddard Zoë R. , Hood Bethany R. , Beekman Andrew M. , O'Connell Maria A. , Searcey Mark
Published: June 2024

A concise synthesis of an alkylation subunit of the duocarmycins is achieved via a C–H-activation approach. The ethyl ester analogue of duocarmycin SA can be made in eleven linear steps from a commercially available precursor.
Site-specific DNA post-synthetic modification via fast photocatalytic allylation
Authors: Huang Ying , Zhang Yixin , Hu Chenchen , Chen Yiyun
Published: June 2024

Visible light-induced site-specific DNA post-synthetic modification is achieved via fast photocatalytic decarboxylative allylation.
Polycaprolactone-MXene coating for controlling initial biodegradation of magnesium implant via near-infrared light
Authors: Ma Chen , An Hao , Kim Yu-Kyoung , Kim Seo-Young , Jang Yong-Seok , Lee Min-Ho
Published: June 2024

The PCL-MXene coating ensures prolonged protection for magnesium implants, undergoing controlled degradation when exposed to NIR light.
Investigation of non-precious metal cathode catalysts for direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Guo Yu , Cao Yingjian , Tan Qinggang , Yang Daijun , Che Yong , Zhang Cunman , Ming Pingwen , Xiao Qiangfeng
Published: June 2024

Various cathode catalysts for DBFCs were investigated. The Mn–Co spinel catalyst showed exceptional BH4− tolerance, enhanced durability, and achieved a peak power density of 1.5 W cm−2.
Simultaneous quantification of co-administered trastuzumab and pertuzumab in serum based on nano-surface and molecular-orientation limited (nSMOL) proteolysis
Authors: Liu Liang , Sun Bo , Cai Junlong , Wang Jiajun , Liu Wei , Hu Hankun , Chen Siyi , Wu Jianhua
Published: June 2024

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are pivotal therapeutic agents for various diseases, and effective treatment hinges on attaining a specific threshold concentration of mAbs in patients.
Improving the performance of perovskite solar cells by extending π-conjugation system
Authors: Pashaei Babak
Published: June 2024

In this study, a novel naphthalene-based hole-transporting material was synthesised and studied for their potential application in perovskite solar cells.
Glassy carbon electrode modified with a film of tetraruthenated nickel(ii) porphyrin located in natural smectite clay's interlayer for the simultaneous sensing of dopamine, acetaminophen and tryptophan
Authors: Kemmegne-Mbouguen Justin Claude , Tamne Guy Bertrand , Ngo-Ngwem Marcelline Carine , Toma Henrique Eisi , Araki Koiti , Constantino Vera Regina Leopoldo , Angnes Lúcio
Published: June 2024

An organoclay was obtained by intercalating a cationic Ni(ii) porphyrin into a natural smectite sheets using batch method. Stable organoclay film modified GCEs were then prepared for the determination of dopamine, acetaminophen and tryptophan.
Topography hierarchy of biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate film
Authors: Ghorabe Fares D. E. , Aglikov Aleksandr , Novikov Alexander S. , Nosonovsky Michael , Ryltseva Galina A. , Dudaev Alexey E. , Menzianova Natalia G. , Skorb Ekaterina V. , Shishatskaya Ekaterina I.
Published: June 2024

Synthesis and characterization process of the PHB granules and film.
Modular access to furo[3,2-c]chromen-4-ones via Yb(OTf)3-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of 4-hydroxycoumarins with β-nitroalkenes
Authors: Wang Hua , Ma Qin , Xu Yifei , Sun Yanyan , Zhao Siyuan , Wang Shaoyin , He Xinwei
Published: June 2024

We have developed a facile and efficient strategy for modular access to furo[3,2-c]chromen-4-ones by formation of furan ring from readily available starting materials with broad functional group compatibility in a single step.
Atomically dispersed cobalt catalysts for tandem synthesis of primary benzylamines from oxidized β-O-4 segments
Authors: Luan Sen , Wu Wei , Zheng Bingxiao , Wu Yuxuan , Dong Minghua , Shen Xiaojun , Wang Tianjiao , Deng Zijie , Zhang Bin , Chen Bingfeng , Xing Xueqing , Wu Haihong , Liu Huizhen , Han Buxing
Published: June 2024

This research investigates fine-tuning single-atom cobalt catalysts for conversion of oxidized lignin model compounds to benzylamines through a controlled hydrogenolysis and reductive amination tandem reaction.
Extremely persistent dense active fluids
Authors: Szamel Grzegorz , Flenner Elijah
Published: June 2024

We study the dynamics of dense three-dimensional systems of active particles for large persistence times τp at constant average self-propulsion force f.
A competitive reaction strategy toward dielectric phases for enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption of polymer-derived ceramics
Authors: Hu Shuhao , Chen Pingan , Li Xiangcheng , Zhu Yingli , Zhu Boquan
Published: June 2024

HfZrCN forms a cage-like structure around Si3N4, The RLmin reaches −42.7 dB, and the EAB is 4.96 GHz (11.2–16.12 GHz).
Liquid crystal polymer actuators with complex and multiple actuations
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Wei Jia , Qin Lang , Yu Yanlei
Published: June 2024

Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) actuators with complex and multiple actuations becomes a hot topic recently. Here, we summarize efforts made for achieving the goals, and furthermore, propose an outlook for LCP actuators with higher intelligence.
Greening the waves: experimental and chemometric approaches in spectroscopic methods for organic pollutant determination in natural waters
Authors: Borah Ashwini , Hasnu Chetana , Borah Gongutri
Published: June 2024

The review paper explores new experimental and chemometric methods in spectroscopy for detecting organic pollutants in natural waters, aiming to improve sustainability and monitoring accuracy.
Dual-functionality of CZTS nanoflakes: as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries and as a counter electrode in DSSCs – a DFT and experimental investigation
Authors: Rajesh G. , Palraj Jeyakiruba , M. R. Venkatraman , Sivasamy Ramesh , Madhusudanan Sreejith P. , Therese Helen Annal , Flores Marcos
Published: June 2024

Nanostructured CZTS based anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Voice of the Future 2024
Authors: Lappin Orla
Published: June 2024

Voice of the Future is a unique event organized by the Royal Society of Biology on behalf of the molecular bioscience community. It provides early-career scientists from across science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the rare opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament and ask parliamentarians their science policy questions in this environment. The 2024 event took place on 12 March, bringing together learned societies from across the sector. Lili Illman and Sagar Batra attended on behalf of the Biochemical Society, and here they share their experiences.
Computerized Rotational Head Impulse Test: Age-Dependent Normative Data
Authors: du Plessis Mangelique , Heinze Barbara , Reddy Tarryn M. , Kiderman Alexander , González Jorge E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to determine the normative vestibulo-ocular reflex gain output values of the computerized rotational head impulse test (crHIT) with stationary visual targets (earth bound) in healthy participants in each decade age band of life: 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ years.

Method:

Seventy-seven community-dwelling participants (10–85 years of age) with normal lateral semicircular canal (SCC) functioning and no symptoms or history of vestibular dysfunction were recruited through convenience sampling and assessed with the crHIT using stationary targets. These participants were assessed using two standard protocols in a randomized order.

Results:

Results from 77 participants (
M
age
= 46 years; 43 women, 34 men) were analyzed. Pearson's correlation coefficient and simple linear regression indicated a statistically significant relationship between crHIT gain output and age (
p
> .05) for right gain, 1030°/s
2
, and left gain, 1005°/s
2
. Although a statistically significant relationship was found, the slope was minor, demonstrating that the clinical effect of age on crHIT gain output was insignificant. Furthermore, no statistically significant relationship exists between crHIT gain output and gender (
p
> .05). Age-dependent normative data were calculated using the 2.5th and 97.5th confidence interval (CI) percentile method. The responses of angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) gain values for crHIT are expected to occur within the range for lower limit reference interval (RI) of 0.85–0.9 and upper limit RI of 1.11–1.18 for 1030°/s
2
and lower limit RI of 0.86–0.92 and upper limit RI of 1.13–1.16 for 1005°/s
2
. It can be expected that 90% CI of the population with normal lateral SCC functioning will have aVOR gain values that fall within this range.

Conclusion:

Despite a statistically significant relationship that exists with aVOR gain output and age, the changes are minor, declining by 0.0088 units per 10 years, justifying the same normative data for all decade age bands.
Social Communication Delay in an Unbiased Sample of Preschoolers With the
FMR1
Premutation
Authors: Klusek Jessica , Will Elizabeth , Christensen Thomas , Caravella Kelly , Hogan Abigail , Sun Jennifer , Smith Jenna , Fairchild Amanda J. , Roberts Jane E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

The
Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein-1
(
FMR1
) premutation (FXpm) is a genetic variant that is common in the general population and is associated with health symptoms and disease in adulthood. However, poor understanding of the clinical phenotype during childhood has hindered the development of clinical practice guidelines for screening and intervention. Given that social communication difficulties have been widely documented in adults with the FXpm and are linked with reduced psychosocial functioning, the present study aimed to characterize the communication profile of the FXpm during early childhood.

Method:

Eighteen children with the FXpm who were identified through cascade testing (89%) or screening at birth (11%) were compared to 21 matched typically developing children, aged 2–4 years. Participants completed standardized assessments of language (Mullen Scales of Early Learning) and adaptive communication (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II). Social communication was rated from seminaturalistic interaction samples using the Brief Observation of Social Communication Change.

Results:

Children with the FXpm showed delayed social communication development, with the magnitude of group differences highlighting social communication as a feature that distinguishes children with the FXpm from their peers (
p =
.046, η
p
2
= .12). The groups did not differ on the standardized language and adaptive communication measures (
p
s > .297, η
p
2
s < .03).

Conclusions:

Early screening and treatment of social communication delays may be key to optimizing outcomes for children with the FXpm. Further research is needed to replicate findings in a larger sample, delineate the trajectory and consequences of social communication difficulties across the life span in the FXpm, and determine the potential epidemiological significance of
FMR1
as a mediator of developmental communication differences within the general population.
Caregiver Predictions of Their 3- to 6-Year-Old Child Who Stutters' Communication Attitude
Authors: Winters Katie L. , Byrd Courtney T.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Caregivers share critical insight during their child's stuttering evaluation; yet, there have been no empirical studies evaluating whether caregivers provide similar accounts of their 3- to 6-year-old child's communication attitude compared to their child's self-report. This study examined caregiver- and child-reported communication attitude and assessed potential moderators of more comparable caregiver and child ratings (i.e., caregiver confidence, caregiver–child conflict, observer-rated stuttering severity).

Method:

One hundred thirteen children who stutter ages 3 through 6 years and a primary caregiver were recruited from clinical settings across the United States. Children completed the Communication Attitude Test for Preschool and Kindergarten Children Who Stutter (KiddyCAT) and three speaking samples, which were recorded to assess observer-rated stuttering severity using the Stuttering Severity Instrument–Fourth Edition. Caregivers predicted their child's communication attitude (C-KiddyCAT) and provided a confidence rating for their prediction. Caregivers also rated caregiver–child conflict using the Child–Parent Relationship Scale–Short Form (CPRS-SF). Multiple regression was used to (a) evaluate whether caregiver C-KiddyCAT scores predicted child KiddyCAT scores and (b) assess potential moderators of the relationship between C-KiddyCAT and KiddyCAT scores.

Results:

Caregiver ratings of their child's communication attitude (C-KiddyCAT) predicted child communication attitude ratings (KiddyCAT). A significant interaction between caregiver–child conflict (CPRS-SF) and caregiver ratings of their child's communication attitude (C-KiddyCAT) suggested caregiver–child conflict changed the underlying relationship between C-KiddyCAT and KiddyCAT scores, such that low conflict resulted in more similar C-KiddyCAT and KiddyCAT scores. Neither caregiver confidence nor observer-rated stuttering severity influenced the relationship between C-KiddyCAT and KiddyCAT scores.

Conclusions:

Although many caregivers predicted communication attitude ratings that closely aligned with their child's report, some caregiver–child dyads provided divergent ratings. Clinicians should interpret caregiver predictions of their child's communication attitude within the context of their full evaluation and the caregiver–child relationship. Assessing both self-reported communication attitude and caregiver predictions of their child's communication attitude provides a meaningful starting point to counseling caregivers about cognitive components of stuttering for preschool- and kindergarten-age children who stutter.
Caregiver Progress in Early Intervention: A Collaborative Approach to Goal Writing and Data Collection
Authors: Harrington Emily K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Effective early intervention (EI) services hinge on a partnership between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and caregivers. Caregivers play a pivotal role in this partnership, as they must learn language facilitation strategies from SLPs and then implement these strategies with their children. Unfortunately, caregiver progress has often been overlooked, in both research and practice. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to underscore the importance of monitoring caregiver progress in EI and highlight practical data collection methods to do so.

Method:

This clinical focus article reviews the value of collecting caregiver data at baseline, during EI sessions, and over the course of a caregiver-implemented intervention. A fictional clinical scenario is used to illustrate how these methods can be applied. In this scenario, an EI SLP works with a caregiver to set goals, teaches the caregiver language facilitation strategies using the See and Say Sequence, and measures progress using various types of caregiver data.

Conclusions:

Collecting caregiver data can be a feasible and useful practice in EI. Caregiver data can guide SLPs in setting caregiver and child goals, in promoting caregiver practice during EI sessions, and in monitoring progress over time. Furthermore, it has the potential to increase caregiver engagement and build caregiver confidence in the EI process.
Lattice‐Based CP‐ABE Access Control for SDS Constraint with Lazy Assignment of Attributes and Attribute Revocation
Authors: Guo Ting , Abduxkur Abdugeni , Helil Nurmamat
Published: June 2024

Ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption (CP‐ABE) is a cryptographic scheme suitable for secure data sharing on cloud storage. The CP‐ABE based on lattice theory has the property of resisting quantum attack. Some data objects uploaded to the cloud by the same data owner may cause conflicts of interest, or their combination may expose sensitive information. This paper proposes a revocable CP‐ABE scheme on the lattice, based on ring learning with error (R‐LWE) problem, to enforce access control constraints on user access to such data objects. In this scheme, first, the access policies of such data objects are amended by adding dummy attributes. Second, we control the secret key components associated with the dummy attributes or revoke the dummy attributes to prevent users from continuously accessing specific parts or all data objects from this kind of data set. Finally, we carry on the efficiency and security analysis of the scheme. The analysis results show that the scheme is efficient and safe.
Unified neutron star equations of state calibrated to nuclear properties
Authors: Malik Tuhin , Pais Helena , Providência Constança
Published: June 2024

Context. Recently, a dataset of several equations of state (EOSs) for purely nucleonic stellar matter based on a nonlinear relativistic mean-field model prescription and constrained to properties of nuclear matter, state-of-the-art chiral effective-field theory calculations for low-density neutron matter, and astrophysical data were proposed.

Aims. In this work, 21 unified neutron star EOSs were chosen from that dataset in such a way that a large range of values of the slope of the symmetry energy at saturation is covered. Several quantities are calculated and discussed, such as the proton fraction and the direct Urca behavior, the density dependence of the speed of sound and the trace anomaly, the crust-core transition properties, the compatibility with astrophysical observations, and the neutron matter properties from chiral effective-field theory calculations and pQCD constraints.

Methods. We construct unified EOSs where the outer crust is given by the BSk22 functional and the inner crust is calculated from a compressible liquid drop approximation. The core is purely nucleonic; made of protons, neutrons, electrons, and muons; under charge neutrality; and in β-equilibrium conditions.

Results. The correlation of the slope of the symmetry energy at saturation with the crust-core transition density and proton fraction is analyzed, and equations that translate these relations are proposed. Moreover, the spectral representation for all the EOSs is given, which is a convenient representation to study quasi-periodic oscillations with realistic EOSs. We show that several of these EOSs have in the center of the most massive neutron star a speed of sound squared on the order of ≲0.5. Most of the EOSs predict a maximum central density on the order of about six times the nuclear saturation density. Three of the EOSs satisfy all of the constraints imposed. The 21 unified EOSs are available in the zenodo platform.
The enigmatic double-peaked stripped-envelope SN 2023aew
Authors: Kangas T. , Kuncarayakti H. , Nagao T. , Kotak R. , Kankare E. , Fraser M. , Stevance H. , Mattila S. , Maeda K. , Stritzinger M. , Lundqvist P. , Elias-Rosa N. , Ferrari L. , Folatelli G. , Frohmaier C. , Galbany L. , Kawabata M. , Koutsiona E. , Müller-Bravo T. E. , Piscarreta L. , Pursiainen M. , Singh A. , Taguchi K. , Teja R. S. , Valerin G. , Pastorello A. , Benetti S. , Cai Y.-Z. , Charalampopoulos P. , Gutiérrez C. P. , Kravtsov T. , Reguitti A.
Published: June 2024

We present optical and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy of SN 2023aew and our findings on its remarkable properties. This event, initially resembling a Type IIb supernova (SN), rebrightens dramatically ∼90 d after the first peak, at which time its spectrum transforms into that of a SN Ic. The slowly evolving spectrum specifically resembles a post-peak SN Ic with relatively low line velocities even during the second rise. The second peak, reached 119 d after the first peak, is both more luminous (Mr = −18.75 ± 0.04 mag) and much broader than those of typical SNe Ic. Blackbody fits to SN 2023aew indicate that the photosphere shrinks almost throughout its observed evolution, and the second peak is caused by an increasing temperature. Bumps in the light curve after the second peak suggest interaction with circumstellar matter (CSM) or possibly accretion. We consider several scenarios for producing the unprecedented behavior of SN 2023aew. Two separate SNe, either unrelated or from the same binary system, require either an incredible coincidence or extreme fine-tuning. A pre-SN eruption followed by a SN requires an extremely powerful, SN-like eruption (consistent with ∼1051 erg) and is also disfavored. We therefore consider only the first peak a true stellar explosion. The observed evolution is difficult to reproduce if the second peak is dominated by interaction with a distant CSM shell. A delayed internal heating mechanism is more likely, but emerging embedded interaction with a CSM disk should be accompanied by CSM lines in the spectrum, which are not observed, and is difficult to hide long enough. A magnetar central engine requires a delayed onset to explain the long time between the peaks. Delayed fallback accretion onto a black hole may present the most promising scenario, but we cannot definitively establish the power source.