bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired neuron differentiation in GBA-associated Parkinson’s disease is linked to cell cycle defects in organoids
Authors: Rosety Isabel , Zagare Alise , Saraiva Claudia , Nickels Sarah , Antony Paul , Almeida Catarina , Glaab Enrico , Halder Rashi , Velychko Sergiy , Rauen Thomas , Schöler Hans R. , Bolognin Silvia , Sauter Thomas , Jarazo Javier , Krüger Rejko , Schwamborn Jens C.
Published: December 2023

The mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD) etiology are only partially understood despite intensive research conducted in the field. Recent evidence suggests that early neurodevelopmental defects might play a role in cellular susceptibility to neurodegeneration. To study the early developmental contribution of GBA mutations in PD we used patient-derived iPSCs carrying a heterozygous N370S mutation in the GBA gene. Patient-specific midbrain organoids displayed GBA-PD relevant phenotypes such as reduction of GCase activity, autophagy impairment, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Genome-scale metabolic (GEM) modeling predicted changes in lipid metabolism which were validated with lipidomics analysis, showing significant differences in the lipidome of GBA-PD. In addition, patient-specific midbrain organoids exhibited a decrease in the number and complexity of dopaminergic neurons. This was accompanied by an increase in the neural progenitor population showing signs of oxidative stress-induced damage and premature cellular senescence. These results provide insights into how GBA mutations may lead to neurodevelopmental defects thereby predisposing to PD pathology.
De novo design of high-affinity binders of bioactive helical peptides
Authors: Vázquez Torres Susana , Leung Philip J. Y. , Venkatesh Preetham , Lutz Isaac D. , Hink Fabian , Huynh Huu-Hien , Becker Jessica , Yeh Andy Hsien-Wei , Juergens David , Bennett Nathaniel R. , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Huang Eric , MacCoss Michael J. , Expòsit Marc , Lee Gyu Rie , Bera Asim K. , Kang Alex , De La Cruz Joshmyn , Levine Paul M. , Li Xinting , Lamb Mila , Gerben Stacey R. , Murray Analisa , Heine Piper , Korkmaz Elif Nihal , Nivala Jeff , Stewart Lance , Watson Joseph L. , Rogers Joseph M. , Baker David
Published: December 2023

Many peptide hormones form an α-helix on binding their receptors1–4, and sensitive methods for their detection could contribute to better clinical management of disease5. De novo protein design can now generate binders with high affinity and specificity to structured proteins6,7. However, the design of interactions between proteins and short peptides with helical propensity is an unmet challenge. Here we describe parametric generation and deep learning-based methods for designing proteins to address this challenge. We show that by extending RFdiffusion8 to enable binder design to flexible targets, and to refining input structure models by successive noising and denoising (partial diffusion), picomolar-affinity binders can be generated to helical peptide targets by either refining designs generated with other methods, or completely de novo starting from random noise distributions without any subsequent experimental optimization. The RFdiffusion designs enable the enrichment and subsequent detection of parathyroid hormone and glucagon by mass spectrometry, and the construction of bioluminescence-based protein biosensors. The ability to design binders to conformationally variable targets, and to optimize by partial diffusion both natural and designed proteins, should be broadly useful.
The energetic and allosteric landscape for KRAS inhibition
Authors: Weng Chenchun , Faure Andre J. , Escobedo Albert , Lehner Ben
Published: December 2023

Thousands of proteins have been validated genetically as therapeutic targets for human diseases1. However, very few have been successfully targeted, and many are considered ‘undruggable’. This is particularly true for proteins that function via protein–protein interactions—direct inhibition of binding interfaces is difficult and requires the identification of allosteric sites. However, most proteins have no known allosteric sites, and a comprehensive allosteric map does not exist for any protein. Here we address this shortcoming by charting multiple global atlases of inhibitory allosteric communication in KRAS. We quantified the effects of more than 26,000 mutations on the folding of KRAS and its binding to six interaction partners. Genetic interactions in double mutants enabled us to perform biophysical measurements at scale, inferring more than 22,000 causal free energy changes. These energy landscapes quantify how mutations tune the binding specificity of a signalling protein and map the inhibitory allosteric sites for an important therapeutic target. Allosteric propagation is particularly effective across the central β-sheet of KRAS, and multiple surface pockets are genetically validated as allosterically active, including a distal pocket in the C-terminal lobe of the protein. Allosteric mutations typically inhibit binding to all tested effectors, but they can also change the binding specificity, revealing the regulatory, evolutionary and therapeutic potential to tune pathway activation. Using the approach described here, it should be possible to rapidly and comprehensively identify allosteric target sites in many proteins.
Serial Lift-Out: sampling the molecular anatomy of whole organisms
Authors: Schiøtz Oda Helene , Kaiser Christoph J. O. , Klumpe Sven , Morado Dustin R. , Poege Matthias , Schneider Jonathan , Beck Florian , Klebl David P. , Thompson Christopher , Plitzko Jürgen M.
Published: December 2023

Cryo-focused ion beam milling of frozen-hydrated cells and subsequent cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has enabled the structural elucidation of macromolecular complexes directly inside cells. Application of the technique to multicellular organisms and tissues, however, is still limited by sample preparation. While high-pressure freezing enables the vitrification of thicker samples, it prolongs subsequent preparation due to increased thinning times and the need for extraction procedures. Additionally, thinning removes large portions of the specimen, restricting the imageable volume to the thickness of the final lamella, typically <300 nm. Here we introduce Serial Lift-Out, an enhanced lift-out technique that increases throughput and obtainable contextual information by preparing multiple sections from single transfers. We apply Serial Lift-Out to Caenorhabditis elegans L1 larvae, yielding a cryo-ET dataset sampling the worm’s anterior–posterior axis, and resolve its ribosome structure to 7 Å and a subregion of the 11-protofilament microtubule to 13 Å, illustrating how Serial Lift-Out enables the study of multicellular molecular anatomy.
Transcriptional profiles of pulmonary artery endothelial cells in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Singh Navneet , Eickhoff Carsten , Garcia-Agundez Augusto , Bertone Paul , Paudel Sunita S. , Tambe Dhananjay T. , Litzky Leslie A. , Cox-Flaherty Katherine , Klinger James R. , Monaghan Sean F. , Mullin Christopher J. , Pereira Mandy , Walsh Thomas , Whittenhall Mary , Stevens Troy , Harrington Elizabeth O. , Ventetuolo Corey E.
Published: December 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. There are no data from living patients to inform whether differential gene expression of pulmonary artery ECs (PAECs) can discern disease subtypes, progression and pathogenesis. We aimed to further validate our previously described method to propagate ECs from right heart catheter (RHC) balloon tips and to perform additional PAEC phenotyping. We performed bulk RNA sequencing of PAECs from RHC balloons. Using unsupervised dimensionality reduction and clustering we compared transcriptional signatures from PAH to controls and other forms of pulmonary hypertension. Select PAEC samples underwent single cell and population growth characterization and anoikis quantification. Fifty-four specimens were analyzed from 49 subjects. The transcriptome appeared stable over limited passages. Six genes involved in sex steroid signaling, metabolism, and oncogenesis were significantly upregulated in PAH subjects as compared to controls. Genes regulating BMP and Wnt signaling, oxidative stress and cellular metabolism were differentially expressed in PAH subjects. Changes in gene expression tracked with clinical events in PAH subjects with serial samples over time. Functional assays demonstrated enhanced replication competency and anoikis resistance. Our findings recapitulate fundamental biological processes of PAH and provide new evidence of a cancer-like phenotype in ECs from the central vasculature of PAH patients. This “cell biopsy” method may provide insight into patient and lung EC heterogeneity to advance precision medicine approaches in PAH.
Prenylated isoflavonoids from Fabaceae against the NorA efflux pump in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ika Irianti Marina , Vincken Jean-Paul , van Dinteren Sarah , ter Beest Ellen , Pos Klaas Martinus , Araya-Cloutier Carla
Published: December 2023

Overexpression of NorA efflux pumps plays a pivotal role in the multidrug-resistance mechanism in S. aureus. Here, we investigated the activities of prenylated isoflavonoids, present in the legume plant family (Fabaceae), as natural efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) in fluoroquinolone-resistant S. aureus. We found that four prenylated isoflavonoids, namely neobavaisoflavone, glabrene, glyceollin I, and glyceollin III, showed efflux pump inhibition in the norA overexpressing S. aureus. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, neobavaisoflavone (6.25 µg/mL, 19 µM) and glabrene (12.5 µg/mL, 39 µM), showed up to 6 times more Eth accumulation in norA overexpressing S. aureus than in the control. In addition, these two compounds boosted the MIC of fluoroquinolones up to eightfold. No fluoroquinolone potentiation was observed with these isoflavonoids in the norA knockout strain, indicating NorA as the main target of these potential EPIs. In comparison to the reported NorA EPI reserpine, neobavaisoflavone showed similar potentiation of fluoroquinolone activity at 10 µM, higher Eth accumulation, and less cytotoxicity. Neobavaisoflavone and glabrene did not exhibit membrane permeabilization effects or cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the prenylated isoflavonoids neobavaisoflavone and glabrene are promising phytochemicals that could be developed as antimicrobials and resistance-modifying agents to treat fluoroquinolone-resistant S. aureus strains.
Relationship between the jaw-closing force and dietary form in older adults without occlusal support requiring nursing care
Authors: Moritoyo Rieko , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Yamaguchi Kohei , Ishii Miki , Yanagida Ryosuke , Namiki Chizuru , Tohara Haruka
Published: December 2023

In clinical practice, we encounter cases wherein older adults lacking occlusal support consume foods requiring mastication and adequate swallowing function. This study investigated the relationship between jaw-closing force (JCF) and dietary form in older adults without occlusal support requiring nursing care. This prospective cross-sectional study included 123 older adults requiring nursing care who lost their molar occlusal support and consumed food orally without dentures. JCF was defined as the force required for crushing food with the edentulous ridges or with the tooth and edentulous ridge while closing the mouth. Participants were classified into four groups based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative framework for recommended dietary forms. Basic information was collected, and tongue pressure and JCF were measured. Differences in JCF were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, while factors related to dietary form were evaluated using ordinal logistic regression analysis. Significant differences in JCF were observed among the four groups. Factors such as the Barthel Index, tongue pressure, and JCF were dietary form-related. Our findings suggest that older adults requiring nursing care tend to have higher JCF when consuming meals requiring mastication. Therefore, JCF could serve as an index for determining appropriate dietary forms in this population.
Feasibility and safety of choledochotomy primary closure in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration without biliary drainage: a retrospective study
Authors: Lai Wei , Xu Nan
Published: December 2023

Common bile duct (CBD) exploration and T-tube drainage are the main surgical methods for the removal of bile duct stones (BDSs), which can now be completed by laparoscopy. However, the feasibility and safety of primary closure of the CBD (PCCBD) in laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) without biliary drainage are still uncertain. From January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, patients who were diagnosed with BDSs and underwent LCBDE and primary closure of the CBD without biliary drainage in our hospital were included. The clinical and prognostic data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine the feasibility and safety of PCCBD in LCBDE without biliary drainage. Forty-nine patients successfully underwent PCCBD in LCBDE without biliary drainage. The operation time was 158.8 ± 50.3 (90–315,150) minutes, the bile duct suture time was 17.6 ± 4.46 (10–26, 18) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss volume was 70.4 ± 52.6 (5–200, 80) ml, the hospitalization cost was 28,141.2 ± 7011.3 (15,005.45–52,959.34, 26,815.14) CNY Yuan, the hospitalization time was 13.22 ± 5.16 (8–32, 12) days, and the postoperative hospitalization time was 7.31 ± 1.94 (3–15, 7) days. There were 3 cases of postoperative bile leakage (3/49, 6.12%), all of them healed by nonsurgical treatment. During the follow-up of 17.2 ± 11.01 (10–26, 17) months, no residual BDSs, biliary stricture or other complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade I or higher occurred. For some selected patients who meet certain criteria, PCCBD in LCBDE without biliary drainage is feasible and safe and is more conducive to the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.
A tale of two parasites: Responses of honey bees infected with Nosema ceranae and Lotmaria passim
Authors: MacInnis Courtney I. , Luong Lien T. , Pernal Stephen F.
Published: December 2023

Nosema ceranae and Lotmaria passim are two commonly encountered digestive tract parasites of the honey bee that have been associated with colony losses in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Though honey bees can be co-infected with these parasites, we still lack basic information regarding how they impact bee health at the individual and colony level. Using locally-isolated parasite strains, we investigated the effect of single and co-infections of these parasites on individual honey bee survival, and their responsiveness to sucrose. Results showed that a single N. ceranae infection is more virulent than both single L. passim infections and co-infections. Honey bees singly infected with N. ceranae reached < 50% survival eight days earlier than those inoculated with L. passim alone, and four days earlier than those inoculated with both parasites. Honey bees infected with either one, or both, parasites had increased responsiveness to sucrose compared to uninfected bees, which could correspond to higher levels of hunger and increased energetic stress. Together, these findings suggest that N. ceranae and L. passim pose threats to bee health, and that the beekeeping industry should monitor for both parasites in an effort correlate pathogen status with changes in colony-level productivity and survival.
Two-dimensional Brownian motion of active particle on superfluid helium surface
Authors: Boltnev Roman E. , Vasiliev Mikhail M. , Petrov Oleg F.
Published: December 2023

We report an experimental study of the 2D dynamics of active particles driven by quantum vortices on the free surface of superfluid helium at T = 1.45 К. The particle motion at short times (< 25 ms) relates to anomalous diffusion mode typical for active particles, while for longer times it corresponds to normal diffusion mode. The values of the rotational and translational kinetic energies of the particle allow to determine for the first time the intensity of the particle-vortex interaction and the dissipation rate of the vortex bundle energy. Strong bonding between a particle and a vortex is explained by coupling of normal and superfluid components.
A closer look at the time course of bodily responses to awe experiences
Authors: Takano Ryota , Nomura Michio
Published: December 2023

The structure and function of awe have been examined by focusing on the average level of outcomes during awe experiences. In the present study, we tested the psychophysiological process of experiencing awe, focusing on time-series changes in skin conductance responses (SCRs), a moment-by-moment measure of sympathetic nervous responses, and pupil diameter, which is dilated or constricted through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The responses were measured through an experiment where 77 Japanese university students watched emotional (awe, amusement, or neutral) videos while moving a joystick when they felt supernatural agency or non-agency, examining the underlying psychological processes. We found that experiencing awe was associated with frequent and steep changes in SCRs and frequent changes in pupil diameter. The joystick inclination, the perceptions of the supernatural, was kept at a high level from the start to the end of awe experiences. These results may reflect the psychophysiological processes of awe: the “fluctuation” of the sympathetic nervous system might underlie awe-specific experiences. Our findings shed new light on the mechanisms of the body-mind interaction in awe experiences.
Investigation of individual strategies in the aerial phase in ski jumping
Authors: Jølstad Petter Andre Husevåg , Gilgien Matthias , Elfmark Ola
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the performance strategy of three ski jumpers during the steady glide phase and explain how different strategical solutions can lead to jumps of roughly the same length. In this study, a total of 24 jumps performed by two World Cup (WC) athletes and one Continental Cup (COC) athlete were measured with a differential Global Navigation Satellite System (dGNSS) on a large ski jumping hill. For each athlete, the continuous position data, velocity, aerodynamic forces and lift-to-drag ratio (LD-ratio) were averaged and compared for the steady glide phase to examine individual jump strategies. The dGNSS yielded accurate measurements of trajectory, velocity and aerodynamic forces, revealing clear differences between the athletes. The largest differences were found between the WC athletes and the COC athlete. The WC athletes focused on maximizing horizontal velocity while the COC athlete minimized vertical velocity. This difference may be explained by the different hill sizes the athletes normally compete on. One of the WC athletes consistently increased their horizontal velocity during the end of the steady glide phase by maintaining a high LD-ratio, which highlights the effect of aerodynamics on the resulting velocity, trajectory and jump length.
Observation of superconductivity and enhanced upper critical field of η-carbide-type oxide Zr4Pd2O
Authors: Watanabe Yuto , Miura Akira , Moriyoshi Chikako , Yamashita Aichi , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: December 2023

We report the first observation of bulk superconductivity of a η-carbide-type oxide Zr4Pd2O. The crystal structure and the superconducting properties were studied through synchrotron X-ray diffraction, magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurement. The superconducting transition was observed at Tc = 2.73 K. Our measurement revealed that the η-carbide-type oxide superconductor Zr4Pd2O shows an enhanced upper critical field μ0Hc2(0) = 6.72 T, which violates the Pauli-Clogston limit μ0HP = 5.29 T. On the other hand, we found that the enhanced upper critical field is absent in a Rh analogue Zr4Rh2O. The large μ0Hc2(0) of Zr4Pd2O would be raised from strong spin–orbit coupling with Pd-4d electrons. The discovery of new superconducting properties for Zr4Pd2O would shed light on the further development of η-carbide-type oxide superconductors.
Improved exponential type ratio estimator in double sampling for stratification
Authors: Gupta Anurag , Tailor Rajesh , Barod Nitu
Published: December 2023

The objective of this research is to create a chain-ratio-type exponential estimator in order to estimate the finite population mean in double sampling for stratification. An estimator for population mean has been constructed based on the concept of chain-ratio estimators. The constructed estimator is compared to the standard unbiased estimator, as well as the other relevant existing estimators and conditions are shown to yield better results in terms of efficiency. To support the theoretical results the study has been done on both natural as well as simulated populations.
Renoprotective effects of extracellular fibroblast specific protein 1 via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-mediated antioxidant activity
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Yokoi Seiji , Kimura Hideki , Naiki Hironobu , Matsusaka Taiji , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Nakatani Kimihiko , Kasuno Kenji , Iwano Masayuki
Published: December 2023

Podocyte expression of fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1) is observed in various types of human glomerulonephritis. Considering that FSP1 is secreted extracellularly and has been shown to have multiple biological effects on distant cells, we postulated that secreted FSP1 from podocytes might impact renal tubules. Our RNA microarray analysis in a tubular epithelial cell line (mProx) revealed that FSP1 induced the expression of heme oxygenase 1, sequestosome 1, solute carrier family 7, member 11, and cystathionine gamma-lyase, all of which are associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) activation. Therefore, FSP1 is likely to exert cytoprotective effects through Nrf2-induced antioxidant activity. Moreover, in mProx, FSP1 facilitated Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, increased levels of reduced glutathione, inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reduced cisplatin-induced cell death. FSP1 also ameliorated acute tubular injury in mice with cisplatin nephrotoxicity, which is a representative model of ROS-mediated tissue injury. Similarly, in transgenic mice that express FSP1 specifically in podocytes, tubular injury associated with cisplatin nephrotoxicity was also mitigated. Extracellular FSP1 secreted from podocytes acts on downstream tubular cells, exerting renoprotective effects through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity. Consequently, podocytes and tubular epithelial cells have a remote communication network to limit injury.
Randomized phase II study of preoperative afatinib in untreated head and neck cancers: predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of activity
Authors: Marret Grégoire , Temam Stéphane , Kamal Maud , Even Caroline , Delord Jean-Pierre , Hoffmann Caroline , Dolivet Gilles , Malard Olivier , Fayette Jérôme , Capitain Olivier , Vergez Sébastien , Geoffrois Lionel , Rolland Frédéric , Zrounba Philippe , Laccourreye Laurent , Saada-Bouzid Esma , Aide Nicolas , Bénavent Valérie , Klijianenko Jerzy , Lamy Constance , Girard Elodie , Vacher Sophie , Masliah-Planchon Julien , de Koning Leanne , Puard Vincent , Borcoman Edith , Jimenez Marta , Bièche Ivan , Gal Jocelyn , Le Tourneau Christophe
Published: December 2023

There is no strong and reliable predictive biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for EGFR inhibitors. We aimed to identify predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of efficacy of afatinib, a pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in a window-of-opportunity trial (NCT01415674). Multi-omics analyses were carried out on pre-treatment biopsy and surgical specimen for biological assessment of afatinib activity. Sixty-one treatment-naïve and operable HNSCC patients were randomised to afatinib 40 mg/day for 21–28 days versus no treatment. Afatinib produced a high rate of metabolic response. Responders had a higher expression of pERK1/2 (P = 0.02) and lower expressions of pHER4 (P = 0.03) and pRB1 (P = 0.002) in pre-treatment biopsy compared to non-responders. At the cellular level, responders displayed an enrichment of tumor-infiltrating B cells under afatinib (P = 0.02). At the molecular level, NF-kappa B signaling was over-represented among upregulated genes in non-responders (P < 0.001; FDR = 0.01). Although exploratory, phosphoproteomics-based biomarkers deserve further investigations as predictors of afatinib efficacy.
Validity of heart rate derived core temperature estimation during simulated firefighting tasks
Authors: Agostinelli Philip J. , Linder Braxton A. , Frick Katherine A. , Bordonie Nicholas C. , Neal Frances K. , Sefton JoEllen M.
Published: December 2023

Rectal core temperature monitoring can help fire services mitigate heat injury but can be invasive and impractical. EQ02 + LifeMonitor provides a non-invasive estimation of core temperature. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the EQ02 + LifeMonitor compared to the gold standard rectal thermometer core temperature assessment, as well as the potential influence of turnout gear on the estimated and physiological strain experienced during these activities. Thirteen participants completed simulated firefighting tasks with and without turnout gear, involving four rounds of a 5-min walk on a treadmill at 2.8 mph/2.5% grade and 20 deadlifts over 5 min in an environmental chamber set to 40.6 °C; 50% humidity. During each trial participants wore both an EQ02 + LifeMonitor and DataTherm II rectal thermometer. The results from the devices were statistically equivalent (p < 0.001), yet there was a statistically significant difference in the value (~ 0.1 °C; p < 0.001). There was a significant effect of devices [p < 0.001] and time [p < 0.001], but no interaction effect [p = 0.70] on core temperature drift. Estimated core temperature was marginally different from that measured via the DataTherm II. The EQ02 on average overestimated core temperature. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and area under the curve of core temperature were significantly elevated due to turnout gear [ps < 0.025], but not core temperature skin temperature, or ventilatory rate [ps > 0.372]. These results suggest the EQ02 + LifeMonitor may be a viable, non-invasive alternative for assessing core temperature compared to rectal temperature monitoring, especially during rigorous, intermittent activities. Turnout gear does however increase heart rate, cumulative core temperature, and perceived exertion. Additionally, the validity of the estimated core temperature is not impacted by the use turnout gear. This is likely due to significant changes in heart rate, which allowed the heart-rate derived estimate of core temperature to remain consistent with changes in DataTherm II rectal temperatures.
Hemodynamic effects of entry and exit tear size in aortic dissection evaluated with in vitro magnetic resonance imaging and fluid–structure interaction simulation
Authors: Zimmermann Judith , Bäumler Kathrin , Loecher Michael , Cork Tyler E. , Marsden Alison L. , Ennis Daniel B. , Fleischmann Dominik
Published: December 2023

Understanding the complex interplay between morphologic and hemodynamic features in aortic dissection is critical for risk stratification and for the development of individualized therapy. This work evaluates the effects of entry and exit tear size on the hemodynamics in type B aortic dissection by comparing fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations with in vitro 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A baseline patient-specific 3D-printed model and two variants with modified tear size (smaller entry tear, smaller exit tear) were embedded into a flow- and pressure-controlled setup to perform MRI as well as 12-point catheter-based pressure measurements. The same models defined the wall and fluid domains for FSI simulations, for which boundary conditions were matched with measured data. Results showed exceptionally well matched complex flow patterns between 4D-flow MRI and FSI simulations. Compared to the baseline model, false lumen flow volume decreased with either a smaller entry tear (− 17.8 and − 18.5%, for FSI simulation and 4D-flow MRI, respectively) or smaller exit tear (− 16.0 and − 17.3%). True to false lumen pressure difference (initially 11.0 and 7.9 mmHg, for FSI simulation and catheter-based pressure measurements, respectively) increased with a smaller entry tear (28.9 and 14.6 mmHg), and became negative with a smaller exit tear (− 20.6 and − 13.2 mmHg). This work establishes quantitative and qualitative effects of entry or exit tear size on hemodynamics in aortic dissection, with particularly notable impact observed on FL pressurization. FSI simulations demonstrate acceptable qualitative and quantitative agreement with flow imaging, supporting its deployment in clinical studies.
Col1α2-Cre-mediated recombination occurs in various cell types due to Cre expression in epiblasts
Authors: Matsumoto Yuzuru , Ikeda Shinya , Kimura Takeshi , Ono Koh , Ashida Noboru
Published: December 2023

The Cre-LoxP system has been commonly used for cell-specific genetic manipulation. However, many Cre strains exhibit excision activity in unexpected cell types or tissues. Therefore, it is important to identify the cell types in which recombination takes place. Fibroblasts are a cell type that is inadequately defined due to a lack of specific markers to detect the entire cell lineage. Here, we investigated the Cre recombination induced by Col1α2-iCre, one of the most common fibroblast-mesenchymal Cre driver lines, by using a double-fluorescent Cre reporter line in which GFP is expressed when recombination occurs. Our results indicated that Col1α2-iCre activity was more extensive across cell types than previously reported: Col1α2-iCre-mediated recombination was found in not only cells of mesenchymal origin but also those of other lineages, including haematopoietic cells, myocardial cells, lung and intestinal epithelial cells, and neural cells. In addition, study of embryos revealed that recombination by Col1α2-iCre was observed in the early developmental stage before gastrulation in epiblasts, which would account for the recombination across various cell types in adult mice. These results offer more insights into the activity of Col1α2-iCre and suggest that experimental results obtained using Col1α2-iCre should be carefully interpreted.
Incongruent dissolution of silicates and its impact on the environment: an example of a talc mine
Authors: Kicińska Alicja , Pomykała Radosław
Published: December 2023

The paper analyzes the process of incongruent dissolution of silicates taking place in close proximity to a talc mine. The chemical and phase composition as well as the concentrations and mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in research material with varying levels of weathering were determined using instrumental (XRF, XRD) and chemical methods (extractions: BCR, aqua regia, water leaching, 0.05 M EDTA). It was demonstrated that the predominant minerals in the weathering crust include weathering-resistant minerals (i.e. quartz and muscovite) and secondary minerals (kaolinite, illite and interstratified minerals, vermiculite/chlorite) and that the predominant processes are hydrolysis and oxidation. The weathering process has an impact on the complexity of the chemical and mineral composition and the diverse structure of the weathering crust. A layer of Fe and Al oxides and hydroxides forms in the upper part of the weathering crust, while the amount of silica decreases. Low-mobility elements (i.e. Si, Al and Fe) react on the phase separation surface, causing the formation of clay minerals (i.e. vermiculite, montmorillonite) or Al and Fe hydroxides (e.g. goethite). The duration of weathering causes an increase in the content of PTEs in solid materials: multifold in the case of Cr (15), Ba (9), Pb (7), Zn (6) and considerably lower in the case of V (1.3), Sr (0.8) and Co (0.4). It was demonstrated that PTEs co-occur in several chemical fractions in the weathering crust and that the highest share of their total concentration are cations incorporated in the crystal lattice of minerals and bound by strong crystalline bonds (F4 46%). The lowest share was observed for the reducible fraction (9%) and the share of the oxidizable fraction was 29% The most mobile cations connected by the weakest bonds comprised only 16% of the total concentration. Based on the content of the readily soluble fraction of PTEs, it was concluded that the degree of weathering does not increase the environmental risk, but actually reduces it for Cr, Cr and Pb. The obtained Ecological Risk Index (ERI) values indicate that the ecological risk associated with the elements tested is low for the entire area, which means that natural weathering processes do not have any impact on environmental pollution.
An isocratic RP-HPLC-UV method for simultaneous quantification of tizanidine and lidocaine: application to in vitro release studies of a subcutaneous implant
Authors: Picco Camila J. , Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Donnelly Ryan F. , Larrañeta Eneko
Published: December 2023

An isocratic RP-HPLC-UV method have been developed to evaluate simultaneously the release of tizanidine and lidocaine from subcutaneous implants.
Egg microneedles for transdermal vaccination of inactivated influenza virus
Authors: Kang Geonwoo , Kim Minkyung , Lee Youjin , Yang Huisuk , Seong Baik-Lin , Jung Hyungil
Published: December 2023

The use of egg microneedles (EMN) is a promising transdermal vaccine delivery technique, effectively preserving the vaccine's activity during its dissolution and delivery directly into the skin upon administration.
Transition-metal-free four-component reaction of nitriles and disulfides/diselenides
Authors: Wang Hui-Hui , Zhu Yang-Yun , Chen Chuan-Li , Huang Xiao-Bo , Liu Miao-Chang , Zhou Yun-Bing , Wu Hua-Yue
Published: December 2023

We have reported t-BuOK/K2S2O8-promoted four-component reaction of mixed nitriles and disulfides/diselenides, providing a one-pot synthetic route to sulfurized/selenated 4-aminopyrimidines.
Toroid-rod supramolecular polymorphism derived from conformational isomerism of a π-conjugated system
Authors: Otsuka Chie , Imai Saki , Ohkubo Takahiro , Yagai Shiki
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen-bonded supermacrocycles (rosettes) composed of dinaphthylethene π-conjugated systems show unique supramolecular polymorphism affording nanorings and nanorods via kinetically controlled self-assembly.
Tailoring fluorescent ZIF-8 nanostructures through calix[4]pyrrole modification: tunable size and enhanced organic micropollutant removal capacity
Authors: Ük Nida , Ünlü Fatma Yelda , İbiş Özge , Nar Ilgın , Aydogan Abdullah , Ünlü Caner
Published: December 2023

A size-controllable fluorescent ZIF-8 structure is synthesized through modification with a versatile supramolecule, bis-carboxylate functional calix[4]pyrrole. Upon modification, the micropollutant removal properties of ZIF-8 were adjustable.
Cd(ii) coordination polymers constructed from tris-pyridyl-tris-amide and polycarboxylic acid: synthesis, structures and sensing properties
Authors: Chen Chia-Ling , Wang Song-Wei , Zhong Shih-Ying , Chen Jhy-Der
Published: December 2023

Reactions of a C3-symmetrical ligand and Cd(ii) salts with various polycarboxylic acids afforded three new coordination polymers, demonstrating that the length and shape of the polycarboxylate ligands govern the structural diversity.
Electronic structure, bonding and stability of fumarate, maleate, and succinate dianions from X-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Savchenko Viktoriia , Eckert Sebastian , Fondell Mattis , Mitzner Rolf , Vaz da Cruz Vincius , Föhlisch Alexander
Published: December 2023

Exploring the electronic structures of fumarate, maleate, and succinate dianions, this study reveals their unique molecular orbitals and stability variations using XAS and RIXS at the O K-edge.
A zero-dimensional hybrid copper(i) bromide single crystal with highly efficient green emission
Authors: Gao Yingui , Xu Zhihuang , Ye Liwang , Wang Yuanjie , Zhuang Xinxin
Published: December 2023

Lead-free metal halides are considered as alternatives to lead-based perovskites due to their low toxicity, rich structural diversity, and high luminescence properties.
Theoretical study on the copper-catalyzed asymmetric alkene trifluoromethyl–arylation cross-coupling reaction: origin of regio- and stereo-selectivity
Authors: Zhang Dianmin , Li Guoliang , Fang Chengcheng , Meng Jiangping , Liu Song
Published: December 2023

Theoretical studies reported that this reaction proceeds via single electron transfer, radical addition, transmetallation, one-electron oxidation, and reductive elimination.
A superhydrophobic photothermal carbon black-coated waste face mask for efficient water desalination
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Sutar Rajaram S. , Xiang Lingling , Balu Satheesh kumar , Shi Bairu , Yang Qinghai , Liu Shanhu
Published: December 2023

A photothermal interface evaporator based on waste mask modified with carbon black is used for effective seawater desalination.
Application of micro/nanomotors in environmental remediation
Authors: Jing Dan , Li Ziyi , Yan Wennan , Zhang Ji , Guo Yingshu
Published: December 2023

Application of micro/nanomotors in environmental remediation is discussed.
Design and numerical-phase analysis of an SPR system for direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in pharyngeal swab solution
Authors: Liu Yansheng , Deng Junpeng , Jia Xiaobo , Zhou Jin , Li Hongli , Wang Xiaohong , Chen Yating , Qin Zhenle , Jin Zhichen , Wang Guofu
Published: December 2023

An ultrasensitive differential-phase SPR biosensor has been successfully established, capable of direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
How Chemistry Education Research & Practice serves chemistry education
Authors: Lewis Scott E.
Published: December 2023

This editorial coincides with my start as Editor for Chemistry Education Research and Practice (CERP). Since the purpose of CERP is to serve the chemistry education community of authors and readers, this editorial describes my reflection on how CERP serves the chemistry education community. CERP provides a ready venue for authors to share chemistry education research (CER) and for researchers and educators to learn from this research. By focusing exclusively on CER, it has served to differentiate CER from more general education research and scholarship in teaching and learning products. As a result, CERP provides clear recognition of CER including to those outside the field of chemistry education. A particular strength of CERP is the number of reviewers who provide constructive feedback within their reviews. This feedback supports authors in advancing their work and serves the readers by improving the quality and relevance of the work that appears in CERP. In closing, possibilities for how CERP may better serve the chemistry education community are raised as an ongoing discussion with the community.
Supramolecular covalent cellulose-based bioplastics with high transparency, hydrophobicity, ionic conductivity, mechanical robustness, and recyclability
Authors: Liang Quanfeng , Li Mengqing , Cao Yuchen , Li Ren’ai , Cao Yunfeng
Published: December 2023

A novel CBP with good optical transmittance, hydrophobicity, mechanical toughness, heat sealability, ionic conductivity, and recyclability is reported.
Trap engineering through chemical doping for ultralong X-ray persistent luminescence and anti-thermal quenching in Zn2GeO4
Authors: Balhara Annu , Gupta Santosh K. , Abraham Malini , Modak Brindaban , Das Subrata , Nayak Chandrani , Annadata Harshini V. , Tyagi Mohit
Published: December 2023

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence to understand negative thermal quenching in Zn2GeO4, and Pr3+ doping for trap tuning and the enhanced formation of defect states leading to ultralong (>18 h) X-ray persistent luminescence.
Sodalite-like carbon based superconductors with Tc about 77 K at ambient pressure
Authors: Jin Siyu , Kuang Xiaoyu , Dou Xilong , Hermann Andreas , Lu Cheng
Published: December 2023

Two sodalite-like carbon based superconductors at ambient pressure are uncovered using the CALYPSO method and first-principles calculations.
Uncovering the essential roles of glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 orthologs in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Panska Lucie , Nedvedova Stepanka , Vacek Vojtech , Krivska Daniela , Konecny Lukas , Knop Filip , Kutil Zsofia , Skultetyova Lubica , Leontovyc Adrian , Ulrychova Lenka , Sakanari Judy , Asahina Masako , Barinka Cyril , Macurkova Marie , Dvorak Jan
Published: December 2023

Human glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 (GCP2) from the M28B metalloprotease group is an important target for therapy in neurological disorders and an established tumor marker. However, its physiological functions remain unclear. To better understand general roles, we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to genetically manipulate its three existing orthologous genes and evaluate the impact on worm physiology. The results of gene knockout studies showed that C. elegans GCP2 orthologs affect the pharyngeal physiology, reproduction, and structural integrity of the organism. Promoter-driven GFP expression revealed distinct localization for each of the three gene paralogs, with gcp-2.1 being most abundant in muscles, intestine, and pharyngeal interneurons, gcp-2.2 restricted to the phasmid neurons, and gcp-2.3 located in the excretory cell. The present study provides new insight into the unique phenotypic effects of GCP2 gene knockouts in C. elegans, and the specific tissue localizations. We believe that elucidation of particular roles in a non-mammalian organism can help to explain important questions linked to physiology of this protease group and in extension to human GCP2 involvement in pathophysiological processes.
Polarization microwave correlation imaging method based on orthogonal complement space
Authors: Tian Runkun , Dai Dahai , Ji Penghui , Pang Bo , Sun Shilong
Published: December 2023

Currently, microwave correlation imaging (MCI) is regarded as an important method to address the forward‐looking imaging problem in radar. The key step of this method is to form a spatio‐temporal two‐dimensional random radiation field through various means. However, the current methods do not consider the polarization domain, which is an important dimension of electromagnetic signals. The existing research mainly focuses on using polarized antenna elements, without incorporating polarization information into the imaging system. To fill this gap, this letter proposes the polarization microwave correlation imaging (PMCI) based on the orthogonal complement space, which performs instantaneous polarization measurements (IPM) while correlating imaging of the target. Through simulation analysis, this method can further improve the quality and anti‐interference ability of MCI. Moreover, under the condition of low time‐frequency product, the peak sidelobe level (PSL) and isolation of this method are approximately 3.5 dB and 12.5 dB higher than those of traditional instantaneous polarization measurement methods (TIPM).
Optimal dispatch of combined heat and power generating units with prohibited operating zones using improved heap‐based optimizer
Authors: Sahoo Abhilipsa , Sahu Preeti Ranjan , Hota Prakash Kumar , Islam Md. Minarul , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: December 2023

In the present market scenario, energy cost has been increased and also restrictions have been faced in fossil fuels energy sources. This leads to evolvement of combined heat and power generating units having higher efficiency as compared to the existing systems. The optimal dispatch of CGUs involves a number of intricate constraints, making it a practical optimization problem. So, an improved heap‐based optimizer algorithm has been implemented in this work for solving optimal dispatch problem by accomplishing a proper balance between initial and final stages of global search and convergence, respectively. This problem provides optimal scheduling of heat and power generating units and seeks to minimize the overall fuel cost supply of combined units considering their operational limits. Here, three test systems, that is, 7‐units, 24‐units and 48 units system have been taken into consideration to verify the performance of proposed IHBO algorithm. The impact of prohibited zones on power dispatch has been analysed for both the system in an electricity market. In addition, the valve‐point loading effect, mutual dependency of produced heat and power of combined units and also transmission power losses in transmission lines have been studied. Comparisons among different methods have been made based on their respective solutions obtained and from that it manifests the robustness and superior performance of the proposed technique. Verification studies showed that impact of prohibited zones on generating units, increases the production cost with respect to without prohibited zones. However the proposed technique yields least production cost among other techniques.
Connecting remote and in situ observations of shock-accelerated electrons associated with a coronal mass ejection
Authors: Morosan D. E. , Pomoell J. , Palmroos C. , Dresing N. , Asvestari E. , Vainio R. , Kilpua E. K. J. , Gieseler J. , Kumari A. , Jebaraj I. C.
Published: December 2023

Context. One of the most prominent sources for energetic particles in our Solar System are huge eruptions of magnetised plasma from the Sun, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which usually drive shocks that accelerate charged particles up to relativistic energies. In particular, energetic electron beams can generate radio bursts through the plasma emission mechanism, for example, type II and accompanying herringbone bursts.

Aims. In this work, we investigate the acceleration location, escape, and propagation directions of various electron beams in the solar corona and compare them to the arrival of electrons at spacecraft.

Methods. To track energetic electron beams, we used a synthesis of remote and direct observations combined with coronal modeling. Remote observations include ground-based radio observations from the Nançay Radioheliograph (NRH) combined with space-based extreme-ultraviolet and white-light observations from Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO), and Solar Orbiter (SolO). We also used direct observations of energetic electrons from the STEREO and Wind spacecraft. These observations were then combined with a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the electron acceleration locations, including the results of magneto-hydrodynamic models of the solar corona. This representation was subsequently used to investigate the origin of electrons observed remotely at the Sun and their link to in situ electrons.

Results. We observed a type II radio burst followed by herringbone bursts that show single-frequency movement through time in NRH images. The movement of the type II burst and herringbone radio sources seems to be influenced by regions in the corona where the CME is more capable of driving a shock. We found two clear distinct regions where electrons are accelerated in the low corona and we found spectral differences between the radio emission generated in these regions. We also found similar inferred injection times of near-relativistic electrons at spacecraft to the emission time of the type II and herringbone bursts. However, only the herringbone bursts propagate in a direction where the shock encounters open magnetic field lines that are likely to be magnetically connected to the same spacecraft.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that if the in situ electrons are indeed shock-accelerated, the most likely origin of the in situ electrons arriving first is located near the acceleration site of herringbone electrons. This is the only region during the early evolution of the shock where there is clear evidence of electron acceleration and an intersection of the shock with open field lines, which can be directly connected to the observing spacecraft.