bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrieval of Thermospheric O and N2 Densities From ICON EUV
Authors: Tuminello Richard M. , Stephan Andrew W. , England Scott L.
Published: February 2024

As activity in Earth orbit continues to grow, it is important to characterize the environment of near‐Earth space. One means of remotely sensing lower thermospheric neutrals is by measurement of O and N2 density through the observation of far‐ultraviolet (FUV) airglow of atomic oxygen at 135.6 nm and the N2 Lyman‐Birge‐Hopfield (LBH) bands (~130–180 nm), as has been done on the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON), Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD), and Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) missions. This technique is not without limitations, however, as the FUV measurements suffer from contamination by ionospheric emissions at low latitudes and auroral emissions excited by precipitating energetic electrons and protons at high latitudes. Previous work has shown the potential for making measurements of O and N2 density in the lower‐middle thermosphere using observations of extreme‐ultraviolet (EUV) airglow. This measurement approach has a potential advantage in that it does not have an inherent ionospheric emission that must be accounted for. Additionally, these emissions are primarily excited directly by solar UV rather than electron impact and thus have the potential to enable expansion of neutral density observations into the auroral zone and polar cap where the FUV measurement cannot be applied. This article demonstrates a new approach and algorithm designed to retrieve thermospheric O and N2 density from 150 to 400 km using measurements from the ICON EUV instrument. The retrieval results throughout 2020 are summarized and compared to measurements from ICON FUV, GOLD, and SWARM.
Expanding Influence of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean Heat Transport on Winter Sea‐Ice Variability in a Warming Arctic
Authors: Dörr Jakob , Årthun Marius , Eldevik Tor , Sandø Anne Britt
Published: February 2024

The gradual anthropogenic‐driven retreat of Arctic sea ice is overlaid by large natural (internal) year‐to‐year variability. In winter, sea‐ice loss and variability are currently most pronounced in the Barents Sea. As the loss of winter sea ice continues in a warming world, other regions will experience increased sea‐ice variability. In this study, we investigate to what extent this increased winter sea‐ice variability in the future is connected to ocean heat transport (OHT). We analyze and contrast the present and future link between Pacific and Atlantic OHT and the winter Arctic sea‐ice cover using simulations from seven single‐model large ensembles. We find strong model agreement for a poleward expanding impact of OHT through the Bering Strait and the Barents Sea under continued sea‐ice retreat. Model differences on the Atlantic side can be explained by the differences in the simulated variance of the Atlantic inflows. Model differences on the Pacific side can be explained by differences in the simulated strength of Pacific Water inflows, and upper‐ocean stratification and vertical mixing on the Chukchi shelf. Our work highlights the increasing importance of the Pacific and Atlantic water inflows to the Arctic Ocean and highlights which factors are important to correctly simulate in order to capture the changing impact of OHT in the warming Arctic.
The Effect of Climate Change on Forest Fire Danger and Severity in the Canadian Boreal Forests for the Period 1976–2100
Authors: Wang Yonghe
Published: February 2024

Recent climatic trends have increased forest fire activity in Canada. This study aimed to evaluate how forest fire conditions might evolve across the Canadian boreal forests in the future and to inform discussions about the impact of climate change on fire danger and severity. I generated surfaces of daily climate conditions using daily observational data from meteorological stations across Canada from 1976 to 2014. Simulated daily values of the same climatic variables were obtained from four earth system models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 project (CMIP5) for the historical period 1976–2005. Daily climate values for 2006–2100, forced by three climate change scenarios, Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5, were also simulated by the models. The simulated data were bias‐corrected and delta‐downscaled to project future trends in fire activity to assess the spatiotemporal variations of the potential impacts of climate change on forest fires. My results suggest fire danger and severity would increase in many Canadian boreal forests under RCP 8.5. The changes in fire conditions under RCP 2.6 were the least noteworthy; RCP 4.5 was associated with medium‐level changes.
Biphasic Npas4 expression promotes inhibitory plasticity and suppression of fear memory consolidation in mice
Authors: Brito David V. C. , Kupke Janina , Sokolov Rostilav , Cambridge Sidney , Both Martin , Bengtson C. Peter , Rozov Andrei , Oliveira Ana M. M.
Published: February 2024

Long-term memories are believed to be encoded by unique transcriptional signatures in the brain. The expression of immediate early genes (IEG) promotes structural and molecular changes required for memory consolidation. Recent evidence has shown that the brain is equipped with mechanisms that not only promote, but actively constrict memory formation. However, it remains unknown whether IEG expression may play a role in memory suppression. Here we uncovered a novel function of the IEG neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4), as an inducible memory suppressor gene of highly salient aversive experiences. Using a contextual fear conditioning paradigm, we found that low stimulus salience leads to monophasic Npas4 expression, while highly salient learning induces a biphasic expression of Npas4 in the hippocampus. The later phase requires N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity and is independent of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Our in vivo pharmacological and genetic manipulation experiments suggested that the later phase of Npas4 expression restricts the consolidation of a fear memory and promote behavioral flexibility, by facilitating fear extinction and the contextual specificity of fear responses. Moreover, immunofluorescence and electrophysiological analysis revealed a concomitant increase in synaptic input from cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing interneurons. Our results demonstrate how salient experiences evoke unique temporal patterns of IEG expression that fine-tune memory consolidation. Moreover, our study provides evidence for inducible gene expression associated with memory suppression as a possible mechanism to balance the consolidation of highly salient memories, and thereby to evade the formation of maladaptive behavior.
Definitions of recovery and reintegration across the first year: A qualitative study of perspectives of persons with spinal cord injury and caregivers
Authors: Anderson Kim D. , Bryden Anne M. , Gran Brian , Hinze Susan W. , Richmond Mary Ann
Published: February 2024

Study Design

Longitudinal, qualitative cohort study.

Objectives

To understand how people with newly acquired spinal cord injury (PWS) and their support person (SP) define recovery and successful community reintegration (CR) across the first 12 months post-injury (mpi) and their satisfaction with the rate of recovery and reintegration experienced.

Setting

Academic and Veterans hospitals in Midwest USA.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in two cohorts of PWS and SP during the initial inpatient rehabilitation stay, at 6 mpi, and at 12 mpi. Recordings were transcribed; four authors independently undertook line-by-line coding. The team discussed codes to reach consensus and synthesize into broader themes within the International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health and Transformative frameworks.

Results

Data are reported on 23 PWS and 21 SP. PWS and SP are similar in defining recovery as gaining motor function and achieving independence. However, SP more frequently define recovery in terms of maintaining positivity and emotional recovery. At 12 mpi both groups shift to define recovery according to progress. Social roles, being active, and employment are persistent themes of how PWS and SP define successful CR. However, SP also frequently define successful CR as reestablishing identity and emotional adjustment. Veterans with SCI less frequently defined successful CR as employment.

Conclusions

This study is the first to reveal how PWS and SP define recovery and reintegration during the first 12 mpi. Given decreasing lengths of stay, this information can be used to tailor rehabilitation strategies during the critical first year of injury to optimize recovery.
Molecular features of the ligand-free GLP-1R, GCGR and GIPR in complex with Gs proteins
Authors: Cong Zhaotong , Zhao Fenghui , Li Yang , Luo Gan , Mai Yiting , Chen Xianyue , Chen Yanyan , Lin Shi , Cai Xiaoqing , Zhou Qingtong , Yang Dehua , Wang Ming-Wei
Published: February 2024

Class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important regulators of many physiological functions such as glucose homeostasis, which is mainly mediated by three peptide hormones, i.e., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon (GCG), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). They trigger a cascade of signaling events leading to the formation of an active agonist–receptor–G protein complex. However, intracellular signal transducers can also activate the receptor independent of extracellular stimuli, suggesting an intrinsic role of G proteins in this process. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), GCG receptor (GCGR), and GIP receptor (GIPR) in complex with Gs proteins without the presence of cognate ligands. These ligand-free complexes share a similar intracellular architecture to those bound by endogenous peptides, in which, the Gs protein alone directly opens the intracellular binding cavity and rewires the extracellular orthosteric pocket to stabilize the receptor in a state unseen before. While the peptide-binding site is partially occupied by the inward folded transmembrane helix 6 (TM6)–extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) juncture of GIPR or a segment of GCGR ECL2, the extracellular portion of GLP-1R adopts a conformation close to the active state. Our findings offer valuable insights into the distinct activation mechanisms of these three important receptors. It is possible that in the absence of a ligand, the intracellular half of transmembrane domain is mobilized with the help of Gs protein, which in turn rearranges the extracellular half to form a transitional conformation, facilitating the entry of the peptide N-terminus.
A brief unstructured literature review on the history of paraphilias
Authors: Tozdan Safiye
Published: February 2024

This unstructured review is based on a comprehensive literature search leading to a variety of selected studies that summarize the historical development of paraphilias. Firstly, paraphilias in ancient times are discussed. Secondly, the development of paraphilia diagnoses, including current critical aspects, is outlined. Finally, a short description of the development of treatment approaches for individuals with paraphilic disorders and those who commit sexual offenses, including medical and psychotherapeutic approaches as well as online intervention programs, is presented. The destigmatization of people with deviant sexual interest is deemed necessary. However, it is also recommended to always strive for a balance between protecting paraphilic individuals’ rights and protecting vulnerable groups to whom paraphilic people can pose a danger.
Key requirements for ultraefficient sensitization in hyperfluorescence organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Stavrou Kleitos , Franca Larissa G. , Danos Andrew , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: February 2024

Blue organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology requires further advancements, and hyperfluorescent (HF) OLEDs have emerged as a promising solution to address stability and colour-purity concerns. A key factor influencing the performance of HF-OLEDs is Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Here we investigate the FRET mechanism in blue HF-OLEDs using contrasting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) sensitizers. We demonstrate that the molecular structure of the sensitizer profoundly impacts the FRET efficiency, exemplified by the spiro-linked TADF molecule ACRSA, which suppresses the dihedral-angle inhomogeneity and any lower-energy conformers that exhibit minimal FRET to the terminal emitter. Consequently, the FRET efficiency can be optimized to nearly 100%. Further, we demonstrate how the properties of a near-ideal sensitizer diverge from ideal TADF emitters. As a result, blue HF-OLEDs utilizing a greenish sensitizer exhibit a remarkable tripling of external quantum efficiency (~30%) compared with non-HF devices. This new understanding opens avenues for sensitizer design, indicating that green sensitizers can efficiently pump blue terminal emitters, thereby reducing device exciton energies and improving blue OLED stability.
Large-scale gene expression alterations introduced by structural variation drive morphotype diversification in Brassica oleracea
Authors: Li Xing , Wang Yong , Cai Chengcheng , Ji Jialei , Han Fengqing , Zhang Lei , Chen Shumin , Zhang Lingkui , Yang Yinqing , Tang Qi , Bucher Johan , Wang Xuelin , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Zhang Kang , Lv Honghao , Bonnema Guusje , Zhang Yangyong , Cheng Feng
Published: February 2024

Brassica oleracea, globally cultivated for its vegetable crops, consists of very diverse morphotypes, characterized by specialized enlarged organs as harvested products. This makes B. oleracea an ideal model for studying rapid evolution and domestication. We constructed a B. oleracea pan-genome from 27 high-quality genomes representing all morphotypes and their wild relatives. We identified structural variations (SVs) among these genomes and characterized these in 704 B. oleracea accessions using graph-based genome tools. We show that SVs exert bidirectional effects on the expression of numerous genes, either suppressing through DNA methylation or promoting probably by harboring transcription factor-binding elements. The following examples illustrate the role of SVs modulating gene expression: SVs promoting BoPNY and suppressing BoCKX3 in cauliflower/broccoli, suppressing BoKAN1 and BoACS4 in cabbage and promoting BoMYBtf in ornamental kale. These results provide solid evidence for the role of SVs as dosage regulators of gene expression, driving B. oleracea domestication and diversification.
Distinct ontogenetic lineages dictate cDC2 heterogeneity
Authors: Minutti Carlos M. , Piot Cécile , Pereira da Costa Mariana , Chakravarty Probir , Rogers Neil , Huerga Encabo Hector , Cardoso Ana , Loong Jane , Bessou Gilles , Mionnet Cyrille , Langhorne Jean , Bonnet Dominique , Dalod Marc , Tomasello Elena , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: February 2024

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) include functionally and phenotypically diverse populations, such as cDC1s and cDC2s. The latter population has been variously subdivided into Notch-dependent cDC2s, KLF4-dependent cDC2s, T-bet+ cDC2As and T-bet− cDC2Bs, but it is unclear how all these subtypes are interrelated and to what degree they represent cell states or cell subsets. All cDCs are derived from bone marrow progenitors called pre-cDCs, which circulate through the blood to colonize peripheral tissues. Here, we identified distinct mouse pre-cDC2 subsets biased to give rise to cDC2As or cDC2Bs. We showed that a Siglec-H+ pre-cDC2A population in the bone marrow preferentially gave rise to Siglec-H− CD8α+ pre-cDC2As in tissues, which differentiated into T-bet+ cDC2As. In contrast, a Siglec-H− fraction of pre-cDCs in the bone marrow and periphery mostly generated T-bet− cDC2Bs, a lineage marked by the expression of LysM. Our results showed that cDC2A versus cDC2B fate specification starts in the bone marrow and suggest that cDC2 subsets are ontogenetically determined lineages, rather than cell states imposed by the peripheral tissue environment.
Biomarker-directed targeted therapy plus durvalumab in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase 2 umbrella trial
Authors: Besse Benjamin , Pons-Tostivint Elvire , Park Keunchil , Hartl Sylvia , Forde Patrick M. , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Awad Mark M. , Thomas Michael , Goss Glenwood , Wheatley-Price Paul , Shepherd Frances A. , Florescu Marie , Cheema Parneet , Chu Quincy S. C. , Kim Sang-We , Morgensztern Daniel , Johnson Melissa L. , Cousin Sophie , Kim Dong-Wan , Moskovitz Mor T. , Vicente David , Aronson Boaz , Hobson Rosalind , Ambrose Helen J. , Khosla Sajan , Reddy Avinash , Russell Deanna L. , Keddar Mohamed Reda , Conway James P. , Barrett J. Carl , Dean Emma , Kumar Rakesh , Dressman Marlene , Jewsbury Philip J. , Iyer Sonia , Barry Simon T. , Cosaert Jan , Heymach John V.
Published: February 2024

For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors without currently targetable molecular alterations, standard-of-care treatment is immunotherapy with anti-PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors, alone or with platinum-doublet therapy. However, not all patients derive durable benefit and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade is common. Understanding mechanisms of resistance—which can include defects in DNA damage response and repair pathways, alterations or functional mutations in STK11/LKB1, alterations in antigen-presentation pathways, and immunosuppressive cellular subsets within the tumor microenvironment—and developing effective therapies to overcome them, remains an unmet need. Here the phase 2 umbrella HUDSON study evaluated rational combination regimens for advanced NSCLC following failure of anti-PD-(L)1-containing immunotherapy and platinum-doublet therapy. A total of 268 patients received durvalumab (anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody)–ceralasertib (ATR kinase inhibitor), durvalumab–olaparib (PARP inhibitor), durvalumab–danvatirsen (STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide) or durvalumab–oleclumab (anti-CD73 monoclonal antibody). Greatest clinical benefit was observed with durvalumab–ceralasertib; objective response rate (primary outcome) was 13.9% (11/79) versus 2.6% (5/189) with other regimens, pooled, median progression-free survival (secondary outcome) was 5.8 (80% confidence interval 4.6–7.4) versus 2.7 (1.8–2.8) months, and median overall survival (secondary outcome) was 17.4 (14.1–20.3) versus 9.4 (7.5–10.6) months. Benefit with durvalumab–ceralasertib was consistent across known immunotherapy-refractory subgroups. In ATM-altered patients hypothesized to harbor vulnerability to ATR inhibition, objective response rate was 26.1% (6/23) and median progression-free survival/median overall survival were 8.4/22.8 months. Durvalumab–ceralasertib safety/tolerability profile was manageable. Biomarker analyses suggested that anti-PD-L1/ATR inhibition induced immune changes that reinvigorated antitumor immunity. Durvalumab–ceralasertib is under further investigation in immunotherapy-refractory NSCLC.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03334617
An open dataset for human SSVEPs in the frequency range of 1-60 Hz
Authors: Gu Meng , Pei Weihua , Gao Xiaorong , Wang Yijun
Published: February 2024

A steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system relies on the photic driving response to effectively elicit characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. However, traditional visual stimuli mainly adopt high-contrast black-and-white flickering stimulations, which are easy to cause visual fatigue. This paper presents an SSVEP dataset acquired at a wide frequency range from 1 to 60 Hz with an interval of 1 Hz using flickering stimuli under two different modulation depths. This dataset contains 64-channel EEG data from 30 healthy subjects when they fixated on a single flickering stimulus. The stimulus was rendered on an LCD display with a refresh rate of 240 Hz. Initially, the dataset was rigorously validated through comprehensive data analysis to investigate SSVEP responses and user experiences. Subsequently, BCI performance was evaluated through offline simulations of frequency-coded and phase-coded BCI paradigms. This dataset provides comprehensive and high-quality data for studying and developing SSVEP-based BCI systems.
Associations of overweight and obesity with cardiometabolic risk factor clusters among Korean adolescents
Authors: Huh Youn , Park Hye Soon
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the association between overweight, obesity, and cardiometabolic risk factor clusters in Korean adolescents. We included 2182 participants (1161 boys and 1021 girls) aged 12–18 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2021). Cardiometabolic risk factors include hypertension, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level, hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting plasma glucose level, elevated alanine aminotransferase level, and hyperuricemia. The average age was 15.1 ± 0.1 years in both boys and girls. The proportion of subjects with ≥ 1, ≥ 2, and ≥ 3 cardiometabolic risk factors was 76.5%, 49.8%, and 22.7% in obese adolescents, and 60.5%, 24.0%, and 9.1%, in overweight adolescents, respectively. Compared to adolescents with underweight/normal weight, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for the clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors were at 2.76 (1.74–4.38) for ≥ 1; 3.75 (2.11–6.66) for ≥ 2; and 4.75 (1.70–13.25) for ≥ 3 factors in obese adolescents and 1.88 (1.26–2.81) for ≥ 1 factor in overweight adolescents. Overweight and obese adolescents exhibited high cardiometabolic risk clustering. Prevention and management of overweight/obesity in Korean adolescents are emerging to mitigate health risk associated with this condition.
Non-local temporal interference
Authors: Ayatollah Rafsanjani Ali , Kazemi MohammadJavad , Hosseinzadeh Vahid , Golshani Mehdi
Published: February 2024

Although position and time have different mathematical roles in quantum mechanics, with one being an operator and the other being a parameter, there is a space–time duality in quantum phenomena—a lot of quantum phenomena that were first observed in the spatial domain were later observed in the temporal domain as well. In this context, we propose a modified version of the double-double-slit experiment using entangled atom pairs to observe a non-local interference in the arrival time distribution, which is analogous to the non-local interference observed in the arrival position distribution. However, computing the arrival time distribution in quantum mechanics is a challenging open problem, and so to overcome this problem we employ a Bohmian treatment. Based on this approach, we numerically demonstrate that there is a complementary relationship between the one-particle and two-particle interference visibilities in the arrival time distribution, which is analogous to the complementary relationship observed in the position distribution. These results can be used to test the Bohmian arrival time distribution in a strict manner, i.e., where the semiclassical approximation breaks down. Moreover, our approach to investigating this experiment can be applied to a wide range of phenomena, and it seems that the predicted non-local temporal interference and associated complementary relationship are universal behaviors of entangled quantum systems that may manifest in various phenomena.
Lung cancer diagnosis based on weighted convolutional neural network using gene data expression
Authors: M Thangamani , Koti Manjula Sanjay , B.A Nagashree , V Geetha , K.P Shreyas , Mathivanan Sandeep Kumar , Dalu Gemmachis Teshite
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer is thought to be a genetic disease with a variety of unknown origins. Globocan2020 report tells in 2020 new cancer cases identified was 19.3 million and nearly 10.0 million died owed to cancer. GLOBOCAN envisages that the cancer cases will raised to 28.4 million in 2040. This charge is superior to the combined rates of the former generally prevalent malignancies, like breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. For attribute selection in previous work, the information gain model was applied. Then, for lung cancer prediction, multilayer perceptron, random subspace, and sequential minimal optimization (SMO) are used. However, the total number of parameters in a multilayer perceptron can become extremely large. This is inefficient because of the duplication in such high dimensions, and SMO can become ineffective due to its calculating method and maintaining a single threshold value for prediction. To avoid these difficulties, our research presented a novel technique including Z-score normalization, levy flight cuckoo search optimization, and a weighted convolutional neural network for predicting lung cancer. This result findings show that the proposed technique is effective in precision, recall, and accuracy for the Kent Ridge Bio-Medical Dataset Repository.
Charge transfer complex-based spectrophotometric analysis of famotidine in pure and pharmaceutical dosage forms
Authors: Al Samarrai Shatha Y. , AlZubaidi Radhi , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: February 2024

A straightforward and efficient spectrum technique was created usingOrtho-chloranil as the electron acceptor (-acceptor) in a charge transfer (CT) complex formation reaction to determine the concentration of famotidine (FMD) in solutions. Compared to the double-distilled blank solution, the reaction result detected a definite violet colour at a maximum absorption wavelength of 546 nm, For concentrations range 2—28 µg/ml, the technique demonstrated excellent compliance with Beer-Law and Lambert's, as evidenced by its molar absorptivity of 2159.648 L mol−1cm–1. Lower detection limits of 0.3024 µg/ml and 1.471 µg/ml, respectively, were discovered. The complexes of famotidine andOrtho-chloranil were found to have a 2:1 stoichiometry. Additionally, the suggested approach effectively estimated famotidine concentrations in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in tablet form.
Probing the dynamic landscape of peptides in molecular assemblies by synergized NMR experiments and MD simulations
Authors: Nencini Ricky , Regnier Morgan L. G. , Backlund Sofia M. , Mantzari Efstathia , Dunn Cory D. , Ollila O. H. Samuli
Published: February 2024

Peptides or proteins containing small biomolecular aggregates, such as micelles, bicelles, droplets and nanodiscs, are pivotal in many fields ranging from structural biology to pharmaceutics. Monitoring dynamics of such systems has been limited by the lack of experimental methods that could directly detect their fast (picosecond to nanosecond) timescale dynamics. Spin relaxation times from NMR experiments are sensitive to such motions, but their interpretation for biomolecular aggregates is not straightforward. Here we show that the dynamic landscape of peptide-containing molecular assemblies can be determined by a synergistic combination of solution state NMR experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Solution state NMR experiments are straightforward to implement without an excessive amount of sample, while direct combination of spin relaxation data to MD simulations enables interpretation of dynamic landscapes of peptides and other aggregated molecules. To demonstrate this, we interpret NMR data from transmembrane, peripheral, and tail anchored peptides embedded in micelles. Our results indicate that peptides and detergent molecules do not rotate together as a rigid body, but peptides rotate in a viscous medium composed of detergent micelle. Spin relaxation times also provide indirect information on peptide conformational ensembles. This work gives new perspectives on peptide dynamics in complex biomolecular assemblies.
Extreme-value analysis of intracellular cargo transport by motor proteins
Authors: Naoi Takuma , Kagawa Yuki , Nagino Kimiko , Niwa Shinsuke , Hayashi Kumiko
Published: February 2024

The mechanisms underlying the chemo-mechanical coupling of motor proteins is usually described by a set of force-velocity relations that reflect the different mechanisms responsible for the walking behavior of such proteins on microtubules. However, the convexity of such relations remains controversial depending on the species, and in vivo experiments are inaccessible due to the complexity of intracellular environments. As alternative tool to investigate such mechanism, Extreme-value analysis (EVA) can offer insight on the deviations in the data from the median of the probability distributions. Here, we rely on EVA to investigate the motility functions of nanoscale motor proteins in neurons of the living worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), namely the motion of kinesin and dynein along microtubules. While the essential difference between the two motors cannot be inferred from the mean velocities, such becomes evident in the EVA plots. Our findings extend the possibility and applicability of EVA for analysing motility data of nanoscale proteins in vivo.
Social corrections act as a double-edged sword by reducing the perceived accuracy of false and real news in the UK, Germany, and Italy
Authors: Stoeckel Florian , Stöckli Sabrina , Ceka Besir , Ricchi Chiara , Lyons Ben , Reifler Jason
Published: February 2024

Corrective or refutational posts from ordinary users on social media have the potential to improve the online information ecosystem. While initial evidence of these social corrections is promising, a better understanding of the effects across different topics, formats, and audiences is needed. In three pre-registered experiments (N = 1944 UK, N = 2467 Italy, N = 2210 Germany) where respondents completed a social media post assessment task with false and true news posts on various topics (e.g., health, climate change, technology), we find that social corrections reduce perceived accuracy of and engagement with false news posts. We also find that social corrections that flag true news as false decrease perceived accuracy of and engagement with true news posts. We did not find evidence to support moderation of these effects by correction strength, anti-expert sentiments, cognitive reflection capacities, or susceptibility to social influence. While social corrections can be effective for false news, they may also undermine belief in true news.
Multiplicity-driven photochromism controls three-state fulgimide photoswitches
Authors: Copko Jakub , Slanina Tomáš
Published: February 2024

Fulgimide photoswitches exist in 3 isomeric forms (Z, E and C) and have access to double bond isomerization and electrocyclization. By controlling the multiplicity of the excited fulgimide, precise control over both isomerization modes was achieved.
Preparation and photocatalytic properties of a CdWO4/Bi2WO6 binary heterojunction
Authors: Luo Ying , Sun Yangang
Published: February 2024

CdWO4/Bi2WO6 heterojunction microspheres are prepared by hydrothermal and subsequent impregnation processes, and the formation of the CdWO4/Bi2WO6 Z-scheme heterojunction significantly improves the visible light degradation performance for RhB dyes.
Optical properties of conductive and semi-insulating HVPE-GaN crystals
Authors: Cao Wenhao , Wang Shouzhi , Wang Guodong , Li Lili , Yu Jiaoxian , Liu Lei , Wang Zhongxin , Xu Xiangang , Hao Han , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

Effective doping plays an important part in the marketization of gallium nitride (GaN) devices.
Azaindolizine proton cranes attached to 7-hydroxyquinoline and 3-hydroxypyridine: a comparative theoretical study
Authors: Slavova Sofia , Antonov Liudmil
Published: February 2024

New proton cranes based on 7-hydroxy-quinoline and 3-hydroxypyridine.
On the role of non-additive interactions in three-body recombination
Authors: Wang Yu , Mirahmadi Marjan , Pérez-Ríos Jesús
Published: February 2024

At low collision energies, three-body recombination is described by pair-wise interactions, whereas, at high collision energies, the same reaction slightly depends on the non-additive interaction.
Confinement-induced clustering of H2 and CO2 gas molecules in hydrated nanopores
Authors: Choudhary Aditya , Ho Tuan A.
Published: February 2024

Nanoconfinement enhances gas dimer formation in nanopores. Gas clusters larger than a dimer form easily in hydrophobic nanopores and this is not observed in hydrophilic nanopores.
Nonequilibrium electron–phonon coupling across the interfaces between Al nanofilm and GaN
Authors: Chen Jiao , Bao Wenlong , Wang Zhaoliang , Xu Ke , Tang Dawei
Published: February 2024

Nano-metallic Al films are usually attached as source and drain in the external circuits of gallium nitride-based field effect transistors, and thus unbalanced carrier transport in Al/GaN is critical for thermal management.
Ultrathin dense LiF coverage coupled with a near-surface gradient fluorination lattice enables fast-charging long-life 4.6 V LiCoO2
Authors: Bi Zhihong , Yi Zonglin , Zhang Liangzhu , Wang Gongrui , Zhang Anping , Liao Shihao , Zhao Qinghe , Peng Zhangquan , Song Li , Wang Yi , Zhao Zhiwei , Wei Shiqiang , Zhao Wenguang , Shi Xiaoyu , Li Mingrun , Ta Na , Mi Jinxing , Li Shunning , Das Pratteek , Cui Yi , Chen Chengmeng , Pan Feng , Wu Zhong-Shuai
Published: February 2024

Schematic diagram of the fluorination interfacial reconstruction process and mechanism for stabilizing the cathode/electrolyte interface.
Lithium-ion battery cell formation: status and future directions towards a knowledge-based process design
Authors: Schomburg Felix , Heidrich Bastian , Wennemar Sarah , Drees Robin , Roth Thomas , Kurrat Michael , Heimes Heiner , Jossen Andreas , Winter Martin , Cheong Jun Young , Röder Fridolin
Published: February 2024

This review examines the key process of lithium-ion battery cell formation. Influencing factors, challenges, experimental and simulation tools required for knowledge-based process design of current and emerging battery technologies are addressed.
Thermal battery cost scaling analysis: minimizing the cost per kW h
Authors: Kocher Jordan D. , Woods Jason , Odukomaiya Adewale , Mahvi Allison , Yee Shannon K.
Published: February 2024

Thermal and cost-scaling analyses provide the tools to optimize the geometry of thermal batteries based on cost. Figures-of-merit comprised of storage material properties are derived as the quantities that should be maximized when different components dominate cost.
Unifying electrolyte formulation and electrode nanoconfinement design to enable new ion–solvent cointercalation chemistries
Authors: Guo Haocheng , Elmanzalawy Mennatalla , Sivakumar Prashanth , Fleischmann Simon
Published: February 2024

Cointercalation reactions, of particular interest for emerging battery cell chemistries, are more effectively controlled when matching electrolyte formulation with nanoconfinement properties within the interlayer space of host materials.
Photoelectrochemical nickel-catalyzed carboacylation/silanoylation of alkenes with unactivated C/Si–H bonds
Authors: Wang Lanfen , Huo Xiangyu , He Xiaozhi , Ackermann Lutz , Wang Dingyi
Published: February 2024

A photoelectrochemical approach for the carboacylation/silanoylation of alkenes with alkanes/hydrosilanes is described. The method offers a new perspective for chemists to rapidly obtain various ketones with high levels of structural complexity.
Homogeneous vs. heterogeneous catalysts for acceptorless dehydrogenation of biomass-derived glycerol and ethanol towards circular chemistry
Authors: Wang Kai , Horlyck Jonathan , An Nan , Voutchkova-Kostal Adelina
Published: February 2024

Survey and comparison of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic processes for acceptorless dehydrogenation of glycerol and ethanol based on green metrics.
Integrated phase separation in microliter droplets for ultratrace-enriching biomarker analysis
Authors: Zha Qihao , Luo Yong , Liu Conghui , Xu Tailin
Published: February 2024

An ultratrace microRNA detection platform that combines a minipillar array with an aqueous two-phase system to achieve a significant increase in target concentration in microliter droplets.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of rhein–piperazine–furanone hybrids as potential anticancer agents
Authors: He Yu , Zhang Si-Si , Wei Meng-Xue
Published: February 2024

Novel rhein–piperazine–furanone hybrids, 5, were designed and synthesized efficiently. Hybrid 5e, the most potent compound, was 46- and 35-fold more toxic to human lung cancer A549 cells than rhein and the reference cytarabine (CAR), respectively.
Exploiting cyclodextrins as artificial chaperones to enhance enzyme protection through supramolecular engineering
Authors: Foroutan Kalourazi Ali , Nazemi Seyed Amirabbas , Unniram Parambil Ajmal Roshan , Muñoz-Tafalla Ruben , Vidal Paula , Shahangian S. Shirin , Guallar Victor , Ferrer Manuel , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: February 2024

Protecting a surface-immobilised enzyme with an enzyme-thin organosilica layer produced using a protein chaperone building block allows drastic improvement in the enzyme's thermal stability.
Fe@ON3 as an electrocatalyst for efficient sulfur reduction
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Hongyi , Wei Chengdong , Xue Hongtao , Tang Fuling
Published: February 2024

The reaction kinetics of the Fe@O1N3 catalyst were highlighted in the final step, effectively reducing the Gibbs free energy. Fe@O1N3 effectively decreased the relative energies of dissociation of Li2S and Li–S, making the polysulfides easier to convert.
Effective inter-chain charge transfer and high charge mobility in polymeric carbon nitride arising from controllable molecular structures for enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 and H2 production
Authors: Li Zonglin , Yang Qing , Zhang Hui , Zheng Fukai , Wang Yonghai , Sun Jianhua
Published: February 2024

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) with an optimized cross-linking degree and building blocks achieves effective inter-chain charge transfer and high charge mobility and, therefore, exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity.
Biochemical approaches to assess the impact of post-translational modifications on pathogenic tau conformations using recombinant protein
Authors: Alhadidy Mohammed M. , Kanaan Nicholas M.
Published: February 2024

Tau protein is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Aggregates of tau are thought of as a main contributor to neurodegeneration in these diseases. Increasingly, evidence points to earlier, soluble conformations of abnormally modified monomers and multimeric tau as toxic forms of tau. The biological processes driving tau from physiological species to pathogenic conformations remain poorly understood, but certain avenues are currently under investigation including the functional consequences of various pathological tau changes (e.g. mutations, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and protein–protein interactions). PTMs can regulate several aspects of tau biology such as proteasomal and autophagic clearance, solubility, and aggregation. Moreover, PTMs can contribute to the transition of tau from normal to pathogenic conformations. However, our understating of how PTMs specifically regulate the transition of tau into pathogenic conformations is partly impeded by the relative lack of structured frameworks to assess and quantify these conformations. In this review, we describe a set of approaches that includes several in vitro assays to determine the contribution of PTMs to tau's transition into known pathogenic conformations. The approaches begin with different methods to create recombinant tau proteins carrying specific PTMs followed by validation of the PTMs status. Then, we describe a set of biochemical and biophysical assays that assess the contribution of a given PTM to different tau conformations, including aggregation, oligomerization, exposure of the phosphatase-activating domain, and seeding. Together, these approaches can facilitate the advancement of our understanding of the relationships between PTMs and tau conformations.
The molecular machinery of meiotic recombination
Authors: Chen Linda , Weir John R.
Published: February 2024

Meiotic recombination, a cornerstone of eukaryotic diversity and individual genetic identity, is essential for the creation of physical linkages between homologous chromosomes, facilitating their faithful segregation during meiosis I. This process requires that germ cells generate controlled DNA lesions within their own genome that are subsequently repaired in a specialised manner. Repair of these DNA breaks involves the modulation of existing homologous recombination repair pathways to generate crossovers between homologous chromosomes. Decades of genetic and cytological studies have identified a multitude of factors that are involved in meiotic recombination. Recent work has started to provide additional mechanistic insights into how these factors interact with one another, with DNA, and provide the molecular outcomes required for a successful meiosis. Here, we provide a review of the recent developments with a focus on protein structures and protein–protein interactions.
DDX41: exploring the roles of a versatile helicase
Authors: Winstone Lacey , Jung Yohan , Wu Yuliang
Published: February 2024

DDX41 is a DEAD-box helicase and is conserved across species. Mutations in DDX41 have been associated with myeloid neoplasms, including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Though its pathogenesis is not completely known, DDX41 has been shown to have many cellular roles, including in pre-mRNA splicing, innate immune sensing, ribosome biogenesis, translational regulation, and R-loop metabolism. In this review, we will summarize the latest understandings regarding the various roles of DDX41, as well as highlight challenges associated with drug development to target DDX41. Overall, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of DDX41 could help develop novel therapeutic options for DDX41 mutation-related hematologic malignancies.
Sex differences in physiological response to increased neuronal excitability in a knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Hammer Michael F. , Krzyzaniak Collin T. , Bahramnejad Erfan , Smelser Kiran J. , Hack Joshua B. , Watkins Joseph C. , Ronaldson Patrick T.
Published: February 2024

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disease; however, few if any of the currently marketed antiseizure medications prevent or cure epilepsy. Discovery of pathological processes in the early stages of epileptogenesis has been challenging given the common use of preclinical models that induce seizures in physiologically normal animals. Moreover, despite known sex dimorphism in neurological diseases, females are rarely included in preclinical epilepsy models.

Methods: We characterized sex differences in mice carrying a pathogenic knockin variant (p.N1768D) in the Scn8a gene that causes spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures (TCs) at ∼3 months of age and found that heterozygous females are more resilient than males in mortality and morbidity. To investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie female resilience, we utilized blood–brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal transcriptomic analyses in heterozygous mice before seizure onset (pre-TC) and in mice that experienced ∼20 TCs (post-TC).

Results: In the pre-TC latent phase, both sexes exhibited leaky BBB; however, patterns of gene expression were sexually dimorphic. Females exhibited enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and protein biogenesis, while males activated gliosis and CREB signaling. After seizure onset (chronic phase), females exhibited a metabolic switch to lipid metabolism, while males exhibited increased gliosis and BBB dysfunction and a strong activation of neuroinflammatory pathways.

Conclusion: The results underscore the central role of oxidative stress and BBB permeability in the early stages of epileptogenesis, as well as sex dimorphism in response to increasing neuronal hyperexcitability. Our results also highlight the need to include both sexes in preclinical studies to effectively translate results of drug efficacy studies.
Enhancement of Therapeutic Potential of Oncolytic Virus with Homologous Tumor Cell Membranes for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Hui , Chen Yue , Gao Meng
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Conventional therapies often provide limited success, necessitating the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a class of viruses that specifically target and kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. These viruses have shown promise in the treatment of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, their use in clinical settings has been limited by several factors. Their inability to efficiently infect and kill tumor cells. To overcome this limitation, a cell membrane‐coated oncolytic virus was developed. However, the necessity of homologous and nonhomologous tumor cell membranes for their function has not yet been proven. This novel virus displayed increased infectivity and killing activity against tumor cells compared to nonhomologous tumor cell membranes and noncoated viruses. We believe that the homologous tumor cell membranes‐coated OVs can enhance the therapeutic potential for pancreatic cancer therapy.
Formation of optical planar waveguides on fused quartz by MeV ion implantation
Authors: Zarate‐Reyes José‐Miguel , Flores‐Romero Erick , Rodríguez‐Fernández Luis , Kudriavtsev Yuriy , Cheang‐Wong Juan‐Carlos
Published: February 2024

The optical losses and the refractive index change of optical planar waveguides formed by MeV ion implantation were correlated with the experimental ion implantation parameters. Direct ion implantation was performed by means of carbon, silicon and copper ion beams impinging on the substrate surface at normal incidence. The ions were accelerated at energies ranging from 3 to 12 MeV with fluences varying from 1 × 1012 to 2 × 1016 ion/cm2, according to the type of implanted ion. The modification of the substrate refractive index due to the ion irradiation‐induced damage was evaluated using the prism coupler method, and the refractive index profiles were determined by means of a reconstruction method using a multilayer structure approximation. The guiding properties of the waveguides were analysed using the fibre‐coupling technique to determine both the optical transmission and transversal modes at 635 nm. The main practical relevance of our research is the obtention of high‐quality waveguides at low current density MeV ion implantation (≤80 nA/cm2) without post‐implantation annealing.
Soft ferrite 3D printing of magnetic couplers of inductive power transfer systems
Authors: Hu Meilin , Madawala Udaya Kumara , Diegel Olaf
Published: February 2024

Traditional soft ferrite manufacturing is limited to simple geometries and materials, while 3D printing offers greater flexibility for complex designs. Notably, soft ferrites are crucial for magnetic couplers (pads) in inductive power transfer (IPT) systems to achieve efficient wireless power transmission. The adoption of soft ferrite 3D printing in IPT systems could lead to significantly improved magnetic coupler design, yet research in this area is limited. Hence, the paper first makes a comprehensive comparison of the existing soft ferrite 3D printing methods to ascertain their suitability for magnetic couplers in IPT systems, and then proposes the binder jetting (BJT) as a potential 3D printing approach that could be appropriate for IPT magnetic coupler implementation being versatile, cost‐effective, and suitable for large‐scale manufacturing with high precision. This paper explores the suitability of BJT by 3D printing toroid cores with Mn–Zn ferrite powder under different sintering temperature profiles. Experimental results are presented to show that toroid cores can be 3D printed with high printing precision, mechanical strength, and a relative permeability of 10. This paper also highlights the impact of sintering temperature on 3D‐printed cores, the challenges, limitations, and future research directions of soft ferrite 3D printing for IPT magnetic couplers by the BJT method.