bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal singing sustains preterm hospitalized newborns’ autonomic nervous system maturation: an RCT
Authors: Filippa Manuela , Nardelli Mimma , Sansavini Alessandra , Meloni Sara , Picciolini Odoardo , Lunardi Clara , Cecchi Alessandra , Corvaglia Luigi , Grandjean Didier , Scilingo Enzo Pasquale , Della Casa Elisa , Berardi Alberto ,   EVC Group, Aceti Arianna , Bedetti Luca , Bertoncelli Natascia , Lucco Giovanna , Luzzati Michele , Ori Luca , Petrolini Chiara , Zuccarini Mariagrazia , Ferrari Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

Background

Premature birth is known to affect the newborn’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) maturation, with potential short and long-term impact on their neurobehavioral development. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of maternal directed singing and speaking on the preterm infants’ autonomic nervous system (ANS) maturation as measured by the heart rate variability (HRV) parameters.

Methods

In this multi-center randomized clinical trial, 30 stable preterm infants (m = 29,6 weeks of gestational age), without any abnormalities were randomized into an intervention (16) or a control group (14). HRV was measured weekly, for a total of 80 recordings during hospitalization, as well as before and after each session of singing or speaking.

Results

The intervention group showed a significant increase of the percentage value of HRV power in the high frequency range when compared to the control group (p = 0.044). More specifically, the maternal singing significantly increased the high frequency power and decreased the low/high frequency power ratio (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

The preterm infant’s vagal activity significantly increased in the intervention group, potentially enhancing their ANS maturation. The effect is specifically evidenced in the singing condition.

Impact

Maternal singing affects the autonomic nervous system maturation of preterm hospitalized newborns in the NICU.

No previous studies investigated how early vocal parental intervention can affect preterm infants developement, throught their autonomic nervous system maturation.

Early Vocal Contact as an early intervention involving parents has a positive impact on preterm infant’s development and it can be easily implemented in the care of preterm infants.

Trial registration

NCT04759573, retrospectively registered, 17 February 2021.
Neoadjuvant nivolumab with or without platinum-doublet chemotherapy based on PD-L1 expression in resectable NSCLC (CTONG1804): a multicenter open-label phase II study
Authors: Liu Si-Yang , Dong Song , Yang Xue-Ning , Liao Ri-Qiang , Jiang Ben-Yuan , Wang Qun , Ben Xiao-Song , Qiao Gui-Bin , Lin Jun-Tao , Yan Hong-Hong , Yan Li-Xu , Nie Qiang , Tu Hai-Yan , Wang Bin-Chao , Yang Jin-Ji , Zhou Qing , Li Hong-Rui , Liu Ke , Wu Wendy , Liu Si-Yang Maggie , Zhong Wen-Zhao , Wu Yi-Long
Published: December 2023

This prospective multicenter phase II study evaluated the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant nivolumab-exclusive (N) and nivolumab–chemotherapy (N/C) combinations based on PD-L1 expression. Eligible patients exhibited resectable clinical stage IIA–IIIB (AJCC 8th edition) NSCLC without EGFR/ALK alterations. Patients received either mono-nivolumab (N) or nivolumab + nab-paclitaxel+ carboplatin (N/C) for three cycles based on PD-L1 expression. The primary endpoint was the major pathological response (MPR). Key secondary endpoints included the pathologic complete response (pCR), objective response rate (ORR), and event-free survival (EFS). Baseline PD-L1 expression and perioperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) status were correlated with pCR and EFS. Fifty-two patients were enrolled, with 46 undergoing surgeries. The MPR was 50.0% (26/52), with 25.0% (13/52) achieving pCR, and 16.7% and 66.7% for patients with PD-L1 ≥ 50% in N and N/C groups, respectively. Thirteen (25.0%) patients experienced grade 3 or higher immune-related adverse events during neoadjuvant treatment. Patients with post-neoadjuvant ctDNA negativity was more likely to have pCR (39.1%) compared with those remained positive (6.7%, odds ratio = 6.14, 95% CI 0.84-Inf, p = 0.077). With a median follow-up of 25.1 months, the 18-month EFS rate was 64.8% (95% CI 51.9–81.0%). For patients with ctDNA– vs. ctDNA + , the 18m-EFS rate was 93.8% vs 47.3% (HR, 0.15; 95% CI 0.04, 0.94; p = 0.005). Immunochemotherapy may serve as an optimal neoadjuvant treatment even for patients with PD-L1 expression ≥ 50%. ctDNA negativity following neoadjuvant treatment and surgery could help identify superior pathological and survival benefits, which requires further confirmation in a prospective clinical trial (NCT04015778).
Integrative analysis of long noncoding RNAs dysregulation and synapse-associated ceRNA regulatory axes in autism
Authors: Jiang Miaomiao , Wang Ziqi , Lu Tianlan , Li Xianjing , Yang Kang , Zhao Liyang , Zhang Dai , Li Jun , Wang Lifang
Published: December 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder of neurodevelopment, the function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in ASD remains essentially unknown. In the present study, gene networks were used to explore the ASD disease mechanisms integrating multiple data types (for example, RNA expression, whole-exome sequencing signals, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and protein-protein interaction) and datasets (five human postmortem datasets). A total of 388 lncRNAs and five co-expression modules were found to be altered in ASD. The downregulated co-expression M4 module was significantly correlated with ASD, enriched with autism susceptibility genes and synaptic signaling. Integrating lncRNAs from the M4 module and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation data from the literature identified competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. We identified the downregulated mRNAs that interact with miRNAs by the miRTarBase, miRDB, and TargetScan databases. Our analysis reveals that MIR600HG was downregulated in multiple brain tissue datasets and was closely associated with 9 autism-susceptible miRNAs in the ceRNA network. MIR600HG and target mRNAs (EPHA4, MOAP1, MAP3K9, STXBP1, PRKCE, and SCAMP5) were downregulated in the peripheral blood by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis (false discovery rate <0.05). Subsequently, we assessed the role of lncRNA dysregulation in altered mRNA levels. Experimental verification showed that some synapse-associated mRNAs were downregulated after the MIR600HG knockdown. BrainSpan project showed that the expression patterns of MIR600HG (primate-specific lncRNA) and synapse-associated mRNA were similar in different human brain regions and at different stages of development. A combination of support vector machine and random forest machine learning algorithms retrieved the marker gene for ASD in the ceRNA network, and the area under the curve of the diagnostic nomogram was 0.851. In conclusion, dysregulation of MIR600HG, a novel specific lncRNA associated with ASD, is responsible for the ASD-associated miRNA-mRNA axes, thereby potentially regulating synaptogenesis.
A novel DSP zebrafish model reveals training- and drug-induced modulation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotypes
Authors: Celeghin Rudy , Risato Giovanni , Beffagna Giorgia , Cason Marco , Bueno Marinas Maria , Della Barbera Mila , Facchinello Nicola , Giuliodori Alice , Brañas Casas Raquel , Caichiolo Micol , Vettori Andrea , Grisan Enrico , Rizzo Stefania , Dalla Valle Luisa , Argenton Francesco , Thiene Gaetano , Tiso Natascia , Pilichou Kalliopi , Basso Cristina
Published: December 2023

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive loss of the ventricular myocardium causing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, syncope and sudden cardiac death in young and athletes. About 40% of AC cases carry one or more mutations in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins, including Desmoplakin (Dsp). We present here the first stable Dsp knock-out (KO) zebrafish line able to model cardiac alterations and cell signalling dysregulation, characteristic of the AC disease, on which environmental factors and candidate drugs can be tested. Our stable Dsp knock-out (KO) zebrafish line was characterized by cardiac alterations, oedema and bradycardia at larval stages. Histological analysis of mutated adult hearts showed reduced contractile structures and abnormal shape of the ventricle, with thinning of the myocardial layer, vessels dilation and presence of adipocytes within the myocardium. Moreover, TEM analysis revealed “pale”, disorganized and delocalized desmosomes. Intensive physical training protocol caused a global worsening of the cardiac phenotype, accelerating the progression of the disease. Of note, we detected a decrease of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, recently associated with AC pathogenesis, as well as Hippo/YAP-TAZ and TGF-β pathway dysregulation. Pharmacological treatment of mutated larvae with SB216763, a Wnt/β-catenin agonist, rescued pathway expression and cardiac abnormalities, stabilizing the heart rhythm. Overall, our Dsp KO zebrafish line recapitulates many AC features observed in human patients, pointing at zebrafish as a suitable system for in vivo analysis of environmental modulators, such as the physical exercise, and the screening of pathway-targeted drugs, especially related to the Wnt/β-catenin signalling cascade.
Atg18 oligomer organization in assembled tubes and on lipid membrane scaffolds
Authors: Mann Daniel , Fromm Simon A. , Martinez-Sanchez Antonio , Gopaldass Navin , Choy Ramona , Mayer Andreas , Sachse Carsten
Published: December 2023

Autophagy-related protein 18 (Atg18) participates in the elongation of early autophagosomal structures in concert with Atg2 and Atg9 complexes. How Atg18 contributes to the structural coordination of Atg2 and Atg9 at the isolation membrane remains to be understood. Here, we determined the cryo-EM structures of Atg18 organized in helical tubes, Atg18 oligomers in solution as well as on lipid membrane scaffolds. The helical assembly is composed of Atg18 tetramers forming a lozenge cylindrical lattice with remarkable structural similarity to the COPII outer coat. When reconstituted with lipid membranes, using subtomogram averaging we determined tilted Atg18 dimer structures bridging two juxtaposed lipid membranes spaced apart by 80 Å. Moreover, lipid reconstitution experiments further delineate the contributions of Atg18’s FRRG motif and the amphipathic helical extension in membrane interaction. The observed structural plasticity of Atg18’s oligomeric organization and membrane binding properties provide a molecular framework for the positioning of downstream components of the autophagy machinery.
The PENGUIN approach to reconstruct protein interactions at enhancer-promoter regions and its application to prostate cancer
Authors: Armaos Alexandros , Serra François , Núñez-Carpintero Iker , Seo Ji-Heui , Baca Sylvan C. , Gustincich Stefano , Valencia Alfonso , Freedman Matthew L. , Cirillo Davide , Giambartolomei Claudia , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano
Published: December 2023

We introduce Promoter-Enhancer-Guided Interaction Networks (PENGUIN), a method for studying protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks within enhancer-promoter interactions. PENGUIN integrates H3K27ac-HiChIP data with tissue-specific PPIs to define enhancer-promoter PPI networks (EPINs). We validated PENGUIN using cancer (LNCaP) and benign (LHSAR) prostate cell lines. Our analysis detected EPIN clusters enriched with the architectural protein CTCF, a regulator of enhancer-promoter interactions. CTCF presence was coupled with the prevalence of prostate cancer (PrCa) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the same EPIN clusters, suggesting functional implications in PrCa. Within the EPINs displaying enrichments in both CTCF and PrCa SNPs, we also show enrichment in oncogenes. We substantiated our identified SNPs through CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and RNAi screens experiments. Here we show that PENGUIN provides insights into the intricate interplay between enhancer-promoter interactions and PPI networks, which are crucial for identifying key genes and potential intervention targets. A dedicated server is available at https://penguin.life.bsc.es/.
Performance boost for bismuth telluride thermoelectric generator via barrier layer based on low Young’s modulus and particle sliding
Authors: Sun Yuxin , Guo Fengkai , Feng Yan , Li Chun , Zou Yongchun , Cheng Jinxuan , Dong Xingyan , Wu Hao , Zhang Qian , Liu Weishu , Liu Zihang , Cai Wei , Ren Zhifeng , Sui Jiehe
Published: December 2023

The lack of desirable diffusion barrier layers currently prohibits the long-term stable service of bismuth telluride thermoelectric devices in low-grade waste heat recovery. Here we propose a new design principle of barrier layers beyond the thermal expansion matching criterion. A titanium barrier layer with loose structure is optimized, in which the low Young’s modulus and particle sliding synergistically alleviates interfacial stress, while the TiTe2 reactant enables metallurgical bonding and ohmic contact between the barrier layer and the thermoelectric material, leading to a desirable interface characterized by high-thermostability, high-strength, and low-resistivity. Highly competitive conversion efficiency of 6.2% and power density of 0.51 W cm−2 are achieved for a module with leg length of 2 mm at the hot-side temperature of 523 K, and no degradation is observed following operation for 360 h, a record for stable service at this temperature, paving the way for its application in low-grade waste heat recovery.
A human embryonic limb cell atlas resolved in space and time
Authors: Zhang Bao , He Peng , Lawrence John E. G. , Wang Shuaiyu , Tuck Elizabeth , Williams Brian A. , Roberts Kenny , Kleshchevnikov Vitalii , Mamanova Lira , Bolt Liam , Polanski Krzysztof , Li Tong , Elmentaite Rasa , Fasouli Eirini S. , Prete Martin , He Xiaoling , Yayon Nadav , Fu Yixi , Yang Hao , Liang Chen , Zhang Hui , Blain Raphael , Chedotal Alain , FitzPatrick David R. , Firth Helen , Dean Andrew , Bayraktar Omer Ali , Marioni John C. , Barker Roger A. , Storer Mekayla A. , Wold Barbara J. , Zhang Hongbo , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: December 2023

Human limbs emerge during the fourth post-conception week as mesenchymal buds, which develop into fully formed limbs over the subsequent months1. This process is orchestrated by numerous temporally and spatially restricted gene expression programmes, making congenital alterations in phenotype common2. Decades of work with model organisms have defined the fundamental mechanisms underlying vertebrate limb development, but an in-depth characterization of this process in humans has yet to be performed. Here we detail human embryonic limb development across space and time using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. We demonstrate extensive diversification of cells from a few multipotent progenitors to myriad differentiated cell states, including several novel cell populations. We uncover two waves of human muscle development, each characterized by different cell states regulated by separate gene expression programmes, and identify musculin (MSC) as a key transcriptional repressor maintaining muscle stem cell identity. Through assembly of multiple anatomically continuous spatial transcriptomic samples using VisiumStitcher, we map cells across a sagittal section of a whole fetal hindlimb. We reveal a clear anatomical segregation between genes linked to brachydactyly and polysyndactyly, and uncover transcriptionally and spatially distinct populations of the mesenchyme in the autopod. Finally, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing on mouse embryonic limbs to facilitate cross-species developmental comparison, finding substantial homology between the two species.
Logical quantum processor based on reconfigurable atom arrays
Authors: Bluvstein Dolev , Evered Simon J. , Geim Alexandra A. , Li Sophie H. , Zhou Hengyun , Manovitz Tom , Ebadi Sepehr , Cain Madelyn , Kalinowski Marcin , Hangleiter Dominik , Bonilla Ataides J. Pablo , Maskara Nishad , Cong Iris , Gao Xun , Sales Rodriguez Pedro , Karolyshyn Thomas , Semeghini Giulia , Gullans Michael J. , Greiner Markus , Vuletić Vladan , Lukin Mikhail D.
Published: December 2023

Suppressing errors is the central challenge for useful quantum computing1, requiring quantum error correction (QEC)2–6for large-scale processing. However, the overhead in the realization of error-corrected ‘logical’ qubits, in which information is encoded across many physical qubits for redundancy2–4, poses substantial challenges to large-scale logical quantum computing. Here we report the realization of a programmable quantum processor based on encoded logical qubits operating with up to 280 physical qubits. Using logical-level control and a zoned architecture in reconfigurable neutral-atom arrays7, our system combines high two-qubit gate fidelities8, arbitrary connectivity7,9, as well as fully programmable single-qubit rotations and mid-circuit readout10–15. Operating this logical processor with various types of encoding, we demonstrate improvement of a two-qubit logic gate by scaling surface-code6distance fromd = 3 tod = 7, preparation of colour-code qubits with break-even fidelities5, fault-tolerant creation of logical Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) states and feedforward entanglement teleportation, as well as operation of 40 colour-code qubits. Finally, using 3D [[8,3,2]] code blocks16,17, we realize computationally complex sampling circuits18with up to 48 logical qubits entangled with hypercube connectivity19with 228 logical two-qubit gates and 48 logical CCZ gates20. We find that this logical encoding substantially improves algorithmic performance with error detection, outperforming physical-qubit fidelities at both cross-entropy benchmarking and quantum simulations of fast scrambling21,22. These results herald the advent of early error-corrected quantum computation and chart a path towards large-scale logical processors.
Linear energy transfer (LET) distribution outside small radiotherapy field edges produced by 6 MV X-rays
Authors: Huerta-Juan Y. , Xicohténcatl-Hernández N. , Massillon-JL G.
Published: December 2023

In modern radiotherapy with photons, the absorbed dose outside the radiation field is generally investigated. But it is well known that the biological damage depends not only on the absorbed dose but also on LET. This work investigated the dose-average LET (LΔ,D) outside several small radiotherapy fields to provide information that can help for better evaluating the biological effect in organs at risk close to the tumour volume. The electron fluences produced in liquid water by a 6 MV X-rays Varian iX linac were calculated using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code. With the electron spectra, LΔ,D calculations were made for eight open small square fields and the reference field at water depths of 0.15 cm, 1.35 cm, 9.85 cm and 19.85 cm and several off-axis distances. The variation of LΔ,D from the centre of the beam to 2 cm outside the field’s edge depends on the field size and water depth. Using radiobiological data reported in the literature for chromosomal aberrations as an endpoint for the induction of dicentrics determined in Human Lymphocytes, we estimated the maximum low-dose relative biological effectiveness, (RBEM) finding an increase of up to 100% from the centre of the beam to 2 cm from the field's edge.
Increased circulating progranulin is not sufficient to induce cardiac dysfunction or supraventricular arrhythmia
Authors: McElhanon Kevin E. , Huff Tyler C. , Hirenallur-Shanthappa Dinesh , Miller Russell A. , Christoforou Nicolas
Published: December 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, and the incidence of new-onset AF has been increasing over the past two decades. Several factors contribute to the risk of developing AF including age, preexisting cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and obesity. Concurrent with the rise in AF, obesity has followed the same two-decade trend. The contribution of circulating proteins to obesity-related AF is of particular interest in the field. In this study, we investigated the effects of increased circulating levels of the glycoprotein progranulin on the development of supraventricular arrhythmias and changes to cardiac function. AAV8-mediated overexpression of full-length mouse progranulin was used to increase plasma protein levels and determine susceptibility to supraventricular arrhythmias and changes in cardiac structure and function. C57Bl/6N mice were subjected to increased circulating levels of progranulin for 20 weeks. Cardiac conduction was evaluated by surface ECG with and without isoproterenol challenge, and cardiac structure and function were measured by echocardiography after 20 weeks of circulating progranulin overexpression. Increased circulating levels of progranulin were maintained throughout the 20-week study. The cardiac structure and function remained unchanged in mice with increased circulating progranulin. ECG indices (P wave duration, P amplitude, QRS interval) were unaffected by increased progranulin levels and no arrhythmogenic events were observed following the isoproterenol challenge. In our model, increased levels of circulating progranulin were not sufficient to induce changes in cardiac structure and function or elicit ECG abnormalities suggestive of susceptibility to supraventricular arrhythmias.
A novel invasive Streptococcus pyogenes variant sublineage derived through recombinational replacement of the emm12 genomic region
Authors: Unoarumhi Yvette , Davis Morgan L. , Rowe Lori A. , Mathis Saundra , Li Zhongya , Chochua Sopio , Li Yuan , McGee Lesley , Metcalf Benjamin J. , Lee Justin S. , Beall Bernard
Published: December 2023

Group A streptococcal strains potentially acquire new M protein gene types through genetic recombination (emm switching). To detect such variants, we screened 12,596 invasive GAS genomes for strains of differing emm types that shared the same multilocus sequence type (ST). Through this screening we detected a variant consisting of 16 serum opacity factor (SOF)-positive, emm pattern E, emm82 isolates that were ST36, previously only associated with SOF-negative, emm pattern A, emm12. The 16 emm82/ST36 isolates were closely interrelated (pairwise SNP distance of 0–43), and shared the same emm82-containing recombinational fragment. emm82/ST36 isolates carried the sof12 structural gene, however the sof12 indel characteristic of emm12 strains was corrected to confer the SOF-positive phenotype. Five independent emm82/ST36 invasive case isolates comprised two sets of genetically indistinguishable strains. The emm82/ST36 isolates were primarily macrolide resistant (12/16 isolates), displayed at least 4 different core genomic arrangements, and carried 11 different combinations of virulence and resistance determinants. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that emm82/ST36 was within a minor (non-clade 1) portion of ST36 that featured almost all ST36 antibiotic resistance. This work documents emergence of a rapidly diversifying variant that is the first confirmed example of an emm pattern A strain switched to a pattern E strain.
Phase variation of manganese oxide in the MnO@ZnO nanocomposite with calcination temperature and its effect on structural and biological activities
Authors: Basak Shatarupa , Haydar Md Salman , Sikdar Suranjan , Ali Salim , Mondal Modhusudan , Shome Ankita , Sarkar Kushankur , Roy Swarnendu , Roy Mahendra Nath
Published: December 2023

Having powerful antibacterial and antioxidant effects, zinc oxide and manganese oxide nanomaterials are of great interest. Here we have synthesized manganese oxide decorated zinc oxide (MZO) nanocomposites by co-precipitation method, calcined at different temperatures (300–750 °C) and studied various properties. Here the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite and phase change of the manganese oxide are observed with calcination temperature. The average crystalline size increases and the dislocation density and microstrain decrease with the increase in calcined temperature for the same structural features. The formation of composites was confirmed by XRD pattern and SEM images. EDAX spectra proved the high purity of the composites. Here, different biological properties change with the calcination temperature for different shapes, sizes and structures of the nanocomposite. Nanomaterial calcined at 750 °C provides the best anti-microbial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri (gram-negative), Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium (gram-positive) bacterial strain at 300 µg/mL concentration. The nanomaterial with calcination temperatures of 300 °C and 450 °C provided better antioxidant properties.
Prioritizing biomaterials for spinal disc implants by a fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS decision making method
Authors: Ansaripour Hossein , Haeussler Kim Lars , Ferguson Stephen J. , Flohr Markus
Published: December 2023

Considerable research has been focused on identifying the optimum biomaterial for spine implants. New technologies and materials have allowed surgeons to better grasp the biomechanical principles underpinning implant stability and function. An optimal biomaterial for total disc replacement (TDR) should include essential characteristics such as biocompatibility, long-term durability, the capacity to withstand mechanical stresses, and economic viability. Our research has focused on six biomaterials for TDR, including Ti–6Al–4V, CoCr alloy, stainless steel 316L, zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Ten common properties, i.e., the Young’s modulus, density, tensile strength, the expense of the manufacturing process, the cost of raw material, wear rate, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, fracture toughness and compressive strength were utilized to assess these six different materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and rank the six alternative biomaterials proposed for use in the endplates and articulating surface of a spinal TDR. To accomplish this, a multi-criteria decision-making approach, namely the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) and the Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was adopted to solve the model. For validation and robustness of the proposed method, sensitivity analysis was performed, and comparison was performed with fuzzy-VIKOR and fuzzy-MOORA methods. In light of the study’s results, ZTA and Ti–6Al–4V were identified as the best suited materials for the articulating surface and endplates, respectively, in a spinal disc implant.
Multimodal optical clearing to minimize light attenuation in biological tissues
Authors: Shariati B. K. Behnam , Ansari Mohammad Ali , Khatami Seyyede Sarvenaz , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: December 2023

The biggest obstacle to optical imaging is light attenuation in biological tissues. Conventional clearing techniques, such as agent-based clearing, improve light penetration depth by reducing scattering, but they are hampered by drawbacks including toxicity, low efficiency, slowness, and superficial performance, which prevent them from resolving the attenuation problem on their own. Therefore, quick, safe, and effective procedures have been developed. One of them involves using standing ultrasonic waves to build light waveguides that function effectively in the tissue depth while minimizing scattering. Temporal optical clearing is another agent-free strategy that we introduced in our previous article. Whereas not deep, this technique minimizes both light absorption and scattering by pulse width variation in ultra-short pulse regime. Consequently, it can be a complementary method for ultrasonic optical clearing. In this work, we enhanced the light penetration depth in chicken breast tissue by 10 times (0.67–6.7 cm), setting a record in literature by integrating three clearing methods: agent-based, ultrasound-based, and temporal. Here, optical coherence tomography, Bear–Lambert, and fluorescence tests have been used to study the light penetration depth and optical clearing efficiency. Presented work is an essential step in development of diagnostic techniques for human body, from cells to organs.
Long and isolated graphene nanoribbons by on-surface polymerization on Au(111)
Authors: Thupakula Umamahesh , Soe We-Hyo , Joachim Christian , Dujardin Erik
Published: December 2023

Low electronic gap graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are used for the fabrication of nanomaterial-based devices and, when isolated, for mono-molecular electronics experiences, for which a well-controlled length is crucial. Here, an on-surface chemistry protocol is monitored for producing long and well-isolated GNR molecular wires on an Au(111) surface. The two-step Ullmann coupling reaction is sequenced in temperature from 100 °C to 350 °C by steps of 50 °C, returning at room temperature between each step and remaining in ultrahigh vacuum conditions. After the first annealing step at 100 °C, the monomers self-organize into 2-monolayered nano-islands. Next, the Ullmann coupling reaction takes place in both 1st and 2nd layers of those nano-islands. The nano-island lateral size and shape are controlling the final GNR lengths. Respecting the above on-surface chemistry protocol, an optimal initial monomer coverage of ~1.5 monolayer produces isolated GNRs with a final length distribution reaching up to 50 nm and a low surface coverage of ~0.4 monolayer suitable for single molecule experiments.
High shear flow prevents bundling of bacterial flagella and induces lateral migration away from a wall
Authors: Yang Jinyou , Kikuchi Kenji , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: December 2023

Since the discovery of bacteria in the 17th century, bacterial motion has been the focus of great research interest. As an example of bacterial chemotaxis, Escherichia coli exhibits run-and-tumble motion by bundling and unbundling flagella, propelling the cells along a concentration gradient. However, the behavior of bacteria in high-shear flow environments remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed experimentally that E. coli swimming is severely inhibited at shear rates above a few hundred per second. Our simulations revealed that E. coli flagellar bundling cannot occur in a high-shear regime, because the background shear flow is stronger than the flagellar-generated flow required to form a bundle. Bacteria under strong shear behave like deformable objects and exhibit lateral migration away from a wall. These results suggest that bacteria that are unable to bundle their flagella in strong shear near a wall alter their locomotion strategy to passively escape from the wall.
Hypoxia-tolerant zooplankton may reduce biological carbon pump efficiency in the Humboldt current system off Peru
Authors: Engel Anja , Cisternas-Novoa Carolina , Hauss Helena , Kiko Rainer , Le Moigne Frédéric A. C.
Published: December 2023

In the ocean, downward flux of particles produced in sunlit surface waters is the major component of the biological carbon pump, which sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide and fuels deep-sea ecosystems. The efficiency of downward carbon transfer is expected to be particularly high in tropical upwelling systems where hypoxia occurring beneath the productive surface waters is thought to hamper particle consumption. However, observations of both particle feeders and carbon export in low-oxygen waters are scarce. Here, we provide evidence that hypoxia-tolerant zooplankton feed on sinking particles in the extensive Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) off Peru. Using several arrays of drifting sediment traps and in situ imaging, we show geochemical and morphological transformations of sinking particles and substantial control of carbon export by zooplankton. Our findings challenge the assumption of a consistently efficient biological carbon pump in OMZs and further demonstrate the need to consider mesopelagic organisms when studying oceanic carbon sequestration.
Zea mays genotype influences microbial and viral rhizobiome community structure
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Quattrone Amanda , Yang Yuguo , Owens Jacob , Kiat Rebecca , Kuppusamy Thirumurugen , Russo Sabrina E , Weber Karrie A
Published: December 2023

Plant genotype is recognized to contribute to variations in microbial community structure in the rhizosphere, soil adherent to roots. However, the extent to which the viral community varies has remained poorly understood and has the potential to contribute to variation in soil microbial communities. Here we cultivated replicates of two Zea mays genotypes, parviglumis and B73, in a greenhouse and harvested the rhizobiome (rhizoplane and rhizosphere) to identify the abundance of cells and viruses as well as rhizobiome microbial and viral community using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and genome resolved metagenomics. Our results demonstrated that viruses exceeded microbial abundance in the rhizobiome of parviglumis and B73 with a significant variation in both the microbial and viral community between the two genotypes. Of the viral contigs identified only 4.5% (n = 7) of total viral contigs were shared between the two genotypes, demonstrating that plants even at the level of genotype can significantly alter the surrounding soil viral community. An auxiliary metabolic gene associated with glycoside hydrolase (GH5) degradation was identified in one viral metagenome-assembled genome (vOTU) identified in the B73 rhizobiome infecting Propionibacteriaceae (Actinobacteriota) further demonstrating the viral contribution in metabolic potential for carbohydrate degradation and carbon cycling in the rhizosphere. This variation demonstrates the potential of plant genotype to contribute to microbial and viral heterogeneity in soil systems and harbors genes capable of contributing to carbon cycling in the rhizosphere.
Plant-derived Fire Retardants
Authors: Bourbigot Serge , Lu Jinhan , Zhang Tao , Zhang Xianming , Liu Yun , Xu Ying-Jun , Li Juan , Xia Yan
Published: December 2023

Bio-based fire retardants represent one of the most promising directions of next-generation fire retardants due to their sustainability, environmental benefits and comparable efficiency to current non-based counterparts. Many plant-derived feedstocks, such as lignin, phytic acid (PA), polysaccharides (e.g., alginates) and furan as well as their derivatives, have shown promising applications in creating fire-retardant polymeric materials. This chapter focuses on their use as fire retardants, alone or in combination with other fire retardants, or as starting materials for synthesizing bio-based fire retardants through chemical modifications for some typical polymers. Meanwhile, they can be physically blended with polymer matrices or chemically included into the backbone or side chains of polymers to develop fire-retardant polymer biocomposites. The impacts of these plant-based fire retardants on the thermal and fire retardancy properties of polymers are discussed. Key challenges and future perspectives are also proposed to expedite the applications of these plant-derived fire retardants in industry.
Mineral-derived Fire Retardants
Authors: Xu Shiai , Xu Jie , Li Zhi , Jiang Lin-Yun , Huo Siqi
Published: December 2023

Inorganic fire retardants are being used to improve the flame resistance of polymeric materials because of their non-toxicity and ability to form thermally stable char layers or reinforce the carbonaceous layer. This chapter covers the characteristics, fabrication and applications of some inorganic flame retardants, including aluminum hydroxide (ATH), magnesium hydroxide (MH), layered double hydroxide (LDH), nanoclay and other minerals (e.g., fly ash, sodium silicate, kaolin, huntite, hydromagnesite, and boehmite). Meanwhile, their fire-retardant mechanisms are also highlighted. This chapter also presents the disadvantages of these mineral-derived fire retardants and proposes some possible future directions.
Applications and Safety Assessment of Green Fire Retardants
Authors: Tang Wufei , Gu Xiaoyu , Zhang Sheng , Roncucci Daniele , Gaan Sabyasachi , Zhang Wenyuan , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Jingyu , Qian Lijun
Published: December 2023

This chapter briefly reviews the development and application of green and conventional flame retardants, specifically the advantages and disadvantages of using “green” vs. “non-green” flame retardants are compared in detail. Typical green fire retardants for polypropylene, poly(lactic acid), and epoxy resins are summarized. Furthermore, the future development and problems of green flame retardants are also discussed and proposed. Finally, the impact of metal-based flame retardants on the environment and the human body is analysed, and the safety prospects of flame retardants and flame retardant materials are discussed. Thus, it is an urgent requirement to clarify the toxicological mechanism and the potential ecological health risks of flame retardants, to minimize the impact and potential long-term effects on the environment and human health.
Self-assembled hole-transporting material constructed by chlorination and conjugation strategies toward efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Xinjie , Geng Renyong , Xu Shanlei , Liu Xingting , Yang Yahui , Gao Shengzheng , Xu Hao , Zhu Weiguo , Song Xin
Published: December 2023

A synergetic chlorination and extended conjugation strategy is applied to explore a novel, self-assembled hole-transporting material (2Cl-TPA-CN-COOH) for its application in organic solar cells.
Site-selective peptide functionalisation mediated via vinyl-triazine linchpins
Authors: Sydenham Jack D. , Seki Hikaru , Krajcovicova Sona , Zeng Linwei , Schober Tim , Deingruber Tomas , Spring David R.
Published: December 2023

1,2,4-vinyl-triazines were found to be cysteine selective bioconjugation reagents which could then perform a inverse electron demand Diels Alder (IEDDA) reaction that was selective for bicyclononyne (BCN) over Dibenzocyclooctyne-acid (DBCO).
Crystal engineering in Africa
Authors: Bourne Susan A. , Haynes Delia A. , Tsobnang Patrice Kenfack
Published: December 2023

Susan A. Bourne, Delia A. Haynes and Patrice Kenfack Tsobnang introduce the CrystEngComm themed collection “Crystal engineering in Africa”.
Theoretical study on the mechanochemical reactivity in Diels–Alder reactions
Authors: Sakai Wakana , Gonnet Lori , Haruta Naoki , Sato Tohru , Baron Michel
Published: December 2023

Mechanochemical reaction constants, defined as dimensionless cubic force constants, tell us how easily mechanical force can lower reaction barriers and thus correlate well with the yields of the mechanochemical Diels–Alder reactions.
The lattice oxygen determines the methanol selectivity in CO2 hydrogenation over ZnZrOx catalysts
Authors: Mao Xiaoying , Zhang Yaping , Xu Yun , Zhou Yu , Zhuang Ke , Shen Kai , Ding Shipeng
Published: December 2023

In the reaction of carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol, CO2 was adsorbed and activated on the oxygen vacancies neighboring Zr species, while the rate-limiting step H2 activation occurred in the Zn–O sites.
Generative adversarial networks and diffusion models in material discovery
Authors: Alverson Michael , Baird Sterling G. , Murdock Ryan , Ho (Enoch) Sin-Hang , Johnson Jeremy , Sparks Taylor D.
Published: December 2023

Diffusion Models outperform Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Wasserstein GANs in material discovery.
NaMoO3(IO3)(H2O): water molecule introduction induces strong second harmonic generation response, widened band gap and large anisotropy
Authors: Shui Yi , Liang Zhengli , Li Zhenhua , Wan Jiahao , Liu Lehui , Jiang Xingxing , Lin Zheshuai , Liu Hongming
Published: December 2023

A new acentric iodate, NaMoO3(IO3)(H2O), was obtained by introducing a water molecule into a centrosymmetric matrix, which induced the reorientation of Λ-shaped [MoO4(IO3)2] units and a strong nonlinear effect.
Surface defect-engineered Fe doping in layered Co-based complex as highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Hou Juan-Juan , Liu Huan , Wang Ting , Tian Bao-Qiang , Yang Yang , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: December 2023

Co-based bimetallic dopants with surface defects formed by tuning the electronic structure of metal centers accompanied by morphological changes exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for overall water splitting.
Presence of digestible starch impacts in vitro fermentation of resistant starch
Authors: Klostermann Cynthia E. , Endika Martha F. , Kouzounis Dimitrios , Buwalda Piet L. , de Vos Paul , Zoetendal Erwin G. , Bitter Johannes H. , Schols Henk A.
Published: December 2023

Awareness is required for the presence of digestible starch when studying in vitro fermentation of resistant starch (RS). Such starch may steer and overrule the fermentation of RS, thereby affecting the evaluation of the prebiotic potential of RS.
Composition control of Pd-based bimetallic alloys to boost selective hydrogenation of furfural in aqueous micelles
Authors: Chen Yiru , He Xi , Zhang Ming , Chen Lixin , Liu Xuemin , Liu Bing , Yang Hengquan , Ge Xin
Published: December 2023

The high selectivities of FA (Sel. 99.9% for Pd1Cu9) and THFA (Sel. 96.2% for Pd1Ni3) were obtained under mild reaction conditions in environmentally benign micellar catalytic systems.
A highly sensitive and room temperature ethanol gas sensor based on spray deposited Sb doped SnO2 thin films
Authors: Ramanathan Ramarajan , Nagarajan Selvakumar , Sathiyamoorthy Surya , Manavaimaran Balaji , Barshilia Harish C. , Mallik Ramesh Chandra
Published: December 2023

Spray deposited Sb doped SnO2 thin film for room temperature ethanol gas detection.
Regulating the polyethylene microstructure by increasing steric crowding in naphthoxy imine-ligated Ni(ii) complexes
Authors: Birajdar Rajkumar S. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: December 2023

Here we report the syntheses of systematically sterically tailored naphthoxy imine-ligated nickel complexes and, their performance in ethylene polymerization. Sterically less bulky Ni1 and Ni2 produced highly branched (43–54) PE, while the bulkiest Ni3 suppressed branching (only 28).
Facile synthesis of N-phenoxycarbonyl amino acids by a two-phase reaction for direct polymerization
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Liu Shiqi , Cai Zhihao , Luo Weizhe , Liu Guojian , Liu Runhui
Published: December 2023

A facile method for synthesizing N-phenoxycarbonyl amino acid (NPC) monomers has been developed by a simple two-phase reaction without the necessity for column chromatography or recrystallization.
Interface regulation of the Zn anode by using a low concentration electrolyte additive for aqueous Zn batteries
Authors: Wang Kuo , Li Qianrui , Zhang Guoli , Li Shuo , Qiu Tong , Liu Xiao-Xia , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: December 2023

A low concentration 3-aminobenzene sulfonic acid additive is introduced into the ZnSO4 electrolyte for aqueous zinc batteries. It regulates the interface environment on the Zn electrode, and the lifespan of the symmetric Zn cell extends to over 1100 h.
Integrative electrochemical and biological catalysis for the mild and efficient utilization of renewable electricity and carbon resources
Authors: Liu Licheng , Pant Deepak
Published: December 2023

Combining electrochemical and biological catalysis creates more suitable and efficient routes for the processing of renewable resources, such as CO2 and biomass.
Lysine methylation signaling in skeletal muscle biology: from myogenesis to clinical insights
Authors: Cordeiro-Spinetti Eric , Rothbart Scott B.
Published: December 2023

Lysine methylation signaling is well studied for its key roles in the regulation of transcription states through modifications on histone proteins. While histone lysine methylation has been extensively studied, recent discoveries of lysine methylation on thousands of non-histone proteins has broadened our appreciation for this small chemical modification in the regulation of protein function. In this review, we highlight the significance of histone and non-histone lysine methylation signaling in skeletal muscle biology, spanning development, maintenance, regeneration, and disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss potential future implications for its roles in skeletal muscle biology as well as clinical applications for the treatment of skeletal muscle-related diseases.
Confirmation of TiO absorption and tentative detection of MgH and CrH in the atmosphere of HAT-P-41b
Authors: Jiang C. , Chen G. , Murgas F. , Pallé E. , Parviainen H. , Ma Y.
Published: December 2023

Understanding the role of optical absorbers is critical for linking the properties of the dayside and terminator atmospheres of hot Jupiters. This study aims to identify the signatures of optical absorbers in the atmosphere of the hot Jupiter HAT-P-41b. We conducted five transit observations of this planet to obtain its optical transmission spectra using the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC). We performed atmospheric retrievals assuming free abundances of 12 chemical species. Our Bayesian model comparisons revealed strong evidence for TiO absorption (∆ ln 𝒵 = 21.02), modest evidence for CrH (∆ ln 𝒵 = 3.73), and weak evidence for MgH (∆ ln 𝒵 = 2.32). When we combined the GTC transmission spectrum with previously published Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer data, the retrieval results and model inferences remained consistent. In conclusion, HAT-P-41b has a metal-rich atmosphere with no high-altitude clouds or hazes. Further observations of its dayside atmosphere should be made to confirm the hints of a thermal inversion in the upper atmosphere suggested by our results.
Effects of scattering in the accretion funnel on the pulse profiles of accreting millisecond pulsars
Authors: Ahlberg Varpu , Poutanen Juri , Salmi Tuomo
Published: December 2023

The hotspot emission of accreting millisecond pulsars (AMPs) undergoes scattering in the accretion flow between the disk inner radius and the neutron star surface. The scattering optical depth of the flow depends on the photon emission angle, which is a function of the pulse phase, and reaches its maximum when the hotspot is closest to the observer. At sufficiently large optical depths the observed pulse profile should develop a secondary minimum, the depth of which depends on the accretion rate and the emission geometry. Such a dip evolving with the accretion rate might explain the phase shift and pulse profile evolution observed in AMPs during outbursts. Accounting for scattering is important for accurate modeling of the AMP pulse profiles in order to improve the accuracy of determination of the neutron star parameters, such as their masses and radii. In this paper we present a simplified analytical model for the Thomson optical depth of the accretion funnel, and apply it to simulating the pulse profiles. We show that scattering in the accretion funnel has a significant effect on the pulse profiles at accretion rates of M ≳ 10−10 M⊙yr−1. Our model predicts a gradual evolution of the pulse profile with the accretion rate that appears to be consistent with the observations.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) for grapevine disease detection based on images
Authors: Poblete-Echeverría Carlos , Hernández Inés , Gutiérrez Salvador , Iñiguez Rubén , Barrio Ignacio , Tardaguila Javier
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, diseases are one of the major threats to sustainable viticulture. Manual detection through visual surveys, usually done by agronomists, relies on symptom identification and requires an enormous amount of time. Detection in field conditions remains difficult due to the lack of infrastructure to perform detailed and rapid field scouting covering the whole vineyard. In general, symptoms of grapevine diseases can be seen as spots and patterns on leaves. In this sense, computer vision technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) provide an excellent alternative to improve the current disease detection and quantification techniques using images of leaves and canopy. These novel methods can minimize the time spent on symptom detection, which helps in the control and quantification of the disease severity. In this article, we present some results of deep learning-based approaches used for detecting automatically leaves with downy mildew symptoms from RGB images acquired under laboratory and field conditions. The results obtained so far with AI approaches for detecting leaves with downy mildew symptoms are promising, and they put in evidence of the huge potential of these techniques for practical applications in the context of modern and sustainable viticulture.