bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elderly mice with history of acetaminophen intoxication display worsened cognitive impairment and persistent elevation of astrocyte and microglia burden
Authors: Catumbela Celso S. G. , Morales Rodrigo
Published: June 2024

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a leading cause of acute liver failure. The effect of APAP metabolite’s effects in the periphery are well characterized; however, associated consequences in the brain remain poorly understood. Animal studies on this subject are few and reveal that frequent APAP intake can trigger cerebral abnormalities that vary depending on the subject’s age. Alarmingly, experimental efforts have yet to examine associated consequences in elderly hosts, who correspond to the highest risk of medication overload, impaired drug clearance, and cognitive deficits. Here, we interrogated the cerebral and peripheral pathology of elderly mice submitted to monthly episodes of APAP intoxication since a young adult age. We found that weeks after the final episode of recurrent APAP exposure, mice exhibited worsened non-spatial memory deficit whereas spatial memory performance was unaltered. Interestingly, one month after the period of APAP intoxication, these mice showed increased glial burden without associated drivers, namely, blood–brain barrier disruption, cholesterol accumulation, and elevation of inflammatory molecules in the brain and/or periphery. Our experimental study reveals how recurrent APAP exposure affects the cognitive performance and cellular events in elderly brains. These data suggest that APAP-containing pharmacological interventions may foreshadow the elevated risk of neuropsychiatric disorders that afflict elderly populations.
Differential extracellular vesicle concentration and their biomarker expression of integrin αv/β5, EpCAM, and glypican-1 in pancreatic cancer models
Authors: Jacobson Reed , Ha Sangdeuk , Tani Sakurako , Ghosh Shrinwanti , Jarajapu Yagna P. R. , Brand Randall E. , Kim Jiha , Choi Yongki
Published: June 2024

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) show great potential as biomarkers for several diseases, including pancreatic cancer, due to their roles in cancer development and progression. However, the challenge of utilizing EVs as biomarkers lies in their inherent heterogeneity in terms of size and concentration, making accurate quantification difficult, which is highly dependent on the isolation and quantification methods used. In our study, we compared three EV isolation techniques and two EV quantification methods. We observed variations in EV concentration, with approximately 1.5-fold differences depending on the quantification method used. Interestingly, all EV isolation techniques consistently yielded similar EV quantities, overall size distribution, and modal sizes. In contrast, we found a notable increase in total EV amounts in samples from pancreatic cancer cell lines, mouse models, and patient plasma, compared to non-cancerous conditions. Moreover, individual tumor-derived EVs exhibited at least a 3-fold increase in several EV biomarkers. Our data, obtained from EVs isolated using various techniques and quantified through different methods, as well as originating from various pancreatic cancer models, suggests that EV profiling holds promise for the identification of unique and cancer-specific biomarkers in pancreatic cancer.
On the quantum circuit implementation of modus ponens
Authors: Dai Songsong
Published: June 2024

The process of inference reflects the structure of propositions with assigned truth values, either true or false. Modus ponens is a fundamental form of inference that involves affirming the antecedent to affirm the consequent. Inspired by the quantum computer, the superposition of true and false is used for the parallel processing. In this work, we propose a quantum version of modus ponens. Additionally, we introduce two generations of quantum modus ponens: quantum modus ponens inference chain and multidimensional quantum modus ponens. Finally, a simple implementation of quantum modus ponens on the OriginQ quantum computing cloud platform is demonstrated.
EEG correlates to perceived urgency elicited by vibration stimulation of the upper body
Authors: Park Wanjoo , Alsuradi Haneen , Eid Mohamad
Published: June 2024

Conveying information effectively while minimizing user distraction is critical to human–computer interaction. As the proliferation of audio–visual communication pushes human information processing capabilities to the limit, researchers are turning their attention to haptic interfaces. Haptic feedback has the potential to create a desirable sense of urgency that allows users to selectively focus on events/tasks or process presented information with minimal distraction or annoyance. There is a growing interest in understanding the neural mechanisms associated with haptic stimulation. In this study, we aim to investigate the EEG correlates associated with the perceived urgency elicited by vibration stimuli on the upper body using a haptic vest. A total of 31 participants enrolled in this experiment and were exposed to three conditions: no vibration pattern (NVP), urgent vibration pattern (UVP), and very urgent vibration pattern (VUVP). Through self-reporting, participants confirmed that the vibration patterns elicited significantly different levels of perceived urgency (Friedman test, Holm–Bonferroni correction, p < 0.01). Furthermore, neural analysis revealed that the power spectral density of the delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands in the middle central area (C1, Cz, and C2) significantly increased for the UVP and VUVP conditions as compared to the NVP condition (One-way ANOVA test, Holm–Bonferroni correction, p < 0.01). While the perceptual experience of haptic-induced urgency is well studied with self-reporting and behavioral evidence, this is the first effort to evaluate the neural correlates to haptic-induced urgency using EEG. Further research is warranted to identify unique correlates to the cognitive processes associated with urgency from sensory feedback correlates.
Fibronectin and vitronectin alleviate adipose-derived stem cells senescence during long-term culture through the AKT/MDM2/P53 pathway
Authors: Tragoonlugkana Patcharapa , Pruksapong Chatchai , Ontong Pawared , Kamprom Witchayapon , Supokawej Aungkura
Published: June 2024

Cellular senescence plays a role in the development of aging-associated degenerative diseases. Cell therapy is recognized as a candidate treatment for degenerative diseases. To achieve the goal of cell therapy, the quality and good characteristics of cells are concerned. Cell expansion relies on two-dimensional culture, which leads to replicative senescence of expanded cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cell culture surface modification using fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN) in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) during long-term expansion. Our results showed that ADSCs cultured in FN and VN coatings significantly enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and slow progression of cellular senescence as indicated by lower SA-β-gal activities and decreased expression levels of genes including p16, p21, and p53. The upregulation of integrin α5 and αv genes influences phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), and AKT proteins. FN and VN coatings upregulated AKT and MDM2 leading to p53 degradation. Additionally, MDM2 inhibition by Nutlin-3a markedly elevated p53 and p21 expression, increased cellular senescence, and induced the expression of inflammatory molecules including HMGB1 and IL-6. The understanding of FN and VN coating surface influencing ADSCs, especially senescence characteristics, offers a promising and practical point for the cultivation of ADSCs for future use in cell-based therapies.
Five million nights: temporal dynamics in human sleep phenotypes
Authors: Viswanath Varun K. , Hartogenesis Wendy , Dilchert Stephan , Pandya Leena , Hecht Frederick M. , Mason Ashley E. , Wang Edward J. , Smarr Benjamin L.
Published: June 2024

Sleep monitoring has become widespread with the rise of affordable wearable devices. However, converting sleep data into actionable change remains challenging as diverse factors can cause combinations of sleep parameters to differ both between people and within people over time. Researchers have attempted to combine sleep parameters to improve detecting similarities between nights of sleep. The cluster of similar combinations of sleep parameters from a night of sleep defines that night’s sleep phenotype. To date, quantitative models of sleep phenotype made from data collected from large populations have used cross-sectional data, which preclude longitudinal analyses that could better quantify differences within individuals over time. In analyses reported here, we used five million nights of wearable sleep data to test (a) whether an individual’s sleep phenotype changes over time and (b) whether these changes elucidate new information about acute periods of illness (e.g., flu, fever, COVID-19). We found evidence for 13 sleep phenotypes associated with sleep quality and that individuals transition between these phenotypes over time. Patterns of transitions significantly differ (i) between individuals (with vs. without a chronic health condition; chi-square test; p-value < 1e−100) and (ii) within individuals over time (before vs. during an acute condition; Chi-Square test; p-value < 1e−100). Finally, we found that the patterns of transitions carried more information about chronic and acute health conditions than did phenotype membership alone (longitudinal analyses yielded 2–10× as much information as cross-sectional analyses). These results support the use of temporal dynamics in the future development of longitudinal sleep analyses.
PatchSorter: a high throughput deep learning digital pathology tool for object labeling
Authors: Walker Cédric , Talawalla Tasneem , Toth Robert , Ambekar Akhil , Rea Kien , Chamian Oswin , Fan Fan , Berezowska Sabina , Rottenberg Sven , Madabhushi Anant , Maillard Marie , Barisoni Laura , Horlings Hugo Mark , Janowczyk Andrew
Published: June 2024

The discovery of patterns associated with diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy response in digital pathology images often requires intractable labeling of large quantities of histological objects. Here we release an open-source labeling tool, PatchSorter, which integrates deep learning with an intuitive web interface. Using >100,000 objects, we demonstrate a >7x improvement in labels per second over unaided labeling, with minimal impact on labeling accuracy, thus enabling high-throughput labeling of large datasets.
Regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity from 3D genome organization
Authors: Pang Qing You , Chiu Yi-Chia , Huang Ruby Yun-Ju
Published: June 2024

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process enabling polarized epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal features implicated in development and carcinoma progression. As our understanding evolves, it is clear the reversible execution of EMT arises from complex epigenomic regulation involving histone modifications and 3-dimensional (3D) genome structural changes, leading to a cascade of transcriptional events. This review summarizes current knowledge on chromatin organization in EMT, with a focus on hierarchical structures of the 3D genome and chromatin accessibility changes.
A composite cathode with a three-dimensional ion/electron-conducting structure for all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Jiang Peilu , Zhou Huangkai , Song Subin , Suzuki Kota , Watanabe Kenta , Yamaguchi Yumi , Matsui Naoki , Hori Satoshi , Kanno Ryoji , Hirayama Masaaki
Published: June 2024

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries exhibit high energy densities, operate safely, and suppress polysulfide shuttling. However, their electrochemical performance is restricted by the insulating nature of sulfur and Li2S, and by severe cathode-related volumetric changes during cycling. Here, we prepare a Li2S-based cathode composite with high mixed-conductivity and stability, by infiltrating a Li2S–LiI active material solution into a mesoporous carbon replica with ~10-nm-sized pores, followed by mixing with a liquid-phase-synthesized Li6PS5Br solid electrolyte and vapour-grown carbon fibres. Benefiting from a mechanically reinforced, three-dimensional ion/electron-conducting structure, the cathode exhibits high discharge capacity (1009 mAh g−1, 20 cycles, 298 K, 0.05 C) and high reversible capacity (650 mAh g−1, 100 cycles, 298 K, 0.1 C). These findings underscore the feasibility of developing high-performance all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries by designing three-dimensional mixed-conducting mechanically robust cathodes.
Randomized phase II trial of weekly ixabepilone ± biweekly bevacizumab for platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer (NCT03093155): Updated survival and subgroup analyses
Authors: Roque Dana M. , Siegel Eric R. , Buza Natalia , Bellone Stefania , Huang Gloria S. , Altwerger Gary , Andikyan Vaagn , Clark Mitchell , Azodi Masoud , Schwartz Peter E. , Rao Gautam G. , Ratner Elena , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Ixabepilone may retain activity in paclitaxel-resistant disease. We previously reported improved response rates (ORR), progression-free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) conferred by ixabepilone+bevacizumab (IXA + BEV) compared to monotherapy (IXA) in heavily pre-treated ovarian cancers. We now describe a mature data set. Subset analyses were performed in patients with different taxane sensitivities and dose modifications.

Methods

Patients previously treated with paclitaxel were stratified by prior BEV and randomized to receive IXA 20 mg/m2 days 1,8,15 ± BEV 10 mg/kg days 1,15 of a 28-day cycle in a multi-site prospective randomized phase 2 trial.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were randomized to IXA and 39 patients to IXA + BEV. At the final data cutoff (05/27/2023), ORR was higher in the IXA + BEV arm (38.4% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.003). Dose reductions were necessary in most participants but did not diminish PFS/OS benefits. Most patients were paclitaxel-refractory/-resistant (51%, n = 19/37;67%, n = 26/39); the remainder were taxane-sensitive. The addition of BEV to IXA conferred benefit in PFS (5.5 vs. 2.2 mo; HR 0.31, 90%CI 0.20–0.49, p < 0.001) and OS (10.3 vs. 6.0 mo; HR 0.56, 90%CI 0.38–0.84, p = 0.02) that persisted after adjusting for prior taxane response.

Conclusions

IXA + BEV has activity in heavily pre-treated ovarian cancers and offers significant improvement in ORR and PFS/OS compared to IXA, despite prior taxane response and dose reductions.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03093155
Ultrafast dynamics of fluorene initiated by highly intense laser fields
Authors: Garg Diksha , Chopra Pragya , Lee Jason W. L. , Tikhonov Denis S. , Kumar Sonu , Akcaalan Oender , Allum Felix , Boll Rebecca , Butler Alexander A. , Erk Benjamin , Gougoula Eva , Gruet Sébastien P. , He Lanhai , Heathcote David , Jones Ellen , Kazemi Mehdi M. , Lahl Jan , Lemmens Alexander K. , Liu Zhihao , Loru Donatella , Maclot Sylvain , Mason Robert , Merrick James , Müller Erland , Mullins Terry , Papadopoulou Christina C. , Passow Christopher , Peschel Jasper , Plach Marius , Ramm Daniel , Robertson Patrick , Rompotis Dimitrios , Simao Alcides , Steber Amanda L. , Tajalli Ayhan , Tul-Noor Atia , Vadassery Nidin , Vinklárek Ivo S. , Techert Simone , Küpper Jochen , Rijs Anouk M. , Rolles Daniel , Brouard Mark , Bari Sadia , Eng-Johnsson Per , Vallance Claire , Burt Michael , Manschwetus Bastian , Schnell Melanie
Published: June 2024

We present an investigation of the ultrafast dynamics of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorene initiated by an intense femtosecond near-infrared laser pulse (810 nm) and probed by a weak visible pulse (405 nm).
A review on oxime functionality: an ordinary functional group with significant impacts in supramolecular chemistry
Authors: Tarai Arup , Nath Bhaskar
Published: June 2024

This article explores the medicinal, agricultural, crystal engineering, analyte recognition, and coordination chemistry aspects of oxime derivatives to inspire researchers to develop novel oximes for future applications.
Fast-charging aqueous batteries enabled by a three-dimensional ordered Zn anode at deliberate concentration polarization
Authors: Li Jinze , Mao Eryang , Ye Xiaozhou , Xu Tian , Zheng Jie , Xiao Kaiwen , Sun Bingbing , Ge Ming , Yuan Xiaolei , Cai Zhao
Published: June 2024

Concentration polarization was deliberately introduced to fabricate a three-dimensional ordered Zn metal anode, which enabled a high-performance aqueous Ni–Zn battery at an extremely high rate of 50 C.
Elucidating the role of the o-methoxy group in the lower rim appended salicylideneamine substituents of calix[4]arene ligands on the molecular and electronic structures of dinuclear Fe(iii)-based diamond-core complexes
Authors: Strelnikova Iuliia V. , Shutilov Ilya D. , Ovsyannikov Alexander S. , Islamov Daut R. , Pyataev Andrew V. , Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Khamatgalimov Ayrat R. , Khrizanforov Mikhail N. , Gubaidullin Aidar T. , Burilov Vladimir A. , Solovieva Svetlana E. , Antipin Igor S.
Published: June 2024

Two new Fe(iii)-based dinuclear diamond-core clusters were prepared and characterized. Their molecular structure and band gap are regulated by the o-methoxy groups anchored at the salicylideneamine coordination sites of the ligand.
Delving into the catalytic mechanism of molybdenum cofactors: a novel coupled cluster study
Authors: Gałyńska Marta , de Moraes Matheus Morato F. , Tecmer Paweł , Boguslawski Katharina
Published: June 2024

In this work, we use modern electronic structure methods to model the catalytic mechanism of different variants of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco).
Polytelluride square planar chain-induced anharmonicity results in ultralow thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric efficiency in Al2Te5 monolayers
Authors: Maleki Iraj , Allaei S. Mehdi Vaez , Naghavi S. Shahab
Published: June 2024

A polytelluride [Te3]2− chain and a [Al2Te2]2+ framework lead to significant anharmonic thermal conductivity in Al2Te5 monolayers. The Te chain affects electronic properties, resulting in a high valley degeneracy and thus zT value of 1.5 at 600 K.
Manganese matere bonds in biological systems: PDB inspection and DFT calculations
Authors: Burguera Sergi , Sahu Akshay Kumar , Chávez Romero Michael Jordan , Biswal Himansu S. , Bauzá Antonio
Published: June 2024

In this work we have studied the abundance and physical nature of Mn matere bonds (MaB) in metalloproteins through the combination of a Protein Data Bank (PDB) survey and DFT calculations.
Electrochemical catalysis for the production of green cement: towards decarbonizing the cement industry
Authors: Bahnasawy Nour , Al Anany Sara , Allam Nageh K.
Published: June 2024

Electrochemistry makes it possible to manufacture green cement with minimal CO2 emission.
Carbon nanotubes alter agrosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Leroy Mathieu , Jassey Vincent E. J. , Silvestre Jérôme , Barret Maialen , Flahaut Emmanuel , Larue Camille
Published: June 2024

CNT altered the multifunctionality of agrosystems through both bacterial and plant-based processes impairments.
The essential synergy of MD simulation and NMR in understanding amorphous drug forms
Authors: Guest Jamie L. , Bourne Esther A. E. , Screen Martin A. , Wilson Mark R. , Pham Tran N. , Hodgkinson Paul
Published: June 2024

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and chemical shifts from machine learning (ML) are used to rationalise key features of the 15N, 13C and 1H NMR spectra of the amorphous form of the drug irbesartan.
Novel methodology to enrich medium- and short-chain fatty acids in milk fat to improve metabolic health
Authors: Samsø Mathiasen Sally , Kanta Josephine M. , Frydenberg Rikke P. , Lundsgaard Annemarie , Guo Zheng , Fritzen Andreas M. , Kiens Bente , Wiking Lars , Kleinert Maximilian
Published: June 2024

Using a volatility-based workflow, we produced bovine milk fat 2-fold enriched with medium- and short-chain fatty acids, which demonstrated promising metabolic benefits in male mice and young lean adult men.
Characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from human breast milk and their bioactive metabolites with potential application as a probiotic food supplement
Authors: Navarré Abel , Nazareth Tiago , Luz Carlos , Meca Giuseppe , Escrivá Laura
Published: June 2024

Probiotic properties of twenty-five LAB isolated from human breast milk were investigated highlighting three strains for their gastrointestinal resistance, aggregation capacity, metabolites production, antifungal and proteolytic activity.
Achieving high productivity of 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid from aqueous aromatic streams with Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
Authors: Kim Bumkyu , Perez Jose M. , Karlen Steven D. , Coplien Jason , Donohue Timothy J. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: June 2024

Enhancing the production of biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass is one potential way to decrease society's dependence on fossil fuels.
Deciphering hepatoma cell resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors: insights from a Liver-on-a-Chip model unveiling tumor endothelial cell mechanisms
Authors: Poddar Madhu Shree , Chu Yu-De , Yeh Chau-Ting , Liu Cheng-Hsien
Published: June 2024

Tumor angiogenesis on microfluidic chips reveals treatments, advances therapeutic strategies and helps to understand tumor drug-resistance mechanisms.
Co-sputtered phase-change Ga–Sb–Te thin films
Authors: Kotrla Magdalena , Janíček Petr , Gutwirth Jan , Halenkovič Tomáš , Přikryl Jan , Šlang Stanislav , Cheviré François , Nazabal Virginie , Němec Petr
Published: June 2024

Changes between amorphous and crystalline phase of thin films with compositions equally distributed through GaSb–GaTe and GaSb–Te tie-lines fabricated by radio-frequency magnetron co-sputtering were studied.
From individuals to families: design and application of self-similar chiral nanomaterials
Authors: Hong Tingting , Zhou Qi , Liu Yilian , Guan Jiaqi , Zhou Wenhu , Tan Songwen , Cai Zhiqiang
Published: June 2024

From individuals to families: design and application of self-similar chiral nanomaterials.
Identification of potential novel insect TRPV channel modulators by homology modeling, binding mode analysis, virtual screening studies and chemical optimization
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Zhou Cong , He Lujue , Xu Zhiping , Li Zhong , Cheng Jiagao
Published: June 2024

A potential insect TRPV-targeted modulator was identified by virtual screening and chemical optimization.
Dual pH and ultrasound responsive curcumin loaded g-C3N4/Ba(OH)2 nanocarrier for chemo-photodynamic therapy
Authors: Saumya  , Zarreen Faqua , Nadeem Masood , voddumalla Srinivas , Rizvi Moshahid A , Nenavathu Bhavani Prasad Naik
Published: June 2024

Fabrication of g-C3N4/Ba(OH)2 nanocarrier for controlled killing of cancer cells.
A quenching electrochemiluminescence energy resonance transfer system based on CdS and COFs for the ultrasensitive detection of CA242
Authors: Han Baokun , Wang Shujun , Xie Fengqian , Wang Shuangna , Tang Feng , Xiang Shaowen , Li Yueyuan , Wang Ping , Li Yueyun , Liu Qing , Liu Yuying
Published: June 2024

An electrochemiluminescence energy resonance transfer system based on CdS NCs and COFs and its application for CA242 detection.
Separation of terbium as a first step towards high purity terbium-161 for medical applications
Authors: Arman Meryem Özge , Mullaliu Angelo , Geboes Bart , Van Hecke Karen , Das Ganghadar , Aquilanti Giuliana , Binnemans Koen , Cardinaels Thomas
Published: June 2024

An electrochemical and chromatographic approach to purification of the medical radiolanthanide terbium-161.
Hydrogen storage in M(BDC)(TED)0.5 metal–organic framework: physical insights and capacities
Authors: Xuan Huynh Nguyen Thi , Ngan Vu Thi , Yen Ngoc Nguyen Thi , Chihaia Viorel , Son Do Ngoc
Published: June 2024

We elucidated the physical insights into the interaction between the H2 molecule and M(BDC)(TED)0.5 metal–organic frameworks and the quantitative influences of metal substitutions on the hydrogen storage capability of M(BDC)(TED)0.5.
Medicinal chemistry perspective on the structure–activity relationship of stilbene derivatives
Authors: Sepehri Saghi , Khedmati Mina , Yousef-Nejad Faeze , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Stilbenes are polyphenolic secondary metabolites produced in a variety of plant species and show divers biological activities.
Boron-mediated one-pot access to salicylaldehydes via ortho-C–H hydroxylation of benzaldehydes
Authors: Wang Ruiyang , Feng Xu , Feng Boya , Chen Yu
Published: June 2024

Described herein is a boron-mediated ortho-C–H hydroxylation of aromatic aldehydes assisted by a transient imine directing group, providing an efficient method for the synthesis of salicylaldehydes.
Theoretical study on lithium storage performance of V-doped Ti2CO2 MXene
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Wenqi , Bai Fan , Zheng Xichen , Yin Chaofan , Wei Jiawei , Ma Juanjuan , Bai Hongyu , Dong Binbin
Published: June 2024

The first-principle calculation shows that the migration energy barrier of lithium ion on V-doped MXene is smaller.
Synergistic enhancement of photocatalytic hydrogen production in TiO2 nanosheets through light-induced defect formation and Pt single atoms
Authors: Shahsanaei Majid , Farahbakhsh Nastaran , Pour-Ali Sadegh , Schardt Annika , Orangpour Setareh , Engelhard Carsten , Mohajernia Shiva , Killian Manuela S. , Hejazi Sina
Published: June 2024

Pt single atoms and clusters, formed with an optimized light-induced strategy, boost hydrogen evolution efficiency by 4000 times compared to the pristine sample and 4 times compared to conventional Pt photo-deposited samples.
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2+ products using a metal–organic framework composited with facet engineered Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Xiang-Yu , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Zhang Ya , Gong Feng , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: June 2024

The ability of MIL-100(Fe) to photoreduce CO2 to C2H4 is enhanced by loading Pd NPs with {111} facets, which can facilitate migration and separation of photoelectrons and lower the energy barrier in the decisive step of the coupling reaction.
A biocompatible pea protein isolate-derived bioink for 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhou Zheng , Yang Mengni , Zhu Shuai , Zhu Wenxiang , Sun Jingjing , Yu Mengyi , He Jiaqian , Zuo You , Wang Wenxin , He Ning , Han Xiaoxiao , Liu Hairong
Published: June 2024

Herein, we present the development of a biocompatible plant protein bioink based on pea protein isolate and further explore its potential application in cartilage repair.
Tailoring the optical properties of rubrene films through epitaxy-induced amorphous-to-crystal transition
Authors: Trabattoni Silvia , Raimondo Luisa , Minotto Alessandro , Monguzzi Angelo , Meinardi Francesco , Sassella Adele
Published: June 2024

We show that the amorphous-to-crystal transition driven by epitaxy is the process behind the growth of rubrene films with single-crystal-like properties. Growth optimisation expedites this transition and greatly improves the homogeneity of the films.
Biophysical and structural analyses of the interaction between the SHANK1 PDZ domain and an internal SLiM
Authors: Li Yue , Trinh Chi H. , Acevedo-Jake Amanda , Gimenez Diana , Warriner Stuart L. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: June 2024

The PDZ (Postsynaptic density protein-95[PSD-95]/Discs-large) domain, prevalent as a recognition module, has attracted significant attention given its ability to specifically recognize ligands with consensus motifs (also termed PDZ binding motifs [PBMs]). PBMs typically bear a C-terminal carboxylate as a recognition handle and have been extensively characterized, whilst internal ligands are less well known. Here we characterize a short linear motif (SLiM) — EESTSFQGP — as an internal PBM based on its strong binding affinity towards the SHANK1 PDZ domain (SHANK1656–762 hereafter referred to as SHANK1). Using the acetylated analogue Ac-EESTSFQGP-CONH2 as a competitor for the interaction of SHANK1 with FAM-Ahx-EESTSFQGP-CONH2 or a typical fluorophore-labelled C-terminal PBM — GKAP — FITC-Ahx-EAQTRL-COOH — the internal SLiM was demonstrated to show comparable low-micromolar IC50 by competition fluorescent anisotropy. To gain further insight into the internal ligand interaction at the molecular level, we obtained the X-ray co-crystal structure of the Ac-EESTSFQGP-CONH2/SHANK1 complex and compared this to the Ac-EAQTRL-COOH/SHANK1 complex. The crystallographic studies reveal that the SHANK1 backbones for the two interactions overlap significantly. The main structural differences were shown to result from the flexible loops which reorganize to accommodate the two PBMs with distinct lengths and terminal groups. In addition, the two C-terminal residues Gly and Pro in Ac-EESTSFQGP-CONH2 were shown not to participate in interaction with the target protein, implying further truncation and structural modification using peptidomimetic approaches on this sequence may be feasible. Taken together, the SLiM Ac-EESTSFQGP-CONH2 holds potential as an internal ligand for targeting SHANK1.
Moving Toward Anti-Ableist Practices in Aphasia Rehabilitation and Research: A Viewpoint
Authors: Nunn Kristen , Tilton-Bolowsky Victoria , Kershenbaum Ayelet M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Ableism is a pervasive set of beliefs that regard nondisabled bodies and minds as ideal and necessary to live a full life. Ableism manifests for people with aphasia as stigma and discrimination based on their language ability. We assert that ableism contributes to decreased quality of life for people with aphasia and should be actively challenged and disrupted by clinicians and researchers in the field.

Method:

We applied the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework (HSDF) to outline how stigma and discrimination are perpetuated against people with aphasia on the basis of language ability and their downstream health and social consequences. We presented this framework at the Clinical Aphasiology Conference in 2023 and share themes and challenges that arose from this discussion and from our ongoing learning.

Discussion:

Applying the HSDF to aphasia outlined potential sequelae of ableism. We identified preliminary foci of future initiatives aimed at challenging ableist beliefs and practices and means to monitor the effectiveness of such interventions. Furthermore, we draw attention to the seeming tension between anti-ableist practices and traditional language rehabilitation goals. We assert that this tension may be a catalyst for fruitful discourse on how clinicians and researchers can resist ableism while honoring the lived experiences of people with aphasia and their goals for language rehabilitation. These discussions may be facilitated by existing models in disability studies (e.g., the political/relational model).

Conclusions:

Clinicians and researchers are well positioned to challenge ableism and minimize the resultant health and social impacts for people living with aphasia. Anti-ableist practices are not antithetical to aphasia rehabilitation and can be thoughtfully integrated into rehabilitation practices and discourse.
Microbial adhesion and nanocomposite‐loaded antifouling applications of insulating polymers in transmission lines‐a review
Authors: Yang Shifang , Zhang Zexuan , Zhu Mingxi , Liu Yunpeng , Lv Fangcheng
Published: June 2024

In regions characterised by high humidity and abundant vegetation, the external insulation materials utilised in high‐voltage transmission and transformation are frequently fouled with a multitude of microorganisms, thereby jeopardising the reliable operation of the power grid. A comprehensive overview of the periodic growth regulation of parasitic algae is presented upon insulating composites across various regions of the world. Additionally, it highlights the methods for quantitative evaluation and accurate prediction of algae coverage degree. Also, the biological contaminates coating process and the artificial flashover test method are summarised, and the effects of algae on the reliability of inorganic and organic materials used for external insulation are compared. It emphasises the dynamic hygroscopic characteristics and cytoelectronegativity of cell secretions as the critical factors that negatively affect the hydrophobicity and flashover performance of silicone rubber insulators by algae. Furthermore, valuable insights into the long‐term inhibition of algae growth on polymeric insulators are provided using eco‐friendly antibiotic‐loaded silica aerogel nanocomposites.
The size-luminosity relation of the AGN torus determined from the comparison between optical and mid-infrared variability
Authors: Kim Minjin , Son Suyeon , Ho Luis C.
Published: June 2024

We investigate the optical variability of low-redshift (0.15 < z ≤ 0.4) active galactic nuclei using multi-epoch data from the Zwicky Transient Facility. We find that a damped random walk model describes well the ensemble structure function in the g band. Consistent with previous studies, more luminous active galactic nuclei tend to have a steeper structure function at a timescale less than the break timescale and a smaller variability amplitude. By comparing the structure functions in the optical with the mid-infrared obtained from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we derive the size of the dusty torus using a toy model for the geometry of the torus. The size of the torus positively correlates with the luminosity of the active nucleus, following a relation that agrees well with previous studies based on reverberation mapping. This result demonstrates that the structure function method can be used as a powerful and highly efficient tool to examine the size of the torus.
Quality assessment of textile products as a basis for responsible production and consumption
Authors: Pelyk Lesia , Kalashnyk Olena , Kyrychenko Olena , Moroz Svitlana
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the aspects of responsible production and consumption of Ukrainian semi-linen napkins for the hospitality industry. The quality of textile products is a prerequisite for efficient consumption and prolonged service life. One of the elements of responsible production is information support for finished textile products. The article analyzes standards that regulate the requirements for textile products regarding safety and environmental friendliness. The mass fractions of the components of the raw material composition were determined using burning tests, microscopy, and sample dissolution. The wipes are made of linen fibres (58.59%) and cotton fibres (41.41%), which differs from the information on the label. The pH was determined by the electrometric method and was 5.3 units. The pesticide content was determined by gas chromatography and did not exceed the instrument's sensitivity limit. An atomic emission spectrophotometer determined the content of extractable heavy metals. The levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic and cobalt did not exceed the sensitivity limit of the instrument. The content of extractable heavy metals, nickel – 1.0 mg/kg, chromium – 0.5 mg/kg, and copper – 0.34 mg/kg did not exceed the limits set by the standard.
Analysis of the food security situation in Ukraine
Authors: Pavelko Olha , Malchyk Mariana , Popko Olena , Los Zoriana , Tvardovskyi Yurii
Published: June 2024

The dynamics of Global Food Security Index (GFSI) values and Ukraine’s place in the world ranking for 2013-2022 are studied. The GFSI calculation methodology is considered. Ranking of countries by GFSI value for 2022 is analyzed. The analysis of the components of the Ukraine’s GFSI for the last ten years is carried out. It was established that the state of food security in Ukraine has undergone significant changes over the past 10 years. According to the results of 2022, Ukraine took 71st place among 113 countries of the world. It was found that the best situation with food security in Ukraine was observed in 2013. In recent years the situation has worsened. An analysis of the closeness of the relationship between the GFSI for Ukraine and its components (“Affordability”, “Availability”, “Quality and safety”, “Sustainability and adaptation”) for 2018-2022 is conducted. The closest connection between the GFSI and “Affordability” is established. The factors influencing “Affordability” are analyzed and the ways in which the value of this group of indicators can be increased are determined. The group of indicators “Change in average food costs” is studied. The components of the GFSI for Ukraine for 2022 in value terms are considered. Measures to strengthen the level of food security in Ukraine are proposed.
Digital holographic microscopy applied to 3D computer micro-vision by using deep neural networks
Authors: Cuenat Stéphane , Brito Carcaño Jesús E. , Ahmad Belal , Sandoz Patrick , Couturier Raphaël , Laurent Guillaume J. , Jacquot Maxime
Published: June 2024

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are increasingly employed across diverse fields of applied science, particularly in areas like computer vision and image processing, where they enhance the performance of instruments. Various advanced coherent imaging techniques, including digital holography, leverage different deep architectures like convolutional neural networks (CNN) or Vision Transformers (ViT). These architectures enable the extraction of diverse metrics such as autofocusing reconstruction distance or 3D position determination, facilitating applications in automated microscopy and phase image restitution. In this work, we propose a hybrid approach utilizing an adapted version of the GedankenNet model, coupled with a UNet-like model, for the purpose of accessing micro-objects 3D pose measurements. These networks are trained on simulated holographic datasets. Our approach achieves an accuracy of 98% in inferring the 3D poses. We show that a GedankenNet can be used as a regression tool and is faster than a Tiny-ViT (TViT) model. Overall, integrating deep neural networks into digital holographic microscopy and 3D computer micro-vision holds the promise of significantly enhancing the robustness and processing speed of holograms for precise 3D position inference and control, particularly in micro-robotics applications.
A Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience Regarding Diabetes and Its Related Conditions among Dental Practitioners
Authors: Gupte Rishabh , Shetty Manoj
Published: June 2024

Diabetes is a chronic condition which leads to dysfunction of multiple systems and requires a multidisciplinary approach for its effective management. A survey was performed on 308 dental professionals to record their experiences regarding the awareness of oral complications as well as their means of effective communication with medical practitioners for better holistic diabetic care. Additionally, they were also asked knowledge-based questions and ones related to diagnostic criteria and data collection and interpretation. Roadblocks for the effective care with two-way communication with medical doctors were also recorded with possible solutions along with protocols for effective screening and assessment of current burden of disease, dealing with diabetic emergencies and reduction of morbidity for the patients to efficiently treat the diabetic patient in a dental practice.
Referendums and political-institutional convergence in European democracies: A time-differencing configurational analysis
Authors: Niikawa Sho , Corcaci Andreas
Published: June 2024

This study assesses democratic changes against the background of an increased use of referendums in European parliamentary systems. Existing studies on why referendums have become more frequent argue that it is due to the so-called ‘blurring’ of political alignments aiming to bypass institutional veto players. Which change of conditions is sufficient for a more frequent use of referendums? The proposed domestic conditions do not exclude external reasons, and related studies imply that various combinations of internal and external factors are worth exploring further. Accordingly, in our study we assess the configurations of political-institutional changes by using time-differencing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). First, we find that democratic convergence leads to multiple explanatory paths for referendum use. Second, the result suggests that explanations with simple majoritarian dynamics are robust compared to other explanations showing convergence. Third, the existence of many veto players combined with economic globalization is identified as an alternative explanation to the convergence toward more frequent referendum use. This study advances referendum and European integration research by highlighting the dynamics of simple majoritarian democratic systems, but also veto players and globalization over time. The results imply that more attention should be given to the configurational nature of an increased rise in referendums in European democracies.
Analysing the impact of digital technology diffusion on the efficiency and convergence process of the commercial banking industry of Pakistan
Authors: Liu Ting Li , Naveed Muhammad Mateen , Mustafa Sohaib , Naveed Muhammad Tahir
Published: June 2024

In a dynamic financial ecosystem, digitalisation is supporting banks in revamping their business processes to be more efficient, reducing costs, coping with customers’ evolving demands, and keeping them abreast of market competition. This two-stage research aims to investigate three issues in Pakistan’s banking industry from 2006 to 2020: (i) banking efficiency; (ii) the impact of digitalisation on banking efficiency; and (iii) banking efficiency’s absolute and conditional convergence. In our first-stage analysis, bootstrap data envelopment analysis has been applied, which exhibits bias-corrected overall, pure, and scale efficiencies of 74, 77, and 96%, respectively. In the second-stage analysis, we executed Tobit and two-step dynamic panel data system generalised method of moments (DPDSYS-GMM) models, and the results uncover that digitalisation has a positive influence on banking efficiency. Findings confirm that return on assets, bank size, interest rate, and gross domestic product growth rate have a positive association with banking efficiency. Our research reveals that state-controlled banks outperform their private sector and special-purpose counterparts. Our DPDSYS-GMM findings validate β and σ-convergence, implying that initially, low-efficient banks caught up (converged) to the more efficient opponents, reducing cross-sectional efficiency dispersion and attaining common equilibrium. The findings of banking efficiency conditional β-convergence assert that the adoption of digital technology has played a critical role in the convergence process and that digitalisation has acted as a catalyst for less efficient banks to catch up significantly faster to their more efficient rivals. This study displays digitalisation’s disruptive influence on the overall transformation of Pakistan’s banking system in the modern era, resulting in significant efficiency gains.
Understanding the use of metaphors by parents of children with cancer in blogs: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Gao Ruiyao , Wu Yijin
Published: June 2024

Parents of children with cancer, who face significant financial and psychological burdens, often employ metaphors to convey their distinctive experiences and inner realms. However, these metaphors have received scant attention in prior research. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the utilization of metaphors in blogs authored by parents of children with cancer, aiming to shed light on this understudied area. This study collected data from blogs authored by 33 parents of children with cancer spanning the period from 2019 to 2022, yielding a total of 181 metaphors. Drawing upon Conceptual Metaphor Theory, the method of qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze how parents of children with cancer utilize metaphors. This study found that “Game”, “War”, “Journey” and “Plant” metaphors were the most commonly used by parents of children with cancer. Game and war metaphors occupy a dominant position, followed by journey and plant metaphors. Additionally, these parents frequently employ mixed metaphors. The use of metaphorical language enables these parents to effectively articulate their distinct experiences and emotions. The use of metaphors may serve as a means for parents to articulate their feelings and motivate their children to actively fight cancer. By recognizing the metaphors embraced by these parents, we can gain a deeper understanding of their internal world and potentially offer support through both online and offline channels to mitigate their stress levels.
Properties of weak solutions to the Nordström–Vlasov system
Authors: Xiao Meixia
Published: June 2024

In this article, we investigate the Nordström–Vlasov system in the whole space. The kinetic model is a relativistic generalization of the classical Vlasov–Poisson system in the gravitational case and describes the ensemble motion of collisionless particles interacting by means of a self-consistent scalar gravitational field. With the Fourier analysis and the smoothing effect of low velocity particles, we get a better regularity of weak solutions for the field than the one proved by Calogero and Rein [J. Differ. Equ. 204, 323 (2004)]. Meanwhile, under the additional integrability condition, we establish the energy conservation of the weak solution.
Investigation of the thermal conductivity of shape-modulated silicon nanowires by the Monte Carlo method combined with Green–Kubo formalism
Authors: Nkenfack I. M. , Isaiev M. , Pernot G. , Lacroix D.
Published: June 2024

In this study, we conducted calculations to determine the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires with various shapes and cross-sectional designs using the Monte Carlo method combined with Green–Kubo heat flow autocorrelation. This computational approach is known for its reliability in predicting thermal properties of complex nanostructured devices. We specifically examined nanowires with circular or rectangular sections combined to complex serpentine and fishbone modulations. Our findings indicate that the nanowire's geometry significantly impacts the phonon mean free path and thermal transport. More specifically, patterns with serpentine modulations exhibit a pronounced reduction in thermal conductivity attributable to enhanced phonon boundary scatterings. Our simulation results are compared with the available experimental data, highlighting the potential of our method for structural optimization in thermal management applications, particularly in devices like thermoelectric converters.
Classical charged particle resonance in induction field
Authors: Bhosale Devesh S.
Published: June 2024

Starting from first principles, the space charge manipulation of charged particles in an induction field in free space based on an unique magnetic field strength and its oscillation frequency relationship is demonstrated numerically and theoretically. With the dispersion relation in ion resonance depending on its frequency of gyration, an alternating current driven electromagnet based particle resonance has been proposed circumventing the use of superconducting permanent magnets. Complete resonance achieved under the proposed conditions results in a sustained, fixed-frequency particle trajectory that is independent of its speed or drift. Such oscillation is visualized in a D-shaped resonant assembly. The amplitude and the wavelength calculations for the trajectory are demonstrated, and the applicability of this unique magnetic field strength and its sinusoidal varying frequency relation in plasma instability is explored.