bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Huffman code LSB based image steganography technique using multi-level encryption and achromatic component of an image
Authors: Rahman Shahid , Uddin Jamal , Hussain Hameed , Ahmed Aftab , Khan Ayaz Ali , Zakarya Muhammad , Rahman Afzal , Haleem Muhammad
Published: August 2023

In the recent couple of years, due to the accelerated popularity of the internet, various organizations such as government offices, military, private companies, etc. use different transferring methods for exchanging their information. The Internet has various benefits and some demerits, but the primary bad mark is security of information transmission over an unreliable network, and widely uses of images. So, Steganography is the state of the art of implanting a message in the cover objects, that nobody can suspect or identify it. Therefore, in the field of cover steganography, it is very critical to track down a mechanism for concealing data by utilizing different blends of compression strategies. Amplifying the payload limit, and robustness, and working on the visual quality are the vital factors of this research to make a reliable mechanism. Different cover steganography research strategies have been recommended, and each adores its benefits and impediments but there is a need to foster some better cover steganography implements to accomplish dependability between the essential model of cover steganography. To handle these issues, in this paper we proposed a method in view of Huffman code, Least Significant Bits (LSB) based cover steganography utilizing Multi-Level Encryption (MLE) and colorless part (HC-LSBIS-MLE-AC) of the picture. It also used different substitution and flicking concepts, MLE, Magic matrix, and achromatic concepts for proving the proficiency, and significance of the method. The algorithm was also statistically investigated based on some Statistical Assessment Metrics (SAM) such as Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak Signal Noise Ratio (PSNR), Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC), Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM), etc. and different perspectives. The observational outcomes show the likelihood of the proposed algorithm and the capacity to give unwavering quality between security, payload, perception, computation, and temper protection.
Fibroglandular tissue segmentation in breast MRI using vision transformers: a multi-institutional evaluation
Authors: Müller-Franzes Gustav , Müller-Franzes Fritz , Huck Luisa , Raaff Vanessa , Kemmer Eva , Khader Firas , Arasteh Soroosh Tayebi , Lemainque Teresa , Kather Jakob Nikolas , Nebelung Sven , Kuhl Christiane , Truhn Daniel
Published: August 2023

Accurate and automatic segmentation of fibroglandular tissue in breast MRI screening is essential for the quantification of breast density and background parenchymal enhancement. In this retrospective study, we developed and evaluated a transformer-based neural network for breast segmentation (TraBS) in multi-institutional MRI data, and compared its performance to the well established convolutional neural network nnUNet. TraBS and nnUNet were trained and tested on 200 internal and 40 external breast MRI examinations using manual segmentations generated by experienced human readers. Segmentation performance was assessed in terms of the Dice score and the average symmetric surface distance. The Dice score for nnUNet was lower than for TraBS on the internal testset (0.909 ± 0.069 versus 0.916 ± 0.067, P < 0.001) and on the external testset (0.824 ± 0.144 versus 0.864 ± 0.081, P = 0.004). Moreover, the average symmetric surface distance was higher (= worse) for nnUNet than for TraBS on the internal (0.657 ± 2.856 versus 0.548 ± 2.195, P = 0.001) and on the external testset (0.727 ± 0.620 versus 0.584 ± 0.413, P = 0.03). Our study demonstrates that transformer-based networks improve the quality of fibroglandular tissue segmentation in breast MRI compared to convolutional-based models like nnUNet. These findings might help to enhance the accuracy of breast density and parenchymal enhancement quantification in breast MRI screening.
Higher levels of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasB elastase expression are associated with early-stage infection in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Llanos Agustina , Achard Pauline , Bousquet Justine , Lozano Clarisse , Zalacain Magdalena , Sable Carole , Revillet Hélène , Murris Marlène , Mittaine Marie , Lemonnier Marc , Everett Martin
Published: August 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and a major contributor to progressive lung damage. P. aeruginosa elastase (LasB), a key virulence factor, has been identified as a potential target for anti-virulence therapy. Here, we sought to differentiate the P. aeruginosa isolates from early versus established stages of infection in CF patients and to determine if LasB was associated with either stage. The lasB gene was amplified from 255 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from 70 CF patients from the Toulouse region (France). Nine LasB variants were identified and 69% of the isolates produced detectable levels of LasB activity. Hierarchical clustering using experimental and clinical data distinguished two classes of isolates, designated as ‘Early’ and ‘Established’ infection. Multivariate analysis revealed that the isolates from the Early infection class show higher LasB activity, fast growth, tobramycin susceptibility, non-mucoid, pigmented colonies and wild-type lasR genotype. These traits were associated with younger patients with polymicrobial infections and high pFEV1. Our findings show a correlation between elevated LasB activity in P. aeruginosa isolates and early-stage infection in CF patients. Hence, it is this patient group, prior to the onset of chronic disease, that may benefit most from novel therapies targeting LasB.
Phosphorus deficiency induces sexual reproduction in the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum
Authors: Kalinina Vera , Berdieva Mariia , Aksenov Nikolay , Skarlato Sergei
Published: August 2023

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential elements whose availability promotes successful growth of phytoplankton and governs aquatic primary productivity. In this study, we investigated the effect of N and/or P deficiency on the sexual reproduction of Prorocentrum cordatum, the dinoflagellate with the haplontic life cycle which causes harmful algal blooms worldwide. In P. cordatum cultures, N and the combined N and P deficiency led to the arrest of the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phases and attenuation of cell culture growth. We observed, that P, but not N deficiency triggered the transition in the life cycle of P. cordatum from vegetative to the sexual stage. This resulted in a sharp increase in percentage of cells with relative nuclear DNA content 2C (zygotes) and the appearance of cells with relative nuclear DNA content 4C (dividing zygotes). Subsequent supplementation with phosphate stimulated meiosis and led to a noticeable increase in the 4C cell number (dividing zygotes). Additionally, we performed transcriptomic data analysis and identified putative phosphate transporters and enzymes involved in the phosphate uptake and regulation of its metabolism by P. cordatum. These include high- and low-affinity inorganic phosphate transporters, atypical alkaline phosphatase, purple acid phosphatases and SPX domain-containing proteins.
Abnormal sense of agency in eating disorders
Authors: Colle Livia , Hilviu Dize , Boggio Monica , Toso Alessandra , Longo Paola , Abbate-Daga Giovanni , Garbarini Francesca , Fossataro Carlotta
Published: August 2023

The feeling of controlling one’s own actions and, through them, impacting the external environment (i.e. Sense of Agency—SoA) can be relevant in the eating disorders (EDs) symptomatology. Yet, it has been poorly investigated. This study aims to implicitly assess SoA exploiting the Sensory Attenuation paradigm in two groups of EDs patients (Anorexia Nervosa Restrictive and Anorexia Nervosa Binge-Purging or Bulimia Nervosa) compared to a control group. We find that controls perceive self-generated stimuli as less intense than other-generated ones showing the classic pattern of sensory attenuation. By contrast, EDs patients show the opposite pattern, with self-generated perceived as more intense than other-generated stimuli. This result indicates an alteration of the implicit component of the feeling of control in EDs patients, thus suggesting a potential implication of these results for the clinical practice and the treatment of EDs symptomatology.
Single-cell RNA sequencing to detect age-associated genes that identify senescent cells in the liver of aged mice
Authors: Doshida Yuta , Hashimoto Shinichi , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Takino Yuka , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Aigaki Toshiro , Ishigami Akihito
Published: August 2023

Senescent cells are predicted to occur and increase in animal tissues with aging. However, senescent cells in the tissues of aged animals remain to be identified. We refer to the marker genes to identify senescent cells in tissues as “age-associated genes”. In this study, we searched for age-associated genes to identify senescent cells in the livers of aged animals. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to screen candidates for age-associated genes using young and aged rat primary hepatocytes. To remove animal species specificity, gene expression analyses in mouse livers were performed, confirming age-associated increases in the mRNA expression levels of Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of Glipr1 and Phlda3 were increased by stress-induced premature senescence using doxorubicin in primary hepatocytes and livers of young mice. Transcriptome data of aged rat hepatocytes suggested that Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3 were expressed in almost identical cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the presence of cells with abundant Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3 mRNA in 27-month-old mouse primary hepatocytes, which are considered to be senescent cells. This study is the first to identify Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3 as age-associated genes in the mouse liver.
Resting state default mode network is associated with wise advising
Authors: Hu Chao S. , Zheng Yanbin , Dong Guang-heng , Glassman Harley , Huang Chenli , Xuan Ran
Published: August 2023

Default mode network (DMN) may be associated with wisdom (i.e., mature understanding of life featured by perspectival metacognition) when advising from a self-referential perspective due to the involvement of the DMN in reflecting on personal life experiences. After a resting-state functional MRI scan, 52 adults advised some youths going through life dilemmas, half from a second-person perspective and half from a third. After advising each youth, participants indicated the psychological distance they felt between themselves and the youth. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was measured in the DMN during resting states. Moreover, trained raters rated the participants' advice on wisdom criteria (i.e., metacognitive humility (MH), meta-level flexibility, and perspective-taking). The results showed that participants felt a significantly smaller psychological distance from the youth when advising from the second- than the third-person perspective. Moreover, only when advising from the second-person perspective was MH associated with ALFF in regions within the DMN (i.e., right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex). The right rostral ACC showed a significantly greater association with MH from the second- than the third-person perspective. Therefore, resting-state DMN activities may be important for self-involved wisdom performance (e.g., giving advice directly to others).
Lateral interactions between CD276 and CD147 are essential for stemness in breast cancer: a novel insight from proximal proteome analysis
Authors: Seo Yu Ri , Lee Junghyeon , Ryu Han Suk , Kim EunHee G. , Kim So Hyun , Jeong Jieun , Jung Hyeryeon , Jung YeoJin , Kim Han Byeol , Jo Yeon Hui , Kim Yeong Dong , Jin Min-Sun , Lee Yong Yook , Kim Kristine M. , Yi Eugene C.
Published: August 2023

Oncogenic cell-surface membrane proteins contribute to the phenotypic and functional characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We employed a proximity-labeling proteomic approach to quantitatively analyze the cell-surface membrane proteins in close proximity to CD147 in CSCs. Furthermore, we compared CSCs to non-CSCs to identify CSC-specific cell-surface membrane proteins that are closely interact with CD147 and revealed that lateral interaction between CD147 and CD276 concealed within the lipid raft microdomain in CSCs, confers resistance to docetaxel, a commonly used chemotherapy agent for various cancer types, including metastatic breast cancer. Moreover, we investigated the clinical relevance of CD147 and CD276 co-expression in HER2+ breast cancer (BC) and triple-negative breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy. We observed poor disease-free survival and Overall survival rates in patients of CD147 and CD276 (p = 0.04 and 0.08, respectively). Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis in independent cohorts of HER2+ BC support for the association between co-expression of CD147 and CD276 and a poor response to chemotherapy. Collectively, our study suggests that the lateral interaction between CD147 and its proximal partners, such as CD276, may serve as a poor prognostic factor in BC and a predictive marker for the critical phenotypic determinant of BC stemness.
Selective UMLS knowledge infusion for biomedical question answering
Authors: Park Hyeryun , Son Jiye , Min Jeongwon , Choi Jinwook
Published: August 2023

One of the artificial intelligence applications in the biomedical field is knowledge-intensive question-answering. As domain expertise is particularly crucial in this field, we propose a method for efficiently infusing biomedical knowledge into pretrained language models, ultimately targeting biomedical question-answering. Transferring all semantics of a large knowledge graph into the entire model requires too many parameters, increasing computational cost and time. We investigate an efficient approach that leverages adapters to inject Unified Medical Language System knowledge into pretrained language models, and we question the need to use all semantics in the knowledge graph. This study focuses on strategies of partitioning knowledge graph and either discarding or merging some for more efficient pretraining. According to the results of three biomedical question answering finetuning datasets, the adapters pretrained on semantically partitioned group showed more efficient performance in terms of evaluation metrics, required parameters, and time. The results also show that discarding groups with fewer concepts is a better direction for small datasets, and merging these groups is better for large dataset. Furthermore, the metric results show a slight improvement, demonstrating that the adapter methodology is rather insensitive to the group formulation.
Study on two nematode species suggests climate change will inflict greater crop damage
Authors: Khanal Churamani , Land Julian
Published: August 2023

Food security has become one of the greatest challenges of the millennium and it is predicted to be exacerbated by climate change due to the adverse effects of soil temperature on crop productivity. Although plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the most important limiting factors of agricultural production, the fate of soil temperature in their biology is not fully understood. Here we present the effects of soil temperature on survival, reproduction, virulence, and disease severity from the perspective of two nematode species Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne floridensis. The two nematode species were purposefully selected to represent a significant threat to annual and perennial crops. We employed novel approaches of direct as well as indirect heat exposure to evaluate nematode biology. The direct heat exposure assay involved the exposure of nematodes to hot water in a heating block at 32, 33, and 34 °C for 7 h, and subsequent evaluation of their survival after 18 h. The indirect exposure assay employed a commercial heat mat to raise soil temperatures to 32, 33, and 34 °C for 7 h during the daytime, and subsequent evaluation of nematode reproduction, virulence, and/or disease severity over the period of 6 weeks after inoculation. When directly exposed to hot water at 34 °C, the survival of R. reniformis increased by 10% while the survival of M. floridensis decreased by 12% relative to that at 32 °C. Upon increasing soil temperatures from 32 to 34 °C, the reproduction of R. reniformis and M. floridensis decreased by 49% and 53%, respectively. A significant reduction in the reproduction of M. floridensis occurred when soil temperature was increased from 33 to 34 °C, however, the same condition did not significantly affect R. reniformis reproduction suggesting the latter species has a greater ability to adapt to increasing soil temperature. Additionally, the virulence of R. reniformis was greater at 33 and 34 °C relative to that at 30 °C indicating increased aggressiveness of the nematode at higher soil temperatures. The virulence of M. floridensis appeared to be decreased as evident from increased root biomass when soil temperature was increased from 32 to 34 °C, however, the greater root biomass may have resulted from increased root galling at the higher temperatures. Results of the current study suggest that while higher soil temperatures due to climate change may lead to reduced nematode reproduction, crop losses will likely increase due to increased nematode virulence. Through the current study, we report practical evidence of the quantitative impact of climate change on the biology of plant-parasitic nematodes. Further studies involving a wider range of temperature and exposure time are needed to better understand nematode biology under climate change.
Automated hand-marked semantic text recognition from photographs
Authors: Suh Seungah , Lee Ghang , Gil Daeyoung , Kim Yonghan
Published: August 2023

Automated text recognition techniques have made significant advancements; however, certain tasks still present challenges. This study is motivated by the need to automatically recognize hand-marked text on construction defect tags among millions of photographs. To address this challenge, we investigated three methods for automating hand-marked semantic text recognition (HMSTR)—a modified scene text recognition-based (STR) approach, a two-step HMSTR approach, and a lumped approach. The STR approach involves locating marked text using an object detection model and recognizing it using a competition-winning STR model. Similarly, the two-step HMSTR approach first localizes the marked text and then recognizes the semantic text using an image classification model. By contrast, the lumped approach performs both localization and identification of marked semantic text in a single step using object detection. Among these approaches, the two-step HMSTR approach achieved the highest F1 score (0.92) for recognizing circled text, followed by the STR approach (0.87) and the lumped approach (0.78). To validate the generalizability of the two-step HMSTR approach, subsequent experiments were conducted using check-marked text, resulting in an F1 score of 0.88. Although the proposed methods have been tested specifically with tags, they can be extended to recognize marked text in reports or books.
Design of an alternate antibody fragment format that can be produced in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli
Authors: Tungekar Aatir A. , Ruddock Lloyd W.
Published: August 2023

With increased accessibility and tissue penetration, smaller antibody formats such as antibody fragments (Fab) and single chain variable fragments (scFv) show potential as effective and low-cost choices to full-length antibodies. These formats derived from the modular architecture of antibodies could prove to be game changers for certain therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Microbial hosts have shown tremendous promise as production hosts for antibody fragment formats. However, low target protein yields coupled with the complexity of protein folding result in production limitations. Here, we report an alternative antibody fragment format ‘FabH3’ designed to overcome some key bottlenecks associated with the folding and production of Fabs. The FabH3 molecule is based on the Fab format with the constant domains replaced by engineered immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) CH3 domains capable of heterodimerization based on the electrostatic steering approach. We show that this alternative antibody fragment format can be efficiently produced in the cytoplasm of E. coli using the catalyzed disulfide-bond formation system (CyDisCo) in a natively folded state with higher soluble yields than its Fab counterpart and a comparable binding affinity against the target antigen.
A comparative study of posterior cingulate metabolism in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Huang Mingming , Yu Hui , Cai Xi , Zhang Yong , Pu Wei , Gao Bo
Published: August 2023

Few comparative studies have assessed metabolic brain changes in cognitive impairment among neurodegenerative disorders, and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is a metabolically active brain region with high involvement in multiple cognitive processes. Therefore, in this study, metabolic abnormalities of the PCC were compared in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Parkinson’s disease (PD) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as examined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Thirty-eight patients with idiopathic PD, including 20 with mild cognitive impairment (PDMCI) and 18 with normal cognitive function (PDN), 18 patients with probable mild cognitive impairment (ADMCI), and 25 healthy elderly controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent PCC 1H-MRS scans. Compared with HCs, patients with PDMCI exhibited significantly reduced concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), total NAA (tNAA), choline (Cho), glutathione (GSH), glutamate + glutamine (Glx) and total creatine (tCr), while ADMCI cases exhibited significantly elevated levels of myo-inositol (Ins) and Ins/tCr ratio, as well as reduced NAA/Ins ratio. No significant metabolic changes were detected in PDN subjects. Compared with ADMCI, reduced NAA, Ins and tCr concentrations were detected in PDMCI. Besides, ROC curve analysis revealed that tCr concentration could differentiate PDMCI from PDN with an AUC of 0.71, and NAA/Ins ratio could differentiate patients with MCI from controls with normal cognitive function with an AUC of 0.74. Patients with PDMCI and ADMCI exhibited distinct PCC metabolic 1H-MRS profiles. The findings suggested cognitively normal PD patients with low NAA and tCr in the PCC might be at risk of preclinical PDMCI, and Ins and/or NAA/MI ratio in the PCC should be reconsidered a possible biomarker of preclinical MCI in clinical practice. So, comparing PCC’s 1H-MRS profiles of cognitive impairment among neurodegenerative illnesses may provide useful information for better defining the disease process and elucidate possible treatment mechanisms.
Network of muscle fibers activation facilitates inter-muscular coordination, adapts to fatigue and reflects muscle function
Authors: Garcia-Retortillo Sergi , Romero-Gómez Carlos , Ivanov Plamen Ch.
Published: August 2023

Fundamental movement patterns require continuous skeletal muscle coordination, where muscle fibers with different timing of activation synchronize their dynamics across muscles with distinct functions. It is unknown how muscle fibers integrate as a network to generate and fine tune movements. We investigate how distinct muscle fiber types synchronize across arm and chest muscles, and respond to fatigue during maximal push-up exercise. We uncover that a complex inter-muscular network of muscle fiber cross-frequency interactions underlies push-up movements. The network exhibits hierarchical organization (sub-networks/modules) with specific links strength stratification profile, reflecting distinct functions of muscles involved in push-up movements. We find network reorganization with fatigue where network modules follow distinct phase-space trajectories reflecting their functional role and adaptation to fatigue. Consistent with earlier observations for squat movements under same protocol, our findings point to general principles of inter-muscular coordination for fundamental movements, and open a new area of research, Network Physiology of Exercise.
Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) Morgan
Authors: Basu Ritee , Sukanya Dasgupta , Antony Irene Rose , Pandohee Jessica , Noor Ayesha
Published: August 2023

Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) is an edible fungus that grows in temperate and tropical regions. Although it is commonly consumed in Asia for its flavour and umami taste, the health benefits attributed the mushroom are very much underappreciated. Indeed, it has recently been shown that Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) contains a range of phytochemical compounds and other bioactive metabolites that are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties. Results of chemical profiling have therefore led to numerous questions regarding the effect that the metabolites of Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) have on health, and more specifically, the potential of Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) in preventing diseases. This chapter outlines the most up-to-date findings on Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) and its role in human health.
Liquid chromatographic methods for the analysis of canagliflozin: concise overview and greener assessment
Authors: Haneef Jamshed , Khan Mohd Danish
Published: August 2023

Use of greener and less toxic solvents contributes to the sustainability of analytical methods used for the quantification of canagliflozin in different matrices.
A simple and universal headspace GC-FID method for accurate quantitation of volatile amines in pharmaceuticals
Authors: You Congchao , Ho Tien , Rucker Victor , Yeh Jerry , Wang Lin
Published: August 2023

A simple and universal headspace GC-FID method was developed for accurate quantitation of volatile amines in pharmaceuticals. The addition of DBU to the sample diluent significantly improved sensitivity, recovery, and precision.
Surface-decorated nanoliposomal leonurine targets activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes for efficient rheumatoid arthritis therapy
Authors: Meng Shiyu , Song Zhiling , Tang Zhuang , Yang Xiaoxue , Xiao Yi , Guo Hui , Zhou Kaixiang , Du Meirong , Zhu Yi Zhun , Wang Xiaolin
Published: August 2023

Construction of HAP-1 peptide-engineered liposomal leonurine (HAP-Lipo@Leo) for efficient treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating inflammation, halting migration and invasion of activated FLS, and preserving cartilage/bone integrity.
Metabolic labelling of DNA in cells by means of the “photoclick” reaction triggered by visible light
Authors: Rieger Lisa , Pfeuffer Bastian , Wagenknecht Hans-Achim
Published: August 2023

Two pyrene-tetrazole conjugates were synthesized as photoreactive chromophores that allow for the first time the combination of metabolic labelling of DNA in cells and subsequent bioorthogonal “photoclick” modification triggered by visible light.
Alchemical analysis of FDA approved drugs
Authors: Orsi Markus , Probst Daniel , Schwaller Philippe , Reymond Jean-Louis
Published: August 2023

Reaction informatics is used to map the chemical space of drugs paired by similarity according to different molecular fingerprints.
Plant-based polyphenol rich protein supplementation attenuated skeletal muscle loss and lowered the LDL level via gut microbiota remodeling in Taiwan's community-dwelling elderly
Authors: Chang Shy-Shin , Chen Li-Han , Huang Kuo-Chin , Huang Shu-Wei , Chang Chun-Chao , Liao Kai-Wei , Hu En-Chi , Chen Yu-Pin , Chen Yi-Wen , Hsu Po-Chi , Huang Hui-Yu
Published: August 2023

A ten-week intervention with a Black Soybean Koji product improves muscle loss through the regulation of gut microbiota in elderly individuals with early sarcopenia.
A new multifunctional energy harvester based on mica nanosheet-dispersed PVDF nanofabrics featuring piezo-capacitive, piezoelectric and triboelectric effects
Authors: Ekbote Govind S. , Khalifa Mohammed , Venkatesa Perumal B. , Anandhan S.
Published: August 2023

Mica nanosheets and electrospinning synergistically improved the electroactive β-phase content and dielectric properties of PVDF. Consequently, the piezoelectric and triboelectric performance of mica-dispersed electrospun PVDF was enhanced.
An adhesive peptide specifically induces microtubule condensation
Authors: Li Yi-Jing , Wang Jia-Qi , Tian Wen , Han Lu , Xiao Ting , Wu Xiu-Hai , Wang Lei , Yang Pei-Pei , Cao Hui , Xu Wan-Hai , Wang Hao
Published: August 2023

Bimolecular condensation for modulation of biomolecular activity is a significant trend for cancer therapy. Peptide nanofibers target and bind to microtubules, forming hybrid network condensates, which induce cell apoptosis, and inhibit tumour growth.
Synthesis of a light-responsive platinum curcumin complex, chemical and biological investigations and delivery to tumor cells by means of polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Vergaro Viviana , Dell'Anna Maria Michela , Shahsavari Hamid R. , Baldassarre Francesca , Migoni Danilo , Mastrorilli Piero , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Ciccarella Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

The combination of chemical synthesis and nanotechnology led to the creation of a powerful multifunctional drug delivery system for a new platinum curcumin complex.
Effect of morphologies and compositions of silver-based multicomponent heterogeneous nanocrystals on the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Huang Ming-Shiuan , Cheng Hsien-Tai , Hsu Su-Wen
Published: August 2023

Ag-based bi-component nanocrystals (Ag–Au and Ag–Ag2S nanocrystals) fixed on a polymer matrix as catalysts for 4-NP reduction exhibited high reactivity can reusability compared with Ag nanocrystals.
Topology-controlled self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers
Authors: López-Ríos de Castro Raquel , Ziolek Robert M. , Lorenz Christian D.
Published: August 2023

Our molecular dynamics simulations provide molecular-scale understanding of how polymer topology effects the self-assembly and stability of nanoparticles, and the polymer molecule’s ability to take a conformation in response to its local environment.
Cu2+@metal–organic framework-derived amphiphilic sandwich catalysts for enhanced hydrogenation selectivity of ketenes at the oil–water interface
Authors: Sun Jia-Lu , Ren Feng-Di , Chen Yu-Zhen , Li Zhibo
Published: August 2023

A novel amphiphilic and highly effective Cu@Co@GC/NC hybrid is designed and fabricated by pyrolyzing Cu2+-doped bimetallic MOFs for green organic catalysis.
A 3D-printed freestanding graphene aerogel composite photocathode for high-capacity and long-life photo-assisted Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Xue Zhichao , Ru Yingyi , Wang Zhizhe , Li Qiang , Yu Mingfu , Li Jie , Sun Hong
Published: August 2023

The construction of a high-performance photocathode is essential for improving Li–O2 battery performance and solar energy utilization.
Ultrafast transient absorption measurements of photocarrier dynamics in PdSe2
Authors: Li Guili , Zhang Xiaoxian , Wang Yongsheng , Bai Zhiying , Zhao Hui , He Jiaqi , He Dawei
Published: August 2023

We investigate the photocarrier dynamics in bulk PdSe2, a layered transition metal dichalcogenide with a novel pentagonal structure and unique electronic and optical properties.
Boosting the efficiency of transient photoluminescence microscopy using cylindrical lenses
Authors: Magdaleno Alvaro J. , Cutler Mercy M. , Suurmond Jesse J. , Meléndez Marc , Delgado-Buscalioni Rafael , Seitz Michael , Prins Ferry
Published: August 2023

Transient Photoluminescence Microscopy (TPLM) with cylindrical lenses allows for an improved visualization of carrier transport in semiconductor materials.
Nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl thiols with aryl bromides via C–S bond activation
Authors: Xu Hao , He Cai-Yu , Huo Bo-Jie , Jing Jia-Wen , Miao Chengping , Rao Weidong , Chu Xue-Qiang , Zhou Xiaocong , Shen Zhi-Liang
Published: August 2023

We report a cross-electrophile coupling of aryl thiols with aryl bromides via C–S bond activation instead of S–H bond cleavage. The reaction proceeded effectively in the presence of a nickel catalyst, magnesium, and lithium chloride to afford various biaryls in moderate to good yields.
Potential impact of various surface ligands on the cellular uptake and biodistribution characteristics of red, green, and blue emitting Cu nanoclusters
Authors: Busi Kumar Babu , Palanivel Mathangi , Jyothi Kotha , LaiGuan Zoey Fong , Zahid Syed , Ghosh Krishna Kanta , Agrawalla Bikram Keshari , Gulyás Balázs , Halkarni Surfarazhussain S. , Thondamal Manjunatha , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Chakrabortty Sabyasachi
Published: August 2023

The effects of surface functionality on the optical characteristics of Cu nanoclusters were explored. Their in vitro and in vivo biodistribution indicated their usefulness as potential bioimaging probes.
Direct adhesion between Cu foil and polytetrafluoroethylene without increasing surface roughness for high-frequency printed wiring boards
Authors: Nishino Misa , Kodama Takumi , Yamamura Kazuya , Ohkubo Yuji
Published: August 2023

The strong adhesion between Cu foil and polytetrafluoroethylene was obtained by heat-assisted plasma treatment and thermal compression under the reduced pressure.
Robust method for uniform coating of carbon nanotubes with V2O5 for next-generation transparent electrodes and Li-ion batteries
Authors: Ilatovskii Daniil A. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Goldt Anastasia E. , Mousavihashemi Seyedabolfazl , Sainio Jani , Khabushev Eldar M. , Alekseeva Alena A. , Luchkin Sergey Yu. , Vinokurov Zakhar S. , Shmakov Alexander N. , Elakshar Aly , Kallio Tanja , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: August 2023

We developed a method for SWCNT coating with V2O5via hydrolysis-polycondensation. It is applied for a transparent electrode with 160 Ω sq−1 sheet resistance at a 90% transmittance and for a Li-ion battery cathode with 330 mA h g−1 specific capacity.
Unveiling the electronic properties of native solid electrolyte interphase layers on Mg metal electrodes using local electrochemistry
Authors: Santana Santos Carla , Romio Martina , Surace Yuri , Eshraghi Nicolas , Amores Marco , Mautner Andreas , Groher Christiane , Jahn Marcus , Ventosa Edgar , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Native solid electrolyte interphases (n-SEI) of magnesium ion batteries were systematically formed using different electrolyte compositions, and the electronic and ionic properties were interrogated using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) complemented by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and ex situ analysis for chemical composition characterization.
Synthesis of polysubstituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes enabling access to new chemical space
Authors: Reinhold Marius , Steinebach Justin , Golz Christopher , Walker Johannes C. L.
Published: August 2023

Crossed [2 + 2] cycloaddition yields bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes with 11 different substitution patterns. ortho-, meta- and polysubstituted benzene bioisosteres, and structures with substituent patterns that go beyond aromatic chemical space can be prepared.
Synthesis of ubiquitinated proteins for biochemical and functional analysis
Authors: Kriegesmann Julia , Brik Ashraf
Published: August 2023

In this review, we present the key synthetic strategies for the preparation of various ubiquitinated proteins and the application of these conjugates in biochemical and functional studies.
The effect of the piperidinium structure on anion-exchange membranes for applications in alkaline water electrolysis cells
Authors: Ozawa Yoshihiro , Iwataki Toshio , Uchida Makoto , Kakinuma Katsuyoshi , Miyatake Kenji
Published: August 2023

The effect of methyl and trifluoromethyl substituents and bonding positions of piperidinium groups on anion-exchange membranes was investigated for applications in alkaline water electrolysis cells.
Crystallization mechanism and defect passivation of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin film solar cells via in situ potassium doping
Authors: Dong Liangzheng , Tao Shengye , Zhao Ming , Zhuang Daming , Wang Yafei , Wang Hanpeng , Jia Mengyao , Han Junsu , Zhu Hongwei
Published: August 2023

Alkali metal doping has achieved prominent results in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells. In this paper, in situ K-doped CZTSSe thin film solar cells were prepared by magnetron sputtering with a K-containing CZTS target.
Metal–organic frameworks for hydrocarbon separation: design, progress, and challenges
Authors: Xie Xiao-Jing , Zeng Heng , Lu Weigang , Li Dan
Published: August 2023

Energy-efficient hydrocarbon separation is of great significance. In this perspective, we discuss three main strategies in the design of MOF materials for hydrocarbon separation: surface engineering, molecular docking, and size exclusion.
Embedding Au nanoclusters into the pores of carboxylated COF for the efficient photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Shang Qigao , Liu Yanyang , Ai Jing , Yan Ying , Yang Xiaofang , Wang Dongsheng , Liao Guiying
Published: August 2023

TCOF was modified with carboxy-quinoline in its pores as growth sites for gold NCs. Construction of an Au@COF photocatalyst is facilitated by COF–O–Au bonding bridges, resulting in increased charge-separation efficiency and excellent photocatalytic H2O2 production under simulated solar irradiation.
Boosting the rate performance of primary Li/CFx batteries through interlayer conductive network engineering
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lan Yingying , Li Renjie , Wang Jianlin , Wu Shengxiang , Cai Lejuan , Zhao Yu , Wang Wenlong
Published: August 2023

The CFx cathode, with intercalated conductive networks, achieves improved rate performance in lithium primary batteries because of enhanced electron transfer rates and electrochemical kinetics.
Two-stage filamentary mechanism in high-performance organic resistive switches
Authors: Bisht Arti , Saini Nitish , Bhardwaj Komal , Kumar Rachana , Kumar Ajeet
Published: August 2023

The PDI RS device performs excellently in basic characteristics such as low operating voltages, great endurance, and a two-year shelf life. The quantized conductance steps of the device demonstrate its potential for multilevel memory applications.
Indoor organic solar cells for low-power IoT devices: recent progress, challenges, and applications
Authors: Suthar Rakesh , Dahiya Hemraj , Karak Supravat , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: August 2023

In the last few years, organic solar cells have emerged with potential applications in abundant low-power indoor Internet of Things devices, such as smart watches, calculators, remote controls, and other devices.
Far-red emission carbon dot–metal organic frameworks composite for plant growth regulation application
Authors: Wu Shixin , Yang Chaowei , Zhuang Jiechun , Chen Jiahao , Li Wei , Liu Yingliang , Zheng Mingtao , Zhang Xuejie , Lei Bingfu , Guo Yuxia , Zhang Haoran
Published: August 2023

A broadband red-emitting pCDs@m-UiO-66 nanocomposite was constructed, which emitting light meet the light demand during plant growth. Cultivation experiments showed that FR-LEDs could significantly increase the biomass of plants.
Equine conjunctival pseudotumors
Authors: Moore Cecil P. , Grevan Victoria L. , Champagne Erin S. , Collins B. Keith , Collier Linda L.
Published: August 2023

Five horses presented with unilateral pink, smooth, nonulcerated conjunctival masses with histologic features characteristic of inflammatory pseudotumors, i.e. proliferative inflammatory lesions clinically resembling true neoplasia. Although causes for the inflammatory lesions were not determined, based on the presence histologically of mononuclear (predominantly lymphocytic) inflammatory cell infiltrates and the absence of infectious agents, parasites or foreign bodies, an immune‐mediated pathogenesis was suspected. Affected horses ranged from 5 to 8 years of age with no apparent breed or sex predilection. Conjunctival lesions were nodular in two cases and relatively flat and more diffuse in three cases. Third eyelid lesions were present in three cases and two affected eyes had corneal involvement. Based on findings from these five cases, the prognosis for equine conjunctival pseudotumors appears to be good when lesions are treated by partial or complete surgical excision, local administration of anti‐inflammatory agents, or a combination of surgery and anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Tear‐deficient and evaporative dry eye syndromes of the horse
Authors: Crispin Sheila M.
Published: August 2023

Tear‐deficient dry eye (keratoconjunctivities sicca), and evaporative dry eye, with some overlap between these two categories, are two major categories of dry eye recognized in the horse. Careful examination of the eyelid margins, the inner and outer surfaces of the upper and lower eyelids, assessment of blink and third eyelid movement, specific testing of tear production, assessment of corneal sensitivity, and slit‐lamp examination of the ocular surface before and after fluorescein dye application is recommended to detect dry eye problems. Rose Bengal dye application is also recommended in many cases. Facial nerve paresis is a possible complicating factor in some instances. Evaporative dry eye deserves closer scrutiny for it may be a contributory factor when ocular surface disease such as keratomycosis is present. Factors which influence ocular surface health need more close examination in horses.
Posterior lamellar keratoplasty for treatment of deep stromal absesses in nine horses
Authors: Andrew Stacy E. , Brooks Dennis E. , Biros Daniel J. , Denis Heidi M. , Cutler Timothy J. , Gelatt Kirk N.
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo describe and evaluate the use of posterior lamellar keratoplasty as a surgical treatment for deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses.

Animals studiedNine horses of various breeds and ages that presented with corneal stromal abscesses located in the posterior one‐third of the cornea.

ProcedureRetrospective medical record study.

ResultsNine horses had deep corneal stromal abscesses that were treated with posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Median patient age was 3 years. Six patients were females and three were geldings. Medical therapy alone had been attempted prior to surgery in all nine animals. Corneal abscess culture and histopathology were performed in 8/9 horses. Cultures were positive for an infectious etiology in 4/8 (50%). Histopathology was positive for an infectious etiology in 5/8 (62.5%). Mean surgical time was 71.0 ± 18.8 min and the average healing time was 23.7 ± 5.2 days. Visual outcome was positive in 8/9 cases.

ConclusionPosterior lamellar keratoplasty is a promising procedure for treatment of deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses. The procedure resulted in considerable shorter surgery time and healing time than had been observed with full‐thickness penetrating keratoplasty. Scar formation with this procedure was not significantly different than with penetrating keratoplasty.
Long‐term effect on the equine eye of an intravitreal device used for sustained release of cyclosporine A
Authors: Gilger Brian C. , Malok Emily , Stewart Tammy , Ashton Paul , Smith Thomas , Jaffe Glenn J. , Allen Janice B.
Published: August 2023

Objective To determine the long‐term toxicity of an intravitreal device releasing continuous cyclosporinee A (CsA) in normal eyes of horses by evaluating clinical signs, electroretinography, and histopathology.

Animals Studied Ten adult horses with normal ophthalmic examinations were used in this study

Procedure(s) Four horses had one eye implanted with a CsA device, and six horses had the right eye implanted with a CsA‐containing device (10 eyes with CsA in total) and the left eye (six eyes in total) with the device without drug (control). The implants were placed in the vitreous of the eyes through a sclerotomy 1 cm posterior to the limbus in the dorso‐temporal quadrant of the eye. Scotopic electroretinograms were performed prior to implantation and at 1 week, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postimplantation. Two of the unilaterally implanted horses were euthanized at 1 weeks postimplantation, and two at 6 weeks postimplantation. Two of the bilaterally implanted horses were euthanized at 6 months, two at 9 months, and two at 12 months postimplantation. At euthanasia, the eyes were removed, aqueous and vitreous humor aspirated, and tissues fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for histopathology. CsA concentrations were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography in the aqueous and vitreous humors, and in peripheral blood.

Results The devices were tolerated well in 14 of 16 eyes. There was minimal postoperative inflammation in most eyes, with a normal appearance within 7 days. In two eyes implanted with the CsA device, severe inflammation resulted in phthisis bulbi by 28 days. One of these eyes exhibited suspected bacterial endophthalmitis, and one had a sterile endophthalmitis and cataract presumably from trauma to the lens during implantation. In the other 14 eyes, no change was observed in the scotopic electroretinograms (ERG) from preoperative results, and no significant differences between the right (CsA) and left (control device) eyes were observed. CsA levels in the aqueous and vitreous humor, and peripheral blood were below the detection limit of the HPLC. Histologic findings revealed only a mild lymphoplasmacytic cellular infiltrate in the ciliary body and pars plana near the implantation site.

Conclusions The CsA devices were well tolerated with no long‐term complications from the implants themselves. However, complications may occur from inadvertent implantation trauma or contamination during surgery. The long‐term safety of the device may make it useful for delivery of CsA in the control of equine recurrent uveitis.
Evaluation of tear film proteinases in horses with ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Strubbe D. Todd , Brooks Dennis E. , Schultz Gregory S. , Willis‐Goulet Heather , Gelatt Kirk N. , Andrew Stacy E. , Kallberg Maria E. , Mackay Edward O. , Collante Warner R.
Published: August 2023

Ulcerative keratitis is a common and potentially blinding ocular disease of horses, capable of progressing to corneal perforation in as little as 24 h. This rapid stromal degeneration is mediated in part by exogenous and endogenous proteinases. We measured and compared the concentrations of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) and a serine proteinase (neutrophil elastase) present in the precorneal tear film of normal horses and horses with rapidly progressing ulcerative keratitis. Precorneal tear film samples were collected from 23 ulcerated and 21 unaffected eyes of 23 horses with unilateral ulcerative keratitis, and from 33 normal eyes of 17 control horses. MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and neutrophil elastase were identified by casein and gelatin zymography and quantified by computerized image analysis. Median MMP‐9 levels were significantly higher in the precorneal tear film of young control horses vs. older control horses (P= 0.005). Median MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and neutrophil elastase levels were significantly higher in the precorneal tear film of ulcerated eyes when compared to age‐matched normal controls (P= 0.004, P= 0.001, and P= 0.012, respectively). Median MMP‐2 levels were also significantly higher in the precorneal tear film of contralateral eyes of affected horses when compared to age‐matched normal controls (P= 0.004). No significant differences in median proteinase levels were detected between ‘sterile’ ulcers and those from which bacteria or mixed infections (bacteria and fungi) were isolated. However, median MMP‐2 and neutrophil elastase levels were significantly higher in the precorneal tear film of eyes with ‘sterile’ ulcers when compared with ulcerated eyes from which fungi were isolated (P < 0.05). The results of this study support the use of topical antiproteinase therapy which targets both MMPs and serine proteinases in progressive equine ulcerative keratitis.