bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Courtship behavior and identification of a sex pheromone in Ibalia leucospoides (Hymenoptera: Ibaliidae), a larval parasitoid of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)
Authors: Faal Hajar , Silk Peter J. , Mayo Peter D. , Teale Stephen A. 
Published: November 2021

Background
Ibalia leucospoides (Hymenoptera: Ibaliidae) is a larval parasitoid that has been widely introduced as a biological control agent for the invasive woodwasp,Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in the Southern Hemisphere. In this study, the courtship behavior and identificaion of sex pheromones are described for I. leucospoides under laboratory conditions.

Methods
For courtship behavior, both sexes were observed in a wire mesh observation cylinder (75 cm length ×10 cm diameter) for 15 minutes. The female body washes were analyzed using Gas Chromatography- Electroantennographic Detection (GC-EAD). Then the EAD-active compounds were tentatively identified using GC-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and examined in olfactometer assays.

Results
The courtship behavior included rhythmic lateral movements, mounting, head-nodding cycles in males, and wing-fanning in females. GC-EAD analysis of female body washes with male antennae revealed seven compounds which elicited antennal responses, four of which are straight-chain alkanes (C23, C25, C26, and C27). The identities of these alkanes were confirmed by matching the retention times, mass spectra, and male antennal activity to those of commercially obtained chemicals. In olfactometer assays, a blend of the four straight-chain alkanes was attractive to I. leucospoides males, and there was no response to blends that lacked any of these four compounds. Female body wash was no more attractive than the four-component blend. The ratios of EAD-active components differ between hydrocarbon profiles from males and females.

Conclusion
This study is the first investigation of cuticular hydrocarbons in the family Ibaliidae. It provides evidence that the ubiquitous alkanes (C23, C25, C26, and C27) in sex-specific ratios attract I. leucospoides males.
Application of ica D, agr, mec A, and mre B Gene Testing in Early Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Lin Jie , Jin Yong , Pang Qingjiang 
Published: November 2021

Objective
This study intends to explore the diagnostic efficiency and value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the early diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) based on the testing of the 4 specific genes of PJI pathogens: ica D, agr, mec A, and mre B.

Methods
Forty-one samples of ultrasonic cleavage RNA eluate were extracted from the human joint model of PJI caused by the 5 most common PJI pathogens to detect the PCR of ica D, agr, mec A, and mre B genes. Based on the detection results, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy of the 4 genes were analyzed and compared.

Results
The mec A test had a high sensitivity (55.56%). However, more false-positive results affected the test specificity (56.25%). The specificity of mre B test was higher (76.92%) but had lower sensitivity (26.67%); the sensitivities of the ica D and agr tests were 4.17% and 0%, respectively; the clinical value was limited.

Conclusion
The testing of mec A and mre B genes has high value in the early diagnosis of PJI. The testing of ica D and agr genes plays an important role in preliminary screening and reference for Staphylococcus-related PJI. Reasonable design and sequential application of ica D, agr, mec A, and mre B would give full play to the testing value and be more beneficial to the early diagnosis of PJI.
A novel de novo GABRA2 gene missense variant causing developmental epileptic encephalopathy in a Chinese patient
Authors: Yang Li , Wan Xingyu , Hua Ran , Jiang Junhong , Wang Baotian , Tao Rui , Wu De 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundVariants in the GABRA2 gene, which encodes the α2 subunit of the γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor, have been linked to a rare form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) referred to as DEE78. Only eight patients have been reported globally. This study presents the clinical presentation and genetic analysis of a Chinese family with a child diagnosed with DEE78, due to a novel GABRA2 variant.MethodsGenetic diagnosis was performed using trio‐whole exome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics predictions of pathogenicity. Structural modeling assessed the potential impact of the variant. A mutant plasmid was constructed and transfected into 293 T cells. Western blotting (WB) was used to evaluate mutant protein expression, while co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) analyzed interactions with GABRB3 and GABRG2 proteins. Immunofluorescence (IF) assessed the subcellular localization of the mutant protein.ResultsThe 6‐year‐old male proband presented with seizures starting at age two, along with global developmental delay and hypotonia. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous de novo variant in GABRA2 gene (NM_000807: c.923C>T, p.Ala308Val). Structural modeling suggested that this variant is located within the extracellular domain, which may disrupt hydrogen bonding interactions with GABRB3 and GABRG2. WB and Co‐IP showed reduced protein expression and impaired interactions, potentially destabilizing the pentamer receptor complex. If analysis revealed that the variant did not affect subcellular localization.ConclusionThis study identified a novel likely pathogenic GABRA2 extracellular domain variant in a Chinese family causing the DEE phenotype. The results expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of GABRA2‐related DEE.
Nonsingular Fixed‐Time Terminal Sliding Mode Control Based Emotional Neural Network for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Jia Chao , Liu Xiaohua 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA fixed‐time nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) method based on emotional neural network (ENN) is proposed for nonlinear systems. First of all, a new terminal sliding surface (TSS) is proposed in this article, which can adaptively adjust when the system states are far and near the origin and achieve fixed time fast convergence. Second, the equivalent control term in the controller is approximated by the ENN, which solves the singularity problem of traditional TSMC and the problem of unknown model information simultaneously. Finally, by using Lyapunov stability theorem, it is proved that the system states are stable in a fixed time during both sliding and reaching stages, which is independent of the initial values. The proposed method is verified and compared on an inverted pendulum system, which shows a better control performance.
The Potential for Extracellular Vesicles in Nanomedicine: A Review of Recent Advancements and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Ebrahimi Farbod , Kumari Anjali , Ghadami Samaneh , Al Abdullah Saqer , Dellinger Kristen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising tools in diagnostics and therapy for chronic diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's. Small EVs, also called exosomes, are lipid‐bound particles (≈30–150 nm) that play a role in healthy and pathophysiological interactions, including intercellular communication, by transporting bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Their ability to cross biological barriers, such as the blood‐brain barrier, makes them ideal candidates for targeted therapeutic interventions. In the context of chronic diseases, exosomes can be engineered to deliver active agents, including small molecules and siRNAs to specific target cells, providing a novel approach to precision medicine. Moreover, exosomes show great promise as repositories for diagnostic biomarkers. Their cargo can reflect the physiological and pathological status of the parent cells, making them valuable indicators of disease progression and response to treatment. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application of exosomes in four chronic diseases: cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and orthopedic disease, which significantly impact global public health due to their high prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, the potential of exosomes as valuable tools for theranostics and disease management is highlighted. Finally, the challenges associated with exosomes and their demonstrated potential for advancing future nanomedicine applications are discussed.
Synthesis, Structure, and Ion Conduction of Potassium Carbazolides for Potassium Ion Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Guo Jiaquan , Yu Yang , Tan Khai Chen , Pei Qijun , Li Zhao , Wang Yuting , Munyentwali Alexis , Wu Hui , He Teng , Chen Ping 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPotassium ion batteries gradually have aroused worldwide interest due to the limited lithium resource. However, the research on the solid‐state potassium‐ion batteries is at its very early stage. The lack of electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and interfacial stability is the major obstacle. In this work, a new phase of potassium carbazolide (KC12H8N, β‐KCZ) is synthesized and expected to be less rigid in the stacking layers than the reported α‐KCZ, indicating weaker cation−π interactions. Upon complexing KCZ with THF, a new type of potassium solid‐state electrolyte is successfully developed (KxCZ‐yTHF), particularly, an optimal composition K0.9CZ‐0.7THF reveals an ionic conductivity as high as 4.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 100 °C, which is among the top K+ conductors at this temperature. Furthermore, KxCZ‐yTHF also demonstrates a remarkable electrochemical stability window of 3.1 V, as well as outstanding interfacial stability and compatibility against K2S electrode during a 400‐h electrochemical cycling test. Other advantages of this electrolyte include cold pressing for molding, ease for scaling up, and high safety upon exposure to air. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first report that a potassium organic compound is employed as potassium solid‐state electrolyte.
Scintillators for Neutron Detection and Imaging: Advances and Prospects
Authors: An Baoyi , Deng Yujie , Jin Zhiwen , Sun Shifeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNeutron detection and imaging play a crucial role in nuclear reaction monitoring, industrial non‐destructive testing, nuclear medicine imaging, and so on. Similar to other ionizing radiation, scintillators are widely used to convert neutrons into scintillation light to easily read out. However, due to their electrically neutral nature, the interactions of neutrons (primarily scattering or absorption with atomic nuclei) differ significantly from those of high‐energy photons/charged particles. Therefore, scintillator materials must be specifically designed and optimized to enhance the neutron capture cross sections, accounting for the unique properties of neutrons and extreme application environment. In this review, it is begun by introducing the classification of neutrons, outlining their interactions with sensitive elements, and emphasizing key performance criteria for neutron detection and imaging. Subsequently, reported scintillators are categorized into five types: metal halide, metal oxide, glass, liquid, and organic scintillators, discussing their detection advantages, application scenarios, and associated challenges. Finally, an in‐depth discussion is provided on future directions for this field, including advancements in characterization, design, fabrication processes, stability and functionalization of materials, and their application expansion. It is believed that this review is both timely and essential for supporting the future development of neutron detection technologies.
Excitonic Coupling of a TADF Assistant Dopant and a Multi‐Resonance TADF Emitter
Authors: Metz Simon , Marian Christel M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe excitation energy transfer (EET) between two conformers of the deep‐blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter DBA‐BTICz and the multi‐resonance fluorescence emitter ν‐DABNA is studied by means of quantum chemistry according to Fermi's Golden Rule. Excitation energies, fluorescence and intersystem crossing rate constants of the individual EET donor and acceptor molecules, determined by a combination of density functional theory and a multireference configuration interaction approach, match the experimental data very well. Interestingly, two different conformers of DBA‐BTICz with similar absorption, but distinct emission and transfer properties are found. The vibronic envelopes of the DBA‐BTICz emission and the ν‐DABNA absorption spectra are computed by means of a vertical Hessian approach. Their overall shapes and peak positions agree well with the experimental data but the widths of the computed vibronic spectra remain a critical factor in the evaluation of the spectral overlap integral. The distance and orientation dependencies of the excitonic coupling matrix elements, evaluated in the ideal dipole approximation (IDA), are carefully assessed by means of the monomer transition density (MTD) approach. Deviations between the IDA and MTD results of at most 20% at typical Förster radii justify the use of the computationally much less demanding IDA for estimating environmental and orientation effects on the EET rate.
Room Temperature Broadband Polariton Lasing from a CsPbBr3 Perovskite Plate
Authors: Kolker Maksim D. , Krasionov Ivan I. , Putintsev Anton D. , Grayfer Ekaterina D. , Cookson Tamsin , Tatarinov Dmitry , Pushkarev Anatoly P. , Sannikov Denis A. , Lagoudakis Pavlos G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTunable polariton lasing is demonstrated from an all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite microcrystal plate over 23 nm in the green part of the optical spectrum, operating at room temperature. The emission spectrum is controlled by adjusting the effective length of a multi‐ planar microcavity, whilst observing the hallmarks of polariton condensation under non‐resonant excitation. Furthermore, simultaneous condensation is observed into two non‐degenerate lower polariton branches of orthogonal polarizations induced by anisotropy of the perovskite crystal.
Solvation Dynamics of Thermoresponsive Polymer Films: The Influence of Salt Series in Water and Mixed Water/Methanol Atmosphere
Authors: Wang Peixi , Zheng Tianle , Reitenbach Julija , Wegener Simon A. , Huber Linus F. , Kreuzer Lucas P. , Liang Suzhe , Cubitt Robert , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Xu Tonghui , Hildebrand Viet , Laschewsky André , Papadakis Christine M. , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the salt effects on solvation behaviors of thermoresponsive polymers is crucial for designing and optimizing responsive systems suitable for diverse environments. In this work, the effect of potassium salts (CH3COOK, KCl, KBr, KI, and KNO3) on solvation dynamics of poly(4‐(N‐(3'‐methacrylamidopropyl)‐N,N‐dimethylammonio) butane‐1‐sulfonate) (PSBP), poly(N‐isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM), and PSBP‐b‐PNIPMAM films is investigated under saturated water and mixed water/methanol vapor via advanced in situ neutron/optical characterization techniques. These findings reveal that potassium salts enhance the films' hygroscopicity or methanol‐induced swellability. Interestingly, the anions effects do not mirror the empirical Hofmeister series, which describes the salting‐in effects for such polymers in dilute aqueous solution, particularly evident in PSBP films with an approximately inverted order. PNIPMAM and PSBP‐b‐PNIPMAM exhibit pronounced deviations from such an inverted correlation and vary somewhat for water‐rich and methanol‐rich atmospheres. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that the observed orders of solvation result from the accessibility of the hydrated solvation shells close to the PSBP‐b‐PNIPMAM chains.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Lactylation Aggravates Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Disrupting PHB2 Mediated Mitophagy in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Li Jiaying , Shi Xiaoxiao , Xu Jiatong , Wang Kaiyue , Hou Fangxing , Luan Xiaodong , Chen Limeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction is a crucial event in acute kidney injury (AKI), leading to a metabolic shift toward glycolysis and increased lactate production. Lactylation, a posttranslational modification derived from lactate, plays a significant role in various cellular processes, yet its implications in AKI remain underexplored. Here, a marked increase in lactate levels and pan‐Kla levels are observed in kidney tissue from AKI patients and mice, with pronounced lactylation activity in injured proximal tubular cells identified by single‐cell RNA sequencing. The lactylation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is identified at lysine 52 (K52la), revealing that ALDH2 lactylation exacerbates tubular injury and mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, the ALDH2 K52R mutation alleviates these injuries in HK‐2 cells and adeno‐associated virus‐infected kidney tissues in mice. Furthermore, ALDH2 lactylation can be modulated by upregulating SIRT3 in vivo and in vitro, which reduces ALDH2 lactylation, mitigating tubular injury and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates an interaction between ALDH2 and prohibitin 2 (PHB2), a crucial mitophagy receptor. ALDH2 lactylation promotes the ubiquitination‐proteasomal degradation of PHB2 to inhibit mitophagy and worsen mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings highlight the critical role of endogenous lactate in AKI and propose ALDH2 lactylation as a potential therapeutic target.
Non‐APOE variants predominately expressed in smooth muscle cells contribute to the influence of Alzheimer's disease genetic risk on white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Chandler Hannah Louise , Wheeler Joshua , Escott‐Price Valentina , Murphy Kevin , Lancaster Thomas Matthew 
Published: December 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONWhite matter hyperintensity volumes (WMHVs) are disproportionally prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), potentially reflecting neurovascular injury. We quantify the association between AD polygenic risk score (AD‐PRS) and WMHV, exploring single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are proximal to genes overexpressed in cerebrovascular cell species.METHODSIn a UK‐Biobank sub‐sample (mean age = 64, range = 45–81 years), we associate WMHV with (1) AD‐PRS estimated via SNPs across the genome (minus apolipoprotein E [APOE] locus) and (2) AD‐PRS estimated with SNPs proximal to specific genes that are overexpressed in cerebrovascular cell species.RESULTSWe observed a positive association between non‐APOE‐AD‐PRS and WMHVs. We further demonstrate an association between WMHVs and AD‐PRS constructed with SNPs that are proximal to genes over‐represented in smooth muscles cells (SMCs; β = 0.135, PFWE < 0.01) and internally replicated (PDISCOVERY+REPLICATION < 0.01).DISCUSSIONCommon AD genetic risk could explain physiological processes underlying vascular pathology in AD. SMC function may offer a treatment target to prevent WMHV‐related AD pathophysiology prior to the onset of symptoms.Highlights
Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4, link to increased white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV).
WMHVs indicate vascular risk and neurovascular injury in AD.
The broader genetic link between AD risk and WMHV is not fully understood.
We quantify AD polygenic risk score (PRS) associations with WMHV, excluding APOE.
AD‐PRS in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) shows a significant association with increased WMHV.
Whole family support for people in prison: The Trojan Horse of rehabilitation? An interview with Corin Morgan‐Armstrong, Director of Invisible Walls Community Interest Company
Authors: Clancy Anna , Louth Jonathon , Amos Jackie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe article derives from an interview with Corin Morgan‐Armstrong, the architect of Invisible Walls, an innovative model of whole‐family support for people in prison, their children and families/significant others in the community. This groundbreaking approach not only aims to improve reintegration outcomes for the person leaving prison, but expands the focus to include all family members as equal beneficiaries of support to improve family relationships, their quality of life, and disrupt the intergenerational cycles of disadvantage and trauma in which many of these families are entrenched. The reader is provided with insight into Corin's journey to see beyond the person in prison, recognising him in his role as a father and inspiring a holistic approach which involves family, children and community to support lasting change and improve ‘whole family’ outcomes beyond simply reducing reoffending.
Sequential Reactive Processing for the Synthesis of Branched Polypropylene and Propylene–Ethylene Copolymer
Authors: Guapacha Jorge , Quinzani Lidia M. , Failla Marcelo D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPolypropylene (PP) and random propylene–ethylene copolymer (PEC) with long‐chain branches (LCB) have been synthesized from linear polymers by sequential melt reactive processing. The process starts with the grafting of low concentrations of maleic anhydride using an organic peroxide as a radical initiator. Then, halfway through the processing time, the chain‐linking agent, m‐xylylenediamine (XDA), is added to the reactive medium to generate branched molecular structures. The occurrence of grafting and chain‐linking reactions was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic and transient extensional rheology. Branched polymers with up to ~1 branch per 1000 monomer units were achieved without largely altering the average molecular weights of the original materials and their tensile mechanical properties. The amount of LCB obtained in PEC practically doubles that in the branched PP. Properties such as maximum tensile stress, elastic modulus, and tensile stress at yield were found to be primarily a function of the molecular weight and crystallinity level of the polymers, and not of their degree of LCB. Altogether, the results demonstrate that grafting low concentrations of maleic anhydride onto the polymer with the addition of the chain‐linking agent at half processing time is an efficient and practical method to produce polymers with improved melt strength.
Luminescent Co‐Assemblies of Donor‐Acceptor Dimeric Cyanostilbenes with (Bio)Anionic Polymeric Templates
Authors: Banerjee Supratim , Som Susmit , Hiremath Sharanabasava D. , Sarkar Richeek 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAmphiphilic dimeric cyanostilbenes with two donor‐acceptor moieties connected through variable aliphatic linkers displayed aggregation in aqueous media to produce red emissive nano‐assemblies. In the presence of anionic biopolymers such as ctDNA and heparin, they formed electrostatically driven co‐assemblies with enhanced luminescence. Moreover, due to the chiral nature of the bio‐templates DNA and heparin, the co‐assemblies demonstrated induced chirality features. Although the central double bond in cyanostilbenes is known to undergo various photochemical conversions, these dimeric donor‐acceptor cyanostilbenes, in their self‐assembled state, essentially remained photoinactive under UV irradiation. However, in the bio‐templated co‐assemblies, they showed comparatively higher photo‐reactivity, which was especially prominent for the ctDNA based co‐assemblies. We also found that these co‐assemblies can be used as artificial light‐harvesting systems by incorporating acceptor dyes and this led to the generation of amplified emission from the acceptor dyes in the NIR range of the spectrum. Furthermore, the co‐assemblies demonstrated selective fluorescence quenching in the presence of metal ions such as Cu2+ and Fe2+, highlighting their potential for metal‐ion sensing applications.