bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrathin organosiloxane membrane for precision organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Choi Jihoon , Choi Keonwoo , Kwon YongSung , Kim Daehun , Yoo Youngmin , Im Sung Gap , Koh Dong-Yeun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPromising advances in membrane technology can lead to energy-saving and eco-friendly solutions in industrial sectors. This work demonstrates a highly selective membrane with ultrathin and highly interconnected organosiloxane polymer nanolayers by initiated chemical vapor deposition to effectively separate solutes within the molecular weight range of 150–300 g mol−1. We optimize the poly(1,3,5,7-tetravinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane) membrane by adjusting both the thickness of the selective layer and the pore sizes of its support membranes. Notably, the 29 nm selective layer imparts a uniformly narrow molecular sieving property, providing a record-high solute-solute selectivity of 39.88 for different-sized solutes. Furthermore, a solute-solute selectivity of 11.04 was demonstrated using the real-world active pharmaceutical ingredient mixture of Acyclovir and Valacyclovir, key components for Herpes virus treatment, despite their molecular weight difference of less than 100 g mol−1. The highly interconnected membrane is expected to meet rigorous requirements for high-standard active pharmaceutical ingredient separation.
Structural bases of inhibitory mechanism of CaV1.2 channel inhibitors
Authors: Wei Yiqing , Yu Zhuoya , Wang Lili , Li Xiaojing , Li Na , Bai Qinru , Wang Yuhang , Li Renjie , Meng Yufei , Xu Hao , Wang Xianping , Dong Yanli , Huang Zhuo , Zhang Xuejun Cai , Zhao Yan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.2 is essential for cardiac and vessel smooth muscle contractility and brain function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that malfunctions of CaV1.2 are involved in brain and heart diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of CaV1.2 is therefore of therapeutic value. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of CaV1.2 in the absence or presence of the antirheumatic drug tetrandrine or antihypertensive drug benidipine. Tetrandrine acts as a pore blocker in a pocket composed of S6II, S6III, and S6IV helices and forms extensive hydrophobic interactions with CaV1.2. Our structure elucidates that benidipine is located in the DIII-DIV fenestration site. Its hydrophobic sidechain, phenylpiperidine, is positioned at the exterior of the pore domain and cradled within a hydrophobic pocket formed by S5DIII, S6DIII, and S6DIV helices, providing additional interactions to exert inhibitory effects on both L-type and T-type voltage gated calcium channels. These findings provide the structural foundation for the rational design and optimization of therapeutic inhibitors of voltage-gated calcium channels.
Three-stage ultrafast demagnetization dynamics in a monolayer ferromagnet
Authors: Wu Na , Zhang Shengjie , Chen Daqiang , Wang Yaxian , Meng Sheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntense laser pulses can be used to demagnetize a magnetic material on an extremely short timescale. While this ultrafast demagnetization offers the potential for new magneto-optical devices, it poses challenges in capturing coupled spin-electron and spin-lattice dynamics. In this article, we study the photoinduced ultrafast demagnetization of a prototype monolayer ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 and resolve the three-stage demagnetization process characterized by an ultrafast and substantial demagnetization on a timescale of 100 fs, followed by light-induced coherent A1g phonon dynamics which is strongly coupled to the spin dynamics in the next 200–800 fs. In the third stage, chiral lattice vibrations driven by nonlinear phonon couplings, both in-plane and out-of-plane are produced, resulting in significant spin precession. Nonadiabatic effects are found to introduce considerable phonon hardening and suppress the spin-lattice couplings during demagnetization. Our results advance our understanding of dynamic charge-spin-lattice couplings in the ultrafast demagnetization and evidence angular momentum transfer between the phonon and spin degrees of freedom.
Clinically used broad-spectrum antibiotics compromise inflammatory monocyte-dependent antibacterial defense in the lung
Authors: Dörner Patrick J. , Anandakumar Harithaa , Röwekamp Ivo , Fiocca Vernengo Facundo , Millet Pascual-Leone Belén , Krzanowski Marta , Sellmaier Josua , Brüning Ulrike , Fritsche-Guenther Raphaela , Pfannkuch Lennart , Kurth Florian , Milek Miha , Igbokwe Vanessa , Löber Ulrike , Gutbier Birgitt , Holstein Markus , Heinz Gitta Anne , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Schulte Leon N. , Klatt Ann-Brit , Caesar Sandra , Wienhold Sandra-Maria , Offermanns Stefan , Mack Matthias , Witzenrath Martin , Jordan Stefan , Beule Dieter , Kirwan Jennifer A. , Forslund Sofia K. , Wilck Nicola , Bartolomaeus Hendrik , Heimesaat Markus M. , Opitz Bastian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is associated with high mortality and costs, and frequently caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Although prior antimicrobial therapy is a major risk factor for HAP, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients is associated with decreased diversity of the gut microbiome and depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers. Infection experiments with mice transplanted with patient fecal material reveal that these antibiotic-induced microbiota perturbations impair pulmonary defense against MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae. This is dependent on inflammatory monocytes (IMs), whose fatty acid receptor (FFAR)2/3-controlled and phagolysosome-dependent antibacterial activity is compromized in mice transplanted with antibiotic-associated patient microbiota. Collectively, we characterize how clinically relevant antibiotics affect antimicrobial defense in the context of human microbiota, and reveal a critical impairment of IM´s antimicrobial activity. Our study provides additional arguments for the rational use of antibiotics and offers mechanistic insights for the development of novel prophylactic strategies to protect high-risk patients from HAP.
Photo-modulated activation of organic bases enabling microencapsulation and on-demand reactivity
Authors: Li Wenle , Lu Xiaocun , Diamond Jacob M. , Shen Chengtian , Jiang Bo , Sun Shi , Moore Jeffrey S. , Sottos Nancy R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA method is developed for facile encapsulation of reactive organic bases with potential application for autonomous damage detection and self-healing polymers. Highly reactive chemicals such as bases and acids are challenging to encapsulate by traditional oil-water emulsion techniques due to unfavorable physical and chemical interactions. In this work, reactivity of the bases is temporarily masked with photo-removable protecting groups, and the resulting inactive payloads are encapsulated via an in situ emulsion-templated interfacial polymerization method. The encapsulated payloads are then activated to restore the organic bases via photo irradiation, either before or after being released from the core-shell carriers. The efficacy of the photo-activated capsules is demonstrated by a damage-triggered, pH-induced color change in polymeric coatings and by recovery of adhesive strength of a damaged interface. Given the wide range of potential photo-deprotection chemistries, this encapsulation scheme provides a simple but powerful method for storage and targeted delivery of a broad variety of reactive chemicals, promoting design of diverse autonomous functionalities in polymeric materials.
Structural basis for phage-mediated activation and repression of bacterial DSR2 anti-phage defense system
Authors: Zhang Jun-Tao , Liu Xiao-Yu , Li Zhuolin , Wei Xin-Yang , Song Xin-Yi , Cui Ning , Zhong Jirui , Li Hongchun , Jia Ning 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSilent information regulator 2 (Sir2) proteins typically catalyze NAD+-dependent protein deacetylation. The recently identified bacterial Sir2 domain-containing protein, defense-associated sirtuin 2 (DSR2), recognizes the phage tail tube and depletes NAD+ to abort phage propagation, which is counteracted by the phage-encoded DSR anti-defense 1 (DSAD1), but their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we determine cryo-EM structures of inactive DSR2 in its apo form, DSR2–DSAD1 and DSR2–DSAD1–NAD+, as well as active DSR2–tube and DSR2–tube–NAD+ complexes. DSR2 forms a tetramer with its C-terminal sensor domains (CTDs) in two distinct conformations: CTDclosed or CTDopen. Monomeric, rather than oligomeric, tail tube proteins preferentially bind to CTDclosed and activate Sir2 for NAD+ hydrolysis. DSAD1 binding to CTDopen allosterically inhibits tube binding and tube-mediated DSR2 activation. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into DSR2 assembly, tube-mediated DSR2 activation, and DSAD1-mediated inhibition and NAD+ substrate catalysis in bacterial DSR2 anti-phage defense systems.
Mitochondrial injury induced by a Salmonella genotoxin triggers the proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Chen Han-Yi , Hsieh Wan-Chen , Liu Yu-Chieh , Li Huei-Ying , Liu Po-Yo , Hsu Yu-Ting , Hsu Shao-Chun , Luo An-Chi , Kuo Wei-Chen , Huang Yi-Jhen , Liou Gan-Guang , Lin Meng-Yun , Ko Chun-Jung , Tsai Hsing-Chen , Chang Shu-Jung 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBacterial genotoxins damage host cells by targeting their chromosomal DNA. In the present study, we demonstrate that a genotoxin of Salmonella Typhi, typhoid toxin, triggers the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) by damaging mitochondrial DNA. The actions of typhoid toxin disrupt mitochondrial DNA integrity, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbance of redox homeostasis. Consequently, it facilitates the release of damaged mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol, activating type I interferon via the cGAS-STING pathway. We also reveal that the GCN2-mediated integrated stress response plays a role in the upregulation of inflammatory components depending on the STING signaling axis. These SASP factors can propagate the senescence effect on T cells, leading to senescence in these cells. These findings provide insights into how a bacterial genotoxin targets mitochondria to trigger a proinflammatory SASP, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for an anti-toxin intervention.
FinaleMe: Predicting DNA methylation by the fragmentation patterns of plasma cell-free DNA
Authors: Liu Yaping , Reed Sarah C. , Lo Christopher , Choudhury Atish D. , Parsons Heather A. , Stover Daniel G. , Ha Gavin , Gydush Gregory , Rhoades Justin , Rotem Denisse , Freeman Samuel , Katz David W. , Bandaru Ravi , Zheng Haizi , Fu Hailu , Adalsteinsson Viktor A. , Kellis Manolis 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnalysis of DNA methylation in cell-free DNA reveals clinically relevant biomarkers but requires specialized protocols such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Meanwhile, millions of cell-free DNA samples are being profiled by whole-genome sequencing. Here, we develop FinaleMe, a non-homogeneous Hidden Markov Model, to predict DNA methylation of cell-free DNA and, therefore, tissues-of-origin, directly from plasma whole-genome sequencing. We validate the performance with 80 pairs of deep and shallow-coverage whole-genome sequencing and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data.
Combination of acalabrutinib with lenalidomide and rituximab in relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a single-arm phase II trial
Authors: Park Changhee , Lee Ho Sup , Kang Ka-Won , Lee Won-Sik , Do Young Rok , Kwak Jae-Yong , Shin Ho-Jin , Kim Sung-Yong , Yi Jun Ho , Lim Sung-Nam , Lee Jeong-Ok , Yang Deok-Hwan , Jang Hun , Choi Byoungsan , Lim Jiwoo , Sun Choong Hyun , Byun Ja Min , Yoon Sung-Soo , Koh Youngil 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPotential synergism between Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor and lenalidomide in treating aggressive B-cell lymphoma has been suggested. Here, the authors report a single-arm phase II clinical trial of combination of acalabrutinib, lenalidomide and rituximab (R2A) in patients with aggressive relapsed/refractory aggressive (R/R) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The primary endpoint of this study is objective response rate (ORR), and the secondary endpoints are complete remission (CR) rate, duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 66 patients are enrolled mostly with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The ORR is 54.5% and CR rate is 31.8% meeting the primary end point. The median DoR is 12.9 months, and 1-year PFS and OS rate is 33.1% and 67.5% respectively. Adverse events (AE) are manageable with the most frequent AE being neutropenia (31.8%). Patients with MYD88 mutations, subtypes known for NF-κB activation, and high BTK expression by immunohistochemistry respond well. Overall, these results show a significant efficacy of the R2A regimen in patients with aggressive R/R B-cell NHL, with exploratory biomarkers suggesting potential associations with response. (ClinicalTrials.gov 51 identifier: NCT04094142)
Monolithic back-end-of-line integration of phase change materials into foundry-manufactured silicon photonics
Authors: Wei Maoliang , Xu Kai , Tang Bo , Li Junying , Yun Yiting , Zhang Peng , Wu Yingchun , Bao Kangjian , Lei Kunhao , Chen Zequn , Ma Hui , Sun Chunlei , Liu Ruonan , Li Ming , Li Lan , Lin Hongtao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMonolithic integration of novel materials without modifying the existing photonic component library is crucial to advancing heterogeneous silicon photonic integrated circuits. Here we show the introduction of a silicon nitride etch stop layer at select areas, coupled with low-loss oxide trench, enabling incorporation of functional materials without compromising foundry-verified device reliability. As an illustration, two distinct chalcogenide phase change materials (PCMs) with remarkable nonvolatile modulation capabilities, namely Sb2Se3and Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, were monolithic back-end-of-line integrated, offering compact phase and intensity tuning units with zero-static power consumption. By employing these building blocks, the phase error of a push-pull Mach–Zehnder interferometer optical switch could be reduced with a 48% peak power consumption reduction. Mirco-ring filters with >5-bit wavelength selective intensity modulation and waveguide-based >7-bit intensity-modulation broadband attenuators could also be achieved. This foundry-compatible platform could open up the possibility of integrating other excellent optoelectronic materials into future silicon photonic process design kits.
Recent progress of artificial intelligence for liquid-vapor phase change heat transfer
Authors: Suh Youngjoon , Chandramowlishwaran Aparna , Won Yoonjin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) is shifting the paradigm of two-phase heat transfer research. Recent innovations in AI and machine learning uniquely offer the potential for collecting new types of physically meaningful features that have not been addressed in the past, for making their insights available to other domains, and for solving for physical quantities based on first principles for phase-change thermofluidic systems. This review outlines core ideas of current AI technologies connected to thermal energy science to illustrate how they can be used to push the limit of our knowledge boundaries about boiling and condensation phenomena. AI technologies for meta-analysis, data extraction, and data stream analysis are described with their potential challenges, opportunities, and alternative approaches. Finally, we offer outlooks and perspectives regarding physics-centered machine learning, sustainable cyberinfrastructures, and multidisciplinary efforts that will help foster the growing trend of AI for phase-change heat and mass transfer.
Untargeted metabolomics-based network pharmacology reveals fermented brown rice towards anti-obesity efficacy
Authors: Barathikannan Kaliyan , Chelliah Ramachandran , Vinothkanna Annadurai , Prathiviraj Ragothaman , Tyagi Akanksha , Vijayalakshmi Selvakumar , Lim Min-Jin , Jia Ai-Qun , Oh Deog- Hwan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere is a substantial rise in the global incidence of obesity. Brown rice contains metabolic substances that can help minimize the prevalence of obesity. This study evaluated nine brown rice varieties using probiotic fermentation using Pediococcus acidilacti MNL5 to enhance bioactive metabolites and their efficacy. Among the nine varieties, FBR-1741 had the highest pancreatic lipase inhibitory efficacy (87.6 ± 1.51%), DPPH assay (358.5 ± 2.80 mg Trolox equiv./100 g, DW), and ABTS assay (362.5 ± 2.32 mg Trolox equiv./100 g, DW). Compared to other fermented brown rice and FBR-1741 varieties, UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS demonstrated significant untargeted metabolite alterations. The 17 most abundant polyphenolic metabolites in the FBR-1741 variety and 132 putative targets were assessed for obesity-related target proteins, and protein interaction networks were constructed using the Cystoscope software. Network pharmacology analysis validated FBR-1741 with active metabolites in the C. elegans obesity-induced model. Administration of FBR-1741 with ferulic acid improved lifespan decreased triglycerides, and suppressed the expression of fat-related genes. The enhanced anti-obesity properties of FBR-1741 suggest its implementation in obesity-functional food.
Highly stable and immunogenic CMV T cell vaccine candidate developed using a synthetic MVA platform
Authors: Yll-Pico Marcal , Park Yoonsuh , Martinez Joy , Iniguez Angelina , Kha Mindy , Kim Taehyun , Medrano Leonard , Nguyen Vu H. , Kaltcheva Teodora , Dempsey Shannon , Chiuppesi Flavia , Wussow Felix , Diamond Don J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infectious cause of complications post-transplantation, while a CMV vaccine for transplant recipients has yet to be licensed. Triplex, a multiantigen Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)-vectored CMV vaccine candidate based on the immunodominant antigens phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) and immediate-early 1 and 2 (IE1/2), is in an advanced stage of clinical development. However, its limited genetic and expression stability restricts its potential for large-scale production. Using a recently developed fully synthetic MVA (sMVA) platform, we developed a new generation Triplex vaccine candidate, T10-F10, with different sequence modifications for enhanced vaccine stability. T10-F10 demonstrated genetic and expression stability during extensive virus passaging. In addition, we show that T10-F10 confers comparable immunogenicity to the original Triplex vaccine to elicit antigen-specific T cell responses in HLA-transgenic mice. These results demonstrate improvements in translational vaccine properties of an sMVA-based CMV vaccine candidate designed as a therapeutic treatment for transplant recipients.
Podocalyxin promotes the formation of compact and chemoresistant cancer spheroids in high grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Le Tran Ngoc , Wang Yao , Bilandzic Maree , Stephens Andrew , Nie Guiying 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHigh grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) metastasises primarily intraperitoneally via cancer spheroids. Podocalyxin (PODXL), an anti-adhesive transmembrane protein, has been reported to promote cancer survival against chemotherapy, however its role in HGSC chemoresistance is unclear. This study investigated whether PODXL plays a role in promoting chemoresistance of HGSC spheroids. We first showed that PODXL was expressed variably in HGSC patient tissues (n = 17) as well as in ovarian cancer cell lines (n = 28) that are more likely categorised as HGSC. We next demonstrated that PODXL-knockout (KO) cells proliferated more slowly, formed less compact spheroids and were more fragile than control cells. Furthermore, when treated with carboplatin and examined for post-treatment recovery, PODXL-KO spheroids showed significantly poorer cell viability, lower number of live cells, and less Ki-67 staining than controls. A similar trend was also observed in ascites-derived primary HGSC cells (n = 6)—spheroids expressing lower PODXL formed looser spheroids, were more vulnerable to fragmentation and more sensitive to carboplatin than spheroids with higher PODXL. Our studies thus suggests that PODXL plays an important role in promoting the formation of compact/hardy HGSC spheroids which are more resilient to chemotherapy drugs; these characteristics may contribute to the chemoresistant nature of HGSC.
Expansion of thyroid surgical territory through 10,000 cases under the da Vinci robotic knife
Authors: Kim Jin Kyong , Lee Cho Rok , Kang Sang-Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chung Woong Youn 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the progress of robotic transaxillary thyroid surgery (RTTS), the indications for this procedure have gradually expanded. This study presents the insights gained from performing 10,000 RTTS cases at a single institution, along with the expansion of indications over time. RTTS was performed on 10,000 patients using the da Vinci robot system between October 2007 and April 2023 at the Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea. Among 10,000 patients, 9461 (94.0%) were diagnosed with thyroid cancer, whereas 539 (5.4%) had either a benign thyroid nodule or Graves’ disease. Surgical procedures were performed using four-arm-based robots (da Vinci S, Si, or Xi) for 8408 cases (84.1%), with the remaining 1592 cases (15.9%) being performed using the da Vinci SP surgical robotic system. Notably, for 53 patients with nodules ≥ 5 cm, which were not included in the eligibility criteria of the previous study, RTTS was performed safely without significant complications. The most common postoperative complication was transient hypoparathyroidism (37.91%), and recurrence occurred in 100 patients with thyroid cancer (1.1%). In conclusion, RTTS appears safe and feasible from both surgical and oncological perspectives, and the spectrum of indications suitable for RTTS surgery is progressively expanding.
Domestic wastewater treatment by Pistia stratiotes in constructed wetland
Authors: Ali Majid , Aslam Ambreen , Qadeer Abdul , Javied Sabiha , Nisar Numrah , Hassan Nayyer , Hussain Afzal , Ali Basharat , Iqbal Rashid , Chaudhary Talha , Alwahibi Mona S. , Elshikh Mohamed S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of Pistia stratiotes for treatment of domestic wastewater in a free surface water flow constructed wetland. The objective of the study was to evaluate contaminants removal efficiency of the constructed wetland vegetated with P. stratiotes in treatment of domestic wastewater against Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10, 20 and 30 days was investigated. This asks for newer and efficient low-cost nature-based water treatment system which along with cost takes into consideration the sustainability of the ecosystem. Five constructed wetland setups improved the wastewater quality and purify it significantly by reducing the TDS by 83%, TSS by 82%, BOD by 82%, COD by 81%, Chloride by 80%, Sulfate by 77%, NH3 by 84% and Total Oil and Grease by 74%. There was an increase in pH of about 11.9%. Color and odor of wastewater was also improved significantly and effectively. It was observed that 30 days’ HRT was optimum for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The final effluent was found to be suitable as per national environmental quality standards and recycled for watering plants and crop irrigation but not for drinking purposes. The treatment in constructed wetland system was found to be economical, as the cost of construction only was involved and operational and maintenance cost very minimal. Even this research was conducted on the sole purpose of commuting the efficiency of pollutant removal in short span time.