bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate prediction of the optical properties of nanoalloys with both plasmonic and magnetic elements
Authors: Coviello Vito , Badocco Denis , Pastore Paolo , Fracchia Martina , Ghigna Paolo , Martucci Alessandro , Forrer Daniel , Amendola Vincenzo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe alloying process plays a pivotal role in the development of advanced multifunctional plasmonic materials within the realm of modern nanotechnology. However, accurate in silico predictions are only available for metal clusters of just a few nanometers, while the support of modelling is required to navigate the broad landscape of components, structures and stoichiometry of plasmonic nanoalloys regardless of their size. Here we report on the accurate calculation and conceptual understanding of the optical properties of metastable alloys of both plasmonic (Au) and magnetic (Co) elements obtained through a tailored laser synthesis procedure. The model is based on the density functional theory calculation of the dielectric function with the Hubbard-corrected local density approximation, the correction for intrinsic size effects and use of classical electrodynamics. This approach is built to manage critical aspects in modelling of real samples, as spin polarization effects due to magnetic elements, short-range order variability, and size heterogeneity. The method provides accurate results also for other magnetic-plasmonic (Au-Fe) and typical plasmonic (Au-Ag) nanoalloys, thus being available for the investigation of several other nanomaterials waiting for assessment and exploitation in fundamental sectors such as quantum optics, magneto-optics, magneto-plasmonics, metamaterials, chiral catalysis and plasmon-enhanced catalysis.
Non-invasive transdermal delivery of biomacromolecules with fluorocarbon-modified chitosan for melanoma immunotherapy and viral vaccines
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Wei Ting , Xu Yuchun , Jin Qiutong , Chao Yu , Lu Jiaqi , Xu Jun , Zhu Jiafei , Yan Xiaoying , Chen Muchao , Chen Qian , Liu Zhuang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTransdermal drug delivery has been regarded as an alternative to oral delivery and subcutaneous injection. However, needleless transdermal delivery of biomacromolecules remains a challenge. Herein, a transdermal delivery platform based on biocompatible fluorocarbon modified chitosan (FCS) is developed to achieve highly efficient non-invasive delivery of biomacromolecules including antibodies and antigens. The formed nanocomplexes exhibits effective transdermal penetration ability via both intercellular and transappendageal routes. Non-invasive transdermal delivery of immune checkpoint blockade antibodies induces stronger immune responses for melanoma in female mice and reduces systemic toxicity compared to intravenous injection. Moreover, transdermal delivery of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in female mice results in comparable humoral immunity as well as improved cellular immunity and immune memory compared to that achieved with subcutaneous vaccine injection. Additionally, FCS-based protein delivery systems demonstrate transdermal ability for rabbit and porcine skins. Thus, FCS-based transdermal delivery systems may provide a compelling opportunity to overcome the skin barrier for efficient transdermal delivery of bio-therapeutics.
Activation of GPR3-β-arrestin2-PKM2 pathway in Kupffer cells stimulates glycolysis and inhibits obesity and liver pathogenesis
Authors: Dong Ting , Hu Guangan , Fan Zhongqi , Wang Huirui , Gao Yinghui , Wang Sisi , Xu Hao , Yaffe Michael B. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Lv Guoyue , Chen Jianzhu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractKupffer cells are liver resident macrophages and play critical role in fatty liver disease, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that activation of G-protein coupled receptor 3 (GPR3) in Kupffer cells stimulates glycolysis and protects mice from obesity and fatty liver disease. GPR3 activation induces a rapid increase in glycolysis via formation of complexes between β-arrestin2 and key glycolytic enzymes as well as sustained increase in glycolysis through transcription of glycolytic genes. In mice, GPR3 activation in Kupffer cells results in enhanced glycolysis, reduced inflammation and inhibition of high-fat diet induced obesity and liver pathogenesis. In human fatty liver biopsies, GPR3 activation increases expression of glycolytic genes and reduces expression of inflammatory genes in a population of disease-associated macrophages. These findings identify GPR3 activation as a pivotal mechanism for metabolic reprogramming of Kupffer cells and as a potential approach for treating fatty liver disease.
Two-component nematic superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS2
Authors: Silber I. , Mathimalar S. , Mangel I. , Nayak A. K. , Green O. , Avraham N. , Beidenkopf H. , Feldman I. , Kanigel A. , Klein A. , Goldstein M. , Banerjee A. , Sela E. , Dagan Y. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMost superconductors have an isotropic, single component order parameter and are well described by the standard (BCS) theory for superconductivity. Unconventional, multiple-component superconductors are exceptionally rare and are much less understood. Here, we combine scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved macroscopic transport for studying the candidate chiral superconductor, 4Hb-TaS2. We reveal quasi-periodic one-dimensional modulations in the tunneling conductance accompanied by two-fold symmetric superconducting critical field. The strong modulation of the in-plane critical field, Hc2, points to a nematic, unconventional order parameter. However, the imaged vortex core is isotropic at low temperatures. We suggest a model that reconciles this apparent discrepancy and takes into account previously observed spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking at low temperatures. The model describes a competition between a dominating chiral superconducting order parameter and a nematic one. The latter emerges close to the normal phase. Our results strongly support the existence of two-component superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS2 and can provide valuable insights into other systems with coexistent charge order and superconductivity.
Engineering a transposon-associated TnpB-ωRNA system for efficient gene editing and phenotypic correction of a tyrosinaemia mouse model
Authors: Li Zhifang , Guo Ruochen , Sun Xiaozhi , Li Guoling , Shao Zhuang , Huo Xiaona , Yang Rongrong , Liu Xinyu , Cao Xi , Zhang Hainan , Zhang Weihong , Zhang Xiaoyin , Ma Shuangyu , Zhang Meiling , Liu Yuanhua , Yao Yinan , Shi Jinqi , Yang Hui , Hu Chunyi , Zhou Yingsi , Xu Chunlong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTransposon-associated ribonucleoprotein TnpB is known to be the ancestry endonuclease of diverse Cas12 effector proteins from type-V CRISPR system. Given its small size (408 aa), it is of interest to examine whether engineered TnpB could be used for efficient mammalian genome editing. Here, we showed that the gene editing activity of native TnpB from Deinococcus radiodurans (ISDra2 TnpB) in mouse embryos was already higher than previously identified small-sized Cas12f1. Further stepwise engineering of noncoding RNA (ωRNA or reRNA) component of TnpB significantly elevated the nuclease activity of TnpB. Notably, an optimized TnpB-ωRNA system could be efficiently delivered in vivo with single adeno-associated virus (AAV) and corrected the disease phenotype in a tyrosinaemia mouse model. Thus, the engineered miniature TnpB system represents a new addition to the current genome editing toolbox, with the unique feature of the smallest effector size that facilitate efficient AAV delivery for editing of cells and tissues.
Single-cell multiomics decodes regulatory programs for mouse secondary palate development
Authors: Yan Fangfang , Suzuki Akiko , Iwaya Chihiro , Pei Guangsheng , Chen Xian , Yoshioka Hiroki , Yu Meifang , Simon Lukas M. , Iwata Junichi , Zhao Zhongming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPerturbations in gene regulation during palatogenesis can lead to cleft palate, which is among the most common congenital birth defects. Here, we perform single-cell multiome sequencing and profile chromatin accessibility and gene expression simultaneously within the same cells (n = 36,154) isolated from mouse secondary palate across embryonic days (E) 12.5, E13.5, E14.0, and E14.5. We construct five trajectories representing continuous differentiation of cranial neural crest-derived multipotent cells into distinct lineages. By linking open chromatin signals to gene expression changes, we characterize the underlying lineage-determining transcription factors. In silico perturbation analysis identifies transcription factors SHOX2 and MEOX2 as important regulators of the development of the anterior and posterior palate, respectively. In conclusion, our study charts epigenetic and transcriptional dynamics in palatogenesis, serving as a valuable resource for further cleft palate research.
High B7-H3 expression with low PD-L1 expression identifies armored-cold tumors in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Mei Jie , Cai Yun , Zhu Hongjun , Jiang Ying , Fu Ziyi , Xu Junying , Chen Lingyan , Yang Kai , Zhao Jinlu , Song Chenghu , Zhang Yan , Mao Wenjun , Yin Yongmei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is generally regarded as the most aggressive subtype among breast cancers, but exhibits higher chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic responses due to its unique immunogenicity. Thus, appropriate discrimination of subtypes is critical for guiding therapeutic options in clinical practice. In this research, using multiple in-house and public cohorts, we investigated the expression features and immuno-correlations of B7-H3 in breast cancer and checked the anti-tumor effect of the B7-H3 monoclonal antibody in a mouse model. We also developed a novel classifier combining B7-H3 and PD-L1 expression in TNBC. B7-H3 was revealed to be related to immuno-cold features and accumulated collagen in TNBC. In addition, targeting B7-H3 using the monoclonal antibody significantly suppressed mouse TNBC growth, reversed the armored-cold phenotype, and also boosted anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. In addition, patients with B7-H3 high and PD-L1 low expression showed the lowest anti-tumor immune infiltration, the highest collagen level, and the lowest therapeutic responses to multiple therapies, which mostly belong to armored-cold tumors. Overall, this research provides a novel subtyping strategy based on the combination of B7-H3/PD-L1 expression, which leads to a novel approach for the management of TNBC.
Image-guided programming deep brain stimulation improves clinical outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Torres Viviana , Del Giudice Kirsys , Roldán Pedro , Rumià Jordi , Muñoz Esteban , Cámara Ana , Compta Yaroslau , Sánchez-Gómez Almudena , Valldeoriola Francesc 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, some patients may not respond optimally to clinical programming adjustments. Advances in DBS technology have led to more complex and time-consuming programming. Image-guided programming (IGP) could optimize and improve programming leading to better clinical outcomes in patients for whom DBS programming is not ideal due to sub-optimal response. We conducted a prospective single-center study including 31 PD patients with subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS and suboptimal responses refractory to clinical programming. Programming settings were adjusted according to the volumetric reconstruction of the stimulation field using commercial postoperative imaging software. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up after IGP, using motor and quality of life (QoL) scales. Additionally, between these two assessment points, follow-up visits for fine-tuning amplitude intensity and medication were conducted at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 9. After IGP, twenty-six patients (83.9%) experienced motor and QoL improvements, with 25.8% feeling much better and 38.7% feeling moderately better according to the patient global impression scale. Five patients (16.1%) had no clinical or QoL changes after IGP. The MDS-UPDRS III motor scale showed a 21.9% improvement and the DBS-IS global score improved by 41.5%. IGP optimizes STN-DBS therapy for PD patients who are experiencing suboptimal clinical outcomes. These findings support using IGP as a standard tool in clinical practice, which could save programming time and improve patients’ QoL.
Quantifying the effect of gate errors on variational quantum eigensolvers for quantum chemistry
Authors: Dalton Kieran , Long Christopher K. , Yordanov Yordan S. , Smith Charles G. , Barnes Crispin H. W. , Mertig Normann , Arvidsson-Shukur David R. M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVariational quantum eigensolvers (VQEs) are leading candidates to demonstrate near-term quantum advantage. Here, we conduct density-matrix simulations of leading gate-based VQEs for a range of molecules. We numerically quantify their level of tolerable depolarizing gate-errors. We find that: (i) The best-performing VQEs require gate-error probabilities between 10−6 and 10−4 (10−4 and 10−2 with error mitigation) to predict, within chemical accuracy, ground-state energies of small molecules with 4 − 14 orbitals. (ii) ADAPT-VQEs that construct ansatz circuits iteratively outperform fixed-circuit VQEs. (iii) ADAPT-VQEs perform better with circuits constructed from gate-efficient rather than physically-motivated elements. (iv) The maximally-allowed gate-error probability, pc, for any VQE to achieve chemical accuracy decreases with the number NII of noisy two-qubit gates as $${p}_{c}\mathop{\propto }\limits_{\displaystyle{ \sim }}{N}_{{{{\rm{II}}}}}^{-1}$$

p

c

∝

~

N

II

−
1

. Additionally, pc decreases with system size, even with error mitigation, implying that larger molecules require even lower gate-errors. Thus, quantum advantage via gate-based VQEs is unlikely unless gate-error probabilities are decreased by orders of magnitude.
Controlling the photon number coherence of solid-state quantum light sources for quantum cryptography
Authors: Karli Yusuf , Vajner Daniel A. , Kappe Florian , Hagen Paul C. A. , Hansen Lena M. , Schwarz René , Bracht Thomas K. , Schimpf Christian , Covre da Silva Saimon F. , Walther Philip , Rastelli Armando , Axt Vollrath Martin , Loredo Juan C. , Remesh Vikas , Heindel Tobias , Reiter Doris E. , Weihs Gregor 
Published: January 2024

AbstractQuantum communication networks rely on quantum cryptographic protocols including quantum key distribution (QKD) based on single photons. A critical element regarding the security of QKD protocols is the photon number coherence (PNC), i.e., the phase relation between the vacuum and one-photon Fock state. To obtain single photons with the desired properties for QKD protocols, optimal excitation schemes for quantum emitters need to be selected. As emitters, we consider semiconductor quantum dots, that are known to generate on-demand single photons with high purity and indistinguishability. Exploiting two-photon excitation of a quantum dot combined with a stimulation pulse, we demonstrate the generation of high-quality single photons with a controllable degree of PNC. The main tuning knob is the pulse area giving full control from minimal to maximal PNC, while without the stimulating pulse the PNC is negligible in our setup for all pulse areas. Our approach provides a viable route toward secure communication in quantum networks.
Cerebro-cerebellar gray matter abnormalities associated with cognitive impairment in patients with recent-onset and chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Kang Naok , Chung Subin , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Bang Minji 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAlthough the role of the cerebellum in schizophrenia has gained attention, its contribution to cognitive impairment remains unclear. We aimed to investigate volumetric alterations in the cerebro-cerebellar gray matter (GM) in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia (ROS) and chronic schizophrenia (CS) compared with healthy controls (HCs). Seventy-two ROS, 43 CS, and 127 HC participants were recruited, and high-resolution T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images of the brain were acquired. We compared cerebellar GM volumes among the groups using voxel-based morphometry and examined the cerebro-cerebellar GM volumetric correlations in participants with schizophrenia. Exploratory correlation analysis investigated the functional relevance of cerebro-cerebellar GM volume alterations to cognitive function in the schizophrenia group. The ROS and CS participants demonstrated smaller cerebellar GM volumes, particularly in Crus I and II, than HCs. Extracted cerebellar GM volumes demonstrated significant positive correlations with the cerebral GM volume in the fronto-temporo-parietal association areas engaged in higher-order association. The exploratory analysis showed that smaller cerebellar GM in the posterior lobe regions was associated with poorer cognitive performance in participants with schizophrenia. Our study suggests that cerebellar pathogenesis is present in the early stages of schizophrenia and interconnected with structural abnormalities in the cerebral cortex. Integrating the cerebellum into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia will help advance our understanding of the disease and identify novel treatment targets concerning dysfunctional cerebro-cerebellar interactions.
Short-term neonatal and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of children born term low birth weight
Authors: Kim Ho Yeon , Cho Geum Joon , Ahn Ki Hoon , Hong Soon-Cheol , Oh Min-Jeong , Kim Hai-Joong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the impact of term LBW on short-term neonatal and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children 5–7 years of age. This is a population-based cohort study that merged national data from the Korea National Health Insurance claims and National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children. The participants were women who gave birth at a gestational age of ≥ 37 weeks between 2013 and 2015 in the Republic of Korea, and were tracked during 2020 for the neurodevelopmental surveillance of their children. Among 830,806 women who gave birth during the study period, 31,700 (3.8%) of their babies weighed less than 2500 g. By Cox proportional hazard analysis, children aged 5–7 years who had LBW were associated with any developmental, motor developmental delay, cognitive developmental delay, autism spectrum, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and epileptic and febrile seizures.Children born with term LBW were more vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders at 5–7 years of age than those with normal and large birth weights. This study further substantiates counseling parents regarding the long-term outcomes of children being born underweight.
Immunoinformatics approaches in developing a novel multi-epitope chimeric vaccine protective against Saprolegnia parasitica
Authors: Choudhury Abhigyan , Kumar Pawan , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Almaary Khalid S. , Wondmie Gezahign Fentahun , Kumar Ajit , Bourhia Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Saprolegnia parasitica is responsible for devastating infections in fish and poses a tremendous threat to the global aquaculture industry. Presently, no safe and effective control measures are available, on the contrary, use of banned toxic compounds against the pathogen is affecting humans via biomagnification routes. This pioneering study aims to design an effective multi-epitope multi-target vaccine candidate against S. parasitica by targeting key proteins involved in the infection process. The proteins were analyzed and linear B-cell epitopes, MHC class I, and class II epitopes were predicted. Subsequently, highly antigenic epitopes were selected and fused to a highly immunogenic adjuvant, 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12, to design a multi-epitope chimeric vaccine construct. The structure of the vaccine was generated and validated for its stereochemical quality, physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, and virulence traits. Molecular docking analyses demonstrated strong binding interactions between the vaccine and piscine immune receptors (TLR5, MHC I, MHC II). Molecular dynamics simulations and binding energy calculations of the complexes, further, reflected the stability and favorable interactions of the vaccine and predicted its cytosolic stability. Immune simulations predicted robust and consistent kinetics of the immune response elicited by the vaccine. The study posits the vaccine as a promising solution to combat saprolegniasis in the aquaculture industry.
New micro-hole zone catheter reduces residual urine and mucosal microtrauma in a lower urinary tract model
Authors: Schrøder Brit , Tentor Fabio , Miclăuş Teodora , Stærk Kristian , Andersen Thomas Emil , Spinelli Michele , Rendeli Claudia , Del Popolo Giulio , Bagi Per , Nielsen Lene Feldskov 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the main complication associated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and are facilitated by post-void residual urine and trauma to the mucosa during voiding. The risk of UTI may be diminished by reducing the residual volumes and preventing microtrauma caused by mucosal suction through the eyelets of conventional eyelet catheters (CEC). A new micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) was developed and tested in an ex vivo porcine lower urinary tract model and in vivo, in pigs, against a CEC. It was shown that, irrespective of the micro-hole diameter, the new catheter ensured increased flowrates and significantly lower residual volumes at the first flow-stop. Furthermore, with a micro-hole diameter of 0.4 mm, mucosal suction was virtually eliminated, regardless of the insertion depth or simulated intra-abdominal pressure mimicking sitting or standing humans. Pressure profile experiments and endoscopy studies indicated that the bladder gradually folds against the drainage tip of the new catheter, without blocking the flow, and, unlike with the CEC, sharp pressure variations and flow-stops did not occur during voiding. The MHZC outperformed the CEC in all tested scenarios and decreased residual volumes, thus potentially decreasing the risk of UTIs.
Power suppression in EEG after the onset of SAH is a significant marker of early brain injury in rat models
Authors: Takasugi Yuji , Hishikawa Tomohito , Shimizu Tomohisa , Murai Satoshi , Haruma Jun , Hiramatsu Masafumi , Tokunaga Koji , Takeda Yoshimasa , Sugiu Kenji , Morimatsu Hiroshi , Date Isao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe analyzed the correlation between the duration of electroencephalogram (EEG) recovery and histological outcome in rats in the acute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to find a new predictor of the subsequent outcome. SAH was induced in eight rats by cisternal blood injection, and the duration of cortical depolarization was measured. EEG power spectrums were given by time frequency analysis, and histology was evaluated. The appropriate frequency band and recovery percentage of EEG (defined as EEG recovery time) to predict the neuronal damage were determined from 25 patterns (5 bands × 5 recovery rates) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Probit regression curves were depicted to evaluate the relationships between neuronal injury and duration of depolarization and EEG recovery. The optimal values of the EEG band and the EEG recovery time to predict neuronal damage were 10–15 Hz and 40%, respectively (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.97). There was a close relationship between the percentage of damaged neurons and the duration of depolarization or EEG recovery time. These results suggest that EEG recovery time, under the above frequency band and recovery rate, may be a novel marker to predict the outcome after SAH.