bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonredox trivalent nickel catalyzing nucleophilic electrooxidation of organics
Authors: Yan Yuandong , Wang Ruyi , Zheng Qian , Zhong Jiaying , Hao Weichang , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA thorough comprehension of the mechanism behind organic electrooxidation is crucial for the development of efficient energy conversion technology. Here, we find that trivalent nickel is capable of oxidizing organics through a nucleophilic attack and electron transfer via a nonredox process. This nonredox trivalent nickel exhibits exceptional kinetic efficiency in oxidizing organics that possess the highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels ranging from −7.4 to −6 eV (vs. Vacuum level) and the dual local softness values of nucleophilic atoms in nucleophilic functional groups, such as hydroxyls (methanol, ethanol, benzyl alcohol), carbonyls (formamide, urea, formaldehyde, glucose, and N-acetyl glucosamine), and aminos (benzylamine), ranging from −0.65 to −0.15. The rapid electrooxidation kinetics can be attributed to the isoenergetic channels created by the nucleophilic attack and the nonredox electron transfer via the unoccupied eg orbitals of trivalent nickel (t2g6eg1). Our findings are valuable in identifying kinetically fast organic electrooxidation on nonredox catalysts for efficient energy conversions.
Quorum-sensing synthase mutations re-calibrate autoinducer concentrations in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to enhance pathogenesis
Authors: Simanek Kayla A. , Schumacher Megan L. , Mallery Caleb P. , Shen Stella , Li Lingyun , Paczkowski Jon E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractQuorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that controls virulence gene expression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa regulates virulence via two synthase/transcription factor receptor pairs: LasI/R and RhlI/R. LasR is considered the master transcriptional regulator of quorum sensing, as it upregulates rhlI/R. However, clinical isolates often have inactivating mutations in lasR, while maintaining Rhl-dependent signaling. We sought to understand how quorum sensing progresses in isolates with lasR mutations, specifically via activation of RhlR. We find that clinical isolates with lasR inactivating mutations often harbor concurrent mutations in rhlI. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, we discover that strains lacking lasR overproduce the RhlI-synthesized autoinducer and that RhlI variants re-calibrate autoinducer concentrations to wild-type levels, restoring virulent phenotypes. These findings provide a mechanism for the plasticity of quorum sensing progression in an acute infection niche.
Higher-order singularities in phase-tracked electromechanical oscillators
Authors: Zhou Xin , Ren Xingjing , Xiao Dingbang , Zhang Jianqi , Huang Ran , Li Zhipeng , Sun Xiaopeng , Wu Xuezhong , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Nori Franco , Jing Hui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSingularities ubiquitously exist in different fields and play a pivotal role in probing the fundamental laws of physics and developing highly sensitive sensors. Nevertheless, achieving higher-order (≥3) singularities, which exhibit superior performance, typically necessitates meticulous tuning of multiple (≥3) coupled degrees of freedom or additional introduction of nonlinear potential energies. Here we propose theoretically and confirm using mechanics experiments, the existence of an unexplored cusp singularity in the phase-tracked (PhT) steady states of a pair of coherently coupled mechanical modes without the need for multiple (≥3) coupled modes or nonlinear potential energies. By manipulating the PhT singularities in an electrostatically tunable micromechanical system, we demonstrate an enhanced cubic-root response to frequency perturbations. This study introduces a new phase-tracking method for studying interacting systems and sheds new light on building and engineering advanced singular devices with simple and well-controllable elements, with potential applications in precision metrology, portable nonreciprocal devices, and on-chip mechanical computing.
Insights into the ISG15 transfer cascade by the UBE1L activating enzyme
Authors: Wallace Iona , Baek Kheewoong , Prabu J. Rajan , Vollrath Ronnald , von Gronau Susanne , Schulman Brenda A. , Swatek Kirby N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 to substrates by specific E1-E2-E3 enzymes is a well-established signalling mechanism of the innate immune response. Here, we present a 3.45 Å cryo-EM structure of a chemically trapped UBE1L-UBE2L6 complex bound to activated ISG15. This structure reveals the details of the first steps of ISG15 recognition and UBE2L6 recruitment by UBE1L (also known as UBA7). Taking advantage of viral effector proteins from severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza B virus (IBV), we validate the structure and confirm the importance of the ISG15 C-terminal ubiquitin-like domain in the adenylation reaction. Moreover, biochemical characterization of the UBE1L-ISG15 and UBE1L-UBE2L6 interactions enables the design of ISG15 and UBE2L6 mutants with altered selectively for the ISG15 and ubiquitin conjugation pathways. Together, our study helps to define the molecular basis of these interactions and the specificity determinants that ensure the fidelity of ISG15 signalling during the antiviral response.
Dynamic and static control of the off-target interactions of antisense oligonucleotides using toehold chemistry
Authors: Terada Chisato , Oh Kaho , Tsubaki Ryutaro , Chan Bun , Aibara Nozomi , Ohyama Kaname , Shibata Masa-Aki , Wada Takehiko , Harada-Shiba Mariko , Yamayoshi Asako , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOff-target interactions between antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with state-of-the-art modifications and biological components still pose clinical safety liabilities. To mitigate a broad spectrum of off-target interactions and enhance the safety profile of ASO drugs, we here devise a nanoarchitecture named BRace On a THERapeutic aSo (BROTHERS or BRO), which is composed of a standard gapmer ASO paired with a partially complementary peptide nucleic acid (PNA) strand. We show that these non-canonical ASO/PNA hybrids have reduced non-specific protein-binding capacity. The optimization of the structural and thermodynamic characteristics of this duplex system enables the operation of an in vivo toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reaction, effectively reducing hybridization with RNA off-targets. The optimized BROs dramatically mitigate hepatotoxicity while maintaining the on-target knockdown activity of their parent ASOs in vivo. This technique not only introduces a BRO class of drugs that could have a transformative impact on the extrahepatic delivery of ASOs, but can also help uncover the toxicity mechanism of ASOs.
All-fiber frequency agile triple-frequency comb light source
Authors: Bancel Eve-Line , Genier Etienne , Santagata Rosa , Conforti Matteo , Kudlinski Alexandre , Bouwmans Géraud , Vanvcincq Olivier , Labat Damien , Cassez Andy , Mussot Arnaud 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTricomb spectroscopy unveils a new dimension to standard linear and nonlinear spectroscopic analysis, offering the possibility to reveal the almost real-time evolution of complex systems with unprecedented accuracy. Current triple comb configurations are based on the use of mode-locked lasers, which impose constraints on the comb parameters, and require complex electronic synchronization, thus limiting potential applications. In this paper, we present the experimental demonstration of a new type of all-fiber, self-phase-locked, frequency-agile tri-comb light source. It is based on the nonlinear spectral broadening of three electro-optic modulator-based frequency combs in a three-core fiber. The exploitation of spatial multiplexing of light in optical fibers offers new possibilities to generate broadband-frequency combs that are highly coherent with each other. After characterizing the stability of the source and performing several dual-comb test measurements, we revealed the high mutual coherence between the three combs through the demonstration of a 2-D pump-probe four-wave mixing spectroscopy experiment.
Gradient tungsten-doped Bi3TiNbO9 ferroelectric photocatalysts with additional built-in electric field for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Huang Jie , Kang Yuyang , Liu Jianan , Yao Tingting , Qiu Jianhang , Du Peipei , Huang Biaohong , Hu Weijin , Liang Yan , Xie Tengfeng , Chen Chunlin , Yin Li-Chang , Wang Lianzhou , Cheng Hui-Ming , Liu Gang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBi3TiNbO9, a layered ferroelectric photocatalyst, exhibits great potential for overall water splitting through efficient intralayer separation of photogenerated carriers motivated by a depolarization field along the in-plane a-axis. However, the poor interlayer transport of carriers along the out-of-plane c-axis, caused by the significant potential barrier between layers, leads to a high probability of carrier recombination and consequently results in low photocatalytic activity. Here, we have developed an efficient photocatalyst consisting of Bi3TiNbO9 nanosheets with a gradient tungsten (W) doping along the c-axis. This results in the generation of an additional electric field along the c-axis and simultaneously enhances the magnitude of depolarization field within the layers along the a-axis due to strengthened structural distortion. The combination of the built-in field along the c-axis and polarization along the a-axis can effectively facilitate the anisotropic migration of photogenerated electrons and holes to the basal {001} surface and lateral {110} surface of the nanosheets, respectively, enabling desirable spatial separation of carriers. Hence, the W-doped Bi3TiNbO9 ferroelectric photocatalyst with Rh/Cr2O3 cocatalyst achieves an efficient and durable overall water splitting feature, thereby providing an effective pathway for designing excellent layered ferroelectric photocatalysts.
Selenoprotein deficiency disorder predisposes to aortic aneurysm formation
Authors: Schoenmakers Erik , Marelli Federica , Jørgensen Helle F. , Visser W. Edward , Moran Carla , Groeneweg Stefan , Avalos Carolina , Jurgens Sean J. , Figg Nichola , Finigan Alison , Wali Neha , Agostini Maura , Wardle-Jones Hannah , Lyons Greta , Rusk Rosemary , Gopalan Deepa , Twiss Philip , Visser Jacob J. , Goddard Martin , Nashef Samer A. M. , Heijmen Robin , Clift Paul , Sinha Sanjay , Pirruccello James P. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Busch-Nentwich Elisabeth M. , Ramirez-Solis Ramiro , Murphy Michael P. , Persani Luca , Bennett Martin , Chatterjee Krishna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAortic aneurysms, which may dissect or rupture acutely and be lethal, can be a part of multisystem disorders that have a heritable basis. We report four patients with deficiency of selenocysteine-containing proteins due to selenocysteine Insertion Sequence Binding Protein 2 (SECISBP2) mutations who show early-onset, progressive, aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta due to cystic medial necrosis. Zebrafish and male mice with global or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-targeted disruption of Secisbp2 respectively show similar aortopathy. Aortas from patients and animal models exhibit raised cellular reactive oxygen species, oxidative DNA damage and VSMC apoptosis. Antioxidant exposure or chelation of iron prevents oxidative damage in patient’s cells and aortopathy in the zebrafish model. Our observations suggest a key role for oxidative stress and cell death, including via ferroptosis, in mediating aortic degeneration.
Central obesity, body mass index, metabolic syndrome and mortality in Mediterranean breast cancer patients
Authors: Crispo Anna , Augustin Livia S. A. , Luongo Assunta , Calderaio Claudia , Breda Joao , Coluccia Sergio , Calabrese Alessandra , Marrazzo Vittorio , Giannatiempo Rosa , Trasacco Paola , Palumbo Elvira , Vitale Sara , Porciello Giuseppe , Di Gennaro Piergiacomo , Caputo Roberta , Buono Giuseppe , Vernieri Claudio , Schettini Francesco , Grimaldi Maria , Nocerino Flavia , Celentano Egidio , Amore Alfonso , Giuliano Mario , De Placido Pietro , De Angelis Carmine , Bianco Roberto , De Laurentiis Michelino , La Vecchia Carlo , Arpino Grazia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObesity and metabolic disorders have been associated with poor outcomes in non-Mediterranean breast cancer (BC) patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic potential of anthropometric variables in patients with early BC living in Southern Mediterranean region of Italy. We enrolled 955 consecutive early BC patients treated in hospitals in Naples between 2009 and 2013 (median follow-up 11.8-year ending 15/09/2022). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were collected. All-cause and BC-specific mortality were calculated. At the last day of contact 208 (22%) patients had died, 131 (14%) from BC. High WC (≥ 88 cm) or WHR (> 0.85) and the MetS were significantly associated with moderately increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.39, 1.62, 1.61, respectively). A significant increased risk of BC-specific mortality was found in obese patients, in those with high WC, high WHR and those with MetS (HR=1.72, 1.71, 1.80, 1.81, respectively). Central obesity significantly increased total and BC-specific mortality particularly in pre-menopausal women and in luminal subtypes, while in post-menopause MetS was a stronger risk factor. Obesity and MetS may impair the effectiveness of BC therapies hence active lifestyle interventions are encouraged.
LARCalc, a tool to estimate sex- and age-specific lifetime attributable risk in populations after nuclear power plant fallout
Authors: Sundström Jonathan , Isaksson Mats , Rääf Christopher L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA tool called LARCalc, for calculating the radiological consequences of accidental large scale nuclear power plant releases based on estimates of 137Cs ground deposition, is presented. LARCalc is based on a previously developed models that has been further developed and packaged into an easy-to-use decision support tool for training of decision makers. The software visualises the radiological impact of accidental nuclear power plant releases and the effects of various protective measures. It is thus intended as a rapid alternative for planning protective measures in emergency preparedness management. The tool predicts projected cumulative effective dose, projected lifetime attributable cancer risk, and residual dose for some default accidental release scenarios. Furthermore, it can predict the residual dose and avertable cumulative lifetime attributable risk (LAR) resulting from various protective measures such as evacuation and decontamination. It can also be used to predict the avertable collective dose and the increase in cancer incidence within the specified population. This study presents the theoretical models and updates to the previous models, and examples of different nuclear fallout scenarios and subsequent protective actions to illustrate the potential use of LARCalc.
Residual serum fibrinogen as a universal biomarker for all serotypes of Myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hussain Faraz S. , Piragasam Ramanaguru S. , Sarker Hassan , Blackmore Derrick , Yacyshyn Elaine , Fernandez-Patron Carlos , Fahlman Richard P. , Siddiqi Zaeem A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMyasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe neuromuscular weakness. Diagnostic confirmation of MG is typically delayed and secured in about 85% and 50% of patients with generalized and ocular MG, respectively with serum antibodies. We have identified a sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarker for various MG serotypes with quantitative proteomics. Serum proteomes of 18 individuals (MG patients, healthy controls (HC), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were quantified in a pilot study and occurrence of high residual fibrinogen was validated by immunoblotting and further investigated by targeted mass spectrometry on the sera of 79 individuals (31 MG of various serotypes, 30 HC, 18 RA). Initial proteomic analysis identified high residual fibrinogen in MG patient sera which was then validated by antibody-based testing. Subsequently, a blinded study of independent samples showed 100% differentiation of MG patients from controls. A final serological quantification of 14 surrogate peptides derived from α-, β-, and γ-subunits of fibrinogen in 79 individuals revealed fibrinogen to be highly specific and 100% sensitive for MG (p < 0.00001), with a remarkable average higher abundance of > 1000-fold over control groups. Our unanticipated discovery of high levels of residual serum fibrinogen in all MG patients can secure rapid bedside diagnosis of MG.
Enhanced supercapacitor materials from pyrolyzed algae and graphene composites
Authors: Szkoda Mariusz , Skorupska Malgorzata , Łukaszewicz Jerzy P. , Ilnicka Anna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of supercapacitor materials derived from pyrolyzed natural compounds. Four compounds were investigated: methylcellulose with lysine (ML), methylcellulose with lysine-graphene composite (MLG), algae (A), and algae-graphene composite (AG). The pyrolysis process was utilized to convert these natural compounds into carbon-based materials suitable for supercapacitor applications. The properties of the resulting materials were analyzed extensively to evaluate their potential as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrochemical performance, including specific capacitance, cyclic stability, and rate capability was measured using various characterization techniques. The effects of incorporating graphene into the lysine-methylcellulose and algae matrices were also studied to explore the enhancements in supercapacitor performance. In both cases, the addition of graphene resulted in a positive effect. Among all the materials investigated, the algae-graphene composite exhibited the most favorable properties, demonstrating a specific capacitance of 192 F g−1 after 10,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles at a current of 5 A g−1 in K2SO4 electrolyte. This exceptional performance underscores the potential of the algae-graphene composite as a highly efficient and durable electrode material for supercapacitor applications.
BH4 supplementation reduces retinal cell death in ischaemic retinopathy
Authors: Edgar Kevin S. , Cunning Ciara , Gardiner Tom A. , McDonald Denise M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDysregulation of nitric oxide (NO) production can cause ischaemic retinal injury and result in blindness. How this dysregulation occurs is poorly understood but thought to be due to an impairment in NO synthase function (NOS) and nitro-oxidative stress. Here we investigated the possibility of correcting this defective NOS activity by supplementation with the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin, BH4. Retinal ischaemia was examined using the oxygen-induced retinopathy model and BH4 deficient Hph-1 mice used to establish the relationship between NOS activity and BH4. Mice were treated with the stable BH4 precursor sepiapterin at the onset of hypoxia and their retinas assessed 48 h later. HPLC analysis confirmed elevated BH4 levels in all sepiapterin supplemented groups and increased NOS activity. Sepiapterin treatment caused a significant decrease in neuronal cell death in the inner nuclear layer that was most notable in WT animals and was associated with significantly diminished superoxide and local peroxynitrite formation. Interestingly, sepiapterin also increased inflammatory cytokine levels but not microglia cell number. BH4 supplementation by sepiapterin improved both redox state and neuronal survival during retinal ischaemia, in spite of a paradoxical increase in inflammatory cytokines. This implicates nitro-oxidative stress in retinal neurones as the cytotoxic element in ischaemia, rather than enhanced pro-inflammatory signalling.
Imbalanced motivated behaviors according to motor sign asymmetry in drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Béreau Matthieu , Castrioto Anna , Servant Mathieu , Lhommée Eugénie , Desmarets Maxime , Bichon Amélie , Pélissier Pierre , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Klinger Hélène , Longato Nadine , Phillipps Clélie , Wirth Thomas , Fraix Valérie , Benatru Isabelle , Durif Franck , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Moro Elena , Broussolle Emmanuel , Thobois Stéphane , Tranchant Christine , Krack Paul , Anheim Mathieu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFew studies have considered the influence of motor sign asymmetry on motivated behaviors in de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease (PD). We tested whether motor sign asymmetry could be associated with different motivated behavior patterns in de novo drug-naïve PD. We performed a cross-sectional study in 128 de novo drug-naïve PD patients and used the Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson’s disease (ASBPD) to assess a set of motivated behaviors. We assessed motor asymmetry based on (i) side of motor onset and (ii) MDS-UPDRS motor score, then we compared right hemibody Parkinson’s disease to left hemibody Parkinson’s disease. According to the MDS-UPDRS motor score, patients with de novo right hemibody PD had significantly lower frequency of approach behaviors (p = 0.031), including nocturnal hyperactivity (p = 0.040), eating behavior (p = 0.040), creativity (p = 0.040), and excess of motivation (p = 0.017) than patients with de novo left hemibody PD. Patients with de novo left hemibody PD did not significantly differ from those with de novo right hemibody PD regarding avoidance behaviors including apathy, anxiety and depression. Our findings suggest that motor sign asymmetry may be associated with an imbalance between motivated behaviors in de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease.
Association analysis of production traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing
Authors: Haqani Mohammad Ibrahim , Nakano Michiharu , Nagano Atsushi J. , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Tsudzuki Masaoki 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study was designed to perform an association analysis and identify SNP markers associated with production traits of Japanese quail using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. Weekly body weight data from 805 quail were collected from hatching to 16 weeks of age. A total number of 3990 eggs obtained from 399 female quail were used to assess egg quality traits. Egg-related traits were measured at the beginning of egg production (first stage) and at 12 weeks of age (second stage). Five eggs were analyzed at each stage. Traits, such as egg weight, egg length and short axes, eggshell strength and weight, egg equator thickness, yolk weight, diameter, and colour, albumen weight, age of first egg, total number of laid eggs, and egg production rate, were assessed. A total of 383 SNPs and 1151 associations as well as 734 SNPs and 1442 associations were identified in relation to quail production traits using general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches, respectively. The GLM-identified SNPs were located on chromosomes 1–13, 15, 17–20, 24, 26–28, and Z, underlying phenotypic traits, except for egg and albumen weight at the first stage and yolk yellowness at the second stage. The MLM-identified SNPs were positioned on defined chromosomes associated with phenotypic traits except for the egg long axis at the second stage of egg production. Finally, 35 speculated genes were identified as candidate genes for the targeted traits based on their nearest positions. Our findings provide a deeper understanding and allow a more precise genetic improvement of production traits of Galliformes, particularly in Japanese quail.