bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmonic photoconductive terahertz focal-plane array with pixel super-resolution
Authors: Li Xurong , Mengu Deniz , Yardimci Nezih T. , Turan Deniz , Charkhesht Ali , Ozcan Aydogan , Jarrahi Mona 
Published: January 2024

AbstractImaging systems operating in the terahertz part of the electromagnetic spectrum are attractive due to their ability to penetrate many opaque materials and provide unique spectral signatures of various chemicals. However, the use of terahertz imagers in real-world applications has been limited by the slow speed, large size, high cost and complexity of present systems, largely due to the lack of suitable terahertz focal-plane array detectors. Here we report a terahertz focal-plane array that can directly provide the spatial amplitude and phase distributions, along with the ultrafast temporal and spectral information of an imaged object. It consists of a two-dimensional array of ~0.3 million plasmonic photoconductive nanoantennas optimized to rapidly detect broadband terahertz radiation with a high signal-to-noise ratio. We utilized the multispectral nature of the amplitude and phase data captured by these plasmonic nanoantennas to image different objects, including super-resolved etched patterns in a silicon substrate and defects in battery electrodes. By eliminating the need for raster scanning and spatial terahertz modulation, our terahertz focal-plane array offers more than a 1,000-fold increase in the imaging speed compared with the state of the art and potentially suits a broad range of applications in industrial inspection, security screening and medical diagnosis, among others.
Multi-ancestry genome-wide association study of major depression aids locus discovery, fine mapping, gene prioritization and causal inference
Authors: Meng Xiangrui , Navoly Georgina , Giannakopoulou Olga , Levey Daniel F. , Koller Dora , Pathak Gita A. , Koen Nastassja , Lin Kuang , Adams Mark J. , Rentería Miguel E. , Feng Yanzhe , Gaziano J. Michael , Stein Dan J. , Zar Heather J. , Campbell Megan L. , van Heel David A. , Trivedi Bhavi , Finer Sarah , McQuillin Andrew , Bass Nick , Chundru V. Kartik , Martin Hilary C. , Huang Qin Qin , Valkovskaya Maria , Chu Chia-Yi , Kanjira Susan , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Chen Hsi-Chung , Tsai Shih-Jen , Liu Yu-Li , Kendler Kenneth S. , Peterson Roseann E. , Cai Na , Fang Yu , Sen Srijan , Scott Laura J. , Burmeister Margit , Loos Ruth J. F. , Preuss Michael H. , Actkins Ky’Era V. , Davis Lea K. , Uddin Monica , Wani Agaz H. , Wildman Derek E. , Aiello Allison E. , Ursano Robert J. , Kessler Ronald C. , Kanai Masahiro , Okada Yukinori , Sakaue Saori , Rabinowitz Jill A. , Maher Brion S. , Uhl George , Eaton William , Cruz-Fuentes Carlos S. , Martinez-Levy Gabriela A. , Campos Adrian I. , Millwood Iona Y. , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Jiang Yunxuan , Tian Chao , Martin Nicholas G. , Mitchell Brittany L. , Byrne Enda M. , Awasthi Swapnil , Coleman Jonathan R. I. , Ripke Stephan ,   PGC-MDD Working Group,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group,   the 23andMe Research Team,   Genes and Health Research Team,   BioBank Japan Project, Sofer Tamar , Walters Robin G. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Polimanti Renato , Dunn Erin C. , Stein Murray B. , Gelernter Joel , Lewis Cathryn M. , Kuchenbaecker Karoline 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMost genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of major depression (MD) have been conducted in samples of European ancestry. Here we report a multi-ancestry GWAS of MD, adding data from 21 cohorts with 88,316 MD cases and 902,757 controls to previously reported data. This analysis used a range of measures to define MD and included samples of African (36% of effective sample size), East Asian (26%) and South Asian (6%) ancestry and Hispanic/Latin American participants (32%). The multi-ancestry GWAS identified 53 significantly associated novel loci. For loci from GWAS in European ancestry samples, fewer than expected were transferable to other ancestry groups. Fine mapping benefited from additional sample diversity. A transcriptome-wide association study identified 205 significantly associated novel genes. These findings suggest that, for MD, increasing ancestral and global diversity in genetic studies may be particularly important to ensure discovery of core genes and inform about transferability of findings.
Antimalarial artesunate–mefloquine versus praziquantel in African children with schistosomiasis: an open-label, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bottieau Emmanuel , Mbow Moustapha , Brosius Isabel , Roucher Clémentine , Gueye Cheikh Tidiane , Mbodj Ousmane Thiam , Faye Babacar Thiendella , De Hondt Annelies , Smekens Bart , Arango Diana , Burm Christophe , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Paredis Linda , Van Herrewege Yven , Potters Idzi , Richter Joachim , Rosanas-Urgell Anna , Cissé Badara , Mboup Souleymane , Polman Katja 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSchistosomiasis treatment entirely relies on a single drug, praziquantel, prompting research into alternative therapeutics. Here we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the antimalarial combination artesunate–mefloquine for the treatment of schistosomiasis in a proof-of-concept, pragmatic, open-label, randomized controlled trial in primary schools of six villages endemic for schistosomiasis in northern Senegal. Children (6–14 years) were eligible if Schistosoma eggs were detected by microscopy in urine and/or stool. In total, 726 children were randomized 1:1 to praziquantel (standard care: 40 mg kg−1 single dose; n = 364) or to artesunate–mefloquine (antimalarial dosage: artesunate 4 mg kg−1 and mefloquine 8 mg kg−1 daily for three consecutive days; n = 362). Eight children not meeting the inclusion criteria were excluded from efficacy analysis. Median age of the remaining 718 participants was 9 years; 399 (55.6%) were male, and 319 (44.4%) female; 99.3% were infected with Schistosoma haematobium and 15.2% with S. mansoni. Primary outcomes were cure rate, assessed by microscopy, and frequency of drug-related adverse effects of artesunate–mefloquine versus praziquantel at 4 weeks after treatment. Cure rate was 59.6% (208/349) in the artesunate–mefloquine arm versus 62.1% (211/340) in the praziquantel arm. The difference of −2.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) −9.8 to 4.8) met the predefined criteria of noninferiority (margin set at 10%). All drug-related adverse events were mild or moderate, and reported in 28/361 children receiving artesunate–mefloquine (7.8%; 95% CI 5.4 to 11.0) versus 8/363 (2.2%; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.3) receiving praziquantel (P < 0.001). Artesunate–mefloquine at antimalarial dosage was moderately safe and noninferior to standard-care praziquantel for the treatment of schistosomiasis, predominantly due to S. haematobium. Multicentric trials in different populations and epidemiological settings are needed to confirm these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03893097.
A neural mechanism for conserved value computations integrating information and rewards
Authors: Bromberg-Martin Ethan S. , Feng Yang-Yang , Ogasawara Takaya , White J. Kael , Zhang Kaining , Monosov Ilya E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBehavioral and economic theory dictate that we decide between options based on their values. However, humans and animals eagerly seek information about uncertain future rewards, even when this does not provide any objective value. This implies that decisions are made by endowing information with subjective value and integrating it with the value of extrinsic rewards, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that human and monkey value judgements obey strikingly conserved computational principles during multi-attribute decisions trading off information and extrinsic reward. We then identify a neural substrate in a highly conserved ancient structure, the lateral habenula (LHb). LHb neurons signal subjective value, integrating information’s value with extrinsic rewards, and the LHb predicts and causally influences ongoing decisions. Neurons in key input areas to the LHb largely signal components of these computations, not integrated value signals. Thus, our data uncover neural mechanisms of conserved computations underlying decisions to seek information about the future.
Structural basis of the human NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome assembly and pathogen sensing
Authors: Matico Rosalie E. , Yu Xiaodi , Miller Robyn , Somani Sandeep , Ricketts M. Daniel , Kumar Nikit , Steele Ruth A. , Medley Quintus , Berger Scott , Faustin Benjamin , Sharma Sujata 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe NLR family caspase activation and recruitment domain-containing 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome is a critical cytosolic innate immune machine formed upon the direct sensing of bacterial infection and in response to cell stress during sterile chronic inflammation. Despite its major role in instigating the subsequent host immune response, a more complete understanding of the molecular events in the formation of the NLRC4 inflammasome in humans is lacking. Here we identify Bacillus thailandensis type III secretion system needle protein (Needle) as a potent trigger of the human NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP)/NLRC4 inflammasome complex formation and determine its structural features by cryogenic electron microscopy. We also provide a detailed understanding of how type III secretion system pathogen components are sensed by human NAIP to form a cascade of NLRC4 protomer through a critical lasso-like motif, a ‘lock–key’ activation model and large structural rearrangement, ultimately forming the full human NLRC4 inflammasome. These results shed light on key regulatory mechanisms specific to the NLRC4 inflammasome assembly, and the innate immune modalities of pathogen sensing in humans.
General transcription factor from Escherichia coli with a distinct mechanism of action
Authors: Vasilyev Nikita , Liu Mengjie M. J. , Epshtein Vitaly , Shamovsky Ilya , Nudler Evgeny 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGene expression in Escherichia coli is controlled by well-established mechanisms that activate or repress transcription. Here, we identify CedA as an unconventional transcription factor specifically associated with the RNA polymerase (RNAP) σ70 holoenzyme. Structural and biochemical analysis of CedA bound to RNAP reveal that it bridges distant domains of β and σ70 subunits to stabilize an open-promoter complex. CedA does so without contacting DNA. We further show that cedA is strongly induced in response to amino acid starvation, oxidative stress and aminoglycosides. CedA provides a basal level of tolerance to these clinically relevant antibiotics, as well as to rifampicin and peroxide. Finally, we show that CedA modulates transcription of hundreds of bacterial genes, which explains its pleotropic effect on cell physiology and pathogenesis.
Laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution and detection of three-dimensional spin vector
Authors: Iwata Takuma , Kousa T. , Nishioka Y. , Ohwada K. , Sumida K. , Annese E. , Kakoki M. , Kuroda Kenta , Iwasawa H. , Arita M. , Kumar S. , Kimura A. , Miyamoto K. , Okuda T. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe have developed a state-of-the-art apparatus for laser-based spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution (µ-SARPES). This equipment is realized by the combination of a high-resolution photoelectron spectrometer, a 6 eV laser with high photon flux that is focused down to a few micrometers, a high-precision sample stage control system, and a double very-low-energy-electron-diffraction spin detector. The setup achieves an energy resolution of 1.5 (5.5) meV without (with) the spin detection mode, compatible with a spatial resolution better than 10 µm. This enables us to probe both spatially-resolved electronic structures and vector information of spin polarization in three dimensions. The performance of µ-SARPES apparatus is demonstrated by presenting ARPES and SARPES results from topological insulators and Au photolithography patterns on a Si (001) substrate.
An intelligent agriculture management system for rainfall prediction and fruit health monitoring
Authors: Kaplun Dmitrii , Deka Surajit , Bora Arunabh , Choudhury Nupur , Basistha Jyotishman , Purkayastha Bhaswadeep , Mazumder Ifthikaruz Zaman , Gulvanskii Vyacheslav , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar , Misra Debashis Dev 
Published: January 2024

AbstractContrary to popular belief, agriculture is becoming more data-driven with artificial intelligence and Internet-of-Things (IoT) playing crucial roles. In this paper, the integrated processing executed by various sensors combined as an IoT pack and driving an intelligent agriculture management system designed for rainfall prediction and fruit health monitoring have been included. The proposed system based on an AI aided model makes use of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with long short-term memory (LSTM) layer for rainfall prediction and a CNN with SoftMax layer along with a few deep learning pre-trained models for fruit health monitoring. Another model that works as a combined rainfall predictor and fruit health recognizer is designed using a CNN + LSTM and a multi-head self-attention mechanism which proves to be effective. The entire system is cloud resident and available for use through an application.
Palladium-based pseudohomogeneous catalyst for highly selective aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes
Authors: Targhan Homa , Rezaei Aram , Aliabadi Alireza , Ramazani Ali , Zhao Zhefei , Zheng Huajun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study presents a novel class of pseudohomogeneous catalysts (PHC) based on carbon quantum dots functionalized with terpyridine ligands (CQDs-Tpy) to immobilize and stabilize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). Extensive characterization techniques clearly confirmed the successful stabilization of Pd NPs on CQDs-Tpy. The effectiveness of the catalyst was demonstrated in the selective aerobic oxidation of primary and secondary of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes in the absence of additives and phase transfer catalyst (PTC). Remarkably, the reactions predominantly yielded aldehydes without further oxidation to carboxylic acids. By employing low catalyst loadings (0.13 mol%), high conversions (up to 89%) and excellent selectivity (> 99%) of the aldehyde derivatives were achieved. Moreover, the CQDs-Tpy/Pd NPs catalyst displayed suitable catalytic activity and recyclability, offering potential economic advantages. This promising approach opens up new opportunities in the field of catalysis for designing subnanometric metal-based PHCs.
Synthesis, characterization, Hirshfeld surface analysis, antioxidant and selective β-glucuronidase inhibitory studies of transition metal complexes of hydrazide based Schiff base ligand
Authors: Farzia  , Rehman Sadia , Ikram Muhammad , Khan Adnan , Khan Rizwan , Sinnokrot Mutasem Omar , Khan Momin , AlAsmari Abdullah F. , Alasmari Fawaz , Alharbi Metab 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of N′-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylidene] 2-aminobenzohydrazide (H-AHMB) was performed by condensing O-vanillin with 2-aminobenzohydrazide and was characterized by FTIR, high resolution ESI(+) mass spectral analysis, 1H and 13C-NMR. The compound H-AHMB was crystallized in orthorhombic Pbca space group and studied for single crystal diffraction analysis. Hirshfeld surface analysis was also carried out for identifying short interatomic interactions. The major interactions H…H, O…H and C…H cover the Hirshfeld surface of H-AHMB. The metal complexes [M(AHMB)n] where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) were prepared from metal chlorides and H-AHMB ligand. The bonding was unambigously assigned using FTIR and UV/vis analysis. The synthesized ligand H-AHMB and its metal complexes were studied for β-glucuronidase enzyme inhibition. Surprisingly the metal complexes were found more active than the parent ligand and even the standard drug. Zn-AHMB shown IC50 = 17.3 ± 0.68 µM compared to IC50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 µM shown by d-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone used as standard. The better activity by Zn-AHMB implying zinc based metallodrug for the treatment of diseases associated with β-glucuronidase enzyme. The DPPH radical scavenging activities were also studied for all the synthesized compounds. The Co-AHMB complex with IC50 = 98.2 ± 1.78 µM was the only candidate to scavenge the DPPH free radicals.
Photocatalytic removal of imidacloprid pesticide from wastewater using CdS QDs passivated by CQDs containing thiol groups
Authors: Targhan Homa , Rezaei Aram , Aliabadi Alireza , Ramazani Ali , Zhao Zhefei , Shen Xinyi , Zheng Huajun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOver the past decade, CdS QDs have become versatile semiconductors. Surface modification of CdS QDs has become an interesting case study, as it can eliminate surface defects and improve their photochemical properties. In this study, we report a new strategy of using carbon quantum dots containing a large number of thiol groups (CQDs-SH) as a passivating agent for the stabilization of CdS quantum dots (QDs). Various characterization techniques have clearly revealed that the CdS QDs have been successfully passivated by CQDs-SH. The photocatalytic performance of CQDs-SH/CdS QDs was investigated for the degradation of the insecticide imidacloprid from an aqueous solution. Parameters affecting the photodegradation process, including the light source, photocatalyst amount, initial concentration of the pollutant, radiation time, pH, oxidizing agent, and temperature, were investigated. Furthermore, the HPLC technique was applied to quantitatively analyze imidacloprid and its degradation products. The results of the HPLC analysis revealed that under simulated visible light at pH 9, imidacloprid scarcely existed after 90 min of irradiation (90.13% degradation). The LC–MS method was also used to detect the degradation products and investigate the mechanism of photodegradation of the pesticide. The results showed that the CQDs-SH/CdS QDs composite was a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of imidacloprid in wastewater.
Prognostic and immunological role of adaptor related protein complex 3 subunit mu2 in colon cancer
Authors: Jin Qianqian , Feng Jiahao , Yan Yang , Kuang Yong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe expression levels and prognostic role of AP3M2 in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC) have yet to be fully unveiled. Our study comprehensively investigated the clinical significance of AP3M2 in colorectal cancer through an extensive bioinformatics data mining process (TCGA, GEO, GEPIA, Timer, Ualcan, ROCPLOT, and David), followed by experimental validation. We found AP3M2 is a cancer gene, which can be used to distinguish between colorectal cancer and colorectal adenomas, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, colorectal polyp. Higher AP3M2 expression levels were associated with longer overall survival in colon adenocarcinoma. AP3M2 might be the primary biomarker for oxaliplatin in colon cancer and an acquired resistance biomarker for oxaliplatin and 5-fu. AP3M2 was positively associated with CD274, CTLA4. AP3M2 might be associated with T-cell, NF-kappaB transcription factor activity, and response to hypoxia. AP3M2 could predict chemotherapy effectiveness and prognosis for colon cancer patients. AP3M2 might inhibit tumor growth via influencing tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the context of Tumor microenvironment. AP3M2 plays as an oncogene in CRAC and is suggested as a new potential biotarget for therapy.
Meldrum’s acid assisted formation of tetrahydroquinolin-2-one derivatives a short synthetic pathway to the biologically useful scaffold
Authors: Ryczkowska Małgorzata , Trocka Alicja , Hromova Anna , Makowiec Sławomir 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA new method for the preparation of tetrahydroquinolin-2-one derivatives is presented. This approach involves a two-step reaction between enaminones and acylating agents, immediately followed by electrophilic cyclization, all within a single synthesis procedure, eliminating the need to isolate intermediates. The entire process is facilitated by the use of acyl Meldrum’s acids which not only shortens the preparation time of the substrates but also easily extends the range of substituents That can be used. The method’s scope and limitations were evaluated with various reagent combinations thus demonstrating its general applicability to the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolin-2-one core. Interestingly, some exceptions to the regular reaction pathway were observed when a strong EDG (electron donating group) was introduced via acyl Meldrum’s acids. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon was elucidated during the investigation.
Origin and spatial population structure of Malagasy native chickens based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Yonezawa Takahiro , Mannen Hideyuki , Honma Kaho , Matsunaga Megumi , Rakotondraparany Felix , Ratsoavina Fanomezana Mihaja , Wu Jiaqi , Nishibori Masahide , Yamamoto Yoshio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSince Malagasy human culture became established in a multi-layered way by genetic admixture of Austronesian (Indonesia), Bantu (East Africa) and West Asian populations, the Malagasy native livestock should also have originated from these regions. While recent genetic studies revealed that Malagasy native dogs and goats were propagated from Africa, the origin of Malagasy native chickens is still controversial. Here, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis of the native chickens, focusing on the historical relationships among the Indian Ocean rim countries and based on mitochondrial D-loop sequences. Although previous work suggested that the rare Haplogroup D occurs with high frequencies in Island Southeast Asia–Pacific, East Africa and Madagascar, the major mitochondrial lineage in Malagasy populations is actually not Haplogroup D but the Sub-haplogroup C2, which is also observed in East Africa, North Africa, India and West Asia. We demonstrate that the Malagasy native chickens were propagated directly from West Asia (including India and North Africa), and not via East Africa. Furthermore, they display clear genetic differentiation within Madagascar, separated into the Highland and Lowland regions as seen in the human genomic landscape on this island. Our findings provide new insights for better understanding the intercommunion of material/non-material cultures within and around Madagascar.
Assessment of green lentil malt as a substrate for gluten-free beer brewing
Authors: Gasiński Alan , Kawa-Rygielska Joanna 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze whether it is possible to brew beer without using cereals so that the produced beverage could be easily accessible for the population suffering from celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Green lentil seeds were malted and then mashed using a congress mashing procedure to assess their advantages and disadvantages in the brewing process. Based on the congress mashing procedure, the mashing process needed to produce beer was developed, and beers were produced from the lentil malts germinated during malting for 96 h, 120 h and 144 h. It was possible to produce beers from the lentil malts; however, they were characterized by a lower alcohol content, lower degree of attenuation and some discrepancies between the concentrations of various volatiles (such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and 1-propanol) compared to the control beer produced from barley malt.