bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sub-nanometer depth resolution and single dopant visualization achieved by tilt-coupled multislice electron ptychography
Authors: Dong Zehao , Zhang Yang , Chiu Chun-Chien , Lu Sicheng , Zhang Jianbing , Liu Yu-Chen , Liu Suya , Yang Jan-Chi , Yu Pu , Wang Yayu , Chen Zhen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Real-space, three-dimensional imaging of atomic structures in materials science is a critical yet challenging task. Although scanning transmission electron microscopy has achieved sub-angstrom lateral resolution through techniques like electron ptychography, depth resolution remains limited to only 2 to 3 nanometers using single-projection setups. Attaining better depth resolution often requires large sample tilt angles and numerous projections, as demonstrated in atomic electron tomography. Here, we introduce an extension of multislice electron ptychography, which couples only a few small-angle projections to improve depth resolution by more than threefold, reaching the sub-nanometer scale and potentially approaching the atomic level. This technique maintains high resolving power for both light and heavy atoms, significantly enhancing the detection of individual dopants. We experimentally demonstrate three-dimensional visualization of dilute praseodymium dopants in a brownmillerite oxide, Ca2Co2O5, along with the accompanying lattice distortions. This approach can be implemented on widely available transmission electron microscopes equipped with hybrid pixel detectors, with data processing achievable using high-performance computing systems.
Carbohydrate-active enzymes from Akkermansia muciniphila break down mucin O-glycans to completion
Authors: Bakshani Cassie R. , Ojuri Taiwo O. , Pilgaard Bo , Holck Jesper , McInnes Ross , Kozak Radoslaw P. , Zakhour Maria , Çakaj Sara , Kerouedan Manon , Newton Emily , Bolam David N. , Crouch Lucy I. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Akkermansia muciniphila is a human microbial symbiont residing in the mucosal layer of the large intestine. Its main carbon source is the highly heterogeneous mucin glycoprotein, and it uses an array of carbohydrate-active enzymes and sulfatases to access this complex energy source. Here we describe the biochemical characterization of 54 glycoside hydrolases, 11 sulfatases and 1 polysaccharide lyase from A. muciniphila to provide a holistic understanding of their carbohydrate-degrading activities. This was achieved using a variety of liquid chromatography techniques, mass spectrometry, enzyme kinetics and thin-layer chromatography. These results are supported with A. muciniphila growth and whole-cell assays. We find that these enzymes can act synergistically to degrade the O-glycans on the mucin polypeptide to completion, down to the core N-acetylgalactosaime. In addition, these enzymes can break down human breast milk oligosaccharide, ganglioside and globoside glycan structures, showing their capacity to target a variety of host glycans. These data provide a resource to understand the full degradative capability of the gut microbiome member A. muciniphila.
Temporal profiling of human lymphoid tissues reveals coordinated defense against viral challenge
Authors: Coates Matthew L. , Richoz Nathan , Tuong Zewen K. , Bowyer Georgina S. , Lee Colin Y. C. , Ferdinand John R. , Gillman Eleanor , McClure Mark , Dratva Lisa , Teichmann Sarah A. , Jayne David R. , Di Marco Barros Rafael , Stewart Benjamin J. , Clatworthy Menna R. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adaptive immunity is generated in lymphoid organs, but how these structures defend themselves during infection in humans is unknown. The nasal epithelium is a major site of viral entry, with adenoid nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) generating early adaptive responses. In the present study, using a nasopharyngeal biopsy technique, we investigated longitudinal immune responses in NALT after a viral challenge, using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection as a natural experimental model. In acute infection, infiltrating monocytes formed a subepithelial and perifollicular shield, recruiting neutrophil extracellular trap-forming neutrophils, whereas tissue macrophages expressed pro-repair molecules during convalescence to promote the restoration of tissue integrity. Germinal center B cells expressed antiviral transcripts that inversely correlated with fate-defining transcription factors. Among T cells, tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells alone showed clonal expansion and maintained cytotoxic transcriptional programs into convalescence. Together, our study provides unique insights into how human nasal adaptive immune responses are generated and sustained in the face of viral challenge.
Formulation of new drug delivery systems for insulin from natural bioactive biocompatible polymers
Authors: Fetouh Howida A. , Aleem Engy E. A. , Mohammed Najiyah H. , Aldesouky Jihad M. Abd-Almajeed , Ismail Amel M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
New insulin drug delivery systems (IDDs): insulin@chitin; insulin@chitin-grafted (g)-guar gum were prepared by using a modified sol–gel method. Insulin vials were loaded on the safe natural inert bioactive polymers (chitin and chitin-g-GG copolymer) carriers using water green solvent. Traces amount additives were below toxicity limits. Guar gum increased the numbers of the functional groups of the polymer carrier. Insulin release monitored at 37 ± 0.5 °C and buffer solutions of pH (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4) simulating physiological body fluids: stomach, intestine colon and blood stream. Insulin released from insulin@chitin only at pH 7.4. No release observed at pH 1.2, 6.8 due strong bonding to acetyl group of chitin. Insulin@chitin-GG system showed sustained targeting insulin-release at pH: 6.8 > 7.4 > 1.2. Release data obeyed pseudo second order kinetic model indicating that IDDs is heterogeneous solid surface of energetically different active sites. Each insulin molecule occupied two active sites. The slow release at pH 1.2 indicated protection against stomach juice. Release kinetic depend on physicochemical characteristics (porosity, swelling ratio as well as peptide and amino acid sequence). Both IDDs showed negative zeta potential indicating stability against aggregation. Gaur gum improved particle size distribution and insulin release.
Curcumin nanoparticles alleviate brain mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in γ-irradiated rats
Authors: Moselhy Omnia A. , Abdel-Aziz Nahed , El-bahkery Azza , Moselhy Said S. , Ibrahim Ehab A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the diverse applications of γ radiation in radiotherapy, industrial processes, and sterilization, it causes hazardous effects on living organisms, such as cellular senescence, persistent cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study evaluated the efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs) in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence induced by γ radiation in rat brain tissues. Four groups of male Wistar albino rats (n = 8 per group) were included: (Gr1) the control group; (Gr2) the CNPs group (healthy rats receiving oral administration of curcumin nanoparticles at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, three times per week for eight weeks); (Gr3) the irradiated group (rats exposed to a single dose of 10 Gy head γ irradiation); and (Gr4) the irradiated + CNPs group (irradiated rats treated with CNPs). The data obtained demonstrated that oral administration of CNPs for eight weeks attenuated oxidative stress in γ-irradiated rats by lowering the brain’s lipid peroxidation level [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and enhancing antioxidant markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] (P < 0.05). In addition, CNPs significantly increased mitochondrial function by improving complex I, complex II, and ATP production levels compared to the irradiated group. In irradiated rats, CNPs also showed anti-neuroinflammatory effects by reducing brain interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, CNPs administered to irradiated rats significantly reduced brain β-galactosidase activity and the expression levels of p53, p21, and p16 genes (P < 0.05) while concurrently inducing a significant increase in AMPK mRNA expression compared to the irradiated group. In conclusion, CNPs ameliorated the neurotoxicity of γ radiation and hold promise as a novel agent to delay cellular senescence via their combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-enhancing properties.
The viscosity and processing of molten lunar regolith
Authors: Bowen James , Prabhu Vibha Levin , Lim Sungwoo , Anand Mahesh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Establishing a permanent, self-sufficient habitat for humans on planetary bodies is critical for successful space exploration. In-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of locally available resources offers the possibility of an energy-efficient and cost-effective approach. This paper considers the high-temperature processing of molten lunar regolith under conditions which represent the lunar environment, namely low gravity, low temperature, and negligible atmospheric pressure. The rheological properties of the low-titanium lunar mare regolith simulant JSC-1A are measured using concentric cylinder rheometry and these results are used to explore the influence of viscosity on processing operations involving the flow of molten regolith for fabricating construction components on the Moon surface. These include the delivery of molten regolith within an extrusion-based 3D printing technique and the ingress of molten regolith into porous structures. The energy and power required to establish and maintain sufficiently high temperatures for the regolith to remain in the liquid state are also considered and discussed in the context of lunar construction.
Cryo-EM structure of the calcium-sensing receptor complexed with the kokumi substance γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroki , Kitajima Seiji , Suzuki Hiroshi , Suzuki Shota , Nishikawa Kouki , Kamegawa Akiko , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori , Takahashi Kazutoshi , Tagami Uno , Maruyama Yutaka , Kuroda Motonaka , Sugiki Masayuki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Taste is a key element for food palatability and is strongly influenced by the five basic tastes and other taste sensations, such as fatty orosensation, and koku perception, which indicates taste complexity, mouthfulness and lastingness. This study focuses on the taste modifier γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine (γ-EVG), a potent kokumi substance that enhances taste and koku perception by modulating the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). We used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of the CaSR/γ-EVG complex at a resolution of 3.55 Å. Structural analysis revealed important interactions between γ-EVG and the CaSR, involving key residues, such as Pro39, Phe42, Arg66, Ser147, and Glu297. Mutagenesis experiments demonstrated the importance of these residues in peptide binding. Each γ-EVG residue contributed to its binding to the orthosteric ligand binding site of the CaSR. These findings elucidate the molecular basis of kokumi peptide recognition by the CaSR and contribute to a better understanding of positive allosteric modulators of the CaSR. In addition, this research provides valuable insights into the functionality of class C G-protein-coupled receptors in taste perception, potentially informing the development of new taste modifiers and advancing the field of food science.
Modelling the alpha and beta diversity of copepods across tropical and subtropical Atlantic ecoregions
Authors: Martínez-Leiva Lorena , Landeira José M. , Fernández de Puelles Maria Luz , Hernández-León Santiago , Tuset Víctor M. , Fatira Effrosyni 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Copepods, the most abundant individuals of the mesozooplankton, play a pivotal role in marine food webs and carbon cycling. However, few studies have focused on their diversity and the environmental factors influencing it. The objective of the present study is to model the alpha and beta diversity of copepods across the tropical and subtropical ecoregions of Atlantic Ocean using both taxonomic and functional approaches. The study used a dataset of 226 copepod species collected by stratified plankton hauls (0–800 m depth) across the tropical and equatorial Atlantic, from oligotrophic waters close to the Brazilian coast to more productive waters close to the Mauritanian Upwelling. To perform the functional analysis, six traits related to the behaviour, growth, and reproduction of copepods were selected. Several alpha diversities were estimated using taxonomic metrics (SR, Δ+, and Λ+) and functional metrics (FDis, FEve, FDiv, FOri, FSpe), and modelized with GAM model across spatial and environmental gradients, and day/night. The overall and two components of β-diversity (turnover and nestedness) were shared between depth and stations. The surface layers of stations from oligotrophic, equatorial, and Cape Verde ecoregions displayed higher values of taxonomic α-diversity. More unpredictable were the facets of functional α-diversity, although they showed a tendency to be positive with depth during the daytime. The GAM analysis revealed spatial gradients as the key factors modelling the taxonomic α-diversity, whereas depth was the most relevant for functional α-diversity. The turnover component drove taxonomic β-diversity in depth and station, whereas the nestedness component acquired relevance for the functional β-diversity. The taxonomic structure of the copepod community varied spatially across depths and ecoregions, but this was not linked to functional changes of the same magnitude.
Insulated gate unipolar diode
Authors: Sheikhian Iraj 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHere, for the first time, a gated diode that can be turned on/off by its single insulated gate is introduced. The novel device is a combination of a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) and a diode. It has a simple structure and can be fabricated by the regular complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology at low cost. The insulated‐gate unipolar diode (IGUD) is simulated by device simulator tools. Simulations show the output curve of the IGUD is not only similar to a regular diode but also can be shifted by the gate. The idea of IGUD has been evaluated by experimental tests. The experimental data are in good agreement with the simulation results. The IGUD can be used as a fast switch in high‐current low‐voltage applications. Also, it can be used to achieve controlled rectification without synchronisation to the AC input.
Diffraction by a finite parallel‐plate waveguide cavity with perfect electric conductor loading: The case of E polarisation
Authors: Zhang Tong , Kobayashi Kazuya 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe diffraction by a finite parallel‐plate waveguide cavity with perfect electric conductor loading is rigorously analysed for the E‐polarised case using the Wiener–Hopf technique. By taking the Fourier transform to the unknown scattered field and applying boundary conditions in the transformed domain, the problem is formulated in terms of the simultaneous Wiener–Hopf equations. These equations are solved using the factorisation and decomposition procedure. The solution is exact but formal because it involves branch‐cut integrals with unknown integrands and an infinite number of unknowns. Approximation procedures based on rigorous asymptotic are also presented, leading to an approximate solution of the Wiener–Hopf equations. The scattered field inside and outside the cavity is evaluated by taking the inverse Fourier transform and using the saddle point method of integration. Numerical computations of the radar cross‐section have been performed for different physical parameters, providing a detailed analysis of the scattering characteristics.
Wirksamkeit Kneipp’scher Kniegüsse auf die Fatigue-Symptomatik des
Post-COVID-Syndroms – eine randomisierte kontrollierte
Pilotstudie
Authors: Kuchler Ronja , Best Norman , Derlien Steffen , Loudovici-Krug Dana , Lemhöfer Christina 
Published: January 2025

ZusammenfassungFür das vorherrschende Symptom Fatigue im Rahmen
des Post-COVID-Syndroms (PCS) existieren weiterhin nur eingeschränkte
Behandlungsstrategien. Hydrotherapeutische Verfahren zeigten bei anderen
Ursachen der Fatigue positive Effekte. Das primäre Ziel ist es erstmals
objektivierbare Daten mittels HRV zur Wirksamkeit von Kniegüssen nach Kneipp
auf die Fatique im Rahmen von Post-COVID zu generieren.Personen mit relevanter Fatigue,
gemessen mit der Chalder Fatigue Skala, wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen.
Die Herzratenvariablitität (HRV) (Zeit und Frequenz-Domänen) sowie die
Lebensqualität (SF-12) wurden erfasst. Es erfolgte eine Randomisierung in
eine Interventionsgruppe (IG) und eine Kontrollgruppe (KG). Die IG
verwendete zwei- bis dreimal pro Woche kaltes Wasser für Kniegüsse, während
die KG warmes Wasser verwendete. Nach sechswöchiger eigenständiger
Durchführung wurden die Daten erneut erhoben und mittels
Mittelwertvergleichen undRegressionsmodellen analysiert. Insgesamt wurden 30 Betroffene eingeschlossen,
von denen 80% angaben, weiblich zu sein. Die Lebensqualität und die
Ausprägung der Fatigue verbesserten sich bei allen Teilnehmenden über die
Zeit. Es konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den HRV-Werten der
Gruppen gefunden werden (p>0,05). Auch die Auswertung der weiteren
Ourctomeparameter ergab keine Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen.   Kniegüsse können einen Einfluss auf die
Fatigue beim PCS haben, jedoch ist fraglich, ob der Knieguss mit seiner relativ
geringen Reizfläche ausreichend ist, um eine relevante Änderung der Symptome zu
erreichen. Ein deutlicher Unterschied zwischen der warmen und kalten Gussgruppe
ließ sich nicht ermitteln, was auch in der kleinen Stichprobe begründet sein
könnte. Weitere Studien mit optimierten Studienbedingungen und einer größeren
Kohorte sind notwendig.
Epidemiology of Colpocephaly in the Texas Birth Defects Registry, 1999 to 2020
Authors: Yantz Caitlyn , Shumate Charles , Betancourt Dayana , Allred Rachel , Nguyen Joanne , Agopian A.J. , Salemi Jason , Ahmad Kaashif 
Published: January 2025

Objective Colpocephaly is a congenital brain defect characterized by enlargement of the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles. Few population-based studies have focused on this central nervous system (CNS) defect. This study aimed to evaluate the birth prevalence and survival of Texas infants with colpocephaly delivered between 1999 and 2020.
Study Design Cases from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) with a diagnosis of colpocephaly were identified. Unadjusted birth prevalence, 1-year survival estimates, and crude hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from data collected from the medical record abstraction and linked vital records. Select maternal and infant variables were assessed overall and across four medical classification groups (presence of isolated, chromosomal, syndromic, or multiple major defects).
Results From 1999 to 2020, 1,146 cases with colpocephaly were identified. The overall birth prevalence of colpocephaly was 1.36/10,000 live births (95% CI: 1.28–1.44). Significantly higher prevalence was noted for male infants, infants with low birth weight (<2,500 g), and very preterm (<32 weeks) infants. Overall, 1-year survival was 89.5%, with statistically significant differences observed in each medical classification group (e.g., isolated) across levels of maternal education, Texas/Mexico border maternal residence at delivery, infant birth weight, and gestational age.
Conclusion These findings have important implications for pediatric neurology and future research, such as counseling on the prevalence and prognosis of colpocephaly. Additionally, these findings highlight that the population burden of CNS defects may be higher than previously believed, supporting the expansion of research of rare brain defects.
Key Points
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Practicing Plastic Surgeons in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Marathe Aditya B. , Bamnodkar Piyush V. , Karanjkar Ankur S. , Sahasrabudhe Parag B. , Panse Nikhil S. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are a less discussed entity in the medical profession, with surgical specialties being more prone to them. Little is known about these types of injuries in plastic surgeons specifically. Data on WRMDs among Indian plastic surgeons are lacking. The goals of this study were to evaluate the prevalence, nature, particular contributory causal factors and behaviors, and potential remedies of these musculoskeletal injuries among plastic surgeons in India.
Materials and Methods An online voluntary survey was conducted among plastic surgeons in India, collecting their demographics, workload characteristics, musculoskeletal issues, causal factors, and corrective measures, taken using Google Forms. Data were extracted into an MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed. The prevalence of WRMDs was calculated and the predictors were evaluated with a univariate analysis.
Results Thirty-three percent of 297 respondents had work-related musculoskeletal injuries or disorders, with the majority experiencing pain (82%), with the neck being the most common site (61%); this was followed by stiffness (61%) and fatigue (52%). The most common causative factors were sustained posture (81%), awkward posture (72%), and inadequate breaks (34%). Age (p = 0.041) and average operative hours per week (p = 0.036) were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The corrective measures cited were stretching exercises, core-strengthening exercises, maintaining proper posture, taking frequent breaks, and yoga.
Conclusion Plastic surgeons are at high risk of WRMDs, with a significant prevalence in India. Albeit plastic surgeons in India face a higher case load, implementation of ergonomic principles can help in reducing the incidence of these disorders and in preventing the severity of sequelae.