bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of Copy Number Variants Associated With Esotropia in Patients With Exotropia
Authors: Martinez Sanchez Mayra , Chan Wai-Man , MacKinnon Sarah E. , Barry Brenda , Hunter David G. , Engle Elizabeth C. , Whitman Mary C. 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceStrabismus is a common ocular disorder of childhood. There is a clear genetic component to strabismus, but it is not known if esotropia and exotropia share genetic risk factors.ObjectiveTo determine whether genetic duplications associated with esotropia are also associated with exotropia.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2005 to December 2023. Individuals with constant or intermittent exotropia of any magnitude or a history of surgery for exotropia were recruited from pediatric ophthalmic practices. Data were analyzed from March to December 2023.ExposureGenetic duplication.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPresence of genetic duplications at 2p11.2, 4p15.2, and 10q11.22 assessed by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction. Orthoptic measurements and history of strabismus surgery were performed.ResultsA total of 234 individuals (mean [SD] age, 19.5 [19.0] years; 127 female [54.3%]) were included in this study. The chromosome 2 duplication was present in 1.7% of patients with exotropia (4 of 234; P = .40), a similar proportion to the 1.4% of patients with esotropia (23 of 1614) in whom it was previously reported and higher than the 0.1% of controls (4 of 3922) previously reported (difference, 1.6%; 95% CI, 0%-3.3%; P &amp;lt; .001). The chromosome 4 duplication was present in 3.0% of patients with exotropia (7 of 234; P = .10), a similar proportion to the 1.7% of patients with esotropia (27 of 1614) and higher than the 0.2% of controls (6 of 3922) in whom it was previously reported (difference, 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.6%-5.0%; P &amp;lt; .001). The chromosome 10 duplication was present in 6.0% of patients with exotropia (14 of 234; P = .08), a similar proportion to the 4% of patients with esotropia (64 of 1614) and higher than the 0.4% of controls (18 of 3922) in whom it was previously reported (difference, 5.6%; 95% CI, 2.5%-8.6%; P &amp;lt; .001). Individuals with a duplication had higher mean (SD) magnitude of deviation (31 [13] vs 22 [14] prism diopters [PD]; difference, 9 PD; 95% CI, 1-16 PD; P = .03), were more likely to have constant (vs intermittent) exotropia (70% vs 29%; difference, 41%; 95% CI, 20.8%-61.2%; P &amp;lt; .001), and had a higher rate of exotropia surgery than those without a duplication (58% vs 34%; difference, 24%; 95% CI, 3%-44%; P = .02).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional study, results suggest that the genetic duplications on chromosomes 2, 4, and 10 were risk factors for exotropia as well as esotropia. These findings support the possibility that esotropia and exotropia have shared genetic risk factors. Whether esotropia or exotropia develops in the presence of these duplications may be influenced by other shared or independent genetic variants or by environmental factors.
The central pattern of weakness of ALS: Morphological correlates in whole‐body muscle MRI
Authors: Wimmer Nathalie , Müller Hans‐Peter , Metze Patrick , Rasche Volker , Ludolph Albert C. , Kassubek Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveMonosynaptically cortically innervated α‐motoneurons are early and strongly involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Consequently, the muscles that receive the strongest direct corticomotoneuronal input are the clinically most affected. To objectify this concept in vivo through morphological image correlates, whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with muscle signal analysis was performed in patients with ALS compared to healthy controls.MethodsModified Dixon‐based whole‐body MRI was acquired in patients with ALS (n = 33) and matched healthy controls (n = 30). Manual labeling of limb muscle MRI was performed, and a specific subset of nine muscles, selected as pairs of muscle groups with different corticomotoneuronal input, was analyzed per subject based on their volume, fat fraction, and functional remaining muscle area (fRMA).ResultsStatistical analysis of 978 muscles in total revealed significantly decreased volumes, decreased fRMA, and increased fat fraction in the muscles of patients with ALS compared to controls. The clinical degree of pareses of directly innervated muscles was significantly worse than that of less directly innervated muscles in each comparison. The muscles receiving stronger direct corticomotoneuronal input showed more pronounced morphological involvement compared to those with less monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal input (fRMA, significant in three pairwise comparisons).InterpretationIn conclusion, whole‐body MRI‐based muscle analysis provided additional evidence for a characteristic pattern of pareses in ALS. This technical approach (parameterization and quantification of muscle alterations from MRI) to patients with ALS could pave the way for the future establishment of a diagnostic algorithm of muscle MRI for ALS and may serve as a biomarker.
Advanced Composite Solid Electrolyte Architecture Constructed with Amino‐Modified Cellulose and Carbon Nitride via Biosynthetic Avenue
Authors: Yin Sha , Huang Yang , Liu Yihong , Cheng Long , Chen Ming , Xu Yifan , Seidi Farzad , Xiao Huining 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolyethylene oxide (PEO) solid electrolytes are regarded as a promising candidate for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries owing to their high safety and interfacial compatibility. However, PEO electrolyte is plagued by relatively weak structural strength and unsatisfactory Li+ conductivity. Herein, a mechanically strong and Li+ conductively favorable cellulosic scaffold of PEO is fabricated through amino (‐NH2) modification and g‐C3N4 (CN) incorporation of bacterial cellulose (BC) under a microbial circumstance. The biologically ‐NH2 modified BC (B‐NBC) is entangled with CN nanosheets (CN@B‐NBC) through an in situ secretion of nanocellulose followed by hydrogen bond‐induced self‐assembly. The ‐NH2 groups from B‐NBC weaken the complexation of Li+ with its counterpart, thus facilitating the release of more free Li+. CN with strong C‐N covalence and extra lone electrons of N further strengthens the BC skeleton and meanwhile offers sufficient anchors for Li+ migration. After infiltrating by LiTFSI/PEO (LP), the LP/CN@B‐NBC composite solid electrolyte (CSE) exhibits high lithium transference number and ionic conductivity. Upon coupling with LiFePO4 cathode, the full battery exhibits a remarkably high specific capacity, superior rate capability, and decent cycling stability. This work pioneers the attempts of chemical decoration and ingredient incorporation of BC architecture in CSE with the aid of a bottom‐up biosynthetic avenue.
A PROTAC Augmenter for Photo‐Driven Pyroptosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Daipeng , Zou Yang , Huang Haiqiao , Yin Jikai , Long Saran , Sun Wen , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Chen Xiaoqiang , Peng Xiaojun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractProteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has recently emerged as a promising strategy for inducing post‐translational knockdown of target proteins in disease treatment. The degradation of bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4), an essential nuclear protein for gene transcription, induced by PROTAC is proposed as an epigenetic approach to treat breast cancer. However, the poor membrane permeability and indiscriminate distribution of PROTAC in vivo results in low bioavailability, limiting its development and application. Herein, a nano “targeting chimera” (abbreviated as L@NBMZ) consisting of BRD4‐PROTAC combined with a photosensitizer, to serve as the first augmenter for photo‐driven pyroptosis in breast cancer, is developed. With excellent BRD4 degradation ability, high biosafety, and biocompatibility, L@NBMZ blocks gene transcription by degrading BRD4 through proteasomes in vivo, and surprisingly, induces the cleavage of caspase‐3. This type of caspase‐3 cleavage is synergistically amplified by light irradiation in the presence of photosensitizers, leading to efficient photo‐driven pyroptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo outcomes demonstrate the remarkable anti‐cancer efficacy of this augmenter, which significantly inhibits the lung metastasis of breast cancer in vivo. Thus, the photo‐PROTAC “targeting chimera” augmenter construction strategy may pave a new way for expanding PROTAC applications within anti‐cancer paradigms.
Controllable Manipulation of Large‐Volume Droplet on Non‐Slippery Surfaces Based on Triboelectric Contactless Charge Injection
Authors: Tan Liming , Zeng Qixuan , Xu Fan , Zhao Qing , Chen Ai , Wang Tingyu , Tao Xingming , Yang Yuchen , Wang Xue 
Published: February 2024

AbstractControllable droplet manipulation is crucial in diverse scientific and engineering fields. Traditional electric‐based methods usually rely on commercial high‐voltage (HV) power sources, which are typically bulky, expensive, and potentially hazardous. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a highly studied device that can generate HV output with limited current, showing great potential in droplet manipulation applications. However, current TENG‐based approaches usually utilize traditional free‐standing TENGs that produce short‐pulsed alternating‐current signals. This limitation hinders continuous electrostatic forces necessary for precise droplet control, leading to complex circuitry and suboptimal droplet motion control in terms of volume, distance, direction, and momentum. Here, a triboelectric contactless charge injection (TCCI) method employing a novel dual‐functional triboelectric nanogenerator (DF‐TENG), is proposed. The DF‐TENG can produce both high voltage and constant current during unidirectional motion, enabling continuous corona discharges for contactless charge injection into the droplets. Using this method, a large‐volume droplet (3000 µL) can be controlled with momentum up to 115.2 g mm s−1, quintupling the highest value recorded by the traditional methods. Moreover, the TCCI method is adaptable for a variety of non‐slippery substrates and droplets of different compositions and viscosities, which makes it an ideal manipulation strategy for droplet transport, chemical reactions, and even driving solids.
An isotope study on nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency and movement in soil in a mimicked vermicompost‐based organo‐mineral fertilizer
Authors: Sitzmann Tomas J. , Sica Pietro , Zavattaro Laura , Moretti Barbara , Grignani Carlo , Oberson Astrid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVermicompost (VC), a stabilized organic material with high organic and humic carbon, and favorable aggregation properties, was tested as a fraction of organo‐mineral fertilizers (OMFs), where organic and mineral fractions interact in hotspot areas with surrounding soil. Solutions containing 33P radioisotope and 15N‐labeled mineral fertilizers were combined with VC at two ratios of organic carbon (Corg) to mineral nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) (OMF7.5C and OMF15C) to simulate OMF granules. Control treatments included unfertilized soil (N0P0), mineral fertilizer (MFNP), and sole VC at two rates (OF7.5C and OF15C). Nitrogen and P uptake by Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) were measured over in 8 weeks. Furthermore, MFNP, OMF7.5C, and OMF15C treatments were incubated for 10 days without plant to measure atom% 15N excess and 33P radioactivity, as indicators of N and P movement from two soil layers (surrounding fertilizer hotspot and below it). In the pot study, OMF15C caused 24% lower biomass and less nutrient recovery derived from fertilizer (N, 11% and P, 8.5%), compared to MFNP. In the incubation study, OMF15C exhibited +19% atom% 15N excess in the combined two soil layers, relative to MFNP, and +28% 33P radioactivity in the soil surrounding the hotspot, and −89% in the soil below it. We interpreted this as a reduction in nutrient availability of the combined VC + mineral fertilizers, due to lower P mobility in soil. The combination of VC with mineral fertilizers can reduce P movement in soil. A higher Corg:N:P ratio resulted in lower nutrient use efficiency in 2 months.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Stereospecific Deoxygenation of trans‐ Aromatic Epoxides to (Z)‐Alkenes: An Efficient Route to Access (Z)‐Cinnamic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Akkarasamiyo Sunisa , Chitsomkhuan Saranya , Buakaew Supawadee , Samec Joseph S. M. , Songsri Chonthicha , Kuntiyong Punlop 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA stereospecific deoxygenation of trans‐epoxy cinnamic acid derivatives to access (Z)‐cinnamamides, (Z)‐cinnamyl alcohol and (Z)‐cinnamyl amines using a catalytic system based on nickel triflate and triphenylphosphine has been developed. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yield (up to 92 % isolated yield) and excellent stereospecificity (Z : E ratio up to>99 : 1). The transformation has a broad functional group tolerance including amides, amines, alcohols and esters. The power of the methodology was demonstrated in the key step of the total synthesis of biologically active natural product, N‐cis‐feruloyl tyramine from readily available trans‐ferulic acid. A reaction mechanism involving activation of epoxide via coordination of the oxygen atom and the neighboring O‐ or N‐atoms to the nickel catalyst and formation of Ph3P‐carbon bond is proposed. This method is important for synthesis of highly desirable functionalized (Z)‐alkenes from readily available (E)‐alkenes.
Toward Individual Treatment in Cervical Artery Dissection: Subgroup Analysis of the TREAT‐CAD Randomized Trial
Authors: Kaufmann Josefin E. , Gensicke Henrik , Schaedelin Sabine , Luft Andreas R. , Goeggel‐Simonetti Barbara , Fischer Urs , Michel Patrik , Strambo Davide , Kägi Georg , Vehoff Jochen , Nedeltchev Krassen , Kahles Timo , Kellert Lars , Rosenbaum Sverre , von Rennenberg Regina , Riegler Christoph , Seiffge David , Sarikaya Hakan , Zietz Annaelle , Wischmann Johannes , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Hänsel Martin , Globas Christoph , Bonati Leo H. , Brehm Alex , De Marchis Gian Marco , Peters Nils , Nolte Christian H. , Christensen Hanne , Wegener Susanne , Psychogios Marios‐Nikos , Arnold Marcel , Lyrer Philippe , Traenka Christopher , Engelter Stefan T. ,   for the TREAT‐CAD Trial
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveUncertainty remains regarding antithrombotic treatment in cervical artery dissection. This analysis aimed to explore whether certain patient profiles influence the effects of different types of antithrombotic treatment.MethodsThis was a post hoc exploratory analysis based on the per‐protocol dataset from TREAT‐CAD (NCT02046460), a randomized controlled trial comparing aspirin to anticoagulation in patients with cervical artery dissection. We explored the potential effects of distinct patient profiles on outcomes in participants treated with either aspirin or anticoagulation. Profiles included (1) presenting with ischemia (no/yes), (2) occlusion of the dissected artery (no/yes), (3) early versus delayed treatment start (</>median), and (4) intracranial extension of the dissection (no/yes). Outcomes included clinical (stroke, major hemorrhage, death) and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes (new ischemic or hemorrhagic brain lesions) and were assessed for each subgroup in separate logistic models without adjustment for multiple testing.ResultsAll 173 (100%) per‐protocol participants were eligible for the analyses. Participants without occlusion had decreased odds of events when treated with anticoagulation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07–0.86). This effect was more pronounced in participants presenting with cerebral ischemia (n = 118; OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04–0.55). In the latter, those with early treatment (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07–0.85) or without intracranial extension of the dissection (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.11–0.97) had decreased odds of events when treated with anticoagulation.InterpretationAnticoagulation might be preferable in patients with cervical artery dissection presenting with ischemia and no occlusion or no intracranial extension of the dissection. These findings need confirmation. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:886–897
Directing in Vitro Selection towards G‐quadruplex‐forming Aptamers to Inhibit HMGB1 Pathological Activity
Authors: Napolitano Ettore , Criscuolo Andrea , Riccardi Claudia , Esposito Carla L. , Catuogno Silvia , Coppola Gabriele , Roviello Giovanni N. , Montesarchio Daniela , Musumeci Domenica 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the search for novel, effective inhibitors of High‐Mobility Group Box1 (HMGB1)—a protein involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as in cancer—we herein discovered a set of anti‐HMGB1 G‐quadruplex(G4)‐forming aptamers by using an in vitro selection procedure applied to a doped library of guanine‐rich oligonucleotides. The selected DNA sequences were then studied in a pseudo‐physiological buffer mimicking the extracellular medium, where HMGB1 exerts its pathological activity, using spectroscopic, electrophoretic, and chromatographic techniques. All the oligonucleotides proved to fold into monomeric G4s and in some cases also dimeric species, stable at physiological temperature. Remarkably, the protein preferentially recognized the sequences forming dimeric parallel G4 structures, as evidenced by a properly designed chemiluminescent binding assay which also highlighted a good selectivity of these aptamers for HMGB1. Moreover, all aptamers showed anti‐HMGB1 activity, inhibiting protein‐induced cell migration. The acquired data allowed identifying L12 as the best anti‐HMGB1 aptamer, featured by high thermal and enzymatic stability, no toxicity at least up to 5 μM concentration on healthy cells, along with potent anti‐HMGB1 activity (IC50 ca. 28 nM) and good binding affinity for the protein, thus indicating it as a very promising lead candidate for in vivo studies.
Hitting the Mark With Benchmarking: Measuring Utility Performance in Lee County, Florida
Authors: Cohen Nicole , Nyfennegger Jennifer , Desai Dharmin , Duverge Charlie , Barroso Henry 
Published: February 2024

Key TakeawaysBenchmarking can help water and wastewater utilities identify improvement areas to tackle challenges such as aging infrastructure, resource constraints, and climate change.Lee County Utilities (LCU) conducted a thorough analysis of operations, customer relations, and business management, aligning with Effective Utility Management principles.By evaluating metrics alongside comparable utilities on a statewide and national scale, LCU identified areas for improvement and adopted best practices for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Minneapolis Implements Levels of Service for Its Water Utility
Authors: Anderson Brett , Slaven Kevin 
Published: February 2024

Key TakeawaysLevels of service (LOS) are goals that define how a utility manages its assets to deliver services to stakeholders.LOS help water utilities align objectives with daily operations and support internal and external communication.To take full advantage of the capabilities of LOS in asset and performance management, utilities should develop a well‐thought‐out plan.
Modulation Strategies and Activity Descriptors of Spinel Electrocatalysts for Lithium−Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Pan Yu , Xu Ruizhe , Hu Anjun , Zhao Chuan , Li Runjing , Zhou Bo , Liu Jing , Long Jianping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe exploitation of high energy density lithium−oxygen batteries (LOBs) holds significant importance for energy storage and applications. An efficient cathode catalyst can effectively prevent the accumulation of the insulating insoluble discharge product Li2O2, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance. Spinel materials, widely available and cost‐effective, exhibit superior catalytic activity, making them ideal candidates for LOBs cathode catalysts. This review aims to offer a comprehensive and insightful overview of the recent progress in the design of spinel‐type electrocatalysts for LOBs. This review exhaustively summarizes various modification strategies applied to spinel materials and emphasizes the influential role of catalytic descriptors in designing highly active spinel‐type catalysts. This review provides guidance for the design and utilization of high‐performance spinel‐type catalysts, thereby contributing to the dynamic development of LOBs.
Evolution of a Combined UV/Vis and NMR Setup with Fixed Pathlengths for Mass‐limited Samples
Authors: Herold Dominik , Brauser Matthias , Kind Jonas , Thiele Christina M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe investigation of reaction mechanisms is a complex task that usually requires the use of several techniques. To obtain as much information as possible on the reaction and any intermediates – possibly invisible to one technique – the combination of techniques is a solution. In this work we present a new setup for combined UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy and compare it to an established alternative. The presented approach allows a versatile usage of different commercially‐available components like mirrors and fiber bundles as well as different fixed pathlengths according to double transmission or single transmission measurements. While a previous approach is based on a dip‐probe setup for conventional NMR probes, the new one is based on a micro‐Helmholtz coil array (LiquidVoxel™). This makes the use of rectangular cuvettes possible, which ensure well‐defined pathlengths allowing for quantification of species. Additionally, very low quantities of compound can be analyzed due to the microfabrication and small cuvette size used. As proof‐of‐principle this new setup for combined UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy is used to examine a well‐studied photochromic system of the dithienylethene compound class. A thorough comparison of the pros and cons of the two setups for combined UV/Vis and NMR measurements is performed.
Aggregation/Crystallization‐Induced Emission in Naphthyridine‐Based Carbazolyl‐Modified Donor‐Acceptor Boron Dyes Tunable by Fluorine Atoms
Authors: Potopnyk Mykhaylo A. , Mech‐Piskorz Justyna , Angulo Gonzalo , Ceborska Magdalena , Luboradzki Roman , Andresen Elina , Gajek Arkadiusz , Wisniewska Agnieszka , Resch‐Genger Ute 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFour donor‐acceptor boron difluoride complexes based on the carbazole electron donor and the [1,3,5,2]oxadiazaborinino[3,4‐a][1,8]naphthyridine acceptor were designed, synthesized, and systematically spectroscopically investigated in solutions, in dye‐doped polymer films, and in the solid states. The dyes exhibit an intense blue to red solid‐state emission with photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 59 % in pure dye samples and 86 % in poly(methyl methacrylate) films. All boron complexes show aggregation‐induced emission and reversible mechanofluorochromism. The optical properties of these dyes and their solid state luminescence can be tuned by substitution pattern, i. e., the substituents at the naphthyridine unit. Exchange of CH3‐ for CF3‐groups does not only increase the intramolecular charge transfer character, but also provides a crystallization‐induced emission enhancement.