bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances on Cell Culture Platforms for In Vitro Drug Screening and Cell Therapies: From Conventional to Microfluidic Strategies
Authors: Cardoso Beatriz D. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S. , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu , Cardoso Vanessa F.
Published: March 2023

The clinical translations of drugs and nanomedicines depend on coherent pharmaceutical research based on biologically accurate screening approaches. Since establishing the 2D in vitro cell culture method, the scientific community has improved cell‐based drug screening assays and models. Those advances result in more informative biochemical assays and the development of 3D multicellular models to describe the biological complexity better and enhance the simulation of the in vivo microenvironment. Despite the overall dominance of conventional 2D and 3D cell macroscopic culture methods, they present physicochemical and operational challenges that impair the scale‐up of drug screening by not allowing a high parallelization, multidrug combination, and high‐throughput screening. Their combination and complementarity with microfluidic platforms enable the development of microfluidics‐based cell culture platforms with unequivocal advantages in drug screening and cell therapies. Thus, this review presents an updated and consolidated view of cell culture miniaturization's physical, chemical, and operational considerations in the pharmaceutical research scenario. It clarifies advances in the field using gradient‐based microfluidics, droplet‐based microfluidics, printed‐based microfluidics, digital‐based microfluidics, SlipChip, and paper‐based microfluidics. Finally, it presents a comparative analysis of the performance of cell‐based methods in life research and development to achieve increased precision in the drug screening process.
Enhanced Superconductivity and Upper Critical Field in Ta‐Doped Weyl Semimetal Td‐MoTe2
Authors: Zhang Yong , Fei Fucong , Liu Ruxin , Zhu Tongshuai , Chen Bo , Qiu Tianyu , Zuo Zewen , Guo Jingwen , Tang Wenchao , Zhou Lifan , Xi Xiaoxiang , Wu Xiaoshan , Wu Di , Zhong Zhicheng , Song Fengqi , Zhang Rong , Wang Xuefeng
Published: March 2023

2D transition metal dichalcogenides are promising platforms for next‐generation electronics and spintronics. The layered Weyl semimetal (W,Mo)Te2 series features structural phase transition, nonsaturated magnetoresistance, superconductivity, and exotic topological physics. However, the superconducting critical temperature of the bulk (W,Mo)Te2 remains ultralow without applying a high pressure. Here, the significantly enhanced superconductivity is observed with a transition temperature as large as about 7.5 K in bulk Mo1−xTaxTe2 single crystals upon Ta doping (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.22), which is attributed to an enrichment of density of states at the Fermi level. In addition, an enhanced perpendicular upper critical field of 14.5 T exceeding the Pauli limit is also observed in Td‐phase Mo1−xTaxTe2 (x = 0.08), indicating the possible emergence of unconventional mixed singlet–triplet superconductivity owing to the inversion symmetry breaking. This work provides a new pathway for exploring the exotic superconductivity and topological physics in transition metal dichalcogenides.
Bioinspired Processing: Complex Coacervates as Versatile Inks for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Khoonkari Mohammad , Es Sayed Julien , Oggioni Marta , Amirsadeghi Armin , Dijkstra Peter , Parisi Daniele , Kruyt Frank , van Rijn Patrick , Włodarczyk‐Biegun Małgorzata Katarzyna , Kamperman Marleen
Published: March 2023

3D bioprinting is a powerful fabrication technique in biomedical engineering, which is currently limited by the number of available materials that meet all physicochemical and cytocompatibility requirements for biomaterial inks. Inspired by the key role of coacervation in the extrusion and spinning of many natural materials, hyaluronic acid–chitosan complex coacervates are proposed here as tunable biomaterial inks. Complex coacervates are obtained through an associative liquid–liquid phase separation driven by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged macromolecules. They offer bioactive properties and facile modulation of their mechanical properties through mild physicochemical changes in the environment, making them attractive for 3D bioprinting. Fine‐tuning the salt concentration, pH, and molecular weight of the constituent polymers results in biomaterial inks that are printable in air and water. The biomaterial ink, initially a viscoelastic fluid, transitions into a viscoelastic solid upon printing due to dehydration (for printing in air) or due to a change in pH and ionic composition (for printing in solution). Consequently, scaffolds printed using the complex coacervate inks are stable without the need for post‐printing processing. Fabricated cell culture scaffolds are cytocompatible and show long‐term topological stability. These results pave the way to a new class of easy‐to‐handle tunable biomaterials for biofabrication.
Chemotaxis‐guided Self‐propelled Macrophage Motor for Targeted Treatment of Acute Pneumonia
Authors: Yue Ludan , Gao Cheng , Li Junyan , Chen Hanbin , Lee Simon M. Y. , Luo Ruifeng , Wang Ruibing
Published: March 2023

Immune cells exhibit great potential as carriers of nanomedicine, attributed to their high tolerance to internalized nanomaterials and targeted accumulation in inflammatory tissues. However, the premature efflux of internalized nanomedicine during systemic delivery and slow infiltration into inflammatory tissues have limited their translational applications. Herein, a motorized cell platform as a nanomedicine carrier for highly efficient accumulation and infiltration in the inflammatory lungs and effective treatment of acute pneumonia are reported. β‐Cyclodextrin and adamantane respectively modified manganese dioxide nanoparticles are intracellularly self‐assembled into large aggregates mediated via host‐guest interactions, to effectively inhibit the efflux of nanoparticles, catalytically consume/deplete H2O2 to alleviate inflammation, and generate O2 to propel macrophage movement for rapid tissue infiltration. With curcumin loaded into MnO2 nanoparticles, macrophages carry the intracellular nano‐assemblies rapidly into the inflammatory lungs via chemotaxis‐guided, self‐propelled movement, for effective treatment of acute pneumonia via immunoregulation induced by curcumin and the aggregates.
Photoelectrochemical N2‐to‐NH3 Fixation with High Efficiency and Rates via Optimized Si‐Based System at Positive Potential versus Li0/+
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Lyu Yanhong , Zhou Huaijuan , Zheng Jianyun , Huang Aibin , Ding Jingjing , Xie Chao , De Marco Roland , Tsud Nataliya , Kalinovych Viacheslav , Jiang San Ping , Dai Liming , Wang Shuangyin
Published: March 2023

As a widely used commodity chemical, ammonia is critical for producing nitrogen‐containing fertilizers and serving as the promising zero‐carbon energy carrier. Photoelectrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (PEC NRR) can provide a solar‐powered green and sustainable route for synthesis of ammonia (NH3). Herein, an optimum PEC system is reported with an Si‐based hierarchically‐structured PdCu/TiO2/Si photocathode and well‐thought‐out trifluoroethanol as the proton source for lithium‐mediated PEC NRR, achieving a record high NH3 yield of 43.09 µg cm−2 h−1 and an excellent faradaic efficiency of 46.15% under 0.12 MPa O2 and 3.88 MPa N2 at 0.07 V versus lithium(0/+) redox couple (vs Li0/+). PEC measurements coupled with operando characterization reveal that the PdCu/TiO2/Si photocathode under N2 pressures facilitate the reduction of N2 to form lithium nitride (Li3N), which reacts with active protons to produce NH3 while releasing the Li+ to reinitiate the cycle of the PEC NRR. The Li‐mediated PEC NRR process is further enhanced by introducing small amount of O2 or CO2 under pressure by accelerating the decomposition of Li3N. For the first time, this work provides mechanistic understanding of the lithium‐mediated PEC NRR process and opens new avenues for efficient solar‐powered green conversion of N2‐to‐NH3.
Density of States Engineering of n‐Doped Conjugated Polymers for High Charge Transport Performances
Authors: Wang Xin‐Yi , Yu Zi‐Di , Lu Yang , Yao Ze‐Fan , Zhou Yang‐Yang , Pan Chen‐Kai , Liu Yi , Wang Zi‐Yuan , Ding Yi‐Fan , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian
Published: March 2023

Charge transport of conjugated polymers in functional devices closely relates to their density of states (DOS) distributions. However, systemic DOS engineering for conjugated polymers is challenging due to the lack of modulated methods and the unclear relationship between DOS and electrical properties. Here, the DOS distribution of conjugated polymers is engineered to enhance their electrical performances. The DOS distributions of polymer films are tailored using three processing solvents with different Hansen solubility parameters. The highest n‐type electrical conductivity (39 ± 3 S cm−1), the highest power factor (63 ± 11 µW m−1 K−2), and the highest Hall mobility (0.14 ± 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1) of the polymer (FBDPPV‐OEG) are obtained in three films with three various DOS distributions, respectively. Through theoretical and experimental exploration, it is revealed that the carrier concentration and transport property of conjugated polymers can be efficiently controlled by DOS engineering, paving the way for rationally fabricating organic semiconductors.
Advances of NIR Light Responsive Materials for Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Diseases
Authors: Xue Dongzhi , Wang Yinghui , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2023

Brain diseases pose a great threat to human health worldwide, thus it is of great importance to explore new materials for their diagnosis and therapy. Compared with the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, near infrared (NIR) light has better biosafety, lower tissue auto‐fluorescence, and stronger penetration into skull. Hence, NIR light responsive materials have attracted great attention recently which can not only realize the high spatial resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio imaging for diagnosis, but also achieve effective NIR light triggered treatment noninvasively. Besides, the brain lesions can be visualized clearly by NIR imaging, which can provide more accurate information for guiding treatments. Therefore, this work systematically summarizes the recent advances of NIR light responsive materials for diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. Firstly, this work briefly reviews the pathological features of blood brain barrier (BBB) and the rational design of materials to target brain disease. Then, the emerging approaches for diagnosis and treatment of various brain diseases with NIR light responsive materials are introduced. Subsequently, the imaging‐guided therapies are elaborated, such as the fluorescence imaging guided surgery and sonodynamic therapy. Finally, some challenges and prospects on the design of NIR light responsive materials for precise diagnosis and therapy of brain diseases are put forward.
GPR176 Promotes Cancer Progression by Interacting with G Protein GNAS to Restrain Cell Mitophagy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tang Junwei , Peng Wen , Ji Jiangzhou , Peng Chaofan , Wang Tuo , Yang Peng , Gu Ji'ou , Feng Yifei , Jin Kangpeng , Wang Xiaowei , Sun Yueming
Published: March 2023

GPR176 belongs to the G protein‐coupled receptor superfamily, which responds to external stimuli and regulates cancer progression, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In the present study, expression analyses of GPR176 are performed in patients with colorectal cancer. Genetic mouse models of CRC coupled with Gpr176‐deficiency are investigated, and in vivo and in vitro treatments are conducted. A positive correlation between GPR176 upregulation and the proliferation and poor overall survival of CRC is demonstrated. GPR176 is confirmed to activate the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and modulate mitophagy, promoting CRC oncogenesis and development. Mechanistically, the G protein GNAS is recruited intracellularly to transduce and amplify extracellular signals from GPR176. A homolog model tool confirmed that GPR176 recruits GNAS intracellularly via its transmembrane helix 3‐intracellular loop 2 domain. The GPR176/GNAS complex inhibits mitophagy via the cAMP/PKA/BNIP3L axis, thereby promoting the tumorigenesis and progression of CRC.
Nanostructured 3D‐Printed Hybrid Scaffold Accelerates Bone Regeneration by Photointegrating Nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Tong Lei , Pu Xiaocong , Liu Quanying , Li Xing , Chen Manyu , Wang Peilei , Zou Yaping , Lu Gonggong , Liang Jie , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong , Sun Yong
Published: March 2023

Nanostructured biomaterials that replicate natural bone architecture are expected to facilitate bone regeneration. Here, nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) with vinyl surface modification is acquired by silicon‐based coupling agent and photointegrated with methacrylic anhydride‐modified gelatin to manufacture a chemically integrated 3D‐printed hybrid bone scaffold (75.6 wt% solid content). This nanostructured procedure significantly increases its storage modulus by 19.43‐fold (79.2 kPa) to construct a more stable mechanical structure. Furthermore, biofunctional hydrogel with biomimetic extracellular matrix is anchored onto the filament of 3D‐printed hybrid scaffold (HGel‐g‐nHAp) by polyphenol‐mediated multiple chemical reactions, which contributes to initiate early osteogenesis and angiogenesis by recruiting endogenous stem cells in situ. Significant ectopic mineral deposition is also observed in subcutaneously implanted nude mice with storage modulus enhancement of 25.3‐fold after 30 days. Meanwhile, HGel‐g‐nHAp realizes substantial bone reconstruction in the rabbit cranial defect model, achieving 61.3% breaking load strength and 73.1% bone volume fractions in comparison to natural cranium 15 weeks after implantation. This optical integration strategy of vinyl modified nHAp provides a prospective structural design for regenerative 3D‐printed bone scaffold.
Mitigating the Efficiency Loss of Organic Photovoltaic Cells Using Phosphomolybdic Acid‐Doped PEDOT:PSS as Hole Transporting Layer
Authors: Chang Yi-Ming , Li Wei-Long , Tsai Chia-Hua , Teng Nai-Wei
Published: March 2023

A phosphomolybdic acid (PMA)‐doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transporting layer (HTL) is developed to effectively optimize the anode interface of inverted organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Since a deep‐lying work function of HTL is in favor of reducing the interfacial barrier for hole transporting, superior power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 9.22% and 10.8% are achieved in fullerene‐based and nonfullerene‐based devices in inverted architecture. Thus‐prepared OPV devices also exhibit excellent photostability and retain 85% of the initial PCE after 1000 h of irradiation under 100 mW cm−2 irradiation. The overall result suggests the practicability and mitigation of efficiency loss when replacing the conventional PEDOT:PSS with PMA‐doped PEDOT:PSS as HTL to fabricate highly efficient, inverted OPV devices.
Geographical variation of the structure and population parameters of the freshwater prawnMacrobrachium macrobrachion(Herklots, 1851) in West African coastal hydrosystems: Insights from Benin
Authors: Koussovi Guillaume , Niass Farokh , Ahouansou Montcho Simon , Bonou Clément Agossou , Montchowui Elie
Published: March 2023

The freshwater prawnMacrobrachium macrobrachion(Herklots, 1851) is widely exploited in the Oueme Delta and the low Mono in Benin. The structure and population parameters ofM. macrobrachionwere evaluated to provide accurate scientific information for the better exploitation and rational management of freshwater prawn species in these areas. In Oueme Delta (1928 specimens) and low Mono (1045 specimens), 2973 specimens were sampled by artisanal and experimental fishing and analysed. The prawns were caught between January and December 2016. Total length and total weight were taken from each specimen. Global and monthly size–frequency distributions showed that recruitment in both populations takes place from August to October with a peak in September. The population parameters obtained by analysing frequency data with FiSAT II software (FAO‐ICLARM) showed anL∞ = 15.50 cm,K = 0.35 year−1,t0 = −0.56 year in Oueme Delta andL∞ = 15.30 cm,K = 0.45 year−1,t0 = −0.43 year in low Mono. The growth performance index (Φ′) was 1.93 and 2.02 for the Oueme Delta and low Mono populations, respectively. The exploitation rates (EmaxandE0.5) suggest that more than half of theM. macrobrachionpopulation was exploited in the two areas. Natural and fishing mortality rates showed that both populations ofM. macrobrachionwere vulnerable to natural and fishing death. The estimated first capture size (Lc) revealed that the majority of the two populations ofM. macrobrachionwere captured before they reached the size at first sexual maturity (L50), reflecting fishing pressure on small individuals and growth overfishing in both areas. These results showed that the used fishing gears and the fishing frequencies in both areas did not allow the majority of the prawn to grow and reproduce at least once before being caught.
African American mothers' perceptions of infant body size are prospectively associated with infant growth and BMI
Authors: Rothman Joshua , Shirley Meghan K. , Parks Elizabeth Prout , Wu Gary D. , Kelly Andrea , Ford Eileen , Zemel Babette S.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The effect of mothers' perceptions of infant body size on infant growth and later BMI is poorly understood. We aimed to assess whether maternal perceptions were associated with infant BMI and weight gain and to identify factors that may influence maternal perceptions.

Methods

We analyzed data from a prospective, longitudinal study of pregnant African American women living with healthy weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) or obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). We collected sociodemographic, feeding mode, perceived stress, depression, and food insecurity information. The African American Infant Body Habitus Scale assessed maternal perceptions of infant body size at age 6 months. A “maternal satisfaction with infant body size” score was derived. Infant BMI z‐scores (BMIZ) were calculated at 6 and 24 months.

Results

Maternal perception and satisfaction scores did not differ between obese (n = 148) and healthy weight (n = 132) groups. Perception of infant size at 6 months was positively associated with infant BMIZ at 6 and 24 months. A positive association of maternal satisfaction scores with change in infant BMIZ from 6 to 24 months indicated that BMIZ changed less for infants whose mothers preferred them to be smaller at 6 months. Perception and satisfaction scores were not associated with feeding variables, maternal stress, depression, socioeconomic status, or food security status.

Conclusion

Mothers' perceptions of and satisfaction with infant size correlated with current and later infant BMI. However, mother's perceptions were not associated with maternal weight status or other factors explored for their potential to impact maternal perceptions. Further work is needed to elucidate factors linking maternal perception/satisfaction and infant growth.
PAK1 c.1409 T > a (p. Leu470Gln) de novo variant affects the protein kinase domain, leading to epilepsy, macrocephaly, spastic quadriplegia, and hydrocephalus: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Corriveau Melina L. , Amaya Sabrina I. , Koebel Mary Clare , Lerma Vanesa C. , Michener Sydney L. , Turner Alicia , Schultz Rebecca J. , Seto Elaine S. , Diaz‐Medina Gloria E. , Craigen William J. , Swann John W. , Xue Mingshan , Chao Hsiao‐Tuan
Published: March 2023

The p‐21‐activated kinase 1 (PAK1) protein, encoded by the PAK1 gene, is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine‐protein kinase that regulates key cellular developmental processes. To date, seven de novo PAK1 variants have been reported to cause the Intellectual Developmental Disorder with Macrocephaly, Seizures, and Speech Delay (IDDMSSD). In addition to the namesake features, other common characteristics include structural brain anomalies, delayed development, hypotonia, and dysmorphic features. Here, we report a de novo PAK1 NM_002576.5: c.1409 T > A variant (p.Leu470Gln) identified by trio genome sequencing (GS) in a 13‐year‐old boy with postnatal macrocephaly, obstructive hydrocephalus, medically refractory epilepsy, spastic quadriplegia, white matter hyperintensities, profound developmental disabilities, and a horseshoe kidney. This is the first recurrently affected residue identified in the protein kinase domain. Combined assessment of the eight pathogenic PAK1 missense variants reveal that the variants cluster in either the protein kinase or autoregulatory domains. Although interpretation of the phenotypic spectrum is limited by the sample size, neuroanatomical alterations were found more often in individuals with PAK1 variants in the autoregulatory domain. In contrast, non‐neurological comorbidities were found more often in individuals with PAK1 variants in the protein kinase domain. Together, these findings expand the clinical spectrum of PAK1‐associated IDDMSSD and reveal potential correlations with the affected protein domains.
Proteomics and metabolomics analysis of nasal lavage fluid in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Yang Yujuan , Guo Jing , Yao Yao , Wang Jianwei , Yin Jiali , Guo Ying , Wang Cai , Zhang Yu , Song Xicheng
Published: March 2023

Key Points

An integrated proteomics and metabolomics were used to investigate the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.

Amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction play key roles in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.
Impact of low‐value medications on quality of life, hospitalization and costs – A longitudinal analysis of patients living with dementia
Authors: Platen Moritz , Flessa Steffen , Teipel Stefan , Rädke Anika , Scharf Annelie , Mohr Wiebke , Buchholz Maresa , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Michalowsky Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the impact of low‐value medications (Lvm), that is, medications unlikely to benefit patients but to cause harm, on patient‐centered outcomes over 24 months.

Methods

This longitudinal analysis was based on baseline, 12 and 24 months follow‐up data of 352 patients with dementia. The impact of Lvm on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), hospitalizations, and health care costs were assessed using multiple panel‐specific regression models.

Results

Over 24 months, 182 patients (52%) received Lvm at least once and 56 (16%) continuously. Lvm significantly increased the risk of hospitalization by 49% (odds ratio, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.06–2.09; p = 0.022), increased health care costs by €6810 (CI 95% −707€–14,27€; p = 0.076), and reduced patients' HRQoL (b = −1.55; CI 95% −2.76 to −0.35; p = 0.011).

Discussion

More than every second patient received Lvm, negatively impacting patient‐reported HRQoL, hospitalizations, and costs. Innovative approaches are needed to encourage prescribers to avoid and replace Lvm in dementia care.

Highlights

Over 24 months, more than every second patient received low‐value medications (Lvm).

Lvm negatively impact physical, psychological, and financial outcomes.

Appropriate measures are needed to change prescription behaviors.
The association between COVID‐19 and cognitive performance: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Ran Shu , Yao Jia , Liu Baolin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

People with COVID‐19 had poorer general cognitive functioning compared to people without COVID‐19. The causal link between COVID‐19 and cognitive impairment is still unknown.

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a statistical approach based on genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to construct instrumental variables (IVs) and can effectively bring down the confounding bias of environmental or other disease factors, because alleles are randomly assigned to offspring.

Results

There was consistent evidence that cognitive performance was causally associated with COVID‐19; this suggests that people with better cognitive performance are less likely to be infected with COVID‐19. The reverse MR analysis treating COVID‐19 as the exposure and cognitive performance as the outcome demonstrated an insignificant association, indicating the unidirectionality of the relationship.

Discussion

Our study provided credible evidence that cognitive performance has an impact on COVID‐19. Future research should focus on long‐term impact of cognitive performance on COVID‐19.
A General Method for Obtaining Degenerate Solutions to the Dirac and Weyl Equations and a Discussion on the Experimental Detection of Degenerate States
Authors: Tsigaridas Georgios N. , Kechriniotis Aristides I. , Tsonos Christos A. , Delibasis Konstantinos K.
Published: March 2023

In this work, a general method is described for obtaining degenerate solutions of the Dirac equation, corresponding to an infinite number of electromagnetic 4‐potentials and fields, which are explicitly calculated. More specifically, using four arbitrary real functions, one can automatically construct a spinor that satisfies the Dirac equation for an infinite number of electromagnetic 4‐potentials, defined by those functions. An interesting characteristic of these solutions is that, in the case of Dirac particles with nonzero mass, the degenerate spinors should be localized, both in space and time. The method is also extended to the cases of massless Dirac and Weyl particles, where the localization of the spinors is no longer required. Finally, two experimental methods are proposed for detecting the presence of degenerate states.
Electrochemical‐Mediated Regenerable FeII Active Sites for Efficient Uranium Extraction at Ultra‐Low Cell Voltage
Authors: Wang Yanyong , Wang Yanjing , Song Minglei , Chen Siping , Wei Jianrong , You Jie , Zhou Bo , Wang Shuangyin
Published: March 2023

Nano‐reduced iron (NRI) is a promising uranium adsorbent due to its strong reducibility and good selectivity, but it still faces the challenges of slow kinetics, limited and non‐renewable active sites. In this work, we realized high efficiency uranium extraction under ultra‐low cell voltage (−0.1 V) in seawater with 20 ppm UO2(NO3)2 solution by coupling electrochemical mediated FeII/FeIII redox and uranium extraction. The adsorption capacity and extraction efficiency of NRI after electrochemical uranium extraction (EUE) could reach 452 mg/g and 99.1 %, respectively. Combined with quasi‐operando/operando characterization technologies, we clarified the mechanism of EUE and revealed that continuously regenerating FeII active sites by electroreduction could significantly enhance the property of EUE. This work here provides a new electrochemical mediated and low energy consumption uranium extraction strategy which also provides a reference for other metal resource recovery.
Mimicking Photosynthesis: A Natural Z‐Scheme Photocatalyst Constructed from Red Mud Bauxite Waste for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Yu Xuelian , Xu Jian , Wang Jiangpeng , Qiu Jinyu , An Xiaoqiang , Wang Zhuan , Lv Guocheng , Liao Libing , Ye Jinhua
Published: March 2023

All‐solid‐state Z‐Scheme photocatalysts have attracted significant attention due to their great potential for solar fuel production. However, delicately coupling two individual semiconductors with a charge shuttle by a material strategy remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a new protocol of natural Z‐Scheme heterostructures by strategically engineering the component and interfacial structure of red mud bauxite waste. Advanced characterizations elucidated that the hydrogen‐induced formation of metallic Fe enabled the effective Z‐Scheme electron transfer from γ‐Fe2O3 to TiO2, leading to the significantly boosted spatial separation of photo‐generated carriers for overall water splitting. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first Z‐Scheme heterojunction based on natural minerals for solar fuel production. Thus our work provides a new avenue toward the utilization of natural minerals for advanced catalysis applications.
Understanding Electrochemical Reaction Mechanisms of Sulfur in All‐Solid‐State Batteries through Operando and Theoretical Studies **
Authors: Cao Daxian , Sun Xiao , Li Fei , Bak Seong‐Min , Ji Tongtai , Geiwitz Michael , Burch Kenneth S. , Du Yonghua , Yang Guochun , Zhu Hongli
Published: March 2023

Due to its outstanding safety and high energy density, all‐solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries (ASLSBs) are considered as a potential future energy storage technology. The electrochemical reaction pathway in ASLSBs with inorganic solid‐state electrolytes is different from Li‐S batteries with liquid electrolytes, but the mechanism remains unclear. By combining operando Raman spectroscopy and ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, we investigated the reaction mechanism of sulfur (S8) in ASLSBs. Our results revealed that no Li2S8, Li2S6, and Li2S4 were formed, yet Li2S2 was detected. Furthermore, first‐principles structural calculations were employed to disclose the formation energy of solid state Li2Sn (1≤n≤8), in which Li2S2 was a metastable phase, consistent with experimental observations. Meanwhile, partial S8 and Li2S2 remained at the full lithiation stage, suggesting incomplete reaction due to sluggish reaction kinetics in ASLSBs.
Catalyst Control over Threefold Stereogenicity: Selective Synthesis of Atropisomeric Sulfones with Stereogenic C−S Axes
Authors: Schmidt Tanno A. , Schumann Stephan , Ostertag Andreas , Sparr Christof
Published: March 2023

Catalyst control over higher‐order stereogenicity addresses significantly extended stereochemical space, but selective methods to govern threefold stereogenic units remained elusive. Herein, we report the stereoselective synthesis of threefold stereogenic triptycyl sulfones with atropisomerism arising from a C(sp3)−S bond. An oxidation of a stereodynamic thioether controlled by a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst allowed selective access to enantioenriched triptycyl sulfoxides. The ensuing enantiospecific and diastereoselective catalytic oxidation to a threefold stereogenic sulfone provided overall control over the stereogenic C−S axis. All three stereoisomers were addressable with enantio‐ and diastereodivergence and a stereoselectivity of up to (−sc): (+sc) : (ap)=94 : 6 :<1.
Targeting the Dark Lipid Kinase PIP4K2C with a Potent and Selective Binder and Degrader
Authors: Teng Mingxing , Jiang Jie , Wang Eric S. , Geng Qixiang , Toenjes Sean T. , Donovan Katherine A. , Mageed Nada , Yue Hong , Nowak Radosław P. , Wang Jinhua , Manz Theresa D. , Fischer Eric S. , Cantley Lewis C. , Gray Nathanael S.
Published: March 2023

Phosphatidylinositol 5‐phosphate 4‐kinase, type II, gamma (PIP4K2C) remains a poorly understood lipid kinase with minimal enzymatic activity but potential scaffolding roles in immune modulation and autophagy‐dependent catabolism. Achieving potent and selective agents for PIP4K2C while sparing other lipid and non‐lipid kinases has been challenging. Here, we report the discovery of the highly potent PIP4K2C binder TMX‐4102, which shows exclusive binding selectivity for PIP4K2C. Furthermore, we elaborated the PIP4K2C binder into TMX‐4153, a bivalent degrader capable of rapidly and selectively degrading endogenous PIP4K2C. Collectively, our work demonstrates that PIP4K2C is a tractable and degradable target, and that TMX‐4102 and TMX‐4153 are useful leads to further interrogate the biological roles and therapeutic potential of PIP4K2C.
Sustainable and mechanically robust epoxy resins derived from chitosan and tung oil with proton conductivity
Authors: Song Hong , Liu Chaofan , Gui Daxiang , Sha Ye , Song Qingping , Jia Puyou , Gao Jiangang , Lin Ying
Published: March 2023

The development of sustainable and functional epoxy resins from renewable biomass is gaining increasing attention. Herein, renewable and mechanically strong epoxy resins from chitosan and tung oil that possess proton conduction properties are developed. Firstly, tung oil‐based epoxy monomers and chitosan based chain transfer agent were prepared. Then, a “grafting from” reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was carried out on chitosan using epoxy monomers toward elastic graft copolymer, which combined rigid backbone and flexible side chains in one macromolecule. After being cured with citric acid (catalyst‐free), a biomass‐based epoxy resins with dual network structure can be obtained. The thermal and mechanical properties of these epoxy resins could be tuned through controlling the content of cross‐linkers. Moreover, the chitosan bearing abundant amino groups not only enhanced strength of the epoxy resins, but also endowed them with proton conductivity. Overall, the epoxy resins exhibited high tensile strength and comparable proton conduction, which provides a new paradigm to design green functional materials for potential applications.
Study on self‐healing gel plugging agent based on non‐covalent bonding interaction for drilling fluid
Authors: Qu Yuanzhi , Zhou Xinyu , Ren Han , Yuan YueHui , Zhang Wenchao , Yang Gang , Zhang Xianfa
Published: March 2023

During drilling in deep formations, it is challenging to form an effective plug to avoid borehole collapse under high temperatures and pressures. In order to simultaneously improve the high‐temperature resistance and interparticle interaction capability of traditional plugging agents, a new gel plugging agent (PCAA) with self‐healing capability was developed using chitosan, acrylamide, and acrylic acid. The rheological properties of the PCAA indicate that all monomers of PCAA are essential components to improve the performance of the plugging agent. Each monomer has a unique capability, such as acrylamide playing a dominant role in the construction of the gel network, acrylic acid enhancing the gel structure, and chitosan improving the gel adhesion. PCAA can be stretched to 8.8 times prolonged, and its tensile stresses and self‐healing rate in 16 h are 17.2 kPa and 78.5%, respectively. Under the extreme conditions of 180°C and 8% NaCl, PCAA still performs well in preventing drilling fluid from invading the sand layer due to its self‐healing and plugging effects. In addition, the interaction of PCAA and clay improves the stability, rheological properties, and filtration reduction of drilling fluids at high temperatures. The developed PCAA has been successfully applied to the field with extreme conditions, providing insights into plugging agent design.
A well‐preserved cranium from the Judith River Formation (Montana, USA) reveals the inner ear and neuroanatomy of a Campanian baenid turtle
Authors: Smith Heather F. , Berg Madison , Adrian Brent
Published: March 2023

A cranium belonging to a baenid turtle was recently recovered from the lower half of the Judith River Formation, Montana. Badlands Dinosaur Museum (BDM) 004 is a well‐preserved partial cranium that includes the posterior cranial vault, cranial base, and otic capsules. Based on diagnostic characters, the skull can be attributed to Plesiobaena antiqua, which has been previously reported from the Judith River Formation. It also shares with palatobaenines projecting posterior processes of the tubercula basioccipitale and a prominent condylus occipitalis with a deep central pit, demonstrating variation within the Pl. antiqua hypodigm. In a phylogenetic analysis, an operational taxonomic unit of BDM 004 was positioned within Baenodda in an unresolved polytomy with Pl. antiqua, Edowa zuniensis, Palatobaeninae, and Eubaeninae. Microcomputed tomographic (μCT) scans revealed morphology of the middle and inner ear and endocast that are largely unknown in baenids. Semicircular canals of BDM 004 are virtually identical to those of Eubaena cephalica and consistent in dimensions to those of other turtle taxa, including anterior and posterior semicircular canals that are robust and taller than the common crus and diverge from each other at an angle of approximately 90°. The digital endocast reveals a moderately flexed brain with rounded cerebral hemispheres and minimal separation between the metencephalon and myelencephalon. Its well‐preserved columella auris (stapes) is gracile with a posterodorsally flared basis columella. It arcs across the middle ear and flattens near its terminus. This study adds to the understanding of baenid middle and inner ear and neuroanatomical morphology and expands the morphological understanding of Pl. antiqua.
Label‐free quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of the circadian proteome of Drosophila melanogaster lethal giant larvae mutants reveals potential therapeutic effects of melatonin
Authors: Wong Kar‐Cheng , Jayapalan Jaime J. , Subramanian Perumal , Ismail Mohd Nazri , Abdul‐Rahman Puteri S.
Published: March 2023

Mutation in the Drosophila melanogaster lethal giant larvae (lgl), a tumor suppressor gene with a well‐established role in cellular polarity, is known to results in massive cellular proliferation and neoplastic outgrowths. Although the tumorigenic properties of lgl mutant have been previously studied, however, little is known about its consequences on the proteome. In this study, mass spectrometry‐based label‐free quantitative proteomics was employed to investigate the changes in the head and intestinal tissues proteins of Drosophila melanogaster, due to lgl mutation and following treatment with melatonin. Additionally, to uncover the time‐influenced variations in the proteome during tumorigenesis and melatonin treatment, the rhythmic expression of proteins was also investigated at 6‐h intervals within 24‐h clock. Together, the present study has identified 434 proteins of altered expressions (p < 0.05 and fold change ±1.5) in the tissues of flies in response to lgl mutation as well as posttreatment with melatonin. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed that lgl mutation had significantly affected the biological functions, including metabolism, and protein synthesis and degradation, in flies' tissues. Besides, melatonin had beneficially mitigated the deleterious effects of lgl mutation by reversing the alterations in protein expression closer to baseline levels. Further, changes in protein expression in the tissues due to lgl mutation and melatonin treatment were found rhythmically orchestrated. Together, these findings provide novel insight into the pathways involved in lgl‐induced tumorigenesis as well as demonstrated the efficacy of melatonin as a potential anticancer agent. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD033191.
Archaeology of powerful stones in the Australia‐Pacific region: an Introduction
Authors: Wright Duncan , Clark Geoffrey , Thomas E. Jaydeyn , Wickman Sam Juparulla , Darvill Timothy
Published: March 2023

Over millennia, and right across the globe, people have invested time and energy to create cultural landscapes that revolve around or incorporate powerful stones. Questions about the structured nature, distribution, source, or placement of stones (both within physical and meta‐physical worlds), pose intriguing theoretical and methodological challenges. Emic and etic perspectives may provide additional insights into the complex (often animate) nature of the stone, the purpose of which varied radically between communities. In this special number of Archaeology in Oceania we explore some of the ways in which First Nations and non‐Indigenous archaeologists address these potent features and objects, across widely varying chrono‐cultural contexts in the Australia–Pacific region.
Effects of the individual three‐dimensional printed craniofacial bones with a quick response code on the skull spatial knowledge of undergraduate medical students
Authors: Yang Mao‐Yi , Tseng Hsien‐Chun , Liu Chiung‐Hui , Tsai Shao‐Yu , Chen Jyun‐Hsiung , Chu Yin‐Hung , Li Shao‐Ti , Lee Jian‐Jr , Liao Wen‐Chieh
Published: March 2023

Understanding the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the human skull is imperative for medical courses. However, medical students are overwhelmed by the spatial complexity of the skull. Separated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bone models have advantages as learning tools, but they are fragile and expensive. This study aimed to reconstruct 3D‐printed skull bone models (3D‐PSBs) using polylactic acid (PLA) with anatomical characteristics for spatial recognition of the skull. Student responses to 3D‐PSB application were investigated through a questionnaire and tests to understand the requirement of these models as a learning tool. The students were randomly divided into 3D‐PSB (n = 63) and skull (n = 67) groups to analyze pre‐ and post‐test scores. Their knowledge was improved, with the gain scores of the 3D‐PSB group (50.0 ± 3.0) higher than that of the skull group (37.3 ± 5.2). Most students agreed that using 3D‐PSBs with quick response codes could improve immediate feedback on teaching (88%; 4.41 ± 0.75), while 85.9% of the students agreed that individual 3D‐PSBs clarified the structures hidden within the skull (4.41 ± 0.75). The ball drop test revealed that the mechanical strength of the cement/PLA model was significantly greater than that of the cement or PLA model. The prices of the PVC, cement, and cement/PLA models were 234, 1.9, and 10 times higher than that of the 3D‐PSB model, respectively. These findings imply that low‐cost 3D‐PSB models could revolutionize skull anatomical education by incorporating digital technologies like the QR system into the anatomical teaching repertoire.
Easily readable? Examining the readability of lay summaries published in Autism Research
Authors: Wen Ju , He Sike , Yi Lan
Published: March 2023

Communicating science to the general public could sometimes be problematic partly because the language used in scientific writing was difficult to understand for people outside the scientific community. Against this backdrop, lay summaries were introduced to the research community. Lay summaries are short, non‐technical summaries of scientific articles that are aimed at a lay audience. Despite the increasing attention on the roles that lay summaries play in scientific communication, it remains unclear whether they are comprehensible to the lay audience. To address the foregoing concerns, this study examines the readability of lay summaries published in Autism Research. It was found that lay summaries were more readable than traditional abstracts but were not easy enough to read for the lay audience. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Assessing the social validity of telehealth‐based applied behavior analysis services for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nohelty Karen , Hahs Adam D. , Rodriguez Kristine A. , Rue Hanna , Cameron Michael J. , Dixon Dennis R.
Published: March 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, applied behavior analysis services for many autistic individuals were transitioned to telehealth. The current study assessed caregiver‐reported quality of life (QoL) and social validity for families of autistic children receiving only telehealth services (n = 96) or a combination of telehealth and in‐person services (n = 173). Barriers to the telehealth experience were analyzed via an ANOVA, and the impact of funding source was analyzed using an independent samples t‐test. Caregivers reported benefit across QoL and social validity items, with scores ranging from 3.31 to 4.44 (1 = least benefit, 5 = most benefit). While many caregivers reported no barriers regarding technology (44.61%), childcare (69.52%), and employment (64.68%), the presence of those barriers significantly impacted QoL and social validity scores. Funding source was not found to have a significant impact. Overall, caregivers found value in their child's telehealth services. Clinicians have an obligation to mitigate barriers to ensure the success of the intervention.
Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activity, and molecular docking of novel dicyanodihydrofuran‐based push–pull fluorophores
Authors: Alsaeedi Huda
Published: March 2023

Novel push–pull fluorescent molecules based on dicyanodihydrofuran that had marked molar extinction coefficients were created and described. The fluorophores were synthesized using the Knoevenagel condensation in arid pyridine at room temperature and acetic acid as a catalytic agent. In addition, a condensation reaction was performed for the activated methyl‐containing dicyanodihydrofuran with a 3° amine‐containing aromatic aldehyde. The molecular structures for the synthesized fluorophores were determined using various spectral techniques such as 1H or 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and C, H, N analysis. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and emission spectra of the prepared fluorophores revealed a high extinction coefficient, which was monitored to be affected by the type of the aryl (phenyl and thiophene)–vinyl bridge in conjugation with the 3° amine donor moiety. The substituents bonded to the tertiary amine, aryl, and alkyl groups, were found to affect the maximum absorbance wavelength. In addition, the synthesized dicyanodihydrofuran analogues were investigated to determine their antimicrobial effectiveness. Derivatives 2b, 4a, and 4b showed reasonable activity towards Gram‐positive(+ve) bacteria rather than Gram‐negative(−ve) bacteria relative to an amoxicillin drug reference. In addition, a molecular docking stimulation was performed to explore the binding interactions (PDB code: 1LNZ).
Utilizing programming traces to explore and model the dimensions of novices' code‐writing skill
Authors: Zhang Yingbin , Paquette Luc , Pinto Juan D. , Fan Aysa Xuemo
Published: March 2023

Studies have found that most novice programmers have low proficiency in writing code. However, it is unclear what subskills compose code writing and which subskills novice programmers struggle with. This study utilizes programming traces to identify latent subskills that constitute code writing so that teachers can offer specific instruction on the weak subskills. Data were collected from an undergraduate course teaching introductory computer science in Java. Six hundred and fourteen students made submissions to homework programming questions in a web‐based learning system. Based on the submission traces, we computed 11 features related to correctness and time students spent on their submissions. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis on two‐thirds of students selected randomly and identified four factors. The first factor, code style proficiency, was mainly related to code style errors. The second, syntactic proficiency, concerned compiler errors. The third is semantic proficiency, which concerns runtime and logic errors. The fourth, syntactic debugging proficiency, concerned the success rate and time required for fixing compiler and code style errors. A confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the remaining one‐third of the data supported the four‐factor structure. The factor model showed measurement invariance between the data set where the model was developed and two new datasets, one from the same sample but collected at a different time point and another from a different sample and context (onsite course vs. online course). The factors were related to prior programming abilities, programming language familiarity, and future exam performance. These associations provided validity evidence for the factor model.