bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic Regulation of Protein–Protein Interactions in Artificial Cells
Authors: van Veldhuisen Thijs W. , Altenburg Wiggert J. , Verwiel Madelief A. M. , Lemmens Lenne J. M. , Mason Alexander F. , Merkx Maarten , Brunsveld Luc , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: April 2023

Membraneless organelles are important for spatial organization of proteins and regulation of intracellular processes. Proteins can be recruited to these condensates by specific protein–protein or protein–nucleic acid interactions, which are often regulated by post‐translational modifications. However, the mechanisms behind these dynamic, affinity‐based protein recruitment events are not well understood. Here, a coacervate system that incorporates the 14‐3‐3 scaffold protein to study enzymatically regulated recruitment of 14‐3‐3‐binding proteins is presented, which mostly bind in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner. Synthetic coacervates are efficiently loaded with 14‐3‐3, and phosphorylated binding partners, such as the c‐Raf pS233/pS259 peptide (c‐Raf), show 14‐3‐3‐dependent sequestration with up to 161‐fold increase in local concentration. The c‐Raf domain is fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP‐c‐Raf) to demonstrate recruitment of proteins. In situ phosphorylation of GFP‐c‐Raf by a kinase leads to enzymatically regulated uptake. The introduction of a phosphatase into coacervates preloaded with the phosphorylated 14‐3‐3‐GFP‐c‐Raf complex results in a significant cargo efflux mediated by dephosphorylation. Finally, the general applicability of this platform to study protein–protein interactions is demonstrated by the phosphorylation‐dependent and 14‐3‐3‐mediated active reconstitution of a split‐luciferase inside artificial cells. This work presents an approach to study dynamically regulated protein recruitment in condensates, using native interaction domains.
Thermally Stable and Radiation‐Proof Visible‐Light Photodetectors Made from N‐Doped Diamond
Authors: Sittimart Phongsaphak , Ohmagari Shinya , Umezawa Hitoshi , Kato Hiromitsu , Ishiji Kotaro , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2023

Due to the limits of the physical properties of conventional semiconductors against harsh environments, seeking a suitable material for next‐generation photoconversion devices with high‐temperature stability and strong radiation hardness has become a hot issue. Here, visible‐light photodetectors are fabricated on an N‐doped diamond. Their visible‐light detection via charge‐neutralized impurity levels including multi‐complex mid‐gap states induced crystal defects shows photosensitivity of at least four orders (104), the visible responsivity of 0.08 A W−1, and the detectivity of 3.9 × 1012 Jones. No significant deterioration of such figures of merit of photodetectors is observed even at an environmental temperature of 250 °C and after absorption to 10 MGy in the dose of white X‐ray. N‐doped diamond shows excellent potential to be applicable to visible‐light photodetectors for harsh‐environmental implementations, which conventional visible‐light photodetectors are not capable of so far.
Ultrahigh Raman‐Fluorescence Dual‐Enhancement in Nanogaps of Silver‐Coated Gold Nanopetals
Authors: Bi Xinyuan , Fang Zhening , Deng Binge , Zhou Lei , Ye Jian
Published: April 2023

Raman‐fluorescence dual‐mode enhanced nanoparticles have enormous potential for bioimaging with combined advantages of sensitivity and speed. This is primarily achieved through a trade‐off between fluorescence quenching and electromagnetic (EM) enhancement on the plasmonic metal surface, as demonstrated in previous research. A strategy that can minimize EM‐field attenuation and temporal photobleaching would be highly desirable. In this study, a novel approach using Raman‐fluorescence enhanced dual‐mode nanoparticles with the near‐infrared fluorescence reporter IR780 directly embedded in the ultra‐high EM fields between gold (Au) nanopetals of various morphology and a silver (Ag) coating without a spacer is presented. The results show these nanoparticles to be single‐nanoparticle Raman sensitive and that they can generate a fluorescence enhancement factor as high as 1113 experimentally and 2000 by numerical simulation. The random morphology of the nanopetals supports broadband resonances for both fluorescence excitation and emission, resulting in nanowatt detectability, the dual‐mode photostability of more than 30 min under continuous laser irradiation, and a long shelf life, making them promising for wide applications in bioimaging with ultra‐brightness, low laser power, and long‐duration monitoring. In summary, they represent a novel strategy for high‐performance Raman‐fluorescence enhancement dual‐mode nanotags.
Cancer Cell‐Specific Fluorescent Prodrug Delivery Platforms
Authors: Ma Siyue , Kim Ji Hyeon , Chen Wei , Li Lu , Lee Jieun , Xue Junlian , Liu Yuxia , Chen Guang , Tang Bo , Tao Wei , Kim Jong Seung
Published: April 2023

Targeting cancer cells with high specificity is one of the most essential yet challenging goals of tumor therapy. Because different surface receptors, transporters, and integrins are overexpressed specifically on tumor cells, using these tumor cell‐specific properties to improve drug targeting efficacy holds particular promise. Targeted fluorescent prodrugs not only improve intracellular accumulation and bioavailability but also report their own localization and activation through real‐time changes in fluorescence. In this review, efforts are highlighted to develop innovative targeted fluorescent prodrugs that efficiently accumulate in tumor cells in different organs, including lung cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, glioma, and colorectal cancer. The latest progress and advances in chemical design and synthetic considerations in fluorescence prodrug conjugates and how their therapeutic efficacy and fluorescence can be activated by tumor‐specific stimuli are reviewed. Additionally, novel perspectives are provided on strategies behind engineered nanoparticle platforms self‐assembled from targeted fluorescence prodrugs, and how fluorescence readouts can be used to monitor the position and action of the nanoparticle‐mediated delivery of therapeutic agents in preclinical models. Finally, future opportunities for fluorescent prodrug‐based strategies and solutions to the challenges of accelerating clinical translation for the treatment of organ‐specific tumors are proposed.
Texture Engineering Modulating Electromechanical Breakdown in Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Wang Jian , Shen Zhong‐Hui , Liu Run‐Lin , Shen Yang , Chen Long‐Qing , Liu Han‐Xing , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: April 2023

Understanding the electromechanical breakdown mechanisms of polycrystalline ceramics is critical to texture engineering for high‐energy‐density dielectric ceramics. Here, an electromechanical breakdown model is developed to fundamentally understand the electrostrictive effect on the breakdown behavior of textured ceramics. Taking the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 ceramic as an example, it is found that the breakdown process significantly depends on the local electric/strain energy distributions in polycrystalline ceramics, and reasonable texture design could greatly alleviate electromechanical breakdown. Then, high‐throughput simulations are performed to establish the mapping relationship between the breakdown strength and different intrinsic/extrinsic variables. Finally, machine learning is conducted on the database from the high‐throughput simulations to obtain the mathematical expression for semi‐quantitatively predicting the breakdown strength, based on which some basic principles of texture design are proposed. The present work provides a computational understanding of the electromechanical breakdown behavior in textured ceramics and is expected to stimulate more theoretical and experimental efforts in designing textured ceramics with reliable electromechanical performances.
Lamellar Ionic Liquid Composite Electrolyte for Wide‐Temperature Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Battery
Authors: Zhang Yafang , Huang Jiajia , Liu Huan , Kou Weijie , Dai Yan , Dang Wei , Wu Wenjia , Wang Jingtao , Fu Yongzhu , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: April 2023

Electrolytes that can work over a wide temperature range are crucial forsustainable advanced energy systems. Here, a kind of lamellar ionic liquid composite electrolyte (L‐ILCE) is explored through confining ionic liquids (ILs) in ordered interlayer nanochannels of 2D vermiculite framework. It is demonstrated that, within nanochannels, the finely tuned microstructure can induce the rearrangement and crystallinity of ILs, affording L‐ILCE the combined superiorities of liquid electrolyte and solid‐state electrolyte. L‐ILCE exhibits high ionic conductivities (0.09–1.35 × 10−3 S cm−1 at −40 to 100 °C), whereas polymer and inorganic electrolytes usually lose ionic conduction ability below 0 °C. Additionally, L‐ILCE exhibits high transference number (0.89, comparable with single‐ion conductors) and wide electrochemical window (0–5.3 V). LiFePO4||Li and high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2||Li cells assembled from L‐ILCEs exhibit highly stable electrochemical performance in −20 to 60 °C. Furthermore, pouch cells (0.1 Ah) exhibit high capacity of 93.8 and 45.0 mAh after 50 cycles along with capacity retention of 97% and 98% at 60 and −20 °C, respectively, as well as excellent flexibility and safety. This study offers promise in the rational design of advanced ion conductors for lithium‐based batteries with wider operating temperatures.
A Bayesian approach for analyzing crop yield response data with limited treatments
Authors: Cho Whoi , Lambert Dayton M. , Brorsen B. Wade , Maples Chellie H. , Fornah Alimamy , Raun William R.
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a Bayesian multilevel modeling approach to incorporate response parameters from published studies into crop yield response estimation procedures when nonlimiting or limiting treatment levels are omitted or limited in agronomic experiments. Such circumstances may be encountered when data are from farmer‐led research, which may use nonstandardized experimental designs. The paper's focus is on maize yield response to nitrogen fertilizer, but the procedure is flexible enough to accommodate other factors that could affect crop yield response. A proof‐of‐concept Monte Carlo (MC) exercise supplements an empirical application. The MC simulation investigates the small sample properties of the proposed procedure. The empirical example uses field trial data for a maize planter experiment under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates. The planter trial compared mechanical planting methods to methods used in developing countries with limited access to mechanized planter technology. Some experiments had no check plots and all experiments lacked nonlimiting fertilizer rates. Linear and quadratic response functions with plateaus are used in the MC simulation and empirical application. MC results suggest that estimates were closest to true parameter values when priors for optimal N rates from published sources were used.
Liquid Metal Smart Materials toward Soft Robotics
Authors: Chen Sen , Wang Hong-Zhang , Liu Tian-Ying , Liu Jing
Published: April 2023

Unlike conventional rigid machines, soft robots generally have unique operation styles that rely heavily on soft matter engineering and smart material systems. Owing to the superior merits of both metals and fluids, liquid metal smart materials are increasingly being innovatively used as soft actuators and sensors to construct soft robots. To promote further development and prosperity in this field, this review organizes and summarizes the typical progress in liquid metal smart materials, with a special focus on their robotic response behaviors. In particular, the article emphasizes the concept of smart composite systems consisting of liquid metals and synergistic substances (e.g., solutions, particles, and polymers). The response behaviors of liquid metal smart materials under the actions of external factors (electricity, magnetism, ultrasound, light, heat, etc.) are examined and the smart properties occurring during these responses, such as motion, transformation, self‐organization, adaptive healing, and autonomous sensing, are identified. Furthermore, soft actuators, control systems, and robots based on liquid metal smart materials are summarized and elaborated upon. Finally, the potential directions worth pursuing and challenges are outlined. It is expected that this review will stimulate further investigations into liquid metal smart materials with the aim of building a new generation of soft robots.
Meta‐Module Mutual Assistance: A Bioinspired Design for Self‐Assembly of Modular Space Robot
Authors: Zhao Ning , Gao Liang , Yang Zhiyuan , Qi Jian , Han Kai , Sui Xin , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe
Published: April 2023

The theoretical capability of modular robots to organize the overall robot into different structures with different functions has broad prospects in space exploration. Therefore, a novel modular space robot named Space Module is developed, and a self‐assembly strategy inspired by biological cooperative and mutual assistance behaviors is proposed. First, the meta‐module method is utilized to endow nonmobile modules with the mobility. Second, the mutual assistance is presented to achieve position and posture reachability of the assembly unit while minimizing the effect of meta‐modules on granularity. Then, according to the unique motion characteristics of the meta‐module and mutual assistance, an assembly planner is designed to obtain the assembly sequences to realize the self‐manufacturing of desired configurations. Finally, the validity and feasibility of the proposed assembly strategy are further confirmed by demonstrations. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found here:https://doi.org/10.22541/au.167264888.81237462/v1.
Healthy home food environments of pregnant Black women are shaped by food outlet access and participation in nutrition assistance programs
Authors: Nicholas Khristopher M. , Thompson Amanda L. , Wasser Heather M. , Bentley Margaret E.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Improving access to healthy food in Black communities is imperative to combat intergenerational health disparities. Pregnant Black women represent an especially vulnerable population to multiple (and overlapping) sources of socioeconomic and political disenfranchisement and thus for whom maternal nutrition is crucial. This study aimed to (1) define household food environment types, (2) determine whether the distribution of community food outlets is associated with these household food environment types, and (3) determine whether the community‐household food environment relationship differs by maternal education or participation in nutrition assistance programs.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data for pregnant Black women in North Carolina (n = 429) come from the Mothers & Others study, an obesity‐prevention randomized control trial, with linked spatial data on all community food outlets (n = 6312) in the study area in 2015. Factor analysis was used to define household food environment types. These factor scores were regressed on access metrics to community food outlets. Adjusted linear regressions tested interaction by maternal education and nutrition assistance programs.

Results

Four household food environment types were defined: Factor 1 (fresh fruits and vegetables (F/V), low snack), Factor 2 (canned F/V, sweet drinks), Factor 3 (dried/frozen F/V, candy), and Factor 4 (low F/V, soda). Having more convenience stores within 0.25 miles was associated with higher Factor 4 scores. No food outlets were associated with higher Factor 1 scores overall. However, SNAP or WIC participating households saw higher Factor 1 scores with increased access to supermarkets, convenience stores, and dollar stores.

Conclusions

Nutrition assistance programs play an important role as buffers against unhealthy community food environments which influence household food environments and maternal nutrition.
High‐fat diet and oral infection induced type 2 diabetes and obesity development under different genetic backgrounds
Authors: Lone Iqbal M. , Nun Nadav Ben , Ghnaim Aya , Schaefer Arne S. , Houri‐Haddad Yael , Iraqi Fuad A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an adult‐onset and obese form of diabetes caused by an interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental components. Here, we have assessed a cohort of 11 genetically different collaborative cross (CC) mouse lines comprised of both sexes for T2D and obesity developments in response to oral infection and high‐fat diet (HFD) challenges.

Methods

Mice were fed with either the HFD or the standard chow diet (control group) for 12 weeks starting at the age of 8 weeks. At week 5 of the experiment, half of the mice of each diet group were infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria strains. Throughout the 12‐week experimental period, body weight (BW) was recorded biweekly, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests were performed at weeks 6 and 12 of the experiment to evaluate the glucose tolerance status of mice.

Results

Statistical analysis has shown the significance of phenotypic variations between the CC lines, which have different genetic backgrounds and sex effects in different experimental groups. The heritability of the studied phenotypes was estimated and ranged between 0.45 and 0.85. We applied machine learning methods to make an early call for T2D and its prognosis. The results showed that classification with random forest could reach the highest accuracy classification (ACC = 0.91) when all the attributes were used.

Conclusion

Using sex, diet, infection status, initial BW, and area under the curve (AUC) at week 6, we could classify the final phenotypes/outcomes at the end stage of the experiment (at 12 weeks).
Molecule Saturation Boosts Acetylene Semihydrogenation Activity and Selectivity on a Core‐Shell Ruthenium@Palladium Catalyst
Authors: Zhu Chuwei , Xu Wenlong , Liu Fang , Luo Jie , Lu Junling , Li Wei‐Xue
Published: April 2023

Increasing selectivity without the expense of activity is desired but challenging in heterogeneous catalysis. By revealing the molecule saturation and adsorption sensitivity on overlayer thickness, strain, and coordination of Pd‐based catalysts from first‐principles calculations, we designed a stable Pd monolayer (ML) catalyst on a Ru terrace to boost both activity and selectivity of acetylene semihydrogenation. The least saturated molecule is most sensitive to the change in catalyst electronic and geometric properties. By simultaneously compressing the Pd ML and exposing the high coordination sites, the adsorption of more saturated ethylene is considerably weakened to facilitate the desorption for high selectivity. The even stronger weakening to the least saturated acetylene drives its hydrogenation such that it is more exothermic, thereby boosting the activity. Tailoring the molecule saturation and its sensitivity to structure and composition provides a tool for rational design of efficient catalysts.
Modulation of Uptake and Reactivity of Nitrogen Dioxide in Metal‐Organic Framework Materials
Authors: Wang Zi , Sheveleva Alena M. , Lee Daniel , Chen Yinlin , Iuga Dinu , Franks W. Trent , Ma Yujie , Li Jiangnan , Li Lei , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Days Sarah J. , Ramirez‐Cuesta Anibal J. , Han Bing , Eggeman Alexander S. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Tuna Floriana , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: April 2023

We report the modulation of reactivity of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in a charged metal–organic framework (MOF) material, MFM‐305‐CH3 in which unbound N‐centres are methylated and the cationic charge counter‐balanced by Cl− ions in the pores. Uptake of NO2 into MFM‐305‐CH3 leads to reaction between NO2 and Cl− to give nitrosyl chloride (NOCl) and NO3− anions. A high dynamic uptake of 6.58 mmol g−1 at 298 K is observed for MFM‐305‐CH3 as measured using a flow of 500 ppm NO2 in He. In contrast, the analogous neutral material, MFM‐305, shows a much lower uptake of 2.38 mmol g−1. The binding domains and reactivity of adsorbed NO2 molecules within MFM‐305‐CH3 and MFM‐305 have been probed using in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering and by electron paramagnetic resonance, high‐field solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and UV/Vis spectroscopies. The design of charged porous sorbents provides a new platform to control the reactivity of corrosive air pollutants.
Reconstruction of Metal Ions Extracted from Coal Gangue to Synthesize Cost‐effective Adsorbent for Highly Efficient Removal of Pollutants
Authors: Zhao Wen‐ting , Zhang Huan , Feng Ke , Wang Tian‐yang , Han Lei , Xing Hai‐feng , Huang Fei , Wang Wen‐bo
Published: April 2023

An emerging “one stone, three birds” strategy was proposed to realize the value‐added disposal of solid waste coal gangue (CG), the synthesis of superb adsorbent and the efficient decontamination of pollutants (i. e., dyes, heavy metals). In this process, the metal ions extrated from calcined coal gangue (CCG) was reconstituted by a one‐step hydrothermal process to yield porous polymetallic silicate adsorbent (named HECCGA8h). The adsorbent has a high adsorption capacity of 270.27 and 185.53 mg/g for methylene blue (MB) and Cd(II), respectively. In the actual waters, the removal rate of MB by this adsorbent reaches 99.8% (in Yangtze River water) and 99.42% (in Seawater), and the removal rate of Cd(II) reaches 99.11% (in Yangtze River water) and 92.52% (in Seawater), respectively. Thermokinetic analysis showed that the adsorption of MB by HECCGA8h is spontaneous and endothermic with increased entropy, and the adsorption of Cd(II) is spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption of MB is mainly driven by synergism of hydrogen bond, electrostatic attraction and ion exchange, and the adsorption of Cd(II) is mainly driven by the complexation and ion exchange between the surface group of the adsorbent and Cd(II). This research provides a new way for the realization of “treating waste with waste”.
Neudefinition und Messung der Grenzschichtdicke an einer angeströmten Fläche – Ermittlung thermodynamischer und aerodynamischer Größen hieraus
Authors: Mayer Erhard , Norrefeldt Victor
Published: April 2023

In dieser Publikation werden die theoretische Grundlage sowie eine Messeinrichtung beschrieben, um den konvektiven Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten sowie die Scherspannung an einer angeströmten Wand zu messen. Hierzu misst das Convective Heattransfer Meter (CHM) den Temperaturabfall innerhalb der Strömungsgrenzschicht.

Für exponentiell ablaufende zeitliche Prozesse ist die Zeitkonstante τ definiert als diejenige Zeitspanne, nach welcher eine Größe A(t) auf das 1/e‐fache des Ursprungswerts abgefallen ist, mit der Euler‐Zahl e = 2,718… Analog hierzu wird in diesem Beitrag für räumliche Prozesse mit exponentieller Annäherung anstelle der Zeitkonstanten τ die Grenzschichtdicke d vorgeschlagen. Ein solcher Prozess liegt im viskosen Grenzschichtbereich einer angeströmten Wand vor. Dabei erfährt die parallel zur Wandoberfläche verlaufende Strömung U(y) aufgrund der Viskosität der Luft und der Reibung der Wandoberfläche eine Abbremsung bis hin zur Haftbedingung an der Wandoberfläche. Die neu definierte Grenzschichtdicke d ist jener Abstand von der Wand y = d, für den gilt, dass die lokale Strömungsgeschwindigkeit U(y=d) auf das (1–e–1)‐fache der makroskopischen Strömungsgeschwindigkeit U(y=∞) angestiegen ist.

Im Unterschied zur oft verwendeten Grenzschichtdicke δ, für die die Schwelle definitionsgemäß bei 99 % von U(y=∞) liegt, bietet die Neudefinition der Grenzschichtdicke d Vorteile hinsichtlich deren Messbarkeit sowie der Ermittlung der konvektiven Wärmeübertragung und der Ermittlung der Scherspannung an angeströmten Körpern.
The influence of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and stress reduction) on prostate cancer tumour biology and patient outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Dovey Zach , Horowitz Amir , Waingankar Nikhil
Published: April 2023

Background

The mostly indolent natural history of prostate cancer (PCa) provides an opportunity for men to explore the benefits of lifestyle interventions. Current evidence suggests appropriate changes in lifestyle including diet, physical activity (PA) and stress reduction with or without dietary supplements may improve both disease outcomes and patient's mental health.

Objective

This article aims to review the current evidence on the benefits of all lifestyle programmes for PCa patients including those aimed at reducing obesity and stress, explore their affect on tumour biology and highlight any biomarkers that have clinical utility.

Evidence acquisition

Evidence was obtained from PubMed and Web of Science using keywords for each section on the affects of lifestyle interventions on (a) mental health, (b) disease outcomes and (c) biomarkers in PCa patients. PRISMA guidelines were used to gather the evidence for these three sections (15, 44 and 16 publications, respectively).

Evidence synthesis

For lifestyle studies focused on mental health, 10/15 demonstrated a positive influence, although for those programmes focused on PA it was 7/8. Similarly for oncological outcomes, 26/44 studies demonstrated a positive influence, although when PA was included or the primary focus, it was 11/13. Complete blood count (CBC)‐derived inflammatory biomarkers show promise, as do inflammatory cytokines; however, a deeper understanding of their molecular biology in relation to PCa oncogenesis is required (16 studies reviewed).

Conclusions

Making PCa‐specific recommendations on lifestyle interventions is difficult on the current evidence. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the heterogeneity of patient populations and interventions, the evidence that dietary changes and PA may improve both mental health and oncological outcomes is compelling, especially for moderate to vigorous PA. The results for dietary supplements are inconsistent, and although some biomarkers show promise, significantly more research is required before they have clinical utility.
A tale of two genomes: What drives mitonuclear discordance in asexual lineages of a freshwater snail?
Authors: Neiman Maurine , Sharbrough Joel
Published: April 2023

We use genomic information to tell us stories of evolutionary origins. But what does it mean when different genomes report wildly different accounts of lineage history? This genomic “discordance” can be a consequence of a fascinating suite of natural history and evolutionary phenomena, from the different inheritance mechanisms of nuclear versus cytoplasmic (mitochondrial and plastid) genomes to hybridization and introgression to horizontal transfer. Here, we explore how we can use these distinct genomic stories to provide new insights into the maintenance of sexual reproduction, one of the most important unanswered questions in biology. We focus on the strikingly distinct nuclear versus mitochondrial versions of the story surrounding the origin and maintenance of asexual lineages in Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a New Zealand freshwater snail. While key questions remain unresolved, these data inspire multiple testable hypotheses that can be powerfully applied across a broad range of taxa toward a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of mitonuclear discordance, the maintenance of sex, and the origin of new asexual lineages.
A closed, autologous bioprocess optimized for TCR‐T cell therapies
Authors: Liu Yijun , Zah Eugenia , Arbelaez Carlos , Kim Haejin , Gros Edwige , Buck Ranelle , Cox Kayley , Kim Sungeun , Kopp Martina , Henckels Kathryn , Stevens Jennitte
Published: April 2023

Autologous cell therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for hematological malignancies. Cell therapies for solid tumors are on the horizon, however the high cost and complexity of manufacturing these therapies remain a challenge. Routinely used open steps to transfer cells and reagents through unit operations further burden the workflow reducing efficiency and increasing the chance for human error. Here we describe a fully closed, autologous bioprocess generating engineered TCR‐T cells. This bioprocess yielded 5–12 × 10e9 TCR‐expressing T cells, transduced at low multiplicity of infections, within 7–10 days, and cells exhibited an enriched memory T‐cell phenotype and enhanced metabolic fitness. It was demonstrated that activating, transducing, and expanding leukapheresed cells in a bioreactor without any T‐cell or peripheral blood mononuclear cell enrichment steps had a high level of T‐cell purity (~97%). Several critical process parameters of the bioreactor, including culturing at a high cell density (7e6 cells/mL), adjusting rocking agitations during phases of scale‐up, lowering glycolysis through the addition of 2‐deoxy‐
d‐glucose, and modulating interleukin‐2 levels, were investigated on their roles in regulating transduction efficiency, cell growth, and T‐cell fitness such as T‐cell memory phenotype and resistance to activation‐induced cell death. The bioprocess described herein supports scale‐out feasibility by enabling the processing of multiple patients' batches in parallel within a Grade C cleanroom.
Cycling performance of silicon‐carbon composite anodes enhanced through phosphate surface treatment
Authors: Gobena Hana T. , Lai Samson Y. , Koposov Alexey Y. , Maehlen Jan P. , Ghamouss Fouad , Lemordant Daniel
Published: April 2023

Silicon (Si)‐based anodes have long been viewed as the next promising solution to improve the performance of modern lithium‐ion batteries. However, the poor cycling stability of Si‐based anodes impedes their application and calls for solutions for further improvements. In the present work, the incorporation of phosphate groups on the surface of an amorphous Si‐carbon composite (a‐Si/C) has been achieved by a hydrothermal reaction using phosphoric acid and sodium dihydrogen phosphate at pH = 2. Different levels of the surface P‐doping have been realized using reaction times (2, 4, and 8 h) at two different phosphate concentrations. The presence of phosphate groups on the particle's surface has been confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The cycling stability of the P‐treated a‐Si/C composites has been significantly improved when using lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide as a salt in ether‐based solvents mixture compared to a conventional electrolyte for Si‐based anodes (LiPF6 in carbonate‐based solvents). Coulombic efficiencies as high as 99% have been reached after five charge/discharge cycles for almost all phosphate‐treated materials. The 4 h P‐treated a‐Si/C composite electrode exhibits the best reversible capacity of 1598 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles demonstrated in half‐cells using an ether‐based electrolyte.
Study on the Adsorption of Cr3+ by Peanut Shell: Adsorption Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Isotherm Properties
Authors: Li Xiao‐Dong , Zhai Qing‐Zhou
Published: April 2023

The pollution of heavy metals in soil to the environment is becoming more and more serious, resulting in the reduction of crop production and the occurrence of medical accidents. In order to remove heavy metal ions from soil and reduce the harm of heavy metals to the environment, modified peanut shell was used to adsorb Cr3+ in this article. The effects of different adsorption conditions on the adsorption rate and adsorption capacity of Cr3+ on ZnCl2 modified peanut shell were studied, the best adsorption conditions were explored, and the relationship of kinetics, thermodynamics and adsorption isotherm properties of adsorption process were explored. The results showed that the optimum adsorption pH value, dosage, initial concentration, adsorption temperature and contact time of ZnCl2 modified peanut shell were 2.5, 2.5 g/L, 75 μg/mL, 25 °C and 40 min, respectively. The prepared materials were characterized and analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer. It was concluded that the modified peanut shell had a good adsorption capacity to Cr3+. The kinetic study showed that the adsorption process of Cr3+ on peanut shell modified by zinc chloride was in accordance with the quasi‐second‐order kinetic model. The adsorption process belonged to exothermic reaction and belonged to spontaneous reaction process. In summary, it is proved that zinc chloride modified peanut shell can efficiently adsorb Cr3+, which can be used for the treatment of heavy metal wastes in industry, which is beneficial to environmental protection and avoid heavy metal pollution.
Contributions of Chemical Content and Biological Activity to Plant Taxonomy Based on the FourAlliumL. Taxa (Sect.Cupanioscordum‐ Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Ekşi Bona Gülnur , Akalın Çiftçi Gülşen , Demirci Betül , Münevver Pınar Nur , Acar Şahin Aydan , Koçyiğit Mine , Bona Mehmet , Mine Gençler Özkan Ayşe
Published: April 2023

Garlic and onions are used as food and for medicinal purposes worldwide.AlliumL. species are rich in bioactive organosulphur compounds that exhibit many biological activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic activities. In this study, macro‐ and micromorphological characteristics of fourAlliumtaxa were examined and the results suggested thatA. callimischonsubsp.haemostictumwas the outgroup to sect.Cupanioscordum. Also, for the genusAllium, which is a taxonomically difficult genus, the hypothesis that chemical content and bioactivity can also be used taxonomically in addition to micro and macromorphological characters has been questioned. The bulb extract was analyzed to determine their volatile compositions and anticancer activities against human breast cancer, human cervical cancer, and rat glioma cells for the first time in the literature. To detect the volatiles, the Head Space‐Solid Phase Micro Extraction method was used followed by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry. The main compounds were found as dimethyl disulfide that (36.9 %, 63.8 %, 81.9 %, 12.2 %) and methyl (methylthio)‐methyl disulfide (10.8 %, 6.9 %, 14.9 %, 60.0 %) forA. peroninianum,A. hirtovaginatumandA. callidyction, respectively. Additionally, methyl‐trans‐propenyl disulfide is detected forA. peroniniaum(36 %). As a result, all extracts have shown significant efficacy against MCF‐7 cells depending on applied concentrations. The treatment of MCF‐7 cells for 24 h with 10, 50, 200, or 400 μg/mL ethanolic bulb extract of fourAlliumspecies resulted in DNA synthesis inhibition. Survival rates forA. peroninianumwas 51.3 %, 49.7 %, 42.2 %, 42.0 %, forA. callimischonsubsp. haemostictum62.5 %, 63.0 %, 23.2 %, 22 %, forA. hirtovaginatum52.9 %, 42.2 %, 42.4 %, 39.9 %, forA. callidyction51.8 %, 43.2 %, 39.1 %, 31.3 %, for cisplatin 59.6 %, 59.9 %, 50,9 %, 48.2 %, respectively. Moreover, taxonomic evaluation according to biochemical compounds and bioactivities is almost in agreement with that made according to micro and macromorphological characters.
Mechanism of the Anti‐Influenza Functions of Guizhi Granules Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and in Vitro Experiments
Authors: Ling Wei , Li Xiang , Liu Xiaoyu , Wu Qian , Wang Weilong , Meng Jin , Sun Baochang , Lv Binbin
Published: April 2023

Guizhi granules mainly treat colds and improve overall health. They are widely used in clinical practice, but their protective effect and anti‐inflammatory mechanism against influenza are unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effect of Guizhi granules on influenza was verified in vitro. The active compounds, targets, and cellular pathways of Guizhi granules against influenza were predicted using network pharmacology. The protein‐protein interaction and component‐target networks identified 5 core targets (JUN, TNF‐α, RELA, AKT1, and MAPK1) and components (dihydrocapsaicin, kumatakenin, calycosin, licochalcone A, and berberine). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed the anti‐influenza pathways of Guizhi granules as antiviral and anti‐inflammatory pathways. Molecular docking further verified that the core targets and components have good or strong binding activity. Therefore, the active ingredients, targets, and molecular mechanisms of Guizhi granules involved in influenza treatment were elucidated.
DFT Mechanistic Investigation on Manganese Pincer Complex Catalysed Cross‐Coupling of Methanol with Benzyl Alcohol to Afford Methyl Benzoate
Authors: Ali Qaim , Li Zhewei , Zhang Lin , Luo Chenguang , Pu Min , Lei Ming
Published: April 2023

In this paper the density functional theory (DFT) method was employed to investigate the cross‐coupling of methanol with benzyl alcohol to afford methyl benzoate, catalysed by Mn‐PNN pincer complex. The whole reaction process mainly includes three stages: the dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, the coupling of benzaldehyde with methanol to hemiacetal and the dehydrogenation of hemiacetal to methyl benzoate. The calculated results indicated that two dehydrogenation processes are influenced by two competitive mechanisms of inner and outer spheres. Dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde is the rate‐determining step of the whole reaction, with the energy barrier of 22.1 kcal/mol. In addition, the regeneration of catalyst is also extremely important. Compared with direct dehydrogenation, the dehydrogenation mode assisted by formic acid is more advantageous. This work might provide theoretical insights and shed light on the design of cheap transition‐metal catalysts for the dehydrogenation reaction.
Catalytic Cracking of Polylactic Acid to Acrylic Acid
Authors: Jiao Yuchen , Wang Meng , Ma Ding
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

As a typical type of sustainable plastic, polyesters can be recycled or upcycled into value‐added chemicals in a variety of methods. However, excess reagents are required for most of the depolymerization and upcycling processes, causing the emission of environmental pollutants and the waste of chemical resources. Here we demonstrate a one‐pot catalytic process to directly crack polylactic acid into acrylic acid by acid catalyst with the assistance of an ionic liquid, Bu4PBr. Polylactic acid is attacked by the Br– from Bu4PBr and the H+ from acid to form oligomers containing Br or acryloyl group, and these oligomers serve as intermediates to produce acrylic acid during their mutual transformation. The acrylic acid is vaporized directly from the reactor and obtained in a collector with a selectivity around 90 % when polylactic acid is fully converted. This green process shows great advantages in atom economy compared to the conventional recycling/upcycling methods for polyesters, in addition, a better efficiency in converting the polymer than the corresponding monomer could inspire new upcycle strategies for different plastic wastes.
Green Oxidation of Isochromans to Isochromanones with Molecular Oxygen Catalyzed by a Tetranuclear Vanadium Cluster
Authors: Huang Huixin , Chen Baokuan , Fu Yiru , Sun Jing , Bi Yanfeng , Zhou Ming‐Dong
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Isochromanone is the core structure of many bioactive compounds. Direct oxidation of isochromans is one of leading methods for the construction of isochromanones, while most established processes remain suffering from the use of environmentally unfriendly metal oxidants, harsh reaction conditions, and the difficulty in catalyst recycling and product separation. Herein, we report a convenient, cost‐effective, and green method for the synthesis of high‐value added isochromanones via isochroman oxidations with O2 by a novel heterogeneous vanadium cluster catalyst (Cat.1) under mild conditions. This reaction protocol demonstrates high catalytic activity with good catalyst recyclability and reusability for a wide scope of substrates.
ECG‐based cardiodynamicsgram can reflect anomalous functional information in coronary artery disease
Authors: Wang Ying , Sun Jiaxin , Sun Kui , Li Lin , Yu XinXin , Wang Cong , Gu Hui , Sun Qinghua , Wang Ximing
Published: April 2023

Background

The cardiodynamicsgram (CDG), a novel noninvasive method, extracts dynamic ST‐T segment information from an electrocardiogram (ECG) through deterministic learning.

Hypothesis

The CDG can reflect anomalous functional information in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 456 patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from January 2020 to 2022, followed immediately by standard 12‐lead ECG acquisition. Positivity for CAD were defined as CCTA ≥ 50% or CT‐derived fractional flow reserve (CT‐FFR) ≤ 0.8. A CDG value <0 was considered negative; otherwise, it was considered positive. We also evaluated the diagnostic performance of the CDG in the ECG‐diagnosis‐negative subgroup and in patients who had undergone invasive coronary angiography (ICA) after CCTA.

Results

Of 362 patients, 168 (46.41%) were positive for CAD, and 178 (49.17%) were men. The median age was 59 (52−66) years. The accuracy of the CDG in the diagnosis of CAD was 79.56%, with a sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 75.60%, 82.99%, and 0.836 (95% CI: 0.794−0.878), respectively. Similarly, in the ECG‐diagnosis–negative subgroup (n = 223), the accuracy of the CDG was 80.27%, with an AUC of 0.842 (95% CI: 0.790−0.895). Among the 11 patients with CAD confirmed by ICA, 10 were diagnosed positive by the CDG. Furthermore, the CDG values and CT‐FFR were correlated (r = −.395; p < .001).

Conclusions

The ECG‐based CDG has relatively high specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of CAD and reflects functional cardiac information to some extent. It has the potential to be used as a screening tool for suspected CAD patients before CCTA.
Booster Adhesion of Crystalline Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Binder by Heat Treatment for Ni‐rich Layered Oxide Cathode in Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Jineun , Lee Suhyun , Jeong Seonghun , Hong Meihua , Ho Van‐Chuong , Park Yeong Don , Kim Ki Jae , Mun Junyoung
Published: April 2023

High energy density of lithium‐ion batteries is crucial for highly efficient battery systems. Ni‐rich layered oxide cathode materials with a high specific capacity have garnered considerable interest. Ni‐rich cathode materials exhibit rather large volume fluctuations during charging and discharging, unlike traditional cathode materials. This study investigated the electrochemical performance of a Ni‐rich cathode with a focus on controlling binder adhesion of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), which is the most feasible cathode binder for battery manufacturing, to mitigate the failure mode of volume changes. A simple heat treatment of 200 °C over melting point is effective to enhance binding force by altering nanoscale alignment of PVDF. The study evaluates the electrochemical properties of the Ni‐rich cathode with different levels of binder adhesion to determine the optimal binder conditions for high performance.
Overview of Genotyping Technologies and Methods
Authors: Kockum Ingrid , Huang Jesse , Stridh Pernilla
Published: April 2023

Genetics is a cornerstone of molecular biology, and there have been significant developments in genotyping technologies during the last decades. Genotyping can be used for a wide range of applications, such as genealogy, assessing risks and causes for common diseases and health conditions, animal and human research, and forensic investigations. So how do you perform a genetic study? This overview covers key concepts in genetics, the development of common genotyping methods, and a comparison of several techniques, including PCR, microarrays, and sequencing. A general process of the steps involved in genotyping, from DNA preparation to quality control, is described with relevant protocols referenced. Different types of DNA variants are illustrated, including mutations, SNP, insertions, deletions, microsatellites, and copy number variations, with examples of their involvement in disease. We discuss the utilities of genotyping, such as medical genetics, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), and forensic science. We also provide tips for quality control, analysis, and results interpretation to help the reader design and perform a genetic study or scrutinize such studies from the literature. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An in vitro study evaluating the efficacy of a novel mount with torque control designed to tighten Osstell® transducers
Authors: Naughton David , Donnelly‐Swift Erica , Polyzois Ioannis
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel mount with torque control for tightening of Osstell® transducers and to determine the reliability of recorded ISQ measurements from implants placed in various bone densities.

Material and Methods

Fifty‐six implants, comprising seven different implant types, were placed in eight polyurethane blocks representing D1, D2, D3, and D4 bone densities. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) transducers were attached to each implant in four different ways: (a) hand tightening, (b) hand tightening with a SmartPeg Mount™, (c) hand tightening using the novel mount with torque control (SafeMount) and (d) tightening to 6 Ncm with a calibrated torque device. ISQ measurements were taken and a second operator repeated the measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the reliability of the measurements and linear mixed effects regression was employed to determine the effect explanatory variables had on ISQ values.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in ISQ values obtained by hand tightening transducers compared to the calibrated torque device p < .001, 95%(−2.89, −1.21) but not between any other tightening methods. There was excellent agreement between the two RFA devices (ICC 0.986) and between buccal and mesial measurements (ICC 0.977). For all transducer tightening methods there was excellent inter‐operator agreement in D1 and D2 (ICC > 0.8) but very poor agreement in D4 (ICC < 0.24). Bone density accounted for 36% of the variation in ISQ values, the implant for 11% and the operator for 6%.

Conclusions

SafeMount, did not significantly improve the reliability of the RFA measurements when compared to the standard mount, but calibrated torque devices seem to have benefits when compared to tightening the transducers by hand. Results also indicate that the ISQ values should be interpreted with caution when measuring implant stability in poor quality bone regardless of the implant geometry.
Metal−Organic Precursors for Transition‐Metal‐Doped Ni2P via Pyrolysis for Efficient Overall Water Splitting and Supercapacitance
Authors: Sibiya Syabonga G. , Ayom Gwaza E. , Khan Malik D. , Choi Jonghyun , Bhoyate Sanket , Gupta Ram K. , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of solvent‐less bare‐surface nickel phosphides is desired, considering their superior electrocatalytic properties and straightforward synthetic protocols compared to their analogues prepared from colloidal routes. Herein, we report the synthesis of [Ni{S2P(OH)(4‐CH3OC6H4)}2] (1), [Fe{S2P(OH)(4‐CH3OC6H4)}3] (2) and [Co{S2P(OC4H9)(4‐CH3OC6H4)}3] (3) and their utilization to form Ni2P, Fe‐Ni2P and Co‐Ni2P in a solvent‐less pyrolysis method. This solvent‐free protocol involved the decomposition of complex (1) and the composites of complex (1) with (2) or (3) in the presence of triphenylphosphine (TPP) at 400 °C for one hour. The solvent‐less decomposition of complex (1) without TPP formed nickel sulfide. A plausible explanation for this rare fabrication of pristine and doped Ni2P in the absence of any solvent is suggested. All the transition metal doped phosphides improved the HER performance of pristine Ni2P, with the 5 % Fe doped Ni2P having the best performance, requiring 137 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm2. Similarly, the OER performance of un‐doped Ni2P was improved by all the doped Ni2P catalysts, where 10 % Fe‐doped Ni2P showed the best performance requiring 326 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm2. Transition metal doping was also shown to improve the reaction kinetics, stability and durability of the solvent‐free prepared Ni2P.