bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: The Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 Retains Invariant NK T Cells in the Thymus
Authors: Drennan Michael B. , Franki Ann-Sophie , Dewint Pieter , Van Beneden Katrien , Seeuws Sylvie , van de Pavert Serge A. , Reilly Emma C. , Verbruggen Gust , Lane Thomas E. , Mebius Reina E. , Deforce Dieter , Elewaut Dirk
Published: July 2009

The current model used to define T cell export from the thymus suggests that emigrating lymphocytes seed the peripheral organs as functionally mature cells. This model holds true for the majority of T cells exported from the thymus with the exception of invariant NK T (iNKT) cells. iNKT cells undergo lineage expansion after positive selection and acquire NK receptor expression once fully mature; yet, the majority of mature iNKT cells are retained in the thymus by an as of yet unidentified mechanism. In this study we demonstrate that mature iNKT cells are retained in the thymus by the chemokine receptor CXCR3. We propose that the expression of CXCR3 ligands in the thymic medullary epithelium promotes the chemotactic retention of mature iNKT thymocytes and prevents leakage of iNKT cells into the peripheral circulation.
Rare Development of Foxp3+ Thymocytes in the CD4+CD8+ Subset
Authors: Lee Hyang Mi , Hsieh Chyi-Song
Published: July 2009

The CD4+CD8+ (double positive, DP) stage of thymic development is thought to be the earliest period that generates natural Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells important for the prevention of autoimmunity. However, we found that most Foxp3+ DP cells identified by routine flow cytometry represent doublets comprised of Foxp3− DP and Foxp3+ CD4+CD8− (CD4SP) cells. This was determined using analysis of flow cytometric height and width parameters, postsort contaminants, and thymocyte mixing studies. Temporal analysis of Treg cell development arising from bone marrow precursors in neonatal bone marrow chimeras suggested that Foxp3+ DP cells are not a major percentage of Foxp3+ thymocytes, and it supported the notion that most Treg cell development occurred at the immature HSAhigh CD4SP stage. Thus, these data demonstrate that the frequency of Foxp3+ cells generated at the DP stage is much smaller than previously recognized, suggesting that additional thymocyte maturation may be required to facilitate efficient induction of Foxp3.
Evaluation of BACE1 Silencing in Cellular Models
Authors: Sierant Malgorzata , Kubiak Katarzyna , Kazmierczak-Baranska Julia , Warashina Masaki , Kuwabara Tomoko , Nawrot Barbara
Published: July 2009

Beta-secretase (BACE1) is the major enzyme participating in generation of toxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, identified in amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Its downregulation results in decreasing secretion of Aβ. Thus, BACE1 silencing by RNAi represents possible strategy for antiamyloid therapy in the treatment of AD. In this study, a series of newly designed sequences of synthetic and vector-encoded siRNAs (pSilencer, pcPURhU6, and lentivirus) were tested against overexpressed and endogenous BACE1 in several cell lines and in adult neural progenitor cells, derived from rat hippocampus. SiRNAs active in human, mouse, and rat cell models were shown to diminish the level of BACE1. In HCN A94 cells, two BACE1-specific siRNAs did not alter the expression of genes of BACE2 and several selected genes involved in neurogenesis (Synapsin I,βIII-Tubulin, Calbidin, NeuroD1, GluR2, CREB, MeCP2, PKR), however, remarkable lowering of SCG10 mRNA, coding protein of stathmin family, important in the development of nervous system, was observed.
False Health Claims Abound, but Physicians Are Still the Most Trusted Source for Health Information
Authors: Suran Melissa , Bucher Karen
Published: April 2024

This Medical News article discusses a KFF poll about the public’s exposure to and beliefs about inaccurate health information, as well as media use and trust in sources.
Researchers See Hope in Symptom-Guided Exercise for Long COVID With Postexertional Malaise
Authors: Bock Anna
Published: April 2024

This Medical News story discusses a clinical trial that tested symptom-guided exercise for patients with long COVID and postexertional malaise.
Mechanical excavation of wetland habitat failed to eradicate invasive American red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Malta
Authors: Caruana Alex , Camilleri Benjamin , Farrugia Luke , Jones Julia P. G.
Published: April 2024

Invasive crayfish are an important ecological concern in many freshwater ecosystems. Many efforts have been made to eradicate them, but there is very little documentation of the effectiveness of these efforts. Between 2019 and 2020, a restoration project funded by the European Regional Development Fund tried to eradicate invasive American red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii from the Fiddien valley system in Malta by mechanically excavating the valley's stream bed and exporting contaminated debris securely off‐site to a dry quarry.

Three years post‐intervention, we systematically surveyed the valley system to explore the distribution and relative abundance of the invasive crayfish population. We placed traps in a stratified random sample of stream segments (both those that were included in the original restoration project and those that were not) and recorded catch per unit effort (crayfish caught per trap night) and the size/frequency distribution of crayfish caught.

The invasive crayfish were still abundant in the upper reaches of the valley system, and, despite the excavation effort, crayfish were present at the highest relative abundance (4.3–14.8 CPUE, median = 12.3) within the restored area.

Despite substantial effort and spending of more than 700,000 €, mechanical excavation did not eradicate invasive crayfish populations. We urge caution for future projects planning to attempt crayfish eradication using this approach and call for much greater impact evaluation, and at the very least post‐project monitoring, to ensure lessons can be learnt from such failures in future.
Technical note: A comparison of in‐house 3D‐printed and commercially available patient‐specific skin collimators for use with electron beam therapy
Authors: Herchko Steven M. , Rutenberg Michael S. , Beltran Chris J. , Yaddanapudi Sridhar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Skin collimation is a useful tool in electron beam therapy (EBT) to decrease the penumbra at the field edge and minimize dose to nearby superficial organs at risk (OARs), but manually fabricating these collimation devices in the clinic to conform to the patient's anatomy can be a difficult and time intensive process. This work compares two types of patient‐specific skin collimation (in‐house 3D printed and vendor‐provided machined brass) using clinically relevant metrics.

Methods

Attenuation measurements were performed to determine the thickness of each material needed to adequately shield both 6 and 9 MeV electron beams. Relative and absolute dose planes at various depths were measured using radiochromic film to compare the surface dose, flatness, and penumbra of the different skin collimation materials.

Results

Clinically acceptable thicknesses of each material were determined for both 6 and 9 MeV electron beams. Field width, flatness, and penumbra results between the two systems were very similar and significantly improved compared to measurements performed with no surface collimation.

Conclusion

Both skin collimation methods investigated in this work generate sharp penumbras at the field edge and can minimize dose to superficial OARs compared to treatment fields with no surface collimation. The benefits of skin collimation are greatest for lower energy electron beams, and the benefits decrease as the measurement depth increases. Using bolus with skin collimation is recommended to avoid surface dose enhancement seen with collimators placed on the skin surface. Ultimately, the appropriate choice of material will depend on the desire to create these devices in‐house or outsource the fabrication to a vendor.
Somatotopy of the sensory thalamus: inputs from directional deep brain stimulation in pain patients
Authors: Leplus Aurelie , Isan Petru , Balossier Anne , Mouffok Sarah , Donnet Anne , Papadopoulo Theodore , Lanteri‐Minet Michel , Regis Jean , Fontaine Denys
Published: April 2024

Objective

The sensory ventroposterior (VP) thalamic nuclei display a mediolateral somatotopic organization (respectively head, arm, and leg). We studied this somatotopy using directional VP deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients treated for chronic neuropathic pain.

Methods

Six patients with central (four) or peripheral (two) neuropathic pain were treated by VP DBS using directional leads in a prospective study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03399942). Lead‐DBS toolbox was used for leads localization, visualization, and modeling of the volume of tissue activated (VTA). Stimulation was delivered in each direction, 1 month after surgery and correlated to the location of stimulation‐induced paresthesias. The somatotopy was modeled by correlating the respective locations of paresthesias and VTAs. We recorded 48 distinct paresthesia maps corresponding to 48 VTAs (including 36 related to directional stimulation).

Results

We observed that, in each patient, respective body representations of the trunk, upper limb, lower limb, and head were closely located around the lead. These representations differed across patients, did not follow a common organization and were not concordant with the previously described somatotopic organization of the sensory thalamus.

Interpretation

Thalamic reorganization has been reported in chronic pain patients compared to non‐pain patients operated for movement disorders in previous studies using intraoperative recordings and micro‐stimulation. Using a different methodology, namely 3D representation of the VTA by the directional postoperative stimulation through a stationary electrode, our study brings additional arguments in favor of a reorganization of the VP thalamic somatotopy in patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain of central or peripheral origin.
Active underactuation fault‐tolerant backstepping attitude tracking control of a satellite with interval error constraints
Authors: Zarourati Mohammad , Mirshams Mehran , Tayefi Morteza
Published: April 2024

Underactuation poses a significant challenge to space mission control and performance. This article investigates the non‐linear attitude tracking control problem for a remote sensing satellite underactuated by a reaction wheel (RW) actuator fault. First, a timeline close to the in‐orbit reality of an underactuation fault is presented. Then, the fault detection and diagnosis strategy is performed in a finite‐time decision window. The failed actuator is excluded from the control loop by forming the proposed reconfiguration window to transition from a 3 RWs configuration to 2 RWs. The underactuation fault‐tolerant control is designed according to the active method, where the adaptive robust control law employed for fault‐free conditions is switched to the underactuated attitude tracking control (UATC). The structure of UATC is based on kinematic and adaptive backstepping dynamic controllers. The effect of unknown bounded external disturbances is considered with an adaptive estimation term. The asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop control system is proved via Lyapunov theory in the presence of parametric uncertainty. Due to the underactuation, a new approach proposed in the prescribed performance function is interval error constraints, which include the pointing accuracy and stability requirements in imaging time intervals. Finally, the results of the multidisciplinary simulation and experimental test confirm the applicability of the underactuation fault‐tolerant control.
Metallographic Etching of Al–Mg–Zn–(Cu) Crossover Alloys
Authors: Samberger Sebastian , Kremmer Thomas , Stemper Lukas , Tourey Serena , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Pogatscher Stefan
Published: April 2024

Various alloys demand customized etchants due to their diverse chemical compositions, particularly in the realm of aluminum alloys. Consequently, in this study, a technique is proposed for metallographic visualization of small grain structures within Al–Mg–Zn–(Cu) crossover alloys. In this method, a thermal pretreatment combined with an etching process is relied on. In the study, it is primarily sought to comprehend how grain‐boundary precipitation affects etchability, addressing the complexities of characterizing these alloys. The demonstrated approach facilitates the swift assessment of grain sizes <10 μm using light optical microscopy. Exploring the etchability of Al–Mg–Zn–(Cu) crossover alloys across a standard heat‐treatment pathway identifies the optimal treatment and suitable etchant for grain visualization. Through process refinement, a reduction in processing time is achieved by employing a single‐step preheat treatment lasting 20 min at 180 °C post solution annealing. Transmission electron microscope analysis reveals continuous occupancy of the grain boundary with T‐phase as the key factor influencing the alloy's etchability. Grain size assessment involves line intercept counting and equivalent circle diameter measurement for precise characterization.
Coupling Interaction between Precisely Located Pt Single‐Atoms/Clusters and NiCo‐Layered Double Oxide to Boost Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tian Yakun , Luo Yixing , Wu Tong , Quan Xinglei , Li Weiying , Wei Guangfeng , Bayati Maryam , Wu Qingsheng , Fu Yongqing , Wen Ming
Published: April 2024

Catalysts based on Pt single atom (SA) on metal oxides have shown tremendous potentials for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but they are severely limited by insufficient electron interactions of Pt sites and supports. Herein, a new methodology is developed to precisely locate Pt SAs and Pt clusters into NiCo layered double oxide (LDO) nanosheets, achieved using a dual‐ion etching process with subsequent phase transformation method. Uniquely, the Pt SAs are inserted into LDO layers to form Pt─Co bonds by occupying partial Ni positions, significantly strengthening electron interactions with NiCo LDO and promoting activity of HER. Results from density functional theory calculations indicate that the H* species are preferentially absorbed onto O sites on top of these Pt SAs, which are coupled with their adjacent Pt clusters to accelerate water dissociation in the Volmer step. As‐obtained Pt─NiCo LDO exhibits a low overpotential of 92 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 73 mV dec−1, an excellent stability over 105 hours at 60 mA cm−2, and its mass activity is 6 times higher than commercial 20% Pt/C. This study highlights essential functions of coupling interactions between Pt SAs/clusters and LDOs to boost HER for hydrogen energy production.
Bioprinting of Stable Bionic Interfaces Using Piezoresistive Hydrogel Organoelectronics
Authors: Georgopoulou Antonia , Filippi Miriam , Stefani Lisa , Drescher Felix , Balciunaite Aiste , Scherberich Arnaud , Katzschmann Robert , Clemens Frank
Published: April 2024

Bionic tissues offer an exciting frontier in biomedical research by integrating biological cells with artificial electronics, such as sensors. One critical hurdle is the development of artificial electronics that can mechanically harmonize with biological tissues, ensuring a robust interface for effective strain transfer and local deformation sensing. In this study, a highly tissue‐integrative, soft mechanical sensor fabricated from a composite piezoresistive hydrogel. The composite not only exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, with elongation at the point of fracture reaching up to 680%, but also maintains excellent biocompatibility across multiple cell types. Furthermore, the material exhibits bioadhesive qualities, facilitating stable cell adhesion to its surface. A unique advantage of the formulation is the compatibility with 3D bioprinting, an essential technique for fabricating stable interfaces. A multimaterial sensorized 3D bionic construct is successfully bioprinted, and it is compared to structures produced via hydrogel casting. In contrast to cast constructs, the bioprinted ones display a high (87%) cell viability, preserve differentiation ability, and structural integrity of the sensor–tissue interface throughout the tissue development duration of 10 d. With easy fabrication and effective soft tissue integration, this composite holds significant promise for various biomedical applications, including implantable electronics and organ‐on‐a‐chip technologies.
Bimetallic DNAsome Decorated with G4‐DNA as a Nanozyme for Targeted and Enhanced Chemo/Chemodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Raj Gowtham , Vasantha Anu P. , Sreekumar Vasudev D. , Beena Athul V. , Dommeti Viswa Kalyan Kumar , Perozhy Harsha , Jose Alwin T. , Khurana Satish , Varghese Reji
Published: April 2024

Cancer is indisputably one of the major threats to mankind, and hence the design of new approaches for the improvement of existing therapeutic strategies is always wanted. Herein, the design of a tumor microenvironment‐responsive, DNA‐based chemodynamic therapy (CDT) nanoagent with dual Fenton reaction centers for targeted cancer therapy is reported. Self‐assembly of DNA amphiphile containing copper complex as the hydrophobic Fenton reaction center results in the formation of CDT‐active DNAsome with Cu2+‐based Fenton catalytic site as the hydrophobic core and hydrophilic ssDNA protrude on the surface. DNA‐based surface addressability of the DNAsome is then used for the integration of second Fenton reaction center, which is a peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzyme noncovalently loaded with Hemin and Doxorubicin, via DNA hybridization to give a CDT agent having dual Fenton reaction centers. Targeted internalization of the CDT nanoagent and selective generation of •OH inside HeLa cell are also shown. Excellent therapeutic efficiency is observed for the CDT nanoagent both in vitro and in vivo, and the enhanced efficacy is attributed to the combined and synergetic action of CDT and chemotherapy.
Formation of 2D Amorphous Lithium Sulfide Enabled by Mo2C Clusters Loaded Carbon Scaffold for High‐Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yuan Huadong , Zheng Jianhui , Lu Gongxun , Zhang Liang , Yan Tianran , Luo Jianmin , Wang Yao , Liu Yujing , Guo Tianqi , Wang Zhongchang , Nai Jianwei , Tao Xinyong
Published: April 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, operated through the interconversion between sulfur and solid‐state lithium sulfide, are regarded as next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the sluggish kinetics of lithium sulfide deposition/dissolution, caused by its insoluble and insulated nature, hampers the practical use of Li‐S batteries. Herein, leaf‐like carbon scaffold (LCS) with the modification of Mo2C clusters (Mo2C@LCS) is reported as host material of sulfur powder. During cycles, the dissociative Mo ions at the Mo2C@LCS/electrolyte interface are detected to exhibit competitive binding energy with Li ions for lithium sulfide anions, which disrupts the deposition behavior of crystalline lithium sulfide and trends a shift in the configuration of lithium sulfide toward an amorphous structure. Combining the related electrochemical study and first‐principle calculation, it is revealed that the formation of amorphous lithium sulfides shows significantly improved kinetics for lithium sulfide deposition and decomposition. As a result, the obtained Mo2C@LCS/S cathode shows an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.015% per cycle at a high mass loading of 9.5 mg cm−2 after 700 cycles. More strikingly, an ultrahigh sulfur loading of 61.2 mg cm−2 can also be achieved. This work defines an efficacious strategy to advance the commercialization of Mo2C@LCS host for Li‐S batteries.
3D Printed Microlattices of Transition Metal/Metal Oxides for Highly Stable and Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Tiwari Anand P. , Rahman Md Saifur , Scheideler William J.
Published: April 2024

Developing affordable electrocatalysts is crucial for driving the sustainable energy transition to green hydrogen. Here, a generalizable method known as polymer infusion additive manufacturing is reported for transforming 3D‐printed photopolymers into core–shell micro lattice electrodes for electrocatalytic water splitting with transition metal/metal oxides/carbon heterointerfaces. The optimized free‐standing architectures integrate Cu/CuOx on carbon (Cu/CuOx/C) microlattices, yielding high electrocatalytic activity (overpotential of 145 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 134 mV dec−1) and excellent durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (>100 h), surpassing state‐of‐the‐art Cu foams. Additionally, for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), Co/CoOx on carbon (Co/CoOx/C) microlattices display exceptional activity with the lowest overpotential (1.40 V to gain 10 mA cm−2) among all reported PGM‐free electrodes. The study explores the gas phase mass‐transport properties of these 3D microlattices via microscopic imaging of bubble evolution, finding that the outstanding electrocatalytic performance and long‐term stability of microlattice electrodes leverages their mesoscale (100–300 µm) pores, providing accessibility of electrolytes, maximizing utilization of active sites, and ensuring rapid evolution of gas bubbles. Thus, a simple but pioneering method is introduced for manufacturing 3D mesostructured electrocatalysts with deep control of liquid and gas phase mass‐transport, enhancing the efficacy of alkaline water electrolysis.
Wearable Self‐Powered Smart Sensors Enabled by 2D Flower‐Like Ni–Co Layered Double Hydroxides for Copper Monitoring in Sweat
Authors: Zhang Wenrui , Ma Junlin , Zhang Jianxin , Mo Hao , Yang Kai , Zhu Nan
Published: April 2024

The growing power demands of wearable electronic devices have stimulated the development of self‐powered systems in noninvasive healthcare. Herein, ultrathin homogeneous 2D flower‐like nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxide (Ni–Co LDH) nanocomposites are prepared by a one‐step hydrothermal method to integrate a self‐powered system for wearable sweat copper ions (Cu2+) monitoring. The Ni–Co LDH nanocomposites with a lamellar structure and numerous active sites, exhibit sensitive selectivity and low detection limits for Cu2+. In addition, the optimized Ni–Co LDH provides favorable capacitive characteristics as supercapacitors for self‐powering sensors, ensuring continuous sensing energy sources. By connecting wirelessly to a smart device, a self‐powered system is constructed to achieve wearable sensing of Cu2+ in the practical application of sweat. This simple yet effective strategy provides new opportunities for the development of self‐powering health monitoring sensors, as well as smartsensing more heavy metals.
Exploring Memory Function Beyond Immune Cells: ANGPTL4‐Mediated Memory Functions in Tissue Resident Stem Cells
Authors: Park Se‐Ra , Min Eun‐kyung , Kim Soo‐Rim , Kim Suk‐Kyung , Na Kun‐Hee , Park Chan Hum , Jung YunJae , Oh Byung‐Chul , Hong In‐Sun
Published: April 2024

Adapted immune cells are known to develop memory functions that increase resistance to subsequent infections after initial pathogen exposure, however, it is unclear whether non‐immune cells, like tissue‐resident stem cells, have similar memory functions. Here, it is found that tissue‐resident stem cells crucial for tissue regeneration show diminished adverse effects on diverse stem cell functions against successive exposure to foreign antigen (β‐glucan) to maintain tissue homeostasis and stability both in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that endometrial stem cells may possess a robust memory function, in contrast, fully differentiated cells like fibroblasts and vesicular cells do not show these memory mechanisms upon consecutive antigen exposure. Moreover, the pivotal role of Angiopoietin‐like 4 (ANGPTL4) in regulating the memory functions of endometrial stem cells is identified through specific shRNA knockdown in vitro and knockout mice in vivo experiments. ANGPTL4 is associated with the alteration of diverse stem cell functions and epigenetic modifications, notably through histone H3 methylation changes and two pathways (i.e., PI3K/Akt and FAK/ERK1/2 signaling) upon consecutive antigen exposure. These findings imply the existence of inherent self‐defense mechanisms through which local stem cells can adapt and protect themselves from recurrent antigenic challenges, ultimately mitigating adverse consequences.
Novel Personalized Cancer Vaccine Using Tumor Extracellular Vesicles with Attenuated Tumorigenicity and Enhanced Immunogenicity
Authors: Han Jihoon , Kim Seohyun , Hwang Yeong Ha , Kim Seong A , Lee Yeji , Kim Jihong , Cho Seongeon , Woo Jiwan , Jeong Cherlhyun , Kwon Minsu , Nam Gi‐Hoon , Kim In‐San
Published: April 2024

Cancer vaccines offer a promising avenue in cancer immunotherapy by inducing systemic, tumor‐specific immune responses. Tumor extracellular vesicles (TEVs) are nanoparticles naturally laden with tumor antigens, making them appealing for vaccine development. However, their inherent malignant properties from the original tumor cells limit their direct therapeutic use. This study introduces a novel approach to repurpose TEVs as potent personalized cancer vaccines. The study shows that inhibition of both YAP and autophagy not only diminishes the malignancy‐associated traits of TEVs but also enhances their immunogenic attributes by enriching their load of tumor antigens and adjuvants. These revamped TEVs, termed attenuated yet immunogenically potentiated TEVs (AI‐TEVs), showcase potential in inhibiting tumor growth, both as a preventive measure and a possible treatment for recurrent cancers. They prompt a tumor‐specific and enduring immune memory. In addition, by showing that AI‐TEVs can counteract cancer growth in a personalized vaccine approach, a potential strategy is presented for developing postoperative cancer immunotherapy that's enduring and tailored to individual patients.
Interfacial Electronic Interactions Between Ultrathin NiFe‐MOF Nanosheets and Ir Nanoparticles Heterojunctions Leading to Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Cong , Zhang Wei , Cao Yongyong , Ji Jun‐Yang , Li Zhao‐Chen , Han Xu , Gu Hongwei , Braunstein Pierre , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: April 2024

Creating specific noble metal/metal‐organic framework (MOF) heterojunction nanostructures represents an effective strategy to promote water electrolysis but remains rather challenging. Herein, a heterojunction electrocatalyst is developed by growing Ir nanoparticles on ultrathin NiFe‐MOF nanosheets supported by nickel foam (NF) via a readily accessible solvothermal approach and subsequent redox strategy. Because of the electronic interactions between Ir nanoparticles and NiFe‐MOF nanosheets, the optimized Ir@NiFe‐MOF/NF catalyst exhibits exceptional bifunctional performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (η10 = 15 mV, η denotes the overpotential) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (η10 = 213 mV) in 1.0 m KOH solution, superior to commercial and recently reported electrocatalysts. Density functional theory calculations are used to further investigate the electronic interactions between Ir nanoparticles and NiFe‐MOF nanosheets, shedding light on the mechanisms behind the enhanced HER and OER performance. This work details a promising approach for the design and development of efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting.
GHCU, a Molecular Chaperone, Regulates Leaf Curling by Modulating the Distribution of KNGH1 in Cotton
Authors: Zang Yihao , Xu Chenyu , Yu Lishan , Ma Longen , Xuan Lisha , Yan Sunyi , Zhang Yayao , Cao Yiwen , Li Xiaoran , Si Zhanfeng , Deng Jieqiong , Zhang Tianzhen , Hu Yan
Published: April 2024

Leaf shape is considered to be one of the most significant agronomic traits in crop breeding. However, the molecular basis underlying leaf morphogenesis in cotton is still largely unknown. In this study, through genetic mapping and molecular investigation using a natural cotton mutant cu with leaves curling upward, the causal gene GHCU is successfully identified as the key regulator of leaf flattening. Knockout of GHCU or its homolog in cotton and tobacco using CRISPR results in abnormal leaf shape. It is further discovered that GHCU facilitates the transport of the HD protein KNOTTED1‐like (KNGH1) from the adaxial to the abaxial domain. Loss of GHCU function restricts KNGH1 to the adaxial epidermal region, leading to lower auxin response levels in the adaxial boundary compared to the abaxial. This spatial asymmetry in auxin distribution produces the upward‐curled leaf phenotype of the cu mutant. By analysis of single‐cell RNA sequencing and spatiotemporal transcriptomic data, auxin biosynthesis genes are confirmed to be expressed asymmetrically in the adaxial‐abaxial epidermal cells. Overall, these findings suggest that GHCU plays a crucial role in the regulation of leaf flattening through facilitating cell‐to‐cell trafficking of KNGH1 and hence influencing the auxin response level.
Reducing Voltage Losses in Organic Photovoltaics Requires Interfacial Disorder Management
Authors: Wang Rong , Han Leng , Li Ning , Chochos Christos L. , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Lüer Larry , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: April 2024

Thanks to the introduction of non‐fullerene acceptors, efficiencies of organic photovoltaics are now approaching 20%. Closing the gap with inorganic photovoltaics requires minimizing voltage losses without penalizing charge extraction, for which microstructure control is crucial. However, the complex interplay between microstructure and charge generation, recombination, and extraction has so far not been unraveled. Here, a systematic study linking device performance to distinct microstructural features via machine learning is presented. Building bi‐layer devices allows to separately study the influence of aggregation and disorder on the energies and lifetimes of bulk and interfacial states. Unambiguous assignments of specific structural motifs to the device photophysics are thus possible. It is found that the control of aggregation‐caused quenching is decisive for the exciton splitting efficiency and thus the carrier generation. Furthermore, the static disorder at the donor–acceptor interface controls the nonradiative recombination by shifting the excited state population from the bulk toward the interface. Finally, the amount of disorder in the bulk is found decisive for charge extraction. The finding that charge generation, recombination, and extraction are controlled by distinct structural features, is the key to optimizing these motifs independently, which will pave the way for organic photovoltaics toward the detailed balance limit.
Unveiling the genetic landscape of suspected congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I: A retrospective cohort study of 36 patients
Authors: Marra Roberta , Nostroso Antonella , Rosato Barbara Eleni , Esposito Federica Maria , D'Onofrio Vanessa , Iscaro Anthony , Gambale Antonella , Bruschi Barbara , Coccia Paola , Poloni Antonella , Unal Sule , Romano Alberto , Iolascon Achille , Andolfo Immacolata , Russo Roberta
Published: April 2024

Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia type I (CDA I) is a rare hereditary condition characterized by macrocytic/normocytic anemia, splenomegaly, iron overload, and distinct abnormalities during late erythropoiesis, particularly internuclear bridges between erythroblasts. Diagnosis of CDA I remains challenging due to its rarity, clinical heterogeneity, and overlapping phenotype with other rare hereditary anemias. In this case series, we present 36 patients with suspected CDA I. A molecular diagnosis was successfully established in 89% of cases, identifying 16 patients with CDA I through the presence of 18 causative variants in the CDAN1 or CDIN1 genes. Transcriptomic analysis of CDIN1 variants revealed impaired erythroid differentiation and disruptions in transcription, cell proliferation, and histone regulation. Conversely, 16 individuals received a different diagnosis, primarily pyruvate kinase deficiency. Comparisons between CDA I and non‐CDA I patients revealed no significant differences in erythroblast morphological features. However, hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count differed between the two groups, with non‐CDA I subjects being more severely affected. Notably, most patients with severe anemia belonged to the non‐CDA I group (82% non‐CDA I vs. 18% CDA I), with a subsequent absolute prevalence of transfusion dependency among non‐CDA I patients (100% vs. 41.7%). All patients exhibited reduced bone marrow responsiveness to anemia, with a more pronounced effect observed in non‐CDA I patients. Erythropoietin levels were significantly higher in non‐CDA I patients compared to CDA I patients. However, evaluations of erythroferrone, soluble transferrin receptor, and hepcidin revealed no significant differences in plasma concentration between the two groups.
A Microfluidic Strategy to Capture Antigen‐Specific High‐Affinity B Cells
Authors: Alhassan Ahmed M. , Shirure Venktesh S. , Luo Jean , Nguyen Bryan B. , Rollins Zachary A. , Shergill Bhupinder S. , Zhu Xiangdong , Baumgarth Nicole , George Steven C.
Published: April 2024

Assessing B cell affinity to pathogen‐specific antigens prior to or following exposure could facilitate the assessment of immune status. Current standard tools to assess antigen‐specific B cell responses focus on equilibrium binding of the secreted antibody in serum. These methods are costly, time‐consuming, and assess antibody affinity under zero force. Recent findings indicate that force may influence BCR‐antigen binding interactions and thus immune status. Herein, a simple laminar flow microfluidic chamber in which the antigen (hemagglutinin of influenza A) is bound to the chamber surface to assess antigen‐specific BCR binding affinity of five hemagglutinin‐specific hybridomas from 65 to 650 pN force range is designed. The results demonstrate that both increasing shear force and bound lifetime can be used to enrich antigen‐specific high‐affinity B cells. The affinity of the membrane‐bound BCR in the flow chamber correlates well with the affinity of the matched antibodies measured in solution. These findings demonstrate that a microfluidic strategy can rapidly assess BCR‐antigen‐binding properties and identify antigen‐specific high‐affinity B cells. This strategy has the potential to both assess functional immune status from peripheral B cells and be a cost‐effective way of identifying individual B cells as antibody sources for a range of clinical applications.
Highly Condensed and Super‐Incompressible Be2PN3
Authors: Krach Georg , Steinadler Jennifer , Witthaut Kristian , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Although beryllium and its compounds show outstanding properties, owing to its toxic potential and extreme reaction conditions the chemistry of Be under high‐pressure conditions has only been investigated sparsely. Herein, we report on the highly condensed wurtzite‐type Be2PN3, which was synthesized from Be3N2 and P3N5 in a high‐pressure high‐temperature approach at 9 GPa and 1500 °C. It is the missing member in the row of formula type M2PN3 (M = Mg, Zn). The structure was elucidated by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), revealing that Be2PN3 is a double nitride, rather than a nitridophosphate. The structural model was further corroborated by 9Be and 31P solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We present 9Be NMR data for tetrahedral nitride coordination for the first time. Infrared and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (FTIR and EDX), as well as temperature dependent PXRD complement the analytical characterization. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal super‐incompressible behavior and the remarkable hardness of this low‐density material. The formation of Be2PN3 through a high‐pressure high‐temperature approach expands the synthetic access to Be‐containing compounds and may open access to various multinary beryllium nitrides.
Facile Energy Release from Substituted Dewar Isomers of 1,2‐Dihydro‐1,2‐Azaborinines Catalyzed by Coinage Metal Lewis Acids
Authors: Richter Robert C. , Biebl Sonja M. , Einholz Ralf , Walz Johannes , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Ströbele Markus , Bettinger Holger F. , Fleischer Ivana
Published: April 2024

Molecular solar thermal systems (MOST) represent an auspicious solution for the storage of solar energy. We report silver salts as a unique class of catalysts, capable of releasing the stored energy from the promising 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborinine based MOST system. Mechanistic investigations provided insights into the silver catalyzed thermal backreaction, concurrently unveiling the first crystal structure of a 2‐aza‐3‐borabicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐5‐ene, the Dewar isomer of 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborinine. Quantification of activation energies by kinetic experiments has elucidated the advantageous energy change associated with Lewis acid catalysts, a phenomenon corroborated through computational analysis. By means of low temperature NMR spectroscopy, mechanistic insights into the coordination of Ag+ to the 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborinine were gained.
Dilute RuCo Alloy Synergizing Single Ru and Co Atoms as Efficient and CO‐Resistant Anode Catalyst for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Cui Zhibo , Ren Zhanghao , Ma Chao , Chen Bowen , Chen Guanzhen , Lu Ruihu , Zhu Wei , Gan Tao , Wang Ziyun , Zhuang Zhongbin , Han Yunhu
Published: April 2024

Ruthenium (Ru) is considered a promising candidate catalyst for alkaline hydroxide oxidation reaction (HOR) due to its hydrogen binding energy (HBE) like that of platinum (Pt) and its much higher oxygenophilicity than that of Pt. However, Ru still suffers from insufficient intrinsic activity and CO resistance, which hinders its widespread use in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here, we report a hybrid catalyst (RuCo)NC+SAs/N‐CNT consisting of dilute RuCo alloy nanoparticles and atomically single Ru and Co atoms on N‐doped carbon nanotubes The catalyst exhibits a state‐of‐the‐art activity with a high mass activity of 7.35 A mgRu−1. More importantly, when (RuCo)NC+SAs/N‐CNT is used as an anode catalyst for AEMFCs, its peak power density reaches 1.98 W cm−2, which is one of the best AEMFCs properties of noble metal‐based catalysts at present. Moreover, (RuCo)NC+SAs/N‐CNT has superior long‐time stability and CO resistance. The experimental and density functional theory (DFT) results demonstrate that the dilute alloying and monodecentralization of the exotic element Co greatly modulates the electronic structure of the host element Ru, thus optimizing the adsorption of H and OH and promoting the oxidation of CO on the catalyst surface, and then stimulates alkaline HOR activity and CO tolerance of the catalyst.
Odor Biosensors Based on Cell Expressing Olfactory Receptor: Recent Advances
Authors: Deng Hongchao , Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: April 2024

Inspired by the powerful biological olfaction, scientists extracted numerous materials such as olfactory sensory neuron, olfactory receptor (OR) protein, and odorant binding protein from animal olfactory systems, then combined them with transducers to form multiple odor biosensors. These biosensors, despite well inheriting the sensing ability of creatures, have several drawbacks, such as complex preparation process, unstable sensing material characteristics, and high cost. Unlike the biological materials listed above, cell expressing heterologous OR maintains a stable sensing performance after passaging for multiple generations, also its experimental operation is simple, and cost is low. Therefore, odor biosensors based on cell expressing OR have been well developed in recent years. In this review, we first listed several odor biosensors based on cell expressing OR, mainly focusing on fluorescent and electrophysiological measurement methods. Furthermore, we illustrated the techniques to improve the biosensor performance, e. g., wider detection range, longer lifetime, more OR types, and higher quantification efficiency. In addition, we explained the possible prospects such as big sensor array and predicting odor response.
Male genital system of Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae)
Authors: Maciel Érica da Silva , Zieri Rodrigo , de Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria
Published: April 2024

Understanding squamate reproductive morphology is crucial for investigating ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary questions. Here, we describe the anatomy and histology of the male genital system of Ameiva ameiva from southeastern Brazil. Ten adult males were dissected to characterize genital macroscopy and collect fragments of the testes, gonadoducts, and kidneys for histological examination. We examined 10 transverse histological sections per individual and measured the epithelial height of the epididymis and ductus deferens. The male reproductive system consists of a pair of yellowish oval testes, the rete testis, ductuli efferentes, epididymis, ductus deferens, ampulla ductus deferentis, sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), cloaca, and hemipenis. The hemipenis is elongated, cylindrical, and unilobed, with a sulcate face and an asulcate face, which has continuous fringes throughout its length. Seminiferous tubules exhibited germ cells at various stages. The epididymis is wider and more coiled than the ductus deferens. The rete testis has a simple squamous epithelium with long stereocilia, while the narrower ductuli efferentes are lined by a simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium. The epididymal epithelium is pseudostratified columnar, with basal and ciliated principal cells, whereas the ductus deferens epithelium is pseudostratified to simple cuboidal. The epididymal epithelium is 1.5 times taller than the ductus deferens epithelium. Here, we observed the SSK present in the cortex of the ventral region of the kidneys due to the hypertrophy of the distal convoluted tubules, as well as its secretory activity. Our findings will contribute to future research into the evolution of squamate reproductive morphology.
Adaptive neural event‐triggered near‐optimal control for affined uncertain nonlinear discrete‐time system
Authors: Li Xinyu , Ding Liang , Li Shu , Yang Huaiguang , Qi Huanan , Gao Haibo , Deng Zongquan
Published: April 2024

A novel event‐triggered heuristic dynamic programming (HDP) algorithm is proposed for the near‐optimal control of uncertain discrete‐time nonlinear input‐affine systems. Based on input‐to‐state stability (ISS) analysis, a new event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is designed. Under constant coefficients, a Lipschitz‐like assumption that forms the basis of the event‐triggering condition is considered to be conservative. To further reduce the conservativeness of the triggering condition and enlarge the average interevent time, an adaptive threshold parameter is utilized in the proposed ETM. In the HDP algorithm framework, model, critic, and action network are adopted to achieve state estimation, approximation to the optimal cost function, and solution to Hamilton–Jacobian–Bellman (HJB) equation. Under the proposed event‐triggered HDP algorithm, the closed system is proved to possess semiglobal uniform ultimate boundedness (SGUUB). Finally, by conducting simulation, it shows that on the premise of satisfying control performance, the event‐triggered strategy can realize reduction on the updating frequency of the controller.
Systems engineering Escherichia coli for efficient production p‐coumaric acid from glucose
Authors: Qiu Chong , Wang Xiaoge , Zuo Jiaojiao , Li Runyang , Gao Cong , Chen Xiulai , Liu Jia , Wei Wanqing , Wu Jing , Hu Guipeng , Song Wei , Xu Nan , Liu Liming
Published: April 2024

P‐coumaric acid (p‐CA), a pant metabolite with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, is extensively utilized in biomedicine, food, and cosmetics industry. In this study, a synthetic pathway (PAL) for p‐CA was designed, integrating three enzymes (AtPAL2, AtC4H, AtATR2) into a higher
l‐phenylalanine‐producing strain Escherichia coli PHE05. However, the lower soluble expression and activity of AtC4H in the PAL pathway was a bottleneck for increasing p‐CA titers. To overcome this limitation, the soluble expression of AtC4H was enhanced through N‐terminal modifications. And an optimal mutant, AtC4HL373T/G211H, which exhibited a 4.3‐fold higher kcat/Km value compared to the wild type, was developed. In addition, metabolic engineering strategies were employed to increase the intracellular NADPH pool. Overexpression of ppnk in engineered E. coli PHCA20 led to a 13.9‐folds, 1.3‐folds, and 29.1% in NADPH content, the NADPH/NADP+ ratio and p‐CA titer, respectively. These optimizations significantly enhance p‐CA production, in a 5‐L fermenter using fed‐batch fermentation, the p‐CA titer, yield and productivity of engineered strain E. coli PHCA20 were 3.09 g/L, 20.01 mg/g glucose, and 49.05 mg/L/h, respectively. The results presented here provide a novel way to efficiently produce the plant metabolites using an industrial strain.
Model acetylcholinesterase‐Fc fusion glycoprotein biotechnology system for the manufacture of an organophosphorus toxicant bioscavenging countermeasure
Authors: Biel Thomas G. , Faison Talia , Matthews Alicia M. , Ortega‐Rodriguez Uriel , Falkowski Vincent M. , Meek Edward , Bush Xin , Flores Matthew , Johnson Sarah , Wu Wells W. , Lehtimaki Mari , Shen Rong‐Fong , Agarabi Cyrus , Rao V. Ashutosh , Chambers Janice E. , Ju Tongzhong
Published: April 2024

Organophosphate (OP) toxicants remain an active threat to public health and to warfighters in the military. Current countermeasures require near immediate administration following OP exposure and are reported to have controversial efficacies. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) fused to the human immunoglobulin 1 (IgG1) Fc domain (AChE‐Fc) is a potential bioscavenger for OP toxicants, but a reproducible AChE‐Fc biomanufacturing strategy remains elusive. This report is the first to establish a comprehensive laboratory‐scale bioprocessing strategy that can reproducibly produce AChE‐Fc and AChE(W86A)‐Fc which is a mutated AChE protein with reduced enzymatic activity. Characterization studies revealed that AChE‐Fc and AChE(W86A)‐Fc are N‐glycosylated dimeric fusion glycoproteins but only AChE‐Fc had the capability to bind to paraoxon (a model OP). This AChE‐Fc fusion glycoprotein bioprocessing strategy can be leveraged during industrial biomanufacturing development, while the research‐grade AChE‐Fc proteins can be used to determine the potential clinical relevance of the countermeasure against OP toxicants.