bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Network of Glucokinase-Expressing Cells in Glucose Homeostasis and the Potential of Glucokinase Activators for Diabetes Therapy
Authors: Matschinsky Franz M. , Magnuson Mark A. , Zelent Dorothy , Jetton Tom L. , Doliba Nicolai , Han Yi , Taub Rebecca , Grimsby Joseph
Published: April 2006

The glucose-phosphorylating enzyme glucokinase has structural, kinetic, and molecular genetic features that are ideal for its primary role as glucose sensor in a network of neuro/endocrine sentinel cells that maintain glucose homeostasis in many vertebrates including humans. The glucokinase-containing, insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas take the prominent lead in this network, functioning in the aggregate as the master gland. The β-cells are also conceptualized as the prototype for all other glucose sensor cells, which determines our current understanding of many extrapancreatic glucose sensors. About 99% of the enzyme resides, however, in the hepato-parenchymal cells and serves its second role in a high-capacity process of blood glucose clearance. Two examples strikingly illustrate how pivotal a position glucokinase has in the regulation of glucose metabolism: 1) activating and inactivating mutations of the enzyme cause hypo- and hyperglycemia syndromes in humans described collectively as “glucokinase disease” and fully explained by the glucose sensor paradigm, and 2) glucokinase activator drugs (GKAs) have been discovered that bind to an allosteric site and increase the kcat and lower the glucose S0.5 of the enzyme. GKAs enhance glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic islets and glucose disposition by the liver. They are now intensively explored to develop a novel treatment for diabetes. Future biophysical, molecular, genetic, and pharmacological studies hold much promise to unravel the evolving complexity of the glucokinase glucose sensor system.
Leucine Regulation of Glucokinase and ATP Synthase Sensitizes Glucose-Induced Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Yang Jichun , Wong Ryan K. , Park MieJung , Wu Jianmei , Cook Joshua R. , York David A. , Deng Shaoping , Markmann James , Naji Ali , Wolf Bryan A. , Gao Zhiyong
Published: April 2006

We have recently shown that leucine culture upregulates ATP synthase β-subunit (ATPSβ) and increases ATP level, cytosolic Ca2+, and glucose-induced insulin secretion in rat islets. The aim is to test whether glucokinase expression is also affected in rat islets and its role in glucose sensitization during leucine culture. Leucine culture increased glucose-induced NAD(P)H level at 1 and 2 days but not at 1 week. The half-maximal effective concentration of the glucose response curve for NAD(P)H was left-shifted from 5–7 to 2–3 mmol/l. The effect was dose dependent and rapamycin insensitive. Leucine culture did not affect glyceraldehyde effects on NAD(P)H. Leucine pretreatment for 30 min had no effects on NAD(P)H levels. Leucine culture for 2 days also increased glucose-induced cytosolic Ca2+ elevation, ATP level, and insulin secretion. Leucine increase of glucokinase mRNA levels occurred as early as day 1 and lasted through 1 week. That of ATPSβ did not occur until day 2 and lasted through 1 week. Leucine effects on both mRNAs were dose dependent. The upregulation of both genes was confirmed by Western blotting. Leucine culture also increased glucose-induced insulin secretion, ATP level, glucokinase, and ATPSβ levels of type 2 diabetic human islets. In conclusion, leucine culture upregulates glucokinase, which increases NAD(P)H level, and ATPSβ, which increases oxidation of NADH and production of ATP. The combined upregulation of both genes increases glucose-induced cytosolic Ca2+ and insulin secretion.
High-Density Haplotype Structure and Association Testing of the Insulin-Degrading Enzyme (IDE) Gene With Type 2 Diabetes in 4,206 People
Authors: Florez Jose C. , Wiltshire Steven , Agapakis Christina M. , Burtt Noël P. , de Bakker Paul I.W. , Almgren Peter , Bengtsson Boström Kristina , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Gaudet Daniel , Daly Mark J. , Hirschhorn Joel N. , McCarthy Mark I. , Altshuler David , Groop Leif
Published: April 2006

The insulin-degrading enzyme is responsible for the intracellular proteolysis of insulin. Its gene IDE is located on chromosome 10, in an area with suggestive linkage to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes. Due to the impact of genetic variants of this gene in rodents and the function of its protein product, it has been proposed as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes. Various groups have explored the role of the common genetic variation of IDE on insulin resistance and reported associations of various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes on both type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits. We sought to characterize the haplotype structure of IDE in detail and replicate the association of common variants with type 2 diabetes, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance. We assessed linkage disequilibrium, selected single-marker and multimarker tags, and genotyped these markers in several case-control and family-based samples totalling 4,206 Caucasian individuals. We observed no statistically significant evidence of association between single-marker or multimarker tests in IDE and type 2 diabetes. Nominally significant differences in quantitative traits are consistent with statistical noise. We conclude that common genetic variation at IDE is unlikely to confer clinically significant risk of type 2 diabetes in Caucasians.
Adipose Triglyceride Lipase
Authors: Kershaw Erin E. , Hamm Jonathan K. , Verhagen Linda A.W. , Peroni Odile , Katic Masa , Flier Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2006

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a recently described adipose-enriched protein with triglyceride-specific lipase activity. ATGL shares the greatest sequence homology with adiponutrin, a nutritionally regulated protein of unclear biological function. Here we present a functional analysis of ATGL and adiponutrin and describe their regulation by insulin. Retroviral-mediated overexpression of ATGL in 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased basal and isoproterenol-stimulated glycerol and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) release, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of ATGL had the opposite effect. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of adiponutrin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes had no effect on glycerol or NEFA release. In mice, both ATGL and adiponutrin are nutritionally regulated in adipose tissue, with ATGL being upregulated and adiponutrin being downregulated by fasting. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin decreased ATGL and increased adiponutrin expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting that insulin directly mediates this nutritional regulation. In addition, adipose expression of ATGL was increased by insulin deficiency and decreased by insulin replacement in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and was increased in fat-specific insulin receptor knockout mice, whereas adiponutrin showed the opposite pattern. These data suggest that murine ATGL but not adiponutrin contributes to net adipocyte lipolysis and that ATGL and adiponutrin are oppositely regulated by insulin both in vitro and in vivo.
Impaired Coronary Endothelium–Dependent Vasodilation Is Associated With Microalbuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Angiographically Normal Coronary Arteries
Authors: Cosson Emmanuel , Pham Isabelle , Valensi Paul , Pariès Jacques , Attali Jean-Raymond , Nitenberg Alain
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE—Microalbuminuria and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation are both predictors for cardiac events in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether microalbuminuria correlated with coronary endothelium–dependent vasodilation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We evaluated 84 patients (47 men, mean age 50.5 ± 5.9 years) with type 2 diabetes for 9.4 ± 3.4 years, without angiographic coronary stenosis and without major cardiovascular risk factors or other confounding factors, for endothelium investigation. Quantitative coronary angiography was used to assess coronary artery response to cold pressor testing, used to assess endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and to isosorbide dinitrate (endothelium-independent vasodilation).

RESULTS—Endothelium-dependent vasodilation differed in the patients with and without microalbuminuria (changes in coronary artery diameter during cold pressor testing: −15.0 ± 1.9% vs. −10.2 ± 1.3%, respectively, P < 0.05) and correlated with urinary albumin excretion rate (r = −0.39, P = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.29, P < 0.01), and left ventricular mass index (r = −0.24, P < 0.05). Independent predictors for endothelium-dependent vasodilation were urinary albumin excretion rate (β −0.04 [95% CI −0.07 to −0.01], P < 0.005) and left ventricular mass index (−0.26 [−0.49 to −0.05], P < 0.05). Endothelium-independent vasodilation was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS—Type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria have a more severely impaired coronary endothelium–dependent vasodilation than those with normoalbuminuria. These data suggest a common pathophysiological process for both coronary vasomotor abnormalities and microalbuminuria.
Optimal Practices for Suspected Nodal Melanoma—The Role of the General Surgeon
Authors: Rog Colin J. , Puzanov Igor , Skitzki Joseph
Published: February 2024

This Viewpoint describes results of trials on neoadjuvant checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for patients with metastatic melanoma and recommends increased use of this approach.
Resveratrol and its metabolites elicit neuroprotection via high‐affinity binding to the laminin receptor at low nanomolar concentrations
Authors: Gopalakrishna Rayudu , Aguilar Jennifer , Oh Andrew , Lee Emily , Hou Lucas , Lee Tammy , Xu Eric , Nguyen James , Mack William J.
Published: February 2024

Resveratrol prevents various neurodegenerative diseases in animal models despite reaching only low nanomolar concentrations in the brain after oral administration. In this study, based on the quenching of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and molecular docking, we found that trans‐resveratrol, its conjugates (glucuronide and sulfate), and dihydro‐resveratrol (intestinal microbial metabolite) bind with high affinities (Kd, 0.2–2 nm) to the peptide G palindromic sequence (near glycosaminoglycan‐binding motif) of the 67‐kDa laminin receptor (67LR). Preconditioning with low concentrations (0.01–10 nm) of these polyphenols, especially resveratrol‐glucuronide, protected neuronal cells from death induced by serum withdrawal via activation of cAMP‐mediated signaling pathways. This protection was prevented by a 67LR‐blocking antibody, suggesting a role for this cell‐surface receptor in neuroprotection by resveratrol metabolites.
Cancer cachexia: biomarkers and the influence of age
Authors: Geppert Julia , Rohm Maria
Published: February 2024

Cancer cachexia (Ccx) is a complex metabolic condition characterized by pronounced muscle and fat wasting, systemic inflammation, weakness and fatigue. Up to 30% of cancer patients succumb directly to Ccx, yet therapies that effectively address this perturbed metabolic state are rare. In recent decades, several characteristics of Ccx have been established in mice and humans, of which we here highlight adipose tissue dysfunction, muscle wasting and systemic inflammation, as they are directly linked to biomarker discovery. To counteract cachexia pathogenesis as early as possible and mitigate its detrimental impact on anti‐cancer treatments, identification and validation of clinically endorsed biomarkers assume paramount importance. Ageing was recently shown to affect both the validity of Ccx biomarkers and Ccx development, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Thus, unravelling the intricate interplay between ageing and Ccx can help to counteract Ccx pathogenesis and tailor diagnostic and treatment strategies to individual needs.
Improvements in Patient‐Reported Outcomes Through Six Months of Guselkumab Treatment in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Real‐World Data From the CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Ogdie Alexis , Tesser John , Shiff Natalie J. , Zhao Ruizhi Sophia , Chakravarty Soumya D. , Kelleman Michael , Dodge Rhiannon , McLean Robert R. , Broadwell Aaron , Kavanaugh Arthur , Merola Joseph F.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Evaluate patient‐reported outcomes after 6 months of on‐label guselkumab use in patients with rheumatologist‐diagnosed active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) enrolled in the CorEvitas PsA/Spondyloarthritis Registry.

Methods

This analysis includes registry participants who initiated and persisted with on‐label guselkumab (after US Food and Drug Administration approval for PsA; 100 mg at weeks 0, 4, and every 8 weeks) at their 6‐month follow‐up visit (On‐Label Persisters). Among patients not meeting response criteria at baseline, responses at 6 months were determined for patient‐reported outcomes, including patient‐reported pain (0–100 mm visual analog scale), patient global assessment of arthritis + psoriasis (PtGA; 0–100 visual analog scale), and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (HAQ‐DI; 0‐3). Unadjusted, nominal P values were calculated via single‐proportion, one‐sided test (H0 = 0%; α = 0.05).

Results

Of 90 On‐Label Persisters, most had treatment‐resistant PsA (92.2% and 73.3% previously received ≥1 and ≥2 biologic/targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, respectively), with mean (SD) baseline patient‐reported pain, PtGA, and HAQ‐DI scores of 57.0 (24.6), 50.3 (24.4), and 0.9 (0.6), respectively. Among those with patient‐reported pain and PtGA scores of at least 15 at baseline, 40.2% (33/82) and 46.8% (36/77), respectively, achieved at least 15‐mm reductions at 6 months; among those with HAQ‐DI scores of at least 0.35 and more than 0.5 at baseline, respectively, 30.4% (21/69) achieved improvements of at least 0.35 and 10.3% (6/58) achieved scores of 0.5 or lower at 6 months (all nominal P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pain and physical function are important contributors to health‐related quality of life. In this real‐world population of patients with treatment‐resistant PsA and 6 months of persistent guselkumab treatment, clinically meaningful improvements in pain and physical function were achieved by approximately 40% and 30% of patients, respectively.
Online reinforcement learning control via discontinuous gradient
Authors: Arellano‐Muro Carlos A. , Castillo‐Toledo Bernardino , Di Gennaro Stefano , Loukianov Alexander G.
Published: February 2024

This work proposes a reinforcement learning control scheme for systems affected by persistent external perturbations. This scheme relies on and high‐order sliding mode control techniques combined to estimate the parameters with a certain degree of precision and simultaneously attenuate persistent and state‐dependent perturbations. The proposed solution is a novel design technique based on the minimization method via Discontinuous Gradient. The stability of the proposed scheme is proved via the Lyapunov approach.
Strength of Disordered and Ordered Al‐Containing Refractory High‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Laube Stephan , Winkens Georg , Kauffmann Alexander , Li Juan , Kirchlechner Christoph , Heilmaier Martin
Published: February 2024

Body‐centered‐cubic refractory high‐entropy alloys are promising for high‐temperature structural applications due to their exceptional properties, particularly in terms of yield strength at elevated temperatures. For certain alloy systems, such as Mo–Ti–Cr–Al, both disordered (A2) and ordered (B2) crystal structures are possible. In this particular system, a solid‐state transformation from A2 to B2 during cooling occurs. For Al concentrations above ≈10 at%, B2 order is obtained from the transformation temperature down to room temperature (RT), while A2 is stable above RT below the critical Al content. Herein, two alloys from the Mo–Ti–Cr–Al system close to the transition between A2 and B2 are investigated. Nanoindentation tests reveal that the magnitude of strain rate sensitivity for both alloys is small compared to classical alloys, however, significantly temperature dependent up to the strength plateau temperatures. The yield strength plateau, which is insensitive to the strain rate, is observed at temperatures exceeding 573 K. Modeling of solid solution strengthening reproduces the experimental data in the Al‐lean A2 alloys. However, the observed discontinuous increase of strength in the Al‐rich B2 alloys can only be rationalized by the appearance of B2 order and to no significant other obvious strengthening mechanisms.
Flexible Zn‐TCPP Nanosheet‐Based Memristor for Ultralow‐Power Biomimetic Sensing System and High‐Precision Gesture Recognition
Authors: Wang Yilong , Su Jie , Ouyang Guoyao , Geng Sunyingyue , Ren Mengchen , Pan Weiliang , Bian Jing , Cao Minghui
Published: February 2024

The flexible biomimetic sensory system inspired by biology exhibits learning, memory, and cognitive behavior toward external stimuli, providing a promising direction for the future development of the artificial intelligence industry. In this work, a Zn‐TCPP (TCPP: tetrakis (4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin) based flexible memristor with ultra‐low both operating voltage (≈80 mV) and power consumption (0.39 nW) that simulates typical synaptic plasticities, under continuously adjustable ultra‐low voltage pulses (50 mV). The synaptic properties are well maintained even when bending 1000 times at a radius of 5 mm. Furthermore, the flexible bionic sensing system integrated with Zn‐TCPP based memristor and cotton fibre piezoresistive sensor can remember pressure and deformation current, thus simulate the learning‐forgetting‐relearning characteristics under mechanical stimuli (power supply = 100 mV). Especially, the system achieves a high recognition rate of 97% for gestures through self‐built datasets and neural network calculations and remains at a high level under the influence of 10% Gaussian noise (80%) and 5 mm bending state (91%). Consequently, the ultralow‐power flexible biomimetic sensing system shows great potential in the field of integrated artificial intelligence with multiple modules, paving the way for the development of low‐power biomimetic robots in the future.
Phase Change Material Boosting Electricity Output and Freshwater Production through Hierarchical‐Structured 3D Solar Evaporator
Authors: Li Wencheng , Zheng Zhiheng , Qian Zhiqiang , Liu Huan , Wang Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Intermittent sunlight irradiation severely limits the performance of solar evaporators for electricity output and freshwater production. To address this issue, a hierarchical‐structured three‐dimentional (3D) solar evaporator to simultaneously enhance output voltage and freshwater production by integrating a paraffin‐type phase change material (PCM) with a circular concave‐shaped 3D supporter covered with a carbon‐black‐nanoparticles‐modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric (PMCB) is developed. In this developed 3D solar evaporator, the 3D‐printed supporter can trap sunlight to improve solar energy absorption, and the PMCB obtained from hydrophilic and hydrophobic modification can adequately absorb sunlight for electricity generation and water evaporation, resulting in a maximum output voltage of 3.51 V and a high evaporation rate of 4.0 kg m−2 h−1 under natural sunlight illumination. Owing to the introduction of the PCM, the 3D solar evaporator obtains a decrease in the time required for charging a capacitor by 57.9% and an increase in freshwater production by 29.9% compared to the counterpart without a PCM. Through rationally utilizing the solar photothermal energy stored by the PCM and innovatively integrating the PCM and PMCB in a hierarchical‐structured 3D supporter, the developed 3D solar evaporator exhibits great application potential for simultaneous electricity generation and freshwater supply under intermittent solar irradiation.
Self‐Healing, Injectable Hydrogel Dressing for Monitoring and Therapy of Diabetic Wound
Authors: Xie Hongxia , Wang Zheng , Wang Ruizi , Chen Qianqian , Yu Aixi , Lu Ang
Published: February 2024

Chronic diabetic wound repair is a global medical challenge. Developing a hydrogel dressing to effectively promote angiogenesis and detect wound state in diabetic wound management is an unmet medical requirement. Herein, a facile and efficient strategy to prepare self‐healing hydrogel with enhanced angiogenesis and real‐time monitoring for diabetic wounds is presented, by cross‐linking carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with precoordinated europium‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Eu‐EDTA) complexes. Benefiting from the dynamic and reversible coordination interaction formation, the hydrogel exhibits remarkable injectability and self‐healing properties, thus forming efficient coverage in irregular and deep wounds with minimally invasive procedures. Furthermore, the fluorescence of the hydrogel changes linearly with pH value in the range of 4.5–7.5 and enables real‐time pH measurement to monitor the wound state. More importantly, the hydrogel can effectively promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and enhance tube formation ability, demonstrating great angiogenesis capacity in tissue remodeling. The in vivo experiments manifested that the hydrogel can enhance angiogenesis by upregulating the expression of angiogenesis‐related factors and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), contributing to granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and diabetic wound repair. This work can provide a promising strategy for diagnosis and therapy in clinical diabetic wounds.
A Combination of Flexible Modified Plant Virus Nanoparticles Enables Additive Effects Resulting in Improved Osteogenesis
Authors: Schuphan Juliane , Stojanović Natalija , Lin Ying‐Ying , Buhl Eva Miriam , Aveic Sanja , Commandeur Ulrich , Schillberg Stefan , Fischer Horst
Published: February 2024

Plant virus nanoparticles (VNPs) genetically engineered to present osteogenic cues provide a promising method for biofunctionalizing hydrogels in bone tissue engineering. Flexible Potato virus X (PVX) nanoparticles substantially enhance the attachment and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by presenting the RGD motif, hydroxyapatite‐binding peptide (HABP), or consecutive polyglutamates (E8) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Therefore, it is hypothesized that Tobacco mosaic virus nanoparticles, which present 1.6 times more functional peptides than PVX, will meliorate such an impact. This study hypothesizes that cultivating hMSCs on a surface coated with a combination of two VNPs presenting peptides for either cell attachment or mineralization can achieve additionally enhancing effects on osteogenesis. Calcium minerals deposited by differentiating hMSCs increases two to threefold for this combination, while the Alkaline Phosphatase activity of hMSCs grown on the PVX‐RGD/PVX‐HABP‐coated surface significantly surpasses any other VNP combination. Superior additive effects are observed for the first time by employing a combination of VNPs with varying functionalities. It is found that the flexible VNP geometry plays a more critical role than the concentration of functional peptides. In conclusion, various peptide‐presenting plant VNPs exhibit an additive enhancing effect offering significant potential for effectively functionalizing cell‐containing hydrogels in bone tissue engineering.
Stereo‐Hindrance Engineering of A Cation toward <110>‐Oriented 2D Perovskite with Minimized Tilting and High‐Performance X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Xia Mengling , Sun Xijuan , Ye Fan , Liao Mingquan , Liu Jiaqi , Liu Shiyou , Wu Dong , Xu Yinsheng , Zhang Xianghua , Xue Kan‐Hao , Miao Xiangshui , Tang Jiang , Niu Guangda
Published: February 2024

2D <100>‐oriented Dion–Jacobson or Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites are widely recognized as promising candidates for optoelectronic applications. However, the large interlayer spacing significantly hinders the carrier transport. <110>‐oriented 2D perovskites naturally exhibit reduced interlayer spacings, but the tilting of metal halide octahedra is typically serious and leads to poor charge transport. Herein, a <110>‐oriented 2D perovskite EPZPbBr4 (EPZ = 1‐ethylpiperazine) with minimized tilting is designed through A‐site stereo‐hindrance engineering. The piperazine functional group enters the space enclosed by the three [PbBr6]4− octahedra, pushing Pb─Br─Pb closer to a straight line (maximum Pb─Br─Pb angle ≈180°), suppressing the tilting as well as electron–phonon coupling. Meanwhile, the ethyl group is located between layers and contributes an extremely reduced effective interlayer distance (2.22 Å), further facilitating the carrier transport. As a result, EPZPbBr4 simultaneously demonstrates high µτ product (1.8 × 10−3 cm2 V−1) and large resistivity (2.17 × 1010 Ω cm). The assembled X‐ray detector achieves low dark current of 1.02 × 10−10 A cm−2 and high sensitivity of 1240 µC Gy−1 cm−2 under the same bias voltage. The realized specific detectivity (ratio of sensitivity to noise current density, 1.23 × 108 µC Gy−1 cm−1 A−1/2) is the highest among all reported perovskite X‐ray detectors.
Ice‐Templated Synthesis of Atomic Cluster Cocatalyst with Regulable Coordination Number for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Wang Fan , Zhang Shengjia , Shen Jing , Zhu Xiaolin , Cui Yuanyuan , Li Pengfei , Lin Chao , Li Xiaopeng , Xiao Qi , Luo Wei
Published: February 2024

Supported metal catalysts have been exploited in various applications. Among them, cocatalyst supported on photocatalyst is essential for activation of photocatalysis. However, cocatalyst decoration in a controllable fashion to promote intrinsic activity remains challenging. Herein, a versatile method is developed for cocatalyst synthesis using an ice‐templating (ICT) strategy, resulting in size control from single‐atom (SA), and atomic clusters (AC) to nanoparticles (NP). Importantly, the coordination numbers (CN) of decorated AC cocatalysts are highly controllable, and this ICT method applies to various metals and photocatalytic substrates. Taking narrow‐band gap Ga‐doped La5Ti2Cu0.9Ag0.1O7S5 (LTCA) photocatalyst as an example, supported Ru AC/LTCA catalysts with regulable Ru CNs have been prepared, delivering significantly enhanced activities compared to Ru SA and Ru NPs supported on LTCA. Specifically, Ru(CN = 3.4) AC/LTCA with an average CN of Ru─Ru bond measured to be ≈3.4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution rate (578 µmol h−1) under visible light irradiation. Density functional theory calculation reveals that the modeled Ru(CN = 3) atomic cluster cocatalyst possesses favorable electronic properties and available active sites for the H2 evolution reaction.
Supra‐Fluorophores: Ultrabright Fluorescent Supramolecular Assemblies Derived from Conventional Fluorophores in Water
Authors: Lei Yuqing , Wang Yuqian , Hill Sophie K. , Cheng Zihe , Song Qiao , Perrier Sébastien
Published: February 2024

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles (NPs) with exceptional brightness hold significant promise for demanding fluorescence bioimaging applications. Although considerable efforts are invested in developing novel organic dyes with enhanced performance, augmenting the brightness of conventional fluorophores is still one of the biggest challenges to overcome. This study presents a supramolecular strategy for constructing ultrabright fluorescent nanoparticles in aqueous media (referred to as “Supra‐fluorophores”) derived from conventional fluorophores. To achieve this, this course has employed a cylindrical nanoparticle with a hydrophobic microdomain, assembled by a cyclic peptide‐diblock copolymer conjugate in water, as a supramolecular scaffold. The noncovalent dispersion of fluorophore moieties within the hydrophobic microdomain of the scaffold effectively mitigates the undesired aggregation‐caused quenching and fluorescence quenching by water, resulting in fluorescent NPs with high brightness. This strategy is applicable to a broad spectrum of fluorophore families, covering polyaromatic hydrocarbons, coumarins, boron‐dipyrromethenes, cyanines, xanthenes, and squaraines. The resulting fluorescent NPs demonstrate high fluorescence quantum yield (>30%) and brightness per volume (as high as 12 060 m−1 cm−1 nm−3). Moreover, high‐performance NPs with emission in the NIR region are constructed, showcasing up to 20‐fold increase in both brightness and photostability. This Supra‐fluorophore strategy offers a versatile and effective method for transforming existing fluorophores into ultrabright fluorescent NPs in aqueous environments, for applications such as bioimaging.
Fast Emitting Nanocomposites for High‐Resolution ToF‐PET Imaging Based on Multicomponent Scintillators
Authors: Orfano Matteo , Pagano Fiammetta , Mattei Ilaria , Cova Francesca , Secchi Valeria , Bracco Silvia , Rogers Edith , Barbieri Luca , Lorenzi Roberto , Bizarri Gregory , Auffray Etiennette , Monguzzi Angelo
Published: February 2024

Time‐of‐Flight Positron Emission Tomography (ToF‐PET) is a medical imaging technique, based on the detection of two back‐to‐back γ‐photons generated from radiotracers injected into the body. Its limit is the ability of employed scintillation detectors to discriminate in time the arrival of γ‐pairs, that is, the coincidence time resolution (CTR). A CTR < 50 ps will enable fast imaging with ultralow radiotracer dose. Monolithic materials do not have simultaneously the required high light output and fast emission characteristics, thus the concept of scintillating heterostructure is proposed, where the device is made of a dense scintillator coupled to a fast‐emitting light material. Here a composite polymeric scintillator loaded with hafnium oxide nanoparticles is presented. This enhanced by +300% its scintillation yield, by surpassing commercial plastic scintillators. The nanocomposite is coupled to bismuth germanate oxide (BGO) realizing a multilayer metascintillator. The energy sharing between its components is observed, which activates the nanocomposite's fast emission enabling a net CTR improvement of 25% with respect to monolithic BGO. These results demonstrate that a controlled loading with dense nanomaterials is an excellent strategy to enhance the performance of polymeric scintillators for their use in advanced radiation detection and imaging technologies.
Bi‐Layer Reflection‐Transmission Dual‐Mode Metasurface with Flexible Bandwidth Control
Authors: Faraz Faizan , Zhang Zhengping , Huang Yuanqing , Fraz Hifza , Abbasi Taufeeq Ur Rehman , Wang Xiong , Zhu Weiren
Published: February 2024

A general strategy for designing bi‐layer reflection‐transmission integrated dual‐mode metasurfaces is presented with flexible bandwidth control. The design of such metasurfaces is enlightened by introducing a cutting hole in the ground plane, which not only acts as a filter for reflection and transmission but also has an eloquent role for bandwidth control. For proof of concept, a bi‐layer metasurface consisting of split ring resonators (SRRs) is designed on the top side and I‐shaped resonators on both sides. The proper adjustment of ground cut/hole shifts the two co‐polarized resonances (initial resonances of the SRRs) close to each other, and in addition, converts wideband cross‐polarized reflection (in between the two initial co‐polarized resonances of SRR) to co‐polarized reflection. This results in a broadband response by shifting two co‐polarized resonances close to each other and converting cross‐polarized reflection into co‐polarized reflection. It is demonstrated that a simple SRR can be responsible for broadband (7.9–12 GHz) reflection while an I‐shaped structure is used for transmission with central frequency at 17.58 GHz with independent phase controls. To endorse the proposed strategy, a metasurface prototype is fabricated and tested for the generation of vortex beams and focusing.
Ultrafast Quasi‐2D/3D Perovskite Photodetectors Conferred Using Interfacial Engineering of Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Sung Chih‐Yuan , Chen Wei‐Cheng , Liu Cheng‐Liang , Lin Bi‐Hsuan , Lin Yan‐Cheng , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: February 2024

Quasi‐2D (q‐2D) perovskites are extensively studied due to their hybrid properties of 3D and 2D phases and have proven to be applied to a wide range of optoelectronics. Multiple device engineering methods for perovskite photodetectors are developed. However, the treatment of self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) is rarely discussed. Herein, a series of silane‐coupling agents of (3‐chloropropyl)trichlorosilane (CPTS), phenyltrichlorosilane, and (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane is adopted as SAM materials and elucidated their influence on q‐2D/3D CsPbBr3 films and their photodetector performance. The optical properties and morphology results reveal that perovskite film on CPTS‐modified surface can prolong excitons’ lifetime, produce a larger grain size and better size distribution, while also present better crystallinity and united orientation. As for the fabricated photodetectors, the device on a CPTS‐modified surface has the highest photocurrent of 5.46 × 10−8 A, a responsivity of 0.16 A W−1, and an 18‐times‐higher specific detectivity than the pristine counterpart, which comes from the higher surface energy and favorable energy level alignment. The photodetector on the CPTS‐modified surface also shows better stability than that on the pristine surface. This study pioneers by using SAMs on q‐2D perovskite photodetectors and provides a facile route of device fabrication for perovskite photodetectors.
Influence of aspect ratio of ellipsoidal particles on mixing in vibrated packed bed using discrete element method
Authors: Khatoon Salma , Kumar Sunil , Yogi Jeetram , Dubey Praveen , Anand Anshu
Published: February 2024

The uniform mixing of particles is crucial in many industrial applications. In industries, most granular materials are nonspherical, with ellipsoids being a common deviation from the sphere. The study employs the DEM model to investigate the mixing of a binary mixture in a vibrated packed bed with fixed amplitude and frequency. The study explores the behavior of the binary mixture of coarse and fine particles, with one particle being ellipsoid of aspect ratios (0.25–3.0) and the other being a sphere. The subdomain mixing index quantifies the mixing. The mixing of binary mixtures is determined by the aspect ratio of coarse and fine particles. The mixing efficiency is indicated by the average velocity of reference spherical particles, reflecting the convection strength within the bed. The results show higher average velocity in an ellipsoidal‐sphere mixture than in a sphere‐sphere mixture. The DEM results are validated with an identical experimental system.
Imperial algorithms: Contemporary manifestations of racism and colonialism
Authors: Thomas Dominique , Wilson Ciann L.
Published: February 2024

In this special issue, we invited contributions that critically examined issues of imperialism, colonialism, power, justice, etc. to expand the canon of anticolonial scholarship and critical scholarship in community psychology. Our two objectives were: (1) to build on the canon of anticolonial and critical race scholarship to cultivate an empirical and theoretical body of work and conceptual frameworks about racism and colonialism within the field of community psychology and (2) to unpack the different manifestations of racism in society from the lens of community psychology and reflect on the implications of these varied forms of injustice in the contemporary moment. Rooted in African epistemology and methodology (Martin, 2012), we find the concept of the algorithm to serve as a potent metaphor for the ways in which these oppressive structures operate given the prevalence of algorithms in our daily lives and the algorithm is symbolic of the information age and predictive powers that seem to govern society beyond conscious control. In this sense, imperial algorithms are these structures, patterns, processes, and procedures that perpetuate imperialism. These imperial algorithms manifest as neo‐colonialism, surveillance, social engineering, carcerality, reality warping of contemporary racism, health disparities exacerbated by COVID‐19, and environmental grids of oppression.
Synthese und Reaktivität eines Dialanverbrückten Diradikals
Authors: Dhara Debabrata , Endres Lukas , Krummenacher Ivo , Arrowsmith Merle , Dewhurst Rian D. , Engels Bernd , Bertermann Rüdiger , Finze Maik , Demeshko Serhiy , Meyer Franc , Fantuzzi Felipe , Braunschweig Holger
Published: February 2024

Die Radikale des leichtesten Elements der Gruppe 13, Bor, sind gut bekannt und werden in zahlreichen Formen beobachtet. Im Gegensatz zu Bor ist die Radikalchemie mit den schwereren Elementen der Gruppe 13 (Aluminium, Gallium, Indium und Thallium) noch sehr wenig erforscht, was in erster Linie auf die synthetischen Herausforderungen zurückzuführen ist, die mit diesen Elementen verbunden sind. In diesem Artikel berichten wir über die Synthese und Isolierung planarer und verdrillter Konformere eines doppelt CAAC (cyclisches Alkyl(amino)carben)‐Radikal‐substituierten Dialans. Eine umfassende Charakterisierung durch spektroskopische Analysen und Röntgenkristallographie bestätigt ihre Identität, während quantenchemische Berechnungen ihren offenschaligen Charakter belegen und weitere Einblicke in ihre elektronischen Strukturen liefern. Die dialanverbrückten Diradikale weisen eine hohe Oxidationsanfälligkeit auf, wie elektrochemische Messungen sowie Reaktionen mit o‐Chloranil und einer Vielzahl organischer Azide zeigen. Diese Studie eröffnet eine bisher unbekannte Klasse von Dialuminiumsystemen und erweitert den Bereich der Diradikalchemie und ihrer möglichen Anwendungen.
Unveiling the biomedical potential of thiophene‐derived Schiff base complexes: A comprehensive study of synthesis, spectral characterization, antimicrobial efficacy, antioxidant activity, and computational insights
Authors: Bhardwaj Anisha , Dubey Amit , Tufail Aisha , Tufail Nasir , Kumar Manish , Garg Sapana
Published: February 2024

In our pursuit of designing potent bioactive compounds, we synthesized six novel tellurium (IV) complexes through the condensation of 5‐methyl‐2‐thiophene carboxaldehyde and p‐nitroaniline. These compounds underwent rigorous investigation using various analytical techniques (TGA, SEM, EDAX, and powder XRD) and spectral analyses (NMR, mass spectrometry, UV–Vis, and FTIR). Spectroscopic analysis suggested an octahedral geometry for the complexes, revealing chelation through the thiophene sulfur and azomethine nitrogen atoms. Thermal analysis indicated a three‐step degradation process, ultimately leaving behind metal oxide as the end product. We conducted in‐vitro antimicrobial screening using the broth micro‐dilution method, highlighting the significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of complexes 3c and 3d, as well as the potent antimicrobial activity of 3b and 3f against various bacterial strains, including Candida albicans. To further substantiate our findings, we performed advanced computational analyses, including molecular docking, pharmacophore modeling, DFT, MESP, and ADMET studies. Molecular docking validated our antimicrobial results, whereas pharmacophore models enhanced our understanding of molecular interactions with proteins, potentially identifying novel bioactive compounds. Furthermore, DFT and MESP investigations underscored the superior biological efficacy of tellurium (IV) complexes over thiophene‐derived ligands, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic agents. ADMET analysis revealed their favorable profile as precursors for drug development with minimal adverse effects. In summary, our research seamlessly integrates experimental and theoretical aspects, offering innovative insights into drug design and potential applications in pharmaceuticals. This study represents a significant milestone, paving the way for future advancements in the field of pharmaceutical science.
Independent statistical validation of the New Zealand Seafloor Community Classification
Authors: Stephenson Fabrice , Tablada Jordi , Rowden Ashley A. , Bulmer Richard , Bowden David A. , Geange Shane W.
Published: February 2024

The New Zealand Seafloor Community Classification (NZSCC) is a national‐scale numerical community classification which depicts compositional turnover of 1716 taxa (demersal fish, reef fish, benthic invertebrates and macroalgae) classified into 75 groups representing seafloor communities. To ensure the continual use of the NZSCC for spatial planning and reporting, a robust maintenance framework must be set in place; key to this is being able to assess the ability of the classification to represent (discriminate between) different seafloor communities.

Here we describe an approach for validating the NZSCC using temporally independent evaluation data for demersal fish and benthic invertebrates (the latter sampled via a different method), which identifies whether the NZSCC represents different seafloor communities (i.e., assesses classification strength), evaluates the underlying statistical model, and considers heterogeneity in environmental coverage and statistical uncertainty. Additionally, the availability of abundance estimates for these evaluation datasets provides an opportunity to test whether the NZSCC—which was developed using presence‐absence data—can reflect abundance‐weighted seafloor communities.

The ANOSIM global R values (measuring classification strength) were 0.53 and 0.46 (and significant at the 1% level) for demersal fish and benthic invertebrates, respectively, indicating that the NZSCC groups define biologically distinctive environments.

The proportion of significant inter‐group differences were very high (95% and 97% for demersal fish and benthic invertebrates, respectively) suggesting NZSCC groups were distinct from each other in their taxonomic composition.

There were positive relationships between the evaluation datasets and the underlying statistical model. There was no evidence of these relationships being affected by the statistical uncertainty of the NZSCC.

NZSCC model validation metrics using abundance evaluation data were also moderately high (albeit lower than for presence‐absence for invertebrates) suggesting that the NZSCC, can at least in part, represent variation in abundance‐weighted communities. Results presented here suggest that the existing NZSCC is currently fit‐for‐purpose for informing management decisions.
Leisure, community, workforce participation and quality of life in primary and secondary caregivers of autistic children
Authors: Davy Gemma , Barbaro Josephine , Unwin Katy , Clark Megan , Jellett Rachel , Date Perrin , Muniandy Melanie , Dissanayake Cheryl
Published: February 2024

Parents of Autistic children often modify their participation in leisure, social, and employment activities to meet the caregiving needs of their child. However, few studies have examined the impact this has on caregiver quality of life (QoL). The aim in the current study was to examine the role of participation in a range of activities on QoL amongst primary and secondary caregivers of school‐aged Autistic children. Eighty‐eight primary (93% mothers) and 63 secondary (91% fathers) caregivers of Autistic children (aged 7‐ to 12‐years) participated in this cross‐sectional study, with time pressure, participation, social support, parenting stress, and QoL measured via an online questionnaire. Compared to secondary caregivers, primary caregivers reported fewer employment hours, increased time pressure, less participation in desired activities, and higher perceived responsibility of domestic and child‐rearing tasks. Similar levels of leisure frequency, parenting stress, and QoL were identified by both caregivers. Hierarchical regression revealed caregiver participation as important for QoL in both primary and secondary caregivers. However, when measures of caregiver well‐being were added to the model, the unique contribution of participation to QoL was reduced, particularly for secondary caregivers. Overall, the findings demonstrate that despite differences in caregiver roles and responsibilities, participation in meaningful activities was important for QoL in all caregivers.
Malignant upper urinary tract obstruction in cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Shah Max , Blest Francesca , Blackmur James , Laird Alexander , Dawson Shoba , Aning Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Objective

To systematically summarise the current clinical evidence for de novo malignant upper urinary tract obstruction treatment with a focus on standards of reporting, patient outcomes and future research needs.

Methods

This review protocol was published via PROSPERO (CRD42022341588). OVID MEDLINE (R), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials—CENTRAL were searched up to June 2022 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses. Prospective and retrospective studies were included.

Results

Of 941 articles identified, 82 with 8796 patients were eligible for inclusion.

Most studies in the published literature are retrospective and investigate heterogenous malignancies. Percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteric stenting are the most studied interventions. Few studies describe the outcomes from no intervention or investigate patient perspectives. Overall reported median survival after intervention was around 11.7 months. A lack of standardised reporting of outcomes was evident.

Conclusions

Malignant upper urinary tract obstruction is an important clinical condition affecting patients globally. Overall survival after intervention appears poor however the current evidence base has significant limitations due to studies of low methodological quality and the lack of a standardised framework for reporting outcomes.

We have provided a pragmatic framework for future studies based on the review to ensure a uniform methodology is utilised moving forward.
To what extent do England's local offer websites adhere to the statutory guidance as set out in the special educational needs and disabilities code of practice?
Authors: Matthews Jacob , Black‐Hawkins Kristine , Basu Arina , Necula Andreea‐Ioana , Downs Jonny , Ford Tamsin , Saxton Jennifer ,   the HOPE Study
Published: February 2024

In England the 2014 Children and Families Act introduced wide ranging changes to the assessment of and provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Guidance underpinning implementation was then published in the Code of Practice. Our study focuses on a key component of that legislation, known as the ‘local offer’, which requires local authorities to establish and maintain, clear, comprehensive, accessible and up to date information for children and young people with SEND, and their families, about available SEND provision. Local authorities are expected to involve children and young people and their families in co‐designing and reviewing their local offer, alongside other key stakeholders, to ensure provision is responsive to local needs and aspirations. To support our assessment of local offers we first established six categories based on the criteria in the Code of Practice about expected availability of SEND‐related information (e.g. financial support, health service information, accessibility information). We used these categories to evaluate the relevant local offer websites of all 151 English local authorities with legal responsibilities for SEND assessment and provision. We further assessed whether each local offer website included three common website accessibility functions. Our findings demonstrate variation in the availability of information at local authority level, therefore limiting the ability of some young people and families to make informed decisions about the support available to them. This provides further evidence to support growing concerns about ‘postcode lottery’ inequities for families and their children with SEND.