bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination Therapy with Resveratrol and Celastrol Using Folic Acid‐Functionalized Exosomes Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of Sepsis
Authors: Zheng Xue , Xing Yujie , Sun Ke , Jin Hongzhen , Zhao Wei , Yu Fan
Published: August 2023

Overactivated macrophages are a prominent feature of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including sepsis. Attention and regulation of macrophages activity is of great significance for sepsis treatment. Herein, this study shows that folic acid‐functionalized exosomes accumulate in the lung of septic mice and specifically target inflammatory macrophages. Therefore, FA‐functionalized exosomes co‐loaded with resveratrol (an anti‐inflammatory polyphenol) and celastrol (an immunosuppressive pentacyclic triterpenoid; FA‐Exo/R+C), which exhibit powerful anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities against LPS‐stimulated macrophages in vitro by regulating NF‐κB and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, are designed. Encouraged by these positive data, the efficacy of FA‐Exo/R+C is systematically investigated in an LPS‐induced mouse sepsis model. FA‐Exo/R+C shows striking therapeutic benefits in terms of attenuated cytokine storm, reduced acute lung injury, and increased survival of septic mice by inhibiting the inflammation and proliferation of proinflammatory M1 macrophages. Importantly, multiple administrations of FA‐Exo/R+C significantly enhance and prolong the protective effect, and resist rechallenge to LPS. Collectively, the strategy of co‐delivering drugs combination through functionalized exosomes offers a new avenue for sepsis treatment.
Colossal Optical Anisotropy from Atomic‐Scale Modulations
Authors: Mei Hongyan , Ren Guodong , Zhao Boyang , Salman Jad , Jung Gwan Yeong , Chen Huandong , Singh Shantanu , Thind Arashdeep S. , Cavin John , Hachtel Jordan A. , Chi Miaofang , Niu Shanyuan , Joe Graham , Wan Chenghao , Settineri Nick , Teat Simon J. , Chakoumakos Bryan C. , Ravichandran Jayakanth , Mishra Rohan , Kats Mikhail A.
Published: August 2023

Materials with large birefringence (Δn, where n is the refractive index) are sought after for polarization control (e.g., in wave plates, polarizing beam splitters, etc.), nonlinear optics, micromanipulation, and as a platform for unconventional light–matter coupling, such as hyperbolic phonon polaritons. Layered 2D materials can feature some of the largest optical anisotropy; however, their use in most optical systems is limited because their optical axis is out of the plane of the layers and the layers are weakly attached. This work demonstrates that a bulk crystal with subtle periodic modulations in its structure—Sr9/8TiS3—is transparent and positive‐uniaxial, with extraordinary index ne = 4.5 and ordinary index no = 2.4 in the mid‐ to far‐infrared. The excess Sr, compared to stoichiometric SrTiS3, results in the formation of TiS6 trigonal‐prismatic units that break the chains of face‐sharing TiS6 octahedra in SrTiS3 into periodic blocks of five TiS6 octahedral units. The additional electrons introduced by the excess Sr form highly oriented electron clouds, which selectively boost the extraordinary index ne and result in record birefringence (Δn > 2.1 with low loss). The connection between subtle structural modulations and large changes in refractive index suggests new categories of anisotropic materials and also tunable optical materials with large refractive‐index modulation.
Digital Manufacturing of Functional Ready‐to‐Use Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Karamzadeh Vahid , Sohrabi‐Kashani Ahmad , Shen Molly , Juncker David
Published: August 2023

Digital manufacturing (DM) holds great potential for microfluidics, but requirements for embedded conduits and high resolution beyond the capability of common manufacturing equipment, and microfluidic systems' dependence on peripheralshave limited its adoption. Capillaric circuits (CCs) are structurally encoded, self‐contained microfluidic systems that operate and self‐fill via precisely tailored hydrophilicity. CCs  are  heretofore hydrophilized in a plasma chamber, but which offers only transient hydrophilicity, lacks reproducibility, and limits CC design to open surface channels subsequently sealed with tape. Here, the additive DM of monolithic, fully functional, and intrinsically hydrophilic CCs is reported. CCs are 3D printed with commonly available light‐engine‐based 3D printers using poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate‐based ink co‐polymerized with hydrophilic acrylic acid crosslinkers and optimized for hydrophilicity and printability. A new, robust capillary valve design and embedded conduits with circular cross‐sections that prevent bubble trapping are presented, interwoven circuit architectures created, and CC use illustrated with an immunoassay. Finally, the external paper capillary pumps are eliminated by directly embedding the capillary pump in the chip as a porous gyroid structure, realizing fully functional, monolithic CCs. Thence, a digital file can be made into a CC by commonly available 3D printers in less than 30 min enabling low‐cost, distributed DM of fully functional ready‐to‐use microfluidic systems.
3D Printing of High Viscosity UV‐Curable Resin for Highly Stretchable and Resilient Elastomer
Authors: Huang Xianmei , Peng Shuqiang , Zheng Longhui , Zhuo Dongxian , Wu Lixin , Weng Zixiang
Published: August 2023

Elastomers prepared via vat photopolymerizationus ually exhibit unsatisfied mechanical properties owing to their insufficient growth of molecular weight upon UV exposure. Increasing the weight ratio of oligomer in the resin system is an effective approach to enhance the mechanical properties, yet the viscosity of the UV‐curable resin increases dramatically; this hinders its printing. In this study, a linear scan‐based vat photopolymerization (LSVP) system which can print high‐viscosity resins is implemented to 3D print the oligomer‐dominated UV‐curable resin via a dual‐curing mechanism. A polyurethane methacrylate blocking oligomer is first synthesized and then mixed with a commercialized bifunctional oligomer, photoinitiator, and primary amine as a chain extender to prepare high‐viscosity UV‐curable resin for the LSVP system. The deblocked isocyanate is further crosslinked with a chain extender via thermal treatment to construct a highly entangled polymer chain network. The optimal thermal treatment parameters are investigated, and the resilience of the 3D‐printed elastomer is evaluated through continuous tensile loading and unloading tests. Subsequently, complex structured elastomers are printed, exhibiting favorable mechanical durability without defects. The results obtained from this work will provide a reference for preparing elastomeric devices with excellent physical properties and expand the application scope of vat photopolymerization to new fields.
Engineering the Intrinsic Chirality of Plasmonic Au@Pd Metamaterials for Highly Sensitive Chiroplasmonic Hydrogen Sensing
Authors: Lv Xiali , Wu Fengxia , Tian Yu , Zuo Peng , Li Fenghua , Xu Guobao , Niu Wenxin
Published: August 2023

Metal helicoid nanoparticles with intrinsic 3D chiral structures have emerged as a new class of plasmonic metamaterials with outstanding chiroplasmonic properties. Despite the considerable potential of metal helicoid nanoparticles in chiroplasmonic sensing, their sensing capabilities remain elusive, stressing the need for the rational chirality engineering of helicoid nanoparticles. In this report, Au@Pd helicoid nanoparticles with engineered chiroplasmonic properties and integrated hydrogen sensing capabilities are rationally synthesized. As chiroplasmonic metamaterials, the Au@Pd helicoid nanoparticles exhibit unprecedented sensitivity for hydrogen chiroplasmonic sensing in the visible range. A significant circular dichroism red‐shift as large as 206.1 nm can be achieved when they are exposed to hydrogen. Such a high sensitivity outperforms all the plasmonic hydrogen sensors in the visible range. Besides sensitivity, the chiroplasmonic sensing platform shows a good linear range of 1.5–6.0% hydrogen concentration with higher figure of merit, excellent selectivity, and good reusability. To further demonstrate its applicability, this chiroplasmonic hydrogen sensing platform is utilized to investigate hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics on Pd. This study heralds a new paradigm for plasmonic hydrogen sensing and highlights the tremendous potential of utilizing helicoid nanoparticles as chiroplasmonic sensing metamaterials by chirality engineering.
Far‐Field Synthetic Aperture Imaging via Fourier Ptychography with Quasi‐Plane Wave Illumination
Authors: Li Sheng , Wang Bowen , Liang Kunyao , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: August 2023

Fourier ptychography (FP) technique is a promising super‐resolution tool in noninterferometric synthetic aperture research thanks to its unique capabilities for circumventing the physical limitation of space bandwidth product. However, FP imaging in the long‐range scenario suffers from field‐of‐view (FOV) attenuation due to spherical‐wave imaging characteristics, and the speckle noise of most targets further restricts the FP's application in far‐field detection. Herein, a remote FP (R‐FP) technique is proposed to address the issues by combining the idea of quasi‐plane wave illumination and the total variation‐guided filtering (TVGF) method. Compared with conventional macroscopic Fourier ptychographic imaging, R‐FP overcomes the contradiction between FOV and detection range and mitigates the effect of speckle noise by utilizing the TVGF method, as demonstrated by high‐resolution imaging of various targets (including United States Air Force (USAF) resolution chart, spade poker, and fingerprint). In particular, the long‐range FP capability of the proposed approach is demonstrated by the synthetic aperture imaging of a King poker card at 12 m away. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, R‐FP achieves the farthest detection range of macroscopic Fourier ptychographic imaging up to date, demonstrating its potential for application in far‐field detection.
Navigating Visible‐Light‐Triggered (aza and thia) Paternò‐Büchi Reactions for the Synthesis of Heterocycles
Authors: Zhang Qing‐Bao , Yang Yongqi , Zhang Shanshan , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2023

Harnessing visible light to trigger (aza and thia) Paternò‐Büchi reaction injects new vitality into [2+2] photocyclization reaction and enable impressive reactivity modes. The popular (aza and thia) Paternò‐Büchi reaction is one of the most efficient ways to synthesize strained four‐membered heterocycles. Recently, visible‐light‐triggered (aza and thia) Paternò‐Büchi reactions have received considerable attentions as this strategy has overcome some long‐standing challenges, and remarkable achievements have been made within this field. Strained four‐membered heterocyclics with favorable properties provide a perfect combination of stable skeletons for pharmaceutical chemistry and reaction intermediates for further transformation. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in visible‐light‐triggered (aza and thia) Paternò‐Büchi reaction with an emphasis on reaction mechanism and applications. Organization of the review follows a subdivision according to reaction type and substrate classes.
Fast and Non‐equilibrium Uptake of Hydrogen by Pd Icosahedral Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhou Siyu , Figueras‐Valls Marc , Shi Yifeng , Ding Yong , Mavrikakis Manos , Xia Younan
Published: August 2023

We report for the first time that Pd nanocrystals can absorb H via a “single‐phase pathway” when particles with a proper combination of shape and size are used. Specifically, when Pd icosahedral nanocrystals of 7‐ and 12‐nm in size are exposed to H atoms, the H‐saturated twin boundaries can divide each particle into 20 smaller single‐crystal units in which the formation of phase boundaries is no longer favored. As such, absorption of H atoms is dominated by the single‐phase pathway and one can readily obtain PdHx with anyx in the range of 0–0.7. When switched to Pd octahedral nanocrystals, the single‐phase pathway is only observed for particles of 7 nm in size. We also establish that the H‐absorption kinetics will be accelerated if there is a tensile strain in the nanocrystals due to the increase in lattice spacing. Besides the unique H‐absorption behaviors, the PdHx (x=0–0.7) icosahedral nanocrystals show remarkable thermal and catalytic stability toward the formic acid oxidation due tothe decrease in chemical potential for H atoms in a Pd lattice under tensile strain.
Chemische Synthese mit Gasförmigen Molekularen Ionen: Gewinnung von [B12Br11N2]− aus einem Massenspektrometer
Authors: Rohdenburg Markus , Warneke Ziyan , Knorke Harald , Icker Maik , Warneke Jonas
Published: August 2023

In der Massenspektrometrie werden häufig kurzlebige Ionen in der Gasphase beobachtet, die zuvor nicht in Lösung oder in der Bulkphase synthetisiert worden sind. Diese schwer zugänglichen Ionen werden daher oft primär als analytisch wertvoll für grundlegende Gasphasenstudien angesehen. Hier wird der Nachweis erbracht, dass die Produkte von Ionen‐Molekül‐Reaktionen in Massenspektrometern auf Oberflächen gesammelt werden können, um kondensierte Materie zu erzeugen und somit als Bausteine für die Synthese neuer Verbindungen zu dienen. Das hochreaktive Fragmentanion [B12Br11]− wurde in einem Massenspektrometer erzeugt und in Anwesenheit von molekularem Stickstoff in [B12Br11N2]− umgewandelt, gefolgt von seiner Massenselektion und sanften Deposition auf Oberflächen. Die Molekularstruktur des bisher nie zuvor synthetisierten [B12Br11N2]− wurde mit konventionellen Methoden der Molekularanalyse, einschließlich magnetischer Kernresonanz‐ und Infrarotspektroskopie, bestätigt. Das [B12Br11N2]−‐Ion ist auf Oberflächen und in Lösung bei Raumtemperatur stabil, aber Erhitzen führt zur Abspaltung von N2 und ermöglicht den Zugang zu dem hochreaktiven Zwischenprodukt [B12Br11]− in der kondensierten Phase, das beispielsweise als Reagenz für elektrophile aromatische Substitutionen weiterverwendet werden kann. Die Isolierung von [B12Br11N2]− erweitert somit das Repertoire der verfügbaren Diazo‐Ionen, die als vielseitige Zwischenprodukte bei verschiedenen chemischen Umwandlungen eingesetzt werden können.
Two‐Way Catalysis in a Diels–Alder Reaction Limits Inhibition Induced by an External Electric Field
Authors: Gopakumar Karthik , Shaik Sason , Ramanan Rajeev
Published: August 2023

Oriented external electric fields (EEFs) act as catalysts that can induce selectivity in chemical reactions. The responses of the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction between butadiene and ethylene (BDE‐DA) as well as cyclopentadiene and ethylene (CPDE‐DA) towards EEF stimuli are investigated here using density functional theory (B3LYP) calculations. EEF is a vector that catalyzes the reaction in one direction while inhibiting it in the opposite direction. Here we report that the inhibitive direction becomes rate‐enhancing after some increase in the EEF. The EEF value that brings about the maximum possible inhibition for the reaction is defined as the electrostatic resistance point (ERP). The possibility of both normal and inverse electron‐demand DA reactions causes catalytic activity in both directions of the EEF starting at a unique ERP value. The C5 substituents of cyclopentadiene control the ERP values depending upon the resistance power that the functional group provides against the EEF. The endo and exo diastereomeric transition states of the DA reaction have distinct ERP values and the difference (ΔERP) provides the through‐space electrostatic contribution to the stereoselectivity on a relative scale. Thus, the ERP values can be used as a gauge for the electrostatic interactions between substituent groups and external stimuli.
Porous PTFE supported bis(siloxane imidazole) functionalized Norbornyl copolymer composite anion exchange membrane for alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Li Quan , He Xiaohui , Huang Liang , Lu Yao , Zou Shaoyu , Ye Jia , Huang Longming , Yu Nengquan , Fu Zhihui , Zang Xiujing , Chen Defu
Published: August 2023

Anion exchange membrane plays a vital role in alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC). In this work, a combination strategy of organic–inorganic nanocomposite technology and compounding with PTFE matrix was adopted, which effectively improve the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of AEMs. TGA test results showed that the AEMs had excellent thermal stability with initial thermal decomposition temperature higher than 260°C. SEM showed that the functionalized norbornyl copolymer CL‐aP(NB‐MGE‐b‐NB‐MHE) penetrated into the micropores structure of PTFE, and they had good interface bonding morphology. Composite AEMs had excellent swelling resistance, and the highest swelling ratio was only 7.53% at 80°C. PTFE/CL40‐aP(NB‐MGE‐b‐NB‐MHE) had the highest ionic conductivity (74.40 mS cm−1, 80°C). After immersing in 1 M NaOH solution for 500 h at 60°C, the initial ionic conductivity could be maintained above 90%. The open‐circuit voltage of PTFE/CL40‐aP(NB‐MGE‐b‐NB‐MHE) in H2/O2 fuel cell tests was 1.01 V, and the peak power density reached 182 mW cm−2 at the current density of 398 mA cm−2.
Marine megafauna catch in Thai small‐scale fisheries
Authors: Svarachorn Thevarit , Temple Andrew J. , Berggren Per
Published: August 2023

Small‐scale fisheries are a global conservation threat to marine megafauna (marine mammals, sea turtles, and elasmobranchs). There is currently limited information about marine megafauna catch in Thailand's small‐scale fisheries, which is required for effective management.

This study represents the first independent catch assessment of marine megafauna in Thai small‐scale fisheries. Data on catch and fisheries effort across 1 year (2016–2017) were collected from questionnaire interviews with 535 fishers in 17 provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea coasts. Catch per unit effort was calculated for marine megafauna by fishing gear types and extrapolated to estimate annual catches using Thai official fisheries statistics.

The annual estimated catches were 5.66 million (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.10–7.82 million) rays, 457,864 (95% CI: 192,352–969,166) sharks, 2,400 (95% CI: 1610–3,537) sea turtles, 790 (95% CI: 519–1,167) small cetaceans, and 72 (95% CI: 19–194) dugongs in Thai small‐scale fisheries.

Gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort for all megafauna groups in both sea areas except for sea turtles, where pound nets had the highest catch per unit effort in the Gulf of Thailand. Further, among gillnets, crab gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort for all groups except dugongs, where ray gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort. Accounting for effort, crab gillnets and shrimp trammel nets were responsible for most of the megafauna catch, where crab gillnets contributed 72%–95% of the annual estimated marine megafauna catch. Crab gillnets and shrimp trammel nets were used by 46% and 40% respectively of the interviewed fishers and by 27% and 15% respectively of all small‐scale fishers operating in Thai waters.

Restrictions for gillnet fishing effort (crab gillnets specifically) are needed to prevent extirpation of threatened megafauna species that are important for ecosystem resilience and productivity.
Robust weighted fusion Kalman filters under linearly correlated noise and mixed uncertainties of noise variances, multiplicative noises, and multiple networked inducements
Authors: Yang Chunshan , Zhao Ying , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2023

The paper solves the robust weighted fusion Kalman filtering problem for systems with linearly correlated noise and mixed uncertainties of noise variances, multiplicative noises, and multiple networked inducements including missing measurements, packets dropouts, and two‐step random measurement delays. It is assumed that system noise variances are uncertain but bounded above, and the other four uncertainties are compensated to fictitious white noise by the proposed model‐transformation method. For the transformed local multimodel system with correlated fictitious noise, the robust local time‐varying recursive Kalman filters are presented by decorrelation technique and minimax robust filtering principle. Then the six weighted fusion robust Kalman filters are presented in a unified form. The robustness of local and fused robust Kalman filters is proved by the extended Lyapunov equation approach, matrix factorization, and elementary transformation. Further, the local and fused steady‐state robust Kalman filters are designed. Finally, a simulation study applied to F404 aircraft engine system is provided to examine effectiveness and applicability of the proposed algorithm.
Vine Shoots‐Derived Hard Carbons as Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Role of Annealing Temperature in Regulating Their Structure and Morphology
Authors: Alvira Darío , Antorán Daniel , Vidal Mariano , Sebastian Victor , Manyà Joan J.
Published: August 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered one of the most promising large‐scale and low‐cost energy storage systems due to the abundance and low price of sodium. Herein, hard carbons from a sustainable biomass feedstock (vine shoots) were synthesized via a simple two‐step carbonization process at different highest temperatures to be used as anodes in SIBs. The hard carbon produced at 1200 °C delivered the highest reversible capacity (270 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1, with an acceptable initial coulombic efficiency of 71 %) since a suitable balance between the pseudographitic domains growth and the retention of microporosity, defects, and functional groups was achieved. A prominent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 97 % over 315 cycles was also attained. Comprehensive characterization unraveled a three‐stage sodium storage mechanism based on adsorption, intercalation, and filling of pores. A remarkable specific capacity underestimation of up to 38 % was also found when a two‐electrode half‐cell configuration was employed to measure the rate performance. To avoid this systematic error caused by the counter/reference electrode polarization, we strongly recommend the use of a three‐electrode setup or a full‐cell configuration to correctly evaluate the anode response at moderate and high current rates.
Impact of ethanol on continuous inline diafiltration of liposomal drug products
Authors: Worsham Robert D. , Thomas Vaughan , Farid Suzanne S.
Published: August 2023

Liposomal drug products are playing an increasing role in the field of drug delivery. With this increased demand comes the need to increase the capabilities and capacity of manufacturing options. Continuous manufacturing techniques present a significant opportunity to address these needs for liposomal manufacturing processes. Liposomal formulations have unique considerations that impact translation from batch to continuous process designs. This article examines aspects of converting to a continuous design that were previously viewed as inconsequential in a batch process. The batch process involves the removal of ethanol (EtOH) through tangential flow filtration (TFF). EtOH was found to reduce the permeability of the hollow fibers used for TFF. This effect was determined to have minimal impact on the overall batch process design but considerable influence on the design of continuous TFF such as inline diafiltration (ILDF). Using a pilot scale setup, EtOH was found to decrease permeability in an inverse manner to EtOH concentration. Further assessment found that dilution of the EtOH levels prior to diafiltration can significantly reduce the amount of ILDF stages needed and that a continuous design requires less buffer to the commensurate batch design.
A drug‐selectable acoustic reporter gene system for human cell ultrasound imaging
Authors: Howells Alessandro R. , Welch Phoebe J. , Kim John , Forest Craig R. , Shi Chengzhi , Lian Xiaojun Lance
Published: August 2023

A promising new field of genetically encoded ultrasound contrast agents in the form of gas vesicles has recently emerged, which could extend the specificity of medical ultrasound imaging. However, given the delicate genetic nature of how these genes are integrated and expressed, current methods of producing gas vesicle‐expressing mammalian cell lines requires significant cell processing time to establish a clonal/polyclonal line that robustly expresses the gas vesicles sufficiently enough for ultrasound contrast. Here, we describe an inducible and drug‐selectable acoustic reporter gene system that can enable gas vesicle expression in mammalian cell lines, which we demonstrate using HEK293T cells. Our drug‐selectable construct design increases the stability and proportion of cells that successfully integrate all plasmids into their genome, thus reducing the amount of cell processing time required. Additionally, we demonstrate that our drug‐selectable strategy forgoes the need for single‐cell cloning and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and that a drug‐selected mixed population is sufficient to generate robust ultrasound contrast. Successful gas vesicle expression was optically and ultrasonically verified, with cells expressing gas vesicles exhibiting an 80% greater signal‐to‐noise ratio compared to negative controls and a 500% greater signal‐to‐noise ratio compared to wild‐type HEK293T cells. This technology presents a new reporter gene paradigm by which ultrasound can be harnessed to visualize specific cell types for applications including cellular reporting and cell therapies.
Improved endotoxin removal using ecofriendly detergents for intensified plasmid capture
Authors: Kiesewetter André , Gupta Akshat , Heinen‐Kreuzig Anja , Greenhalgh Trish , Stein Andreas
Published: August 2023

Increasing plasmid demand for both production of viral and gene therapies as well as nucleic acid based vaccines has highlighted bottlenecks in production. One bottleneck is traditional bead‐based chromatography as a capture step. To meet the needs of fast‐growing markets, new production solutions are needed. These solutions must enable efficient capture of a diverse range of plasmid types and excellent clearance of bacterial host impurities, such as endotoxin. Enhanced endotoxin clearance during chromatographic purification has previously been demonstrated with detergents such as Triton™ X‐100. However, degradation products of Triton™ X‐100 are known to have a negative environmental impact, and more sustainable, environmentally benign alternatives have been identified. This work establishes an efficient, intensified plasmid capture using convective anion exchange (AEX) chromatography. The feasibility of the intensified capture approach was assessed with different membrane and a monolith AEX supports. Various detergents from different physico‐chemical classes were evaluated with different AEX technologies. Purification efficiency evaluated endotoxin and host cell protein (HCP) clearance, plasmid yield, potential interference of the detergents with analytical in‐process control assays, and overall process compatibility. This comprehensive screening approach provides valuable insights to intensified plasmid production.
Heterologous Expression and Partial Characterization of a Putative Opine Dehydrogenase from a Metagenomic Sequence of Desulfohalobium retbaense
Authors: Kaličanin Nevena , Balaž Ana Marija , Prodanović Olivera , Prodanović Radivoje
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research was to prove the function of the putative opine dehydrogenase from Desulfohalobium retbaense and to characterize the enzyme in terms of functional and kinetic parameters. A putative opine dehydrogenase was identified from a metagenomic library by a sequence‐based technique search of the metagenomic library, and afterward was successfully heterologously produced in Escherichia coli. In order to examine its potential for applications in the synthesis of secondary amines, first the substrate specificity of the enzyme towards different amino donors and amino acceptors was determined. The highest affinity was observed towards small amino acids, preferentially L‐alanine, and when it comes to α‐keto acids, pyruvate proved to be a preferential amino acceptor. The highest activity was observed at pH 6.5 in the absence of salts. The enzyme showed remarkable stability in a wide range of experimental conditions, such as broad pH stability (from 6.0–11.0 after 30 min incubation in buffers at a certain pH), stability in the presence of NaCl up to 3.0 M for 24 h, it retained 80 % of the initial activity after 1 h incubation at 45 °C, and 65 % of the initial activity after 24 h incubation in 30 % dimethyl sulfoxide.
Low‐temperature synthesis of HfC/HfO2 nanocomposites from a commercial single‐source precursor
Authors: Mujib Shakir Bin , Arunachalam Saravanan R. , Singh Gurpreet
Published: August 2023

A liquid‐phase polymer‐to‐ceramic approach is reported for the synthesis of hafnium carbide (HfC)/hafnium oxide (HfO2) composite particles from a commercial precursor. Typically, HfC ceramics have been obtained by sintering of fine powders, which usually results in large particle size and high porosity during densification. In this study a single‐source liquid precursor was first cured at low temperature and then pyrolyzed at varying conditions to achieve HfC ceramics. The chemical structure of the liquid and cured precursors, and the resulting HfC ceramics was studied using various analytical techniques. The nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of partially hydrated hafnium oxychloride (Hf–O–Cl·nH2O) in the precursor. Scanning electron microscopy of the resulting HfC crystals showed a size distribution in the range of approx. 600–700 nm. The X‐ray diffraction of the pyrolyzed samples confirmed the formation of crystalline HfC along with monoclinic‐HfO2 and free carbon phase. The formation of HfO2 in the ceramics was significantly reduced by controlling the low‐temperature curing temperature. Pyrolysis at various temperatures showed that HfC formation occurred even at 1000°C. These results show that the reported precursor could be promising for the direct synthesis of ultrahigh temperature HfC ceramics and for precursor infiltration pyrolysis of reinforced ceramic matrix composites.
Prognostic significance of long noncoding RNA TTN‐AS1 in various malignancies
Authors: Lin Guangyao , Liu Xiyu , Cong Chao , Xu Lianwei
Published: August 2023

Background

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that high TTN‐AS1 expression is highly related to poor prognosis in diverse human cancers. However, the findings concerning the prognostic value of TTN‐AS1 were inconsistent, as these conclusions were usually drawn with relatively small sample sizes. Hence, this meta‐analysis proposes to investigate the prognostic significance of TTN‐AS1 in multiple malignancies systematically.

Methods

Web of Science, Springer, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched to retrieve studies related to the TTN‐AS1 expression with the prognosis of malignancies. The significance of the TTN‐AS1 in cancers was estimated by hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs). Additionally, the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis tool was used to strengthen our results further.

Results

Twenty studies involving 17 different cancers and 1330 patients were recruited into this meta‐analysis. The research revealed that high TTN‐AS1 expression was remarkably associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.07, 95%CI [1.78, 2.41], p < .00001) when compared with low TTN‐AS1 expression in malignancies. Additionally, elevated TTN‐AS1 expression significantly contributed to lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.09, 95%CI [3.08, 5.44], p < .0001), larger tumor size (OR = 2.42, 95%CI [1.56, 3.77], p < .0001), worse tumor differentiation (OR = 0.36, 95%CI [0.22, 0.59], p < .0001) and more advanced tumor stage (OR = 0.29, 95%CI [0.22, 0.38], p < .0001) with low or no heterogeneity existing. Moreover, high TTN‐AS1 expression  was connected with worse disease‐free survival in five different cancers based on the GEPIA online database.

Conclusions

The results of this meta‐analysis support that high TTN‐AS1 expression significantly correlates with worse prognosis in various cancers. Therefore, TTN‐AS1 may be considered as a novel biomarker for malignancies.
Effects of shading intensities on the yield and contents of anthocyanin and soluble sugar in tubers of purple sweet potato
Authors: Jin Zhaoqiang , Wang Yidan , Si Chengcheng , Kumar Sunjeet , Nie Lixiao , Khan Mohammad Nauman
Published: August 2023

Light intensity is an important factor affecting crop yield and quality. Studies on the effect of light intensity on the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanin and soluble sugar in purple sweet potato tubers (Ipomea batatas L.) have rarely been documented. In this experiment, the effects of different shading intensities (no shading [L0], 20% shading [L1], 40% shading [L2], 60% shading [L3], and 80% shading [L4]) on the agronomic traits, fresh tuber yield, anthocyanin, and soluble sugar contents of purple sweet potatoes were investigated. Results showed that the fresh tuber yield was not decreased, and the accumulation of anthocyanin and soluble sugars in the tubers was increased under L1 compared to L0; however, these parameters were significantly decreased from L2 to L4 treatments. Further analysis showed that anthocyanin synthase (ANS) may be the restriction enzyme for anthocyanin synthesis in purple sweet potato tubers, and either excessive or insufficient light intensity decreased ANS activity. Results suggested that purple sweet potatoes might be planted in intercropping system with a little insufficient light intensity in tropical areas. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of shading intensities on the yield and contents of anthocyanin and soluble sugar in tubers of purple sweet potato will be addressed in the future.
Tuning the Interfaces of ZnO/ZnCr2O4 Derived from Layered‐Double‐Hydroxide Precursors to Advance Nitrogen Photofixation
Authors: Gao Junyu , Wu Fan , Zhao Yunxuan , Bian Xuanang , Zhou Chao , Tang Junwang , Zhang Tierui
Published: August 2023

Drawing inspiration from the enzyme nitrogenase in nature, researchers are increasingly delving into semiconductor photocatalytic nitrogen fixation due to its similar surface catalytic processes. Herein, we reported a facile and efficient approach to achieving the regulation of ZnO/ZnCr2O4 photocatalysts with ZnCr‐layered double hydroxide (ZnCr‐LDH) as precursors. By optimizing the composition ratio of Zn/Cr in ZnCr‐LDH to tune interfaces, we can achieve an enhanced nitrogen photofixation performance (an ammonia evolution rate of 31.7 μmol g−1 h−1 using pure water as a proton source) under ambient conditions. Further, photo‐electrochemical measurements and transient surface photovoltage spectroscopy revealed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the effective carrier separation efficiency, originating from the abundant composite interfaces. This work further demonstrated a promising and viable strategy for the synthesis of nanocomposite photocatalysts for nitrogen photofixation and other challenging photocatalytic reactions.
The role of functional and structural properties of the nucleus accumbens subregions in eating behavior regulation of bulimia nervosa
Authors: Wang Yiling , Tang Lirong , Wang Miao , Wu Guowei , Li Weihua , Wang Xuemei , Wang Jiani , Yang Zhenghan , Li Xiaohong , Li Zhanjiang , Chen Qian , Zhang Peng , Wang Zhenchang
Published: August 2023

Objective

Although studies have demonstrated the involvement of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the neurobiology of eating disorders, its alterations in bulimia nervosa (BN) remain largely unknown. This study investigated the structural and functional properties of NAc in patients with BN.

Method

Based on the resting‐state functional MRI and high‐resolution anatomical T1‐weighted imaging data acquired from 43 right‐handed BN patients and 40 sex‐, age‐ and education‐matched right‐handed healthy controls (HCs), the group differences in gray matter volume (GMV) and fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in slow‐4 and ‐5 bands and functional connectivity (FC) of NAc subregions (core and shell) were compared. The relationships between MRI and clinical data were explored in the BN group.

Results

Compared with HCs, BN patients showed preserved GMV, decreased fALFF in slow‐5 band of the left NAc core and shell, decreased FC between left NAc core and right caudate, and increased FC between all NAc subregions and frontal regions, between all NAc subregions (except the right NAc core) and the supramarginal gyrus (SMG), and between right NAc shell and left middle temporal gyrus. FC between the NAc and SMG was correlated with emotional eating behaviors.

Discussion

Our study revealed preserved GMV, local neuronal activity reduction and functional network reorganization of the NAc in BN. The functional network reorganization of the NAc mainly occurred in the frontal cortex and was correlated with emotional eating behavior. These findings may provide novel insights into the BN using NAc as an entry point.

Public significance

Although studies have demonstrated the involvement of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the neurobiology of eating disorders, its alterations in bulimia nervosa (BN) remain largely unknown. We used a multimodal MRI technique to systematically investigate structural and functional alterations in NAc subregions of BN patients and explored the associations between such alterations and maladaptive eating behaviors, hoping to provide novel insights into BN.
Mitochondrial DNA analyses revealed distinct lineages in an alpine mammal, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Rui‐Rui , Dong Pei‐Pei , Hirata Daisuke , Abduriyim Shamshidin
Published: August 2023

Maternal lineages of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are recognized as important components of intra and interspecific biodiversity and help us to disclose the phylogeny and divergence times of many taxa. Species of the genus Capra are canonical mountain dwellers. Among these is the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), which is regarded as a relic species whose intraspecific classification has been controversial so far. We collected 58 samples in Xinjiang, China, and analyzed the mtDNA genes to shed light on the intraspecific relationships of the C. sibirica populations and estimate the divergence time. Intriguingly, we found that the mtDNA sequences of C. sibirica split into two main lineages in both phylogenetic and network analyses: the Southern lineage, sister to Capra falconeri, consisting of samples from Ulugqat, Kagilik (both in Xinjiang), India, and Tajikistan; and the Northern lineage further divided into four monophyletic clades A–D corresponding to their geographic origins. Samples from Urumqi, Sawan, and Arturk formed a distinct monophyletic clade C within the Northern lineage. The genetic distance between the C. sibirica clades ranges from 3.0 to 8.6%, with values of FST between 0.839 and 0.960, indicating notable genetic differentiation. The split of the genus Capra occurred approximately 6.75 Mya during the late Miocene. The Northern lineage diverged around 5.88 Mya, followed by the divergence of Clades A–D from 3.30 to 1.92 Mya during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene. The radiation between the Southern lineage and C. falconeri occurred at 2.29 Mya during the early Pleistocene. Our results highlight the importance of extensive sampling when relating to genetic studies of alpine mammals and call for further genomic studies to draw definitive conclusions.
Synthesis of Indenes via Graphene Oxide Mediated Manipulation of Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman Alcohols
Authors: Mantovani Sebastiano , Pintus Angela , Kovtun Alessandro , Bertuzzi Giulio , Melucci Manuela , Bandini Marco
Published: August 2023

A new metal‐free synthetic approach to functionalized indenes is documented. The use of commercially available graphene oxide (GO) allowed the direct access to indenyl cores (yield up to 80 %) via intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts‐type allylic alkylations with readily available Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman alcohols. Combined experimental and spectroscopic investigations contributed to shed light on the reaction mechanism dealing with a nanostructured carbon material‐based C−C bond forming reaction.
A Bayesian spatio‐temporal model for short‐term forecasting of precipitation fields
Authors: Johnson S. R. , Heaps S. E. , Wilson K. J. , Wilkinson D. J.
Published: August 2023

With extreme weather events becoming more common, the risk posed by surface water flooding is ever increasing. In this work we propose a model, and associated Bayesian inference scheme, for generating short‐term, probabilistic forecasts of localised precipitation on a spatial grid. Our generative hierarchical dynamic model is formulated in discrete space and time with a lattice‐Markov spatio‐temporal auto‐regressive structure, inspired by continuous models of advection and diffusion. Observations from both weather radar and ground based rain gauges provide information from which we can learn the precipitation field through a latent process in addition to unknown model parameters. Working in the Bayesian paradigm provides a coherent framework for capturing uncertainty, both in the underlying model parameters and in our forecasts. Further, appealing to simulation based sampling using MCMC yields a straightforward solution to handling zeros, treated as censored observations, via data augmentation. Both the underlying state and the observations are of moderately large dimension ( and respectively) and this renders standard inference approaches computationally infeasible. Our solution is to embed the ensemble Kalman smoother within a Gibbs sampling scheme to facilitate approximate Bayesian inference in reasonable time. Both the methodology and the effectiveness of our posterior sampling scheme are demonstrated via simulation studies and by a case study of real data from the Urban Observatory project based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Triple‐band circularly polarized conformal antenna for vehicular communication applications
Authors: Maha Lakshmi N. V. K , Prasad A. Mallikarjuna
Published: August 2023

Vehicular communication presents a compact wideband implantable antenna for the best wireless transmission of information. The key role of the antenna is handled by the thickness of the substrate present in that antenna. Also, the shape of the antenna causes the performance characteristics. Now, vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication is the interesting task for designers to create successful and organized vehicular communication systems. This article presents a triple‐band circularly polarized conformal antenna for vehicular communication. An antenna is introduced as a triple‐band circular polarized conformal antenna and preserved a suitable mount on the vehicle surface for greater gain to provide well‐maintained operational performance characteristics. For getting circular polarization, circular cuttings are provided in the design of the proposed antenna. The radiation gives a fixed direction by providing 0.3 mm thickness. Here, use a circularly polarized antenna to rectify the signal absorption due to the contact material used in the antenna. A polyamide material is used as a substrate to get a probable successful link and improve the flexibility of the antenna. The triple‐band circularly polarized antenna is designed to operate in vehicular communication bands such as 2.4 GHz Wi‐Fi, 3.5 GHz WiMAX, and 5.9 GHz dedicated short range communication. The antenna is designed to resonate in a triple band to improve the antenna parameters like frequency response characteristics, gain, return loss, voltage standing wave ratio, left hand circularly polarization, right hand circularly polarization, axial ratio, fidelity factor, directivity, radiated power, and input impedance. Under the operating frequency bands of 2.4, 3.4, and 5.9 GHz, the efficiency of the proposed antenna is 98.48%, 97.31%, and 97.90%, respectively. The triple‐band circularly polarized conformal antenna is implemented in the high‐frequency structure simulator platform. The proposed tri‐band antenna is applicable in vehicular communication systems and healthcare for efficient wireless transmission.
Managing fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Experience from smallholder farmers in central and western Africa
Authors: Cokola Marcellin C. , Van Den Bussche Raphaël , Noël Grégoire , Kouanda Nongamanégré , Sèye Fawrou , Yarou Boni B. , Caparros Megido Rudy , Bayendi Loudit Sandrine M. , Lonpi Tipi Ernestine , Michel Baudouin , Francis Frédéric
Published: August 2023

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is currently an important pest of maize crops worldwide not only because of its dispersal ability but also because of its polyphagous feeding behaviour. Lack of sufficient information on the management of the fall armyworm attacks remains a crucial problem for maize smallholder farmers in Africa. In this study, 420 farmers were surveyed in central and west Africa using individual interviews to assess farmers' knowledges and perceptions of the fall armyworm damages and the management practices used. Most farmers (99.4%) were shown to recognize the fall armyworm and 92.5% claimed to already have damages in their fields. The fall armyworm seems not to be a new pest as most farmers identified it in different countries from 2015 to 2019. Apart from maize as the preferred crop of S. frugiperda, several alternative host plants including Napier grass, sorghum, onion, and cabbage were identified by the farmers. Although cultural and mechanical control methods are used by several farmers, the synthetic pesticide market is still preferred by almost half of the farmers (44.28%) who still use them. To control fall armyworm, 96.4% in Burkina Faso, 85.3% in Gabon, 65.2% in Benin and 25% in DR Congo reported using insecticides, against 5.9% in Senegal. Semiochemical‐based method and biological control by promoting natural enemies of the fall armyworm are new concepts for farmers in DR Congo, Gabon and Benin. To avoid additional problems regarding health and resilience of agricultural systems, alternative methods such as push–pull approach, the development of biopesticides and resistant cultivars should form the basis of training given to farmers and should be popularized for sustainable control of the fall armyworm in central and west Africa.
Changes on chromosome 11p15.5 as specific marker for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma?
Authors: Vicha Ales , Jencova Pavla , Novakova‐Kodetova Daniela , Stolova Lucie , Voriskova Dagmar , Vyletalova Kristyna , Broz Petr , Drahokoupilova Eva , Guha Anasuya , Kopecká Marie , Krskova Lenka
Published: August 2023

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) constitute a heterogeneous spectrum of tumors with respect to clinical behavior and tumor morphology. The paternal uniparental disomy (pUPD) of 11p15.5 is a molecular change described mainly in embryonal RMS. In addition to LOH, UPD, the MLPA technique (ME030kit) also determines copy number variants and methylation of H19 and KCNQ1OT1 genes, which have not been systematically investigated in RMS. All 127 RMS tumors were divided by histology and PAX status into four groups, pleomorphic histology (n = 2); alveolar RMS PAX fusion‐positive (PAX+; n = 39); embryonal RMS (n = 70) and fusion‐negative RMS with alveolar pattern (PAX‐RMS‐AP; n = 16). The following changes were detected; negative (n = 21), pUPD (n = 75), gain of paternal allele (n = 9), loss of maternal allele (n = 9), hypermethylation of H19 (n = 6), hypomethylation of KCNQ1OT1 (n = 6), and deletion of CDKN1C (n = 1). We have shown no difference in the frequency of pUPD 11p15.5 in all groups. Thus, we have proven that changes in the 11p15.5 are not only specific to the embryonal RMS (ERMS), but are often also present in alveolar RMS (ARMS). We have found changes that have not yet been described in RMS. We also demonstrated new potential diagnostic markers for ERMS (paternal duplication and UPD of whole chromosome 11) and for ARMS PAX+ (hypomethylation KCNQ1OT1).