bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-other generalisation shapes social interaction and is disrupted in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Barnby Joseph M , Nguyen Jen , Griem Julia , Wloszek Magdalena , Burgess Henry , Richards Linda , Kingston Jessica , Cooper Gavin ,   London Personality and Mood Disorders Consortium, Montague P Read , Dayan Peter , Nolte Tobias , Fonagy Peter
Published: January 2025

Generalising information from ourselves to others, and others to ourselves allows for both a dependable source of navigation and adaptability in interpersonal exchange. Disturbances to social development in sensitive periods can cause enduring and distressing damage to lasting healthy relationships. However, identifying the mechanisms of healthy exchange has been difficult. We introduce a theory of self-other generalisation tested with data from a three-phase social value orientation task - the Intentions Game. We involved individuals with (n=50) and without (n=53) a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and assessed whether self-other information generalisation may explain interpersonal (in)stability. Healthy controls initially used their preferences to predict others and were influenced by their partners, leading to self-other convergence. In contrast, individuals with borderline personality disorder maintained distinct self-other representations, generating a new neutral prior to begin learning. Both groups steadily reduced their updating over time, with healthy participants showing increased sensitivity to update beliefs. Furthermore, we explored theory-driven individual differences underpinning learning. Overall, the findings provide a clear explanation of how self-other generalisation constrains and assists learning, how childhood adversity disrupts this through separation of internalised beliefs and makes clear predictions about the mechanisms of social information integration under uncertainty.
Interleukin-1 prevents SARS-CoV-2-induced membrane fusion to restrict viral transmission via induction of actin bundles
Authors: Zheng Xu , Yu Shi , Zhou Yanqiu , Yu Kuai , Gao Yuhui , Chen Mengdan , Duan Dong , Li Yunyi , Cui Xiaoxian , Mou Jiabin , Yang Yuying , Wang Xun , Chen Min , Jiu Yaming , Zhao Jincun , Meng Guangxun
Published: January 2025

Innate immune responses triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, while host factors including pro-inflammatory cytokines are critical for viral containment. By utilizing quantitative and qualitative models, we discovered that soluble factors secreted by human monocytes potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced cell-cell fusion in viral-infected cells. Through cytokine screening, we identified that interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a key mediator of inflammation, inhibits syncytia formation mediated by various SARS-CoV-2 strains. Mechanistically, IL-1β activates RhoA/ROCK signaling through a non-canonical IL-1 receptor-dependent pathway, which drives the enrichment of actin bundles at the cell-cell junctions, thus prevents syncytia formation. Notably,
in vivo
infection experiments in mice confirms that IL-1β significantly restricted SARS-CoV-2 spreading in the lung epithelia. Together, by revealing the function and underlying mechanism of IL-1β on SARS-CoV-2-induced cell-cell fusion, our study highlights an unprecedented antiviral function for cytokines during viral infection.
No more / burial remedies
Authors: Grundy David
Published: January 2025

William Rowe’s poetry emerges from two principal strands. Best known as a translator and scholar of major South American poets such as César Vallejo and Raúl Zurita, Rowe’s own work shares their concern with political violence, atrocity, and the space of freedom that might emerge in spite of death’s seemingly absolute encroachment on life. During the past decade or more, Rowe’s work has taken on new force (and expanded considerably in output) in a mutually productive encounter with a younger generation of poets based largely in Britain. This essay examines Rowe’s poems written in the years since the Conservative Party came to power in 2010, initially as part of a coalition government, which represent a furious, diagnostic response to the suffering wrought by the social cleansing attendant on the 2012 Olympics, the clampdown on “benefits” and associated programmes of “workfare,” the ruthless exploitation of unpaid labour, the deployment of anti-immigrant rhetoric, and policies of foreign intervention (what Rowe calls both “low intensity” and “high intensity” terror). Via Engels’ concept of “social murder” and Mbembe’s “necropolitics,” it focuses on the figure of death in Rowe’s poetry, including the deaths of politicians and the desaparecidos of South American dictatorships, ending on his writing of London’s geographies of power, and the possibility of revolutionary change.
Desafios e perspectivas na gestão eficiente de aquisição bibliográfica na Universidade Federal de Rondônia
Authors: Saldanha Ozelina do Carmo de Carvalho , Brasil Walterlina Barboza
Published: January 2025

Este estudo investiga os desafios e as oportunidades na gestão de aquisições bibliográficas na Biblioteca Central da Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR). A pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa e descritiva, teve como objetivo analisar os processos de aquisição, identificar as principais dificuldades e propor melhorias para aperfeiçoar a gestão dos recursos bibliográficos. Este estudo se justifica pela necessidade de compreender os processos envolvidos nessa aquisição, visando aperfeiçoar os recursos e atender às demandas da comunidade acadêmica. O problema de pesquisa centraliza-se na necessidade de entender como a Biblioteca gerencia seus contratos de aquisição para garantir que os recursos bibliográficos estejam disponíveis e atendam às necessidades da comunidade acadêmica. A pesquisa busca identificar possíveis falhas nos processos, propor melhorias e garantir a qualidade dos serviços oferecidos pela biblioteca. Através da revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa documental, análise documental e de entrevistas com os envolvidos, foi possível identificar a necessidade de padronização dos procedimentos, a importância da comunicação entre a biblioteca e os departamentos acadêmicos e a necessidade de uma gestão mais eficiente dos contratos. O estudo se desenvolve sob a base da Teoria da Nova Gestão Pública (NGP) e seus resultados indicam que a aplicação dos princípios da NGP pode contribuir significativamente para a melhoria da gestão de aquisições bibliográficas, garantindo a qualidade do acervo e o apoio às atividades de ensino, pesquisa e extensão da instituição. Como resultado prático da pesquisa, propõe-se a elaboração de uma cartilha técnica destinada a melhorar os procedimentos de compra de materiais bibliográficos. Essa iniciativa visa aumentar a segurança na realização desses processos e incentivar a utilização de ferramentas tecnológicas para facilitar a gestão das aquisições. Com essa abordagem, será possível atender a um maior número de Instituições de Ensino Superior no Brasil que desejam aperfeiçoar suas práticas de aquisição bibliográfica.
Ativos intangíveis: o uso das técnicas de valuation para transferência de tecnologia
Authors: Silva Felipe Eduardo de Oliveira , Queiroz Lisia de Melo
Published: January 2025

Esta pesquisa investiga como o conhecimento científico e as inovações tecnológicas, sobretudo as originadas nas universidades, impulsionam o desenvolvimento sustentável, ao integrar benefícios sociais, econômicos e ambientais. Destaca-se que a produção científica gera ativos intangíveis que conferem vantagens competitivas às organizações, reforçando a importância da valoração precisa de patentes no processo de Transferência de Tecnologia, identificando a necessidade de aplicação de técnicas adequadas ao valuation. O objetivo deste estudo é aplicar o Fluxo de Caixa Descontado (FCD), para avaliar uma impressora 3D destinada à fabricação de peças metálicas, que emprega a técnica de  resfriamento térmico por quase-imersão. A metodologia baseia-se na aplicação do FCD para verificar a sua assertividade no processo de valoração de ativos durante o processo de Transferência de Tecnologia. Os resultados evidenciam que embora estático, o FCD apresenta alta precisão na previsão de fluxos de caixa futuros e no desempenho operacional. Conclui-se que o método obteve contribuição significativa para a valoração eficaz de patentes, reforçando seu papel estratégico no cenário da Transferência de Tecnologia.
Study on the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Yield and Quality in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)
Authors: Kalakar Amar , Agarwal Arjun Kumar , Misra Sanyat , Sengupta S. , Kumar Rishikesh , Kiro Deepika
Published: January 2025

With the purpose to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on yield in Cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L., cv. Sabour Agrim, research was conducted using Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice from March 2021 to May 2021. The trial comprised of 9 different treatment combinations consisting varied sources of nutrients including in-organic, organic and bio-fertilizers. The yield parameters like gross curd weight (0.96 kg), marketable curd weight (535 g), yield per plot (13.36 kg) and yield per hectare (26.74 tonnes) were observed maximum in treatment 75%RDF+12.5%FYM+12.5%Vermicompost+Bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter+PSB) (T6). Similar results were obtained for quality parameters like curd depth (9.09 cm), curd size (322.00 cm2) and curd solidity (58.81 g/cm). From the studies it was inferred that the application of 75%RDF+12.5%FYM+12.5%Vermicompost+Bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter+PSB) was supposed to be the most effective treatment combination for boosted yield and quality in cauliflower.
Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma spp. against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris through Culture Filtrate Technique
Authors: Kumar Ayush , Negi H. S. , Rahmani Umara , Verma Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Rohit , Sahani Nilesh Kumar , Dwivedi Hariom
Published: January 2025

Aims: To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of culture filtrates of native Trichoderma isolates in inhibiting the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris causing chickpea wilt disease. 
Study Design: This study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with treatments comprising culture filtrates of seven Trichoderma isolates tested at two concentrations (10% and 25%). 
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India, between 2022-23. 
Methodology: Culture filtrates from seven Trichoderma spp. isolates (T. ovalisporum, T. asperellum1, T. pseudokoningii, T. longibrachiatum, T. harzianum1, T. asperellum2, and T. harzianum2) were prepared and applied to the fungal pathogen at 10% and 25% concentrations. Mycelial growth (mm) and mycelial growth inhibition (%) of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris were recorded and statistically analyzed. A control group (without filtrate) was maintained for comparison. 
Results: At 10% concentration, T. pseudokoningii showed the highest inhibition (63.89%) with mycelial growth reduced to 27.50 mm, followed by T. harzianum1 (49.01%) and T. asperellum1 (48.58%). At 25% concentration, T. pseudokoningii achieved 73.02% inhibition, reducing mycelial growth to 19.83 mm, followed by T. harzianum1 (61.68%). The control group exhibited the highest mycelial growth (76.16 mm at 10% and 73.50 mm at 25%). Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments (CD (p=0.05) = 1.755 and 1.392 for 10% and 25% concentrations, respectively. Next best effective treatments were T. harzianum1 and T. ovalisporum, both of whom showed substantial inhibition rates of 61.68% and 58.96%, respectively at 25% concentrations.
Conclusion: Culture filtrates from T. pseudokoningii demonstrated superior antifungal activity at both tested concentrations, highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent. These findings suggest the feasibility of utilizing native Trichoderma isolates as eco-friendly alternatives for managing chickpea wilt. Further field validation and exploration of underlying biochemical mechanisms are recommended.
Challenges Faced by the Teachers for Implementation of Guidance and Counselling in Eswatini High Schools
Authors: Mabuza Dumisa Celumusa
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the study was to identify the challenges faced by teachers in the implementation of guidance and counselling in the high schools of Eswatini, Manzini region. The objectives of the study were to identify the challenges encountered by guidance and counselling teachers in the implementation of guidance and counselling in Eswatini high schools; analyze the impact of these challenges on the delivery and effectiveness of guidance and counseling services; explore the attitudes of the teachers, principal and students towards the implementation of guidance and counseling.
The study employed the phenomenological design that targeted guidance and counselling teachers in the Manzini region. A sample of eighteen participants (n=18) from nine high schools in the Manzini region were purposively selected. This study employed an in-depth interview guide as a data collection instrument, which consisted of open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and was presented in narration format.
The study findings uncovered challenges of teachers such as time constraints, lack of support from administration, lack of funding and lack of parental involvement are major challenges faced by guidance and counselling teachers in the implementation of the program and assigning more time to the subject. Organizing regular workshops and campaigns to equip teacher and parents on guidance and counselling would help combat the challenges faced by guidance and counselling teachers. The study therefore recommended that guidance and counselling needs more support from school administrators, teachers and parents through provision more time to the subject and funding guidance and counselling activities. This will allow teachers to cover the curriculum more comprehensively, conduct in-depth counseling activities, and provide more individualized attention to students.
Incidence of In Situ and Invasive Cutaneous Melanomas During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US
Authors: Kim Daniel Y. , Hartman Rebecca I.
Published: September 2023

This cohort study provides detailed annual rates and percentage changes of melanoma incidence before vs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adaptive controller design and disturbance attenuation for minimum phase multiple‐input multiple‐output linear systems with noisy output measurements and with measured disturbances
Authors: Pan Zigang , Başar Tamer
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we present a systematic procedure for robust adaptive control design for minimum phase uncertain multiple‐input multiple‐output linear systems that are right invertible and can be dynamically extended to a linear system with vector relative degree using a dynamic compensator that is known. For this class of systems, it is always possible to dynamically extend them, and/or integrate a select set of output channels, and/or padding dummy state variables to arrive at a system model that admits uniform vector relative degree and uniform observability indices that is further minimum phase according to Reference 13. We assume that the uniform vector relative degree is known and an upper bound for the uniform observability indices is known. We also assume that the unknown parameter vector lies in a convex compact set such that the high frequency gain matrix remains invertible for any parameter vector value in the set. These are the assumptions that allow for a successful design of a robust adaptive controller. A numerical example is included to fully illustrate the controller design and the effectiveness of the controller.
Rigorous Comparison of Extracellular Vesicle Processing to Enhance Downstream Analysis for Glioblastoma Characterization
Authors: Hsia Tiffaney , You Dong Gil , Politis Michelle Garlin , Batool Syeda Maheen , Ekanayake Emil , Lee Hakho , Carter Bob S. , Balaj Leonora
Published: September 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are highly sought after as a source of biomarkers for disease detection and monitoring. Tumor EV isolation, processing, and evaluation from biofluids is convoluted by EV heterogeneity and biological contaminants and is limited by technical processing efficacy. This study rigorously compares common bulk EV isolation workflows (size exclusion chromatography, SEC; membrane affinity, MA) alongside downstream RNA extraction protocols to investigate molecular analyte recovery. EV integrity and recovery is evaluated using a variety of technologies to quantify total intact EVs, total and surface proteins, and RNA purity and recovery. A comprehensive evaluation of each analyte is performed, with a specific emphasis on maintaining user (n = 2), biological (n = 3), and technical replicates (n≥3) under in vitro conditions. Subsequent study of tumor EV spike‐in into healthy donor plasma samples is performed to further validate biofluid‐derived EV purity and isolation for clinical application. Results show that EV surface integrity is considerably preserved in eluates from SEC‐derived EVs, but RNA recovery and purity, as well as bulk protein isolation, is significantly improved in MA‐isolated EVs. This study concludes that EV isolation and RNA extraction pipelines govern recovered analyte integrity, necessitating careful selection of processing modality to enhance recovery of the analyte of interest.
Additive Manufacturing of Flexible Strain Sensors Based on Smart Composites for Structural Health Monitoring with High Accuracy and Fidelity
Authors: Ahmed Sheraz , Bodaghi Mahdi , Nauman Saad , Muhammad Khan Zaffar
Published: September 2023

This research introduces a novel flexible spherical carbon nanoparticle‐based polyurethane conductive ink, which is employed to fabricate strain sensors by a lab‐developed direct ink writing/3D printing system. Rheological tests are performed, and sensors are pasted on glass fiber‐reinforced plastic specimens to study strain gauge behaviors under quasistatic loading. The gauge factor in tensile loading is found to be layer width dependent as decreasing the strain gauge's layer width increases the sensitivity of the strain sensor. A maximum gauge factor of 34 is achieved using a layer width of 0.2 mm, 17 times greater than commercially available metal foil strain gauges. The four‐point bend tests are performed under tension/compression to assess the sensor's strain‐sensing and damage‐monitoring ability. Fractographic analysis is coupled with strain monitoring using the developed sensor, which confirms that the failure progresses from intralaminar failure modes such as ply splitting in tension. At the same time, delamination leads to kink band formation under compression and the eventual failure of load‐bearing fibers. The developed sensor exhibits repeatable performance with low hysteresis and integrated nonlinearity errors for up to 1000 cycles. The developed sensors could be effectively employed for online in situ structural health monitoring of aerospace structures under static and dynamic loading.
Efficient Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells with CRI over 90% Enabled by an Ultralow‐Bandgap A‐DA'D‐A Small Molecule Acceptor
Authors: Xu Xiang , Wei Qingya , Zhou Zhisheng , He Haozhe , Tian Jingjing , Yip Hin‐Lap , Fu Yuang , Lu Xinhui , Zhou Yonghua , Li Yongfang , Zou Yingping
Published: September 2023

Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) can function as power‐generating windows due to their ability to allow visible light go‐through for human eyesight while absorbing low‐energy photons in the near‐infrared region for photocurrent generation. In this regard, effective ST‐OSCs with high light utilization efficiency (LUE) and color rendering index (CRI) can be developed via a synergistic material and device engineering strategy. Herein, an A‐DA'D‐A acceptor BZO‐4Cl is synthesized with an ultralow optical bandgap of 1.26 eV and bathochromically shifted absorption of roughly 60 nm with respect to Y6. Initially, the opaque devices using PTB7‐Th as the donor show a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.12% , which can be listed as one of the highest efficiencies for the PTB7‐Th‐based OSCs so far. Then, through these efforts of optimizations in the bulk‐heterojunction(BHJ) composition, top electrodes and anti‐reflection layer, the cutting‐edge ST‐OSC demonstrates a high LUE of 4.02%, and a CRI of 90.67%, making it one of the best‐performing ST‐OSCs with both high LUE and CRI values. These results indicate that the ST‐OSCs presented in this study have significant potential for use in applications that possess transparent visible light and energy‐generation functions.
Accelerating Thermal Transfer in Perovskite Films for High‐Efficiency and Stable Photovoltaics
Authors: Li Jiabao , Duan Jialong , Guo Qiyao , Qi Ziting , Duan Xingxing , Li Hui , Geng Shengwei , Liu Naimin , He Benlin , Yang Peizhi , Tang Qunwei
Published: September 2023

Heat accumulation within in‐service perovskite solar cells (PSCs) under light irradiation is one imminent threat in deteriorating the persistent power output and long‐term durability. Herein, a novel strategy is reported to remove dissipated heat by improving the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of perovskite film with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as additives. Benefiting from the interaction between perovskite and MWCNTs as well as the accelerated heat transfer kinetics mediated by MWCNTs, this method produces a high‐quality perovskite film with high crystallinity and reduced defects. Meanwhile, the incorporation of MWCNTs self‐cools the operational temperature of final PSC from 42.5 to 38.5 °C to compensate the high temperature‐induced performance reduction. Consequently, a significantly improved efficiency of 11.78% for carbon‐based CsPbIBr2 cell, 15.14% for carbon‐based CsPbI2Br cell, 22.13% and 23.05% for regular and inverted (FA0.83MA0.17)0.95Cs0.05Pb(I0.9Br0.1)3 cells, respectively, is achieved. Apart from the larger power conversion efficiency conservation rate > 94% over 2800 h in air without encapsulation, the optimal device demonstrates significant stability improvement by nearly 1.5‐times after thermal aging at 85 °C for 1300 h and 40‐fold after persistent operation for 350 h, providing a new path for high‐efficiency and stable perovskite platforms.
Evaporation‐Induced Closely‐Packing of Core–Shell PDMS@Ag Microspheres Enabled Stretchable Conductor with Ultra‐High Conductance
Authors: Tian Ke , Chen Chuanliang , Li Qianyang , Cao Xiaoyin , Chen Xin , Fu Qiang , Deng Hua
Published: September 2023

Stretchable conductors are indispensable building blocks for stretchable electronic devices that are used in next‐generation wearable electronics, on‐skin electronics, and soft robotics. Whereas, the ability to realize synergy high conductance and sufficient conductivity under high strain remains challenging. Herein, a stretchable conductor made from tightly assembled core–shell polydimethylsiloxane@silver microspheres (PDMS@Ag MPs) is elaborated. By judiciously using evaporation‐induced capillary effect, 3D interconnected conductive paths consisting of closely packed conductive PDMS@Ag MPs are constructed inside the elastic matrix. The spatially selective distributed Ag‐shell enables conductor metallic conductivity (67185 S cm−1) at ultralow Ag fraction (19.5 wt.%), and well‐maintained conductance over wide strain (820 S cm−1 at 400%). Due to the suppressed Ag content, both the rapture strain and Young's modulus (613%, 0.79 MPa for CPSC4) of the conductor are largely retained. Besides, the synergy hierarchical surface topology and low surface energy endow conductors with high water‐repellent properties. The fabricated conductors with remarkably high conductivity, well‐retained conductance under large strain, and robust hydrophobicity are of great significance for advanced stretchable electronics.
Tailored Drug Delivery Platforms: Stimulus‐Responsive Core–Shell Structured Nanocarriers
Authors: Shi Yulong , Zhang Yiran , Zhu Liangliang , Miao Yuqing , Zhu Yueqi , Yue Bingbing
Published: September 2023

Core–shell structured nanocarriers have come into the scientific spotlight in recent years due to their intriguing properties and wide applications in materials chemistry, biology, and biomedicine. Tailored core–shell structures to achieve desired performance have emerged as a research frontier in the development of smart drug delivery system. However, systematic reviews on the design and loading/release mechanisms of stimulus‐responsive core–shell structured nanocarriers are uncommon. This review starts with the categories of core–shell structured nanocarriers with different means of drug payload, and then highlights the controlled release mechanism realized through stimulus‐response processes triggered under different environments. Finally, some multifaceted perspectives on the design of core–shell structured materials as drug carriers are addressed. This work aims to provide new enlightenments and prospects in the drug delivery field for further developing advanced and smart nanocarriers.
Strategies to Reverse Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment for Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Jialun , Yue Zhengya , Tang Minglu , Wang Wenxin , Sun Yuan , Sun Tiedong , Chen Chunxia
Published: September 2023

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a highly effective modality for the treatment of malignant tumors owing to its powerful penetration ability, noninvasiveness, site‐confined irradiation, and excellent therapeutic efficacy. However, the traditional SDT, which relies on oxygen availability, often fails to generate a satisfactory level of reactive oxygen species because of the widespread issue of hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors. To address this challenge, various approaches are developed to alleviate hypoxia and improve the efficiency of SDT. These strategies aim to either increase oxygen supply or prevent hypoxia exacerbation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of SDT. In view of this, the current review provides an overview of these strategies and their underlying principles, focusing on the circulation of oxygen from consumption to external supply. The detailed research examples conducted using these strategies in combination with SDT are also discussed. Additionally, this review highlights the future prospects and challenges of the hypoxia‐alleviated SDT, along with the key considerations for future clinical applications. These considerations include the development of efficient oxygen delivery systems, the accurate methods for hypoxia detection, and the exploration of combination therapies to optimize SDT outcomes.
Articular Cartilage Regeneration via Induced Chondrocyte Autophagy by Sustained Release of Leptin Inhibitor from Thermo‐Sensitive Hydrogel through STAT3/REDD1/mTORC1 Cascade
Authors: Huang Zhongming , Liu Chen , Zheng Guangping , Zhang Liang , Zhong Qiang , Zhang Yun , Zhao Weicheng , Qi Yiying
Published: September 2023

The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) is closely linked to autophagy abnormalities in articular chondrocytes, the sole mature cell type in healthy cartilage. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanism remains uncertain. Previous research has demonstrated that leptin activates mTORC1 , thereby inhibiting chondrocyte autophagy during the progression of OA. In this study, it is demonstrated that the presence of leptin induces a substantial increase in the expression of STAT3, leading to a notable decrease in REDD1 expression and subsequent phosphorylation of p70S6K, a recognized downstream effector of mTORC1. Conversely, inhibition of leptin yields contrasting effects. Additionally, the potential advantages of utilizing a sustained intra‐articular release of a leptin inhibitor (LI) via an injectable, thermosensitive poly(D,L‐lactide)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA‐PEG‐PDLLA: PLEL) hydrogel delivery system for the purpose of investigating its impact on cartilage repair are explored. The study conducted on LI‐loaded PLEL (PLEL@LI) demonstrates remarkable efficacy in inhibiting OA and displays encouraging therapeutic advantages in the restoration of subchondral bone and cartilage. These findings establish a solid foundation for the advancement of a pioneering treatment approach utilizing PLEL@LI for OA.
Exploring the Synergies of Single‐Molecule Fluorescence and 2D Materials Coupled by DNA
Authors: Richter Lars , Szalai Alan M. , Manzanares‐Palenzuela C. Lorena , Kamińska Izabela , Tinnefeld Philip
Published: September 2023

The world of 2D materials is steadily growing, with numerous researchers attempting to discover, elucidate, and exploit their properties. Approaches relying on the detection of single fluorescent molecules offer a set of advantages, for instance, high sensitivity and specificity, that allow the drawing of conclusions with unprecedented precision. Herein, it is argued how the study of 2D materials benefits from fluorescence‐based single‐molecule modalities, and vice versa. A special focus is placed on DNA, serving as a versatile adaptor when anchoring single dye molecules to 2D materials. The existing literature on the fruitful combination of the two fields is reviewed, and an outlook on the additional synergies that can be created between them provided.
Cation‐Disorder Engineering Promotes Efficient Charge‐Carrier Transport in AgBiS2 Nanocrystal Films
Authors: Righetto Marcello , Wang Yongjie , Elmestekawy Karim A. , Xia Chelsea Q. , Johnston Michael B. , Konstantatos Gerasimos , Herz Laura M.
Published: September 2023

Efficient charge‐carrier transport is critical to the success of emergent semiconductors in photovoltaic applications. So far, disorder has been considered detrimental for charge‐carrier transport, lowering mobilities, and causing fast recombination. This work demonstrates that, when properly engineered, cation disorder in a multinary chalcogenide semiconductor can considerably enhance the charge‐carrier mobility and extend the charge‐carrier lifetime. Here, the properties of AgBiS2 nanocrystals (NCs) are explored as a function of Ag and Bi cation‐ordering, which can be modified via thermal‐annealing. Local Ag‐rich and Bi‐rich domains formed during hot‐injection synthesis are transformed to induce homogeneous disorder (random Ag‐Bi distribution). Such cation‐disorder engineering results in a sixfold increase in the charge‐carrier mobility, reaching ≈2.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 in AgBiS2 NC thin films. It is further demonstrated that homogeneous cation disorder reduces charge‐carrier localization, a hallmark of charge‐carrier transport recently observed in silver‐bismuth semiconductors. This work proposes that cation‐disorder engineering flattens the disordered electronic landscape, removing tail states that would otherwise exacerbate Anderson localization of small polaronic states. Together, these findings unravel how cation‐disorder engineering in multinary semiconductors can enhance the efficiency of renewable energy applications.
Bacteria‐Based Backpacks to Enhance Adoptive Macrophage Transfer against Solid Tumors
Authors: An Jia‐Xin , Han Zi‐Yi , Qin You‐Teng , Li Chu‐Xin , He Jin‐Lian , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: September 2023

Adoptive cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, the transfer of macrophages exhibits limited efficacy against solid tumors due to the dynamic cellular phenotypic shift from antitumor to protumor states within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this study, a strategy of attaching bacteria to macrophages (Mø@bac) is reported that endows adoptively infused macrophages with durable stimulation by leveraging the intrinsic immunogenicity of bacteria. These attached bacteria, referred to as backpacks, are encapsulated with adhesive nanocoatings and can sustainably control the cellular phenotypes in vivo. Moreover, Mø@bac can repolarize endogenous tumor‐associated macrophages, leading to a more robust immune response and thus reducing the tumor progression in a murine 4T1 cancer model without any side effects. This study utilizing bacteria as cellular backpacks opens a new avenue for the development of cell therapies.
MOFs for Ultrahigh Efficiency Pulsed Laser Micropropulsion
Authors: Rao Senlin , Xu Yuhang , Yuan Jun , Liu Feng , Wang Shuai , Jiang Haoqing , Cheng Gary J.
Published: September 2023

Conventional propellant materials, such as polymers and single metal elements, have long been investigated for their potential in pulsed laser micropropulsion (LMP) technology. However, achieving superior LMP efficiency through physical mixing of these materials remains a significant challenge. This study presents a paradigm shift by introducing porous crystalline polymers, known as metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), as novel propellants in pulsed LMP. MOFs are composed of metal cations and organic ligands that form ordered structures through coordination, eliminating the problem of local hot zones arising from uneven physical mixing encountered in LMP. In direct comparison to conventional polymers and single element targets, MOFs exhibit substantially higher LMP efficiency. By precisely tailoring the metal atom fraction within MOFs, an extraordinary ultrahigh efficiency of 51.15% is achieved in pulsed LMP, surpassing the performance of similar materials previously reported in the literature. This pioneering application of MOFs not only revolutionizes the field of LMP but also opens up new frontiers for MOF utilization in various energy applications.
Focusing of Surface Plasmon Wave for Small‐Molecule Sensing
Authors: Shan Hongrui , Dai Hailang , Wei Qiheng , Chen Xianfeng
Published: September 2023

Miniaturized manipulation and control of surface plasmon waves have long been a desirable goal. However, conventional nanomethods have high losses and uncontrollable outcomes, which limit their utility in light–matter interaction. To overcome these challenges, a method for achieving directional propagation and concentration of surface plasmon waves using nanostructures is proposed. By focusing the transmission of surface plasmon waves on the tip of a nanotriangle, the power of light is enhanced by an order of magnitude. This design can be applied to sensing small molecules, both living and nonliving. It is believed that this approach can be used to realize real‐time, integrated biosensing on miniaturized chips.
Vinylene Carbonate as Synthon in Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Activation/Annulation Reactions
Authors: Cui Xiaofan , Chauvin Remi , Pi Chao , Wu Yangjie , Cui Xiuling
Published: September 2023

Recently, vinylene carbonate has been developed as a powerful synthon in transition metal‐catalyzed C−H bond activation/cyclization reactions. This review introduces recent progress in the use of vinylene carbonate as a reactant, by analyzing and comparing reaction models involving vinylene carbonate as a surrogate of ethynol, acetylene, acetylation reagents or other reactants, while addressing related mechanisms and synthetic applications.
LRRK2 Gly2019Ser Mutation Promotes ER Stress via Interacting with THBS1/TGF‐β1 in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Yao Longping , Lu Fengfei , Koc Sumeyye , Zheng Zijian , Wang Baoyan , Zhang Shizhong , Skutella Thomas , Lu Guohui
Published: September 2023

The gene mutations of LRRK2, which encodes leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), are associated with one of the most prevalent monogenic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the potential effectors of the Gly2019Ser (G2019S) mutation remain unknown. In this study, the authors investigate the effects of LRRK2 G2019S on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐induced dopamine neurons and explore potential therapeutic targets in mice model. These findings demonstrate that LRRK2 G2019S significantly promotes ER stress in neurons and mice. Interestingly, inhibiting LRRK2 activity can ameliorate ER stress induced by the mutation. Moreover, LRRK2 mutation can induce ER stress by directly interacting with thrombospondin‐1/transforming growth factor beta1 (THBS1/TGF‐β1). Inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity can effectively suppress ER stress and the expression of THBS1/TGF‐β1. Knocking down THBS1 can rescue ER stress by interacting with TGF‐β1 and behavior burden caused by the LRRK2 mutation, while suppression of TGF‐β1 has a similar effect. Overall, it is demonstrated that the LRRK2 mutation promotes ER stress by directly interacting with THBS1/TGF‐β1, leading to neural death in PD. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PD, highlighting potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Improving agricultural science communication through intentionality
Authors: Kantar Michael B. , Wang Diane R. , Hale Iago , Pratt Richard C. , Jensen J. Vernon , Lewenstein Bruce V.
Published: September 2023

Although communicating research is a key part of public science, current graduate curricula in the agricultural sciences usually have a narrow focus on communication appropriate for presenting to scientific and academic audiences, such as in the form of the dreaded “seminar.” Yet the importance and impact of agriculture extends well beyond research communities, and communicating with other potential audiences is essential for realizing the full impact of research. Because public speaking is among the greatest fears for many people, it is critical to provide students with the tools needed to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, particularly as only a fraction of them will go on to give regular research seminars once they enter the professional world. Better communication can lead to more constructive engagement with the public as well as with policy‐makers, toward improved understanding of the science they are funding and from which they are benefiting. Purposeful instruction in public speaking should help alleviate the common anxieties that student presenters often experience. Here, we summarize general communication strategies that can be incorporated into any graduate agricultural science course to help address this need.
Recent Progress in Materials and Device Design for Semitransparent Photovoltaic Technologies
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , You Shujie , Vomiero Alberto
Published: September 2023

Semitransparent photovoltaic (STPV) solar cells offer an immense opportunity to expand the scope of photovoltaics to special applications such as windows, facades, skylights, and so on. These new opportunities have encouraged researchers to develop STPVs using traditional thin‐film solar cell technologies (amorphous‐Si, CdTe, and CIGS or emerging solar cells (organic, perovskites, and dye‐sensitized). There are considerable improvements in both power conversion efficiency (PCE) and semitransparency of these STPV devices. This review studies the device structure of state‐of‐the‐art STPV devices and thereby analyzes the different approaches toward maximizing the product of PCE and average visible transmittance. The origins of PCE losses during the opaque‐to‐semitransparent transition in the different STPV technologies are discussed. In addition, critical practical aspects relevant to all STPV devices, such as compatibility of the top transparent electrode with the device structure, buffer layer optimization, light management engineering, scale‐up, and stability, are also reported. This overview is expected to facilitate researchers across different technologies to identify and overcome the challenges toward achieving higher light utilization efficiencies in STPVs.
A three‐dimensional musculoskeletal model of the pelvis and lower limb of Australopithecus afarensis
Authors: O'Neill Matthew C. , Nagano Akinori , Umberger Brian R.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Musculoskeletal modeling is a powerful approach for studying the biomechanics and energetics of locomotion. Australopithecus (A.) afarensis is among the best represented fossil hominins and provides critical information about the evolution of musculoskeletal design and locomotion in the hominin lineage. Here, we develop and evaluate a three‐dimensional (3‐D) musculoskeletal model of the pelvis and lower limb of A. afarensis for predicting muscle‐tendon moment arms and moment‐generating capacities across lower limb joint positions encompassing a range of locomotor behaviors.

Materials and Methods

A 3‐D musculoskeletal model of an adult A. afarensis pelvis and lower limb was developed based primarily on the A.L. 288‐1 partial skeleton. The model includes geometric representations of bones, joints and 35 muscle‐tendon units represented using 43 Hill‐type muscle models. Two muscle parameter datasets were created from human and chimpanzee sources. 3‐D muscle‐tendon moment arms and isometric joint moments were predicted over a wide range of joint positions.

Results

Predicted muscle‐tendon moment arms generally agreed with skeletal metrics, and corresponded with human and chimpanzee models. Human and chimpanzee‐based muscle parameterizations were similar, with some differences in maximum isometric force‐producing capabilities. The model is amenable to size scaling from A.L. 288‐1 to the larger KSD‐VP‐1/1, which subsumes a wide range of size variation in A. afarensis.

Discussion

This model represents an important tool for studying the integrated function of the neuromusculoskeletal systems in A. afarensis. It is similar to current human and chimpanzee models in musculoskeletal detail, and will permit direct, comparative 3‐D simulation studies.
Two‐Dimensional MFI‐Type Zeolite Flow Battery Membranes
Authors: Zhang Dezhu , Huang Kang , Xia Yongsheng , Cao Hongyan , Dai Liheng , Qu Kai , Xiao Lan , Fan Yiqun , Xu Zhi
Published: September 2023

Vanadium flow battery (VFB) is one of the most reliable stationary electrochemical energy‐storage technologies, and a membrane with high vanadium resistance and proton conductivity is essential for manufacturing high‐performance VFBs. In this study, a two‐dimensional (2D) MFI‐type zeolite membrane was fabricated from zeolite nanosheet modules, which displayed excellent vanadium resistance (0.07 mmol L−1 h−1) and proton conductivity (0.16 S cm−1), yielding a coulombic efficiency of 93.9 %, a voltage efficiency of 87.6 %, and an energy efficiency of 82.3 % at 40 mA cm−2. The self‐discharge period of a VFB equipped with 2D MFI‐type zeolite membrane increased up to 116.2 h, which was significantly longer than that of the commercial perfluorinated sulfonate membrane (45.9 h). Furthermore, the corresponding battery performance remained stable over 1000 cycles (>1500 h) at 80 mA cm−2. These findings demonstrate that 2D MFI‐type membranes are promising ion‐conductive membranes applicable for stationary electrochemical energy‐storage devices.
Visible‐Light‐Triggered Photoswitching of Diphosphene Complexes
Authors: Taube Clemens , Fidelius Jannis , Schwedtmann Kai , Ziegler Christopher , Kreuter Florian , Loots Leigh , Barbour Leonard J. , Tonner‐Zech Ralf , Wolf Robert , Weigand Jan J.
Published: September 2023

Although diphosphene transition metal complexes are known to undergo E to Z isomerization upon irradiation with UV light, their potential for photoswitching has remained poorly explored. In this study, we present diphosphene complexes capable of reversible photoisomerizations through haptotropic rearrangements. The compounds [(2‐κ2P,κ6C)Mo(CO)2][OTf] (3 a[OTf]), [(2‐κ2P,κ6C)Fe(CO)][OTf] (3 b[OTf]), and [(2‐κ2P)Fe(CO)4][OTf] (4[OTf]) were prepared using the triflate salt [(LC)P=P(Dipp)][OTf] (2[OTf) as a precursor (LC=4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisiopropylphenyl)‐imidazolin‐2‐yl; Dipp=2,6‐diisiopropylphenyl, OTf=triflate). Upon exposure to blue or UV light (λ=400 nm, 470 nm), the initially red‐colored η2‐diphosphene complexes 3 a,b[OTf] readily undergo isomerization to form blue‐colored η1‐complexes [(2‐κ1P,κ6C)M(CO)n][OTf] (5 a,b[OTf]; a: M=Mo, n=2; b: M=Fe, n=1). This haptotropic rearrangement is reversible, and the (κ2P,κ6C)‐coordination mode gradually reverts back upon dissolution in coordinating solvents or more rapidly upon exposure to yellow or red irradiation (λ=590 nm, 630 nm). The electronic reasons for the reversible visible‐light‐induced photoswitching observed for 3 a,b[OTf] are elucidated by DFT calculations. These calculations indicate that the photochromic isomerization originates from the S1 excited state and proceeds through a conical intersection.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Arylglycines via Pd‐Catalyzed Coupling of Schöllkopf Bis‐Lactim Ethers with Aryl Chlorides
Authors: Prendes Daniel Sowa , Papp Florian , Sankaran Nagesh , Sivendran Nardana , Beyer Frederike , Merten Christian , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: September 2023

Arylglycines are important pharmacophores present in several top‐selling drugs. This compound class has now been made accessible from abundant aryl chlorides by a Pd‐catalyzed Schöllkopf‐type amino acid synthesis. In the presence of the catalyst methylnaphthyl(XPhos)‐palladium bromide, the base lithium 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpyrrolidide and the additive ZnCl2, tert‐leucine‐derived bis‐lactim ethers were efficiently arylated at room temperature, reaching yields of 95 % and diastereoselectivities of 98 : 2. Hydrolysis gave the corresponding arylglycines in high enantiomeric excess.
Oriented Ultrathin π‐complexation MOF Membrane for Ethylene/Ethane and Flue Gas Separations
Authors: Sun Yanwei , Hu Shen , Yan Jiahui , Ji Taotao , Liu Liangliang , Wu Mingming , Guo Xinwen , Liu Yi
Published: September 2023

Rational design and engineering of high‐performance molecular sieve membranes towards C2H4/C2H6 and flue gas separations remain a grand challenge to date. In this study, through combining pore micro‐environment engineering with meso‐structure manipulation, highly c‐oriented sub‐100 nm‐thick Cu@NH2‐MIL‐125 membrane was successfully prepared. Coordinatively unsaturated Cu ions immobilized in the NH2‐MIL‐125 framework enabled high‐affinity π‐complexation interactions with C2H4, resulting in an C2H4/C2H6 selectivity approaching 13.6, which was 9.4 times higher than that of pristine NH2‐MIL‐125 membrane; moreover, benefiting from π‐complexation interactions between CO2 and Cu(I) sites, our membrane displayed superior CO2/N2 selectivity of 43.2 with CO2 permeance of 696 GPU, which far surpassed the benchmark of other pure MOF membranes. The above multi‐scale structure optimization strategy is anticipated to present opportunities for significantly enhancing the separation performance of diverse molecular sieve membranes.
Delocalized Isoelectronic Heterostructured FeCoOxSy Catalysts with Tunable Electron Density for Accelerated Sulfur Redox Kinetics in Li‐S batteries
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Tianyi , He Di , Shi Ting , Chen Manfang , Fang Kan , Lin Hongzhen , Wang Jian , Wang Chengyin , Pang Huan
Published: September 2023

High interconversion energy barriers, depressive reaction kinetics of sulfur species, and sluggish Li+ transport inhibit the wide development of high‐energy‐density lithium sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Herein, differing from random mixture of selected catalysts, the composite catalyst with outer delocalized isoelectronic heterostructure (DIHC) is proposed and optimized, enhancing the catalytic efficiency for decreasing related energy barriers. As a proof‐of‐content, the FeCoOxSy composites with different degrees of sulfurization are fabricated by regulating atoms ratio between O and S. The relationship of catalytic efficiency and principal mechanism in DIHCs are deeply understood from electrochemical experiments to in situ/operando spectral spectroscopies i.e., Raman, XRD and UV/Vis. Consequently, the polysulfide conversion and Li2S precipitation/dissolution experiments strongly demonstrate the volcano‐like catalytic efficiency of various DIHCs. Furthermore, the FeCoOxSy‐decorated cell delivers the high performance (1413 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1). Under the low electrolyte/sulfur ratio, the high loading cell stabilizes the areal capacity of 6.67 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 A g−1. Impressively, even resting for about 17 days for possible polysulfide shuttling, the high‐mass‐loading FeCoOxSy‐decorated cell stabilizes the same capacity, showing the practical application of the DIHCs in improving catalytic efficiency and reaching high electrochemical performance.