bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OsGRF6‐OsYUCCA1/OsWRKY82 Signaling Cascade Upgrade Grain Yield and Bacterial Blight Resistance in Rice
Authors: Yuan Huanran , Cheng Mingxing , Fan Fengfeng , Zheng Xingfei , Wang Ruihua , Si Fengfeng , Luo Xiong , Li Nengwu , Li Shaoqing
Published: October 2024

As a major crop in the world, the sustainable development of rice is often severely restricted by bacterial blight. Breeding crops with resistance is an efficient way to control bacterial blight. However, enhancing resistance often incurs a fitness penalty, making it challenging to simultaneously increase bacterial blight resistance and yield potential. In this study, it is found that OsGRF6, besides being a high‐yield gene, can significantly improve rice bacterial blight resistance. Compared with wild‐type, the lesion lengths of transgenic material overexpressing OsGRF6 are significantly reduced after inoculation with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Furthermore, OsGRF6 can directly bind to the promoters of OsYUCCA1 and OsWRKY82, upregulating their transcription and thereby increasing rice bacterial blight resistance and yield. Haplotypic analysis based on the promoter and genome sequence combined with evolutionary analysis revealed that OsGRF6 is mainly comprised by the OsGRF6XI and OsGRF6GJ subtypes. The superior haplotype OsGRF6Hap4 increased its transcriptional activity and contributed to bacterial blight resistance and rice yield. Together, this study provides theoretical support for further revealing the synergistic regulatory mechanism and genetic improvement of rice high yield and bacterial blight resistance, offering a new strategy for developing disease‐resistant cultivars.
An Enabling Peptide Ligation Induced by Thiol‐Salicylaldehyde Ester for Chemical Protein Synthesis
Authors: Li Cuicui , Ma Wenge , Jin Kang
Published: October 2024

Chemical protein synthesis by amide‐forming ligation of two unprotected peptide segments offers an effective strategy for the preparation of protein derivatives that are not accessible through bioengineering approaches. Herein, an unprecedented chemical ligation between peptides with C‐terminal 2‐mercaptobenzaldehyde (thiol‐salicylaldehyde, TSAL) esters and peptides bearing N‐terminal cysteine/penicillamine is reported. Reactive peptide TSAL esters can be obtained from peptide hydrazides in an operationally simple and highly effective manner. This chemoselective peptide ligation enables the rapid production of N,S‐benzylidene acetal intermediates, which can readily be converted into native amide bonds even at sterically hindered junctions. In addition, the current method can be applied compatibly in concert with other types of ligations and subsequent desulfurization chemistry, thereby facilitating convergent protein synthesis. The effectiveness of this new method is also showcased by the total synthesis of proteins ubiquitin and hyalomin‐3 (Hyal‐3), the efficient synthesis of protein ubiquitin‐fold modifier 1 (UFM1) via a C‐to‐N sequential TSAL ester‐induced ligation strategy, and the chemical synthesis of protein Mtb CM through a combined strategy of Ser/Thr ligation and TSAL ester‐induced ligations.
Micro‐Scale Ice Shoveling Effect Induced by Magnetic‐Responsive Microfins
Authors: Chen Yiyi , Liu Ming , Zhou Lijing , Deng Jian , Hou Xianghui , Mao Xuerui
Published: October 2024

Icing is ubiquitous in nature and engineering applications, and imposes threats to road and air transportations, wind energy infrastructures, etc. However, current active de‐icing solutions, especially the most popular one, i.e., heating, suffer from high energy consumption whilst passive methods are often ineffective at high‐speed, long‐term, or large‐particle conditions. Herein, a promising strategy adopting magnetic‐responsive microfins (MRS) featuring reversible deformations is developed for de‐icing. A novel micro‐scale ice shoveling effect induced by the localized destruction of the ice adhesion interface owing to the inhomogeneous deformation is demonstrated, and its dependence on the ice particle size and temperature is investigated. An analytical model is proposed to describe the mechanism of this effect, showing a linear relation between the position of the magnet and the induced force agreeing well with experiments, leading to a system straightforward to predict and control. Specifically, the de‐icing capacity of the surface becomes prominent when small‐scale ice particles merge to large ones, providing a promising solution for applications on aircraft, wind turbines, etc., as the first of its kind to remove large particles under high‐speed conditions effectively.
Reconstructing Molecular Networks by Causal Diffusion Do‐Calculus Analysis with Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Zhang Yuelei , Chen Luonan , Liu Xiaoping
Published: October 2024

Quantifying molecular regulations between genes/molecules causally from observed data is crucial for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes at the network level. Presently, most methods for inferring gene regulatory and biological networks rely on association studies or observational causal‐analysis approaches. This study introduces a novel approach that combines intervention operations and diffusion models within a do‐calculus framework by deep learning, i.e., Causal Diffusion Do‐calculus (CDD) analysis, to infer causal networks between molecules. CDD can extract causal relations from observed data owing to its intervention operations, thereby significantly enhancing the accuracy and generalizability of causal network inference. Computationally, CDD has been applied to both simulated data and real omics data, which demonstrates that CDD outperforms existing methods in accurately inferring gene regulatory networks and identifying causal links from genes to disease phenotypes. Especially, compared with the Mendelian randomization algorithm and other existing methods, the CDD can reliably identify the disease genes or molecules for complex diseases with better performances. In addition, the causal analysis between various diseases and the potential factors in different populations from the UK Biobank database is also conducted, which further validated the effectiveness of CDD.
Tailored Polymer Hole‐Transporting Materials with Multisite Passivation Functions for Effective Buried‐Interface Engineering of Inverted Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Xiujie , Bao Yinyu , Pan Zhengwu , Su Qianyu , Peng Darui , Gao Deqing , Yin Chengrong , Wang Jianpu , Huang Wei
Published: October 2024

Although quasi‐2D Ruddlesden‒Popper (RP) perovskite exhibits advantages in stability, their photovoltaic performance are still inferior to 3D counterparts. Optimizing the buried interface of RP perovskite and suppress energetic losses can be a promising approach for enhancing efficiency and stability of inverted quasi‐2D RP perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Among which, constructing polymer hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) with defect passivation functions is of great significance for buried‐interface engineering of inverted quasi‐2D RP PSCs. Herein, by employing side‐chain tailoring strategy to extend the π‐conjugation and regulate functionality of side‐chain groups, target polymer HTMs (PVCz‐ThSMeTPA and PVCz‐ThOMeTPA) with high mobility and multisite passivation functions are achieved. The presence of more sulfur atom‐containing groups in side‐chain endows PVCz‐ThSMeTPA with increased intra/intermolecular interaction, appropriate energy level, and enhanced buried interfacial interactions with quasi‐2D RP perovskite. The hole mobility of PVCz‐ThSMeTPA is up to 9.20 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 S−1. Furthermore, PVCz‐ThSMeTPA as multifunctional polymer HTM with multiple chemical anchor sites for buried‐interface engineering of quasi‐2D PSCs can enable effective charge extraction, defects passivation, and perovskite crystallization modulation. Eventually, the PVCz‐ThSMeTPA‐based inverted quasi‐2D PSC achieves a champion power conversion efficiency of 22.37%, which represents one of the highest power conversion efficiencies reported to date for quasi‐2D RP PSCs.
Comparative brain metabolomics reveals shared and distinct metabolic alterations in Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Batra Richa , Krumsiek Jan , Wang Xue , Allen Mariet , Blach Colette , Kastenmüller Gabi , Arnold Matthias , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Metabolomics Consortium (ADMC)
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysregulation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Although metabolic dysregulation is a common link between these two tauopathies, a comprehensive brain metabolic comparison of the diseases has not yet been performed.

METHODS

We analyzed 342 postmortem brain samples from the Mayo Clinic Brain Bank and examined 658 metabolites in the cerebellar cortex and the temporal cortex between the two tauopathies.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that both diseases display oxidative stress associated with lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction linked to lysine metabolism, and an indication of tau‐induced polyamine stress response. However, specific to AD, we detected glutathione‐related neuroinflammation, deregulations of enzymes tied to purines, and cognitive deficits associated with vitamin B.

DISCUSSION

Our findings underscore vast alterations in the brain's metabolome, illuminating shared neurodegenerative pathways and disease‐specific traits in AD and PSP.

Highlights

First high‐throughput metabolic comparison of Alzheimer's diesease (AD) versus progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in brain tissue.

Cerebellar cortex (CER) shows substantial AD‐related metabolic changes, despite limited proteinopathy.

AD impacts both CER and temporal cortex (TCX); PSP's changes are primarily in CER.

AD and PSP share metabolic alterations despite major pathological differences.
Inhibiting mtDNA transcript translation alters Alzheimer's disease‐associated biology
Authors: Gabrielli Alexander P. , Novikova Lesya , Ranjan Amol , Wang Xiaowan , Ernst Nicholas J. , Abeykoon Dhanushki , Roberts Anysja , Kopp Annie , Mansel Clayton , Qiao Linlan , Lysaker Colton R. , Wiedling Ian W. , Wilkins Heather M. , Swerdlow Russell H.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) features changes in mitochondrial structure and function. Investigators debate where to position mitochondrial pathology within the chronology and context of other AD features.

METHODS

To address whether mitochondrial dysfunction alters AD‐implicated genes and proteins, we treated SH‐SY5Y cells and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived neurons with chloramphenicol, an antibiotic that inhibits mtDNA‐generated transcript translation. We characterized adaptive, AD‐associated gene, and AD‐associated protein responses.

RESULTS

SH‐SY5Y cells and iPSC neurons responded to mtDNA transcript translation inhibition by increasing mtDNA copy number and transcription. Nuclear‐expressed respiratory chain mRNA and protein levels also changed. There were AD‐consistent concordant and model‐specific changes in amyloid precursor protein, beta amyloid, apolipoprotein E, tau, and α‐synuclein biology.

DISCUSSION

Primary mitochondrial dysfunction induces compensatory organelle responses, changes nuclear gene expression, and alters the biology of AD‐associated genes and proteins in ways that may recapitulate brain aging and AD molecular phenomena.

Highlights

In AD, mitochondrial dysfunction could represent a disease cause or consequence.

We inhibited mitochondrial translation in human neuronal cells and neurons.

Mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression shifted in adaptive‐consistent patterns.

APP, Aβ, APOE, tau, and α‐synuclein biology changed in AD‐consistent patterns.

Mitochondrial stress creates an environment that promotes AD pathology.
Pathway enrichment in genome‐wide analysis of longitudinal Alzheimer's disease biomarker endophenotypes
Authors: Rosewood Thea J. , Nho Kwangsik , Risacher Shannon L. , Liu Shiwei , Gao Sujuan , Shen Li , Foroud Tatiana , Saykin Andrew J. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

The genetic pathways that influence longitudinal heterogeneous changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may provide insight into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS

Longitudinal endophenotypes from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) representing amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration (A/T/N), and cognition were selected. Genome‐wide association analysis was performed using a linear mixed model (LMM) approach, followed by gene and pathway enrichment with significant and functionally relevant SNPs.

RESULTS

A total of 33 and 19 statistically significant pathways were identified associating with the intercept and longitudinal trajectory, respectively. The longitudinal intercept pathways represent eight groups: immune, metabolic, cell growth and survival, DNA maintenance, neuronal signaling, RAS/MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, vesicle and lysosomal transport, and transcription modification. Longitudinal trajectory pathways represented six groups: Immune, metabolic, cell signaling, cytoskeleton, and glycosylation.

DISCUSSION

Longitudinal enrichment identified pathways that uniquely associate with trajectories of key AD biomarkers and cognition, providing new insight into AD course‐related mechanisms and potential new therapeutic targets.

Highlights

A systematic genome‐wide analysis with longitudinal AD biomarker endophenotypes was performed.

Enriched pathways were identified with functionally derived SNP to gene analysis.

Fifty‐two pathways were associated with longitudinal trajectory and intercept.

Many of the identified pathways are specific steps in larger pathways implicated in AD.

The identified pathways may provide therapeutic targets and areas for further study.
Microscopy assessment of a fluorescence [18F] flortaucipir analog (T726) shows neuropathological overlap with 3R and 4R tau lesions
Authors: Gatto Rodolfo G. , Hossam Youssef , Reichard R. Ross , Lowe Val J. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

[18F] flortaucipir (FTP) binding to paired helical filament (PHF) tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well accepted. Binding to 3R and 4R tau in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is controversial. We aimed to investigate whether an FTP fluorescent analog (T726) can help shed light on this controversy.

METHOD

We assessed T726 binding to amyloid beta (Aβ) and different tau isoforms in nine subjects (one control, three with Alzheimer's disease [AD], and five with FTLD) with different 3R and 4R tauopathies using fluorescence confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

T726 did not colocalize with Aβ but showed significant co‐localization with PHF tau in AD. We also observed some, albeit limited, co‐localization of T726 with 3R and 4R tau lesions in FTLD.

DISCUSSION

This study's findings support FTP binding to some 3R and 4R tau lesions in FTLD. Further studies are needed to understand the biology of why FTP binds some but not all FTLD tau lesions.

Highlights

Flortaucipir analog (T726) showed significant co‐localization with paired helical filament (PHF) tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Colocalization between T726 with 3R and 4R tau lesions was observed in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

Not all 4R tau lesions bind to T726 across different FTLD brain regions.
A Double‐walled Noncovalent Carbon Nanotube by Columnar Packing of Nanotube Fragments
Authors: Imoto Daiki , Shudo Hiroki , Yagi Akiko , Itami Kenichiro
Published: October 2024

Herein, we report the synthesis of double‐walled noncovalent carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through host–guest complexation of nanotube fragments and tube‐forming crystal engineering. As the smallest fragment of double‐walled CNTs, a host–guest complex of perfluorocycloparaphenylene (PFCPP) and carbon nanobelt (CNB) was synthesized by mixing them in solvents. The immediate complexation of the PF[12]CPP⸧(6,6)CNB complex with a remarkably high association constant (Ka) of 2×105 L/mol was observed. Time‐dependent 1H NMR and thermogravimetry measurements revealed that the stability of (6,6)CNB was significantly improved by encapsulation. X‐ray crystallography confirmed the robust belt‐in‐ring structure of this complex. As indicated by the short distance between PF[12]CPP and (6,6)CNB (2.8 Å), intermolecular orbital interactions exist between the belt and the ring, which were further supported by theoretical calculation and phosphorescence quenching experiments. While the PF[12]CPP⸧(6,6)CNB complex adopts various crystal packing structures, chloroform was discovered to be a magic “glue” solvent inducing one‐dimensional alignment of the PF[12]CPP⸧(6,6)CNB complex to build an unprecedented double‐walled noncovalent CNT structure.
The Paradoxical Influence of Hydrothermally Treated Zeolites on the Hydrocarbon Pool Mechanism
Authors: Gong Xuan , Jiang Shican , Dikhtiarenko Alla , Nastase Stefan Adrian F. , Abou‐Hamad Edy , Ye Yiru , Zhou Hexun , You Xinyu , Khairova Rushana , Patarroyo Javier , Cavallo Luigi , Gascon Jorge , Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta
Published: October 2024

Understanding the mechanistic intricacies of hydrothermally treated zeolite is crucial for valorizing any oxygen‐containing renewable feedstocks (e. g., methanol, carbon dioxide, biomass). Additionally, the regeneration of deactivated zeolite catalysts under oxidative conditions, akin to hydrothermal treatment, is essential in industrial processes. While research in this area has predominantly focused on characterizing steaming‐induced physicochemical changes in zeolite, their ultimate impact on the organic reaction mechanism governed by the hydrocarbon pool dual‐cycle mechanism remains unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study investigates the effect of steamed zeolite on the organic reaction mechanism during the industrially significant methanol‐to‐hydrocarbons process. We achieved this objective by strategically integrating catalytic and control experiments over the pristine and steamed zeolites and their advanced characterization, including under operando conditions, XRD structural refinement, and using “mobility‐dependent” solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. This multimodal characterization approach was instrumental in elucidating elusive mechanistic information in the dual‐cycle mechanism, shedding light on phenomena such as the unchanged ethylene selectivity despite decreasing aromatics selectivity, while ethylene could solely be derived from arene‐based reaction intermediates. This study could improve the process efficiency in zeolite catalysis by connecting steaming‐induced changes in the organic reaction mechanisms with inorganic material aspects.
Regulating the Spin‐State of Cobalt in Three‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for High‐Performance Sodium‐Iodine Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Guo Chaofei , Liu Tiancun , Wang Zhenzhen , Wang Yu‐Xuan , Steven Mfitumucunguzi , Luo Yuhan , Luo Xiping , Wang Yong
Published: October 2024

Although the catalytic activity is heavily reliant on the electronic structure of the catalyst, understanding the impact of electron spin regulation on electrocatalytic performance is still rarely investigated. This work presents a novel approach involving the single‐atom coordination of cobalt (Co) within metalloporphyrin‐based three‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D‐COFs) to facilitate the catalytic conversion for sodium‐iodine batteries. The spin state of Co is modulated by altering the oxidation state of the porphyrin‐centered Co, achieving optimal catalysis for iodine reduction. Experimental results demonstrate that CoII and CoIII are incorporated into the 3D‐COFs, exhibiting spin ground states of S=1/2 and S=0, respectively. The low spin state of CoIII is favorable to hybridize with the sp 3d orbitals of I3−, thus facilitating the conversion of I3− to I−. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal that the presence of CoIII enhances iodide adsorption and accelerates the formation of NaI in 3D‐COFs‐CoIII, thereby promoting its rapid kinetic behaviors. Notably, the I2@3D‐COFs‐CoIII cathode achieves a high reversible capacity of 227.7 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C and demonstrates exceptional cyclic stability, exceeding 2000 cycles at 10 C with a minor capacity fading rate of less than one 0.01 % per cycle.
A Discrete Four‐Stranded β‐Sheet through Catenation of M2L2 Metal–Peptide Rings
Authors: Tsunekawa Eisuke , Fujita Makoto , Sawada Tomohisa
Published: October 2024

Methods for precisely constructing a β‐sheet assembly with number‐defined strands in solution remains quite limited due to its intense aggregation property. Here, we report the precise construction of a four‐stranded anti‐parallel β‐sheet by utilizing a non‐covalent approach. This was achieved by folding and assembly of Ag+ and a pentapeptide (1) with the Ala‐D3pa‐Gly‐3pa‐Val (3pa: β‐(3‐pyridyl)‐alanine) sequence, which was designed to form an interlocking Ag2(1)2 ring through metal cross‐linking of the side chains. NMR analyses and X‐ray crystallographic studies characterized the structure of the discrete β‐sheet assembly as well as the remarkable structural selectivity in terms of strands’ number, orientation and the sheet type.
Asymmetrische Synthese von β‐Ketoamiden durch eine Sulfoniumumlagerung
Authors: Porte Vincent , Nascimento Vinicius R. , Sirvent Ana , Tiefenbrunner Irmgard , Feng Minghao , Kaiser Daniel , Maulide Nuno
Published: October 2024

Die Synthese von enantiomerenangereicherten α‐substituierten 1,3‐Dicarbonylen stellt, aufgrund deren Tendenz über Keto‐Enol‐Tautomerie zu racemisieren, nach wie vor eine Herausforderung dar. Hier beschreiben wir eine Methode zur Herstellung von enantiomerenangereicherten β‐Ketoamiden durch eine [3,3]‐sigmatrope Sulfoniumumlagerung, die durch ein chirales Sulfinimin ermöglicht wird. Dabei wird ein guter Chiralitätstransfer, sowie eine exzellente Chemoselektivität und Toleranz verschiedener funktionellen Gruppen erzielt. Darüber hinaus können enantiomerenangereicherte β‐Hydroxyamide durch eine diastereoselektive Reduktion der Keto‐Gruppe synthetisiert werden. Dies ist sowohl in einem Zwei‐ als auch in einem Ein‐Topf‐Verfahren möglich.
A Fentanyl Hapten‐Displaying Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccine that Non‐Covalently Encapsulates a TLR7/8 Agonist and T‐Helper Epitope Induces Protective Anti‐Fentanyl Immunity
Authors: Zhong Zifu , Deventer Marie H. , Chen Yong , Vanhee Stijn , Lammens Inés , Deswarte Kim , Huang Yi , Ye Tingting , Wang Haixiu , Nuhn Lutz , Vandeputte Marthe M. , Gontsarik Mark , Cui Xiaole , Sanders Niek N. , Lienenklaus Stefan , N. Lambrecht Bart , Baptista Antonio P. , Stove Christophe P. , G. De Geest Bruno
Published: October 2024

Opioid use disorder ‐ particularly involving fentanyl ‐ has precipitated a public health crisis characterized by a significant increase in addiction and overdose‐related deaths. Fentanyl‐specific immunotherapy, which aims at inducing fentanyl‐specific antibodies capable of binding fentanyl molecules in the bloodstream, preventing their entry in the central nervous system, is therefore gaining momentum. Conventional opioid designs rely on the covalent conjugation of fentanyl analogues to immunogenic carrier proteins that hold the inherent capacity of mounting immunodominant responses. Here, we present an alternative fentanyl vaccine design that utilizes a non‐covalent assembly of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver fentanyl haptens in conjunction with a CD4+ T‐helper peptide epitope and an imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist. Our results demonstrate that a single intramuscular administration of the LNP‐based nanovaccine elicits fentanyl‐specific antibodies, significantly mitigating the effects of opioid overdose in preclinical mouse models. Furthermore, we analyzed the immunobiological behavior of the vaccine in vivo in mouse models, providing evidence that covalent attachment of a fentanyl hapten to a carrier proteins or peptide epitope is not necessary for inducing an effective immune response. However, co‐delivery ‐ specifically, the physical assembly of all immune cues into an LNP ‐ remains essential for inducing hapten‐specific immunity.
Anisotropic Hollow Structure with Chemotaxis Enabling Intratumoral Autonomic Therapy
Authors: Hou Ping , Xie Lingeng , Zhang Ludan , Du Xin , Zhao Decai , Wang Yuguang , Yang Nailiang , Wang Dan
Published: October 2024

Effective intratumoral drug penetration is pivotal for successful cancer treatment. However, due to the disrupted capillary networks and poor perfusion in solid tumors, there exist challenges to realize autonomous directional drug penetration and controlled drug release within the tumor. Considering the specificity of glucose within tumor tissue, we draw inspiration from nature and engineer asymmetrical hollow structures exhibiting chemotaxis towards high glucose levels. By incorporating multiple shells into these structures, we enhance the local chemical concentration gradients, thereby improving cellular uptake and precise targeting. The advantages of anisotropic hollow multishell structure (a‐HoMS) can be reflected from the diffusion coefficient and directivity, which increase by 73.4 % and 273 % respectively compared to conventional isotropic hollow spheres, achieving the most linear movement while ensuring the speed of movement. Furthermore, the multi‐level porosity and temporal‐spatial order of a‐HoMS enable sequential drug delivery that inhibits angiogenesis with inducing cell apoptosis. After the eradication of localized tumor cells, the a‐HoMS can automatically migrate to the alive tumor cells under the glucose gradient, inducing another cycle of drug delivery and chemotaxis, resulting in excellent antitumor efficacy. These anisotropic HoMS demonstrate intelligence, adaptability, and precision in tumor therapy, providing valuable insights for programmable treatment within tissues.
Selenium Dioxide Catalyzed Polymerization of N‐doped Poly(benzodifurandione) (n‐PBDF) and Its Derivatives
Authors: Liu Guangchao , Hsu Hsuan‐Hao , Samal Sanket , Lee Won‐June , Ke Zhifan , You Liyan , Savoie Brett M. , Mei Jianguo
Published: October 2024

The recent discovery of highly conductive, solution‐processable, n‐doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n‐PBDF) marks a milestone in the development of conducting polymers. Currently, n‐PBDF is prepared by either duroquinone‐mediated or copper‐catalyzed polymerizations, where scalability and cost‐effectiveness may present challenges. Here, we report a general, scalable, and cost‐effective method for n‐PBDF and its derivatives, namely selenium dioxide (SeO2) catalyzed polymerization. We discovered that a catalytic amount of selenium dioxide leads to high monomer conversions (>99 % by NMR). The obtained n‐PBDF exhibits a consistently narrow hydrodynamic diameter distribution and its thin films show high conductivities. Furthermore, we revealed that this polymerization involves a mechanism distinct from the previously reported radical pathway. It involves successive Riley oxidation and aldol polycondensation processes. It was also found that the reduced selenium precipitates from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) when the catalytic cycle is terminated, allowing for a straightforward purification process through centrifugation and filtration. This method thus eliminates the need for the costly and slow dialysis process. Finally, we demonstrated that SeO2 catalyzed polymerization is applicable to n‐PBDF derivatives, proving the generality of this method.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Glucose Sensing: Advancing Non‐Invasive Detection Strategies in Diabetes Management
Authors: Blessy Rebecca P. N. , Durgalakshmi D. , Rakkesh R. Ajay
Published: October 2024

Effective glucose monitoring is critical for managing diabetes and preventing its associated complications. While commercial glucose monitoring devices predominantly rely on blood samples, emerging research focuses on detecting glucose in alternative biofluids, harnessing advanced nanomaterials. Among these, Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs), composed of metal ions and organic ligands, have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, including tunable porosity, high surface area, and abundant active sites conducive to glucose interaction. MOFs present a versatile platform for glucose sensing, offering potential in both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic detection methods. This review delves into the recent advancements in MOFs‐based electrochemical glucose sensors, providing a comprehensive analysis of various MOFs and their composites as electrode materials. The discussion highlights the structural attributes, functionalization strategies, and electrochemical performance of MOFs in glucose sensing, emphasizing their role in the development of next‐generation, non‐invasive glucose monitoring technologies. The review provides a comprehensive overview on the application of MOFs and MOFs‐based composites in both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic electrochemical‐based glucose sensing and highlights the synthesis, mechanism, functionalization and development in the detection strategy of MOFs in glucose sensing.
Unraveling the Synergistic Effects of Thiazolidine Co‐Sensitizers in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Abu‐Melha Sraa
Published: October 2024

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered significant attention as a promising photovoltaic technology because of their low cost and simplicity. However, the development of efficient organic sensitizers remains a challenge. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of two novel organic co‐sensitizers, CD‐1 and TD‐2, based on a thiazolidine core structure and the incorporation of carbazole and triphenylamine donor moieties, respectively. Co‐sensitizers were designed to leverage the strong electron‐donating abilities of these donors to facilitate efficient light‐harvesting and charge‐transfer processes. In‐depth analyses of the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties provided insights into the characteristics of TD‐2 compared with those of CD‐1. TD‐2 displayed a wider range of absorption wavelengths, a narrower energy gap (2.19 eV), and a higher energy level for its (HOMO) than that of CD‐1. These distinctions are attributed to the enhanced capacity of TD‐2 to donate electrons and the elongated π‐conjugation of the triphenylamine component. Upon sensitization, the TD‐2 scored efficiency reached 5.10% and co‐sensitized with N719 dye achieved the highest efficiency, reaching 7.95%. Both sensitizers increased the efficiency of N719 by co‐sensitization (TD‐2 + N719), with an efficiency higher than 15% compared with N719.
Pea Pod–Derived Biochar–Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Composite for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Two Organic Dyes Crystal Violet and Victoria Blue
Authors: Darabdhara Jnyanashree , Roy Saptarshi , Ahmaruzzaman Md.
Published: October 2024

The rapid increase of water pollution globally is a vital environmental concern that requires the immediate attention of researchers to find new innovative ways to remove unwanted environmental pollutants from our water sources. With the advances in the field of sustainable engineering, there is a high demand for the effective utilization of biomass resources for the removal of aqueous environmental contaminants. Biochar is carbon carbon‐enriched substance obtained by biomass pyrolysis; it is inexpensive and has received wide attention in the field of wastewater treatment. Herein, we describe the synthesis of pea pod (PO) biochar‐reinforced zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) nanocomposite (PO@ZIF‐8) through the in situ precipitation of ZIF‐8 onto the biochar surface. The crystal growth, morphology, chemical composition, and optical characteristics of fabricated PO@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite were scrutinized through PXRD, SEM, TEM, UV‐DRS, PL, and XPS analysis. The dodecahedral‐shaped PO@ZIF‐8 particles have an average size between 140 and 160 nm. The biochar‐reinforced ZIF‐8 nanocomposite showed significantly higher photocatalytic activity than the pure ZIF‐8 for the degradation of two commonly found organic dyes crystal violet (CV) and Victoria Blue (VB) in the presence of direct sunlight irradiation. The PO@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite showed the highest degradation efficiency of ~87% and ~80% within 50 min of irradiation time at a catalyst dosage of 20 mg for 30 ppm CV and VB dye solutions at pH 8. First‐order kinetics were obeyed during the photodegradation with 0.041 and 0.030 min−1 as the constant of degradation for the removal of CV and VB. The radical scavenger experiment and the photoluminescence analysis confirm the active participation of ·OH radical in the degradation of both dyes. LC–MS and TOC analysis was also performed to determine the degradation products and for evaluation of the degradation progress. Moreover, the synthesized PO@ZIF‐8 composite also exhibit good stability till the fourth cycle with high degradation efficiency thus making it a good choice of catalyst in the field of environmental decontamination.
The effect of NaY‐zeolite on mechanical, thermal, and spectroscopic behavior of crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol films
Authors: Bozdoğan Altan
Published: October 2024

The effects of sodium y zeolite (NaY‐zeolite) on crosslinked Polyvinyl alcohol (CrPVA) composite films were investigated. The spectroscopic analysis showed that crosslinks were formed between PVA, Tartaric acid (TA), and NaY‐zeolite particles. The thermal stability of the CrPVA film was improved with the addition of zeolite. Optimum thermal stability was observed for 5 wt % zeolite content. It can be seen that the mechanical properties also improved for 5 wt % zeolite‐doped CrPVA composite films when compared with CrPVA. It was observed that Young's modulus increased 54.14 to 74.49 MPa. While the degree of crystallinity of the composite film decreased from 20.42 to 14.77% due to zeolite content. This is thought to be due to the increase in the structure's crosslinking rate. The utilization of TA and NaY zeolite in membrane applications may be considered an advantage for improving the mechanical characteristics and the recyclability of membrane technology.
Preparation and study of attapulgite reinforced PVA fiber with cross‐linking of boric acid
Authors: Hong Xinqiu , Li Haifeng
Published: October 2024

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers were manufactured by gel spinning with reinforcing of attapulgite (ATT) and cross‐linking of boric acid (PVA/B/ATT fibers), in order to improve the mechanical properties. Furthermore, the final fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile strength tester. In addition, when ATT amount was no more than 2.0 wt%, FTIR analyses suggested that the degrees of cooperation combining of ATT and boric acid with PVA macromolecules were enhanced. SEM images indicated that PVA/B/ATT fibers had smooth surfaces. DSC, TGA and XRD results illustrated that the melting temperatures and maximum thermal decomposition temperatures first increased and then dropped as the content of ATT increased. Moreover, mechanical properties results indicated that the optimal ATT amount was 2.0 wt%, and the tensile strength of PVA/B/ATT‐2 fiber reached the highest of 14.2 ± 0.3 cN/dtex. It was largely because that the cooperation combining of boric acid and ATT with PVA molecules improved the mechanical properties of PVA/B/ATT fibers.
An overview on olfaction in the biological, analytical, computational, and machine learning fields
Authors: Chiera Federica , Costa Giosuè , Alcaro Stefano , Artese Anna
Published: October 2024

Recently, the comprehension of odor perception has advanced, unveiling the mysteries of the molecular receptors within the nasal passages and the intricate mechanisms governing signal transmission between these receptors, the olfactory bulb, and the brain. This review provides a comprehensive panorama of odors, encompassing various topics ranging from the structural and molecular underpinnings of odorous substances to the physiological intricacies of olfactory perception. It extends to elucidate the analytical methods used for their identification and explores the frontiers of computational methodologies.
Advancements in synergistic fermentation of probiotics and enzymes for non‐grain feed raw materials
Authors: Deng Xiangrong , Chen Kai , Jiang Dahai , Lu Liming
Published: October 2024

To address the escalating challenge of food scarcity and the associated conflicts between human and animal consumption, it is imperative to seek alternative resources that can substitute for traditional feed. Non‐grain feed (NGF) raw materials represent a category of biomass resources that are distinct from grains in their composition. These materials are characterized by their high nutritional content, cost‐effectiveness, ample availability, and consistent supply, which contribute to their significant economic potential. Nonetheless, the extensive application of NGF is currently hindered by several limitations, including a high concentration of antinutritional factors, suboptimal palatability, and an offensive odor, among other shortcomings. The synergistic fermentation of probiotics and enzymes (SFPE) is an innovative approach that integrates the use of a diverse array of enzymes during the feed fermentation process, as well as various strains of probiotics throughout the feed digestion process. This method aims to enhance the nutritional value of the feed, diminish the presence of antinutritional factors, and improve the overall palatability, thereby facilitating the optimal utilization of NGF. This strategy holds the promise of not only replacing conventional feed options but also mitigating the pressing issue of grain scarcity. This paper delves into the practical applications of NGF and presents an overview of the latest research advancements in SFPE fermentation techniques, which can provide cutting‐edge and valuable reference for researchers who devote themselves to research in this field in the future.
Site‐Selective Direct γ‐Difunctionalization of Diazoenals: Application to the Synthesis of Enal‐Functionalized Allenes and Furans
Authors: Kalepu Jagadeesh , Sudam Lad Bapurao , Kumar Mandal Pratap , Kanchupalli Vinaykumar , Roy Durjay , Katukojvala Sreenivas
Published: October 2024

A new approach for the synthetically important γ‐functionalized enals has been developed. The strategy involves rhodium‐catalyzed direct C−C & C−S bond forming site‐selective γ‐difunctionalization of diazoenals with aryl propargyl sulfides via sulfur ylide [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, resulting in the highly functionalized γ‐allenyl(sulfanyl)enals in excellent yield at ambient temperature. This highly versatile approach constitutes a viable alternative to the remote carbonyl‐directed γ‐functionalization of unmodified enals which suffer from competitive side reactions. The synthetic utility of the γ‐allenyl(sulfanyl)enals was demonstrated by the InCl3‐catalyzed cycloisomerization to the trisubstituted furanyl‐enals via an unusual 1,4‐sulfanyl migration. In addition, an operationally simple and efficient one‐pot [3+2] annulation of diazoenals and propargyl sulfides, involving combined γ‐difunctionalization and cycloisomerization was successfully developed for the diverse enal‐functionalized furans.
The Role of Spacers as a Probe in Variation of Photoluminescence Properties of Mono‐ and Bi‐Nuclear Boron Compounds
Authors: Kumar Yadav Rahul , Parveen Darakshan , Mondal Bijan , Kumar Roy Dipak
Published: October 2024

A series of N,O donor‐based mono‐ and binuclear four‐coordinated boron complexes were synthesized. Depending on the substitution and spacer, these complexes exhibit intense blue, green and yellow emission in solution states. Notably, the fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) and fluorescence decay (lifetime, τ) of mononuclear boron complexes (2 a–2 e) were higher than the binuclear boron complexes (2 f–2 k). The lowest lifetime and quantum yield in binuclear boron complexes were due to intramolecular rotation induced non radiative processes. The disulphide spacer‐based boron complexes 2 i–2 k showed aggregation‐caused quenching in the THF/H2O mixture whereas no other complexes were ACQ responsive. These complexes show large Stokes shift, one of them i. e. 2 e has the highest Stokes shift of 130 nm. Further, the electrochemical study suggests the presence of two redox incidences. Theoretical studies show close corroboration between the TD‐DFT computed and experimentally measured absorption maxima as well as DFT (GIAO) calculated and experimentally measured 11B NMR values. This complements the appropriate selection of the theoretical methods to shed light on the electronic transitions in the mono‐ and binuclear BF2 complexes.
A sustainable and expedited ‘One‐Stop’ prostate cancer diagnostic pathway to reduce environmental impact and enhance accessibility
Authors: Storino Ramacciotti Lorenzo , Kaneko Masatomo , Rodler Severin , Mohideen Muneeb , Cai Jie , Liang Gangning , Aron Manju , Hopstone Michelle , Stern Mariana C. , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Gill Inderbir , Abreu Andre Luis
Published: October 2024

Objective

To assess the carbon footprint, accessibility, and diagnostic performance of an expedited ‘One‐Stop’ prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostic pathway.

Materials and methods

A total of 1083 consecutive patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by transrectal ultrasound fusion‐guided prostate biopsy (PBx) were identified from a prospective database. The patients were divided according to the diagnostic pathway: One‐Stop, with MRI and same‐day PBx (3 hours apart), or Standard, with MRI followed by a second visit for PBx. Socioeconomic status was evaluated by the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) and the carbon footprint by the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator.

Results

Overall, 260 patients underwent the One‐Stop and 823 the Standard pathway. The One‐Stop patients lived farther from the hospital (163 vs. 23 km; p < 0.001), had lower socioeconomic status with DCI scores of 49 versus 30 (p < 0.001), and were more likely to be Latinos (21% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) compared to the Standard patients, respectively. The One‐Stop saved 69 575 km in round trips, over 16 tons of travel‐related CO2 emissions, and $8214 U.S. dollars. For patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PIRADS) 3–5, the clinically significant PCa detection (53% vs. 50%, p = 0.55) was similar for the One‐Stop and Standard pathways, respectively.

Conclusions

The One‐Stop PCa diagnostic pathway reduces carbon footprint, distance travelled, and patient‐level cost while maintaining clinical outcomes comparable to the Standard pathway. It facilitates access to tertiary‐level care for minorities and underserved populations.
Analysis of pharmacological effects and mechanisms of compound essential oils via GC–MS and network pharmacology
Authors: Wu Dong , Li Mengchu , Gong Jianping , Huang Wenping , Zeng Wenhui , Jiang Ying
Published: October 2024

Aromatherapy based on essential oil (EO) has been widely used for alleviating pain and intense where no compound EO reports its application on pharmacological effects. In order to explore the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and mechanism of a compound EO, a blend of Artemisia argyi, Boswellia carterii, Commiphora myrrha, Cinnamomum cassia, Zingiber oj‐jicinale, and Ilex pubescens EO, in treating neck and shoulder pain (NSP). Network pharmacology hyphenated with mice model was employed to investigate. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was applied for the identification of constituents in compound EO. Lastly, transdermal absorption of compound EO was studied before verifying analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects in mice. Totally, 75 compounds were tentatively identified through GC–MS, predicting 46 potential analgesic targets. Moreover, 11 core targets were obtained through network topology screening. Animal test resulted that the compound EO had significantly stronger anti‐inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to single EO. Multiple API in compound EO affected on targets and exerted therapeutic effects on NSP through multiple pathways. Afterwards, eucalyptol, camphor, and borneol from compound EO exhibited a sustained‐release effect, which provide scientific basis to illustrate the application of compound EO in clinical.
The effect of board of directors attributes, environmental committee and institutional ownership on carbon disclosure quality
Authors: Abdelrahman Adam Abdalla Abbas , Salleh Zalailah , Hashim Hafiza Aishah , Wan Zakaria Wan Zuriati , Al‐ahdal Waleed M.
Published: October 2024

This study assesses the effect of the board of directors' attributes, environmental committee (EC), and institutional ownership (IO) on carbon disclosure quality (CDQ) from the perspectives of legitimacy and agency theories in Malaysia. This study collects and analyzes data based on 1000 observations of firms from carbon‐intensive industries from 2015 to 2019. The effect of the board of directors' attributes, EC, and IO on the CDQ was observed using a panel data regression model. The study revealed a significant positive relationship between board independence, board size, female representation, EC, IO, and CDQ. These findings suggest that carbon disclosure awareness is rising in Malaysia as firms have gradually integrated corporate governance (CG) best practices into their business strategies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the factors that influence CDQ in Malaysian businesses. This study identified firms with a higher CDQ using a new global reporting initiative‐based carbon reporting index. This expands the literature on carbon disclosures. This study focuses on carbon‐intensive industries, which might not reflect Malaysia's current CDQ situation. Thus, future research should focus on other sectors to fully grasp the current state of the CDQ in Malaysia and offer new perspectives on emerging markets. The findings may benefit a vast group of regulatory bodies in assessing Malaysian firms' responses to local and international carbon guidelines.
How do aspirations work? Financial performance shortfalls and firms' green innovation
Authors: Zhao Jing , Cheng Xiyun , Guo Jintong
Published: October 2024

Research on the behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF) highlights the role of performance shortfalls in managers' decision process. However, previous studies tend to ignore the heterogeneity of historical and social aspirations. This paper investigates how firms' green innovation, a typical environmental behavior, differently responds to financial performance shortfalls relative to historical and social aspirations. Based on the view of problemistic search, we argue and find that financial performance shortfalls derived from historical aspiration impair green innovation, whereas financial performance shortfalls derived from social aspiration first reduce and then promote green innovation, demonstrating a U‐shaped relationship. Moreover, we find that the two aspirations may interact to influence green innovation activities. Specifically, the negative effect of performance shortfalls (historical) is more pronounced when the financial performance is below social aspiration, whereas the U‐shaped effect is flattened if the financial performance is at or above historical aspiration. Further, we explore how the effects vary with financial constraints and manager overconfidence to distinguish the underlying mechanisms. Our study extends a nascent understanding of aspiration heterogeneity by revealing firms' different green innovation strategies in response to different aspirations.