bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How rejected recommendations shape recommenders' future product intentions
Authors: Hall Matthew J. , Hyodo Jamie D. , Kristofferson Kirk
Published: December 2023

When a consumer (a recommender) recommends a product to another consumer (a recommendee), it is not uncommon to learn whether the recommendee chose the recommended option (i.e., accepted the recommendation) or a different option (i.e., rejected the recommendation). Our research examines how rejected recommendations affect recommenders' subsequent intentions toward the originally recommended product. We find that upon learning one's recommendation was rejected, recommenders are less likely to repurchase or choose the product in the future. This negative effect emerges because recommenders question their knowledge about the recommended product (i.e., self‐perceived expertise is reduced). Such questioning is more likely to occur when the recommendee is a close other and less likely to occur when the recommended product is perceived to primarily differ from alternatives due to subjective preferences (i.e., horizontal differentiation is salient). Importantly, this rejected recommendation effect is shown to be distinct from a social proof account. The current research contributes to WOM theory by identifying a novel outcome of recommendation interactions—rejected recommendations—and by demonstrating that this outcome can cause consumers to shift away from a product despite having felt positively enough about the product to recommend it to others.
Lack of vitamin D signalling shifts skeletal muscles towards oxidative metabolism
Authors: Das Anamica , Jawla Neha , Meena Vaidehee , Gopinath Suchitra D. , Arimbasseri Gopalakrishnan Aneeshkumar
Published: December 2023

Background

Mice lacking vitamin D receptor (VDR) exhibit a glycogen storage disorder, disrupting carbohydrate utilization in muscle. Here, we asked if the defective carbohydrate metabolism alters the fat utilization by the skeletal muscles of vdr−/− mice.

Methods

To check the effect of high‐fat‐containing diets on muscle mass and metabolism of vdr−/− mice, we subjected them to two different milk fat‐based diets (milk fat diet with 60% of energy from milk fat and milk‐based diet [MBD] with 37% of energy from milk fat) and lard‐based high‐fat diet (HFD) containing 60% of energy from lard fat. Skeletal muscles and pancreas from these mice were analysed using RNA sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot to understand the changes in signalling and metabolic pathways. Microscopic analyses of cryosections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, BODIPY, succinate dehydrogenase and periodic acid–Schiff reagent were performed to understand changes in morphology and metabolism of muscle fibres and pancreatic islets.

Results

Transcriptomic analyses showed that the skeletal muscles of vdr−/− mice exhibit upregulation of the fatty acid oxidation pathways, suggesting a shift towards increased lipid utilization even in a carbohydrate‐enriched regular chow diet (chow). Two different milk fat‐enriched diets restored body weight (12.01 ± 0.33 g in chow vs. 17.99 ± 0.62 g in MBD) and muscle weights (38.58 ± 3.84 mg in chow vs. 110.72 ± 1.96 mg in MBD for gastrocnemius [GAS]) of vdr−/− mice. Muscle ATP levels (0.56 ± 0.18 μmol in chow vs. 1.48 ± 0.08 μmol in MBD) and protein synthesis (0.25 ± 0.04 A.U. in chow vs. 2.02 ± 0.06 A.U. in MBD) were upregulated by MBD. However, despite increasing muscle energy levels, HFD failed to restore the muscle mass and cross‐sectional area to that of wild‐type (WT) mice (104.95 ± 2.6 mg for WT mice on chow vs. 77.26 ± 1.7 mg for vdr−/− mice on HFD for GAS). Moreover, HFD disrupted glucose homeostasis in vdr−/− mice, while MBD restored it. We further analysed insulin response and pancreatic insulin levels of these mice to show that HFD led to reduced insulin levels in pancreatic beta cells of vdr−/− mice (mean intensity of 1.5 × 10−8 for WT mice on chow vs. 4.3 × 10−9 for vdr−/− mice on HFD). At the same time, MBD restored glucose‐stimulated pancreatic insulin response (mean intensity of 9.2 × 10−9).

Conclusions

Skeletal muscles of vdr−/− mice are predisposed to utilize fatty acids as their primary energy source to circumvent their defective carbohydrate utilization. Thus, HFDs could restore energy levels in the skeletal muscles of vdr−/− mice. This study reveals that when mice are subjected to a lard‐based HFD, VDR signalling is essential for maintaining insulin levels in pancreatic islets. Our data show a critical role of VDR in muscle metabolic flexibility and pancreatic insulin response.
Ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from beef feedlot surface material treated with aluminum sulfate (alum) or microbial amendments
Authors: Spiehs Mindy J. , Woodbury Bryan L.
Published: December 2023

A lab‐scale study evaluated ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases, emissions when aluminum sulfate (alum) or a microbial product were added to beef feedlot surface material (FSM). Three kilograms of FSM and 1.5 kg of water were added to stainless steel pans (50 cm × 30 cm × 6.5 cm). Treatments included a control (no amendment), 450 g alum, or 0.5 g microbial product. The pans were placed in an environmental chamber that was maintained at 23°C and 50%–60% humidity. Emissions were measured three times weekly for 3 weeks. Ammonia, N2O, and CH4 were lower (p < 0.01) from pans with amendments compared to the control pans; emissions from the FSM that received the microbial treatment were lower than the FSM treated with alum. Methane emissions were similar for the control and alum‐treated FSM but lower (p < 0.01) for the FSM that was treated with the microbial product. Nitrate‐N was lower, and NH4+‐N and total sulfur concentrations were higher in FSM treated with alum compared to no treatment or the microbial treatment (p < 0.01). Results indicate that both alum and microbial amendments have benefits in reducing emissions from the feedlot surface, with the microbial product providing additional reductions in emissions compared to the alum.
Aged tendons lack adaptive response to acute compressive injury
Authors: Mlawer Samuel J. , Frank Eliot H. , Connizzo Brianne K.
Published: December 2023

Rotator cuff tendinopathy has a multifactorial etiology, with both aging and external compression found to influence disease progression. However, tendon's response to these factors is still poorly understood and in vivo animal models make it difficult to decouple these effects. Therefore, we developed an explant culture model that allows us to directly apply compression to tendons and then observe their biological responses. Using this model, we applied a single acute compressive injury to C57BL/6J flexor digitorum longus tendon explants and observed changes in viability, metabolic activity, matrix composition, matrix biosynthesis, matrix structure, gene expression, and mechanical properties. We hypothesized that a single acute compressive load would result in an injury response in tendon and that this effect would be amplified in aged tendons. We found that young tendons had increased matrix turnover with a decrease in small leucine‐rich proteoglycans, increase in compression‐resistant proteoglycan aggrecan, increase in collagen synthesis, and an upregulation of collagen‐degrading MMP‐9. Aged tendons lacked any of these adaptive responses and instead had decreased metabolic activity and collagen synthesis. This implies that aged tendons lack the adaptation mechanisms required to return to homeostasis, and therefore are at greater risk for compression‐induced injury. Overall, we present a novel compressive injury model that demonstrates lasting age‐dependent changes and has the potential to examine the long‐term response of tendon to a variety of compressive loading conditions.
Factors associated with genetic markers for rotator cuff disease in patients with atraumatic rotator cuff tears
Authors: Yanik Elizabeth L. , Saccone Nancy L. , Aleem Alexander W. , Chamberlain Aaron M. , Zmistowski Benjamin , Sefko Julianne A. , Keener Jay D.
Published: December 2023

For atraumatic rotator cuff tears, genetics contributes to symptomatic tear risk and may influence rotator cuff healing after surgical repair. But little is known about how genetic factors influence rotator cuff tear patient characteristics at presentation. We collected saliva samples for genotyping from atraumatic rotator cuff tear patients. We examined nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cuff tears in prior literature. We estimated associations of SNP dosage with (1) age at tear diagnosis, (2) bilateral atraumatic tear prevalence, and (3) tear size. Linear regression was used to estimate associations with diagnosis age adjusted for sex and principal components. Logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression were used to estimate associations with bilateral tear prevalence and tear size category, respectively, adjusting for age, sex, and principal components. Of 344 eligible patients, 336 provided sufficient samples for genotyping. Median age at tear diagnosis was 61, 22% (N = 74) had bilateral atraumatic tears, and 9% (N = 29) had massive tears. SNP rs13107325 in the SLC39A8 gene and rs11850957 in the STXBP6 gene were associated with younger diagnosis age even after accounting for multiple comparisons (rs13107325: −4 years, 95% CI = −6.5, −1.4; rs11850957: −2.7 years, 95% CI = −4.3, −1.1). No other significant associations were observed with diagnosis age, tear size, or bilateral tear prevalence. SLC39A8 encodes a Mn transporter. STXBP6 may play a role in inflammatory responses by altering phagocytosis and antigen presentation of monocytes and macrophages. Further research is needed to determine if genetic markers can be used alongside patient characteristics to aid in identifying optimal surgical repair candidates.
Anti‐diabetic mechanism and potential bioactive peptides of casein hydrolysates in STZ/HFD‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Luo Donghui , Zheng Lin , Zhao Mouming
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Casein hydrolysates have attracted much interest as anti‐diabetic food, but their hypoglycemic mechanism and biopeptides are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the anti‐diabetic mechanism and potential biopeptides of casein hydrolysates in streptozotocin/high‐fat‐diet‐induced diabetic rats and HepG2 cells.

RESULTS

Oral administration of casein hydrolysate prepared with papain–Flavourzyme combination (P‐FCH) decreased fasting blood glucose, improved oral glucose tolerance, and reduced HbA1c values in diabetic rats. P‐FCH was ineffective in alleviating insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment and insulin sensitivity index) and enhancing hepatic insulin signaling transduction (phosphorylated Akt, hexokinase activity, and pyruvate kinase activity) in diabetic rats. However, P‐FCH significantly upregulated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation and glucose transporter‐2 expression, inhibited phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase activity, and elevated glycogen content in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Furthermore, P‐FCH increased glucose consumption independently in normal and insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells without the presence of insulin. The peptide composition of P‐FCH was characterized. The potential biopeptides in P‐FCH showed the sequence characteristic of a Val at the N‐terminal or a Pro at the P2 position, and the hypoglycemic activity of Val‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly (the most potential biopeptide in P‐FCH) was verified by oral glucose tolerance test in mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that activation of the non‐insulin‐mediated AMPK pathway might be the determinant mechanism of P‐FCH on the hypoglycemic effect. The novel peptide Val‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly in P‐FCH was effective in reducing blood glucose levels when orally administered to mice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Glomangioma of the External Ear: A Case Report
Authors: Gulati Rahul D. , Graf Alexander E. , Salama Joshua , Zeng Jianying , Kaplowitz Lee J.
Published: December 2023

Glomangiomas of the external ear are exceptionally rare. These tumors are a type of glomus tumor, which are soft tissue neoplasms of mesenchymal origin that result from undifferentiated smooth muscle. In this report, we describe a case of an ear lobule glomangioma that was treated with surgical excision. Laryngoscope, 134:2771–2773, 2024
Hydrogel Scaffolds with Controlled Postgelation Modulation of Structures for 3D Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yang Jiaxuan , Rong Yan , Chen Xuesi , He Chaoliang
Published: December 2023

Hydrogels are hydrophilic three‐dimensional networks containing a large amount of water, with physicochemical properties similar to extracellular matrix and controlled mechanical strength, making them ideal scaffolds for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering. However, the cross‐linked hydrogel network often restricts the migration of cells and the exchange of nutrients, which affects cell proliferation and the development of normal tissues. In recent years, hydrogels with pore‐channel structures have attracted significant attention, but these spatial structures are usually preconstructed before gelation, posing challenges in meeting the dynamic physiological conditions required during cell and tissue growth. Therefore, considerable efforts have been devoted to structurally regulate the scaffolds after gelation, so as to enhance the interactions between the scaffolds and cells for promoting the growth of cells and tissues. This review firstly outlines the preparation of hydrogel scaffolds with pore structure and the necessity of postgelation pore modulation. Two types of methods for postgelation pore modulation, including chemical degradation and physical dissolution, are then summarized. Finally, the potential application of such postgelation structural modulation in 3D cell culture and tissue engineering is discussed.
Degree reduction of ball Said‐Ball surfaces using an enhanced coot optimization algorithm
Authors: Hu Gang , Dou Wanting , Du Bo
Published: December 2023

Degree reduction of ball Said‐Ball (BSB) surface is a complex and unsolved problem in computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer graphics (CG), which has potential application prospects in many engineering fields of geometric modeling. In this paper, the degree reduction of BSB surface is transformed into the optimization problems of center surface and radius function, and the improved coot optimization algorithm is used to solve it. An effective method to solve the degree reduction of BSB surface by intelligent optimization algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the degree reduction of BSB surface is decomposed into center surface reduction and radius function reduction, and the objective function and constraint conditions are determined according to the optimization idea, then the degree reduction optimization model of center surface and radius function is established. Secondly, an enhanced coot (ECOOT for short) algorithm is proposed, which combines chain strategy, dispersed foraging strategy, and quadratic interpolation strategy. Compared with the original algorithm, ECOOT algorithm has better convergence performance and higher calculation accuracy. Finally, the proposed ECOOT algorithm is used to solve the degree reduction optimization model, and the optimal center surface and minimum distance radius function of the BSB surface after degree reduction are obtained. The experimental results show that the ECOOT algorithm can effectively solve the problem of degree reduction for BSB surface, the degree reduction error is reduced by about 20% compared to the original COOT algorithm, and is superior to other intelligent optimization algorithms in accuracy, robustness, and convergence.
Novel Lauric Acid‐Butyric Structural Lipid Inhibits Inflammation: Small Intestinal Microbes May Be Important Mediators
Authors: Liu Wangxin , Zhao Minjie , Huang Ying , Feng Fengqin , Luo Xianliang , Wang Jing
Published: December 2023

Scope

Butyric acid (C4) and lauric acid (C12) are recognized as functional fatty acids, while the health benefits of the structural lipids they constitute remain unclear.

Methods and results

In this study, lauric acid‐butyric structural lipid (SLBL) is synthesized through ultrasound‐assisted enzyme‐catalyzed acidolysis and its health benefits are evaluated in a high‐fat diet‐induced obesity mouse model. SLBL and its physical mixture (MLBL) do not significantly inhibit obesity in mice. However, SLBL treatment increases the ratio of n3/n6 fatty acids in the liver and improves obesity‐induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorders. Furthermore, the expression of liver pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α) are significantly suppressed by SLBL, while the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) is increased. Moreover, SLBL ameliorates the dysbiosis of small intestinal microbes induced by high‐fat diet and regulates microbial community structure to be close to the control group. Especially, SLBL significantly alleviates the high‐fat diet‐induced decrease in Dubosiella and Bifidobacterium abundance. Correlation analysis reveals that SLBL treatment increases the abundance of microorganisms with potential anti‐inflammatory function and decreases the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusion

In all, small intestinal microbes may be a significant bridge for the positive anti‐inflammatory effects of SLBL, while the exact mechanism remains to be clarified.
A case series evaluating patient perceptions after switching from nusinersen to risdiplam for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Powell Jeffrey C. , Meiling James B. , Cartwright Michael S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction/Aims

In 2016, nusinersen became the first disease‐modifying medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). With the later availability of risdiplam in 2020, individuals now have the option of switching from nusinersen to risdiplam. Limited published data exist to inform this decision. This study aims to evaluate the perceptions and experiences of adult participants and parents of minor participants who previously received nusinersen and switched to risdiplam for the treatment of SMA.

Methods

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained from the Wake Forest IRB prior to the initiation of this study. A cross‐sectional, observational study, with qualitative and quantitative data gathered via questionnaire and medical record review, was performed. Inclusion criteria included (1) prior diagnosis of SMA, (2) previous treatment with nusinersen, and (3) change to treatment with risdiplam. No participants were excluded based on age.

Results

Fourteen participants—eight adults and six children—were enrolled in the study. Respondents noted improvements in physical function with each medication. Overall, respondents reported worse satisfaction with the method of delivery of the intrathecally delivered nusinersen compared to the orally‐delivered risdiplam, but no respondent reported negative overall satisfaction with either medication. A majority (78.6%) of respondents reported that switching from nusinersen to risdiplam was the correct decision.

Discussion

These results suggest that most patients are satisfied when switching from nusinersen to risdiplam, with the method of delivery being a primary factor.
European scenarios for future biological invasions
Authors: Pérez‐Granados Cristian , Lenzner Bernd , Golivets Marina , Saul Wolf‐Christian , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Essl Franz , Peterson Garry D. , Rutting Lucas , Latombe Guillaume , Adriaens Tim , Aldridge David C. , Bacher Sven , Bernardo‐Madrid Rubén , Brotons Lluís , Díaz François , Gallardo Belinda , Genovesi Piero , González‐Moreno Pablo , Kühn Ingolf , Kutleša Petra , Leung Brian , Liu Chunlong , Pagitz Konrad , Pastor Teresa , Pauchard Aníbal , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Robertson Peter , Roy Helen E. , Seebens Hanno , Solarz Wojciech , Starfinger Uwe , Tanner Rob , Vilà Montserrat , Roura‐Pascual Núria
Published: December 2023

Invasive alien species are one of the major threats to global biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, nature's contributions to people and human health. While scenarios about potential future developments have been available for other global change drivers for quite some time, we largely lack an understanding of how biological invasions might unfold in the future across spatial scales.

Based on previous work on global invasion scenarios, we developed a workflow to downscale global scenarios to a regional and policy‐relevant context. We applied this workflow at the European scale to create four European scenarios of biological invasions until 2050 that consider different environmental, socio‐economic and socio‐cultural trajectories, namely the European Alien Species Narratives (Eur‐ASNs).

We compared the Eur‐ASNs with their previously published global counterparts (Global‐ASNs), assessing changes in 26 scenario variables. This assessment showed a high consistency between global and European scenarios in the logic and assumptions of the scenario variables. However, several discrepancies in scenario variable trends were detected that could be attributed to scale differences. This suggests that the workflow is able to capture scale‐dependent differences across scenarios.

We also compared the Global‐ and Eur‐ASNs with the widely used Global and European Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), a set of scenarios developed in the context of climate change to capture different future socio‐economic trends. Our comparison showed considerable divergences in the scenario space occupied by the different scenarios, with overall larger differences between the ASNs and SSPs than across scales (global vs. European) within the scenario initiatives.

Given the differences between the ASNs and SSPs, it seems that the SSPs do not adequately capture the scenario space relevant to understanding the complex future of biological invasions. This underlines the importance of developing independent but complementary scenarios focussed on biological invasions. The downscaling workflow we implemented and presented here provides a tool to develop such scenarios across different regions and contexts. This is a major step towards an improved understanding of all major drivers of global change, including biological invasions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Effect of delamination on the dynamic characteristics of thin‐walled carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer tube
Authors: Luo Zhong , Yu Bing , Zhang Chengshuang , Zhang Xiaoxia , Sun Xinyu
Published: December 2023

Thin‐walled carbon fiber‐reinforced‐polymer (CFRP) tubes are susceptible to damage, which impacts their dynamic characteristics. This paper investigates the influence of delamination damage on the dynamic properties of thin‐walled CFRP tubes through finite element simulation and experimental methods. A transversely isotropic principal model is employed to establish the geometric model. Delamination damage is induced using the cohesive zone model and the secondary stress criterion. Both circumferential and elliptical delamination cases are studied. The modal test is conducted using the hammer excitation method. It is observed that the finite element model aligns with the experimental results. It is discovered that the larger the delamination size, the lower the natural frequency for a given damage location. The location of the delamination within a single layer has minimal effect on the natural frequency. The natural frequency exhibits a symmetrical pattern of decreasing and then increasing as the delamination shifts from the sides toward the center layer. Positional information is discernible in the modal shape, which can be utilized for delamination detection and localization.

Highlights

The damage model is built by transversal isotropic equation and cohesive unit.

Finite element model is built with various delamination sizes and locations for two cases.

Modal tests are performed on CFRP tubes and obtained good accuracy.

Effect of delamination size and location on dynamic parameters is discussed.
Facile synthesis of functionalized boron nitride nanosheets for photo‐cured 3D printing of high thermal conductive composites
Authors: Zhao Yaxing , Ban Lulu , Chen Chen , Yang Binjie , Zhang Shuai , Chen Chao , Cui Zhengwei , Liu Ren , Sang Xinxin
Published: December 2023

Addressing the concern of heat accumulation in electronic devices, considerable research efforts have been dedicated to develop composites that are thermally conductive yet electrically insulative. Incorporating hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) as fillers shows promise in enhancing the thermal conductivity of polymer composites. However, notable challenges arise from difficulties in achieving well dispersion and establishing efficient three‐dimensional thermal conductive networks. This work demonstrated an efficient photocurable direct ink writing (DIW) printing method to fabricate functional h‐BN nanosheets (A‐BNNS)/epoxy acrylate (EA) resin‐based thermal conductive composites (A‐BNNS/EA). Apple polyphenol‐assisted ball milling was employed to fabricate functionalized BN nanosheets (A‐BNNS). Subsequently, A‐BNNS/EA inks were 3D printed using DIW to create thermally conductive composites, which were then UV‐cured. The composite containing 55 wt% A‐BNNS demonstrated an impressive thermal conductivity (TC) of 3.44 W/(m K). The utilization of 3D printing technology enables an onion‐like dispersion of A‐BNNS within the polymer matrix, effectively constructing three‐dimensional thermal conductive networks. This contribution significantly enhances the overall thermal conductivity.

Highlights

The functional BNNS (A‐BNNS) was achieved by apple polyphenol‐assisted ball milling.

The utilization of photocurable 3D printing technology for producing high thermal conductivity materials are efficient.

A‐BNNS exhibited an onion‐like distribution and effectively constructed a 3D thermal conductive network within the polymer matrix

The composites demonstrate excellent thermal conductivity and favorable heat dissipation property.
Exploration of D‐limonene as a sex pheromone for males of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqin , Wen Qiang , Li Yunna , Wang Shanshan , Fan Gang , Ma Zhaocheng , Guo Yuancheng , Li Xiaoxue , Zhang Hongyu
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera minax is a devastating pest of citrus fruits. However, there have been no effective control measures before. Few reports on the sex pheromones of B. minax are available.

RESULTS

In this study, nine of the volatile compounds in adult females were identified using headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Among them, d‐limonene, caprolactam, 2‐Nitro‐1H‐imidazole, and creatinine could evoke antennal responses in males. Field bioassays showed that only d‐limonene could lure male flies, with a relative lure rate of 78.18% in all tested samples, which was significantly higher than that of paraffin oil control, while all volatile compounds did not have any lure effective to female flies. Moreover, d‐limonene was diluted with paraffin oil into differential concentrations, the lure effect on males was better at 100, 500, and 800 μL d‐limonene mL−1 than pure d‐limonene (1000 μL mL−1). The relative male lure rate of d‐limonene at 100 μL mL−1 was 85.88%, which was significantly higher than that of food−baits (14.12%) on day 3. However, d‐limonene was unattractive to female and male Bactrocera dorsalis and Zeugodacus tau. Further kinetic analysis showed that female adults released d‐limonene around 15‐day post eclosion. Electroantennography 1 results showed that 500 μL mL−1 d‐limonene evoked the strongest responses to antennae of 10‐ to 25‐day‐old male flies.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that d‐limonene could be a sex pheromone from female flies of B. minax, and it could be used as a male‐specific sex attractant for B. minax. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Corpse‐associated odours elicit avoidance in invasive ants
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Czaczkes Tomer J
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Invasive ants, such as Linepithema humile (the Argentine ant), pose a global threat, necessitating a better understanding of their behaviour in order to improve management strategies. Traditional eradication methods, including baiting, have had limited success, but the causes of control failure are not always clear. This study aims to investigate whether ants form associations between food odours and corpses, and subsequently avoid areas or food sources with food odours associated with corpses. We propose that ants may learn to avoid toxic baits in part because of their association with ant corpses, which could have implications for pest control strategies.

RESULTS

Ants were tested on a Y‐maze after exposure to scented corpses or dummies. 69% (n = 64) of ants avoided branches bearing the scent of scented corpses. Colonies neglected food with corpse‐associated odours, with only 42% (n = 273) of foragers feeding from such sources. However, if corpses were produced by feeding ants scented toxicant, focal ants encountering these corpses did not avoid the corpse‐associated scent on a Y‐maze (53%, n = 65). In dual‐feeder tests, ants did not avoid feeding at food sources scented with odours associated with conspecific corpses.

CONCLUSION

Conspecific corpses act as a negative stimulus for ants in a foraging situation, potentially causing avoidance of toxic baits. This study suggests adding odours to baits and cycling them to disrupt the bait–corpse association may be helpful. Interestingly, although avoidance of baits was observed, feeding preferences were not significantly affected. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the Magnetism and Magnetocaloric Effect of W‐Doped VO2 Based on J1–J2 Ising Model
Authors: Liu Li , Shi Detai , Zhu Wei , Bao Qifu , Li Siyu , Zhao Tiangui , Liu Kun , Li Xiaolong , Zhou Jianer
Published: December 2023

W‐doped VO2 exhibits a significant reduction in the metal–insulator transition temperature. In this study, the authors aim to investigate the magnetic influences of different proportions of W doping in VO2 with a rutile structure, using the J1–J2 model. The J1 and J2 values are calculated as 1.21 and −0.024 eV, respectively, using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA)+U method. Additionally, the J1–J2 model without W doping (x = 0) is simulated using the Ising model, and the obtained phase transition temperature of approximately 361 K closely matches the temperature calculated by Zheng et al. based on the spin dimer model. Furthermore, employing this model, the magnetization curves and magnetic entropy change (ΔS) are simulated for different W doping levels (x = 0–0.2). Through comprehensive analysis, it is found that the system exhibits the most promising research potential at a doping level of x = 0.12. These findings deepen the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the magnetic effects of W‐doped VO2 and provide a theoretical model guidance for future development of vanadium oxide materials.
Single‐Layer Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanopores as High‐Performance Ionic Gradient Power Generators
Authors: Liu Ting‐Ran , Fung Man Yui Thomas , Yeh Li‐Hsien , Chiang Chun‐Hao , Yang Jhih‐Sian , Kuo Pai‐Chia , Shiue Jessie , Chen Chia‐Chun , Chen Chun‐Wei
Published: December 2023

Atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as promising candidates for efficient energy harvesting from ionic gradients. However, the exploration of robust 2D atomically thin nanopore membranes, which hold sufficient ionic selectivity and high ion permeability, remains challenging. Here, the single‐layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanopores are demonstrated as various high‐performance ion‐gradient nanopower harvesters. Benefiting from the ultrathin atomic thickness and large surface charge (also a large Dukhin number), the hBN nanopore can realize fast proton transport while maintaining excellent cation selectivity even in highly acidic environments. Therefore, a single hBN nanopore achieves the pure osmosis‐driven proton‐gradient power up to ≈3 nW under 1000‐fold ionic gradient. In addition, the robustness of hBN membranes in extreme pH conditions allows the ionic gradient power generation from acid‐base neutralization. Utilizing 1 m HCl/KOH, the generated power can be promoted to an extraordinarily high level of ≈4.5 nW, over one magnitude higher than all existing ionic gradient power generators. The synergistic effects of ultrathin thickness, large surface charge, and excellent chemical inertness of 2D single‐layer hBN render it a promising membrane candidate for harvesting ionic gradient powers, even under extreme pH conditions.
Dynamic Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Silane‐Functionalized Carbon Dots Confining within Silica for Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Chen Junyu , Tan Jieqiang , Liang Ping , Wu Caijuan , Hou Zaili , Shen Kuangyu , Lei Bingfu , Hu Chaofan , Zhang Xuejie , Zhuang Jianle , Sun Luyi , Liu Yingliang , Zheng Mingtao
Published: December 2023

Room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials with long‐lived, excitation‐dependent, and time‐dependent phosphorescence are highly desirable but very hard to achieve. Herein, this work reports a rational strategy of multiple wavelength excitation and time‐dependent dynamic RTP color by confining silane‐functionalized carbon dots (CDs) in a silica matrix (Si‐CDs@SiO2). The Si‐CDs@SiO2 possesses unique green‐light‐excitation and a change in phosphorescence color from yellow to green. A slow‐decaying phosphorescence at 500 nm with a lifetime of 1.28 s and a fast‐decaying phosphorescence at 580 nm with a lifetime of 0.90 s are observed under 365 nm of irradiation, which originated from multiple surface triplet states of the Si‐CDs@SiO2. Given the unique dynamic RTP properties, the Si‐CDs@SiO2 are demonstrated for applications in fingerprint recognition and multidimensional dynamic information encryption. These findings will open an avenue to explore dynamic phosphorescent materials and significantly broaden their applications.
Porous Tellurium‐Doped Ruthenium Dioxide Nanotubes for Enhanced Acidic Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Guo‐Qiang , Yang Yuan , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Li Hui‐Hui , Yu Peng‐Cheng , Gao Min‐Rui , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: December 2023

Electrocatalysts with high activity and durability for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) play a crucial role in achieving cost‐effective hydrogen production via proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. A novel electrocatalyst, Te‐doped RuO2 (Te–RuO2) nanotubes, synthesized using a template‐directed process, which significantly enhances the OER performance in acidic media is reported. The Te–RuO2 nanotubes exhibit remarkable OER activity in acidic media, requiring an overpotential of only 171 mV to achieve an anodic current density of 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, they maintain stable chronopotentiometric performance under 10 mA cm−2 in acidic media for up to 50 h. Based on the experimental results and density functional calculations, this significant improvement in OER performance to the synergistic effect of large specific surface area and modulated electronic structure resulting from the doping of Te cations is attributed.
Transdermal Microneedles Alleviated Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inducing Immune Tolerance via Skin‐Resident Antigen Presenting Cells
Authors: Zhao Yuanhao , Chen Xiaoyan , He Penghui , Wang Xuanyu , Xu Yanhua , Hu Rui , Ou Yangsen , Zhang Zhihua , Zhang Zhibing , Du Guangsheng , Sun Xun
Published: December 2023

Restoring immune tolerance is the ultimate goal for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. The most reported oral or intravenous injection routes for the immunization of autoantigens cause gastrointestinal side effects, low patient compliance, and unsatisfied immune tolerance induction. Herein, the use of a transdermal microneedle patch is for the first time investigated to codeliver CII peptide autoantigen and rapamycin for reversing immune disorders of RA. The immunized microneedles efficiently recruit antigen‐presenting cells particularly Langerhans cells, and induce tolerogenic dendritic cells at the administration skin site. The tolerogenic dendritic cells further homing to lymph nodes to activate systemic Treg cell differentiation, which upregulates the expression of anti‐inflammatory mediators while inhibiting the polarization of Th1/2 and Th17 T cell phenotypes and the expression of inflammatory profiles. As a result, the optimized microneedles nearly completely eliminate RA symptoms and inflammatory infiltrations. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a low dose of rapamycin is crucial for the successful induction of immune tolerance. The results indicate that a rationally designed microneedle patch is a promising strategy for immune balance restoration with increased immune tolerance induction efficiency and patient compliance.
Boosting Conductive Loss and Magnetic Coupling Based on “Size Modulation Engineering” toward Lower‐Frequency Microwave Absorption
Authors: Guo Yuan , Duan Yuping , Liu Xiaoji , Zhang Hao , Yuan Tingkang , Wen Ningxuan , Li Chengwei , Pang Huifang , Fan Zeng , Pan Lujun
Published: December 2023

The rational design of absorber size is a promising strategy for obtaining excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance. However, achieving controllable tuning of the material size through simple methods is challenging and the associated EMW attenuation mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the sizes of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are successfully tailored by changing the growth time and the molar ratio of iron (Fe)/organic ligands. The lateral and vertical lengths of MOFs vary in the range of 200 nm to 2 µm and 100 nm to 1 µm, respectively. Both experiments and simulations confirm that the decrease of MOF size favors the formation of more conductive networks, which is beneficial for improving the conductivity loss. Meanwhile, the micromagnetic simulation reveals that the magnetic coupling can be effectively enhanced by the decrease of MOF size, which is conducive to the improvement of magnetic loss, especially in low‐frequency range. The reflection loss of Fe‐based MOFs with optimized size reaches −46.4 dB at 6.2 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.1 GHz. This work illustrates the important role of size effect in EMW dissipation and provides an effective strategy for enhancing the low‐frequency EMW absorption performance.
Nature‐Inspired Thylakoid‐Based Photosynthetic Nanoarchitectures for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kong Qunshou , Zhu Zhimin , Xu Qin , Yu Feng , Wang Qisheng , Gu Zhihua , Xia Kai , Jiang Dawei , Kong Huating
Published: December 2023

“Drawing inspiration from nature” offers a wealth of creative possibilities for designing cutting‐edge materials with improved properties and performance. Nature‐inspired thylakoid‐based nanoarchitectures, seamlessly integrate the inherent structures and functions of natural components with the diverse and controllable characteristics of nanotechnology. These innovative biomaterials have garnered significant attention for their potential in various biomedical applications. Thylakoids possess fundamental traits such as light harvesting, oxygen evolution, and photosynthesis. Through the integration of artificially fabricated nanostructures with distinct physical and chemical properties, novel photosynthetic nanoarchitectures can be catalytically generated, offering versatile functionalities for diverse biomedical applications. In this article, an overview of the properties and extraction methods of thylakoids are provided. Additionally, the recent advancements in the design, preparation, functions, and biomedical applications of a range of thylakoid‐based photosynthetic nanoarchitectures are reviewed. Finally, the foreseeable challenges and future prospects in this field is discussed.
Overcoming T Cell Exhaustion in Tumor Microenvironment via Immune Checkpoint Modulation with Nano‐Delivery Systems for Enhanced Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Weiyue
Published: December 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for tumors has arisen in growing interest. However, the low response rate of tumors to ICB is mainly attributed to the inhibitory infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite the promising benefits of ICB, the therapeutic effects of antibodies are dependent on a high dose and long‐term usage in the clinic, thereby leading to immune‐related adverse effects. Accordingly, ICB combined with nano‐delivery systems could be used to overcome T cell exhaustion, which reduces the side effects and the usage of antibodies with higher response rates in patients. In this review, the authors aim to overcome T cell exhaustion in TME via immune checkpoint modulation with nano‐delivery systems for enhanced immunotherapy. Several strategies are summarized to combine ICB and nano‐delivery systems to further enhance immunotherapy: a) expressing immune checkpoint on the surface of nano‐delivery systems; b) loading immune checkpoint inhibitors into nano‐delivery systems; c) loading gene‐editing technology into nano‐delivery systems; and d) nano‐delivery systems mediated immune checkpoint modulation. Taken together, ICB combined with nano‐delivery systems might be a promising strategy to overcome T cell exhaustion in TME for enhanced immunotherapy.
Chiral Display of Pyrenes on a Peptoid Backbone: Conformational Homogeneity of Peptoid Controls Excimer Chirality
Authors: Oh Jinyoung , Lee Yongmoon , Noh Gahee , Park Dongcheol , Lee Hohjai , Lee Junseong , Kim Changsoon , Seo Jiwon
Published: December 2023

Controlling chromophore chirality in three‐dimensional space is crucial for understanding the structure–chiroptical relationship. Such control enables the prediction of ideal materials for use in chiral photonic applications. In this study, optically active multipyrene systems are synthesized on peptoids. Pyrene‐based chiral submonomers, (S)‐ and (R)‐1‐pyrenylethylamine (s1pye and r1pye), are successfully incorporated into peptoids as the respective (S)‐ and (R)‐N‐(1‐pyrenylethyl)glycine (Ns1pye and Nr1pye) units. NMR spectroscopy revealed length‐ and N‐acetylation‐dependent conformational homogeneity enhancement in solution, stabilizing cis‐amides in Ns1pye‐containing peptoids. The X‐ray crystal structure of Ns1pye tetramer displayed a polyproline type‐I (PPI)‐like helix. All of the pyrene‐related absorptions are circular dichroism (CD) active, and the CD signal related to the long‐axis‐polarized transition increased with helical stabilization. Intramolecular excimer generation yielded significant circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in the excimer emission region. Early‐stage peptoids emitted left‐handed CPL, but upon acquiring a PPI‐like helix character, CPL handedness became inverted. The CPL dissymmetry factor (glum) was comparable or superior (10−2) to that of chiral organic dyes (10−5–10−2). This new class of helical pyrene‐containing peptoids provides a CPL‐active intramolecular excimer, modulating optical activity through peptoid secondary structure homogeneity.
DC‐Link Voltage Control Strategy of High‐Gain Bidirectional Quasi‐Z Source Inverter
Authors: Xu Senyang , Yan Jingbin , Zhu Qiang , Wang Xizhe , Wang Yifei
Published: December 2023

This article presents an improved method combining active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) and sliding mode control (SMC) to address the problem of non‐minimum phase characteristics of high‐gain bidirectional quasi‐Z source inverters. The present study is specifically targeting the robustness of the DC‐link voltage. Firstly, a high‐gain bidirectional quasi‐Z source inverter is proposed, enabling high‐gain and bidirectional energy flow. The operation principle is analyzed, and the topology with non‐minimum phase characteristics is obtained through small signal modeling. To overcome the non‐minimum phase characteristic, the active disturbance rejection control‐sliding mode control (ADRC‐SMC) method is employed to control the DC‐link voltage indirectly by controlling the capacitor voltage. Building upon the principles of ADRC using the FAL function, an improved nonlinear function called HFAL function is proposed. The nonlinear state error feedback law is implemented using a designed sliding‐mode controller that introduces an exponential convergence law. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the superior robustness of the improved ADRC‐SMC method in controlling the DC‐link voltage of the high‐gain bidirectional quasi‐Z source inverter, effectively avoiding system jitter and enhancing the overall system immunity. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
RETRACTED: Phenylacetyl glutamine (PAGln) enhances cardiomyocyte death after myocardial infarction through β1 adrenergic receptor
Authors: Xu Hang , Yang Na , Wang Bao‐Yan , Zhou Lin , Xu Li‐Li , Chen Yan , Wang Dong‐Jin , Ge Wei‐Hong
Published: December 2023

This study aims to explore the roles of phenylacetyl glutamine (PAGln) on myocardial infarction (MI) pathogenesis. Here, using targeted metabolomics analysis, it was found that the plasma metabolite PAGln was upregulated in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and MI mice and could be an independent risk factor for CAD. In vivo and in vitro functional experiments revealed that PAGln pretreatment enhanced MI‐induced myocardial injury and cardiac fibrosis, as evident by the increased infarct size, cardiomyocyte death, and the upregulated expression of cardiac fibrosis markers (Col1a1 and α‐SMA). Combined with RNA‐sequencing analysis and G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) inhibitor, we found that the GPCR signaling activation is essential for PAGln‐mediated effects on cardiomyocyte death. Furthermore, drug affinity responsive target stability and cellular thermal shift assay demonstrated that PAGln could interact with β1‐adrenergic receptor (AR). Moreover, β1‐AR blocker treatment indeed extended the cardiac remodeling after PAGln‐enhanced MI. These results suggest that PAGln might be a potential therapeutic target for extending the cardiac remodeling window in MI patients that signals via β1‐AR.