bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LAFITE Reveals the Complexity of Transcript Isoforms in Subcellular Fractions
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Lin Xiao , Chen Yuelong , Li Tsz‐Ho , Lee Alan Chun‐Kit , Chow Eugene Yui‐Ching , Cho William Chi‐Shing , Chan Ting‐Fung
Published: December 2022

Characterization of the subcellular distribution of RNA is essential for understanding the molecular basis of biological processes. Here, the subcellular nanopore direct RNA‐sequencing (DRS) of four lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1975, H358, and HCC4006) is performed, coupled with a computational pipeline, Low‐abundance Aware Full‐length Isoform clusTEr (LAFITE), to comprehensively analyze the full‐length cytoplasmic and nuclear transcriptome. Using additional DRS and orthogonal data sets, it is shown that LAFITE outperforms current methods for detecting full‐length transcripts, particularly for low‐abundance isoforms that are usually overlooked due to poor read coverage. Experimental validation of six novel isoforms exclusively identified by LAFITE further confirms the reliability of this pipeline. By applying LAFITE to subcellular DRS data, the complexity of the nuclear transcriptome is revealed in terms of isoform diversity, 3'‐UTR usage, m6A modification patterns, and intron retention. Overall, LAFITE provides enhanced full‐length isoform identification and enables a high‐resolution view of the RNA landscape at the isoform level.
MicroSweat: A Wearable Microfluidic Patch for Noninvasive and Reliable Sweat Collection Enables Human Stress Monitoring
Authors: Shajari Shaghayegh , Salahandish Razieh , Zare Azam , Hassani Mohsen , Moossavi Shirin , Munro Emily , Rashid Ruba , Rosenegger David , Bains Jaideep S. , Sanati Nezhad Amir
Published: December 2022

Stress affects cognition, behavior, and physiology, leading to lasting physical and mental illness. The ability to detect and measure stress, however, is poor. Increased circulating cortisol during stress is mirrored by cortisol release from sweat glands, providing an opportunity to use it as an external biomarker for monitoring internal emotional state. Despite the attempts at using wearable sensors for monitoring sweat cortisol, there is a lack of reliable wearable sweat collection devices that preserve the concentration and integrity of sweat biomolecules corresponding to stress levels. Here, a flexible, self‐powered, evaporation‐free, bubble‐free, surfactant‐free, and scalable capillary microfluidic device, MicroSweat, is fabricated to reliably collect human sweat from different body locations. Cortisol levels are detected corresponding to severe stress ranging from 25 to 125 ng mL−1 averaged across multiple body regions and 100–1000 ng mL−1 from the axilla. A positive nonlinear correlation exists between cortisol concentration and stress levels quantified using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Moreover, owing to the sweat variation in response to environmental effects and physiological differences, the longitudinal and personalized profile of sweat cortisol is acquired, for the first time, for various body locations. The obtained sweat cortisol data is crucial for analyzing human stress in personalized and clinical healthcare sectors.
Fundamentals and Scientific Challenges in Structural Design of Cathode Materials for Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Najam Tayyaba , Hussain Iftikhar , Idrees Muhammad , Ahmad Awais , Imran Muhammad , Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Luque Rafael , Han Weihua
Published: December 2022

One of the most exciting new developments in energy storage technology is Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs). ZHSCs combine Zn‐ion batteries with supercapacitors (SCs) to address the energy and power needs of portable devices and electric automobiles. Low energy density and the development of cathode material are significant issues for ZHSCs. This review provides an in‐depth investigation of charge storage mechanisms from SCs to ZHSCs. The advantages/disadvantages of ZHSCs, the recent development of cathode materials, and the new design for device fabrications are critically summarized. New cathode materials should be developed to achieve high energy density while preserving the inherent power capability and stability. People increasingly engage with smart electronic and hybrid gadgets, demanding flexible, resilient, and highly safe energy storage devices. ZHSC has emerged as a complete alternative to risky sodium‐ion/lithium‐ion technologies. An overview of all reported carbon‐based, biomass‐derived carbons, metal oxides, MOFs, COFs, MXenes, graphene, and composite materials employed for ZHSCs is comprehensively provided. Furthermore, cathode materials for flexible, micro, wire‐shaped, printed, and photo‐rechargeable ZHSCs are also examined with their practical challenges. This review is anticipated to offer valuable recommendations for designing and manipulating cathode materials for high‐performance ZHSCs to achieve real‐world applications.
Understanding and Minimizing VOC Losses in All‐Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics
Authors: Thiesbrummel Jarla , Peña‐Camargo Francisco , Brinkmann Kai Oliver , Gutierrez‐Partida Emilio , Yang Fengjiu , Warby Jonathan , Albrecht Steve , Neher Dieter , Riedl Thomas , Snaith Henry J. , Stolterfoht Martin , Lang Felix
Published: December 2022

Understanding performance losses in all‐perovskite tandem photovoltaics is crucial to accelerate advancements toward commercialization, especially since these tandem devices generally underperform in comparison to what is expected from isolated layers and single junction devices. Here, the individual sub‐cells in all‐perovskite tandem stacks are selectively characterized to disentangle the various losses. It is found that non‐radiative losses in the high‐gap subcell dominate the overall recombination in the baseline system, as well as in the majority of literature reports. Through a multi‐faceted approach, the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of the high‐gap perovskite subcell is enhanced by 120 mV. Employing a novel (quasi) lossless indium oxide interconnect, this enables all‐perovskite tandem solar cells with 2.00 V VOC and 23.7% stabilized efficiency. Reducing transport losses as well as imperfect energy‐alignments boosts efficiencies to 25.2% and 27.0% as identified via subcell selective electro‐ and photo‐luminescence. Finally, it is shown how, having improved the VOC, improving the current density of the low‐gap absorber pushes efficiencies even further, reaching 25.9% efficiency stabilized, with an ultimate potential of 30.0% considering the bulk quality of both absorbers measured using photo‐luminescence. These insights not only show an optimization example but also a generalizable evidence‐based optimization strategy utilizing optoelectronic sub‐cell characterization.
Spontaneously Healing Buried Interfaces in n–i–p Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Hou Yaolin , Feng Qifan , Niu Xiaoying , Zhang Yazhou , Tang Ziheng , Cao Fang , Yin Jun , Li Jing , Zheng Nanfeng , Wu Binghui
Published: December 2022

Accumulated halide defects on the buried interfaces of halide perovskite layers have exacerbated undesirable nonradiative recombination in the n–i–p perovskite photovoltaics, but are challenging to be passivated—the commonly used passivation molecules at buried interfaces of perovskite layers would be inevitably eroded in the solution processes of perovskite deposition. Regarding the solvent incompatibility, herein, the ZnO–EA/SnO2–Cl electron transfer layers (ETLs) terminated with functional sites (i.e., ethanolamine (EA) ligands on ZnO and Cl− ions on SnO2) to spontaneously heal the buried interfaces of perovskite layers are customized. The specialties of ZnO–EA/SnO2–Cl for defect passivation are revealed: 1) formation of ZnO–EA–Pb2+ coherent interlayers at the EA‐terminated ZnO‐perovskite interfaces effectively offsets the I vacancy defects of perovskites; and 2) spontaneous halide exchange between Cl−‐terminated SnO2 and unstable I−‐terminated perovskites enables the formation of FA2Sn(ICl)6‐like coherent interlayers. Thus, the customized termination of ETLs’ surface reduces the halide‐defect‐triggered nonradiative recombination at the buried surfaces of perovskite, enabling the fabricated n–i–p planar modules (6 × 6 cm2) with power conversion efficiencies approaching 18% and elevated stability. These findings provide desirable guidelines for interfacial carrier transport between perovskites and ETLs.
Provenance, genotype, and flooding influence growth and resource acquisition characteristics in a clonal, riparian shrub
Authors: Palmquist Emily C. , Ogle Kiona , Whitham Thomas G. , Allan Gerard J. , Shafroth Patrick B. , Butterfield Bradley J.
Published: December 2022

Premise

Riparian plants can exhibit intraspecific phenotypic variability across the landscape related to temperature and flooding gradients. Phenotypes that vary across a climate gradient are often partly genetically determined and may differ in their response to inundation. Changes to inundation patterns across a climate gradient could thus result in site‐specific inundation responses. Phenotypic variability is more often studied in riparian trees, yet riparian shrubs are key elements of riparian systems and may differ from trees in phenotypic variability and environmental responses.

Methods

We tested whether individuals of a clonal, riparian shrub, Pluchea sericea, collected from provenances spanning a temperature gradient differed in their phenotypes and responses to inundation and to what degree any differences were related to genotype. Plants were subjected to different inundation depths and a subset genotyped. Variables related to growth and resource acquisition were measured and analyzed using hierarchical, multivariate Bayesian linear regressions.

Results

Individuals from different provenances differed in their phenotypes, but not in their response to inundation. Phenotypes were not related to provenance temperature but were partially governed by genotype. Growth was more strongly influenced by inundation, while resource acquisition was more strongly controlled by genotype.

Conclusions

Growth and resource acquisition responses in a clonal, riparian shrub are affected by changes to inundation and plant demographics in unique ways. Shrubs appear to differ from trees in their responses to environmental change. Understanding environmental effects on shrubs separately from those of trees will be a key part of evaluating impacts of environmental change on riparian ecosystems.
Anesthesia outcomes in lysosomal disorders: CLN3 and GM1 gangliosidosis
Authors: Luckett Amelia , Yousef Muhammad , Tifft Cynthia , Jenkins Kisha , Smith Andrew , Munoz Andrea , Quimby Rachel , Porter Forbes D. , Dang Do An Ngoc
Published: December 2022

Natural history studies of pediatric rare neurometabolic diseases are important to understand disease pathophysiology and to inform clinical trial outcome measures. Some data collections require sedation given participants' age and neurocognitive impairment. To evaluate the safety of sedation for research procedures, we reviewed medical records between April 2017 and October 2019 from a natural history study for CLN3 (NCT03307304) and one for GM1 gangliosidosis (NCT00029965). Twenty‐two CLN3 individuals underwent 28 anesthetic events (age median 11.0, IQR 8.4–15.3 years). Fifteen GM1 individuals had 19 anesthetic events (9.8, 7.1–14.7). All participants had the American Society of Anesthesiology classification of II (8/47) or III (39/47). Mean sedation durations were 186 (SD = 54; CLN3) and 291 (SD = 33; GM1) min. Individuals with GM1 (6/19, 31%) were more frequently prospectively intubated for sedation (CLN3 3/28, 11%). Minor adverse events associated with sedation occurred in 8/28 (28%, CLN3) and 6/19 (32%, GM1) individuals, frequencies within previously reported ranges. No major adverse clinical outcomes occurred in 47 anesthetic events in pediatric participants with either CLN3 or GM1 gangliosidosis undergoing research procedures. Sedation of pediatric individuals with rare neurometabolic diseases for research procedures is safe and allows for the collection of data integral to furthering their understanding and treatment.
Coordination of Polyketide Release and Multiple Detoxification Pathways for Tolerable Production of Fungal Mycotoxins
Authors: Cao Fei , Ma Lie‐Feng , Hu Long‐Shuang , Xu Chu‐Xuan , Chen Xuepeng , Zhan Zha‐Jun , Zhao Qing‐Wei , Mao Xu‐Ming
Published: December 2022

Efficient biosynthesis of microbial bioactive natural products (NPs) is beneficial for the survival of producers, while self‐protection is necessary to avoid self‐harm resulting from over‐accumulation of NPs. The underlying mechanisms for the effective but tolerable production of bioactive NPs are not well understood. Herein, in the biosynthesis of two fungal polyketide mycotoxins aurovertin E (1) and asteltoxin, we show that the cyclases in the gene clusters promote the release of the polyketide backbone, and reveal that a signal peptide is crucial for their subcellular localization and full activity. Meanwhile, the fungus adopts enzymatic acetylation as the major detoxification pathway of 1. If intermediates are over‐produced, the non‐enzymatic shunt pathways work as salvage pathways to avoid excessive accumulation of the toxic metabolites for self‐protection. These findings provided new insight into the interplay of efficient backbone release and multiple detoxification strategies for the production of fungal bioactive NPs.
Synthesis, polymerization, and thermal properties of novel oxazine‐functional bismaleimides and their conversion to high performance benzoxazole resins
Authors: Xu Jilei , Chen Ping , Ma Shuaijiang , Zhu Guohao
Published: December 2022

In this work, three bismaleimides containing cardo and ortho‐oxazine structures, with dual advantages of bismaleimide and benzoxazine resins, were synthesized. Their chemical structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The polymerization behaviors of bismaleimides were investigated using non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that the inclusion of both, bismaleimide and benzoxazine, provided a new structure with better thermal stability and solubility, as compared to the same type and commercial bismaleimides. The ortho‐oxazine functionalized bismaleimide resin exhibited excellent thermal stability up to 440°C, whereas the carbon residue rate reached 73% at 800°C. Additionally, further thermal rearrangement of the internal structure of the polymer at high temperature provided a benzoxazole structure that had better thermal stability. The rearrangement due to the thermal changes was confirmed by in situ FTIR and solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Based on the micro calorimetry characterization, it is found that both the bismaleimide and the benzoxazole resins formed after thermal rearrangement have excellent flame‐retardant properties.
One‐step synthesis of silver nanoparticles exposed on the chitosan‐covered polyamide 6 electrospinning nanofibers
Authors: Lou Chenxi , Liu Xinwen , Yang Cong , Ye Fenxia , Zhou Qi
Published: December 2022

A one‐step method was developed for synthesizing Ag nanoparticles exposed on the chitosan‐covered polyamide 6 (CS‐Ag@PA6) nanofibers by the in‐situ reduction of silver nitrate during the electrospinning process. The bioderived CS was employed as a stabilizer and chelating carrier of Ag0/Ag+ through its functional groups. CS was also used as a tractive agent to promote the surface migration of Ag atoms owing to its polyelectrolytic properties and immiscibility with PA6. Formic acid was used as the co‐solvent for PA6 and CS and the reducing agent for Ag+. It was verified that the Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) with 31.7% Ag0 were embedded inside the pure PA6 nanofibers. However, the incorporation of CS achieved the AgNPs with an improved reduction efficiency (i.e., 67.5% of Ag0). In particular, the CS nanolayers were covered on the PA6 nanofiber skeleton, where the AgNPs migrated on the surface of the CS nanolayers. This surface migration of CS and AgNPS endowed a significantly enhanced catalytic activity to the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol, where the reduction rate constant (k) and turnover frequency (TOF) were an order of magnitude higher than that of the CS‐free nanofibers.
Integration of laser level survey, photogrammetry and GPR to examine the deterioration of Roman mosaics: A case study of Venus house, Volubilis, Morocco
Authors: Lachhab Ahmed , Benyassine El Mehdi , Atki Mustapha
Published: December 2022

Volubilis was founded in the second century B.C. and was one of the largest cities on the fringe of the Roman Empire. In 1997, it was listed as a world cultural heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is one of the most important archaeological sites of Morocco. Volubilis is renowned for its large number of mosaic floors. Among the major mosaics of Volubilis, and undoubtedly the most remarkable ones given their aesthetic and the variety of themes they hold, are found in the house of Venus. These mosaics have been restored between the 1940s and 1950s, but unfortunately, most of these restorations are past due or nearing their ends. Today, the mosaic floors are becoming unleveled, fractured and separated from their surrounding walls. These deteriorations can be triggered by many factors including inadequate foundation, a clayey soil beneath it sensitive to moisture and the heaving of the thin concrete layer due to the expansion of the soil. The corrosion of the reinforcing bars within these concrete slabs is enabling these deformations as well. The objective of this study is to examine the causes of the mosaics' deterioration by integrating three techniques including a laser level survey, photogrammetry using a small unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) and ground‐penetrating radar. The methodology adopted herein can generate documentation that can be used during the preparation and decision making prior to any restoration. The restoration should not only be focused on the visible tesserae on the surface but must also consider the entire layer of the mosaics. These techniques were applied to several mosaics in Volubilis, yet only two mosaics within the house of Venus were selected for this study, and the following findings were accomplished: (1) Void spaces were found beneath the mosaic floors, (2) presence of sinking and heaving of concrete slabs and (3) potential corrosion of rebars. The three methods used in this study were in perfect concurrence in showing how the settling of the concrete slab was directly related to the deteriorations visible on the mosaic surface.
Iron‐Catalysed [3+3] Annulation of Oxime Acetates and Enaminones towards the Synthesis of Multi‐Substituted Pyridines
Authors: Bodala Varaprasad , Podugu Rajitha Lakshmi , Yettula Kumari , Gollamudi Padmarao , Vidavalur Siddaiah , Pulipaka Shyamala
Published: December 2022

A direct access to unsymmetrical and symmetrical multi‐substituted pyridines has been accomplished via iron‐catalysed [3+3] annulation of oxime acetates with enaminones. This protocol is featured by easily available starting materials, no requirement of expensive additives and ligands, operational simplicity, and good tolerance with diverse functional groups.
9‐Cyano‐10‐telluriumpyronin Derivatives as Red‐light‐activatable Raman Probes
Authors: Kawatani Minoru , Spratt Spencer J. , Fujioka Hiroyoshi , Shou Jingwen , Misawa Yoshihiro , Kojima Ryosuke , Urano Yasuteru , Ozeki Yasuyuki , Kamiya Mako
Published: December 2022

Photoactivatable fluorescence probes can track the dynamics of specific cells or biomolecules with high spatiotemporal resolution, but their broad absorption and emission peaks limit the number of wavelength windows that can be employed simultaneously. In contrast, the narrower peak width of Raman signals offers more scope for simultaneous discrimination of multiple targets, and therefore a palette of photoactivatable Raman probes would enable more comprehensive investigation of biological phenomena. Herein we report 9‐cyano‐10‐telluriumpyronin (9CN‐TeP) derivatives as photoactivatable Raman probes whose stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) intensity is enhanced by photooxidation of the tellurium atom. Modification to increase the stability of the oxidation product led to a julolidine‐like derivative, 9CN‐diMeJTeP, which is photo‐oxidized at the tellurium atom by red light irradiation to afford a sufficiently stable oxidation product with strong electronic pre‐resonance, resulting in a bathochromic shift of the absorption spectrum and increased SRS intensity.
Gebäudesimulation und BIM in der Architektenausbildung an der TU Dresden – Serie: Gebäudesimulation und Berechnungstools in der Lehre
Authors: Freudenberg Peggy , Weiss Dirk , Funcke Bastian
Published: December 2022

Diese Artikelserie stellt den Einsatz von Computerprogrammen in der Hochschullehre der Bauphysik und Gebäudetechnik für Architekten und Bauingenieure vor.

Der Artikel befasst sich mit der Integration von Gebäudesimulationstools in die Ausbildung von Architektinnen und Architekten an der Fakultät Architektur der TU Dresden. Im Gegensatz zur Ausbildung im Fachbereich Bauingenieurwesen, welche auf Nachweisrechnungen fokussiert ist, besteht für angehende Architektinnen und Architekten die Herausforderung darin, Erkenntnisse aus den Simulationsrechnungen in eine Optimierung des Entwurfs einfließen zu lassen. Datenaustauschformate und Building Information Modeling spielen vor diesem Hintergrund eine besondere Rolle. Diese Faktoren wurden an der Fakultät Architektur im Rahmen zweier Kurse eruiert, einem entwurfsbegleitenden Kurs und einem Vertiefungsseminar. In beiden Lehrformaten wurde der Einfluss von Entwurfsentscheidungen auf die Tageslichtversorgung, das Überhitzungsrisiko und das Versorgungskonzept (regenerative Energien) thematisiert. Dabei wurde mit den von den Studierenden erstellten CAD‐Modellen aus unterschiedlichen Softwareanwendungen gearbeitet und eine Überführung in BIM‐kompatible Austauschdatenformate erprobt (gbXML und IFC). Als Simulationstools kamen daher nur Softwareanwendungen in Frage, welche diese Datenformate einlesen können und die erforderlichen Simulationsrechnungen mit geringem Mehraufwand für die Modellüberprüfung und Modellkorrektur durchführen. Neben inhaltlichen Erkenntnissen zu den Entwurfsaufgaben konnten wertvolle Erfahrungen zur Datenüberführung gewonnen werden.
AlphaFold2: A versatile tool to predict the appearance of functional adaptations in evolution
Authors: Ponlachantra Khongpon , Suginta Wipa , Robinson Robert C. , Kitaoku Yoshihito
Published: December 2022

The release of AlphaFold2 (AF2), a deep‐learning‐aided, open‐source protein structure prediction program, from DeepMind, opened a new era of molecular biology. The astonishing improvement in the accuracy of the structure predictions provides the opportunity to characterize protein systems from uncultured Asgard archaea, key organisms in evolutionary biology. Despite the accumulation in metagenomics‐derived Asgard archaea eukaryotic‐like protein sequences, limited structural and biochemical information have restricted the insight in their potential functions. In this review, we focus on profilin, an actin‐dynamics regulating protein, which in eukaryotes, modulates actin polymerization through (1) direct actin interaction, (2) polyproline binding, and (3) phospholipid binding. We assess AF2‐predicted profilin structures in their potential abilities to participate in these activities. We demonstrate that AF2 is a powerful new tool for understanding the emergence of biological functional traits in evolution.
Quantitative multicomponent analysis of a single marker–based simultaneous determination and quality assessment of nucleoside analogs from Qi Zhi capsules
Authors: Bai Biwei , Wang Xijun , Yang Le , Song Hongwei , Yan Guangli , Han Ying , Fang Heng , Sun Hui
Published: December 2022

Qi Zhi capsule (QZC) is approved by the State Drug Administration of China. The QZC consists of nine crude drugs, including astragalus, leeches, ground beetles, curcuma zedoary, hawthorn, semen cassiae, rhizoma sparganii,polygonum multiflorum,and peach kernel, of which leeches and ground beetles are Traditional Chinese Medicine of animal origin. Nucleosides are animal substances with pharmacological effects that are easy to extract and quantify. Different nucleoside analogs in distinct animal‐based formulations can be used to characterize animal‐based medicines. However, the quality control of a single indicator does not reflect the overall quality of Chinese medicine. Here, we developed a method to simultaneously determine the nucleoside analogs uracil, xanthine, hypoxanthine, uridine, guanine, and uric acid in QZCs using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Hypoxanthine was used as an internal reference to determine relative correction factors for the other five components. The six components were determined in ten different batches of QZCs. There was no significant difference between the quantitative multicomponent analysis of a single marker and the external standard method. The relative standard deviation of total nucleosides analogs of 10 batches of samples was 7%. This method can be applied to simultaneously determine multiple active components in QZCs and other nucleoside analog drugs, enabling multi‐indicator quality control.
Nanoparticle‐mediated genome editing in single‐cell embryos via peptide nucleic acids
Authors: Putman Rachael , Ricciardi Adele S. , Carufe Kelly E. W. , Quijano Elias , Bahal Raman , Glazer Peter M. , Saltzman W. Mark
Published: December 2022

Through preimplantation genetic diagnosis, genetic diseases can be detected during the early stages of embryogenesis, but effective treatments for many of these disorders are lacking. Gene editing could allow for correction of the underlying mutation during embryogenesis to prevent disease pathogenesis or even provide a cure. Here, we demonstrate that administration of peptide nucleic acids and single‐stranded donor DNA oligonucleotides encapsulated in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to single‐cell embryos allows for editing of an eGFP‐beta globin fusion transgene. Blastocysts from treated embryos exhibit high levels of editing (~94%), normal physiological development, normal morphology, and no detected off‐target genomic effects. Treated embryos reimplanted to surrogate moms show normal growth without gross developmental abnormalities and with no identified off‐target effects. Mice from reimplanted embryos consistently show editing, characterized by mosaicism across multiple organs with some organ biopsies showing up to 100% editing. This proof‐of‐concept work demonstrates for the first time the use of peptide nucleic acid (PNA)/DNA nanoparticles as a means to achieve embryonic gene editing.
COVID‐19 vaccine‐induced vasculitis in a patient with sarcoidosis: A case report
Authors: Rahmanian Ehsan , Alikhani Majid , Loghman Maryam , Beikmohamadi Hezaveh Sara , Zangeneh Saba , Shahriarirad Reza , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Nejadhosseinian Mohammad
Published: December 2022

A 55‐year‐old lady with a nine‐year history of controlled sarcoidosis developed vasculitis after Sinopharm COVID‐19 vaccine (BBIBP‐ CorV). She was ultimately diagnosed with mononeuritis multiplex based on EMG‐NCV findings and administered methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy for 5 days, and then continue with prednisolone and a monthly pulse of cyclophosphamide.
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and infertility: A case report
Authors: Karimi Narges , Amiri Zahra , Naeini Sima , Okhovat Ali Asghar
Published: December 2022

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a lipid storage disorder that causes neurological, ophthalmic, vascular, and musculoskeletal disorders due to the deposition of cholesterol in the tissues. Hence, we report clinical and imaging of a 31‐year‐old mentally retarded man with cerebellar ataxia, bilateral swelling of the posterior aspect of Achill, and infertility.
Spastic S‐shaped sigmoid colon in hemorrhagic GIST
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Uemura Makiko
Published: December 2022

We treated a 44‐year‐old man with abdominal pain and melena caused by the gastrointestinal stromal tumor. In this case, computed tomography revealed a spastic S‐shaped sigmoid colon, indicating intestinal spastic paralysis secondary to intestinal bleeding. This finding prompted screening colonoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding.
Extensive abdominal postsurgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Authors: Lalanda Raquel
Published: December 2022

We highlight the key aspects for the diagnosis of Postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum: “Pathergy phenomenon” at surgical site incisions; “Skip lesions”: central venous catheter site lesions were similar to abdominal wall lesions despite distance between them; Lack of response to antibiotics or debridement; Immediate response to corticosteroid therapy.
Retroperitoneal paraganglioma
Authors: Yehouenou Tessi Romeo Thierry , Outznit Mustapha , Nassar Ittimade , Moatassim Billah Nabil
Published: December 2022

Paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system that form near certain blood vessels (paraaortic and carotid) and nerves, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma and displaying strong contrast enhancement on computed tomography. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures.
Unexpected diagnosis of vertebral osteolysis
Authors: Tbini Houssem , Mahmoud Ines , Ben Tekaya Aicha , Rouached Leila , Bouden Selma , Tekaya Raoudha , Saidane Olfa , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: December 2022

This is the case of a 50‐year‐old patient suffering from inflammatory low back pain. Radiological exploration showed posterior vertebral damage compatible with discovertebral pseudo‐tumor tuberculosis. Pathological examination found no malignant cells, but caseous necrosis was present. The patient was put on antitubercular drugs. The evolution was favorable under treatement.
Epistaxis, paroxysmal anxiety episodes, and hypertension in a child with SDHB‐associated paraganglioma: A case report
Authors: Dorji Thinley , Verma Vishesh , Menon Anil
Published: December 2022

A child presented with anxiety and weight gain which were overlooked until she had epistaxis. She was found to have hypertension secondary to paraganglioma. She was managed with curative surgery involving multidisciplinary care. The tumor removal led to the amelioration of symptoms and marked control of hypertension.
Thermocatalytic Ammonia Decomposition – Status and Current Research Demands for a Carbon‐Free Hydrogen Fuel Technology
Authors: Peters Stefan , Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Wohlrab Sebastian
Published: December 2022

Hydrogen storage materials and technologies are deemed as the cornerstone towards a world economy less reliant on, and ultimately independent of fossil resources. Ammonia is considered among the most efficient carbon‐free hydrogen carriers because of its relatively high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage capacities and, equally important, ease of transport and storage. In addition, the well‐established chemical production of ammonia (preferably a green Haber‐Bosch process) would accelerate the immediate introduction of hydrogen into energy infrastructure. Thermocatalytic decomposition of ammonia yields clean, COx‐free hydrogen, but is energy intensive and currently performed with expensive Ru‐based catalysts. The development of more efficient catalysts based on more abundant and cheaper elements is indispensable for future wide‐scale industrial application. Therefore, the conceptualization of strategies and challenges for material developments, study and optimization of ammonia decomposition catalysts as well as their in situ/operando characterizations are pivotal aspects to be considered.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Diradical‐Mediatedipso‐Cyclization towards Double Dearomative [2+2]‐Cycloaddition or Smiles‐Type Rearrangement
Authors: Zhen Guangjin , Zeng Guohui , Jiang Kai , Wang Furong , Cao Xiaohui , Yin Biaolin
Published: December 2022

When mono‐radicalipso‐cyclization of aryl sulfonamides tend to undergo Smiles‐type rearrangement through aromatization‐driven C−S bond cleavage, diradical‐mediated cyclization must perform in a distinct reaction pathway. It is interesting meanwhile challenging to tune the rate of C−S bond cleavage to achieve a chemically divergent reaction of (hetero) aryl sulfonamides in a visible‐light induced energy transfer (EnT) reaction pathway involving diradical species. Herein a chemically divergent reaction based on the designed indole‐tethered (hetero)arylsulfonamides is reported which involves a diradical‐mediatedipso‐cyclization and a controllable cleavage of an inherent C−S bond. The combined experimental and computational results have revealed that the cleavage of the C−S bond in these substrates can be controlled by tuning the heteroaryl moieties: a) If the (hetero)aryl is thienyl, furyl, phenanthryl, etc., the radical coupling of double dearomative diradicals (DDDR) precedes over C−S bond cleavage to afford cyclobutene fused indolines by double dearomative [2+2]‐cycloaddition; b) if the (hetero)aryl is phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, indolyl etc., the cleavage of C−S bond in DDDR is favored over radical coupling to afford biaryl products.
Activated Single‐Phase Ti4O7 Nanosheets with Efficient Use of Precious Metal for Inspired Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xu Fan , Zou Qing , Xiong Gangquan , Zhang Huijuan , Wang Feipeng , Wang Yu
Published: December 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Yu Wang, Feipeng Wang, and co‐workers at Chongqing University. The image depicts how activated single‐crystal Ti4O7 nanosheets loaded with precious metals can be used as highly efficient and stable materials to make fuel‐cell electrodes for intermittent renewable energy storage in power grids. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202202580.
Heavy Chains: Synthesis, Reactivity and Decomposition of Interpnictogen Chains with Terminal Diaryl Bismuth Fragments
Authors: Dunaj Tobias , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: December 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Carsten von Hänisch at the Philipps‐University Marburg. The image depicts a bismuth crystal, a chain formed from it and the molecular structures of different chain molecules with diaryl‐bismuth groups. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202202932.
Two‐Phase and Three‐Phase Modeling of an Industrial Fluidized Bed for Maximizing Iso‐Paraffins
Authors: Han Caixia , Xu Youhao , Lu Bona , Wang Wei
Published: December 2022

The maximizing iso‐paraffins (MIP) process is a new fluid catalytic cracking route to produce cleaner gasoline. Its major innovation is the diameter‐transformed fluidized bed reactor which can be flexibly regulated to multiple distinct reaction zones. This study aims to accurately reveal complex behaviors in MIP reactor by two‐phase modeling and three‐phase modeling to extend its application. Both simulations of an industrial MIP reactor are compared in terms of solids and liquid concentration, temperature, coke content, gas velocity, and product yield. It is found the two‐phase case is enough for predicting the region far away from the oil feedstock injection, and the other is the better choice especially in the first zone if the heat transfer model can be reasonably built.
Klick und fertig
Authors: Welter Kira
Published: December 2022

Die Click‐Chemie hat die Herstellung von komplexen Molekülen enorm vereinfacht. Kleinere chemische Bausteine lassen sich damit wie Lego‐Steine schnell und zuverlässig verknüpfen. Anfang der 2000er Jahre legten Barry Sharpless und Morten Meldal unabhängig voneinander die Grundlagen für diese Methode. Später entwickelte Carolyn Bertozzi die Click‐Reaktionen weiter, um diese in lebenden Organismen zu verwenden. Die von ihr hervorgebrachten „bioorthogonalen Reaktionen“ können unter anderem für die Entwicklung zielgerichteter Krebstherapien eingesetzt werden. Für ihre wegweisende Forschung erhalten die drei Wissenschaftler den diesjährigen Nobelpreis für Chemie. Für Sharpless ist dies sogar der zweite Nobelpreis.
Nanoarchitectonics for Free‐Standing Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Films: Exploring the Flipped Surfaces
Authors: Pahal Suman , Boranna Rakshith , Tripathy Abinash , Goudar Venkanagouda S. , Veetil Vyshnavi T. , Kurapati Rajendra , Prashanth Gurusiddappa R. , Vemula Praveen K.
Published: December 2022

The competency of polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEM) self‐assembly to modulate the surface architecture at the molecular level has emerged as a captivating technique for various biomedical applications. PEM advancement in bio‐applications covered the development of bio‐sensors, stimuli‐responsive drug‐delivery systems, surface modification for creating antibacterial surfaces, and tissue‐engineering architectures. Different PEM blends, from natural to synthetic ones, have been explored to make a free‐standing version of the PEM stack. This review provides a deeper understanding of the free‐standing PEM (FS‐PEM), their fabrication strategies, and essential properties for specified bio‐applications. The most crucial aspect of fabricating FS‐PEM is choosing an application‐specific fabrication protocol to delaminate the PEM stack from the underlying substrates. Post‐fabrication, there are important considerations to improve the mechanical stability of these FS‐PEMs by crosslinking or adding desired nanoparticles. Overall, essential insights are discussed here for using FS‐PEM for specific bio‐application, which has received little attention in the material science community until now.
Effect of Microencapsulated Long‐Chain Chlorinated Paraffin on Flame Retardant of Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Yang Zhitong , Sun Zhicheng , Liu Yibin , Li Gongming , Li Zhenzhen , Liu Chenyang , Wang Ting , Zhou Yang
Published: December 2022

To overcome the fire risk of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) and the poor thermal stability of long‐chain chlorinated paraffin (LCCP), the microcapsules of long‐chain chlorinated paraffin (MCP) were prepared by in‐situ polymerization with melamine formaldehyde resin (MF) as shell material, and the flame retardant rigid polyurethane foam (MCP/ RPUF) was obtained through introducing MCP as the flame retardant. Meanwhile, the core‐shell composition, surface morphology, chemical composition, particle size distribution, and thermal stability of flame retardant microcapsules were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The characterization data indicated that the flame retardant microcapsules were successfully synthesized and had excellent particle size distribution. In addition, microcalorimeter (MCC), limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 vertical burning tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and other methods were used to analyse the flame retardancy and carbon residue of rigid polyurethane foam. The results show that the 20% MCP/RPUF composite can pass the V‐0 grade of UL‐94 and reach the material flame retardant grade. Compared with pure RPUF, the peak heat release rate and total heat release of the MCP/RPUF composite are greatly reduced. Therefore, the addition of flame retardant microcapsule improves the graphitization degree and compactness of rigid polyurethane foam carbon slag, increasing the fire safety of the composite.
Plasma progastrin‐releasing peptide level shows different predictive profiles for treatment response by androgen receptor axis‐targeted agents in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Yashi Masahiro , Nishihara Daisaku , Yokoyama Megumi , Fuchizawa Hirotaka , Okazaki Akihito , Takei Kohei , Suzuki Issei , Sakamoto Kazumasa , Kijima Toshiki , Kobayashi Minoru , Kamai Takao
Published: December 2022

Background

The neuroendocrine (NE) pathway cannot be ignored as a mechanism for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. The neuromediator, gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) may be involved in the aberrant activation of the normal androgen receptor (AR) and increased AR variants. This study focused on plasma levels of progastrin‐releasing peptide (ProGRP) and examined the treatment outcomes with androgen receptor axis‐targeted (ARAT) agents.

Methods

One hundred patients with metastatic CRPC were enrolled. Enzalutamide (ENZ) or abiraterone acetate/prednisone (AA/P) were administered to 50 patients each in a nonrandomized manner as a first‐line or later choice. Plasma ProGRP levels were determined using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, and data were collected prospectively. The study endpoints were prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response and survival estimates.

Results

In the ENZ series, ProGRP levels correlated with the maximum PSA change from baseline (high ProGRP: −34.5% vs. low ProGRP: −85.7% p = .033). PSA progression‐free survival (PFS), radiographic/symptomatic (r/s) PFS, and overall survival (OS) in patients with high ProGRP were significantly worse than those in patients with low ProGRP (median PSA‐PFS: 3.3 vs. 10.0 months, p = .001, r/s PFS: 5.0 vs. 15.0 months, p < 0.001, and OS 17.5 vs. 49.0 months, p < .001, respectively). In addition, ProGRP showed an independent predictive value for all survival estimates in multivariate analyses. In the AA/P series, ProGRP levels did not correlate with the PSA change or predict PSA‐PFS and r/s PFS, but they maintained a significant difference in OS (19.0 vs. 48.0 months, p = .003).

Conclusions

Plasma ProGRP provides a consistent predictive value for OS in metastatic CRPC patients who underwent therapy with ARAT agents. Meanwhile, ProGRP showed different predictive profiles for PSA‐ and r/s PFS between ENZ and AA/P. These findings clinically suggest a mechanism for CRPC progression involving the NE pathway via the GRP. The underlying mechanism of different predictive profiles by the ARAT agent should be explored in future research.
Overexpression of an actin Gh_D04G0865 gene in cotton reduced fineness of fiber
Authors: Naoumkina Marina , Florane Christopher B. , Kim Hee Jin , Santiago Michael , Delhom Christopher D.
Published: December 2022

Cotton fibers are the world's most important renewable source of fiber for textile industry. The cell wall of cotton fiber determines fiber quality parameters for textile industry. The thickness of secondary cell wall and the fiber perimeter define the fineness and micronaire (MIC) of cotton fiber. The fineness of cotton fiber plays an important role in affecting the yarn quality. Actin cytoskeleton impacts the cell extension and shape, however how it affects secondary cell wall is unclear. We overexpressed the actin isovariant Gh_D04G0865 (previously shown mutation in this gene impaired fiber length) under fiber‐specific promoter in cotton. We obtained two independent transgenic lines. Fiber characteristics of their first‐generation progenies were evaluated by high volume instrument (HVI), advanced fiber information system (AFIS), Cottonscope, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Fiber of transgenic lines with excessive expression of actin showed significant reduction in MIC and fineness, while increase in strength. Seed index was increased in transgenic lines overexpressing actin. FT‐IR analysis detected changes in vibrations associated with crystalline cellulose. Taken together, our findings revealed that actin cytoskeleton may play roles in reducing fiber wall thickening process during secondary cell wall biosynthesis.
Ulinastatin ameliorates the malignant progression of prostate cancer cells by blocking the RhoA/ROCK/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Liu Zhiguang , Zhu Xiaochun , Xu Chenglin , Min Feng , Yu Guofeng , Chen Chuhong
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer is a male malignant tumor disease with high incidence and mortality. This study was designed to explore the effects of ulinastatin (UTI) on the malignant progression of prostate cancer and its relevant mechanism of action. Human prostate cancer cell line PC‐3 was applied to investigate the anticancer activity of UTI. PC‐3 cells were treated with increasing concentrations (400, 800, and 1600 U/ml) of UTI. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were determined by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation, wound‐healing, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression level of corresponding proteins was detected by western blot. In addition, PC‐3 cells were pretreated with RhoA agonist CN03 (1 μg/ml) or NLRP3 agonist nigericin (10 μM) before UTI treatment, and the cellular behaviors above were detected again. It was demonstrated that UTI significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted apoptosis in PC‐3 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, UTI could block RhoA/ROCK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in PC‐3 cells, and the activation of RhoA or NLRP3 inflammasome partly weakened the impacts of UTI on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in PC‐3 cells, respectively. In summary, our study demonstrated the antitumor activity of UTI against prostate cancer by regulating RhoA/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, providing a promising candidate drug for the therapeutic treatment of prostate cancer.
Multifunctional droplet‐surface interaction effected by bulk properties
Authors: Tang Xin
Published: December 2022

Droplet‐surface systems are an area of great scientific and technological interest as they widely present in diverse domestic and industrial applications. To modulate the biphasic interaction, intensive efforts have been lavished on interfacial engineering wherein chemical functionalization, physical texturing, and mediating third‐phase introduction are the norm. The surface methods alone are not panacea for many pressing challenges, particularly regarding extreme temperature adaptation, leading some to explore bulk alternatives. Given full play to bulk properties, including optical, electric, mechanical, and thermal types, rich and disparate biphasic systems with superior performances are shown. It is important to understand the nature and similarity of bulk methods in all distinct contexts to identify their strengths and limitations. An existing need remains to summarise and classify the key quantity, design, and mechanism of those budding methods, which may assist the future discovery of solutions to diverse unanswered challenges.
High‐throughput formation of miniaturized cocultures of 2D cell monolayers and 3D cell spheroids using droplet microarray
Authors: Cui Haijun , Tronser Tina , Wang Xianxian , Wesslowski Janine , Davidson Gary , Popova Anna A. , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: December 2022

Most of the biological processes, including cell signaling, cancer invasion, embryogenesis, or neural development, are dependent on and guided by the complex architecture and composition of cellular microenvironments. Mimicking such microenvironments in cell coculture models is crucial for fundamental and applied biology investigations. The ability to combine different cell types grown as both two‐dimensional (2D) monolayers and three‐dimensional (3D) spheroids in specific defined location inside a microculture environments is a key towards in vitro tissue modeling and towards mimicking complex in vivo cellular processes. In this study, we introduce and investigate a method to create in vitro models of 2D cell monolayers cocultured with 3D spheroids in defined preorganization. We demonstrate the possibility of creating such complex cellular microenvironments in a high‐throughput and automated manner by creating arrays of such droplets containing prearranged 2D and 3D cellular microcolonies. Furthermore, we demonstrate an application of this approach to study paracrine propagation of Wnt signaling between 2D and 3D cellular colonies. This method provides a general approach for the miniaturized, high‐throughput, and automated formation of complex coculture cellular microarchitectures that will be useful for mimicking various in vivo complex cellular structures and for studying complex biological processes in vitro.