bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-Pop-In Issues in Nanoscale Contact Deformation Resistance of Tooth Enamel
Authors: Biswas Nilormi , Dey Arjun , Mukhopadhyay Anoop Kumar
Published: November 2012

Human tooth enamel is a natural nanocomposite with a hierarchical structural architecture that spans from macroscale to nanoscale. Thus it offers the unique opportunity to study the physics of deformation at the nanoscale in a controlled manner using the novel nanoindentation technique. In spite of the wealth of literature, however, the information about the effect of loading rate on the nanoindentation behavior of human tooth enamel is far from being significant. Therefore, the major objective of the present work was to study the loading rate effect on nanoindentation behavior of enamel with a view to improve our understanding that could be used for development of better bioinspired synthetic structures for functional as well as biomedical utilities. The nanoindentation experiments were conducted at loading rates in the range of 103 to ~0.3×106 μN·s−1 at peak load of 105 μN at room temperature with a Berkovich tip on the longitudinal section from a freshly extracted premolar tooth enamel surface from a 65-year-old Indian male. To the best of our knowledge here we report for the first time the experimental observation of the increase in intrinsic resistance against contact-induced deformation at the nanoscale with the loading rate applied to the enamel surface. The results were explained by considering the microstructural details and the shear stress underneath the nanoindenter.
NGAL Usefulness in the Intensive Care Unit Three Hours after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Delcroix Geoffray , Gillain Nicole , Moonen Martial , Radermacher Luc , Damas François , Minon Jean-Marc , Fraipont Vincent
Published: November 2012

Objective. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) measured by a research ELISA is described as an early marker of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study is to define the usefulness of plasma NGAL (pNGAL) and urine NGAL (uNGAL) measured with platform analysers to detect AKI 3 hours after cardiac surgery in fifty adult patients. Methods and Main Results. pNGAL and uNGAL were measured before and 3 hours after cardiac surgery. AKI, defined following the acute kidney injury network definition, was observed in 17 patients. pNGAL was >149 ng/mL in 8 patients with AKI, two of them died in the follow-up. We also observed elevated pNGAL in 8 patients without AKI. Only one uNGAL was >132 ng/mL among the 15 AKI patients. Sensitivity of pNGAL for prediction of AKI is 47% and specificity is 75.7%. The positive likelihood ratio (LR+) is 1.9 and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) is 0.7. uNGAL performance is slightly improved when reported to urinary creatinine. Following this study, a ratio >62 ng/mg assure a sensitivity of 66.6% and a specificity of 78.5%. LR+ is 3 and a LR− is, 0.42. Conclusions. Three hours after cardiac surgery, pNGAL predicts AKI with a low sensitivity and specificity.
Transient Brown Adipocyte-Like Cells Derive from Peripheral Nerve Progenitors in Response to Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
Authors: Salisbury Elizabeth A. , Lazard ZaWaunyka W. , Ubogu Eroboghene E. , Davis Alan R. , Olmsted-Davis Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2012

Perineurial-associated brown adipocyte-like cells were rapidly generated during bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)-induced sciatic nerve remodeling in the mouse. Two days after intramuscular injection of transduced mouse fibroblast cells expressing BMP2 into wild-type mice, there was replication of beta-3 adrenergic receptor+ (ADRB3+) cells within the sciatic nerve perineurium. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and analysis of cells isolated from these nerves confirmed ADRB3+ cell expansion and their expression of the neural migration marker HNK1. Similar analysis performed 4 days after BMP2 delivery revealed a significant decrease in ADRB3+ cells from isolated sciatic nerves, with their concurrent appearance within the adjacent soft tissue, suggesting migration away from the nerve. These soft tissue-derived cells also expressed the brown adipose marker uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Quantification of ADRB3-specific RNA in total hind limb tissue revealed a 3-fold increase 2 days after delivery of BMP2, followed by a 70-fold increase in UCP1-specific RNA after 3 days. Expression levels then rapidly returned to baseline by 4 days. Interestingly, these ADRB3+ UCP1+ cells also expressed the neural guidance factor reelin. Reelin+ cells demonstrated distinct patterns within the injected muscle, concentrated toward the area of BMP2 release. Blocking mast cell degranulation-induced nerve remodeling resulted in the complete abrogation of UCP1-specific RNA and protein expression within the hind limbs following BMP2 injection. The data collectively suggest that local BMP2 administration initiates a cascade of events leading to the expansion, migration, and differentiation of progenitors from the peripheral nerve perineurium to brown adipose-like cells in the mouse, a necessary prerequisite for associated nerve remodeling.
Concise Review: Production of Cultured Red Blood Cells from Stem Cells
Authors: Bouhassira Eric E.
Published: November 2012

In the Western world, the volunteer-based collection system covers most transfusion needs, but transient shortages regularly develop and blood supplies are vulnerable to potentially major disruptions. The production of cultured red blood cells from stem cells is slowly emerging as a potential alternative. The various cell sources, the niche applications most likely to reach the clinic first, and some of the remaining technical issues are reviewed here.
La signification du droit à la liberté d’expression au crépuscule de l’idéal
Authors: Bernatchez Stéphane
Published: November 2012

Fondée sur le libéralisme politique, la liberté d’expression est souvent considérée comme la plus fondamentale des libertés en régime démocratique. Dans sa jurisprudence, la Cour suprême du Canada a réaffirmé ces fondements, en reprenant la métaphore du marché libre des idées et le principe de la neutralité de l’État. De plus, elle a accepté la limitation de la liberté d’expression en vertu de la théorie du préjudice. Le présent article tente de montrer les insuffisances d’une telle conceptualisation et défend la thèse que les débats juridiques relatifs au droit à la liberté d’expression relèvent plutôt de désaccords quant à la signification sociale de l’expression, substituant ainsi une approche pragmatiste à l’idéal libéral.
La protection renforcée de la liberté d’expression politique dans le contexte de la Convention européenne des droits de l’homme
Authors: Bioy Xavier
Published: November 2012

La liberté d’expression est, en soi, un des droits les mieux protégés par la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme. Le domaine de l’expression politique, particulièrement lorsqu’il s’agit du temps des campagnes électorales, en constitue encore un « noyau dur ». Il fait l’objet d’une protection conjointe de plusieurs dispositions de la Convention européenne des droits de l’homme et d’une interprétation bienveillante qui peut conduire à admettre des discours contraires aux valeurs de la démocratie libérale.
La liberté d’expression est-elle en phase avec l’action syndicale ?
Authors: Verge Pierre
Published: November 2012

L’article qui suit propose un aperçu d’ensemble de la protection juridique de la liberté d’expression en milieu syndical. S’applique-t-elle non seulement aux moyens usuels d’expression, mais également aux modes qui sont propres au syndicat, comme le piquetage ou la grève ? L’auteur fait aussi une examen de sa portée, d’abord à l’encontre d’une loi qui restreindrait la liberté d’expression syndicale, et ensuite dans la sphère des rapports privés régis par le droit commun.

Cependant, la liberté d’expression s’affirme en outre à l’intérieur de l’institution syndicale. En particulier, le salarié peut-il s’en réclamer à l’encontre de l’obligation légale de participer également aux frais du syndicat ou, encore, dans le cas fréquent d’une disposition conventionnelle l’obligeant à appartenir au groupement ?
La liberté d’expression en contexte de crise : le cas de la grève étudiante
Authors: Brunelle Christian , Lampron Louis-Philippe , Roussel Myriam
Published: November 2012

En 2012, le recours à la grève exercé par plusieurs associations étudiantes afin de protester contre la hausse des droits de scolarité annoncée par le gouvernement du Québec a provoqué une véritable crise sociale. Alors que cette levée collective de cours était votée démocratiquement par les membres de ces associations — lesquelles détiennent, par l’effet de la loi, un monopole de représentation de l’ensemble des étudiants —, les tribunaux n’ont pas hésité à prononcer, à la faveur d’étudiants « dissidents », des ordonnances en vue de leur permettre d’accéder librement aux salles de cours, malgré le piquetage exercé à la porte des établissements. Ce choc entre droits collectifs et droits individuels a suscité, chez certains, une remise en question de la légalité même de la grève — incidemment réduite au rang de simple boycott pour mieux saper sa dimension collective — comme moyen de pression en contexte étudiant. Les auteurs concluent que le cadre historique et juridique dans lequel évoluent les associations étudiantes les autorise, au nom de la liberté d’expression et de la liberté d’association garanties par les chartes des droits, à exercer la grève et à dresser des piquets de grève en conséquence.
La liberté d’expression face aux sentiments religieux : approche européenne
Authors: Dijoux Ruth
Published: November 2012

La confrontation de la liberté d’expression et de la liberté religieuse soulève de nombreuses tensions. Pour certains, il convient de favoriser la liberté d’expression, fondement même d’une démocratie. Pour d’autres, au contraire, il convient de protéger la liberté de religion particulièrement contre la liberté d’expression. Afin de solutionner ces oppositions et de trouver un équilibre entre les libertés visées, le choix opéré par la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme, savoir le contrôle de proportionnalité, apparaît comme une solution efficace.
Typology-Based QA for Philippine Higher Education Institutions: Through the Fabric of Instruction, Research and Extension Functions of HEI’s
Authors: Padua Roberto N.
Published: November 2012

To CHED’s credit, the proposed two-dimensional approach to Quality Assurance in higher education is the first comprehensive, detailed and well-studied document for ensuring quality in Philippine higher education. The paper attempts to simplify the conceptual presentation of the two-dimensional (horizontal and vertical typologies) quality assurance space of HEIs to better appreciate the beauty and logic of the approach. The simplification highlights the shift from pure quality control (QC) perspective to a more comprehensive quality assurance (QA) view of managing quality in higher education. Underlying the QA system is the radical shift towards Competency-Based curriculum for all higher education programs. The system is shown to lead to four(4) distinctive outcomes in Philippine higher education: (1.) clarification of roles of Universities, Colleges and Professional Institutes, (2.) motivation to gain prestige and status through the vertical typologies (regulated, deregulated and autonomous), (3.) production of competent graduates, and (4.) efficient and effective higher education system that can globally compete. The paper ends with some Technical, Administrative, Political and Economic challenges that the new system may encounter. Keywords - quality control, quality assurance, higher education, typology
Tracking US Health Care Spending by Health Condition and County
Authors: Dieleman Joseph L. , Beauchamp Meera , Crosby Sawyer W. , DeJarnatt Drew , Johnson Emily K. , Lescinsky Haley , McHugh Theresa , Pollock Ian , Sahu Maitreyi , Swart Vivianne , Taylor Kayla V. , Thomson Azalea , Tsakalos Golsum , Weil Maxwell , Wilner Lauren B. , Bui Anthony L. , Duber Herbert C. , Haakenstad Annie , Idrisov Bulat , Mokdad Ali , Naghavi Mohsen , Roth Gregory , Scott John W. , Templin Tara , Murray Christopher J. L.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Understanding health conditions with the most spending and variation across locations and over time is important for identifying trends, highlighting inequalities, and developing strategies for lowering health spending.

Objective

To estimate US health care spending for each of 3110 US counties, across 4 payers (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments), and according to 148 health conditions, 38 age/sex groups, and 7 types of care from 2010 to 2019.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Observational analysis using more than 40 billion insurance claims and nearly 1 billion facility records.

Exposures

Ambulatory care, dental care, emergency department care, home health care, hospital inpatient care, nursing facility care, and purchase of prescribed retail pharmaceuticals.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Health care spending and utilization (eg, number of visits, admissions, or prescriptions) estimates from 2010 through 2019.

Results

Between 2010 and 2019, 76.6% of personal health care spending was captured by this study. More spending was on type 2 diabetes ($143.9 billion [95% CI, $140 billion-$147.2 billion]) than on any other health condition, followed by other musculoskeletal disorders, which includes joint pain and osteoporosis ($108.6 billion [95% CI, $106.4 billion-$110.3 billion]), oral disorders ($93 billion [95% CI, $92.7 billion-$93.3 billion]), and ischemic heart disease ($80.7 billion [95% CI, $79 billion-$82.4 billion]). Of total spending, 42.2% (95% CI, 42.2%-42.2%) was on ambulatory care, while 23.8% (95% CI, 23.8%-23.8%) was on hospital inpatient care and 13.7% (95% CI, 13.7%-13.7%) was on prescribed retail pharmaceuticals. At the county level, age-standardized spending per capita ranged from $3410 (95% CI, $3281-$3529) in Clark County, Idaho, to $13 332 (95% CI, $13 177-$13 489) in Nassau County, New York. Across counties, the greatest variation was in age-standardized out-of-pocket spending, followed by private insurance spending. Cross-county variation was driven more by variation in utilization rates than variation in price and intensity of care, although both types of variation were substantial for all payers but Medicare.

Conclusions and Relevance

Broad variation in health care spending was observed across US counties. Understanding this variation by health condition, sex, age, type of care, and payer is valuable for identifying outliers, highlighting inequalities, and assessing health care gaps.
Researchers Use Machine Learning to Put Older Clinical Guidelines to the Test
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Rubin Rita
Published: February 2025

This Medical News article is an interview with Harvard’s Sanjat Kanjilal, MD, MPH, about his study using machine learning to assess whether current clinical guidelines for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, last updated in 2010, were still reliable.
How Does Health Care Spending Vary Across the US—and Why?
Authors: Collins Nora , Rekito Andy
Published: February 2025

This Medical News article discusses differences in personal health care spending across US counties and drivers of that variation.
Physician Voting Rates in the 2020 and 2022 US Elections
Authors: Pacheco Julianna , Micatka Nathan K. , Tolbert Caroline
Published: February 2025

This cross-sectional study compares the actual voting rates between physicians and the general adult population in the US.
House hearing ends with fentanyl bill witnesses recommended against
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

A February 6 hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health focused on fentanyl. Despite recommendations by two physicians and a university professor against doing so, the full House passed the HALT Fentanyl Act later that day. Congressman Brett Guthrie (R‐Kentucky), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (Georgia‐R), chairman Subcommittee on Health, sponsored the bill, which passed by a vote of 312 to 108.
Marijuana policy group marshals forces in Washington, DC
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and the Foundations for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) met in Washington this month immediately following the CADCA conference (see CADCA: Prevention day, SAMHSA agenda, youth leadership highlighted, ADAW February 10, 2025; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adaw.34400).
Millennium drug tests show heroin up, fentanyl down
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

At Millennium Health, drug tests have shown that fentanyl is going down, and heroin is going up. Also as is known, polysubstance abuse involving fentanyl and stimulants is growing. The rate of fentanyl overdose deaths is going down. But the combination of fentanyl and stimulants has grown in every area of the country, Millennium found, in a report released last week. The company also found an increase in the use of heroin in polysubstance use. Millennium analyzed more than 1.4 million fentanyl‐positive urine drug test results from patients across the U.S. with a substance use disorder diagnosis. The main stimulants found were cocaine and methamphetamine, detected more often in fentanyl users that heroin and prescription opioids in 2024. “It is essential that clinicians, public health officials, and policymakers maintain awareness of current drug use trends to ensure that they are prepared to strategically and meaningfully respond to the next evolutionary stage of the drug use and overdose epidemic,” Millennium concluded. For the report, go to https://resource.millenniumhealth.com/signalsreportvol7
Research on the Midinfrared Antireflection Performance of Disordered Porous Structures
Authors: Zhong Bing , Zhou Xinbo , Zhu Hefa , Xin Wen , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhong
Published: February 2025

A disordered porous structure with nanoclusters on nickel superalloy is created using femtosecond laser ablation, with optimized parameters for antireflection in the midinfrared range. Horizontal line scanning at 10 μm spacing and 50 mm s−1 speed yields the best performance with 0.041% reflectance. The structure's large‐scale span and high porosity aid midinfrared wave absorption. Micron‐scale protrusions enhance wave reflection, with nanostructure density impacting single reflection rates. Micron structures primarily drive antireflection, while nanostructures assist.
Confinement Improves Mass Transfer and Chemical Reactivity in Electrified Membranes for Micropollutant Degradation
Authors: Wu Yangyang , Chen Xinran , Chen Zefang , Crittenden John C. , Wang Zhiwei , Tong Xin
Published: February 2025

Micropollutants (MPs) pose a significant threat to global water environments, necessitating advanced treatment technologies. Distributed electrochemical systems utilizing electrified membranes (EMs) show promise but face challenges due to unclear mass transfer and reaction mechanisms within membrane pores of varying sizes and surface chemistry. This review examines the interplay between spatial confinement, mass transfer, and chemical reactions in EMs, focusing on reactive species (RSs), the EM‐MPs system evolution, and mass transfer phenomena across pore sizes from microns to sub‐nanometer scales. Despite advances in RS research, a coherent mechanistic understanding of MP degradation under spatial confinement remains elusive, particularly under extreme confinement where mass transfer and reactions deviate from bulk behavior. Gaps in knowledge stem from complex mass transfer dynamics, chemical reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, and the need for detailed theoretical understanding to describe confinement effects. This review summarizes the generation mechanisms and detection methods for RSs, outlines progress in EM operational modes, and elucidates how spatial confinement impacts both mass transfer and chemical reactions. Future research shall focus on the precise identification and quantitative regulation of RSs, optimization of mass transfer processes in relation to RSs and MPs, and investigation of active sites and energetic barriers in confined environments.
Glucose Metabolism‐Targeted Poly(amino acid) Nanoformulation of Oxaliplatin(IV)‐Aspirin Prodrug for Enhanced Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Jiazhen , Su Tianqi , Wang Qinqi , Shi Run , Ding Jianxun , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2025

Inappropriate glucose metabolism in cancer cells is associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Although glycolysis inhibition enhances T cell‐mediated immune responses, the integrated platforms combining glycolysis inhibition with immunotherapy remain underdeveloped. To address this gap, a glucose metabolism‐targeted poly(amino acid) nanoformulation of oxaliplatin(IV)‐aspirin prodrug (NP/OXA‐ASP2) is developed to improve chemo‐immunotherapy by suppressing tumor glycolysis. This poly(amino acid) nanoparticle exhibits selective release, discharging 90.0% of OXA‐ASP2 under reductive conditions within 36 h. Furthermore, over 80% of the prodrug converts to OXA and ASP within 12 h, promoting mitochondrial damage and glycolysis inhibition, which amplifies immunogenic cell death induced by OXA. In addition, suppressing glycolytic flux reduces lactate leakage, mitigating the immunosuppressive TMEs. Together, these mechanisms contribute to stronger chemo‐immunotherapy efficacy. Compared to the OXA plus ASP formulation, NP/OXA‐ASP2 demonstrates superior performances, reducing lactate levels at the tumor site by 25.4%, increasing the proportion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by 1.53 times, decreasing the proportion of regulatory T cells by 2.20 times, and improving 1.39‐fold of the tumor inhibition rate. These findings underscore that NP/OXA‐ASP2 is a promising platform for integrating tumor metabolic regulation with immunomodulation and holds significant potential for advancing clinical chemo‐immunotherapy.
In‐Sensor Polarization Convolution Based on Ferroelectric‐Reconfigurable Polarization‐Sensitive Photodiodes
Authors: Wang Xinyuan , Zhu Yuhan , Wang Feng , Sun Jie , Cai Yuchen , Li Shuhui , Wang Yanrong , Yan Tao , Zhan Xueying , Xu Kai , He Jun , Wang Zhenxing
Published: February 2025

In‐sensor computing can enhance the imaging system performance by putting part of the computations into the sensor. While substantial advancements have been made in latency, spectral range, and functionalities, the strategy for in‐sensor light polarization computing has remained unexplored. Here, it is shown that ferroelectric‐reconfigurable polarization‐sensitive photodiodes (FPPDs) based on BiFeO3 nanowire arrays can perform in‐sensor computations on polarization information. This innovation leverages the anisotropic photoresponse from the 1D structure of nanowires and the non‐volatile reconfigurability of ferroelectrics. The devices show programmable anisotropic ratios as high as 5219, surpassing most state‐of‐the‐art polarization‐sensitive photodetectors and commercial polarization image sensors. Employing tunable photoresponse as kernel, FPPDs can perform convolutions to directly extract feature maps containing polarization information, which raises the recognition accuracy on road‐scene objects under adverse weather up to 89.6%. The research highlights the potential of FPPDs as a highly efficient vision sensor and extends the boundaries of advanced intelligent imaging systems.
Progress in Large‐Scale Carbon Capture Deployment: Status, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Zentou Hamid , AlZahrani Abdullah A. , Behar Omar , Tayeb Ali M. , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2025

The climate math is clear: carbon capture and storage (CCUS) is an essential climate mitigation technology, without which achieving net‐zero emission targets will be virtually impossible. This requires periodic assessment and continuous improvement of the technology from various perspectives. This short review highlights the current state of CCUS deployment, recent achievements, and associated challenges. CCUS project pipeline is at an all‐time high in terms of both the number of facilities and carbon dioxide capture capacity. Currently, 47 operational CCUS projects have an annual CO2 capture capacity of 50.5 Mt CO2/year. The total project pipeline capacity is expected to reach 600 Mt CO2/year. The natural gas sector is the major contributor, accounting for more than 65% of the total carbon capture capacity. While significant progress is made in recent years, particularly in North America and Europe, CCUS deployment faces several significant challenges that are multifaceted, encompassing technical, economic, regulatory, and social dimensions. Policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and the general public are increasingly feeling the urgency to address climate change, accelerating many mitigation efforts, including CCUS deployment, in leading regions globally. However, to meet climate change mitigation targets, global investment in CCUS deployment must grow even faster this decade.
Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene/Cellulose Fibers Double‐Coated Asymmetric Separator for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Guo Hao‐Nan , Dong Wei‐Xu , Fang Zhi‐Yong , Hu Lei , Chen Jingwei , Chen Li‐Feng
Published: February 2025

Lithium‐Sulfur (Li─S) batteries have the advantages of low cost and high capacity, but the cathode shuttle effect and the growth of anode lithium dendrites have hindered their development. Among the various modification strategies, separator modification offers a promising approach to address issues on both anodes and cathodes. In this study, a bifunctional asymmetric polypropylene (PP) separator is modified with nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N–rGO) on the cathode side and cellulose fibers (CF) on the anode side to address the challenges associated with both electrodes. CF effectively promotes the uniform deposition of lithium metal and significantly inhibits the growth of lithium dendrites. In addition, N–rGO with a porous structure and nitrogen‐doped active sites can not only suppress lithium polysulfide shuttling by physical and chemical adsorption but also catalyze the kinetics of the redox reaction, leading to an increased specific capacity of the battery. The Li─S battery incorporating N–rGO@PP@CF separator exhibits an impressive specific capacity of 1294 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 1 C, with a remarkably low average capacity decay of 0.076% per cycle over 500 cycles. The synergistic effect between CF and N–rGO modification on asymmetric separators provides a promising guideline for developing high‐performance Li─S batteries.
Functional Polarization of Liver Macrophages by Glyco Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Fernandez Alarcon Jennifer , Perez Schmidt Patricia , Panini Nicolo , Caruso Francesca , Violatto Martina B. , Sukubo Naths Grazia , Martinez‐Serra Alberto , Ekalle‐Soppo Charlotte Blanche , Morelli Annalisa , Moscatiello Giulia Yuri , Grasselli Chiara , Corbelli Alessandro , Fiordaliso Fabio , Kelk Joe , Petrosilli Laura , d'Orazio Giuseppe , Mateu Ferrando Ruth , Verdaguer Ferrer Ariadna , Fornaguera Cristina , Lay Luigi , Fumagalli Stefano , Recchia Sandro , Monopoli Marco P. , Polito Laura , Bigini Paolo , Sitia Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Macrophages are crucial drivers of innate immunity. Reprogramming macrophages to a restorative phenotype in cancer or autoimmune diseases can stop their cancer‐promoting activity or trigger anti‐inflammatory immunity. Glycans have emerged as key components for immunity as they are involved in many pathophysiological disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that supraphysiological amounts of mannose (Man) or sialic acid (Sia) can inhibit tumor growth and stimulate differentiation of regulatory T cells. Man is known to affect glucose metabolism in glycolysis by competing for the same intracellular transporters and affecting macrophage polarization, whereas Sia alters macrophage differentiation via signaling through Siglec‐1. Herein, this work describes a macrophage targeting platform using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) functionalized with Man and Sia monosaccharides which exhibit high liver tropism. A single dose of glyco‐GNPs can convert macrophages to a restorative phenotype in two completely different immune environments. Man promotes tumor‐associated macrophages toward an antitumorigenic activity in a MC38 liver colorectal cancer model by secretion of TNF‐α, IL ‐1β, and IL ‐6 in the tumor microenvironment. However, in a proinflammatory environment, as observed in a mouse model of autoimmune disease, primary biliary cholangitis, Man impairs the production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, Arg1, and IL‐6 cytokines. The results probe the dual role of Man in macrophage repolarization in response to the immune system. This study is a proof‐of‐concept that demonstrates that nanomedicine using specific glycans designed to target other immune cells such as myeloid cells, are a promising strategy not only against cancer but also against other pathologies such as autoimmune diseases.
Brightened Optical Transition Hinting to Strong Spin‐Lattice Coupling in a Layered Antiferromagnet
Authors: Multian Volodymyr , Wu Fan , van der Marel Dirk , Ubrig Nicolas , Teyssier Jérémie
Published: February 2025

Two‐dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnets show strong interconnection between their electrical, magnetic, and structural properties. Here, the emergence of a luminescent transition is revealed upon crossing the Néel transition temperature of CrPS4, a layered antiferromagnetic semiconductor. This luminescent transition occurs above the lowest absorption level. The optical transitions are attributed to excited states of the t2g orbitals of the Cr3+ ions, which are influenced by the distortion of the octahedral crystal field. Specifically, the vicinity of the Néel temperature, the distortion switches from an anti‐polar to a polar arrangement, thereby not only promoting an additional luminescent pathway but also significantly strengthening the static dipole moment detected by a marked enhancement in the intensity of the second harmonic generation. These results strongly encourage further investigation into the multiferroic properties and potential coupling mechanisms in CrPS4.
Enhancer RNA Transcriptome‐Wide Association Study Reveals a Distinctive Class of Pan‐Cancer Susceptibility eRNAs
Authors: Chen Wenyan , Wang Zeyang , Wang Yinuo , Lin Jianxiang , Chen Shuxin , Chen Hui , Ma Xuelian , Zou Xudong , Li Xing , Qin Yangmei , Xiong Kewei , Ma Xixian , Liao Qi , Qiao Yunbo , Li Lei
Published: February 2025

Many cancer risk variants are located within enhancer regions and lack sufficient molecular interpretation. Here, we constructed the first comprehensive atlas of enhancer RNA (eRNA)‐mediated genetic effects from 28 033 RNA sequencing samples across 11 606 individuals, identifying 21 073 eRNA quantitative trait loci (eRNA‐QTLs) significantly associated with eRNA expression. Mechanistically, eRNA‐QTLs frequently altered binding motifs of transcription factors. In addition, 28.48% of cancer risk variants are strongly colocalized with eRNA‐QTLs. A pan‐cancer eRNA‐based transcriptome‐wide association study is conducted across 23 major cancer types, identifying 626 significant cancer susceptibility eRNAs predicted to modulate cancer risk via eRNA, from which 54.90% of the eRNA target genes are overlooked by traditional gene expression studies, and most are essential for cancer cell proliferation. As proof of principle validation, the enhancer functionality of two newly identified susceptibility eRNAs, CCND1e and SNAPC1e, is confirmed through CRISPR inhibition and shRNA‐mediated knockdown, resulting in a marked decrease in the expression of their respective target genes, consequently suppressing the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The study underscores the essential role of eRNA in unveiling new cancer susceptibility genes and establishes a strong framework for enhancing our understanding of human cancer etiology.
Ge2Sb2Se4Te‐Based Optical Switch with Ultra‐High Contrast Ratio by Multilayer Fabry–Perot Cavity
Authors: Tang Zhiyang , Li Chensheng , Pan Ruhao , Wang Bo , Liu Yunan , Wang Qianyu , Tan Junhao , Xiang Yuan , Yang Haifang , Li Junjie
Published: February 2025

Optical switches always desire a high contrast ratio in optical logic circuits and optical communication devices. Although phase change materials are widely applied to design optical switches for their rapid phase change, the high contrast ratio is still hardly achieved for the intrinsic loss of traditional PCMs. Here, the study demonstrates an optical switch with an ultra‐high contrast ratio by introducing the Ge2Sb2Se4Te (GSST) into a multilayer film structure treated as a Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity. The reflectance of the multilayer system can be actively tuned by the phase change of GSST for the FP resonance to achieve an optical switch response. By designing the thicknesses of each layer in the multilayer film, the operating wavelength and the contrast ratio of the switch can be precisely controlled, and an ultra‐high contrast ratio of 2410/735 (simulation/experiment) for the optical switch is constructed in the near‐infrared band. The development of the GSST‐based optical switch paves a new way to realize a high optical contrast ratio and offers a new strategy for high‐performance optical devices.
Identification of a Novel Substrate for eEF2K and the AURKA‐SOX8 as the Related Pathway in TNBC
Authors: Wan Xiaoya , Gong Rong , Zhao Xiaobao , Li Yizhi , Shan Tianjiao , Zhong Changxin , Zhu Rongfeng , Chen Zonglin , Jiang Shilong , He Linhao , Cao Shijun , Tian Sheng , Yang Jinming , Ye Na , Yi Wenjun , Cheng Yan
Published: February 2025

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) has been considered as a putative target for cancer therapy; however, the underlying mechanisms of eEF2K in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, it is shown that eEF2K is highly expressed in TNBC and is associated with poor prognosis. In vitro, in vivo, and patient‐derived organoid experiments demonstrate that knockdown of eEF2K significantly impedes progression of TNBC. Proteomic analysis and confirmation experiments reveal that eEF2K positively regulates the mRNA and protein expressions of sex‐determining region Y‐box 8 (SOX8). Mechanistically, eEF2K binds to and phosphorylates aurora kinase A (AURKA) at S391, a newly identified phosphorylation site critical for maintaining AURKA protein stability and kinase activity. Moreover, the compound C1, a molecular glue to degrade eEF2K, is optimized by designing and synthesizing its derivatives using reasonable structure‐based optimization approach. The new compound C4 shows  better ability to degrade eEF2K and stronger anti‐cancer activity than C1. These findings not only uncover the pivotal role of the eEF2K/AURKA/SOX8 axis in TNBC progression, but also provide a promising lead compound for developing novel drug for treatment of TNBC.
A Hf(IV)‐Coordinated NIR‐II Fluorescence “Turn‐On” Nanoprobe for Precise Imaging‐Guided Surgery in Breast Cancer
Authors: He Yueyang , Lin Jinyan , Bai Jingwen , Shen Xiao , Lou Kangliang , Zhu Yuanyuan , Qiao Zishan , Chen Weiling , Li Yang , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Guojun
Published: February 2025

Breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) has become the standard care for early‐stage breast cancer. The accurate assessment of tumor margins is urgently required for BCS because positive resection margins often lead to local recurrence. To address this clinical dilemma, a Hf(IV)‐coordinated NIR‐II fluorescence “turn‐on” nanoprobe based on the clinically approved NIR‐II fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) for intraoperative tumor visualization is developed. Notably, the fluorescence of ICG can be efficiently quenched by Hf(IV) and subsequently recovered in vivo, showing a remarkable fluorescence “quenching‐recovery‐amplification” capacity. This nanoprobe can effectively accumulate in tumor sites, accurately identifying submillimeter‐sized primary and residual tumors with high sensitivity. In addition, subcutaneous, muscle‐infiltrating, and orthotopic breast cancer models are built to repeatedly prove that this ultrasensitive nanoprobe is feasible for precise imaging‐guided surgery in breast cancer. Overall, this study constructs an activatable fluorescent nanoprobe for real‐time intraoperative tumor margin visualization, holding promise for complete surgical resection and reduction of local recurrence.
Biomimetic Pyramid Structure Film for Enhancing Building Radiative Cooling
Authors: Pan Qian‐Hao , Wang Mei‐Hua , Huang Zong‐Ying , Qiu Xiao‐Jing , Wang Yu‐Tao , Zhao Fu‐Xing , Zhu Meng‐Han , Guo Xin , Chen Chen , Zhang Si‐Chao , Wang Jin‐Long , He Zhen , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: February 2025

Radiative cooling has emerged as a promising technique for reducing energy consumption in building thermal management due to its passive cooling property and no external energy requirement. Despite significant advances, scalable production of artificial photonic radiators with periodic structures, environmental stability, high radiative cooling performance, and economic applicability is still challenging in most state‐of‐the‐art radiative coolers. Rational structure and materials design are essential to promote daytime sunlight reflectance while maintaining a high emissivity within the atmospheric window (8–13 µm). In this work, inspired from the unique hair structure of heat‐resistant organisms, a biomimetic micro‐pyramid shaped structure model is analyzed. By mimicking the intricate design with a silicon template, a radiative cooling film containing specialized micro‐pyramid structure is fabricated by integrating high dielectric constant materials with polymers and receiving PVDF coating. The resulting film boasts a solar reflectance of 97.3% and an exceeding 98% infrared light emission within the atmospheric window. In addition, silicon rubber endows this membrane with strong tensile and rebound properties while surficial hydrophobicity protects the membrane from dust infestation. Considering the manufacturing simplicity and cost‐effectiveness, this method shows great potential for mass production, shedding light on building thermal management.
Excited‐State Structural Dynamics of the Cubane‐Type Metal Cluster [Cu4I4(py)4] Explored by Time‐Resolved X‐Ray Liquidography
Authors: Kim Doyeong , Ki Hosung , Im Donghwan , Lee Yunbeom , Lee Seonggon , Heo Jun , Eom Seunghwan , Choi Eun Hyuk , Ahn Doo‐Sik , Ihee Hyotcherl
Published: February 2025

Cubane‐type metal clusters respond uniquely to stimuli like light and electric potential, resulting in behaviors such as crystal‐to‐crystal phase transitions. While structural adaptability is known to be linked to these responses, direct experimental evidence for the associated structural changes has been missing. This study addresses this gap by examining the structural dynamics of the copper(I) iodide cubane (Cu4I4(py)4, py = pyridine) upon photoexcitation using time‐resolved X‐ray liquidography. The results reveal: 1) 100 picoseconds (ps) after excitation, two distinct excited states—the cluster‐centered triplet (3CC) state and the (metal+halide)‐to‐ligand charge transfer triplet (3(M/X)LCT) state—are present; 2) the 3(M/X)LCT state decays with an apparent time constant of 1.21 ns, primarily transitioning to the 3CC state, with a small fraction undergoing decay to the ground state (GS); and 3) the 3CC state eventually returns to the GS. The molecular structures, provided for these states serve as benchmarks for theoretical studies. Importantly, the 3CC structure exhibits significant distortion in the Cu4I4 core and reduced symmetry, findings that are unanticipated by previous models. This comprehensive investigation deepens the understanding of the structural transformations occurring upon photoexcitation, with a potential impact on future applications of these compounds as versatile components in photosensitive metal–organic frameworks.
Hydrogen‐Associated Filling‐Controlled Mottronics Within Thermodynamically Metastable Vanadium Dioxide
Authors: Zhou Xuanchi , Jiao Yongjie , Lu Wentian , Guo Jinjian , Yao Xiaohui , Ji Jiahui , Zhou Guowei , Ji Huihui , Yuan Zhe , Xu Xiaohong
Published: February 2025

The discovery of hydrogen‐associated topotactic phase modulations in correlated oxide system has emerged as a promising paradigm to explore exotic electronic states and physical functionality. Here hydrogen‐induced Mott phase transitions are demonstrated for metastable VO2 (B) toward new electron‐itinerant hydrogenated phases via introducing non‐equilibrium condition, delicately delivering a rich spectrum of hydrogen‐associated electronic states. Of particular interest, the highly robust but reversible hydrogenated phase achievable in metastable VO2 (B) significantly benefits protonic device applications, which is in contrast with well‐known VO2 (M1), where the metallic hydrogenated phase readily turns into insulating state with extensive hydrogen doping. Establishing correlated VO2 at metastable status fundamentally surpasses the thermodynamic restrictions to expand the adjustability in their electronic structure, giving rise to new electronic states and a superior resistive switching of 102–105 to the counterparts in widely‐reported VO2 (M1). Utilizing the theoretical calculations and synchrotron radiation analysis, the hydrogen‐associated phase modulation in metastable VO2 (B) is dominantly driven by band‐filling‐controlled orbital reconfiguration, while the concurrent structural evolution unveils a strong ion‐electron‐lattice coupling. The present work provides fundamentally new tuning knob for adjusting the energy landscape of electron‐correlated system, advancing the rational design of unachievable electronic states in hydrogen‐related equilibrium phase diagram.
Nanodot‐Inspired Precise Bacterial Gene Suppression in a Smart Hydrogel Bandage for Underwater Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Qingsong , Lu Menghan , Ou Richang , Lin Hong , Xuan Guanhua , Wang Xiudan , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Guoqing
Published: February 2025

The complex and dynamic nature of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in marine environments, makes managing wound infections a significant challenge for individuals engaged in underwater activities and for aquatic organisms. Although antibiotics have played a critical role in safeguarding humans and aquatic health, their risk of drug resistance and environmental impact present substantial obstacles to long‐term sustainability. Using fin rot disease in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) caused by infection of Vibrio anguillarum (V. anguillarum) as a model, a new strategy is presented that employs a carbon dot (CD)‐based antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) delivery system, combined with an adhesive hydrogel, to achieve targeted gene silencing of V. anguillarum for underwater healing. The CDs that cause enhanced cytoplasmic membrane permeability, efficiently deliver ASOs into V. anguillarum without requiring additional equipment or chemical facilitators. The specific design of the ASO sequence enables targeted silencing of empA, achieving efficiency as high as 71.2%. An adhesive hydrogel is applied to boost the local concentration of ASO/CDs at wound sites in seawater, effectively sealing the infected area and preventing fin rot disease in turbot. This study pioneer targeted bacterial gene regulation using CD‐based delivery integrated with a hydrogel bandage, offering practical solutions for managing underwater bacterial diseases.
Ionic Liquid‐Based Electrolyte with Multiple Hydrogen Bonding Network Enabling High‐Voltage Stable Proton Batteries Across Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Dong Xiaoyu , Li Zhiwei , Xu Hai , Wu Zhiyuan , Meng Fanhao , Liu Shuzhi , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: February 2025

Proton batteries are strong contender for next‐generation energy storage due to their high safety and rapid response. However, the narrow electrochemical window of acidic aqueous electrolytes limits their energy density and stability. Here, an ionic liquid (IL)‐based electrolyte (EMImOTf‐H3PO4) containing H3PO4 in polar IL solvent 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (EMImOTf) is developed for stable high‐voltage energy storage. H3PO4 serving as a proton source interacts with both EMIm+ and OTf−, forming an intricate hydrogen bonding network that effectively prevents electrolyte decomposition at high voltage. The half‐cell in EMImOTf‐H3PO4 electrolyte and pre‐protonated vanadium hexacyanoferrate (H‐VHCF) cathode demonstrates a 126% improvement in Coulombic efficiency over aqueous electrolytes at a current density of 1 A g−1. The fabricated PTCDA/MXene//EMImOTf‐H3PO4//H‐VHCF full battery achieves an operating voltage of 2 V at room temperature, surpassing currently reported values for proton batteries. After 30 000 cycles at 5 A g−1, the battery retains 86.1% of its initial capacity. It delivers an energy density of 87.5 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 30.6 kW kg−1 at room temperature, and can maintain stable operation across a temperature range of 110 °C (−60 ∼ 50 °C). These findings present new possibilities for proton batteries in all‐weather grid‐scale energy storage applications.
Noise Spectroscopy and Electrical Transport In NbO2 Memristors with Dual Resistive Switching
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Han Jong E. , Beckmann Karsten , Cady Nathaniel , Sambandamurthy G.
Published: February 2025

Negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior observed in several transition metal oxides is crucial for developing next‐generation memory devices and neuromorphic computing systems. NbO2‐based memristors exhibit two regions of NDR at room temperature, making them promising candidates for such applications. Despite this potential, the physical mechanisms behind the onset and the ability to engineer these NDR regions remain unclear, hindering further development of these devices for applications. This study employed electrical transport and ultra‐low frequency noise spectroscopy measurements to investigate two distinct NDR phenomena in nanoscale thin films of NbO2. By analyzing the residual current fluctuations as a function of time, spatially inhomogeneous and non‐linear conduction are found near NDR‐1 and a two‐state switching near NDR‐2, leading to an insulator‐to‐metal (IMT) transition. The power spectral density of the residual fluctuations exhibits significantly elevated noise magnitudes around both NDR regions, providing insights into physical mechanisms and device size scaling for electronic applications. A simple theoretical model, based on the dimerization of correlated insulators, offers a comprehensive explanation of observed transport and noise behaviors near NDRs, affirming the presence of non‐linear conduction followed by an IMT connecting macroscopic device response to transport signatures at the atomic level.
Towards a net‐zero future for refineries: A case study on capacity configuration for hydrogenation demands in a refinery
Authors: He Wangli , Chen Lijia , Qing Xiangyun , Qian Feng
Published: February 2025

The refining industry's substantial hydrogen demand relies on high‐carbon‐emission production methods, facing dual challenges of reducing costs and achieving net‐zero emissions. This study proposes a renewable energy‐powered water electrolysis system integrated with seasonal hydrogen storage to address these challenges. A multi‐objective capacity optimization model is developed to minimize costs and carbon emissions, ensuring reliable hydrogen supply. To manage computational complexity, time variational autoencoder is applied to extract patterns from high‐dimensional data for scenario generation and typical day selection. A refinery case study validates the system's capacity configuration. Pareto analysis reveals a tradeoff between costs and emissions, necessitating large‐scale seasonal hydrogen storage to balance renewable energy fluctuations, while battery storage manages short‐term fluctuations. Sensitivity analysis shows exceeding a 0.38 electrolyzer minimum load reduces the economic viability of renewable hydrogen production. The system achieves an LCOH of 2.28 USD/kg and annual carbon emissions of 361,139 tons, offering cost‐effective and sustainable hydrogen production.