bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Aerodynamic Properties of “Jafra” (Bixa orellana L.) Seeds
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Kumar L. Chandra , Boreddy Kavitha , Boreddy Sreenivasula Reddy
Published: September 2022

Jafra (Bixa orellana L.) seed which is also known as a “annatto” or “achiote” at different parts of the world has the various applications as a natural dye, and condiment in food preparations. During the course of its utilization, jafra seed undergoes various processing operations such as drying, cleaning, grading, conveying, soaking, grinding, etc. which need the various physical and aerodynamic properties for its proper processing. Keeping in view of these needs physical and aerodynamic properties of jafra seeds as a function of moisture at five different levels were determined. The physical and aerodynamic properties of the jafra seeds measured were size and shape, thousand grain weight, bulk density, true density, and angle of repose. The terminal velocity (aerodynamic property) was measured and the drag coefficient was calculated. The above physical and aerodynamic properties of jafra seeds were measured as a function of moisture content in the range of 11.71 to 35.08% d.b. Most of the physical properties of jafra seeds were increased with an increase in moisture content in the experimental moisture content range. However, the bulk density and true density of jafra seeds were decreased with an increase in moisture content. Regression equations for various parameters of jafra seeds as a function of moisture content (M) in the experimental moisture content range were fitted. The regression relationships have high coefficient of determination (R2). The physical and aerodynamic property data in the present research will help in design of the processes and process equipment for jafra seeds processing.
Physicochemical Study, Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Potential of the Seed Oil of Polyalthia longifolia angustifolia
Authors: Kpoezoun Amavi , Novidzro Kosi Mawuéna , Baba Gnon
Published: September 2022

In the face of worsening malnutrition or undernutrition in poor countries, diversification of food resources remains a high priority for the World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, the present study aims to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of the fat extracted from the seeds of Polyalthia longifolia angustifolia.

The fatty acid profile of the oil, extracted from the seeds with hexane by the Soxhlet method, was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The physicochemical parameters of the oil were measured according to AFNOR standards. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the seeds were evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometric measurement. Antioxidant activity of the oil was determined by the reduction test of ferric ions (Fe3+) of the TPTZ complex to ferrous ion (Fe2+). The results revealed that the oil contains a higher level of oleic acid (63.38%), followed by: palmitic acid (13.80%); linoleic acid (11.74%) and stearic acid (6.24%). The physicochemical parameters of the oil were: refractive index (1.499); acid value (87.69 mg KOH/g of oil); acidity (23.659 g oleic acid/100 g of oil); iodine value (78.26 g I2/100 g of oil); saponification value (179.741 mg KOH/g of oil) and peroxide number (10.85 meq O2 /kg of oil).

In short, the seeds of P. l. angustifolia contain fat and phytochemicals with appreciable antioxidant activity. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the toxicity, nutritional and therapeutic properties of the oil before considering the different types of applications that can be made with this oil.
Prinicipal Component Analysis and Traits Association in Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)
Authors: Kumar Bheeram Vinod , Lal Gaibriyal M. , Reddy Yeruva Venkata Subba , Kumar E. Shashi , Bhupal Golla
Published: September 2022

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in the 23 genotypes of Blackgram during Zaid-2021 at the research field, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. LBG-645 is identified as high seed yielding per plant at Prayagraj agro-climatic condition. The analysis of variance for all the characters revealed that genotypes were highly significant except harvest index (%). Genotypes were highly significant at 5%, 1% level for all the characters, indicating presence of considerable amount of genetic variability in the parental material tested. The characters with high range estimates of GCV and PCV number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant. Heritability and genetic advance as % of mean values were high for number of pods per plant. The seed yield per plant exhibited positive significant and correlation with number of pods per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level. At genotypic and phenotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that number of pods per plant had greatest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant. Principal component (PC1) contributed maximum towards variability 22.808% was correlated with Seed Index followed by, plant height and number of seeds per pod. The second principal component (PC2) accounted 21.410% per cent of total variance and it reflected positive loading of days to 50% pod initiation, days to 50% flowering, and pod length whereas; the third principal component (PC3) accounted 15.642% per cent of total variance and positive loading of harvest Index followed by seed Index. Fourth principal component (PC4) contributed 11.325% of variability reflected loadings of days to maturity followed by seed yield per plant. The fifth principal component (PC5) contributed 9.489% variability of seed yield per plant, followed by days to 50% flowering.
Association of Simultaneous vs Delayed Resection of Liver Metastasis With Complications and Survival Among Adults With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wu Yibin , Mao Anrong , Wang Huipeng , Fang Guojiu , Zhou Jiamin , He Xigan , Cai Sanjun , Wang Lu
Published: September 2022

Importance

Simultaneous or delayed resection of synchronous liver metastasis (SLM) with primary colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a controversial topic.

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of simultaneous vs delayed resection in patients with resectable SLM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This comparative effectiveness research study included 1569 patients with resectable SLM who underwent curative-intent liver resection at 3 independent centers in China between January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. Follow-up was completed on August 31, 2021, and the data were analyzed from April 1 to 30, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome was the percentage of patients with at least 1 major complication within 60 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates.

Results

Among the 1569 patients included, 1057 (67.4%) underwent delayed resection (719 men [68.0%] with a mean [SD] age of 57.4 [11.2] years), and 512 patients (310 men [60.5%] with a mean [SD] age of 57.1 [10.5] years) underwent simultaneous resection. Matching yielded 495 pairs of patients underwent simultaneous resection. The percentage of major perioperative complications did not differ between the simultaneous and delayed resection groups (34.1% vs 30.0%; P = .89). The OS rates were 65.2% at 3 years, 47.1% at 5 years, and 38.0% at 8 years for the delayed resection group and 78.0% at 3 years, 65.4% at 5 years, and 63.1% at 8 years for the simultaneous resection group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10-1.85, P = .003). The CSS rates were 68.3% at 3 years, 48.5% at 5 years, and 37.1% at 8 years for the delayed resection group and 79.2% at 3 years, 67.2% at 5 years, and 65.9% at 8 years for the simultaneous resection group (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.14-1.98; P = .004). On subgroup analysis comparing the 2 strategies according to the KRAS sequence variation status, the OS rates (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.45-2.18; P < .001) and CSS rates (HR, 1.62; 95 CI, 1.40-1.87; P = .003]) in the simultaneous resection group were significantly better than those in the delayed resection group in patients with KRAS wild-type tumors.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study suggest that complication rates did not differ when CRC and SLM were resected simultaneously and that the survival benefits of simultaneous resection were restricted to patients with KRAS wild-type tumors. Integrating molecular features into the treatment decision is a basis for accurate, individualized treatments.
Small RNA sequencing in hypoxic naked mole‐rat hearts suggests microRNA regulation of RNA‐ and translation‐related processes
Authors: Ingelson‐Filpula W. Aline , Cheng Hang , Eaton Liam , Pamenter Matthew E. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: September 2022

The naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber) regularly endures intermittent periods of hypoxia in its burrows, surviving in part due to metabolic rate depression (MRD)—a strategy of conserving cellular resources by downregulating nonessential gene expression and reorganizing cellular processes. miRNA are short, noncoding RNAs already implicated for their roles in numerous models of extreme environmental stress; given their rapid, reversible nature, they are ideal for implementing MRD. We performed small RNA sequencing on cardiac tissue from normoxic versus 24 h hypoxic naked mole‐rats, and used bioinformatics to predict 18 miRNAs which may be differentially regulated during hypoxia. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway mapping further suggest these miRNAs play roles in largely translation‐related functions, including RNA processing and catabolism.
Performance of Modified ALMS and BLISS Criteria with Standard of Care Treatment in Two US Health Care Systems
Authors: Khosroshahi Arezou , Tong David , Bao Gaobin , Al‐Naqeeb Jinan , Ghosh Pranab , Peeva Elena , Easley Kirk A. , Weiss Roberta , Lim S. Sam
Published: September 2022

Objective

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken in a predominantly Black population undergoing standard treatment for lupus nephritis (LN) to estimate the incidence of, and risk factors for, complete response (CR) according to modified Aspreva Lupus Management Study (mALMS) and modified Belimumab International Study in Lupus Nephritis (mBLISS) criteria by 12 months.

Methods

Patients with biopsy‐proven LN class III or IV ± V, urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio of ≥1gm/gm and estimated glomerular filtration rate of >50 ml/minute/1.73 m2 at the time of the incident LN flare were included. The clinical, treatment, and laboratory factors associated with CR were identified using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

Of 173 patients, 86.1% were women, 77.5% were Black, and over half (59.5%) had non‐commercial insurance. By 12 months, 20.6% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 14.6–28.6%) achieved mALMS CR and 33.7% (95% CI 26.4–42.4%) achieved mBLISS CR. Factors associated with mBLISS CR were commercial insurance (adjusted CR ratio = 3.5 [95% CI 1.9–6.7]; P < 0.001), albumin (adjusted CR ratio = 1.8 per 1 gm/dl increase in albumin; P = 0.02), and low C4 (adjusted CR ratio = 2.6; P = 0.03). Cumulative incidence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) at 3 years was 23.1% (95% CI 15.7–31.3%) and 6.1% (95% CI 2.8–11.1%) for death. Patients with non‐commercial insurance were more likely to develop ESRD, with cumulative incidence of 30.4% (95% CI 19.6–41.9%) compared to 12.7% (95% CI 5.0–24.2%) for patients with commercial insurance (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

In a primarily Black, uninsured LN population, despite achieving similar CR rates at 12 months, the incidence of ESRD and death exceeded those observed in controlled clinical trials with placebo arms.
Artificial SEI Film via Synchronous Reaction‐Diffusion‐Assembly on Li Liquid Metal
Authors: Wang Dong , Xie Tian , Qin Chichu , Wang Xianwen , Li Guanwu , Liu Yumin , Zou Haiyan , Huang Lu , Wu Yingpeng
Published: September 2022

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is considered as an effective way to suppress Li dendrite. However, most of the constructed SEI films are usually nonuniform and incompact due to the uncertain interface between Li and electrolyte, finally resulting in failure to Li anode protection. To overcome such disadvantage, a stable pristine SEI film is formed successfully by self‐diffusion and assembly when the surface reaction occur between the molten Li and the substrate, benefitting from the ultra‐high chemical activity, atomic level smoothness, and flowability of liquid lithium. It is an inside–outside process via the obtained Li composites migrating from reaction interface to the Li liquid metal surface. Then, the obtained SEI can lead to a stable and long‐lifespan Li integrated electrode, showing the self‐diffusion/assembly strategy upon liquid Li‐metal is a promising way for practical dendrite‐free anode.
Low Thermal Budget Growth of Near‐Isotropic Diamond Grains for Heat Spreading in Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Malakoutian Mohamadali , Zheng Xiang , Woo Kelly , Soman Rohith , Kasperovich Anna , Pomeroy James , Kuball Martin , Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: September 2022

The ever‐increasing power density is a major trend for electronics applications from dense computing to 5G/6G networks. Joule heating and resulting high temperature in the device channel due to the increased power density results in performance degradation and premature failure. Diamond integration near the hot spot can spread the heat by increasing the heat transfer coefficient. Diamond is mostly grown at high temperatures (700–1000 °C), which limits its integration with many semiconductor technologies. Here, a high‐quality 400 °C‐diamond by modifying the gas chemistry at different nucleation stages, with a sharp sp3 Raman peak (FWHM≈6.5 cm−1) and high phase purity (97.1%), similar to 700 °C‐diamond (>98%) is demonstrated. An average grain size of 650 nm with a thickness of 790 nm corresponding to an anisotropy ratio of 1.21 at 400 °C close to the best‐reported of 1.12 at 700 °C is achieved. This near‐isotropic diamond exhibits a relatively high thermal conductivity of ≈300 W m−1 K−1 and a thermal boundary resistance as small as only 5 m2K G−1 W−1 (on SiO2 and Si3N4). Achieving such a high‐quality diamond at 400 °C demonstrates the possibility to grow the diamond on a wide range of semiconductors including Si, InP, Ga2O3, SiC, and GaN where SiO2 or its variations, and Si3N4 are commonly used dielectrics.
Self‐driven Electrical Stimulation Promotes Cancer Catalytic Therapy Based on Fully Conjugated Covalent Organic Framework Nanocages
Authors: Yao Shuncheng , Zheng Minjia , Wang Shaobo , Huang Tian , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Yunchao , Yuan Wei , Li Zhou , Wang Zhong Lin , Li Linlin
Published: September 2022

Engineered nanozymes have been developed to catalyze the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer therapy, but currently, the ROS generation efficiency is still far from optimistic. In this study, a human self‐driven electrical stimulation enhanced catalytic system based on wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and fully π‐conjugated covalent organic framework nanocages (hCOF) for improving cancer therapy is created. The fully π‐conjugated hCOF nanocage with high electron mobility under the self‐generated electric field can not only rearrange the local electric field for optimizing energy utilization, but also facilitates the access of electrolytes to optimize the utilization of the electric field. With the self‐powered wearable TENG, the peroxidase‐like activity of hCOF increased by 2.44‐fold and has electricity‐responsive doxorubicin delivery capacity for enhancing the therapeutic outcomes. The high‐efficient self‐driven electrical stimulation enhanced nanocatalytic system provides a new optimized model for the catalytic energy supply of nanozymes.
Polaritons in Van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Guo Xiangdong , Lyu Wei , Chen Tinghan , Luo Yang , Wu Chenchen , Yang Bei , Sun Zhipei , García de Abajo F. Javier , Yang Xiaoxia , Dai Qing
Published: September 2022

2D monolayers supporting a wide variety of highly confined plasmons, phonon polaritons, and exciton polaritons can be vertically stacked in van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) with controlled constituent layers, stacking sequence, and even twist angles. vdWHs combine advantages of 2D material polaritons, rich optical structure design, and atomic scale integration, which have greatly extended the performance and functions of polaritons, such as wide frequency range, long lifetime, ultrafast all‐optical modulation, and photonic crystals for nanoscale light. Here, the state of the art of 2D material polaritons in vdWHs from the perspective of design principles and potential applications is reviewed. Some fundamental properties of polaritons in vdWHs are initially discussed, followed by recent discoveries of plasmons, phonon polaritons, exciton polaritons, and their hybrid modes in vdWHs. The review concludes with a perspective discussion on potential applications of these polaritons such as nanophotonic integrated circuits, which will benefit from the intersection between nanophotonics and materials science.
An Electric‐Field‐Reinforced Hydrophobic Cationic Sieve Lowers the Concentration Threshold of Water‐In‐Salt Electrolytes
Authors: Zhou Anxing , Zhang Jinkai , Chen Ming , Yue Jinming , Lv Tianshi , Liu Binghang , Zhu Xiangzhen , Qin Kun , Feng Guang , Suo Liumin
Published: September 2022

High‐concentration water‐in‐salt (WIS) electrolytes expand the stable electrochemical window of aqueous electrolytes, leading to the advent of high‐voltage (above 2 V) aqueous Li‐ion batteries (ALIBs). However, the high lithium salt concentration electrolytes of ALIBs result in their high cost and deteriorate kinetic performance. Therefore, it is challenging for ALIBs to explore aqueous electrolytes with appropriate concentration to balance the electrochemical window and kinetic performance as well as the cost. In contrast to maintaining high concentrations of aqueous electrolytes (>20 m), a small number of hydrophobic cations are introduced to a much lower electrolyte concentration (13.8 m), and it is found that, compared with WIS electrolytes, ALIBs with these concentration‐lowered electrolytes possess a compatible stable electrochemical window (3.23 V) and achieve better kinetic performance. These findings originate from the added cations, which form an electric‐field‐reinforced hydrophobic cationic sieve (HCS) that blocks water away from the anode and suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction. Meanwhile, the lower electrolyte concentration provides significant benefits to ALIBs, including lower cost, better rate capability (lower viscosity of 18 cP and higher ionic conductivity of 22 mS cm−1 at 25 °C), and improved low‐temperature performance (liquidus temperature of −10.18 °C).
ortho‐Acylation of Aryl Iodides Enabled with Imides via Palladium/Norbornene/CuI Catalysis
Authors: Zhao Shen , Yang Shimin , Du Guopeng , Zhang Daopeng , Liu Hui , Sun Feng‐Gang
Published: September 2022

Herein, a three component Catellani‐type reaction catalyzed by the Palladium/Norbornene/CuI (Pd/NBE/CuI) cooperative system by using N‐acylph‐thalimides as acyl electrophiles is reported, which gives access to a series of aromatic ketones. The transformation is performable in the presence of water, albeit with decreased reaction yield. The additive CuI was crucial to facilitate the cleavage of C(O)−N bond of imide. This protocol showed broad substrate scope: both alkyl and aryl acyl groups could be installed at the ortho‐position of aryl iodides; alkenes and boronic acids can be used as termination reagents.

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Ti3C2TxMXene Composite 3D Hydrogel Potentiates mTOR Signaling to Promote the Generation of Functional Hair Cells in Cochlea Organoids
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Gao Shan , Hu Yang‐Nan , Chen Xin , Cheng Cheng , Fu Xiao‐Long , Zhang Sha‐Sha , Wang Xin‐Lin , Che Yu‐Wei , Zhang Chen , Chai Ren‐Jie
Published: September 2022

Organoids have certain cellular composition and physiological features in common with real organs, making them promising models of organ formation, function, and diseases. However, Matrigel, the commonly used animal‐derived matrices in which they are developed, has limitations in mechanical adjustability and providing complex physicochemical signals. Here, the incorporation of Ti3C2TxMXene nanomaterial into Matrigel regulates the properties of Matrigel and exhibits satisfactory biocompatibility. The Ti3C2TxMXene Matrigel composites (MXene‐Matrigel) regulate the development of Cochlear Organoids (Cochlea‐Orgs), particularly in promoting the formation and maturation of organoid hair cells. Additionally, regenerated hair cells in MXene‐Matrigel are functional and exhibit better electrophysiological properties compared to hair cells in Matrigel. MXene‐Matrigel potentiates the amycin (mTOR) signaling pathway to promote hair cell differentiation, and mTOR signaling inhibition restrains hair cell differentiation. Moreover, MXene‐Matrigel facilitates innervation establishment between regenerated hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) growing from the Cochlea modiolus in a co‐culture system, as well as promotes synapse formation efficiency. The approach overcomes some limitations of the Matrigel‐dependent culture system and greatly accelerates the application of nanomaterials in organoid development and research on therapies for hearing loss.
Insight into Microdispersion Flows with a Novel Video Deep Learning Method
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Qin Kang , Huang Xinye , Wei Yixin , Wang Tao , Wang Kai , Qiu Tong
Published: September 2022

Microdispersion technology is an important part of the flow chemistry method in creating tiny bubbles or droplets for enhancing mass/heat transfer performance, in which the dispersed flow condition plays a central role. Currently, most microdispersion flow characterization works are conducted by manual analysis on microscopic images, suffering from long analysis time and limited accessible information. Herein, taking the advantage of convolutional neural networks, TrackFit is proposed as an efficient video deep learning method for a precise, fast, and comprehensive investigation of microdispersion states. TrackFit is capable of recognizing bubble instances, tracking them in the microscope sight, and unprecedentedly inferring bubble diameter, location, velocity, as well as sphericity in an intelligent way. TrackFit achieves small measurement errors of diameter (8 μm) and velocity (0.08 mm s−1) on the test dataset after deepening the neural network backbone and adopting the data augmentation technique. When applied to inexperienced data, the TrackFit output relationship of bubble diameter to flow rate is consistent with previous manual results, but with a beyond‐human efficiency (≈500 times higher). TrackFit not only works as a core method of an intelligent microdispersed fluid characterization system, but also suggests a promising potential for real‐time microdispersion process analysis in the future.
Full Control of the Chiral Overpass Effect in Helical Polymers: P/M Screw Sense Induction by Remote Chiral Centers After Bypassing the First Chiral Residue
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Rivadulla‐Cendal Elena , Fernández‐Míguez Manuel , Fernández Berta , Maeda Katsuhiro , Quiñoá Emilio , Freire Félix
Published: September 2022

In helical polymers, helical sense induction is usually commanded by teleinduction mechanism, where the largest substituent of the chiral residue directly attached to the main chain is the one that commands the helical sense. In this work, different helical structures with different helical senses are induced in a helical polymer [poly‐(phenylacetylene)] when the conformational composition of two different dihedral angles of a pendant group with more than two chiral residues is tamed. Thus, while the dihedral angle at chiral residue1[(R)‐ or (S)‐alanine], attached to the backbone, produces an extended or bent conformation in the pendant resulting in two scaffolds with different stretching degree, the second dihedral angle at chiral residue2[(R)‐ or (S)‐methoxyphenylacetamide] places the substituents of this chiral center in a different spatial orientation, originating opposite helical senses at the polymer that are induced through a total control of the “chiral overpass effect”.
Large‐Scale Self‐Assembly of MOFs Colloidosomes for Bubble‐Propelled Micromotors and Stirring‐Free Environmental Remediation
Authors: Huang Hai , Li Jie , Yuan Mengge , Yang Haowei , Zhao Yu , Ying Yulong , Wang Sheng
Published: September 2022

The design of MOF‐based micromotors (MOFtors) is still challenging and with limited approaches, especially for the MOF nanoparticles (NPs). Herein, we report a universal and straightforward strategy to efficiently self‐assembly MOF NPs into robust MOFtors for enhanced organic‐ or heavy‐metal‐ion‐contaminants remediation without mechanical stirring. Based on the transient Pickering emulsion method, Fe3O4@NH2‐UiO‐66 (Fe‐UiO) NPs are rapidly self‐assembled into Fe3O4@NH2‐UiO‐66 colloidosomes (Fe‐UiOSomes) on a large scale, and the formation mechanism is systematically studied. The Fe‐UiOSomes‐Pt micromotors through chemical reduction (Micromotor‐C) presented a higher motility of 450±180 μm s−1 in a 5 wt% H2O2 aqueous solution. Finally, the bubble‐propelled Micromotor‐C was employed to efficiently remove dyes and heavy metal ions (94 % for MO and 91 % for CrVI).
Structure of the (Bi)carbonate Adlayer on Cu(100) Electrodes
Authors: Amirbeigiarab Reihaneh , Bagger Alexander , Tian Jing , Rossmeisl Jan , Magnussen Olaf M.
Published: September 2022

(Bi)carbonate adsorption on Cu(100) in 0.1 M KHCO3 has been studied by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy. Coexistence of different ordered adlayer phases with (
×6
)R45° and (4×4) unit cells was observed in the double layer potential regime. The adlayer is rather dynamic and undergoes a reversible order‐disorder phase transition at 0 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional calculations indicate that the adlayer consists of coadsorbed carbonate and water molecules and is strongly stabilized by liquid water in the adjacent electrolyte.
Integrating a Far‐Red Fluorescent Probe with a Microfluidic Platform for Super‐Resolution Imaging of Live Erythrocyte Membrane Dynamics**
Authors: Ye Zhiwei , Yang Wei , Zheng Ying , Wang Shujing , Zhang Xiaodong , Yu Haibo , Li Shuangshuang , Luo Chunxiong , Peng Xiaojun , Xiao Yi
Published: September 2022

Living erythrocyte (red blood cell, RBC) membranes present rich ultrastructural and dynamic details, which require synchronous super‐resolution imaging and single‐molecule tracking to be revealed. Yet, it poses a serious challenge to achieve these dual functions in a single probe, due to the rigid and conflicting photophysical demands of the different techniques. Herein, we rationally developed a far‐red boron dipyrromethene membrane probe with blinking capability and persistent single‐molecule emission, and constructed a microfluidic platform for noninvasive trapping and long‐term imaging of RBCs. By combining them, multi‐dimensional super‐resolution reconstructions and single‐molecule tracking were achieved at the molecular scale on living human RBC membranes in a high‐throughput manner. Our integrated system defines a quantitative method for analyzing RBC membranes under physiological and pathological conditions, improving precision and revealing new perspectives for future disease diagnostics.
Semisynthetic Viral Inhibitor for Light Control of the MHC I Peptide Loading Complex
Authors: Winter Christian , Domnick Alexander , Cernova Darja , Tampé Robert
Published: September 2022

The immune system detects virally or malignantly transformed cells via peptide‐loaded major histocompatibility complex class I (pMHC I) molecules on the cell surface. MHC I molecules are loaded with cargo peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by the highly dynamic multiprotein peptide loading complex (PLC). Here, we developed a semisynthetic approach to generate a photocleavable immune modulator ICP47 of Herpes simplex virus. Using this nanotool, we revealed key mechanistic events of the purified PLC, such as peptide binding and translocation coupled to ATP hydrolysis, triggered by light. We established a single‐organelle flow cytometry assay to monitor light‐controlled activation of the antigen processing machinery in native ER membranes. This photochemical modulation opens new opportunities for a comprehensive mechanistic analysis of the antigen processing machinery in vitro and native membrane environment.
Quantifizierung der Reduktiven Aminierung in Nichtenzymatischer Aminosäuresynthese
Authors: Mayer Robert J. , Moran Joseph
Published: September 2022

Die Biosynthese von Aminosäuren beginnt mit der reduktiven Aminierung von α‐Ketoglutarat mit Ammoniak, wobei Glutamat entsteht. Die anderen α‐Ketosäuren, die aus dem Glyoxylat‐ oder Krebszyklus stammen, werden jedoch eher durch Transaminierung als durch reduktive Aminierung in Aminosäuren umgewandelt. Warum wird nur eine Aminosäure durch reduktive Aminierung synthetisiert und die anderen nicht? Um diese Frage zu untersuchen, haben wir die intrinsischen Reaktivitäten von Ketosäuren in nichtenzymatischen Reduktionen und reduktiven Aminierungen unter Verwendung von BH3CN− als Modellnucleophil quantifiziert. Dabei wurde festgestellt, dass biologische α‐Ketosäuren ausgeprägte nichtenzymatische Reaktivitätsunterschiede für die Bildung von Aminosäuren aufweisen (α‐Ketoglutarat<Oxalacetat≈Pyruvat≪Glyoxylat). Entsprechend durchläuft der Einbau von Ammoniak die am wenigsten reaktive α‐Ketosäure des Krebszyklus. Eine mögliche Erklärung für diese Wahl ist die Position der entsprechenden Aminosäure Glutamat an der Spitze der thermodynamischen Landschaft für nachfolgende Transaminierungsreaktionen.
Strain Control to Stabilize Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Hui , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: September 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are rivaling most commercial photovoltaics in the aspect of efficiency and cost, while their intrinsic instability remains a major concern for their practical deployment. The presence of undesirable strain in PSCs during device fabrication and operation refers to the extension/narrowing of chemical bonds and expansion/shrinkage of lattice volume, which largely affects device stability due to promoted phase transition, chemical decomposition, and mechanical fragility. Pioneering investigations and remarkable achievements have revealed that strain control is indispensable in the design of stable PSCs. Herein, the evolution of strain in perovskite thin films and its effect on device performance is elucidated, and state‐of‐the‐art strategies of strain modulation are systematically reviewed. A thorough understanding and cautious control of the strain‐related phenomenon pave the pathway to derive perovskite materials with desired properties.
RealizingzT>2 in Environment‐Friendly Monoclinic Cu2S—Tetragonal Cu1.96S Nano‐Phase Junctions for Thermoelectrics
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Lou Yue , Jin Kangpeng , Fu Liangwei , Xu Pengfei , Shi Zhan , Feng Tianli , Xu Biao
Published: September 2022

Phase‐junction nanocomposites, made of nanograins with the same composition but different phases, offer a platform to optimize the physiochemical performance of materials. Herein, we demonstrate a straightforward strategy to synthesize Cu2−xS phase‐junction nanocomposites by retaining surface 1‐dodecanethiol (DDT) ligands, in contrast to the traditional method that strips the ligands. As a result, phase junctions between a conventional monoclinic (m) phase and an unconventional metastable tetragonal (t) phase are obtained. The significantly improved power factor is obtained due to the doping of the t‐phase. The phase‐junction interfaces reduce thermal conductivity. Finally, surface regulation of phase junctions pushes the peakzTto 2.1 at 932 K, being the highest reported for environment‐friendly metal sulfides. This work provides a paradigm to optimize thermoelectric performance by controlling phase junctions through surface‐ligand tuning.
An Ion‐Enhanced Oncolytic Virus‐Like Nanoparticle for Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Fan , Li Yanli , Meng Yun , Cai Xuechao , Shi Jieyun , Li Jinjin , Chen Yang , Zhang Li , Meng Xianfu , Li Huiyan , Jiang Xingwu , Fu Zhenxiao , Wu Yelin , Bu Wenbo
Published: September 2022

T lymphocytes (T cells) are essential for tumor immunotherapy. However, the insufficient number of activated T cells greatly limits the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Herein, we proposed an oncolytic virus‐mimicking strategy to enhance T cell recruitment and activation for tumor treatment. We constructed an oncolytic virus‐like nanoplatform (PolyIC@ZIF‐8) that was degraded in the acidic tumor environment to release PolyIC and Zn2+. The released PolyIC exhibited an oncolytic virus‐like function that induced tumor cell apoptosis and promoted T cell recruitment and activation through a tumor antigen‐dependent manner. More importantly, the released Zn2+not only enhanced T cell recruitment by inducing CXCL9/10/11 expression but also promoted T cell activation to increase interferon‐γ (INF‐γ) expression by inducing the phosphorylation of ZAP‐70 via a tumor antigen‐independent manner. This Zn2+‐enhanced oncolytic virus‐mimicking strategy provides a new approach for tumor immunotherapy.
Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Formal [2+2] Cycloaddition of Allenes with Amino‐Functionalized Alkenes by Rare‐Earth‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Activation
Authors: Xu Wenxuan , Cong Xuefeng , An Kun , Lou Shao‐Jie , Li Zhenghua , Nishiura Masayoshi , Murahashi Tetsuro , Hou Zhaomin
Published: September 2022

The [2+2] cycloaddition of allenes with alkenes is of much interest and importance as a straightforward route for the construction of four‐membered carbocycles but has remained much underexplored to date. Herein we report for the first time the intermolecular regio‐ and diastereoselective formal [2+2] cycloaddition of a wide range of allenes with amino‐functionalized alkenes by half‐sandwich rare‐earth catalysts. The reaction proceeded through an allene C(sp2)−H activation mechanism initiated by the site‐selective deprotonation of the allene unit by a rare‐earth metal alkyl species followed by alkene insertion into the resulting metal‐allenyl bond and the subsequent intramolecular cycloaddition to an allene C=C bond. This protocol offers a unique route for the synthesis of a new family of cyclobutane and cyclobutene derivatives which were difficult to access previously.
19F Barcoding Enables Multiplex Detection of Biomarkers Associated with Organ Injury and Cancer
Authors: Luo Xiangjie , Kang Bilun , Chi Xiaoqin , Xiong Hui , Chen Dongxia , Fan Yifan , Li Lingxuan , Chen Limin , Li Ao , Gao Jinhao , Lin Hongyu
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers in complex environments is critical for the in‐depth exploration of different biological processes, which is challenging for many current analytical methods due to various limitations. Herein, we report a strategy of 19F barcoding which takes the advantages of 19F's high magnetic resonance (MR) sensitivity, prompt signal response to environmental changes, negligible biological background, quantitative signal output, and multiplex capacity. A set of 19F‐barcoded sensors responding to different biomarkers involved in organ injury and cancer are designed, synthesized, and characterized. With these sensors, we accomplish concurrent assessment of different biomarkers in the samples collected from the mice with drug‐induced liver/kidney injury or tumor, illustrating the feasibility of this approach for multiplexed detection of different biomarkers in complex environments during various biological processes.
Quantifying Reductive Amination in Nonenzymatic Amino Acid Synthesis
Authors: Mayer Robert J. , Moran Joseph
Published: September 2022

Amino acid biosynthesis initiates with the reductive amination of α‐ketoglutarate with ammonia to produce glutamate. However, the other α‐keto acids derived from the glyoxylate and Krebs cycles are converted into amino acids by transamination, rather than by reductive amination. Why is only one amino acid synthesized by reductive amination and not the others? To explore this question, we quantified the inherent reactivities of keto acids in nonenzymatic reduction and reductive amination by using BH3CN− as a model nucleophile. Biological α‐keto acids were found to show pronounced nonenzymatic reactivity differences for the formation of amino acids (α‐ketoglutarate<oxaloacetate≈pyruvate≪glyoxylate). Accordingly, the flow of ammonia passes through the least reactive α‐keto acid of the Krebs cycle. One possible explanation for this choice is the position of the corresponding amino acid, glutamate, at the top of the thermodynamic landscape for subsequent transamination reactions.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of coumarin‐thiazole hybrids as selective carbonic anhydrase IX and XII inhibitors
Authors: Thacker Pavitra S. , Newaskar Vaishnavi , Angeli Andrea , Sigalapalli Dilep Kumar , Goud Nerella Sridhar , Chirra Hepsibha , Shaik Afzal B. , Arifuddin Mohammed , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: September 2022

A series of coumarin‐linked thiazoles (6a–p) was synthesized and the synthesized compounds were evaluated against human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) IX and XII, which have been implicated in cancer. All the compounds exhibited selective inhibition of both isoforms. The designed compounds inhibited hCA IX in a moderate nanomolar to submicromolar range. The hCA XII was inhibited in a low to moderate nanomolar range. Compound 6o exhibited the best inhibition of hCA XII with a Ki value of 91.1 nM. The hydrolyzed form of compound 6o also exhibited favorable interactions as well as good docking scores with both the isoforms. Hence, this compound can be taken as a template for the design of selective and potent hCA XII inhibitors.
Dynamic Prediction of Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis Using Landmark Analysis
Authors: Nihtyanova Svetlana I. , Schreiber Benjamin E. , Ong Voon H. , Wells Athol U. , Coghlan John G. , Denton Christopher P.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we explored the prediction of short‐term risk for PH using serial pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and other disease features.

Methods

SSc patients in whom disease onset occurred ≥10 years prior to data retrieval and for whom autoantibody specificity and PFT data were available were included in this study. Mixed‐effects modeling was used to describe changes in PFTs over time. Landmarking was utilized to include serial assessments and stratified Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with landmarks as strata was used to develop the PH prediction models.

Results

We analyzed data from 1,247 SSc patients, 16.3% of whom were male and 35.8% of whom had diffuse cutaneous SSc. Anticentromere, antitopoisomerase, and anti–RNA polymerase antibodies were observed in 29.8%, 22.0%, and 11.4% of patients, respectively, and PH developed in 13.6% of patients. Over time, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (Kco) declined in all SSc patients (up to 1.5% per year) but demonstrated much greater annual decline (up to 4.5% and 4.8%, respectively) in the 5–7 years preceding PH diagnosis. Comparisons between multivariable models including either DLco, Kco, or forced vital capacity (FVC)/DLco ratio, demonstrated that both absolute values and change over the preceding year in those measurements were strongly associated with the risk of PH (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93 and 0.76 for Kco and its change; HR 0.90 and 0.96 for DLco and its change; and HR 1.08 and 2.01 for FVC/DLco ratio and its change; P < 0.001 for all). The Kco‐based model had the greatest discriminating ability (Harrell's C‐statistic 0.903).

Conclusion

Our findings strongly support the importance of PFT trends over time in identifying patients at risk of developing PH.
Preparation and characterization of biogenic silver nanoparticles using Strobilanthes cordifolia (Vahl) J.R.I. Wood leaves and its biological applications
Authors: Kirubakaran Dharmalingam , Selvam Kuppusamy , Prakash Palanisamy , Manimegalai Peraman , Shivakumar Muthugounder Subaramanian , SenthilNathan Sengottayan
Published: September 2022

In the present study, aqueous leaf extract of Strobilanthes cordifolia J.R.I.Wood was combined with silver nitrate to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were characterized using visible spectroscopy (UV), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDaX), particle size analysis, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The UV spectrum absorption peak occurred at 438 nm. The FTIR analysis of the AgNPs indicated the presence of functional groups such as aldehyde, alkenes, and carboxylic acids. The crystalline structure of AgNPs was confirmed by XRD. The AgNPs have a spherical shape according to SEM. The AgNPs components composition was confirmed by EDaX. The particle size distribution of AgNPs is monodispersion in the range at 42.54 nm. TEM demonstrated the AgNPs size to be between 11.35 and 34.90 nm. The AgNPs exhibited good antibacterial property against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant activity of the AgNPs was represented by increased DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 activities.The antidiabetic activity of the AgNPs was indicated by the inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glycosidase and anti‐inflammatory highest albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization properties. Further, the AgNPs also significantly inhibited the MCF‐7 cell lines. These results clearly suggest that the synthesized AgNPs using S. cordifolia leaves could have several potential biomedical applications.
Ammonium‐Functionalized Naphthalene Diimides as Two‐Electron‐Transfer Negolyte for Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Singh Vikram , Ahn Seongmo , Byon Hye Ryung
Published: September 2022

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) have been developed as safe and economical energy storage systems for renewable energy applications. Herein, the solubility of two‐electron‐transfer organic molecules, naphthalene diimides (NDIs), was improved by adding two propyl‐spaced ammonium functionalities. Under neutral conditions, the di‐ammonium‐functionalized NDIs exhibited a solubility of ∼0.7 M (1.4 M/e−) in water. Using 0.3 M NDIs as negolyte (negative electrolyte) and iodide/triiodide as posolyte (positive electrolyte), AORFBs achieved 300 galvanostatic cycles with approximately 100 % capacity retention. The post‐mortem analyses revealed negligible chemical decomposition with no crossover while using a Nafion membrane. This study presents a promising NDI negolyte that can achieve stable two‐electron transfer in AORFBs.
Pilot scale production and characterization of next generation high molecular weight and tense quaternary state polymerized human hemoglobin
Authors: Cuddington Clayton T. , Wolfe Savannah R. , Belcher Donald A. , Allyn Megan , Greenfield Alisyn , Gu Xiangming , Hickey Richard , Lu Shuwei , Salvi Tanmay , Palmer Andre F.
Published: September 2022

Polymerized human hemoglobin (PolyhHb) is being studied as a possible red blood cell (RBC) substitute for use in scenarios where blood is not available. While the oxygen (O2) carrying capacity of PolyhHb makes it appealing as an O2 therapeutic, the commercial PolyhHb PolyHeme® (Northfield Laboratories Inc.) was never approved for clinical use due to the presence of large quantities of low molecular weight (LMW) polymeric hemoglobin (Hb) species (<500 kDa), which have been shown to elicit vasoconstriction, systemic hypertension, and oxidative tissue injury in vivo. Previous bench‐top scale studies in our lab demonstrated the ability to synthesize and purify PolyhHb using a two‐stage tangential flow filtration purification process to remove almost all undesirable Hb species (>0.2 µm and <500 kDa) in the material, to create a product that should be safer for transfusion. Therefore, to enable future large animal studies and eventual human clinical trials, PolyhHb synthesis and purification processes need to be scaled up to the pilot scale. Hence in this study, we describe the pilot scale synthesis and purification of PolyhHb. Characterization of pilot scale PolyhHb showed that PolyhHb could be successfully produced to yield biophysical properties conducive for its use as an RBC substitute. Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography showed that pilot scale PolyhHb yielded a high molecular weight Hb polymer containing a small percentage of LMW Hb species (<500 kDa). Additionally, the auto‐oxidation rate of pilot scale PolyhHb was even lower than that of previous generations of PolyhHb. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PolyhHb has the ability to be seamlessly manufactured at the pilot scale to enable future large animal studies and clinical trials.
Personalisation methods in e‐learning‐A literature review
Authors: Mikić Vladimir , Ilić Miloš , Kopanja Lazar , Vesin Boban
Published: September 2022

Over the years, personalisation in e‐learning has evolved as a promising paradigm for matching learners' specific requirements. Although many literature reviews on personalised e‐learning have been conducted, there are still voids and limitations in the comprehensive literature survey regarding how personalisation might occur in e‐learning environments and benefit the teaching and learning process. In addition, no design guidelines, frameworks, or tools to guide its implementation exist, so practice can vary widely. The principal purpose of this literature review is to examine the subject, provide insights into the use of personalised techniques and systems in e‐learning, and investigate its impact on the engagement and success of the students. This study applies methods of precise selection criteria to determine which of the selected publications have the strongest interconnection and relevance with the topic of e‐learning personalisation. It also categorises the personalisation techniques employed by each identified system and highlights new perspectives and advances in the area.
Smart generation of code tracing questions for assessment in introductory programming
Authors: Stankov Emil , Jovanov Mile , Madevska Bogdanova Ana
Published: September 2022

Teaching programming is a challenging activity nowadays, especially in introductory programming courses, which are typically massively attended. Writing functional programs is a cognitive skill, which many students, novices in programming, find it difficult to master. It is equally challenging to assess this ability of students. Research has shown that students need to learn how to read and understand, before they can learn to write programs. Code tracing questions are a suitable way to assess the knowledge of semantics of programming constructs (understanding what programs do). However, when designing these types of questions, teachers need to be aware of the complexity of the code and must always try to create questions with code snippets of same or similar complexity, especially when preparing different versions of the same test (for large student groups). In this paper we propose a new model for smart automatic generation of code tracing questions. The model uses a suitable source code metric to measure the code complexity, and to enable generation of questions containing code snippets of consistent complexity. We also introduce CodeCPP: a newly developed Moodle plugin, which is an implementation of the proposed model. The evaluation of CodeCPP, through a year‐long use of the system in teaching programming as well as feedback from selected teachers with many years of experience in teaching programming courses, shows positive and promising results. The system utilization confirms that the application of the proposed model enables a fair and objective knowledge assessment. Furthermore, the feedback provided by teachers and students is highly positive.