bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les idéologies québécoises au début du XXIe siècle : bilan d’un renouvellement accéléré du paysage politique (2000-2021)
Authors: Lamy Guillaume
Published: July 2023

Cette contribution propose un survol du renouvellement des idéologies politiques au Québec au début du XXIe siècle. Elle insiste sur les ruptures et les transitions des sujets dans les controverses publiques à partir de l’analyse de 33 périodiques québécois actifs de 2000 à 2021. Cette analyse met en lumière l’installation de nouveaux thèmes qui servent de lignes de fractures dans le paysage politique québécois du tournant du siècle jusqu’à la pandémie de coronavirus. Il en ressort un renouvellement de la gauche à partir des idées antiracistes, décoloniales et environnementales ; une résurgence du conservatisme et du nationalisme par la promotion d’une laïcité non libérale ; un rebond du féminisme à partir d’une variété de thèmes allant du consentement à la pensée queer ; une émergence de mouvances hétéroclites d’extrême droite ; une pénétration marquante de la pensée autochtone dans l’espace public et la genèse des idées antispécistes.
La Coalition Avenir Québec est-elle une nouvelle Union nationale ?*
Authors: Boily Frédéric , Lecours André
Published: July 2023

Ce texte propose une analyse de la Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) à partir d’une comparaison avec l’Union nationale (UN) de Maurice Duplessis. Il s’agit de montrer que la CAQ se compare à l’UN dans la mesure où elle propose de regrouper des courants politiques insatisfaits de l’évolution politique et de les canaliser dans une approche nationaliste similaire à celle défendue par Duplessis, laquelle insiste aussi sur les enjeux économiques. Après avoir examiné le contexte d’émergence qui a permis à la CAQ de se réclamer du nationalisme conservateur, le texte montre que, comme l’UN dans le passé, le parti réinscrit son action dans le courant de l’autonomisme québécois dans un cadre canadien. Cette approche suscite certaines tensions sur la scène intergouvernementale, mais, sur le plan idéologique, elle offre assez de souplesse à la CAQ pour s’imposer comme parti autonomiste, tout comme elle permet d’éviter les affrontements directs avec le gouvernement fédéral même si la contestation de la loi 21 pourrait devenir une pomme de discorde entre ce gouvernement et celui de la CAQ.
De la décolonisation à la décroissance : thématiques émergentes de la gauche québécoise au début du XXIe siècle
Authors: Levy Andrea
Published: July 2023

Cet article propose un tour d’horizon du renouvellement et de la redéfinition de la gauche québécoise au début du XXIe siècle. On y observe que, malgré les tensions et obstacles auxquelles elle fait face, elle a su s’enrichir de la diversité des luttes écologistes, antiracistes et décoloniales. Bien que le mouvement syndical ait cédé son statut de force motrice du progressisme aux mouvements sociaux, et en dépit d’une atténuation indéniable de l’appétit révolutionnaire, il apparaît que la gauche n’a pas pour autant perdu de vue l’horizon d’émancipation générale de toutes et de tous vis-à-vis de la domination économique, politique et culturelle du capitalisme.
Les entrepreneurs libertariens au Québec : une croissance continue depuis 1995
Authors: Laberge Thomas
Published: July 2023

Depuis 1995, les idées libertariennes ne cessent de prendre de l’ampleur au Québec. De nombreux lieux de diffusion idéologique ont émergé et les libertariens se font de plus en plus entendre dans l’espace public. Cet article propose une cartographie des principaux foyers qui propagent ou ont propagé les idées libertariennes au Québec, comme Le Québécois libre, l’Institut économique de Montréal, l’Action démocratique du Québec, le Parti conservateur du Québec, etc. Nous analyserons également les rapports que ces différents lieux entretiennent entre eux, et comment les acteurs libertariens québécois transitent de l’un à l’autre.
Spotless, a reproducible pipeline for benchmarking cell type deconvolution in spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Sang-aram Chananchida , Browaeys Robin , Seurinck Ruth , Saeys Yvan
Published: July 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies allow the profiling of the transcriptome of cells while keeping their spatial context. Since most commercial untargeted ST technologies do not yet operate at single-cell resolution, computational methods such as deconvolution are often used to infer the cell type composition of each sequenced spot. We benchmarked 11 deconvolution methods using 63 silver standards, 3 gold standards, and 2 case studies on liver and melanoma tissues. We developed a simulation engine called synthspot to generate silver standards from single-cell RNA-sequencing data, while gold standards are generated by pooling single cells from targeted ST data. We evaluated methods based on their performance, stability across different reference datasets, and scalability. We found that cell2location and RCTD are the top-performing methods, but surprisingly, a simple regression model outperforms almost half of the dedicated spatial deconvolution methods. Furthermore, we observe that the performance of all methods significantly decreased in datasets with highly abundant or rare cell types. Our results are reproducible in a Nextflow pipeline, which also allows users to generate synthetic data, run deconvolution methods and optionally benchmark them on their dataset (https://github.com/saeyslab/spotless-benchmark).
Spotless: a reproducible pipeline for benchmarking cell type deconvolution in spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Sang-aram Chananchida , Browaeys Robin , Seurinck Ruth , Saeys Yvan
Published: July 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) is an emerging field that aims to profile the transcriptome of a cell while keeping its spatial context. Although the resolution of non-targeted ST technologies has been rapidly improving in recent years, most commercial methods do not yet operate at single-cell resolution. To tackle this issue, computational methods such as deconvolution can be used to infer cell type proportions in each spot by learning cell type-specific expression profiles from reference single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Here, we benchmarked the performance of 11 deconvolution methods using 54 silver standards, 3 gold standards, and one in-depth case study on the liver. The silver standards were generated using our novel simulation engine
synthspot
, where we used six scRNA-seq datasets to create synthetic spots that followed one of nine different biological tissue patterns. The gold standards were generated using imaging-based ST technologies at single-cell resolution. We evaluated method performance based on the root-mean-squared error, area under the precision-recall curve, and Jensen-Shannon divergence. Our evaluation revealed that method performance significantly decreases in datasets with highly abundant or rare cell types. Moreover, we evaluated the stability of each method when using different reference datasets and found that having sufficient number of genes for each cell type is crucial for good performance. We conclude that while RCTD and cell2location are the top-performing methods, a simple off-the-shelf deconvolution method surprisingly outperforms almost half of the dedicated spatial deconvolution methods. Our freely available Nextflow pipeline allows users to generate synthetic data, run deconvolution methods and optionally benchmark them on their dataset (https://github.com/saeyslab/spotless-benchmark).
Metabolic and Neurobehavioral Disturbances Induced by Purine Recycling Deficiency in Drosophila
Authors: Petitgas Céline , Seugnet Laurent , Dulac Amina , Mteyrek Ali , Fima Rebecca , Strehaiano Marion , Dagorret Joana , Chérif-Zahar Baya , Marie Sandrine , Ceballos-Picot Irène , Birman Serge
Published: July 2023

Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is a rare genetic disorder induced by deficiency in hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), an enzyme of the purine salvage pathway. This leads in early age to hyperuricemia and severe neurobehavioral disturbances, including dystonia, spasticity and compulsive self-injury. To date, no treatment is available for these neurological symptoms and no animal model recapitulates all the defects observed in LND patients. Here we studied LND-related mechanisms in the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
. We confirmed that no HGPRT activity is expressed in this organism, where the only purine-recycling enzyme is adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (Aprt). This enzyme is also present in humans but its deficiency does not trigger neurological defects. In contrast, we observed that
Drosophila Aprt
mutants showed both metabolic and neurobehavioral disturbances, including increased uric acid levels, locomotor reactivity impairments, sleep alterations, seizure-like behavior, reduced lifespan, and reduction of adenosine signaling and content. Locomotor defects could be rescued by neuronal
Aprt
re-expression in mutant context and reproduced by knocking down
Aprt
selectively in the protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) clusters of dopaminergic neurons, the mushroom bodies and glia subsets. Ingestion of allopurinol normalized uric acid levels in
Aprt
mutants but not their neurological defects, as is the case in LND patients, whereas feeding adenosine or
N
6
-methyladenosine during development fully rescued the epileptic behavior. Intriguingly, pan-neuronal expression of an LND-associated mutant form of human HGPRT (I42T), but not the wild-type enzyme, resulted in early locomotor defects and seizure in flies, similar to
Aprt
deficiency. Overall, this shows that
Drosophila
can be used as a new model in different ways to better understand LND and seek a cure for this dramatic disease.
Dynamic assessment of the effectiveness of digital game-based literacy training in beginning readers: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Glatz Toivo , Tops Wim , Borleffs Elisabeth , Richardson Ulla , Maurits Natasha , Desoete Annemie , Maassen Ben
Published: July 2023

In this article, we report on a study evaluating the effectiveness of a digital game-based learning (DGBL) tool for beginning readers of Dutch, employing active (math game) and passive (no game) control conditions. This classroom-level randomized controlled trial included 247 first graders from 16 classrooms in the Netherlands and the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. The intervention consisted of 10 to 15 min of daily playing during school time for a period of up to 7 weeks. Our outcome measures included reading fluency, phonological skills, as well as purpose built in-game proficiency levels to measure written lexical decision and letter speech sound association. After an average of 28 playing sessions, the literacy game improved letter knowledge at a scale generalizable for all children in the classroom compared to the two control conditions. In addition to a small classroom wide benefit in terms of reading fluency, we furthermore discovered that children who scored high on phonological awareness prior to training were more fluent readers after extensive exposure to the reading game. This study is among the first to exploit game generated data for the evaluation of DGBL for literacy interventions.
Role of ELK1 in regulating colorectal cancer progression: miR-31-5p/CDIP1 axis in CRC pathogenesis
Authors: Yan Guoqiang , Wang Lei
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor that affects the digestive system. With the increased of modernization of society, the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased throughout the world. As a transcription factor, ELK1 has been widely studied in colorectal cancer. However, there are still many unknown factors regarding its specific mechanism of action.This study explored the role of ELK1 and its downstream pathway in CRC pathogenesis.

Methods

Based on clinical samples, this study examined miR-31-5p expression in CRC cells and its impact on malignant behaviors (migration, invasion, apoptosis) and autophagy. The promoter sequence of miR-31-5p was obtained from the UCSC database, and ELK1 was identified as its transcription factor. In ELK1-knockdown CRC cells, miR-31-5p was overexpressed, and its response in malignant behaviors and autophagy was analyzed. The target gene CDIP1 was predicted and verified using a dual-luciferase assay. The influence of CDIP1 on malignant behavior in CRC cells was assessed, and CDIP1 siRNA was used as a rescue treatment for miR-31-5p inhibition. The role of ELK1/miR-31-5p in tumor growth was validated in vivo.

Results

miR-31-5p expression was upregulated in the colorectal cancer tissues and cells. The knockdown of miR-31-5p markedly inhibited cancer cells’ malignant behaviors and mediated autophagy. ELK1 was confirmed to bind with the miR-31-5p promoter and enhance miR-31-5p transcription. miR-31-5p was found to bind with the CDIP1 3’UTR and inhibit CDIP1 expression. CDIP1 siRNA partially rescued the effects of miR-31-5p knockdown on cell metastatic ability, autophagy, and apoptosis. Based on the in vivo experiments, results showed that the ELK1/miR-31-5p axis positively regulated tumor growth in nude mice.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ELK1 regulates the progression of colorectal cancer via an miR-31-5p/CDIP1 axis, and the ELK1/miR-31-5p/CDIP1 axis could be a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
International fitness scale (IFIS): association with motor performance in children with obesity
Authors: Puci Mariangela Valentina , Cavallo Caterina , Gatti Alessandro , Carnevale Pellino Vittoria , Lucini Daniela , Calcaterra Valeria , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Lovecchio Nicola , Vandoni Matteo
Published: July 2023

Background

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health; and compared with their normal-weight peers, these individuals tend to have a lower level of self-confidence, and consequently lower physical activity adherence. Due to these self-perceived barriers, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online training program on self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) in children with obesity (OB).

Methods

A total of 32 children with OB carried out physical fitness (PF) tests and were asked to complete the International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire. The physical fitness tests were the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), the 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) and the 4 × 10 m sprint test. Children participated in a 3-weekly 60-min training session through Zoom platform. Before the beginning of the training protocol, OB children were compared with normal weight (NW) ones for PF batteries and the IFIS questionnaire. Changes in performances after the training were assessed by paired Student t and Wilcoxon tests.

Results

After the online training program children increased their performance in 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 54.93; p < 0.0001) in SBJ (MD = 10.00; p = 0.0001) and in 4 × 10 m sprint test (MD = −0.78; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in children’s physical fitness perception.

Discussion

Our study highlighted how a structured online training program can lead to improvements in PF of children with OB. Instead, the lack of differences in SRPF after the training suggests interesting questions to be explored on the aspects linked to self-perception. Therefore, even if our training protocol could not directly improve SRPF in children with obesity, the enhancement of their PF could be a starting point for achieving this result with a longer training period and consequently improve PA participation for children with OB.
Salt and osmotic stress can improve the editing efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system in potato
Authors: Ye Mingwang , Yao Mengfan , Li Canhui , Gong Ming
Published: July 2023

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology has been widely used for the study of gene function in crops, but the differences between species have led to widely varying genome editing efficiencies. The present study utilized a potato hairy root genetic transformation system and incorporated a rapid assay with GFP as a screening marker. The results clearly demonstrated that salt and osmotic stress induced by NaCl (10 to 50 mM) and mannitol (50 to 200 mM) treatments significantly increased the positive rates of genetic transformation mediated by A. rhizogenes and the editing efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system in potato. However, it was observed that the regeneration of potato roots was partially inhibited as a result. The analysis of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation types revealed that chimeras accounted for the largest proportion, ranging from 62.50% to 100%. Moreover, the application of salt and osmotic stress resulted in an increased probability of null mutations in potato. Notably, the highest rate of null mutations, reaching 37.5%, was observed at a NaCl concentration of 10 mM. Three potential off-target sites were sequenced and no off-targeting was found. In conclusion, the application of appropriate salt and osmotic stress significantly improved the editing efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system in potato, with no observed off-target effects. However, there was a trade-off as the regeneration of potato roots was partially inhibited. Overall, these findings present a new and convenient approach to enhance the genome editing efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing system in potato.
Overconfidence and Herding Bias on Investment Decisions the Role of Risk Perception as a Mediator
Authors: Purwidianti Wida , Rahmawati Ika Yustina , Dwiyanti Retno
Published: July 2023

Aims: The investment decision is essential in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The behavioral financial theory explains that behavioral biases and risk perceptions of SME owners will influence investment decisions. This study highlights the relationship between overconfidence and herding bias toward investment decisions mediated by Risk Perception.

Study Design: The research population is SME owners in Banyumas Regency. The sample used was 118 SME owners. The data was collected using a questionnaire distributed to SME owners.

Methodology:  This study uses the PLS-SEM analysis tool. The method used to gather the data was purposeful sampling. Test the validity and reliability using the outer model. Hypothesis testing uses the inner model.

Results: The study proves that partial overconfidence and herding bias positively affect risk perception. Overconfidence, herding bias, and Risk Perception positively affect investment decisions. The research results have not been able to prove that there is a mediating effect of risk perception on the relationship between overconfidence and herding bias on investment decisions. This research has theoretical and practical implications. Theoretical implications, especially for developing financial behavioral theory in investment decisions. For practical implications for stakeholders in SME development, it is necessary to pay attention to the behavioral biases in SME owners.
Effect of Graded Levels of Nitrogen with Iron and Zinc Nutrition on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)
Authors: Ravi S. , Rao K. Narayan , Jadhav R. L. , Bhat S. N. , Shankar Kamble Anand
Published: July 2023

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Hagari of Northern dry zone of Karnataka for the two consecutive years 2021-2022 to study the effect of graded levels of nitrogen with iron and zinc nutrition on growth, yield and quality of Pearl Millet. The experiment consists of nine treatments replicated thrice in randomized complete block design (RCBD).The results showed that application of 100 % Recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + Foliar spray of ZnSO4.7H2O + FeSO4.7H2Oat0.5 % each at 30 and 45 days after sowing has recorded higher growth parameters viz., plant height (199.4.cm), number of leaves (18.6), leaf area (3160.7 cm2), leaf area index (4.73) and total dry matter production (259.96 g plant-1) at harvest stage. The yield parameters such as weight of ear head (53.13 g plant-1), grain weight (46.11 g plant-1), test weight (21.84 g), grain yield (1739 kg ha-1), stover yield (2900 kg ha-1) and harvest index (37.48 %) recorded significantly higher in treatment T9 consists of 100 % RDN + Foliar spray of ZnSO4.7H2O + FeSO4.7H2Oat0.5 % each at 30 and 45 days after sowing. The quality parameters like, protein content (19.62 %) and protein yield (341.0 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher in the same treatment. Thus, application of recommended dose of fertilizer along with foliar spray of zinc and iron enhances the growth, yield and quality of pearlmillet.
Resistance of Sugarcane Clones (Saccharum spp.) to Red Rot Disease (Collectorichum falcatum Went) and Analysis of Resistant clone by FTIR
Authors: Ravichandran V. , Ganapathy S. , Shanmuganathan M. , Jayakumar J. , Gayathry G. , Saravanan P. A. , Veeramani P.
Published: July 2023

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important industrial crop and mainly grown for the sugar and jaggery production. The major constraint in the sugarcane cultivation is the outbreak of red rot disease and many high yielding and high sugar varieties succumb to the disease-causing huge reduction in the cane yield and also quality of cane. The disease is very difficult to manage as the pathogen is deep seated in the stalk. Exploitation of the host resistance in viable way to contain the disease. The sugarcane clones developed were screened for resistance to red rot disease by artificial inoculation. Among the 52 clones screened three clones viz., C15632, 16G032 and 16G031 behaved resistant and thirteen clones C15004, C15006, C15011, C15021, C15095, C15157, C15559, C15603, 16G006, 16G087, 16G046, 15G060 and 15G028 behaved moderately resistant to red rot. In the FT-IR analysis of the leaf samples of resistant type clones spectral peaks were found in wave length of 1046 cm-1, 1044 cm-1 and 1068 cm-1 associate with the functional group of the molecule Aliphatic fluoro compound, C-F stretch / Primary alcohol, C-O Stretch / Primary amine, CN stretch / Phosphate / Silicate ions and these functional group of components may be associated for the resistance to the red rot.
Seeking a Balanced View of Child Protective Services
Authors: Dubowitz Howard , Barth Richard P.
Published: July 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the strengths and shortcomings of child protective services, including mandatory reporting policies, with a goal of enhancing its role in ensuring children’s safety and strengthening families.
Environmental Enrichment Improves Motor Function and Muscle Transcriptome of Aged Mice
Authors: Huang Wei , Bates Rhiannon , Zou Xunchang , Queen Nicholas J. , Mo Xiaokui , Arnold W. David , Ray Alissa , Owendoff Gregory , Cao Lei
Published: July 2023

Aging results in the progressive decline of muscle strength. Interventions to maintain muscle strength may mitigate the age‐related loss of physical function, thus maximizing health span. The work on environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm recapitulating aspects of an active lifestyle, has revealed EE‐induced metabolic benefits mediated by a brain‐fat axis across the lifespan of mice. EE initiated at 18‐month of age shows a trend toward an increased mean lifespan. While previous work described EE's influences on the aging dynamics of several central‐peripheral processes, its influence on muscle remained understudied. Here, the impact of EE is investigated on motor function, neuromuscular physiology, and the skeletal muscle transcriptome. EE is initiated in 20‐month‐old mice for a five‐month period. EE mice exhibit greater relative lean mass that is associated with improved mobility and hindlimb grip strength. Transcriptomic profiling of muscle tissue reveals an EE‐associated enrichment of gene expression within several metabolic pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation and the TCA cycle. Many mitochondrial‐related genes—several of which participate in the electron transport chain—are upregulated. Stress‐responsive signaling pathways are downregulated because of EE. The results suggest that EE improves motor function—possibly through preservation of mitochondrial function—even late in life.
Liposomes Co‐Delivering Curcumin and Colistin to Overcome Colistin Resistance in Bacterial Infections
Authors: Qin Chengyuan , Tang Ning , Gan Yingying , Zhao Huimin , Li Yuzhen , Tian Guo‐bao , Yang Yi Yan , Yuan Peiyan , Ding Xin
Published: July 2023

Antibiotic colistin is the last line of defense against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacterial infections. Emergence of colistin resistance in microbes is a critical challenge. Herein, curcumin is discovered, for the first time, to reverse the resistance phenotype of colistin‐resistant bacteria via a checkerboard assay. For the co‐delivery of curcumin and colistin, negatively charged poly(ethylene glycol)‐functionalized liposomes encapsulating both drugs (Lipo‐cc) are prepared. Killing kinetics and live/dead assays confirm the antibacterial activity of Lipo‐cc against colistin‐resistant bacteria, which is more potent than that of the free curcumin and colistin combination. Mechanistical studies reveal that Lipo‐cc restores the affinity of colistin for the bacterial membrane and improves the uptake of curcumin, which leads to reduced efflux pump activity, achieving a synergistic effect of colistin and curcumin. At the effective antibacterial dose, Lipo‐cc does not exhibit any toxicity. The therapeutic efficacy of Lipo‐cc is further demonstrated in an intestinal bacterial infection model induced with colistin‐resistant Escherichia coli. Lipo‐cc reduces the bacterial burden with over 6‐log reduction and alleviated inflammation caused by infection. Importantly, unlike colistin, Lipo‐cc does not affect the homeostasis of the intestinal flora. Taken together, Lipo‐cc successfully overcame colistin resistance, indicating its potential for the treatment of colistin‐resistant bacterial infections.
Personalized 3D‐Printed Scaffolds with Multiple Bioactivities for Bioroot Regeneration
Authors: Huang Yibing , Zhang Zhijun , Bi Fei , Tang Huilin , Chen Jiahao , Huo Fangjun , Chen Jie , Lan Tingting , Qiao Xiangchen , Sima Xiutian , Guo Weihua
Published: July 2023

Recent advances in 3D printing offer a prospective avenue for producing transplantable human tissues with complex geometries; however, the appropriate 3D‐printed scaffolds possessing the biological compatibility for tooth regeneration remain unidentified. This study proposes a personalized scaffold of multiple bioactivities, including induction of stem cell proliferation and differentiation, biomimetic mineralization, and angiogenesis. A brand‐new bioink system comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer is developed and reinforced with extracellular matrix generated from dentin tissue (treated dentin matrix, TDM). Adding TDM optimizes physical properties including microstructure, hydrophilicity, and mechanical strength of the scaffolds. Proteomics analysis reveals that the released proteins of the 3D‐printed TDM scaffolds relate to multiple biological processes and interact closely with each other. Additionally, 3D‐printed TDM scaffolds establish a favorable microenvironment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation in vitro. The 3D‐printed TDM scaffolds are proangiogenic and facilitate whole‐thickness vascularization of the graft in a subcutaneous model. Notably, the personalized TDM scaffold combined with dental follicle cells mimics the anatomy and physiology of the native tooth root three months after in situ transplantation in beagles. The remarkable in vitro and in vivo outcomes suggest that the 3D‐printed TDM scaffolds have multiple bioactivities and immense clinical potential for tooth‐loss therapy.
Mechanism of Action of Oxazoline‐Based Antimicrobial Polymers Against Staphylococcus aureus: In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation
Authors: Concilio Matilde , Garcia Maset Ramón , Lemonche Laia Pasquina , Kontrimas Vito , Song Ji‐Inn , Rajendrakumar Santhosh Kalash , Harrison Freya , Becer C. Remzi , Perrier Sébastien
Published: July 2023

Antimicrobial‐resistant pathogens have reached alarming levels, becoming one of the most pressing global health issues. Hence, new treatments are necessary for the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Synthetic nanoengineered antimicrobial polymers (SNAPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to antimicrobial peptides, overcoming some of their limitations while keeping their key features. Herein, a library of amphiphilic oxazoline‐based SNAPs using cationic ring‐opening polymerization (CROP) is designed. Amphipathic compounds with 70% cationic content exhibit the highest activity against clinically relevant Staphylococcus aureus isolates, maintaining good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action of the lead compounds against S. aureus is assessed using various microscopy techniques, indicating cell membrane disruption, while the cell wall remains unaffected. Furthermore, a potential interaction of the compounds with bacterial DNA is shown, with possible implications on bacterial division. Finally, one of the compounds exhibits high efficacy in vivo in an insect infection model.
A Hyperspectral Camouflage Colorant Inspired by Natural Leaves
Authors: Xie Dongjin , Zu Mei , Li Mingyang , Liu Dongqing , Wang Zi , Li Qingwen , Cheng Haifeng
Published: July 2023

The unmet spectral mimicry of foliar green in camouflage materials is hampered by the lack of colorants with similar spectral properties to chlorophyll, resulting in substantial risks of exposure from hyperspectral target detection. By drawing inspiration from leaf chromogenesis, a microcapsule colorant with a chloroplast‐like structure and chlorophyll‐like absorption is developed, and a generic bilayer coating is designed to provide high spectral similarity to leaves with different growth stages, seasons, and species. Specifically, the microcapsule colorant preserves the monomeric absorption of the internal phthalocyanine and features the manufacturability of conventional pigments, such as amenability to painting and patterning, and compatibility to different substrates. The pigmented artificial leaves successfully deceive the hyperspectral classification algorithm in a foliar background, and outperforming the state‐of‐art spectral simulation materials. This coloration strategy expands the knowledge base of the spectral fine tuning of composite colorants, which are essential for their application in spectral‐resolved optical materials.
A PD‐L1 Antibody‐Conjugated PAMAM Dendrimer Nanosystem for Simultaneously Inhibiting Glycolysis and Promoting Immune Response in Fighting Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Zhi , Cao Weiling , Tang Jingjie , Xia Yi , Peng Ling , Ma Jing
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy affecting women, yet current therapeutic strategies remain ineffective for patients with late‐stage or metastatic disease. Here an effective strategy is reported for treating metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, a self‐assembling dendrimer nanosystem decorated with an antibody against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is established for delivering a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDK1), a kinase involved in cancer metabolism and metastasis. This nanosystem, named PPD, is designed to target PD‐L1 for cancer‐specific delivery of the siRNA to inhibit PDK1 and modulate cancer metabolism while promoting programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/PD‐L1 pathway‐based immunotherapy. Indeed, PPD effectively generates simultaneous inhibition of PDK1‐induced glycolysis and the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway‐related immune response, leading to potent inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis without any notable toxicity in tumor‐bearing mouse models. Collectively, these results highlight the potential use of PPD as an effective and safe tumor‐targeting therapy for breast cancer. This study constitutes a successful proof of principle exploiting the intrinsic features of the tumor microenvironment and metabolism alongside a unique self‐assembling dendrimer platform to achieve specific tumor targeting and siRNA‐based gene silencing in combined and precision cancer therapy.
Sunflower‐Inspired Light‐Tracking System and Spatial Encryption Imaging based on Linear Flexible Perovskite Photodetector Arrays
Authors: Huang Rongqing , Wu Ketai , Li Wanjun , Huang Xinyue , Zhou Sitong , Jiang Shaowei , Fu Yong , Zhao Zhijuan , Mai Wenjie , Zhao Chuanxi
Published: July 2023

Light‐tracking systems and wide‐angle imaging are garnering increasing interest in the field of artificial intelligence due to their benefits to improve the light collection efficiency. Perovskite photodetectors have become the mainstream choice for their high adsorption coefficient, flex‐compatible properties, and low‐cost solution process. However, the fabrication of precise angle‐sensitive flexible detectors remains challenging due to the uncontrollable deposition of photosensitive layers. Herein, wide‐angle‐sensitive linear flexible perovskite photodetector arrays are successfully fabricated. The device exhibits a broad range of 144°, high‐resolution of 2.8°, and long‐term stability of 3000 cycles. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a sunflower‐inspired light‐tracking system with adaptive following performance is illustrated. Furthermore, spatially encrypted imaging is achieved using linear perovskite photodetector arrays coupled with algorithms. This work confirms the superiority of flexible perovskite photodetectors in angle‐sensing and encryption imaging.
On‐Chip Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Enhancement via Slotted Gallium Phosphide Nanodisks at Anapole States
Authors: Yang Yatao , Wang Yifan , Yan Yongxian , Cheng Weiren , Zhao Qiancheng , Li Yi
Published: July 2023

Surface‐enhanced fluorescence of single emitters lies at the heart of single‐molecule DNA sequencers as well as quantum light sources. The state‐of‐the‐art metallic nanoapertures are impaled in a dilemma between enhancing radiative decays and minimizing nonradiative issues such as quenching and resistive heating. Here, lossless gallium phosphide slotted nanodisks are proposed that operate at anapole states by in‐plane excitation, precisely aligning the optical “hot spots” with fluidic focuses of zeptomolar sensing volume. Unlike traditional microscopic configurations, this proposed scheme excited via butt‐coupled in‐plane waveguides not only exhibits averagely 12.4× excitation enhancement growth for a single emitter located in the slot, but also enables precise manipulation of the local density of optical states which gives rise to 13.2× when QY0 = 0.003. Surprisingly, directional collection from the excitation waveguide appears in the optimal approach rather than the collection from a CMOS camera at the bottom. The overall on‐chip fluorescent enhancement is benchmarked with the four dyes’ colors, lowering the excitation power to 5.3% of contemporary zero‐mode waveguide (ZMW) devices.
Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Co‐Decorated Molecular Organic Network Adsorbed on Graphene
Authors: Abbasian Hamed
Published: July 2023

First‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) are performed for investigating the electronic and magnetic properties of a heterostructure formed by Co‐decorated trimesic acid (TMA) self‐assembling network (SAN) adsorbed on graphene. The concentration and spatial position of Co adatom on graphene is regulated by the architecture of SAN. The obtained optimized geometry shows that Co adatom ends up at the top of a C atom on graphene in the heterostructure. The spin‐polarized calculations upon Co‐SAN/G, illustrate that Co adsorption on top site, which is favored by the self‐assembling network, causes an alternating change in the local density of states (LDOS) of graphene that consequently gives rise to sublattice symmetry‐breaking effects reflected in the different gap opening at K valleys. It is demonstrated that a single Co atom adsorbed on top of a C atom on graphene generates similar physical properties as Co‐SAN/G and, in fact, the SAN acts as a template for patterning Co on graphene without interfering with the magnetic properties originated from the adsorbate. Furthermore, Co atoms in the Co‐SAN/G structure, which are localized on just one sublattice type and separated by 10 Å in a triangular lattice, constitute ferromagnetically aligned spin centers.
Octupole Last‐Passage Algorithm for Charge Density on the Fichera‐Corner Conducting Surface
Authors: Jang Hoseung , Yu Unjong , Hwang Chi‐Ok
Published: July 2023

In a series of papers, it has been developing last‐passage algorithms such as last‐passage algorithm and off‐centered last‐passage algorithm on a flat conducting surface, quadrupole last‐passage algorithm on an L‐shaped conducting surface and so on, held at (non)constant potentials. In this paper, it further develops the last‐passage algorithms on the Fichera‐corner (cubic trihedral) conducting flat surface. To demonstrate the algorithm, it computes charge densities on the Fichera‐corner conducting surface in 3D space and finds that the results agree very well with the ones from the Given‐Hwang's original last‐passage algorithm on a flat surface. Compared with the Given‐Hwang's last‐passage algorithm, the octupole last‐passage one is very suitable for computing charge density near the corner of the Fichera‐corner conducting surface.
Simultaneous design and NMPC control under uncertainty and structural decisions: A discrete‐steepest descent algorithm
Authors: Palma‐Flores Oscar , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A. , Biegler Lorenz T.
Published: July 2023

In this article, we address the integration of design and nonlinear model‐based control under uncertainty and structural decisions for naturally ordered structures. We propose an algorithmic framework to determine the optimal location of process units or streams over an ordered discrete set that operates in closed‐loop with a model‐based controller. The formulation corresponds to a mixed‐integer bilevel problem (MIBLP) that is transformed into a single‐level mixed‐integer nonlinear problem (MINLP) using a KKT transformation strategy. In our methodology, the integer decisions are partitioned into subsets calledexternal variables, such that the MINLP is decomposed into an integer‐basedmasterproblem andprimalsubproblems with fixed discrete variables. Themasterandprimalproblems are solved using a Discrete‐Steepest Descent Algorithm (D‐SDA). We illustrate the discrete‐based methodology in a case study for a binary distillation column. The D‐SDA showed an improved performance compared to a benchmark continuous‐based formulation using differentiable distribution functions (DDFs).
Surface‐Controlled CdS/Ti3C2 MXene Schottky Junction for Highly Selective and Active Photocatalytic Dehydrogenation‐Reductive Amination
Authors: Han Yi‐Wen , Ye Lei , Gong Tian‐Jun , Fu Yao
Published: July 2023

Photocatalytic valorization and selective transformation of biomass‐derived platform compounds offer great opportunities for efficient utilization of renewable resources under mild conditions. Here, the novel three‐dimensional hierarchical flower‐like CdS/Ti3C2 Schottky junction (MCdS) composed of surface‐controlled CdS and pretreated Ti3C2 MXene is created for photocatalytic dehydrogenation‐reductive amination of biomass‐derived amino acid production under ambient temperature with unprecedented activity and selectivity. Schottky junction efficiently promotes photoexcited charge migration and separation and inhibits photogenerated electron‐hole recombination, which results in a super‐high activity. Meanwhile, CdS with the reduced surface energy supplies sufficient hydrogen sources for imine reduction and induces the preferential orientation of alanine, thus contributing superior selectivity. Moreover, a wide range of hydroxyl acids are successfully converted into corresponding amino acids and even one‐pot conversion of glucose to alanine is easily achieved over MCdS. This work illustrates the mechanism of crystal orientation control and heterojunction construction in controlling catalytic behavior of photocatalytic nanoreactor, providing a paradigm for construction of MXene‐based heterostructure.
Molecular studies regarding colon cancer cell line (HCT116) treated by new ruthenium and palladium complexes
Authors: Mohamed Magda F. , Kashmiry Alaa A. , Hassan Safaa S.
Published: July 2023

Ru(H2dtpa) (H2O) and Pd (DME)Cl2 were prepared, and their structures were confirmed by different structural tools. [Ru(H4dtpa) (cysteine)] Cl was separated as a model for the interaction of Ru (III) complex containing DTPA ligand with its corresponding most active amino acid and the geometrical parameters for the ternary complex and their constituent ligands are evaluated. Cytotoxicity was examined for both complexes against different cancer cell lines (HCT116, A549 and Mcf7). They were tested against a normal human lung cell line (W138). In addition, both complexes ensured cytocidal, not cytostatic effect. Several molecular tools were utilized in order to figure out the mechanism of action that two complexes followed to inhibit human colon cancer (HCT116) cell line. Gene expression analysis, cell cycle assay, genomic DNA analysis, and apoptosis were a molecular techniques that proved both Ru(H2dtpa) (H2O) and Pd (DME)Cl2 complexes were promising and effective chemotherapeutic agents against colon carcinoma in this current study. So, authors recommended more in vivo future studies should be done to make sure of complexes bioactivity and safety before they would be used commercially.
Study on the preparation of paper‐based barrier coatings with organosilicon modified acrylate lotion and its barrier mechanism
Authors: Yang Jingxue , Xu Baoming , Wang Na , Wang Xinhui , Li Yao , Zhang Heng
Published: July 2023

Based on the requirements of resource conservation and environmental development, an important factor for paper‐based materials to be able to completely replace plastic materials in the packaging field is their ability to achieve high‐barrier performance, especially thermal barrier performance under extreme working conditions. In this paper, we report the preparation of paper‐based high‐barrier materials utilizing silicone modified acrylate emulsions as coatings, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their application performance. The test results show that the Cobb value reaches 15.71 g/m2, the Kit grade reaches up to 10, and can slow down the penetration rate of castor oil at 80°C within 24 h. Based on our characterization results, we have constructed a microscopic model of paper‐based barrier material and analyzed the barrier mechanism of silicone emulsion coated paper from a molecular perspective. These findings offer valuable insights into the preparation of paper‐based barrier materials, providing process methods and application data.
Intraosseous epidermoid cyst of distal phalanx—Report of two cases
Authors: Kim Dong Hwan , Noh Jung Ho
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Intraosseous epidermoid cysts in this report were related to a previous injury. A careful history taking is necessary to make a correct impression on the lesion. Definite diagnosis is made by histologic study.

This report presents two cases of intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the finger treated with curettage and autogenous bone graft. Radiographs showed a radiolucent lesion with a sclerotic margin. Histologic examination revealed a cystic wall consisting of stratified squamous epithelial cells and keratinized material in the cyst, consistent with an epidermoid cyst.
(Bio)Functionalisation of Metal–Organic Polyhedra by Using Click Chemistry
Authors: Hernández‐López Laura , von Baeckmann Cornelia , Martínez‐Esaín Jordi , Cortés‐Martínez Alba , Faraudo Jordi , Caules Caterina , Parella Teodor , Maspoch Daniel , Carné‐Sánchez Arnau
Published: July 2023

The surface chemistry of Metal–Organic Polyhedra (MOPs) is crucial to their physicochemical properties because it governs how they interact with external substances such as solvents, synthetic organic molecules, metal ions, and even biomolecules. Consequently, the advancement of synthetic methods that facilitate the incorporation of diverse functional groups onto MOP surfaces will significantly broaden the range of properties and potential applications for MOPs. This study describes the use of copper(I)‐catalysed, azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reactions to post‐synthetically modify the surface of alkyne‐functionalised cuboctahedral MOPs. To this end, a novel Rh(II)‐based MOP with 24 available surface alkyne groups was synthesised. Each of the 24 alkyne groups on the surface of the “clickable” Rh‐MOP can react with azide‐containing molecules at room temperature, without compromising the integrity of the MOP. The wide substrate catalogue and orthogonal nature of CuAAC click chemistry was exploited to densely functionalise MOPs with diverse functional groups, including polymers, carboxylic and phosphonic acids, and even biotin moieties, which retained their recognition capabilities once anchored onto the surface of the MOP.
Post‐Installation of Fused Benzoheptagons at the Periphery of NiII Porphyrins: Helical Structures and Conformation‐Adjustable Fullerenes Binding
Authors: Wang Kaisheng , Rao Yutao , Xu Ling , Zhou Mingbo , Aratani Naoki , Osuka Atsuhiro , Song Jianxin
Published: July 2023

Fused‐benzoheptagon‐installed NiII porphyrins were synthesized by a protocol consisting of (2‐formyl)arylation at the meso‐position(s) of NiII porphyrins, conversion of formyl group to methoxyethene group by Wittig reaction, and final Bi(OTf)3‐catalyzed cyclization. The structures of these porphyrins have been revealed by X‐ray analysis. Owing to the installed heptagon ring(s), these porphyrins show curved structures with conformational flexibility. Dimer has been shown to have a small activation barrier for inversion and to capture C60 and C70 with large association constants with adjustable conformational changes.
A calibration method to stabilize estimation with missing data
Authors: Chen Baojiang , Yuan Ao , Qin Jing
Published: July 2023

The augmented inverse weighting (AIW) estimator is commonly used to estimate the marginal mean of an outcome because of its doubly robust property. However, the AIW estimator can be severely biased if both the propensity score (PS) and the outcome regression (OR) models are misspecified. One possible reason is that misspecification of the PS or OR model yields extreme values in these models, which can have a great influence on the marginal mean estimate. In this article, we propose a calibrated AIW estimator for the marginal mean, which can control the influence of these extreme values and provide a stable marginal mean estimator. The proposed estimator also enjoys the doubly robust property. We also extend this method to handle high‐dimensional covariates in PS and OR models. Asymptotic results are also developed. Extensive simulation studies show that the proposed method performs better in most cases than existing approaches by providing a more stable estimate. We apply this method to an AIDS clinical trial study.
Extending OCCI for an autonomous SLA negotiation strategy in federated clouds
Authors: Bouabdallah Raouia , Fakhfakh Fairouz
Published: July 2023

Each cloud service provider provides only an interface of its own cloud infrastructure for enabling clients to use its cloud resources. However, there is a number of difficulties for cloud providers to ensure proper functioning. One of the main problems of a cloud provider is the lack of resources to support a huge number of on‐demand resources provisioning. Thus, resources cannot be distributed among different cloud providers since the federation is not the basic operation of the cloud provider. The most efficient way to overcome this problem is to extend the interface's cloud provider with an automatic negotiation to dynamically form the best agreement between the different cloud providers based on the service level agreement. In this article, we propose an extension for the Open Cloud Computing Interface which is the standardized interface for the cloud computing to support the automatic negotiation between the different cloud providers. To prove the efficiency and the effectiveness of our approach, we implement a prototype to evaluate the key presented in this article.