bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast Non‐Equilibrium Synthesis of Cathode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhang Jingchao , Luo Jiawei , Zeng Cuihua , Su Hai , Zhang Jinfeng , Liu Rui , Hu Enyuan , Liu Yuansheng , Liu Wei‐Di , Chen Yanan , Hu Wenbin , Xu Yunhua
Published: November 2022

The synthesis of cathode materials plays an important role in determining the production efficiency, cost, and performance of lithium‐ion batteries. However, conventional synthesis methods always experience a slow heating rate and involve a complicated multistep reaction process and sluggish reaction dynamics, leading to high energy and long time consumption. Herein, a high‐temperature shock (HTS) strategy is reported for the ultrafast synthesis of cathode materials in seconds. The HTS process experiences an ultrahigh heating rate, leading to a non‐equilibrium reaction and fast reaction kinetics, and avoids high energy and long time consumption. Mainstream cathode materials (such as LiMn2O4, LiCoO2, LiFePO4, and Li‐rich layered oxide/NiO heterostructured material) are successfully synthesized with pure phases, oxygen vacancies, ultrasmall particle sizes, and good electrochemical performance. The HTS process not only provides an efficient synthesis approach for cathode materials, but also can be extended beyond lithium‐ion batteries.
Counteracting the Activity‐Diastereoselectivity Trade‐Off of l‐Threonine Aldolase by Regulating the Proton Transfer Microenvironment
Authors: Fang Sai , Yu Haoran , Xiao Lanxin , Wang Zhe , Lei Yixuan , Xu Gang , Yang Lirong , Zheng Wenlong , Wu Jianping
Published: November 2022

l‐threonine aldolase (LTA) is a vital tool for the production of β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids, important pharmaceutical intermediates with two chiral centres. However, the trade‐off between activity and diastereoselectivity seriously hinders the application of LTA. Here, microenvironment of the proton transfer was regulated to improve the enzyme activity while avoiding the loss of diastereoselectivity. A combinatorial active‐site saturation test (CAST) strategy was applied to engineer the microenvironment of the key histidines H86 and H128 involved in proton transfer. Except for the amino acid residues tunning diastereoselectivity, a total of 18 (9+9) residues lining around H86 and H128 were investigated. As a result, two variants, RS1‐T92V and RS1‐E123R, were obtained with specific activity from 9.61 U/mg to 11.24 U/mg and 14.41 U/mg, respectively. By combinatorial mutagenesis, a double‐point mutant RS1‐VR (T92V/E123R) was obtained with specific activity reaching 18.65 U/mg that was two‐fold of the original strain (RS1). Notably, the mutant RS1‐VR remained a high de value of 94.21%. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provided insights into the mechanism of activity‐diastereoselectivity trade‐off. The improvement of microenvironment contributes to reduce the swing amplitude of the side chain of H86, resulting in the proton transfer more efficient. This work provides a strategy of regulating the proton transfer microenvironment for counteracting the trade‐off between activity and diastereoselectivity in protein engineering.

magnified image
Photoredox (NN)Mn(I) Catalysed Acceptorless Dehydrogenation: Synthesis of Amides, Aldehydes and Ketones
Authors: Joshi Abhisek , Kumari Saloni , Kundu Sabuj
Published: November 2022

An acceptorless dehydrogenative methodology for the synthesis of amides, aldehydes and ketones from hemiaminal and alcohols in the presence of manganese(I) based photocatalyst is developed. Several aromatic, aliphatic, heterocyclic aldehydes and primary aryl amines as well as secondary alkyl amines were coupled, providing the corresponding amides. The methodology was also extended for dehydrogenation of various alcohols to get the corresponding carbonyls. The proposed catalytic cycle was supported by various control experiments as well as different analytical techniques such as NMR, IR and ESI‐MS.

magnified image
The phylogeny of Syntrichia: An ecologically diverse clade of mosses with an origin in South America
Authors: Jauregui‐Lazo Javier , Brinda John C. ,   GoFlag Consortium, Mishler Brent D.
Published: November 2022

Premise

To address the biodiversity crisis, we need to understand the evolution of all organisms and how they fill geographic and ecological space. Syntrichia is one of the most diverse and dominant genera of mosses, ranging from alpine habitats to desert biocrusts, yet its evolutionary history remains unclear.

Methods

We present a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Syntrichia, based on both molecular and morphological data, with most of the named species and closest outgroups represented. In addition, we provide ancestral‐state reconstructions of water‐related traits and a global biogeographic analysis.

Results

We found 10 major well‐resolved subclades of Syntrichia that possess geographical or morphological coherence, in some cases representing previously accepted genera. We infer that the extant species diversity of Syntrichia likely originated in South America in the early Eocene (56.5–43.8 million years ago [Mya]), subsequently expanded its distribution to the neotropics, and finally dispersed to the northern hemisphere. There, the clade experienced a recent diversification (15–12 Mya) into a broad set of ecological niches (e.g., the S. caninervis and S. ruralis complexes). The transition from terricolous to either saxicolous or epiphytic habitats occurred more than once and was associated with changes in water‐related traits.

Conclusions

Our study provides a framework for understanding the evolutionary history of Syntrichia through the combination of morphological and molecular characters, revealing that migration events that shaped the current distribution of the clade have implications for morphological character evolution in relation to niche diversity.
Recent Advances in the Nickel‐catalysed Electrochemical Coupling Reactions with a Focus on the Type of Bond Formed
Authors: Jose Jisna , Diana Elizabeth J. , Kanchana U. S. , Mathew Thomas V.
Published: November 2022

Despite being around for many decades, electrochemical metal catalysis has recently widened the realm of electrochemical synthesis by merging sustainable electrosynthesis and tremendous metal catalysis. As the electric current can be controlled to stimulate the development of reactive intermediates and catalysts without the use of external oxidising or reducing agents and considering that it is more selective, generates less waste, and works under reasonable conditions, this strategy represents an eco‐friendly and economically sustainable method. Nickel can be used efficiently in electrochemical metal‐catalysed reactions owing to its inexpensive nature, high reactivity towards less reactive electrophiles and unique single electron transfer (SET) catalytic cycle. This review covers the recent advances in nickel‐catalysed electrochemical coupling reactions from 2017 to 2022, with a focus on different reactions that forge C−C or C‐heteroatom bonds.
Hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia as modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and dementia: New evidence, potential therapeutic strategies, and biomarkers
Authors: Carey Ashley , Fossati Silvia
Published: November 2022

This review summarizes recent evidence on how mid‐life hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and blood pressure variability, as well as late‐life hypotension, exacerbate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia risk. Intriguingly, HHcy also increases the risk for hypertension, revealing the importance of understanding the relationship between comorbid cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension‐induced dementia presents more evidently in women, highlighting the relevance of sex differences in the impact of cardiovascular risk. We summarize each major antihypertensive drug class's effects on cognitive impairment and AD pathology, revealing how carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, diuretics modulating cerebral blood flow, have recently gained preclinical evidence as promising treatment against AD. We also report novel vascular biomarkers for AD and dementia risk, highlighting those associated with hypertension and HHcy. Importantly, we propose that future studies should consider hypertension and HHcy as potential contributors to cognitive impairment, and that uncovering the underlying molecular mechanisms and biomarkers would aid in the identification of preventive strategies.
Dimethyl Fumarate Delays Multiple Sclerosis in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome
Authors: Okuda Darin T. , Kantarci Orhun , Lebrun‐Frénay Christine , Sormani Maria Pia , Azevedo Christina J. , Bovis Francesca , Hua Le H. , Amezcua Lilyana , Mowry Ellen M. , Hotermans Christophe , Mendoza Jason , Walsh John S. , von Hehn Christian , Vargas Wendy S. , Donlon Stacy , Naismith Robert T. , Okai Annette , Pardo Gabriel , Repovic Pavle , Stüve Olaf , Siva Aksel , Pelletier Daniel
Published: November 2022

Objective

The radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) represents the earliest detectable pre‐clinical phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated the impact of therapeutic intervention in preventing first symptom manifestation at this stage in the disease spectrum.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐center, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study involving people with RIS. Individuals without clinical symptoms typical of MS but with incidental brain MRI anomalies consistent with central nervous system (CNS) demyelination were included. Within 12 MS centers in the United States, participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to oral dimethyl fumarate (DMF) 240 mg twice daily or placebo. The primary endpoint was the time to onset of clinical symptoms attributable to a CNS demyelinating event within a follow‐up period of 96 weeks. An intention‐to‐treat analysis was applied to all participating individuals in the primary and safety investigations. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02739542 (ARISE).

Results

Participants from 12 centers were recruited from March 9, 2016, to October 31, 2019, with 44 people randomized to dimethyl fumarate and 43 to placebo. Following DMF treatment, the risk of a first clinical demyelinating event during the 96‐week study period was highly reduced in the unadjusted Cox proportional‐hazards regression model (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05–0.63, p = 0.007). More moderate adverse reactions were present in the DMF (34 [32%]) than placebo groups (19 [21%]) but severe events were similar (DMF, 3 [5%]; placebo, 4 [9%]).

Interpretation

This is the first randomized clinical trial demonstrating the benefit of a disease‐modifying therapy in preventing a first acute clinical event in people with RIS. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:604–614
Medium/High‐Entropy Amalgamated Core/Shell Nanoplate Achieves Efficient Formic Acid Catalysis for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhan Changhong , Bu Lingzheng , Sun Haoran , Huang Xingwei , Zhu Zhipeng , Yang Tang , Ma Haibin , Li Leigang , Wang Yucheng , Geng Hongbo , Wang Weizhen , Zhu Huaze , Pao Chih‐Wen , Shao Qi , Yang Zhiqing , Liu Wei , Xie Zhaoxiong , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2022

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have been attracting extensive research interests in designing advanced nanomaterials, while their precise control is still in the infancy stage. Herein, we have reported a well‐defined PtBiPbNiCo hexagonal nanoplates (HEA HPs) as high‐performance electrocatalysts. Structure analysis decodes that the HEA HP is constructed with PtBiPb medium‐entropy core and PtBiNiCo high‐entropy shell. Significantly, the HEA HPs can reach the specific and mass activities of 27.2 mA cm−2 and 7.1 A mgPt−1 for formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR), being the record catalyst ever achieved in Pt‐based catalysts, and can realize the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) power density (321.2 mW cm−2) in fuel cell. Further experimental and theoretical analyses collectively evidence that the hexagonal intermetallic core/atomic layer shell structure and multi‐element synergy greatly promote the direct dehydrogenation pathway of formic acid molecule and suppress the formation of CO*.
High Power‐ and Energy‐Density Supercapacitors through the Chlorine Respiration Mechanism
Authors: Fan Xiaotong , Huang Kai , Chen Long , You Haipeng , Yao Menglei , Jiang Hao , Zhang Ling , Lian Cheng , Gao Xiangwen , Li Chunzhong
Published: November 2022

Supercapacitor represents an important electrical energy storage technology with high‐power performance and superior cyclability. However, currently commercialized supercapacitors still suffer limited energy densities. Here we report an unprecedentedly respiring supercapacitor with chlorine gas iteratively re‐inspires in porous carbon materials, that improves the energy density by orders of magnitude. Both electrochemical results and theoretical calculations show that porous carbon with pore size around 3 nm delivers the best chlorine evolution and adsorption performance. The respiring supercapacitor with multi‐wall carbon nanotube as the cathode and NaTi2(PO4)3 as the anode can store specific energy of 33 Wh kg−1 with negligible capacity loss over 30 000 cycles. The energy density can be further improved to 53 Wh kg−1 by replacing NaTi2(PO4)3 with zinc anode. Furthermore, thanks to the extraordinary reaction kinetics of chlorine gas, this respiring supercapacitor performs an extremely high‐power density of 50 000 W kg−1.
Predicting Collagen Triple Helix Stability through Additive Effects of Terminal Residues and Caps
Authors: Fiala Tomas , Barros Emilia P. , Heeb Rahel , Riniker Sereina , Wennemers Helma
Published: November 2022

Collagen model peptides (CMPs) consisting of proline‐(2S,4R)‐hydroxyproline‐glycine (POG) repeats have provided a breadth of knowledge of the triple helical structure of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals. Predictive tools for triple helix stability have, however, lagged behind since the effect of CMPs with different frames ([POG]n, [OGP]n, or [GPO]n) and capped or uncapped termini have so far been underestimated. Here, we elucidated the impact of the frame, terminal functional group and its charge on the stability of collagen triple helices. Combined experimental and theoretical studies with frame‐shifted, capped and uncapped CMPs revealed that electrostatic interactions, strand preorganization, interstrand H‐bonding, and steric repulsion at the termini contribute to triple helix stability. We show that these individual contributions are additive and allow for the prediction of the melting temperatures of CMP trimers.
Engineering Covalent Organic Frameworks with Polyethylene Glycol as Self‐Sustained Humidity‐Responsive Actuators
Authors: Mao Tianhui , Liu Zhaoyi , Guo Xiuxiu , Wang Zhifang , Liu Jinjin , Wang Ting , Geng Shubo , Chen Yao , Cheng Peng , Zhang Zhenjie
Published: November 2022

Regarding the global energy crisis, it is of profound significance to develop spontaneous power generators that harvest natural energy. Fabricating humidity‐responsive actuators that can conduct such energy transduction is of paramount importance. Herein, we incorporate covalent organic frameworks with flexible polyethylene glycol to fabricate rigid‐flexible coupled membrane actuators. This strategy significantly improves the mechanical properties and humidity‐responsive performance of the actuators, meanwhile, the existence of ordered structures enables us to unveil the actuation mechanism. These high‐performance actuators can achieve various actuation applications and exhibit interesting self‐oscillation behavior above a water surface. Finally, after being coupled with a piezoelectric film, the bilayer device can spontaneously output electricity over 2 days. This work paves a new avenue to fabricate rigid‐flexible coupled actuators for self‐sustained energy transduction.
Synthesis of phenolphthalein/bisphenol A‐based poly(arylene ether nitrile) copolymers: Preparation and properties of films
Authors: Li Jingcheng , Zhang Shuai , Liu Xiaobo
Published: November 2022

Poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) is a class of high‐performance engineering plastics of poly(arylene ether) with cyano groups as side groups, which can get improved thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties through simple molecular structure design. In this work, a series of PEN (BPA/PP based PEN) copolymers were synthesized with varying amounts of phenolphthalein and bisphenol A. The influence of the copolymer molecular structure variations on the thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of PEN copolymer films was investigated. The results demonstrated that the BPA/PP based PEN copolymer films have great mechanical properties and low dielectric constant, as well as enhanced thermal properties. The highest 5% weight loss temperature of 494.9°C was obtained by PEN‐B7P3, while the highest glass transition temperature of 238.6°C was obtained by PEN‐B3P7. Porous BPA/PP based PEN films prepared by non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties and the highest tensile strength of 9.4 MPa was achieved. Moreover, the introduction of the phenolphthalein structure into the PEN molecular chain can improve the heat resistance of the PEN copolymers without deteriorating the dielectric properties, which gives the copolymers great potential as candidates for applications in flexible electronics and wireless communication.
F3‐functionalized nanoscale metal–organic frameworks for tumor‐targeting combined chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Jia , Cong Yiyang , Zeng Yawen , He Yiming , Luo Ying , Lu Weifei , Xu Haixing , Yin Yihua , Hong Hao , Xu Wenjin
Published: November 2022

Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs) have attracted much attention as emerging porous materials as drug delivery carriers. Appropriate surface modification of them can greatly improve stability and introduce biocompatibility and cancer targeting functionality into drug delivery systems. Herein, we prepared nano‐sized MIL‐101(Fe)‐N3 and loaded anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) into it. The synthetic polymer layer Alkyne‐PLA‐PEG was then attached to the F3 peptide (labeled as Alkyne‐PLA‐PEG‐F3), and the surface of DOX/MIL‐101(Fe)‐N3 was covalently modified with it to obtain DOX/MIL‐101‐PLA‐PEG‐F3. Nano‐sized MIL‐101(Fe)‐N3 has high drug loading capacity and the modification of MIL‐101(Fe)‐N3 by polymer Alkyne‐PLA‐PEG not only improved the dispersion, but also avoided the sudden release of the drugs and increased the biocompatibility of nanocarriers. The F3 peptide introduced into the nanocarriers also enabled it to specifically target tumor tissues and achieved active targeted drug delivery. As a nucleolin‐mediated endocytosis drug delivery system, DOX/MIL‐101‐PLA‐PEG‐F3 can not only deliver anticancer drugs to tumors accurately, but also participate in Fenton‐like reaction to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for chemodynamic therapy (CDT), thus enabling combination therapy. It holds great promise as drug candidates to reduce systemic toxicity and improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Effect of the nanoparticles on the morphology and mechanical performance of thermally blown 3D printed HIPS foams
Authors: Zarybnicka Klara , Lepcio Petr , Svatik Juraj , Jancar Josef , Ondreas Frantisek
Published: November 2022

Cellular polymer nanocomposites can combine high mechanical performance with low density. However, the manufacturing of porous nanocomposites into complex shapes can represent a challenge. Therefore, this article deals with the preparation, characterization, and 3D printing of porous nanocomposites. The filaments were extruded from the polymer nanocomposite filled by thermal chemical blowing agent, and then processed by 3D printing into the required shapes. In‐situ and post‐treatment foaming strategies were investigated and compared. The nanoparticles (NPs) significantly affected the processing, structure, thermal and mechanical properties of polymeric foams. The NPs, serving as a nucleating agent, allowed preparation of smaller pores and led to finer and more homogeneous foams. At the same time, they reinforced foam walls and thus improved mechanical properties. Moreover, NPs catalyzed decomposition of the blowing agent grains at lower temperature which brought about faster and more efficient foaming. This study showed the straightforward approach to prepare mechanically robust lightweight 3D printed materials.
Diversity and Clonality of T Cell Receptor Repertoire and Antigen Specificities in Small Joints of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Turcinov Sara , af Klint Erik , Van Schoubroeck Bertrand , Kouwenhoven Arlette , Mia Sohel , Chemin Karine , Wils Hans , Van Hove Carl , De Bondt An , Keustermans Ken , Van Houdt Jeroen , Reumers Joke , Felix Nathan , Rao Navin L. , Peeters Pieter , Stevenaert Frederik , Klareskog Lars , McKinnon Murray , Baker Daniel , Suri Anish , Malmström Vivianne
Published: November 2022

Objective

CD4+ T cells are implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology from the strong association between RA and certain HLA class II gene variants. This study was undertaken to examine the synovial T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, T cell phenotypes, and T cell specificities in small joints of RA patients at time of diagnosis before therapeutic intervention.

Methods

Sixteen patients, of whom 11 patients were anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive and 5 patients were ACPA–, underwent ultrasound‐guided synovial biopsy of a small joint (n = 13) or arthroscopic synovial biopsy of a large joint (n = 3), followed by direct sorting of single T cells for paired sequencing of the αβ TCR together with flow cytometry analysis. TCRs from expanded CD4+ T cell clones of 4 patients carrying an HLA–DRB1*04:01 allele were artificially reexpressed to study antigen specificity.

Results

T cell analysis demonstrated CD4+ dominance and the presence of peripheral helper T–like cells in both patient groups. We identified >4,000 unique TCR sequences, as well as 225 clonal expansions. Additionally, T cells with double α‐chains were a recurring feature. We identified a biased gene usage of the Vβ chain segment TRBV20‐1 in CD4+ cells from ACPA+ patients. In vitro stimulation of T cell lines expressing selected TCRs with an extensive panel of citrullinated and viral peptides identified several different virus‐specific TCRs (e.g., human cytomegalovirus and human herpesvirus 2). Still, the majority of clones remained orphans with unknown specificity.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive biopsies of the RA synovium allow for single‐cell TCR sequencing and phenotyping. Clonally expanded, viral‐reactive T cells account for part of the diverse CD4+ T cell repertoire. TRBV20‐1 bias in ACPA+ patients suggests recognition of common antigens.

image
Bias against scientific novelty: A prepublication perspective
Authors: Liang Zhentao , Mao Jin , Li Gang
Published: November 2022

Novel ideas often experience resistance from incumbent forces. While evidence of the bias against novelty has been widely identified in science, there is still a lack of large‐scale quantitative work to study this problem occurring in the prepublication process of manuscripts. This paper examines the association between manuscript novelty and handling time of publication based on 778,345 articles in 1,159 journals indexed by PubMed. Measuring the novelty as the extent to which manuscripts disrupt existing knowledge, we found systematic evidence that higher novelty is associated with longer handling time. Matching and fixed‐effect models were adopted to confirm the statistical significance of this pattern. Moreover, submissions from prestigious authors and institutions have the advantage of shorter handling time, but this advantage is diminishing as manuscript novelty increases. In addition, we found longer handling time is negatively related to the impact of manuscripts, while the relationships between novelty and 3‐ and 5‐year citations are U‐shape. This study expands the existing knowledge of the novelty bias by examining its existence in the prepublication process of manuscripts.
Surface Coating of Amorphous TiOx Enables Efficient Vapor‐fed Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting with Substantial Apparent Quantum Yield
Authors: Zhao Meng , Zhang Guigang
Published: November 2022

Photocatalytic overall water splitting represents a promising strategy for sustainable hydrogen production. However, photocorrosion and dissolution of photocatalysts and cocatalysts are common concern for the solid‐liquid phase reaction. Recently, the above issues could be addressed by Domen and coworkers, when the photocatalytic water splitting was conducted in the presence of water vapor, which dramatically restrain the undesired corrosion of the photocatalysts and cocatalysts. Besides, surface decoration of hygroscopic TiOx layer promotes adsorption of water molecules and prevents the corrosion process. In addition, vapor‐fed photocatalytic water splitting remains considerable apparent quantum yield compared with the liquid water photocatalytic overall water splitting at pressurized condition, which endows great potential in practical application.
Marrying a Non‐Flammable Phosphate Solvent with Lithium Nitrate: Novel Electrolyte for Intrinsically Safe and High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Hieu , Duong Pham Thuy , Bin Faheem Abdullah , Min Oh Hye , Lee Kyung‐Koo
Published: November 2022

The formation of lithium (Li) dendrites and deterioration of the mechanical integrity of Nickel (Ni)‐rich cathodes directly hinder the commercialization of high‐voltage Li metal batteries (LMBs) with Ni‐rich cathodes. Herein, a novel electrolyte was tailored by combining non‐flammable triethyl phosphate (TEP) solvent with easily‐synthesized lithium nitrate (LiNO3) as the main salt and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive. The preferential electrochemical decomposition of LiNO3 and FEC provides robust and conductive solid/cathode electrolyte interphase (SEI/CEI) layer on the surface of the anode/cathode, which can protect both electrodes effectively during long‐term cycling. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of LiNO3 and FEC, NFE−LiNO3 exhibited outstanding performances in the cells with LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (Li||NMC622) under high voltage (4.3 V), achieving an extremely high average efficiency of ∼100 % with an exceptional capacity retention of 90 % after 250 cycles. This study provides useful insights into the rational design of highly efficient, non‐flammable, and low‐cost electrolyte for long‐lasting high‐voltage LMBs.
Transcriptome analysis of Sf9 insect cells during production of recombinant Adeno‐associated virus
Authors: Virgolini Nikolaus , Hagan Ryan , Correia Ricardo , Silvano Marco , Fernandes Sofia , Alves Paula M. , Clarke Colin , Roldão António , Isidro Inês A.
Published: November 2022

The insect cell‐baculovirus expression vector system (IC‐BEVS) has emerged as an alternative time‐ and cost‐efficient production platform for recombinant Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) for gene therapy. However, a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of IC‐BEVS is fundamental to further optimize this expression system toward increased product titer and quality. Here, gene expression of Sf9 insect cells producing recombinant AAV through a dual baculovirus expression system, with low multiplicity of infection (MOI), was profiled by RNA‐seq. An 8‐fold increase in reads mapping to either baculovirus or AAV transgene sequences was observed between 24 and 48 h post‐infection (hpi), confirming a take‐over of the host cell transcriptome by the baculovirus. A total of 336 and 4784 genes were identified as differentially expressed at 24 hpi (vs non‐infected cells) and at 48 hpi (vs. infected cells at 24 hpi), respectively, including dronc, birc5/iap5, and prp1. Functional annotation found biological processes such as cell cycle, cell growth, protein folding, and cellular amino acid metabolic processes enriched along infection.

This work uncovers transcriptional changes in Sf9 in response to baculovirus infection, which provide new insights into cell and/or metabolic engineering targets that can be leveraged for rational bioprocess engineering of IC‐BEVS for AAV production.
Organisations' contributions to sustainability. An analysis of impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo , Barreiro‐Gen Maria
Published: November 2022

Organisations have been driving sustainability, where some efforts have focussed on the organisation itself and some on how organisations contribute to society, such as addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although organisations have been working to address the SDGs, there has been limited integration of the SDGs in organisation systems. This paper aimed at analysing how organisations have been addressing the SDGs. A survey was developed to investigate the impacts and contribution of organisations to sustainability, where 294 responses were obtained for the questions on organisations' impacts to the sustainability. The data were analysed using descriptive analysis: Friedman test to rank the impacts on the SDGs and divided into quartiles; a ratio analysis between positive impacts and negative impacts; and correlations. The results show that organisations' impacts on the SDGs are quite generalisable to all types of organisations, with three exceptions (SDGs 4, 5 and 16). The results also served to develop an SDG impact categorisation. The correlation analysis showed that organisations address the SDGs through a compartmentalised approach. The results helped to propose the ‘organisations' impacts on the SDGs framework’ focussing on the contribution of organisations to sustainability. This research shows that organisations can contribute directly to some of the SDGs, but not to others. Therefore, the discourse must change from integration of SDGs on organisations to the contribution that organisations can have on the SDGs.
Development of a Transcriptional Activator‐Like Effector Protein to Accurately Discriminate Single Nucleotide Difference
Authors: Sakono Masafumi , Oya Takuma , Aoki Mio
Published: November 2022

Transcriptional activator‐like effector (TALE), a DNA‐binding protein, is widely used in genome editing. However, the recognition of the target sequence by the TALE is adversely affected by the number of mismatches. Therefore, the association constant of DNA‐TALE complex formation can be controlled by appropriately introducing a mismatch into the TALE recognition sequence. This study aimed to construct a TALE that can distinguish a single nucleotide difference. Our results show that a single mismatch present in repeats 2 or 3 of TALE did not interfere with the complex formation with DNA, whereas continuous mismatches present in repeats 2 and 3 significantly reduced association with the target DNA. Based on these findings, we constructed a detection system of the one nucleotide difference in gene with high accuracy and constructed a TALE‐nuclease (TALEN) that selectively cleaves DNA with a single mismatch.
RASSF1A inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells by downregulating P‐JNK
Authors: Bin Yuling , Deng Wenbing , Hu Hongsai , Zeng Qiong , Chen Juan , Xu Yanqing , Dai Yong , Liao Aijun , Xiao Weisheng
Published: November 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumors. In this study, we assessed the biological role of Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) in GC cells. Expressions of RASSF1A and the relationship of RASSF1A with epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT)‐related proteins were assessed in five cell lines using Western blot. GC cells with RASSF1A overexpression were used to study sensitivity to cisplatin, migration, invasion, and the expression of EMT‐associated biomarkers. GC cells showed profound downregulation of RASSF1A expression compared with normal human gastric mucosal cells. High RASSF1A expression was associated with increased overall survival. Overexpression of RASSF1A regulates GC cells activity and the expression of EMT‐associated biomarkers. RASSF1A regulates E‐cadherin and Vimentin through P‐JNK pathway. Our results revealed that RASSF1A can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells via E‐cadherin. Our study provides insights for further research on GC.
ST‐elevation myocardial infarction after COVID‐19 infection in a young man with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Matsunaga Yuro , Fukamachi Daisuke , Okumura Yasuo , Matsumoto Naoya
Published: November 2022

A 22‐year‐old male with a history of Kawasaki disease was admitted to our emergency department with an inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). He was infected with COVID‐19 one month prior to admission, and thereafter, stopped the medication 10 days prior to the STEMI.
Inferior vena cava thrombosis attributable to hyperhomocysteinemia: A case report from Nepal
Authors: Acharya Ramesh , Shrestha Astika , Simkhada Suman , Shrestha Bikash , Shrestha Prajowl , Paudel Byapak , Paudel Sharma
Published: November 2022

Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is a rare complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. The etiology of IVC thrombosis can be divided into genetic versus nongenetic (environmental/acquired) etiological factors found in Virchow's triad of stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a rare risk factor for venous thromboembolism and atherosclerotic disease. Hence, very few cases have been described to date to knowledge. A case of a 78‐year‐old hypertensive man who presented with hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced DVT of the left leg extending toward an anatomically normal IVC is discussed in the report.
A lymphatic malformation with a “Lympholith” and encasing neurovascular structures in the arm of a 2‐year‐old child: A case report
Authors: Sharma Samit , Rayamajhi Aadesh , Shrestha Jayan Man
Published: November 2022

A 2‐year‐old child presented with a lymphatic malformation (LM) in the arm and the axilla. The neurovascular structures encased by the LM were preserved during the excision surgery, and a “lympholith” was found within a cyst of the LM.
Graves' disease complicated by concurrent thyroid eye disease and pretibial myxedema successfully treated with teprotumumab
Authors: Bowens Brendan K. , Chou Eva , LaChance David P. , Huynh James R. , Voorhees Patrick , Do Thanh C. , Shakir Mohamed K. M. , Hoang Thanh D.
Published: November 2022

We report a 51‐year‐old woman with thyroid eye disease and biopsy‐proven pretibial myxedema that was subsequently treated with teprotumumab with improvement.
Malignant fibroma presenting as a hypoglycemia and coma in a 45‐year‐old male patient: A case report
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Jaiswal Vikash , Naz Sidra , Patel Nirmit , Pokhrel Nishan Babu , Vadiyala Mounika Reddy
Published: November 2022

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are a rare group of spindle cell neoplasm of submesothelial origin with malignant potential and can present as hypoglycemia secondary to excess secretion of insulin‐like growth factor II (IGF‐II) from the tumor. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important in such cases to prevent hypoxic injury to the brain secondary to hypoglycemia. Here, we are presenting a case of a 45‐year‐old male patient, who presented with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia spells, and later on, it was diagnosed that hypoglycemic spells were secondary to fibroma.
Poisoning Effects of HCl on MOx‐WO3/TiO2(M=Mn, Ce and V) Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOxby NH3
Authors: Yu Jie , Wang Chizhong , Wang Yazhou , Qiu Lei , Yin Yimeng , Li Xing , Zhao Feilin , Chang Huazhen
Published: November 2022

Selective catalytic reduction of NOxby ammonia (NH3‐SCR) was affected by HCl, which was widely present in industrial flue gas. In this study, the SCR performances over MOx‐WO3/TiO2(MW/Ti, M=Mn, Ce and V) catalysts after HCl treatment were investigated. It was found that HCl poisoning showed inhibition and promotion in NOxconversion over MnW/Ti and CeW/Ti catalysts, respectively. While the SCR activity over VW/Ti catalyst was hardly affected by HCl. Over MnW/Ti catalyst, the rupture of the Mn−O bond by the strong Mn−Cl binding induced the formation of amorphous MnCl2species. This Cl‐containing species with Mn in a low oxidation state exhibited poorer redox ability and NO activation, resulting in a decrease in low‐temperature SCR activity. However, instead of directly affecting the CeOxand VOxsites, gaseous HCl reacted with NH3to form NH4Cl species on the surface of CeW/Ti and VW/Ti catalysts. As a result, the SCR activity of VW/Ti catalyst was scarcely influenced by HCl, taking the unchanged redox ability and NH3adsorption. With a further accumulation of NH4Cl on CeW/Ti catalyst, the NOxconversion at low temperature was evidently enhanced due to the promotion in NO‐to‐NO2conversion (Fast‐SCR).
Heavy Chains: Synthesis, Reactivity and Decomposition of Interpnictogen Chains with Terminal Diaryl Bismuth Fragments
Authors: Dunaj Tobias , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: November 2022

In this work, we report the preparation of multiple interpnictogen chain compounds with three consecutive pnictogen atoms and terminal Ar2Bi fragments (Ar=Ph, Mes). Symmetrical compounds of the form Ar2Bi−E(tBu)−Bi2Ar (1: Ar=Ph, E=P; 2: Ar=Ph, Mes, E=As) as well as ternary interpnictogen compounds of the form Ar2Bi−E1(tBu)−E2tBu2 (Ar=Ph, Mes; 4: E1=P, E2=As; 5: E1=P, E2=Sb; 6: E1=As, E2=P) were prepared. The decomposition in solution at room temperature and under the influence of light was studied for compounds 1–6. The reactivity of 1Ph and 2Ph with the small N‐heterocyclic carbene 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (Me2IMe) was also studied. In the case of 1Ph, the formation and consecutive decomposition of Me2IMe=PtBu (8) was observed in solution. Hence, it was shown that 1Ph can react as a “masked phosphinidene”. In the case of 2Ph, no reaction with Me2IMe was observed. All isolated compounds were analysed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Crystallographic Deciphering of Spontaneous Self‐Assembly of Achiral Calciphores to Chiral Complexes
Authors: Jiao Xingzhi , Huang Wei , Wang Anqi , Wu Banghao , Kang Qianjin , Luo Xiaoxia , Bai Linquan , Deng Zixin
Published: November 2022

Thiapyricins (TPC‐A/B, 1 and 2), which are new metallophore scaffolds exhibiting selective divalent cation binding property, were produced in response to metal‐deprived conditions by Saccharothrix sp. TRM_47004 isolated from the Lop Nor Salt Lake. TPCs represent a thiazolyl‐pyridine skeleton of a calcium‐binding natural product, calciphore, owing to the selectivity to calcium ions among diverse metal ions. The thiapyricins exhibited notable co‐crystalline characteristics of the apo‐ and holo‐forms with racemic enantiomers comprising a pair of space isomers in a Δ/Λ‐form. Therefore, we postulated a mechanism for the four‐hierarchical self‐assembly of achiral natural products into chiral complexes. Furthermore, their metal‐chelating trait aided the adaptation of the host during metal starvation by increasing the production of TPCs. This study presents a structural paradigm of a new calciphore, provides insight into the mechanism of natural product assembly, and highlights the causality between the production of the metallophore and metallic habitats.
Homogeneous Dearomative Hydrogenation with a Co/P4N2 Catalyst: A Nucleophilic Approach
Authors: Zhang Shaoke , Zhou Rong , Duan Ya‐Nan , Zhou Yang , Zhang Xumu , Wen Jialin
Published: November 2022

Arene hydrogenation is the most straightforward method to prepare carbo‐ and heterocycles. However, the high resonance energy prevents aromatic substrates from hydrogenation. Herein the homogeneous, nucleophilic hydrogenation of less electron‐rich arenes and heteroarenes is reported. The Co(P4N2)H species that has been demonstrated to be a strong hydride donor could deliver a hydride ion to the cyano (hetero)arene substrates. Deuterium labeling experiments supported a Michael‐type reaction pathway. Theoretical analyses have been conducted to investigate the hydricity of the catalytically active CoH species and the electrophilicity of the arene substrates. An outlook for the synthesis of more challenging substituted benzenes was proposed based on the in silico modification of the CoH species.
Direct Coupling of Methane and Carbon Dioxide on Tantalum Cluster Cations
Authors: Lengyel Jozef , Levin Nikita , Ončák Milan , Jakob Konstantin , Tschurl Martin , Heiz Ueli
Published: November 2022

Understanding molecular‐scale reaction mechanisms is crucial for the design of modern catalysts with industrial prospect. Through joint experimental and computational studies, we investigate the direct coupling reaction of CH4 and CO2, two abundant greenhouse gases, mediated by Ta1,4+ ions to form larger oxygenated hydrocarbons. Coherent with proposed elementary steps, we expose products of CH4 dehydrogenation [Ta1,4CH2]+ to CO2 in a ring electrode ion trap. Product analysis and reaction kinetics indicate a predisposition of the tetramers for C−O coupling with a conversion to products of CH2O, whereas atomic cations enable C−C coupling yielding CH2CO. Selected experimental findings are supported by thermodynamic computations, connecting structure, electronic properties, and catalyst function. Moreover, the study of bare Ta1,4+ compounds indicates that methane dehydrogenation is a significant initial step in the direct coupling reaction, enabling new, yet unknown reaction pathways.
Multi‐block gated recurrent unit network‐based fault diagnosis method for multivariate nonlinear process
Authors: Tang Quanqin , Shi Hongbo , Tan Shuai , Song Bing , Tao Yang
Published: November 2022

The increasing complexity of industrial processes brings new challenges to fault diagnosis tasks, and different types of faults have higher and higher requirements on the performance of fault classification models. This paper proposes a novel multivariate nonlinear temporal‐related fault diagnosis method based on gated recurrent units (GRUs). First, to improve the performance of the model in local information extraction and global integration, high dimensional variables are divided into multiple sub‐blocks according to the structure of chemical process units, and a new block normalization method is proposed to improve the performance of local feature extraction. Second, aiming at the slow drifting faults, the GRU network is adopted inside the sub‐block to extract local sparse and nonlinear temporal features. By combining the variance features of variables after block normalization, the performance of the model on multiplicative faults will improve. Finally, aiming at the complex correlation between variables, a new recurrent matrix method is proposed to extract the time transform information inside each variable to improve the comprehensive performance of the model. Through a multi‐level feature integration strategy, the model can be trained in parallel to improve the training speed. The proposed method shows good performance in the Tennessee Eastman process, and the extracted multi‐class features allow the model to be trained end‐to‐end and simultaneously diagnose multiple types of faults.
State evaluation of copper flotation process based on transfer learning and a layered and blocked framework
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Peng Fangting , Li Qiang , He Dakuo
Published: November 2022

State evaluation is vital to ensure the process operating optimality for copper flotation processes. Specifically, the froth image is the comprehensive embodiment of raw ore properties and process operations, which is one of the key factors to realize condition recognition and state evaluation. Firstly, a feature mosaic technique‐based neural network framework is proposed. The input image features are extracted from the different network structures, which can achieve higher precision in condition recognition and state evaluation than a single neural network framework. Then, an improved deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DCGAN) model based on feature matching and maximize mean discrepancy (MMD) distance is investigated so that the froth images with high similarity, integrity, and balance to the original images can be generated. Therefore, the problem of small image sets and the lack of labelled images for some sub‐processes can be solved. Finally, a layered and blocked state evaluation model is constructed based on the improved DCGAN model and transfer learning (TL) so that the state evaluation of the copper flotation process with multiple sub‐processes, long process, and small image sets of some sub‐processes is solved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through a series of data experiments on a copper flotation industrial process.
Biogenic hydroxyapatite synthesis by Bacillus subtilis: An efficient passivator for the reduction of cadmium contamination in agricultural soil
Authors: Zhong Xinling , Hu Wenyou , Hu Xiaojun , Wang Huifeng , Liu Fuwen , Yang Yilin
Published: November 2022

Cadmium (Cd) can cause various diseases and threaten human health through its accumulation in crops. In this study, Bacillus subtilis was used to prepare biogenic hydroxyapatite (B‐HAP), and chemical hydroxyapatite (C‐HAP) without microorganisms was produced as the control. The abilities of B‐HAP and C‐HAP to adsorb Cd in aqueous solutions and passivate the migration of Cd in actual soil were analyzed. In the adsorption experiments, the Cd concentration in the solutions decreased by 94.8% and 95.8% when 0.20 mmol of B‐HAP and C‐HAP were added. In the incubation experiment, the soil pH increased from 7.08 to 7.30 and from 7.08 to 7.43 when 0.021% of B‐HAP and C‐HAP were added. B‐HAP had little disturbance to the soil pH value. The results showed that Cd in the mobilizable state, at 0.021% B‐HAP and C‐HAP, respectively, decreased by 38.6% and 36.8% in the actual soil samples. The structure and morphology of B‐HAP were characterized using various techniques, which indicated that the adsorption mode of B‐HAP would change with time from ion exchange to specific adsorption. Therefore, B‐HAP can be used as an effective passivator for Cd removal from agricultural soil. The concentrations of Olsen‐P decreased by 35% when 0.021% B‐HAP was added after 104 days. This study provides insights into the development of novel passivators that benefit soil health and green development and has reference significance for the eco‐friendly regulation of low‐concentration‐Cd–contaminated agricultural soil.
Discovery of Potent Inhibitors of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinases 7 and 9: Design, Synthesis, Structure‐Activity Relationship Analysis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Chen Renjie , Hassankhani Ramin , Long Yi , Basnet Sunita K. C. , Teo Theodosia , Yang Yuchao , Mekonnen Laychiluh , Yu Mingfeng , Wang Shudong
Published: November 2022

Cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) 7 and 9 are deregulated in various types of human cancer and are thus viewed as therapeutic targets. Accordingly, small‐molecule inhibitors of both CDKs are highly sought‐after. Capitalising on our previous discovery of CDKI‐73, a potent CDK9 inhibitor, medicinal chemistry optimisation was pursued. A number of N‐pyridinylpyrimidin‐2‐amines were rationally designed, chemically synthesised and biologically assessed. Among them, N‐(6‐(4‐cyclopentylpiperazin‐1‐yl)pyridin‐3‐yl)‐4‐(imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐3‐yl)pyrimidin‐2‐amine was found to be one of the most potent inhibitors of CDKs 7 and 9 as well as the most effective anti‐proliferative agent towards multiple human cancer cell lines. The cellular mode of action of this compound was investigated in MV4‐11 acute myeloid leukaemia cells, revealing that the compound dampened the kinase activity of cellular CDKs 7 and 9, arrested the cell cycle at sub‐G1 phase and induced apoptosis.