bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Polymer Composites for Automatable Induction Heating with Subsequent Temperature Verification
Authors: Reichstein Jakob , Raczka Theodor , Stauch Claudia , Schug Benedikt , Müssig Stephan , Mandel Karl
Published: June 2024

Manipulating ferromagnetic particles using an alternating current (AC) magnetic field is a versatile method for quick, local, and on‐demand heat generation. These particles can be incorporated into various matrices as heating elements. Their heat release can be controlled by adjusting process or material parameters. Herein, a proof‐of‐concept for a flexible polymer composite with customizable magnetically triggered heat release due to prior object identification via fluorescence readout is presented. The maximum temperature resulting from this process can be determined through a second fluorescence readout ex post. This novel combination of functionalities results from the synergistic interaction of inductively heatable magnetic supraparticles (SPs) and luminescent communicating SPs in one polydimethylsiloxane composite. The surface of the composite can be heated to the maximum temperatures of choice in a range between 125 and 200 °C within 2 s. Heat release and temperature verification provide spatial resolution of millimeters. The identification signature and the working range of the temperature indication functionality of the composite are customizable by exploiting its modular material design. The temperature indication functionality of the composite offers spatial resolution and ex‐post readout at any point of interest, making it a versatile alternative to established optical thermometry methods.
Microstructure, Mechanical, and Corrosion Performance of AA4343/AA3003/AA4343 Laminated Sheets Subjected to Cryorolling and Annealing
Authors: Samdane Golam , Guo Baohong , Cui Huijie , Kong Charlie , Yu Hailiang
Published: June 2024

The effects of cryorolling (CR), hot rolling (HR), and different annealing temperatures on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion performance of AA4343/AA3003/AA4343 laminated sheets are studied. Compared with the HR samples, the microstructure of the CR samples presents a significant decrease in the size of elongated grains and significantly large second‐phase particles Al(Mn, Fe)Si in the AA3003 alloy. Grains in CR samples subjected annealing at 200–300 °C become finer. Increasing to 400–550 °C, the grains begin to grow, and the Si is diffused into the core layer. A comparison of HR and CR processing reveals a significant increase in the yield strength from 153 to 209 MPa and the ultimate tensile strength from 168 MPa to 217 MPa of the laminated sheet. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements and immersion tests are conducted to assess the corrosion morphology. After being immersed in a 3.5% NaCl solution for two weeks, the clad surface of the laminated sheet exhibits uniform corrosion products and pitting corrosion, which shows the pitting corrosion depth of the CR sample improved compared to the HR sample. The study suggests that both CR and annealing can be useful for enhancing the mechanical properties, and corrosion morphology of laminated sheets.
Functionalized Annealed Microgels for Spatial Control of Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation
Authors: Lowen Jeremy M. , Wheeler Erika E. , Shimamoto Nathan K. , Ramos‐Rodriguez David H. , Griffin Katherine H. , Bond Gabriella C. , Leach J. Kent
Published: June 2024

The biophysical heterogeneity of the bone–cartilage interface requires complex materials to mimic differences in bone density, extracellular matrix composition, and mineralization. Biomaterial approaches to repair osteochondral tissue typically use multilayer scaffolds, which require multistep fabrication and may undergo delamination at the construct interface. This work describes the development of functionalized microgels for the repair of osteochondral tissues using an N‐cadherin peptide, bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) peptide, and changes in stiffness to create pro‐osteogenic and prochondrogenic microgels. Microgels, when annealed into a scaffold, outperforms bulk hydrogel controls evidenced by upregulation of osteogenic and chondrogenic markers in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The macroporous void space present in microgel anneals scaffolds enabled robust cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition throughout the entire scaffold. A bilayer functionalized annealed microgel scaffold is then created and the ability to spatially control the differentiation of MSCs is assessed. Osteochondral bilayer scaffolds exhibit distinct regions of osteogenic and chondrogenic protein expression as a function of microgel population upon immunostaining for osteocalcin and aggrecan, respectively. Spatial transcriptomics confirm osteogenic and chondrogenic genes are upregulated in their respective microgel regions. These studies highlight the tunable and functionalizable nature of microgels and the importance of macroporous void space.
Dual‐Wing Ligand Constructed Metal–Organic Framework Membranes with Finely Tuned Apertures for Natural Gas Separation
Authors: Shi Yapeng , Liu Yang , Wang Zhenggong , Lai Weikang , Liao Yining , Lu Kuan , Niu Zheng , Jin Jian
Published: June 2024

Metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes with apparent molecular sieving effects have great potential for gas separation. However, their application in light‐gas separation (e.g., CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4) remains challenging due to their enlarged pore structures under transmembrane pressure. In this work, a series of MOF membranes constructed from dual‐wing (DW) ligands including 2‐chloromethylbenzimidazole, 2‐methylbenzimidazole, 2‐ethylbenzimidazole, and 2‐phenylbenzimidazole are reported, to finely tune apertures and enhance molecule sieving property for small‐size gases. These DW‐ligands provide steric resistance in two directions perpendicular to the coordination bond, leading to a much finer pore structure. The introduction of the DW‐ligands endows the DW/ZIF‐8 membranes with an adjustable bottleneck door for regulating gas diffusion, blocking the transport of large‐sized CH4 while allowing small‐sized H2 and CO2 to permeate. The membranes show significantly improved molecular sieving property with a CO2/CH4 mixed‐gas selectivity of 58.6 in the case of 2‐chloromethylbenzimidazole23/ZIF‐8, which represents the highest value among the reported ZIF membranes. This membrane also exhibits exceptional separation performance for H2/CH4 and H2/C3H8 with separation factors of 430 and 34341, which are the highest values among the reported MOF membranes. This study presents a facile and efficient strategy for regulating MOF aperture and constructing high‐performance membranes for natural gas separation.
A Cu‐Based Single‐Atom Nanozyme Platform with Multi‐Enzyme Simulated Activities for Immunotherapy of Prostate Cancer by Regulating Cholesterol Metabolism and Triggering Pyroptosis
Authors: Xu Bo , Niu Rui , Deng Ruiping , Tang Ying , Wang Chunxi , Wang Yinghui
Published: June 2024

Immunotherapy, one of the most promising antitumor strategies, is used to treat prostate cancer (PCa). However, owing to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), the therapeutic effect of the antitumor immune response is greatly weakened. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new methods to enhance antitumor immune responses. In this study, a single‐atom nanozyme platform (Cu SA‐DOX@COD) that can trigger pyroptosis is developed to activate antitumor immune responses via a gasdermin E (GSDME)‐dependent pathway. It triggered pyroptosis by catalyzing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depleting reduced glutathione through intrinsic multi‐enzyme simulated activities and providing an oxygen source for cholesterol (CHOL) oxidation. Meanwhile, the loaded CHOL oxidase not only reduces the CHOL content of tumor cells to increase cell membrane permeability and inhibit tumor cell proliferation and invasion but also oxidizes CHOL and increases the level of H2O2 in tumor cells to enhance pyroptosis. In addition, the loaded doxorubicin activated caspase‐3 to cleave GSDME and further augment pyroptosis. Consequently, Cu SA‐DOX@COD enhances tumor cell immunocompetence and reshapes the immunosuppressive TME by triggering pyroptosis caused by a ROS storm, chemotherapy, and depleting CHOL, thereby activating systemic antitumor immunity to treat PCa.
Low Environmental Impact Magnetic Chitosan and Chitin Cryogels for PFAS Remediation
Authors: García‐Castrillo Marta , Barandika Gotzone , Lizundia Erlantz
Published: June 2024

Polymers derived from renewable carbon feedstock are destined to play a pivotal role in the transition to a sustainable circular economy, displacing conventional fossil‐carbon materials. Chitin (CT) and chitosan (CS) are well‐suited to develop multifunctional materials that are mechanically resilient and easy to process. Their abundance of hydroxyl and amine groups facilitates hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, making them suitable for persistent pollutant removal from drinking water. Therefore, porous CS cryogels are fabricated by dissolution in acetic acid, coagulation, and subsequent freeze‐drying. To enhance durability in harsh environments, CT cryogels are obtained through acetylation. Furthermore, Fe3O4 nanoparticles are incorporated to enable removal by external magnetic fields. The rapid removal of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with capacities reaching 451 mg g−1 offers competitive performance against state‐of‐the‐art materials. The shear‐thinning properties of CS enable rapid additive manufacturing in predetermined free‐standing shapes, useful for accessing sites with complex geometries. Life cycle assessment (LCA) confirms the suitability of chitosan and CT cryogels for low environmental impact water remediation applications. Furthermore, the cryogels can be recycled, closing the material loops back into the economic cycle. Altogether, this work demonstrates the potential of chitosan and CT as competitive alternatives to fossil‐carbon derived systems for sustainable environmental remediation.
Nickel Nanoplates Enclosed by (111) Facets as Durable Oxygen Evolution Catalysts in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Kabiraz Mrinal Kanti , Kim Jeonghyeon , Lee Hye Jin , Park Saehyun , Lee Young Wook , Choi Sang‐Il
Published: June 2024

The long‐term stability of Ni‐based catalysts, employed in the anode of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE), has been a persisting concern. In this work, through a simple and powerful electrochemical anodization process, vertically aligned β‐NiOOH atomic sheets (vertical‐β‐NiOOH) grown on Fe‐doped Ni nanoplates (FeNi nanoplates) as a solution are offered. This innovative electrocatalyst demonstrates sustained stability of constant current density for over 120 d during the oxygen evolution reaction.The zero‐gap AEMWE cell harnessing the anodized FeNi nanoplates achieves a remarkable current density of 2.26 A cm−2 at 1.80 V with an energetic efficiency of 85.1%. It is anticipated that the electrochemically produced highly active, stable Ni‐based nanostructures demonstrate the potential in pushing the boundaries of AEMWE technology.
Photoexcited Polaron Relaxation as a Structurally Sensitive Reporter of Charge Trapping in a Conducting Polymer
Authors: Umar Abdul Rashid , Dorris Austin L. , Grieco Christopher
Published: June 2024

Conjugated polymers (CPs) play a central role in electronic applications due to their easily tuned electronic and ionic conductivities via chemical or electrochemical doping. Although doping improves charge conduction by introducing high densities of carriers into the CP, the accompanying structural changes and their impact on carrier mobility remain elusive. Methods capable of probing carrier distributions and their dependence on polymer morphology are needed to better understand how to improve conductivity. Here, a transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy approach is demonstrated, capable of directly probing mobile and trapped carriers in doped CPs and that is also sensitive to polymer nanostructure by using a model polythiophene system with tuned crystallinity. Exciting polarons in the polymer films produces distinct photoinduced absorption signals in the near‐infrared spectrum that decay during the picosecond timescale in the form of biphasic, stretched exponential kinetics, which reflect a distribution of mobile (free) and trapped polarons. The kinetic analysis provides evidence for mobile polarons irrespective of polymer film crystallinity, whereas polarons located in impure amorphous phases with reduced chain ordering exist within a deeper distribution of trap states. Altogether, these observations suggest a stronger correlation of carrier trapping with local chain ordering (planarity or aggregation) rather than polymer crystallinity.
Bio‐Inspired Micro‐ and Nano‐Scale Surface Features Produced by Femtosecond Laser‐Texturing Enhance TiZr‐Implant Osseointegration
Authors: Lackington William Arthur , Bellon Benjamin , Guimond Stefanie , Schweizer Peter , Cancellieri Claudia , Ambeza Antoine , Chopard‐Lallier Anne‐Lise , Pippenger Benjamin , Armutlulu Andac , Maeder Xavier , Schmutz Patrik , Rottmar Markus
Published: June 2024

Surface design plays a critical role in determining the integration of dental implants with bone tissue. Femtosecond laser‐texturing has emerged as a breakthrough technology offering excellent uniformity and reproducibility in implant surface features. However, when compared to state‐of‐the‐art sandblasted and acid‐etched surfaces, laser‐textured surface designs typically underperform in terms of osseointegration. This study investigates the capacity of a bio‐inspired femtosecond laser‐textured surface design to enhance osseointegration compared to state‐of‐the‐art sandblasted & acid‐etched surfaces. Laser‐texturing facilitates the production of an organized trabeculae‐like microarchitecture with superimposed nano‐scale laser‐induced periodic surface structures on both 2D and 3D samples of titanium‐zirconium‐alloy. Following a boiling treatment to modify the surface chemistry, improving wettability to a contact angle of 10°, laser‐textured surfaces enhance fibrin network formation when in contact with human whole blood, comparable to state‐of‐the‐art surfaces. In vitro experiments demonstrate that laser‐textured surfaces significantly outperform state‐of‐the‐art surfaces with a 2.5‐fold higher level of mineralization by bone progenitor cells after 28 days of culture. Furthermore, in vivo evaluations reveal superior biomechanical integration of laser‐textured surfaces after 28 days of implantation. Notably, during abiological pull‐out tests, laser‐textured surfaces exhibit comparable performance, suggesting that the observed enhanced osseointegration is primarily driven by the biological response to the surface.
Challenges and Advancements in the Electrochemical Utilization of Ammonia Using Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xu Kang , He Fan , Zhu Feng , Zhou Yucun , Yuan Wei , Liu Ying , Liu Meilin , Choi YongMan , Chen Yu
Published: June 2024

Solid oxide fuel cells utilized with NH3 (NH3−SOFCs) have great potential to be environmentally friendly devices with high efficiency and energy density. The advancement of this technology is hindered by the sluggish kinetics of chemical or electrochemical processes occurring on anodes/catalysts. Extensive efforts have been devoted to developing efficient and durable anode/catalysts in recent decades. Although modifications to the structure, composition, and morphology of anodes or catalysts are effective, the mechanistic understandings of performance improvements or degradations remain incompletely understood. This review informatively commences by summarizing existing reports on the progress of NH3−SOFCs. It subsequently outlines the influence of factors on the performance of NH3−SOFCs. The degradation mechanisms of the cells/systems are also reviewed. Lastly, the persistent challenges in designing highly efficient electrodes/catalysts for low‐temperature NH3−SOFCs, and future perspectives derived from SOFCs are discussed. Notably, durability, thermal cycling stability, and power density are identified as crucial indicators for enhancing low‐temperature (550 °C or below) NH3−SOFCs. This review aims to offer an updated overview of how catalysts/electrodes affect electrochemical activity and durability, offering critical insights for improving performance and mechanistic understanding, as well as establishing the scientific foundation for the design of electrodes for NH3−SOFCs.
A “Liquid‐In‐Solid” Electrolyte for High‐Voltage Anode‐Free Rechargeable Sodium Batteries
Authors: Lu Ziyang , Yang Huijun , Wu Gang , Shan Peizhao , Lin Hongxin , He Ping , Zhao Junmei , Yang Yong , Zhou Haoshen
Published: June 2024

Developing anode‐free batteries is the ultimate goal in pursuit of high energy density and safety. It is more urgent for sodium (Na)‐based batteries due to its inherently low energy density and safety hazards induced by highly reactive Na metal anodes. However, there is no electrolyte that can meet the demanding Na plating‐stripping Coulomb efficiency (CE) while resisting oxidative decomposition at high voltages for building stable anode‐free Na batteries. Here, a “liquid‐in‐solid” electrolyte design strategy is proposed to integrate target performances of liquid and solid‐state electrolytes. Breaking through the Na+ transport channel of Na‐containing zeolite molecular sieve by ion‐exchange and confining aggregated liquid ether electrolytes in the nanopore and void of zeolites, it achieves excellent high‐voltage stability enabled by solid‐state zeolite electrolytes, while inheriting the ultra‐high CE (99.84%) from liquid ether electrolytes. When applied in a 4.25 V‐class anode‐free Na battery, an ultra‐high energy density of 412 W h kg−1 (based on the active material of both cathodes and anodes) can be reached, which is comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art graphite||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 lithium‐ion batteries. Furthermore, the assembled anode‐free pouch cell exhibits excellent cycling stability, and a high capacity retention of 89.2% can be preserved after 370 cycles.
Recent Developments on Optical Aptasensors for the Detection of Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines with Advanced Nanostructures
Authors: Borg Kathrine Nygaard , Ho Yi‐Ping , Zeng Shuwen
Published: June 2024

In the realm of immune response, pro‐inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. Accurate measurement of these low‐molecular‐weight proteins is essential for understanding immune function, predicting diseases, and monitoring treatment effects. Optical aptasensors with advanced nanostructures, which utilize aptamers as bio‐probes, have emerged as a promising technology for cytokine detection, offering advantages over traditional antibody‐based nanobiosensors. Aptamers, single‐stranded nucleic acids with high specificity and affinity, enable cost‐effective mass production and consistent quality. Optical biosensors incorporating aptamers exhibit stability, resistance to environmental factors, and prolonged functionality. This review explores the current methodologies and advancements in optical aptasensors for cytokine detection, highlighting their potential as robust tools in diagnostics and therapeutics. Specifically, the applications of surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence techniques in aptasensors are discussed, focusing on the innovative approaches used to enhance sensitivity and specificity in cytokine detection. Notable examples of aptasensor designs utilizing nanoparticles, Förster resonance energy transfer, and amplification strategies are presented. These designs demonstrate high affinity, specificity, and improved sensitivity in detecting pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma. Overall, optical aptasensors show great promise in advancing the understanding of cytokine‐related disorders and enabling effective interventions.
Light‐Induced Ferroelectric Modulation of p‐n Homojunctions in Monolayer MoS2
Authors: Ramirez Mariola O , Fernandez‐Tejedor Jaime , Gallego Daniel , Fernández‐Martinez Javier , Molina Pablo , Hernández‐Pinilla David , Gómez‐Herrero Julio , Ares Pablo , Bausá Luisa E.
Published: June 2024

The association of 2D materials and ferroelectrics offers a promising approach to tune the optoelectronic properties of atomically thin Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs). In this work, the combined effect of ferroelectricity and light on the optoelectronic properties of monolayer (1L)‐MoS2 deposited on periodically poled lithium niobate crystals is explored. Using scanning micro‐photoluminescence, the effect of excitation intensity, scanning direction, and domain walls on the 1L‐MoS2 photoluminescence properties is analyzed, offering insights into charge modulation of MoS2. The findings unveil a photoinduced charging process dependent on the ferroelectric domain orientation, in which light induces charge generation and transfer at the monolayer‐substrate interface. This highlights the substantial role of light excitation in ferroelectrically‐driven electrostatic doping in MoS2. Additionally, the work provides insights into the effect of the strong, nanometrically confined electric fields on LiNbO3 domain wall surfaces, demonstrating precise control over charge carriers in MoS2, and enabling the creation of deterministic p‐n homojunctions with exceptional precision. The results suggest prospects for novel optoelectronic and photonic application involving monolayer TMDs by combining light‐matter interaction processes and the surface selectivity provided by ferroelectric domain structures.
Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anode Securing by Functional Electrolyte Modulation
Authors: Li Chuanlin , Zhang Xixi , Qu Guangmeng , Zhao Shunshun , Qin Hongjie , Li Dingzheng , Li Na , Wang Chenggang , Xu Xijin
Published: June 2024

The stability of the Zn metal anode is significantly affected by the various parasitic reactions during plating/stripping. Here, sodium 4‐aminobenzenesulfonate (SABS) is a functional electrolyte additive to modulate the electrode/electrolyte interface to protect the Zn metal. An electrical double layer (EDL) reconstruction of the interface is affected by providing hydrogen bond sites through nitrogen and oxygen elements with lone pair electrons in SABS molecules. These strong hydrogen bonds not only limit the corrosion of free H2O molecules on the surface of Zn anode but also promote the desolvation process. Besides, the SABS can be further in situ decomposed into a solid electrode/electrolyte interface (SEI) layer to regulate the plating/stripping behavior of Zn2+. As a result, based on the synergism of organic–inorganic hybrid SEI layer and the EDL reconstruction, the Zn//Zn symmetric cells exceptionally survive lasting for 6500 hours at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, and over 900 cycles even at 40 mA cm−2 and 10 mAh cm−2. The Zn‐I2 full cell maintains excellent cycle stability of 92.4% after 20000 cycles. Remarkably, the pouch cell maintains a capacity retention of over 99.1% (63 mAh) for 820 cycles at 5 mA cm−2.
Engineering Single Cu Atoms Anchored via N‐Heterocyclic Carbene in COF Mesopores for Modulating Electron Kinetics of CO2 Photoconversion
Authors: Liu Zhongyu , Yin Haochun , Sun Jianhui , Bai Linlu , Li Zhuo , Zhao Xiaomeng , Yan Xudong , Zhao Min , Jing Liqiang
Published: June 2024

Charge transfer and carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption/activation are critical factors for the electron kinetics during CO2 photoconversion. Herein, high‐loading and robust single Cu atoms (7.8 wt.%) are anchored via N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands derived from imidazolium ionic liquid motifs, precisely bonding to the acceptors of mesoporous donor‐acceptor pyridine‐covalent organic framework (pCOF) nanosheets. By engineering the valance and coordination structure, atomic Cu(I)‐CO2 sites, superior to Cu(II)‐CN2OCl ones, enable a 22‐fold increase of CO2 conversion rate compared to pCOF in pure water, ≈100% selectivity toward CO, and an apparent quantum yield of 1.7% (420 nm). The photoactivity outperforms analogous COF‐based photocatalysts under similar conditions. Experimental results prove single Cu(I) atoms possess more improved electron capture and CO2 adsorption/activation capacities than single Cu(II) ones. Combining fs‐ and µs‐transient absorption spectroscopy, the electron kinetics mechanism is investigated on the single‐atom pCOF photocatalyst model. The fs‐transient absorption spectra confirm single Cu(I) atoms can rapidly and precisely extract electrons from the electron‐rich region of pCOF along N‐heterocyclic carbene, exhibiting an electron transfer rate of 3 × 109 s−1. Using in situ µs‐transient absorption spectroscopy, the electron transfer efficiency is quantified to reach 60.4% under photocatalytic reaction conditions. This work provides a rational design strategy for advanced single‐atom photocatalysts.
Photo‐Driven Sperm‐Inspired Microrobots Serving in Liquid Environments
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ma He , Li Yuan , Wu Jianhui , Hou Jiwei , Liu Kai , Zhang Xinping
Published: June 2024

Bionic microrobots working in liquid environments have attracted attention in recent years, because they play an important role in the medical fields. So far, most bionic microrobots serving in liquid environments (swimming microrobots) are fabricated based on organic materials. Limited by the inherent property of organic materials, the performance and lifetime of the swimming microrobots are still deficient. Facing this challenge, inspired by sperms, swimming microrobots based on the inorganic phase transition driving material vanadium dioxide are developed. In liquid environments, the linear and rotary motion of these sperm‐like micro‐robots could be controlled by changing the laser modulation frequency. The highest linear speed attained is 56 μm s−1, and the highest rotary speed attained is 14° s−1. The microrobot is able to undergo more than 105 cycles in a liquid environment without degradation of its performance. Considering its high performance and controllability, the swimming microrobot is expected to be helpful in medical applications such as precision drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery.
Nitrate Upcycling Mediated by Organonickel Catalysis
Authors: Padmanaban Sudakar , Chun Jeewon , Lee Youngseob , Cho Kyung‐Bin , Choi Jonghoon , Lee Yunho
Published: June 2024

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are major environmental pollutants and to neutralize this long‐term environmental threat, new catalytic methods are needed. Although there are biological denitrification processes involving four different enzymatic reactions to convert nitrate (NO3−) into dinitrogen (N2), it is unfortunately difficult to apply in industry due to the complexity of the processes. In particular, nitrate is difficult to functionalize because of its chemical stability. Thus, there is no organometallic catalysis to convert nitrate into useful chemicals. Herein, we present a nickel pincer complex that is effective as a bifunctional catalyst to stepwise deoxygenate NO3− by carbonylation and further through C−N coupling. By using this nickel catalysis, nitrate salts can be selectively transformed into various oximes (>20 substrates) with excellent conversion (>90 %). Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the highly inert nitrate ion can be functionalized to produce useful chemicals by a new organonickel catalysis. Our results show that the NOx conversion and utilization (NCU) technology is a successful pathway for environmental restoration coupled with value‐added chemical generation.
Transient Structural Properties of the Rho GDP‐Dissociation Inhibitor
Authors: Medina Gomez Sara , Visco Ilaria , Merino Felipe , Bieling Peter , Linser Rasmus
Published: June 2024

Rho GTPases, master spatial regulators of a wide range of cellular processes, are orchestrated by complex formation with guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (RhoGDIs). These have been thought to possess an unstructured N‐terminus that inhibits nucleotide exchange of their client upon binding/folding. Via NMR analyses, molecular dynamics simulations, and biochemical assays, we reveal instead pertinent structural properties transiently maintained both, in the presence and absence of the client, imposed onto the terminus context‐specifically by modulating interactions with the surface of the folded C‐terminal domain. These observations revise the long‐standing textbook picture of the GTPases’ mechanism of membrane extraction. Rather than by a disorder‐to‐order transition upon binding of an inhibitory peptide, the intricate and highly selective extraction process of RhoGTPases is orchestrated via a dynamic ensemble bearing preformed transient structural properties, suitably modulated by the specific surrounding along the multi‐step process.
Acrylamide macromolecules modified wine lees‐soy protein wood adhesive
Authors: Zhong Chenglong , Hou Xianfeng , Peng Shuai , Gao Zhenzhong
Published: June 2024

To expand the diverse applications of wine lees and enhance the adhesive properties of its protein‐based adhesive, the supernatant of wine lees, separated using the alkali solubilization method, was combined with a small quantity of soybean protein as the raw material. Cross‐linking modification was then conducted using polyacrylamide polymers to prepare the protein‐based adhesive. The results indicated that a total mass fraction of 2.5 wt% NaOH and 3.0 wt% urea effectively stretched the protein structure. Additionally, a mass ratio of 4:10 of trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether and acrylamide, under the action of the ammonium persulfate initiator, resulted in effective cross‐linking of polyacrylamide macromolecules. The addition of 7 wt% polyacrylamide macromolecules as a cross‐linking agent effectively facilitated the cross‐linking reaction with wine lees‐soy protein. After the cross‐linking modification, the surface of the adhesive became tight and smooth. As a result, the water‐resistance strength of the plywood increased from 0.2 to 1.27 MPa, marking a 635% enhancement, which significantly surpassed the standard for Class II plywood (GB/T 9846‐2015).
Tailoring polishing steps for effective removal of polysorbate‐degrading host cell proteins in antibody purification
Authors: Maier Melanie , Schneider Stefan , Weiss Linus , Fischer Simon , Lakatos Daniel , Studts Joey , Franzreb Matthias
Published: June 2024

Ensuring the quality and safety of biopharmaceutical products requires the effective separation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from host cell proteins (HCPs). A major challenge in this field is the enzymatic hydrolysis of polysorbates (PS) in drug products. This study addresses this issue by investigating the removal of polysorbate‐degrading HCPs during the polishing steps of downstream purification, an area where knowledge about individual HCP behavior is still limited. We investigated the separation of different mAb formats from four individual polysorbate degrading hydrolases (CES1F, CES2C, LPLA2, and PAF‐AH) using cation exchange (CEX) and mixed‐mode chromatography (MMC) polishing steps. Our research identified a key challenge: The similar elution behavior of mAbs and HCPs during chromatographic separation. To investigate this phenomenon, we performed high‐throughput binding screenings for recombinant polysorbate degrading hydrolases and representative mAb candidates on CEX and MMC chromatography resins. We then employed a three‐step strategy that also served as a scale‐up process, optimizing separation conditions and leading to the successful removal of specific HCPs while maintaining high mAb recovery rates (>96%). This strategy involved the use of surface response models and miniature columns for screening, followed by validation on larger columns using a chromatography system. Our results highlight the critical role of the inherent properties of mAbs for successful separation from HCPs. These results underscore the need to tailor the purification process to leverage the slight differences in binding behavior and elution profiles between mAbs and specific HCPs. This approach lays the foundation for developing more effective strategies for overcoming the challenge of enzymatic polysorbate degradation, paving the way for improved quality and safety in biopharmaceutical products.
Effect of cellulose reducing ends and primary hydroxyl groups modifications on cellulose‐cellulase interactions and cellulose hydrolysis
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Bhagia Samarthya , Mittal Ashutosh , Wyman Charles E.
Published: June 2024

Cellulose reducing ends are believed to play a vital role in the cellulose recalcitrance to enzymatic conversion. However, their role in insoluble cellulose accessibility and hydrolysis is not clear. Thus, in this study, reducing ends of insoluble cellulose derived from various sources were modified by applying reducing and/or oxidizing agents. The effects of cellulose reducing ends modification on cellulose reducing ends, cellulose structure, and cellulose accessibility to cellulase were evaluated along with the impact on cellulose hydrolysis with complete as well purified cellulase components. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction and sodium chlorite‐acetic acid (SC/AA) oxidation were able to modify more than 90% and 60% of the reducing ends, respectively, while the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) reagent applied for various cycles oxidized cellulose reducing ends to various extents. X‐ray diffractograms of the treated solids showed that these treatments did not change the cellulose crystalline structure and the change in crystallinity index was insignificant. Surprisingly, it was found that the cellulose reducing ends modification, either through selective NaBH4 reduction or BCA oxidation, had a negligible impact on cellulose accessibility as well on cellulose hydrolysis rates or final conversions with complete cellulase at loadings as low as 0.5 mg protein/g cellulose. In fact, in contrast to what is traditionally believed, modifications of cellulose reducing ends by these two methods had no apparent impact on cellulose conversion with purified cellulase components and their synergy. However, SC/AA oxidation resulted in significant drop in cellulose conversion (10%–50%) with complete as well purified cellulase components. Nonetheless, further research revealed that the cause for drop in cellulose conversion for the SC/AA oxidation case was due to primary hydroxyl groups (PHGs) oxidation and not the oxidation of reducing ends. Furthermore, it was found that the PHGs modification affects cellulose accessibility and slows the cellulase uptake as well resulting in significant drop in cellulose conversions.
Adaptive information fusion network for multi‐modal personality recognition
Authors: Bao Yongtang , Liu Xiang , Qi Yue , Liu Ruijun , Li Haojie
Published: June 2024

Personality recognition is of great significance in deepening the understanding of social relations. While personality recognition methods have made significant strides in recent years, the challenge of heterogeneity between modalities during feature fusion still needs to be solved. This paper introduces an adaptive multi‐modal information fusion network (AMIF‐Net) capable of concurrently processing video, audio, and text data. First, utilizing the AMIF‐Net encoder, we process the extracted audio and video features separately, effectively capturing long‐term data relationships. Then, adding adaptive elements in the fusion network can alleviate the problem of heterogeneity between modes. Lastly, we concatenate audio‐video and text features into a regression network to obtain Big Five personality trait scores. Furthermore, we introduce a novel loss function to address the problem of training inaccuracies, taking advantage of its unique property of exhibiting a peak at the critical mean. Our tests on the ChaLearn First Impressions V2 multi‐modal dataset show partial performance surpassing state‐of‐the‐art networks.
Identity‐consistent transfer learning of portraits for digital apparel sample display
Authors: Wang Luyuan , Wu Yiqian , Yang Yong‐Liang , Liu Chen , Jin Xiaogang
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of the online apparel shopping industry demands innovative solutions for high‐quality digital apparel sample displays with virtual avatars. However, developing such displays is prohibitively expensive and prone to the well‐known “uncanny valley” effect, where a nearly human‐looking artifact arouses eeriness and repulsiveness, thus affecting the user experience. To effectively mitigate the “uncanny valley” effect and improve the overall authenticity of digital apparel sample displays, we present a novel photo‐realistic portrait generation framework. Our key idea is to employ transfer learning to learn an identity‐consistent mapping from the latent space of rendered portraits to that of real portraits. During the inference stage, the input portrait of an avatar can be directly transferred to a realistic portrait by changing its appearance style while maintaining the facial identity. To this end, we collect a new dataset, Daz‐Rendered‐Faces‐HQ (DRFHQ), specifically designed for rendering‐style portraits. We leverage this dataset to fine‐tune the StyleGAN2‐FFHQ generator, using our carefully crafted framework, which helps to preserve the geometric and color features relevant to facial identity. We evaluate our framework using portraits with diverse gender, age, and race variations. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations, along with ablation studies, highlight our method's advantages over state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
The Pre‐ and Post‐Column Derivatization on Monosaccharide Composition Analysis, a Review
Authors: Chen Xuexia , Wang Yinuo , Ye Yongjun , Yu Huali , Wu Bin
Published: June 2024

Polysaccharides, as common metabolic products in organisms, play a crucial role in the growth and development of living organisms. For humans, polysaccharides represent a class of compounds with diverse applications, particularly in the medical field. Therefore, the exploration of the monosaccharide composition and structural characteristics of polysaccharides holds significant importance in understanding their biological functions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of extraction methods and hydrolysis strategies for polysaccharides. It systematically analyzes strategies and technologies for determining polysaccharide composition and discusses common derivatization reagents employed in further polysaccharide studies. Derivatization is considered a fundamental strategy for determining monosaccharides, as it not only enhances the detectability of analytes but also increases detection sensitivity, especially in liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis (CE), and gas chromatography (GC) techniques. The review meticulously examines pre‐column and post‐column derivatization techniques for monosaccharide analysis, categorizing them based on diverse detection methodologies. It delves into the principles and distinctive features of various derivatization reagents, offering a comparative analysis of their strengths and limitations. Ultimately, the aim is to provide guidance for selecting the most suitable derivatization approach, taking into account the structural nuances, biological functions, and reaction dynamics of polysaccharides.
Saccharina Japonica Polysaccharides Suppress High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity and Modulate Gut Microbiota Composition and Function
Authors: Wang Sijia , Fu Zixi , Chen Weibing , Wu Sitong , Ke Songze , Tu Jianfeng , Wei Bin
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of Saccharina japonica Polysaccharides (SJPs) in alleviating high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity by regulating gut microbiota, which warrants further exploration to elucidate the underlying structure‐activity relationship. In this study, five polysaccharide fractions (Sj−T, Sj−T‐1, Sj−T‐2, Sj−T‐3, and Sj−T‐4) with different structure characteristics were prepared from S. japonica, and their effects on HFD‐induced obesity and gut microbiota composition were investigated using C57BL/6J mice. The results revealed that oral administration of Sj−T considerably suppressed HFD‐induced obesity, glucose metabolic dysfunction, and other disordered symptoms. While, Sj−T‐2, which has the lowest molecular weight, was the most effective in alleviating HFD‐induced obesity and had the second‐best effect on improving HFD‐induced impaired glucose tolerance among the five SJPs. Supplementation with SJPs significantly modulated HFD‐induced gut microbiota dysbiosis both at the phylum and species levels, such as enriching Desulfobacterota and Actinobacteriota, while suppressing the abundance of Bacteroidota. Sj−T also dramatically restored the gut microbiota composition by modulating the abundance of many crucial gut bacterial taxa, including s_Bacteroides_acidifaciens, s_Lachnospiraceae _bacterium, and g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Besides, SJPs also dramatically altered the function of gut microbiota, including many carbohydrate‐metabolism enzymes. This study highlights the potential of SJPs in preventing obesity and restoring intestinal homeostasis in obese individuals.
Improvement of current immunotherapies with engineered oncolytic viruses that target cancer stem cells
Authors: Soroush Alborz , Shahhosseini Reza , Ghavamikia Nima , Hjazi Ahmed , Roudaki Shahrzad , KhalatbariLimaki Mahdi , Mirbolouk Mahtab , Pakmehr SeyedAbbas , Karimi Parvin
Published: June 2024

The heterogeneity of the solid tumor microenvironment (TME) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of standard therapies and also reduces the infiltration of antitumor immune cells, all of which lead to tumor progression and invasion. In addition, self‐renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) support tumor dormancy, drug resistance, and recurrence, all of which might pose challenges to the eradication of malignant tumor masses with current therapies. Natural forms of oncolytic viruses (OVs) or engineered OVs are known for their potential to directly target and kill tumor cells or indirectly eradicate tumor cells by involving antitumor immune responses, including enhancement of infiltrating antitumor immune cells, induction of immunogenic cell death, and reprogramming of cold TME to an immune‐sensitive hot state. More importantly, OVs can target stemness factors that promote tumor progression, which subsequently enhances the efficacy of immunotherapies targeting solid tumors, particularly the CSC subpopulation. Herein, we describe the role of CSCs in tumor heterogeneity and resistance and then highlight the potential and remaining challenges of immunotherapies targeting CSCs. We then review the potential of OVs to improve tumor immunogenicity and target CSCs and finally summarize the challenges within the therapeutic application of OVs in preclinical and clinical trials.
Ring finger protein 216 loss‐of‐function induces white matter hyperintensities by inhibiting oligodendroglia proliferation
Authors: Xu Wenqing , Chen Keliang , Yuan Yiwen , Guo Min , Dong Qiang , Cui Mei
Published: June 2024

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) refer to a group of diseases with numerous etiologies while oligodendrocytes remain the centerpiece in the pathogenesis of WMHs. Ring Finger Protein 216 (RNF216) encodes a ubiquitin ligase, and its mutation begets WMHs, ataxia, and cognitive decline in patients. Yet no study has revealed the function of RNF216 in oligodendroglia and WHIs before. In this study, we summarized the phenotypes of RNF216‐mutation cases and explored the normal distribution of RNF216 in distinct brain regions and neuronal cells by bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, MO3.13, a human oligodendrocyte cell line, was applied to study the function alteration after RNF216 knockdown. As a result, WMHs were the most common symptom in RNF216‐mutated diseases, and RNF216 was indeed relatively enriched in corpus callosum and oligodendroglia in humans. The downregulation of RNF216 in oligodendroglia remarkably hampered cell proliferation by inhibiting the Akt pathway while having no significant effect on cell injury and oligodendrocyte maturation. Combining clinical, bioinformatical, and experimental evidence, our study implied the pivotal role of RNF216 in WMHs which might serve as a potent target in the therapy of WMHs.
MXene Synthesis and Carbon Capture Applications: Mini‐Review
Authors: Li Xinxing , Zhan Minqing , Liu Yulong , Tu Wenguang , Li Huaiguang
Published: June 2024

MXenes, a class of two‐dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable potential for energy storage, electrocatalysis, and gas separation applications. The fabrication processes of MXene involve building up the MXene structure from constituent elements and the selective elimination of M−A bonds from the precursor MAX. However, considerable efforts are still required to design and develop efficient MXene‐based technologies. This review article aims to briefly analyse the synthesis methods employed for MXene production, ranging from direct synthesis and conventional chemical wet etching approach to the more recent molten salt etching technique. The review highlights the advancements made in achieving precise control over the terminal groups, which is paramount for tailoring the properties of MXenes for specific applications. Furthermore, the potential of MXene‐based materials for carbon capture applications, particularly in developing advanced adsorbents, is emphasized. The in‐depth examination of MXene synthesis techniques and their implications for carbon capture applications provides a solid foundation for developing and optimizing these promising materials.
Unveiling the Reactivity of Part Per Million Levels of Cobalt‐Salen Complexes in Hydrosilylation of Ketones
Authors: Latha Anjima T. , Swamy P. Chinna Ayya
Published: June 2024

A series of air‐stable cobalt(III)salen complexes Co‐1 to Co‐4 have been synthesized and employed in the hydrosilylation of ketones. Notably, the most intricately tailored Co‐3 pre‐catalyst exhibited exceptional catalytic activity under mild reaction conditions. The developed catalytic hydrosilylation protocol proceeded with an unusual ppm level (5 ppm) catalyst loading of Co‐3 and achieved a maximum turnover number (TON) of 200,000. A wide variety of aromatic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic ketones encompassing both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents were successfully transformed into the desired silyl ethers or secondary alcohols in moderate to excellent yields.