bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Stable Anodes for High‐Rate Na‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Xihao , Lu Jingyu , Wu Yehui , Zheng Weiran , Zhang Hongqiang , Bai Tiansheng , Liu Hongbin , Li Deping , Ci Lijie
Published: January 2024

Due to low cost and high energy density, sodium metal batteries (SMBs) have attracted growing interest, with great potential to power future electric vehicles (EVs) and mobile electronics, which require rapid charge/discharge capability. However, the development of high‐rate SMBs has been impeded by the sluggish Na+ ion kinetics, particularly at the sodium metal anode (SMA). The high‐rate operation severely threatens the SMA stability, due to the unstable solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI), the Na dendrite growth, and large volume changes during Na plating‐stripping cycles, leading to rapid electrochemical performance degradations. This review surveys key challenges faced by high‐rate SMAs, and highlights representative stabilization strategies, including the general modification of SMB components (including the host, Na metal surface, electrolyte, separator, and cathode), and emerging solutions with the development of solid‐state SMBs and liquid metal anodes; the working principle, performance, and application of these strategies are elaborated, to reduce the Na nucleation energy barriers and promote Na+ ion transfer kinetics for stable high‐rate Na metal anodes. This review will inspire further efforts to stabilize SMAs and other metal (e.g., Li, K, Mg, Zn) anodes, promoting high‐rate applications of high‐energy metal batteries towards a more sustainable society.
Freeze‐Thaw Microfluidic System Produces “Themis” Nanocomplex for Cleaning Persisters‐Infected Macrophages and Enhancing Uninfected Macrophages
Authors: Su Mingyue , Yin Mengying , Zhou Yifu , Xiao Shuya , Yi Jundan , Tang Rongbing
Published: January 2024

Macrophages are the primary effectors against potential pathogen infections. They can be “parasitized” by intracellular bacteria, serving as “accomplices”, protecting intracellular bacteria and even switching them to persisters. Here, using a freeze‐thaw strategy‐based microfluidic chip, a “Themis” nanocomplex (TNC) is created. The TNC consists of Lactobacillus reuteri‐derived membrane vesicles, heme, and vancomycin, which cleaned infected macrophages and enhanced uninfected macrophages. In infected macrophages, TNC releases heme that led to the reconstruction of the respiratory chain complexes of intracellular persisters, forcing them to regrow. The revived bacteria produces virulence factors that destroyed host macrophages (accomplices), thereby being externalized and becoming vulnerable to immune responses. In uninfected macrophages, TNC upregulates the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), contributing to immunoenhancement. The combined effect of TNC of cleaning the accomplice (infected macrophages) and reinforcing uninfected macrophages provides a promising strategy for intracellular bacterial therapy.
Cost‐Effective and Flexible Scalable Fabrication of WO3 UV Photodetectors with Enhanced Performance via Integrated LIG Electrodes
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Jalal Abdul , Sulaman Muhammad , Yang Shengyi , Imran Ali , Huang Jianzhou , Rasheed Muhammad Abbas , Shah Navid Hussain , Li Chuanbo , Bukhtiar Arfan , Bin Hu
Published: January 2024

The emerging flexible device technologies have fascinated the modern optoelectronic industry owing to their invincible properties such as wearable, stretchable, smart, energy‐efficient, scalability, cost‐effective, and high performance. However, there is still room for improvements such as performance, reliability, and mass production. This research work fabricates laser‐induced graphene (LIG) interdigitated electrodes based on flexible UV photodetectors over polyimide substrate, using solution‐processed tungsten oxide (WO3) thin film as photoactive material. The best device performance is achieved through the optimization of laser power for the deposition of LIG, as well as a different solvent for WO3. The device shows excellent photoresponsivity, external quantum efficiency, and specific detectivity of 500 mA W−1, 164%, and 3.09 ×  1012 Jones, respectively. Moreover, a fast response time, such as 0.3 ms for 375 nm light, is observed. This study offers a comprehensive elucidation of the intricate process through which photoelectrons are moved toward WO3 facilitated by the electric field present at the interface of the LIG and WO3.
Confinement of Excitons within GaN 1D Nanoarchitectures Formed on AlN Molecular Steps
Authors: Funato Mitsuru , Kobayashi Hirotsugu , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: January 2024

The fabrication and the optical properties of ultrathin GaN quantum wells on AlN (0001) vicinal surfaces with macrosteps are studied. The employed growth condition spontaneously restricts the GaN thickness to one monolayer (ML) on a planar plane. However, because of a higher density of dangling bonds at macrosteps, 2 ML GaN can be stabilized only at step edges, which creates quantum‐wire‐like 1D nanostructures with a dimension of a few nanometers for the lateral confinement. Exciton (carrier) confinement within the 1D GaN nanostructure is predicted theoretically and is confirmed experimentally by strongly polarized photoluminescence with in‐plane twofold symmetry at a wavelength of ≈250 nm at room temperature. This study demonstrates one path to realize quantum confinement within a fine nanoarchitecture composed of nitride semiconductors and might provide clues to the future creation of novel low‐dimensional nanostructures for the UV–vis spectral range.
Hydroxide Modified Synthesis of Atomically‐Doped Photoluminescent WS2 Monolayers
Authors: Ouyang Yuliang , Li Wei , Zhang Changwen , Wang Xiangyi , Ma Liang , Wang Hao , Lin He , Zou Guifu , Zhu Juntong
Published: January 2024

Atomically doping in thin film poses a significant challenge due to the potential for dopant precipitation caused by self‐purification effects. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the case of doping monolayers of photoluminescent transition metal dichalcogenides, where high energy barriers are also required to break the in‐plane bonds between the transition metal (TM) and chalcogen atoms. To address this issue, this study introduces hydroxide ions to adsorb onto the surface of WS2 monolayers. This results in a significant reduction in the formation energy of the TM─S bonds, enabling them to substitute for W sites and overcoming the self‐purification effect of WS2 monolayers. The in‐plane doping of TMs including Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni atoms is confirmed through precise atomic‐scale chemical imaging using scanning transmission electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy mapping. Photoluminescence measurements reveal that the band structure of WS2 monolayers can be systematically modulated by different doping metals, owing to their distinct atomic sizes. In addition, the atomically‐doped WS2 monolayers exhibit room‐temperature ferromagnetism, which has never been seen in pristine WS2 monolayers. The modulation of the band structure and the emergence of magnetism in TMs‐doped WS2 monolayers hold significant promise for optoelectronic and magnetoelectric applications.
Phase‐Stable Multidimensional Coherent Spectroscopy Based on Dual‐Comb Interferometry
Authors: Zuo Zhong , Gu Chenglin , Wang Siyi , Xiong Shiping , Deng Zejiang , Di Yuanfeng , Luo Daping , Wu Jian , Li Wenxue
Published: January 2024

Multidimensional coherent spectroscopy (MDCS) is a highly intriguing field for the unique capacities to unravel quantum pathways of microscopic dynamics and discern different dipole–dipole interactions. These capabilities are not simultaneously accessible through any other techniques. The foundation of MDCS lies in the stable phase and accurate time information of the multi‐pulse sequences involved. Achieving the phase stability has traditionally relied on ingenious geometric optical designs and multiple feedback control systems, albeit at the cost of complexity. In this letter, a phase stability scheme for high‐resolution MDCS is proposed by replacing traditional laser sources with two highly coherent frequency combs. By employing dual‐comb interferometry, the phase distribution across a broad spectral range and the time information of all the excitation pulses are precisely measured, even in setups that lack phase stability. In the experiment, a rephasing MDCS of rubidium atoms is obtained by applying this approach, wherein the comb resolution is utilized to differentiate the couplings of hyperfine energy levels. This scheme simplifies the structure of MDCS and holds potential for applications in other MDCS systems involving many‐body interactions and non‐absorptive resonances.
BRCC36 Deubiquitinates HMGCR to Regulate the Interplay Between Ferroptosis and Pyroptosis
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Shu Long , Lv Cairui , Liu Na , Long Yao , Peng Xintong , Ling Huli , Tao Tania , Tang Jun , Cheng Yan , Liu Shuang , Xiao Desheng , Tao Yongguang
Published: January 2024

Various forms of programmed cell death (PCD) exhibit distinct characteristics depending on their specific molecular mechanisms, and there are interactions among these different forms. Ferroptosis, which is related to autophagy and apoptosis, has an unknown potential interaction with pyroptosis. This study revealed a mutually antagonistic relationship between ferroptosis and pyroptosis, with 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) playing a key role in their interaction. It is found that HMGCR predominantly localized to mitochondria during ferroptosis but shifted to the endoplasmic reticulum following treatment with a pyroptosis inducer. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that BRCC36 (BRCA1/BRCA2‐containing complex subunit 36) deubiquitinated HMGCR in a manner dependent on deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) activity, and inhibited ferroptosis and promoted pyroptosis. Moreover, as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), BRCC36 promoted cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Thiolutin, an inhibitor of BRCC36, effectively suppressed the interaction between BRCC36 and HMGCR, leading to the inhibition of HCC growth. Therefore, targeting BRCC36 can offer a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment. In conclusion, these findings provide new theoretical evidence for further characterizing tumor heterogeneity and offer new molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Unraveling the Spatial Asynchronous Activation Mechanism of Oxygen Redox‐Involved Cathode for High‐Voltage Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Hu Naifang , Zhang Yu‐Han , Yang Yuan , Wu Hui , Liu Yuehui , Hao Congyi , Zheng Yue , Sun Deye , Li Wenru , Li Jiedong , Hu Zhiwei , Chan Ting‐Shan , Kao Cheng‐Wei , Kong Qingyu , Wang Xiaogang , Haw Shu‐Chih , Ma Jun , Cui Guanglei
Published: January 2024

Li‐rich layered oxides (LRLO) exhibit significant potential for use in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) owing to their high capacities and wide range of operating voltages. However, the practical application of LRLO in ASSLBs is hindered by the severe failure of carrier transport at the solid–solid interface, which subsequently limits the electrochemical activity of these batteries. Here, the spatially asynchronous activation mechanism of the LRLO in ASSLBs is presented. A spectroscopic study extending from the surface into the bulk interior of LRLO indicates that the activation kinetics of anionic oxygen prefers hysteretic delivery over uniform delivery and fast transition metals (TMs) activation. This spatial hetero activation is dominated by the failure of carrier transport at the interface, which is induced by microstructural defects in the composite cathode. This study is expected to facilitate the microstructural design of high‐performance LRLO‐based ASSLBs.
Catalytic Decarboxylative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation for the Synthesis of Axially Chiral Biaryls
Authors: Cho Hyun‐A , Kim Sangji , Hwang Minyoung , Dongbang Sun , Kwon Yongseok
Published: January 2024

Herein, we report a palladium‐catalyzed atroposelective decarboxylative asymmetric allylic alkylation. A chiral palladium complex with a phosphoramidite ligand effectively desymmetrizes biaryls containing cinnamyl carbonate with excellent enantioselectivities. The addition of a catalytic amount of base accelerates the reaction process without loss of enantioselectivity. Cross‐over experiment provides mechanistic insight, suggesting that allyl palladium complex primarily dissociates from the original biaryl substrate and deliver allyl species intermolecularly. Analysis of product distribution at various time points indicates that secondary kinetic resolution plays a crucial role in achieving remarkable atroposelectivity.
Jiaohong pills attenuate neuroinflammation and amyloid‐β protein‐induced cognitive deficits by modulating the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa‐B pathway
Authors: Zhang Hong , Cai Weiyan , Dong Lijinchuan , Yang Qing , Li Qi , Ran Qingsen , Liu Li , Wang Yajie , Li Yujie , Weng Xiaogang , Zhu Xiaoxin , Chen Ying
Published: January 2024

Background

Jiaohong pills (JHP) consist of Pericarpium Zanthoxyli (PZ) and Radix Rehmanniae, two herbs that have been extensively investigated over many years due to their potential protective effects against cognitive decline and memory impairment. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects remain elusive. Here, research studies were conducted to investigate and validate the therapeutic effects of JHP on Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

BV‐2 cell inflammation was induced by lipopolysaccharide. AD mice were administered amyloid‐β (Aβ). Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and memory ability. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the phosphorylation level of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) were detected using Western blot. Nissl staining was used to detect neuronal degeneration.

Results

The results demonstrated that an alcoholic extract of PZ significantly decreased the levels of NO, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and iNOS; increased the expression level of IL‐10; and significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of MAPK and NF‐κB. These inhibitory effects were further confirmed in the AD mouse model. Meanwhile, JHP improved learning and memory function in AD mice, reduced neuronal damage, and enriched the Nissl bodies in the hippocampus. Moreover, IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the cortex were significantly downregulated after JHP administration, whereas IL‐10 showed increased expression.

Conclusions

It was found that JHP reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice by targeting the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Nickel‐Electrocatalytic Decarboxylative Arylation to Access Quaternary Centers**
Authors: Laudadio Gabriele , Neigenfind Philipp , Péter Áron , Rubel Camille Z. , Emmanuel Megan A. , Oderinde Martins S. , Ewing Tamara El‐Hayek , Palkowitz Maximilian D. , Sloane Jack L. , Gillman Kevin W. , Ridge Daniel , Mandler Michael D. , Bolduc Philippe N. , Nicastri Michael C. , Zhang Benxiang , Clementson Sebastian , Petersen Nadia Nasser , Martín‐Gago Pablo , Mykhailiuk Pavel , Engle Keary M. , Baran Phil S.
Published: January 2024

There is a pressing need, particularly in the field of drug discovery, for general methods that will enable direct coupling of tertiary alkyl fragments to (hetero)aryl halides. Herein a uniquely powerful and simple set of conditions for achieving this transformation with unparalleled generality and chemoselectivity is disclosed. This new protocol is placed in context with other recently reported methods, applied to simplify the routes of known bioactive building blocks molecules, and scaled up in both batch and flow. The role of pyridine additive as well as the mechanism of this reaction are interrogated through Cyclic Voltammetry studies, titration experiments, control reactions with Ni(0) and Ni(II)‐complexes, and ligand optimization data. Those studies indicate that the formation of a BINAPNi(0) is minimized and the formation of an active pyridine‐stabilized Ni(I) species is sustained during the reaction. Our preliminary mechanistic studies ruled out the involvement of Ni(0) species in this electrochemical cross‐coupling, which is mediated by Ni(I) species via a Ni(I)‐Ni(II)‐Ni(III)‐Ni(I) catalytic cycle.
“Whole‐Body” Fluorination for Highly Efficient and Ultra‐Stable All‐Inorganic Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Wang Zhaoyu , Wei Youchao , Chen Yameng , Zhang Haoyu , Wang Di , Ke Jianxi , Liu Yongsheng , Hong Maochun
Published: January 2024

Inherent “soft” ionic lattice nature of halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs), triggered by the weak Pb−X (X=Cl, Br, I) bond, is recognized as the primary culprit for their serious instability. A promising way is to construct exceedingly strong ionic interaction inside the QDs and increase their crystal cohesive energy by substituting the interior X− with highly electronegative F−, however, which is challenging and hitherto remains unreported. Here, a “whole‐body” fluorination strategy is proposed for strengthening the interior bonding architecture of QDs, wherein the F− are uniformly distributed throughout the whole nanocrystal encompassing both the interior lattice and surface, successfully stabilizing their “soft” crystal lattice and passivating surface defects. This approach effectively mitigates their intrinsic instability issues including light‐induced phase segregation. As a result, light‐emitting devices based on these QDs exhibit exceptional efficiency and remarkable stability.
Low‐Electronegativity Cationic High‐Entropy Doping to Trigger Stable Anion Redox Activity for High‐Ni Co‐Free Layered Cathodes in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Pengrui , Qi Kaiwen , Chen Shiyuan , Ding Xuan , Wu Xiaojun , Wu Changzheng , Zhu Yongchun
Published: January 2024

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM‐811) exhibits the highest capacity in commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), and the high Ni content (80 %) provides the only route for high energy density. However, the cationic structure instability arisen from the increase of Ni content (>80 %) limits the further increase of the capacity, and inevitable O2 release related to anionic structure instability hinders the utilization of anion redox activity. Here, by comparing various combinations of high‐entropy dopants substituted Co element, we propose a low‐electronegativity cationic high‐entropy doping strategy to fabricate the high‐Ni Co‐free layered cathode (LiNi0.8Mn0.12Al0.02Ti0.02Cr0.02Fe0.02O2) that exhibits much higher capacity and cycling stability. Configurational disorder originated from cationic high‐entropy doping in transition metal (TM) layer, anchors the oxidized lattice oxygen ((O2)n−) to preserve high (O2)n− content, triggering the anion redox activity. Electron transfer induced by applying TM dopants with lower electronegativity than that of Co element, increases the electron density of O in TM‐O octahedron (TM‐O6) configuration to reach higher (O2)n− content, resulting in the higher anion redox activity. With exploring the stabilization effect on both cations and anions of high‐entropy doping and low‐electronegativity cationic modified anion redox activity, we propose an innovative and variable pathway for rationally tuning the properties of commercial cathodes.
The Effect of Torsional Motion on Multiexciton Formation through Intramolecular Singlet Fission in Ferrocene‐Bridged Pentacene Dimers
Authors: Hayasaka Ryo , Sakai Hayato , Fuki Masaaki , Okamoto Tsubasa , Khan Ramsha , Higashi Masahiro , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Kobori Yasuhiro , Hasobe Taku
Published: January 2024

A series of ferrocene(Fc)‐bridged pentacene(Pc)‐dimers [Fc−Ph(2,n)−(Pc)2: n=number of phenylene spacers] were synthesized to examine the tortional motion effect of Fc‐terminated phenylene linkers on strongly coupled quintet multiexciton (5TT) formation through intramolecular singlet fission (ISF). Fc−Ph(2,4)−(Pc)2 has a relatively small electronic coupling and large conformational flexibility according to spectroscopic and theoretical analyses. Fc−Ph(2,4)−(Pc)2 exhibits a high‐yield 5TT together with quantitative singlet TT (1TT) generation through ISF. This demonstrates a much more efficient ISF than those of other less flexible Pc dimers. The activation entropy in 1TT spin conversion of Fc−Ph(2,4)−(Pc)2 is larger than those of the other systems due to the larger conformational flexibility associated with the torsional motion of the linkers. The torsional motion of linkers in 1TT is attributable to weakened metal‐ligand bonding in the Fc due to hybridization of the hole level of Pc to Fc in 1TT unpaired orbitals.
Photoinduced Decarboxylative Radical Phosphinylation
Authors: Cheng Yulu , Zhen Jingsen , Chai Linxiang , Wang Jian , Yin Junyue , Zhu Lin , Li Chaozhong
Published: January 2024

Reported herein is an unprecedented protocol for C(sp3)‐phosphinylation. With 1 mol % 4CzIPN (1,2,3,5‐tetrakis(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐4,6‐dicyanobenzene) as the catalyst, the visible light induced reaction of redox‐active esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids with dimethyl arylphosphonites or diethyl alkylphosphonites at room temperature provides the corresponding decarboxylative phosphinylation products in satisfactory yields. The protocol exhibits broad substrate scope and wide functional‐group compatibility, enabling the late‐stage modification of complex molecules and rapid synthesis of bioactive phosphinic acids such as glutamine synthetase phosphinothricin and a kynureninase inhibitor. A radical‐polar crossover mechanism involving the formation and subsequent oxidation of phosphoranyl radicals followed by nucleophilic demethylation (or deethylation) is proposed.
Hydrogenation of CO2 to Light Olefins over ZnZrOx/SSZ‐13
Authors: Chen Siyu , Wang Jiachen , Feng Zhendong , Jiang Yiming , Hu Hanwen , Qu Yuanzhi , Tang Shan , Li Zelong , Liu Jiaxu , Wang Jijie , Li Can
Published: January 2024

Converting CO2 to olefins is an ideal route to achieve carbon neutrality. However, selective hydrogenation to light olefins, especially single‐component olefin, while reducing CH4 formation remains a great challenge. Herein, we developed ZnZrOx/SSZ‐13 tandem catalyst for the highly selective hydrogenation of CO2 to light olefins. This catalyst shows C2=−C4= and propylene selectivity up to 89.4 % and 52 %, respectively, while CH4 is suppressed down to 2 %, and there is no obvious deactivation. It is demonstrated that the isolated moderate Brønsted acid sites (BAS) of SSZ‐13 promotes the rapid conversion of intermediate species derived from ZnZrOx, thereby enhancing the kinetic coupling of the reactions and inhibit the formation of alkanes and improve the light olefins selectivity. Besides, the weaker BAS of SSZ‐13 promote the conversion of intermediates into aromatics with 4–6 methyl groups, which is conducive to the aromatics cycle. Accordingly, more propene can be obtained by elevating the Si/Al ratio of SSZ‐13. This provides an efficient strategy for CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins with high selectivity.
Stabilization of Acenes: “Geländer”‐Pentacenes
Authors: Ludwig Philipp , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: January 2024

We report soluble tetrakis‐biphenylyl substituted pentacenes comprised of sp2 carbons and synthesized from pentacene‐5,7,12,14‐tetraone. Intramolecular Yamamoto coupling of two tetrakis(chlorobiphenylyl)pentacenes yields helical, doubly wrapped pentacenes, in which the quaterphenylene units solubilize the pentacenes and shield their central anthracene units to an unprecedented degree. The criss‐cross‐bridged pentacenes resist (photo)oxidation, Diels–Alder reactions and are much less reactive than TIPS‐ethynylated pentacene. Extension of this concept might provide access to the larger acenes.
Intermediates in Mechanochemical Reactions
Authors: Ardila‐Fierro Karen J. , Hernández José G.
Published: January 2024

Mechanochemical reactions offer methodological and environmental advantages for chemical synthesis, constantly attracting attention within the scientific community. Besides unmistakable sustainability advantages, the conditions under which mechanochemical reactions occur, namely solventless conditions, sometimes facilitate the isolation of otherwise labile or inaccessible products. Despite these advantages, limited knowledge exists regarding the mechanisms of these reactions and the types of intermediates involved. Nevertheless, in an expanding number of cases, ex situ and in situ monitoring techniques have allowed for the observation, characterization, and isolation of reaction intermediates in mechanochemical transformations. In this Minireview, we present a series of examples in which reactive intermediates have been detected in mechanochemical reactions spanning organic, organometallic, inorganic, and materials chemistry. Many of these intermediates were stabilized by non‐covalent interactions, which played a pivotal role in guiding the chemical transformations. We believe that by uncovering and understanding such instances, the growing mechanochemistry community could find novel opportunities in catalysis and discover new mechanochemical reactions while achieving simplification in chemical reaction design.
Hygroscopic Solutes Enable Non‐van der Waals Electrolytes for Fire‐Tolerant Dual‐Air Batteries
Authors: Xia Huarong , Cao Shengkai , Lv Zhisheng , Wei Jiaqi , Yuan Song , Feng Xue , Chen Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Thermal safety issues of batteries have hindered their large‐scale applications. Nonflammable electrolytes improved safety but solvent evaporation above 100 °C limited thermal tolerance, lacking reliability. Herein, fire‐tolerant metal‐air batteries were realized by introducing solute‐in‐air electrolytes whose hygroscopic solutes could spontaneously reabsorb the evaporated water solvent. Using Zn/CaCl2‐in‐air/carbon batteries as a proof‐of‐concept, they failed upon burning at 631.8 °C but self‐recovered then by reabsorbing water from the air at room temperature. Different from conventional aqueous electrolytes whose irreversible thermal transformation is determined by the boiling points of solvents, solute‐in‐air electrolytes make this transformation determined by the much higher decomposition temperature of solutes. It was found that stronger intramolecular bonds instead of intermolecular (van der Waals) interactions were strongly correlated to ultra‐high tolerance temperatures of our solute‐in‐air electrolytes, inspiring a concept of non‐van der Waals electrolytes. Our study would improve the understanding of the thermal properties of electrolytes, guide the design of solute‐in‐air electrolytes, and enhance battery safety.
DNA barcoding of the genus Gampsocleis (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) from China
Authors: Zhang Pu , Cai Yuting , Ma Lan , Chai Jinyan , Zhou Zhijun
Published: January 2024

DNA barcoding is a useful addition to the traditional morphology‐based taxonomy. A ca. 650 bp fragment of the 5′ end of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (hereafter COI‐5P) DNA barcoding was sued as a practical tool for Gampsocleis species identification. DNA barcodes from 889 specimens belonging to 8 putative Gampsocleis species was analyzed, including 687 newly generated DNA barcodes. These barcode sequences were clustered/grouped into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) using the criteria of five algorithms, namely Barcode Index Number (BIN) System, Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), a Java program uses an explicit, determinate algorithm to define Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit (jMOTU), Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson Tree Processes model (bPTP). The Taxon ID Tree grouped sequences of morphospecies and almost all MOTUs in distinct nonoverlapping clusters. Both long‐ and short‐winged Gampsocleis species are reciprocally monophyletic in the Taxon ID Tree. In BOLD, 889 barcode sequences are assigned to 17 BINs. The algorithms ASAP, jMOTU, bPTP and GMYC clustered the barcode sequences into 6, 13, 10, and 23 MOTUs, respectively. BIN, ASAP, and bPTP algorithm placed three long‐winged species, G. sedakovii, G. sinensis and G. ussuriensis within the same MOTU. All species delimitation algorithms split two short‐winged species,G. fletcheri and G. gratiosa into at least two MOTUs each, except for ASAP algorithm. More detailed molecular and morphological integrative studies are required to clarify the status of these MOTUs in the future.
Alt‐health influencers and the threat of social media deplatforming
Authors: Zimdars Melissa
Published: January 2024

The threat of deplatforming as a content moderation strategy works to reduce harmful anti‐vaccine content and health mis/disinformation on particular social media platforms. However, through an analysis of alt‐health influencers, I show how the perpetual threat of being deplatformed allows them to strategically grow their audiences while funneling users to fringe platforms where the alt‐health influencers share anti‐vaccine and extremist content. Alt‐health influencers are thus able to “launder” their reputations and their content through mainstream social media platforms, acting in accordance with each platform's specific content moderation policies, while persuasively deploying “deep stories” and developing parasocial relationships across mainstream and fringe platforms, building an alt‐health influence network across platforms, and using threats of “censorship” on one platform to sell and legitimize their statuses as truth‐tellers and informational authorities on another. The threat of deplatforming aids in the spreading of health mis/disinformation across social media platforms, demonstrating the necessity of addressing well‐known alt‐health influencers who are detrimental to the health of the overall information ecosystem through decisive, consistent, and multi‐platform‐coordinated deplatforming.
Demand for live betting: An analysis using state‐space models
Authors: Ötting Marius , Michels Rouven , Langrock Roland , Deutscher Christian
Published: January 2024

Sports betting markets have grown very rapidly recently, with the total European gambling market worth 98.6 billion euro in 2019. Considering a high‐resolution (1 Hz) data set provided by a large European bookmaker, we investigate the demand for bet placements during matches and in particular the effect of news. Accounting for the general market activity level within a state‐space modelling framework, we analyse the market's response to events such as goals (i.e., major news). Our results indicate that markets strongly react to news, but other factors, such as the day of the week and the uncertainty of outcome, also affect the stakes placed. We thus provide insights into the behaviour of bettors during matches, which can be relevant for bookmakers, for example to predict future revenues, but also for more specialised tasks such as fraud detection.
[4]Helicenium Ion as Bipolar Redox Material for Symmetrical Fully Organic Pole‐less Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Moutet Jules , Mills David D. , Lozier Diego L. , Gianetti Thomas L.
Published: January 2024

Long duration storage batteries such as Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs) are promising storage system to address the energy storage requirement that our society will require in the years to come. Recent effort has been focused on the development of metal free and high energy density system such as all‐organic non‐aqueous redox flow batteries (NAORFBs). However high‐voltage NAORFBs currently use distinct anolytes and catholytes, which are separated by a membrane sensitive to osmotic pressure, resulting in rapid capacity and energy density degradation over time. To address this issue, symmetric organic redox flow batteries (SORFBs) have been proposed as an elegant solution. We have introduced dimethoxyquinacridiniums (DMQA+) ions as efficient bipolar redox molecules (BRMs) in static H‐cell conditions. In this study, we present the first application of DMQA+ ions in a complete flow RFB prototype, showcasing their ability to operate with polarity reversal. Key kinetic properties were evaluated through cyclic voltammetry and DFT calculations. While coulombic and energy efficiency metrics were moderate, pegylated DMQA+ demonstrated impressive capacity retention of over 99.99 % and the capability to operate under polarity inversion, making it a highly attractive choice for grid‐scale, long‐lifespan energy storage applications.
Hyper‐production of porcine contagious pleuropneumonia subunit vaccine proteins in Escherichia coli by developing a bicistronic T7 expression system
Authors: Sun Manman , Gao Alex Xiong , Li An , Ledesma‐Amaro Rodrigo , Wang Peng , Chen Wenchao , Bai Zhonghu , Liu Xiuxia
Published: January 2024

The ApxII toxin and the outer membrane lipoprotein (Oml) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are important vaccine antigens against porcine contagious pleuropneumonia (PCP), a prevalent infectious disease affecting the swine industry worldwide. Previous studies have reported the recombinant expression of ApxII and Oml in Escherichia coli; however, their yields were not satisfactory. Here, we aimed to enhance the production of ApxII and Oml by constructing a bicistronic expression system based on the widely used T7 promoter. To create efficient T7 bicistronic expression cassettes, 16 different fore‐cistron sequences were introduced downstream of the T7 promoter. The expression of three vaccine antigens Oml1, Oml7, and ApxII in the four strongest bicistronic vectors were enhanced compared to the monocistronic control. Further optimization of the fermentation conditions in micro‐well plates (MWP) led to improved production. Finally, the production yields reached unprecedented levels of 2.43 g L−1 of Oml1, 2.59 g L−1 of Oml7, and 1.21 g L−1 of ApxII, in a 5 L bioreactor. These three antigens also demonstrated well‐protective immunity against A. pleuropneumoniae infection. In conclusion, this study establishes an efficient bicistronic T7 expression system that can be used to express recombinant proteins in E. coli and achieves the hyper‐production of PCP vaccine proteins.
A high catalytic efficiency and chemotolerant formate dehydrogenase from Bacillus simplex
Authors: Boonkumkrong Rattima , Chunthaboon Paweenapon , Munkajohnpong Pobthum , Watthaisong Pratchaya , Pimviriyakul Panu , Maenpuen Somchart , Chaiyen Pimchai , Tinikul Ruchanok
Published: January 2024

NAD+‐dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH) catalyzes the conversion of formate and NAD+ to produce carbon dioxide and NADH. The reaction is biotechnologically important because FDH is widely used for NADH regeneration in various enzymatic syntheses. However, major drawbacks of this versatile enzyme in industrial applications are its low activity, requiring its utilization in large amounts to achieve optimal process conditions. Here, FDH from Bacillus simplex (BsFDH) was characterized for its biochemical and catalytic properties in comparison to FDH from Pseudomonas sp. 101 (PsFDH), a commonly used FDH in various biocatalytic reactions. The data revealed that BsFDH possesses high formate oxidizing activity with a kcat value of 15.3 ± 1.9 s−1 at 25°C compared to 7.7 ± 1.0 s−1 for PsFDH. At the optimum temperature (60°C), BsFDH exhibited 6‐fold greater activity than PsFDH. The BsFDH displayed higher pH stability and a superior tolerance toward sodium azide and H2O2 inactivation, showing a 200‐fold higher Ki value for azide inhibition and remaining stable in the presence of 0.5% H2O2 compared to PsFDH. The application of BsFDH as a cofactor regeneration system for the detoxification of 4‐nitrophenol by the reaction of HadA, which produced a H2O2 byproduct was demonstrated. The biocatalytic cascades using BsFDH demonstrated a distinct superior conversion activity because the system tolerated H2O2 well. Altogether, the data showed that BsFDH is a robust enzyme suitable for future application in industrial biotechnology.
Development of an in‐line Raman analytical method for commercial‐scale CHO cell culture process monitoring: Influence of measurement channels and batch number on model performance
Authors: Yan Xu , Dong Xiaoxiao , Wan Yuxiang , Gao Dong , Chen Zhenhua , Zhang Ying , Zheng Zhilong , Chen Kaifeng , Jiao Jingyu , Sun Yan , He Zhuohong , Nie Lei , Fan Xiaohui , Wang Haibin , Qu Haibin
Published: January 2024

The mammalian cell culture process is a key step in commercial therapeutic protein production and needs to be monitored and controlled due to its complexity. Raman spectroscopy has been reported for cell culture process monitoring by analysis of many important parameters. However, studies on in‐line Raman monitoring of the cell culture process were mainly conducted on small or pilot scale. Developing in‐line Raman analytical methods for commercial‐scale cell culture process monitoring is more challenging. In this study, an in‐line Raman analytical method was developed for monitoring glucose, lactate, and viable cell density (VCD) in the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture process during commercial production of biosimilar adalimumab (1500 L). The influence of different Raman measurement channels was considered to determine whether to merge data from different channels for model development. Raman calibration models were developed and optimized, with minimum root mean square error of prediction of 0.22 g L−1 for glucose in the range of 1.66–3.53 g L−1, 0.08 g L−1 for lactate in the range of 0.15–1.19 g L−1, 0.31 E6 cells mL−1 for VCD in the range of 0.96–5.68 E6 cells mL−1 on test sets. The developed analytical method can be used for cell culture process monitoring during manufacturing and meets the analytical purpose of this study. Further, the influence of the number of batches used for model calibration on model performance was also studied to determine how many batches are needed basically for method development. The proposed Raman analytical method development strategy and considerations will be useful for monitoring of similar bioprocesses.
First‐ and second‐generation integrated process for bioethanol production: Fermentation of molasses diluted with hemicellulose hydrolysate by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: de Oliveira Pereira Isabela , dos Santos Ângela A. , Guimarães Nick C. , Lima Cleilton S. , Zanella Eduardo , Matsushika Akinori , Rabelo Sarita C. , Stambuk Boris U. , Ienczak Jaciane L.
Published: January 2024

The integration of first‐ (1G) and second‐generation (2G) ethanol production by adding sugarcane juice or molasses to lignocellulosic hydrolysates offers the possibility to overcome the problem of inhibitors (acetic acid, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural and phenolic compounds), and add nutrients (such as salts, sugars and nitrogen sources) to the fermentation medium, allowing the production of higher ethanol titers. In this work, an 1G2G production process was developed with hemicellulosic hydrolysate (HH) from a diluted sulfuric acid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane molasses. The industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae CAT‐1 was genetically modified for xylose consumption and used for co‐fermentation of sucrose, fructose, glucose, and xylose. The fed‐batch fermentation with high cell density that mimics an industrial fermentation was performed at bench scale fermenter, achieved high volumetric ethanol productivity of 1.59 g L−1 h−1, 0.39 g g−1 of ethanol yield, and 44.5 g L−1 ethanol titer, and shown that the yeast was able to consume all the sugars present in must simultaneously. With the results, it was possible to establish a mass balance for the global process: from pretreatment to the co‐fermentation of molasses and HH, and it was possible to establish an effective integrated process (1G2G) with sugarcane molasses and HH co‐fermentation employing a recombinant yeast.
Protein constraints in genome‐scale metabolic models: Data integration, parameter estimation, and prediction of metabolic phenotypes
Authors: Ferreira Maurício Alexander de Moura , Silveira Wendel Batista da , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: January 2024

Genome‐scale metabolic models provide a valuable resource to study metabolism and cell physiology. These models are employed with approaches from the constraint‐based modeling framework to predict metabolic and physiological phenotypes. The prediction performance of genome‐scale metabolic models can be improved by including protein constraints. The resulting protein‐constrained models consider data on turnover numbers (kcat) and facilitate the integration of protein abundances. In this systematic review, we present and discuss the current state‐of‐the‐art regarding the estimation of kinetic parameters used in protein‐constrained models. We also highlight how data‐driven and constraint‐based approaches can aid the estimation of turnover numbers and their usage in improving predictions of cellular phenotypes. Finally, we identify standing challenges in protein‐constrained metabolic models and provide a perspective regarding future approaches to improve the predictive performance.
Green synthesis and bioefficacy screening of new insect growth regulators as eco‐friendly insecticides against the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis
Authors: Bakry Moustafa M. S. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Al‐Hoshani Nawal , El Hadi Mohamed Rania Ali , Gad Mohamed A.
Published: January 2024

Overcoming or reducing the majority of difficulties caused by the use of common pesticides requires the use of developed, secure, unique and selective organic compounds. Due to their clear mechanism of action on pests and lower poisonousness towards vertebrates than conventional insecticides, juvenile hormone analogues as an example of insect growth regulators appear promising. Thus, a unique set of pure insect growth regulators has been synthesized. The structure of these synthesized compounds, which were related to the most well‐known insect growth regulator insecticides, was confirmed by elemental and contemporary spectroscopic investigations (IR, UV, 1H‐NMR, 13C NMR, and Dept 135 spectrum). Under laboratory conditions, the effectiveness of a chemically newly synthesized products was tested against the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, and compared with Fenoxycarb as a reference insecticide. Compound 7 was discovered to be more effective than the other synthetic compounds, with LC50 values of 0.907 mg/L for adult female P. solenopsis and 0.377 mg/L for third instar nymphs. Furthermore, this results concluded that the adult female's stage of P. solenopsis was less sensitive to the checked treatments as matched to the third instar nymphs.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes in preeclampsia: A next‐generation therapeutic tool
Authors: Margiana Ria
Published: January 2024

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major gestational disorder that causes both long‐ and short‐term damage to both the mother and the fetus. Endometrium decidualization and the formation of the placenta are orchestrated by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs obtained from patients with PE exhibit an elevated rate of aging and apoptosis, which impairs the interplay between MSCs and endothelium, trophoblast, and immune cells in the placenta, accelerating the onset of PE. Preclinical and clinical evidence imply that the MSC‐based therapy approach for PE is prospective. Importantly, as a novel cell‐free approach, MSC‐derived exosomes can improve symptoms and maternal–fetal survival in PE models by raising cell metabolism, encouraging angiogenesis balance, and regulating immune responses. Even following allogeneic administration, the likelihood of immune rejection is very limited as a result of the small quantity of exosome membrane‐bound proteins. Furthermore, because exosomes do not expand, developing tumors is not probable. As a result, MSC‐derived exosomes show superiority over MSCs in terms of safety. For the first time, we outline the properties of MSC‐exosomes and highlight their functions and potential as a new paradigm for PE therapy in this review.
Unleashing the potential of gene signatures as prognostic and predictive tools: A step closer to personalized medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Pourbagheri‐Sigaroodi Atieh , Fallah Fatemeh , Bashash Davood , Karimi Abdollah
Published: January 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the growing malignancies globally, affecting a myriad of people and causing numerous cancer‐related deaths. Despite therapeutic improvements in treatment strategies over the past decades, HCC still remains one of the leading causes of person‐years of life lost. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the characteristics of HCC with the aim of predicting its prognosis and responsiveness to treatment. However, the identified biomarkers have shown limited sensitivity, and the translation of these findings into clinical practice has faced challenges. The development of sequencing techniques has facilitated the exploration of a wide range of genes, leading to the emergence of gene signatures. Although several studies assessed differentially expressed genes in normal and HCC tissues to find the unique gene signature with prognostic value, to date, no study has reviewed the task, and to the best of our knowledge, this review represents the first comprehensive analysis of relevant studies in HCC. Most gene signatures focused on immune‐related genes, while others investigated genes related to metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis. Even though no identical gene signatures were found, NDRG1, SPP1, BIRC5, and NR0B1 were the most extensively studied genes with prognostic value. Finally, despite challenges such as the lack of consistent patterns in gene signatures, we believe that comprehensive analysis of pertinent gene signatures will bring us a step closer to personalized medicine in HCC, where treatment strategies can be tailored to individual patients based on their unique molecular profiles.
A Facile and General Tandem Oligonucleotide Synthesis Methodology for DNA and RNA
Authors: Saraya Jagandeep S. , O'Flaherty Derek K.
Published: January 2024

Tandem oligonucleotide synthesis (TOS) is an attractive strategy to increase automated oligonucleotide synthesis efficiency. TOS is accomplished via the introduction of an immolative linker within a single sequence composed of multiple oligonucleotide fragments. Here, we report the use of a commercially available building block, typically utilized for the chemical phosphorylation of DNA/RNA oligomers, to perform TOS. We show that the 2,2′‐sulfonyldiethylene linker is efficiently self‐immolated during the standard deprotection of DNA and RNA and presents itself as a generalizable methodology for nucleic acid TOS. Furthermore, we show the utility of this methodology by assembling a model siRNA construct, and showcase a template‐directed ligation pathway to incorporate phosphoramidate or pyrophosphate linkages within DNA oligomers.
Superinfected COVID‐19 in a young patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report
Authors: Nasr Mohammad Javad , Khatir Ali Alizadeh , Kebria Fatemeh Abedi , Bazooyar Bahareh , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Gooran Azin
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms usually related to autoregulatory cerebral failure and high blood pressure. Neuroimaging is critical to diagnosis. Neurological presentations of COVID‐19 disease are categorized into CNS symptoms and peripheral nervous system (PNS) symptoms. The patient was a 15‐year‐old female with SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia who developed PRES with a typical clinical and radiological appearance. She was treated with dexamethasone, phenytoin, sodium valproate and remdesivir. The patient was discharged after recovery of symptoms and was in good general condition. It is recommended that in patients affected by COVID‐19 with neurological symptoms, the PRES can be considered in the differential diagnosis.