bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Hormone Transport by the Rat Fatty Acid Translocase
Authors: van der Putten Haidy H. A. G. M. , Friesema Edith C. H. , Abumrad Nada A. , Everts Maria E. , Visser Theo J.
Published: March 2003

We examined the hypothesis that rat fatty acid translocase (rFAT) mediates the cellular uptake of T3 and other iodothyronines. Uninjected Xenopus laevis oocytes and oocytes injected 4 d previously with rFAT cRNA were incubated for 60 min at 25 C in medium containing 0.01–10 μm [125I]T3 and 0.1% BSA, or 1–100 μm [3H]oleic acid and 0.5% BSA. Injection of rFAT cRNA resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in uptake of T3 (10 nm) and a 1.4-fold increase in uptake of oleic acid (100 μm). Total T3 uptake was lower in the presence than in the absence of BSA, but relative to the free T3 concentration, uptake was increased by BSA. The fold induction of T3 uptake by rFAT was not influenced by BSA. By analyzing uptake as a function of the ligand concentration, we estimated a Km value of 3.6 μm for (total) T3 and 56 μm for (total) oleic acid. In addition to T3, rFAT mediates the uptake of T4, rT3, 3,3′-diiodothyronine, and T3 sulfate. The injection of human type III deiodinase cRNA with or without rFAT cRNA resulted in the complete deiodination of T3 taken up by the oocytes, indicating that T3 is indeed transported to the cytoplasm. In conclusion, our results demonstrate transport of T3 and other iodothyronines by rFAT.
The Optimal Performance of a Carnot Heat Pump under the Condition of Mixed Heat Resistance
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqin , Chen Lingen , Sun Fengrui , Wu Chih
Published: March 2003

The optimal performance of an endoreversible Carnot heat pump under the condition of mixed heat resistance is investigated. The relationship between the optimal coefficient of performance (COP) and the heating load is derived.
Mitochondria Present in Excised Patches From Pancreatic B-cells May Form Microcompartments With ATP-Dependent Potassium Channels
Authors: Rustenbeck I. , Dickel C. , Herrmann C. , Grimmsmann T.
Published: March 2003

Experiments with inside-out patches excised from pancreatic B-cells have yielded evidence that mitochondria are often contained in the cytoplasmic plug protruding into the tip of patch pipette. When intact B-cells were loaded with the fluorescent mitochondrial stain, rhodamine 123, and membrane patches excised from these cells, a green fluorescence could be observed in the lumen at the tip of the patch pipette. The same result was obtained with the mitochondrial stain, MitoTracker Green FM, which is only fluorescent in a membrane-bound state. Furthermore, the open probability of ATP-dependent potassium (KATP) channels in inside-out patches was influenced by mitochondrial fuels and inhibitors. Respiratory substrates like tetramethyl phenylene diamine (2 mM) plus ascorbate (5 mM) or α-ketoisocaproic acid (10 mM) reduced the open probability of KATP channels in inside-out patches significantly (down to 57% or 65% of control, respectively). This effect was antagonized by the inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase, sodium azide (5 mM). Likewise, the inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, malonate (5 mM), increased the open probability of KATP channels in the presence of succinate (1 mM). However, oligomycin in combination with antimycin and rotenone did not increase open probability. Although it cannot be excluded that these effects result from a direct interaction with the KATP channels, the presence of mitochondria in the close vicinity permits the hypothesis that changes in mitochondrial metabolism are involved, mitochondria and KATP channels thus forming functional microcompartments.
Purine Nucleotide- and Sugar Phosphate-Induced Inhibition of the Carboxyl Methylation and Catalysis of Protein Phosphatase-2A in Insulin-Secreting Cells: Protection by Divalent Cations
Authors: Kowluru Anjaneyulu , Metz Stewart A.
Published: March 2003

Recently, we demonstrated that the 36 kDa catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) undergoes methylation at its C-terminal leucine in normal rat islets, human islets and isolated β cells; this modification increases the catalytic activity of PP2A [Kowluru et al. Endocrinology. 137:2315–2323, 1996]. Previous studies have suggested that adenine and guanine nucleotides or glycolytic intermediates [which are critical mediators in β cell function] also modulate phosphatase activity in the pancreatic β cell. Therefore, we examined whether these phosphorylated molecules specifically regulate the carboxyl methylation and the catalytic activity of PP2A in β cells. Micromolar concentrations of ATP, ADP, GTP or GDP each inhibited the carboxyl methylation of PP2Ac and, to a lesser degree, the catalytic activity of PP2A. Likewise, the carboxyl methylation of PP2Ac and its catalytic activity were inhibited by [mono- or di-] phosphates of glucose or fructose. Additionally, however, the carboxyl methylation of PP2Ac was significantly stimulated by divalent metal ions (Mn2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > control). The nucleotide or sugar phosphate-mediated inhibition of carboxyl methylation of PP2Ac and the catalytic activity of PP2A were completely prevented by Mn2+ or Mg2+. These data indicate that divalent metal ions protect against the inhibition by purine nucleotides or sugar phosphates of the carboxyl methylation of PP2Ac perhaps permitting PP2A to function under physiologic conditions. Therefore, these data warrant caution in interpretation of extant data on the regulation of phosphatase function by purine nucleotides.
Effects of Suramin on PMN Interactions with Different Surfaces
Authors: Sud'ina Galina F. , Pushkareva Marina A. , Galkina Svetlana I. , Surkov Sergey A. , Mehl Martin , Ullrich Volker
Published: March 2003

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were found to tightly adhere on endothelial (lines EAhy926 and ECV304) and collagen surfaces under the influence of the chemotherapeutic drug suramin. This was observed by scanning electron microscopy and quantitated by myeloperoxidase assays. Suramin also inhibited Ca2+ ionophore A23187-stimulated leukotriene (LT) synthesis in PMN interaction with endothelial cells or with collagen surface. Suramin decreased the release of radiolabeled arachidonic acid (AA) and 5-lip-oxygenase (5-LO) metabolites by prelabeled PMN stimulated with A23187. Using agents releasing the suramin-stimulated adhesion namely jasplakonolide and dextran sulfate, we observed a reversal of the suramin effect on leukotriene synthesis. Jasplakonolide released the adhesion of PMN on endothelial and collagen-coated surfaces and restored 5-LO activity. Dextran-sulfate released adhesion on collagen-coated surfaces and abolished suramin inhibition. Arachidonate could also overcome adhesion and inhibition of 5-LO. We conclude that suramin-induced tight attachment of PMN on to solid surfaces lead to decreased leukotriene synthesis during subsequent A23187 stimulation in the absence of exogenous substrates.
Discovery of Some of the Biological Effects of Nitric Oxide and its Role in Cell Signaling
Authors: Murad Ferid
Published: March 2003

The role of nitric oxide in cellular signaling in the past 22 years has become one of the most rapidly growing areas in biology with more than 20,000 publications to date. Nitric oxide is a gas and free radical with an unshared electron that can regulate an ever-growing list of biological processes. In many instances nitric oxide mediates its biological effects by activating guanylyl cyclase and increasing cyclic GMP synthesis from GTP. However, the list of effects of nitric oxide that are independent of cyclic GMP is also growing at a rapid rate. For example, nitric oxide can interact with transition metals such as iron, thiol groups, other free radicals, oxygen, superoxide anion, unsaturated fatty acids and other molecules. Some of these reactions result in the oxidation of nitric oxide to nitrite and nitrate to terminate its effect, while other reactions can lead to altered protein structure, function, and/or catalytic capacity. These diverse effects of nitric oxide that are either cyclic GMP dependent or independent can alter and regulate important physiological and biochemical events in cell regulation and function. Nitric oxide can function as an intracellular messenger, an autacoid, a paracrine substance, a neurotransmitter, or as a hormone that can be carried to distant sites for effects. Thus, it is a unique simple molecule with an array of signaling functions. However, as with any messenger molecule, there can be too little or too much of the substance and pathological events result. Some of the methods to regulate either nitric oxide formation, metabolism, or function have been in clinical use for more than a century as with the use of organic nitrates and nitroglycerin in angina pectoris that was initiated in the 1870's. Current and future research with nitric oxide and cyclic GMP will undoubtedly expand the clinicians' therapeutic armamentarium to manage a number of important diseases by perturbing nitric oxide and cyclic GMP formation and metabolism. Such promise and expectations have obviously fueled the interests in these signaling molecules for a growing list of potential therapeutic applications.
Is General Self-Efficacy a Universal Construct?1
Authors: Scholz Urte , Gutiérrez Doña Benicio , Sud Shonali , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: March 2003

Summary Perceived self-efficacy represents an optimistic sense of personal competence that seems to be a pervasive phenomenon accounting for motivation and accomplishments in human beings. The General Self-Efficacy scale, developed to measure this construct at the broadest level, has been adapted to many languages. The psychometric properties of this instrument is examined among 19,120 participants from 25 countries. The main research question is whether the measure is configurally equivalent across cultures, that is, whether it corresponds to only one dimension. The findings confirm this assumption and suggest the globality of the underlying construct. They also point to a number of cross-cultural differences that merit further investigation.
Convergence of Agents' and Targets' Reports on Intraorganizational Influence Attempts1
Authors: Blickle Gerhard
Published: March 2003

Summary The object of the current study was to determine the convergent and discriminant validity of agents' and targets' reports on intraorganizational influence attempts with a structural equation model using latent state-trait analyses. To explain agent-target convergence, we linked the theory of formal organizations to Correspondent Inference Theory. Managers (agents) were asked to describe how they try to influence their boss, a coworker, and a subordinate. These targets also described how the agent tries to influence them. Both agents and targets rated four types of influence attempts twice within 2½ months, namely, rational persuasion, ingratiation, pressure, and upward appeals. In the multitrait-multimethod design, we analyzed 209 complete sets of questionnaires (one agent questionnaire, three target questionnaires, N = 836). The use of structural equation models in analyzing multitrait-multimethod matrices has often resulted in severe difficulties. In the present research, these problems were not encountered. On the whole, the agent-target convergence was low but significant.
Promoting family‐friendly policies
Authors: Roper Ian , Cunningham Ian , James Phil
Published: March 2003

This article examines how human resource (HR) practitioners are responding to the current UK Government's “business case” approach to promoting family‐friendly policies. The ethical basis of the Government's approach to work‐life balance is examined and the results of a survey of HR practitioners’ views on this issue are presented. Findings indicate that, when examining the interdependent factors that determine the ethical basis of support and opposition to such policies, respondents are more likely to reject the Government's rationale on equal and opposite terms to which they are being promoted.
Multiple goals, motivation and academic learning
Authors: Valle Antonio , Cabanach Ramón G. , Núnez José C. , González‐Pienda Julio , Rodríguez Susana , Piñeiro Isabel
Published: March 2003

Background: The type of academic goals pursued by students is one of the most important variables in motivational research in educational contexts. Although motivational theory and research have emphasised the somewhat exclusive nature of two types of goal orientation (learning goals versus performance goals), some studies (Meece, 1994; Seifert, 1995, 1996) have shown that the two kinds of goals are relatively complementary and that it is possible for students to have multiple goals simultaneously, which guarantees some flexibility to adapt more efficaciously to various contexts and learning situations.

Aim: The principal aim of this study is to determine the academic goals pursued by university students and to analyse the differences in several very significant variables related to motivation and academic learning.

Sample: Participants were 609 university students (74% women and 26% men) who filled in several questionnaires about the variables under study.

Method: We used cluster analysis ('quick cluster analysis' method) to establish the different groups or clusters of individuals as a function of the three types of goals (learning goals, performance goals, and social reinforcement goals). By means of MANOVA, we determined whether the groups or clusters identified were significantly different in the variables that are relevant to motivation and academic learning. Lastly, we performed ANOVA on the variables that revealed significant effects in the previous analysis.

Results: Using cluster analysis, three groups of students with different motivational orientations were identified: a group with predominance of performance goals (Group PG: n = 230), a group with predominance of multiple goals (Group MG: n = 238), and a group with predominance of learning goals (Group LG: n = 141).

Conclusions: Groups MG and LG attributed their success more to ability, they had higher perceived ability, they took task characteristics into account when planning which strategies to use in the learning process, they showed higher persistence, and used more deep learning strategies than did the students with predominance of performance goals (Group PG). On the other hand, Groups MG and PG took the evaluation criteria more into account when deciding which strategies to use in order to learn, and they attributed their failures more to luck than did Group LG. Students from Group MG attributed their success more to effort than did the other two groups and they attained higher achievement than Group PG. Group LG tended to attribute their failures more to lack of effort than did the other two groups.
Race, Prevalence of POLE and POLD1 Alterations, and Survival Among Patients With Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zheng Shuhua , Donnelly Eric D. , Strauss Jonathan B.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Black patients with endometrial cancer (EC) in the United States have higher mortality than patients of other races with EC. The prevalence of POLE and POLD1 pathogenic alterations in patients of different races with EC are not well studied.

Objective

To explore the prevalence of and outcomes associated with POLE and POLD1 alterations in differential racial groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study incorporated the largest available data set of patients with EC, including American Association for Cancer Research Project GENIE (Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange; 5087 participants), Memorial Sloan Kettering–Metastatic Events and Tropisms (1315 participants), and the Cancer Genome Atlas Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (517 participants), collected from 2015 to 2023, 2013 to 2021, and 2006 to 2012, respectively. The prevalence of and outcomes associated with POLE or POLD1 alterations in EC were evaluated across self-reported racial groups.

Exposure

Patients of different racial groups with EC and with or without POLE or POLD1 alterations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was overall survival. Data on demographic characteristics, POLE and POLD1 alteration status, histologic subtype, tumor mutation burden, fraction of genome altered, and microsatellite instability score were collected.

Results

A total of 6919 EC cases were studied, of whom 444 (6.4%), 694 (10.0%), and 4869 (70.4%) patients were self-described as Asian, Black, and White, respectively. Within these large data sets, Black patients with EC exhibited a lower weighted average prevalence of pathogenic POLE alterations (0.5% [3 of 590 cases]) compared with Asian (6.1% [26 of 424]) or White (4.6% [204 of 4520]) patients. By contrast, the prevalence of POLD1 pathogenic alterations was 5.0% (21 cases), 3.2% (19 cases), and 5.6% (255 cases) in Asian, Black, and White patients with EC, respectively. Patients with POLD1 alterations had better outcomes regardless of race, histology, and TP53 alteration status. For a total of 241 clinically annotated Black patients with EC, a composite biomarker panel of either POLD1 or POLE alterations identified 7.1% (17 patients) with positive outcomes (1 event at 70 months follow up) in the small sample of available patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective clinicopathological study of patients of different racial groups with EC, a composite biomarker panel of either POLD1 or POLE alteration could potentially guide treatment de-escalation, which is especially relevant for Black patients.
Prenatal Opioid Exposure and Immune-Related Conditions in Children
Authors: Kelty Erin , Rae Kaitlyn , Jantzie Lauren L. , Wyrwoll Caitlin S. , Preen David B.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) may alter with fetal development of the immune system, which may influence long-term health and susceptibility to immune-related conditions.

Objective

To compare the risk of hospitalization and emergency department presentation for immune-related conditions in children with and without POE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used linked administrative health records of all children born in Western Australia between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2018 (N = 401 462).

Exposure

Prenatal exposure to prescription opioids (overall and by trimester), neonatal abstinence syndrome diagnosis, and opioid indication (pain or opioid use disorder [OUD]).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was hospital admissions and emergency department presentations during which a child was diagnosed with an immune-related condition, including infections, conditions associated with an overactive immune system (eg, asthma, eczema, and allergy and anaphylaxis), and autoimmune diseases diagnosed before age 5 years or June 30, 2020. Data were analyzed between August 30, 2022, and February 27, 2023.

Results

Neonates with POE (1656 [0.4%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 37.7 [2.1] weeks; 836 females [50.5%]; 820 males [49.5%]) were more likely to be born preterm, have low birth weight for gestational age, and be coexposed to cigarette smoke compared with nonexposed neonates. Perinatal opioid exposure was associated with an increased risk of perinatal infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.38-1.90) and eczema and dermatitis (AOR, 11.91; 95% CI, 9.84-14.41) compared with nonexposure. Neonatal abstinence syndrome was also associated with both conditions (AOR, 2.91 [95% CI, 2.36-3.57] and 31.11 [95% CI, 24.64-39.28], respectively). Prenatal opioid exposure was also associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16-1.79), but not allergies and anaphylaxis. It was also associated with an increased risk of childhood eczema and dermatitis, but only in children with POE from opioids used to treat OUD (AHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.08-1.99) rather than pain. In contrast, POE from opioids used for pain was associated with an increased risk of infection (AHR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.32-1.58), but POE to opioids used to treat OUD was not. Autoimmune conditions were rare and were not observed to be associated with POE.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, POE was associated with an increased risk of infection, eczema and dermatitis, and asthma, but not allergies and anaphylaxis or autoimmune conditions. These findings highlight the importance of further study of opioid-induced immune changes during pregnancy, the potential impact on long-term health in exposed children, and the mechanisms of opioid-induced immune dysregulation.
Receive coil quality assurance procedure and automated analysis for ViewRay MRIdian MR‐Linac
Authors: Kaza Evangelia , Williams Christopher L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Regular receiving coil quality assurance (QA) is required to ensure image quality of an MRIdian Linac system. The manufacturer provides a spherical phantom and positioning tube for single‐slice signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and uniformity assessments. We aimed to improve imaging setup and coverage and eliminate inter‐scan variability by employing multi‐slice imaging of a stable phantom. Additionally, we strived to expedite analysis by developing objective, automated analysis software.

Methods

A 5300 mL cylindrical plastic bottle placed in plastic bins was scanned at isocenter using a spin‐echo sequence with NEMA‐recommended parameters and 18 axial slices, avoiding phantom repositioning. Acquisition was repeated with and without prescan normalization filtering and by saving uncombined element images. Obtained data were analyzed using custom open‐source MATLAB code. Signal and noise images were automatically assigned, and ROIs for SNR and uniformity calculations were defined using image thresholding. SNR and uniformity pass/fail decisions were made using baseline comparisons.

Results

The proposed method was successfully implemented as monthly coil QA for 3.5 years. Setup and scanning took 41 min on average for a coil set. Automated image analysis was completed in a few minutes. Signal intensity peaked around +90 or ‐90 mm for Torso or Head/Neck coil unfiltered images. Noise peaked and minimized SNR inside ±30 mm from isocenter, while maximizing it around ±130 mm. Prescan normalization smoothed signal response, reduced SNR and increased uniformity. Individual coil element image analysis identified their position, signal or noise response and SNR. SNR and uniformity pass/fail thresholds were set for already tested and new coils. Conspicuous and subtle Torso coil malfunctions were detected considering baseline deviations of combined and individual element results.

Conclusions

Our QA method eliminated observer bias and provided insights into coil function, image filtering performance and coil element location. It provided SNR and uniformity thresholds and identified faulty coil elements.
Graphullerene: A Fully Atomistic Analysis of the Tensile Characteristics Under Temperature Variation
Authors: Ajori Shahram , Eghbalian Mohsen , Sadeghi Fatemeh
Published: January 2024

Based on the molecular dynamics simulations, mechanical properties of the most recently synthesized covalent fullerene network, i.e., graphullerene sheet, under uniaxial tension, are determined. These properties include Young's modulus, ultimate stress, failure strain, tensile toughness, and Poisson's ratio. Due to the lack of existing data on mechanical properties of graphullerene, a comprehensive study is performed to get an insight into the effects of defect density, size, and temperature on all tensile characteristics. In the results, it is indicated that the tensile behavior of graphullerene structure is comparable with graphene allotropes. Moreover, it is observed that the presence of defect reduces stiffness, ultimate stress, and tensile toughness, while it has a negligible effect on the failure strain. It is further observed that unlike stiffness, increasing the temperature reduces other tensile characteristics. Interestingly, it is found that graphullerene exhibits auxetic behavior with negative Poisson's ratio which categorizes it as a unique auxetic material ever synthesized. At the end, three types of potential functions for hydrocarbons including adaptive intermolecular reactive empirical bond order, reactive empirical bond order, and Tersoff are considered to study the tensile behavior of graphullerene. This new auxetic nanosheet is a promising analogous to the existing 2D nanostructures with fascinating potential applications.
Heterogeneous Integration of Graphene and HfO2 Memristors
Authors: Trstenjak Urška , Goß Kalle , Gutsche Alexander , Jo Janghyun , Wohlgemuth Marcus , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Gunkel Felix , Dittmann Regina
Published: January 2024

The past decade has seen a growing trend toward utilizing (quasi) van der Waals growth for the heterogeneous integration of various materials for advanced electronics. In this work, pulsed‐laser deposition is used to grow HfO2 thin films on graphene/SiO2/Si. As graphene is easily damaged under standard oxide‐film deposition conditions, the process needs to be adjusted to minimize the oxidation and the collision‐induced damage. A systematic study is conducted in order to identify the crucial deposition parameters for diminishing the defect concentration in the graphene interlayer. For evaluating the quality of graphene, it is mainly relied on data obtained from Raman spectroscopy, using approaches beyond the Tuinstra‐Koenig relation. The results show that the defects are mainly a consequence of the high kinetic energy of the plasma‐plume particles. Using a relatively high Ar process pressure, a sufficiently low defect concentration is ensured, without compromising the quality of the HfO2 thin film. This enabled us to successfully prepare memristive devices with a filamentary type of switching, utilizing the graphene layer as a bottom electrode. The findings of this study can be easily transferred to other systems for the development of oxide electronic devices.
Transformable Carbonate Apatite Chains as a Novel Type of Bone Graft
Authors: Hayashi Koichiro , Kishida Ryo , Tsuchiya Akira , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: January 2024

The aging global population is generating an ever‐increasing demand for bone regeneration. Various materials, including blocks, granules, and sponges, are developed for bone regeneration. However, blocks require troublesome shaping and exhibit poor bone‐defect conformities; granules migrate into the surrounding tissues during and after filling of the defect, causing handling difficulties and complications; and sponges contain polymers that are subject to religious restrictions, lack osteoconductivity, and may cause inflammation and allergies. Herein, carbonate apatite chains that overcome the limitations of conventional materials are presented. Although carbonate apatite granules migrate, causing inflammation and ectopic calcification, the chains remain in the defects without causing any complications. The chains conform to the defect shape and transform into 3D porous structures, resulting in faster bone regeneration than that observed using granules. Thus, these findings indicate that even traditional calcium phosphates materials can be converted to state‐of‐the‐art materials via shape control.
A Hybrid Nanoadjuvant Simultaneously Depresses PD‐L1/TGF‐β1 and Activates cGAS‐STING Pathway to Overcome Radio‐Immunotherapy Resistance
Authors: Yi Lei , Jiang Xin , Zhou Zaigang , Xiong Wei , Xue Fei , Liu Yu , Xu Haozhe , Fan Bo , Li Yuan , Shen Jianliang
Published: January 2024

Currently, certain cancer patients exhibit resistance to radiotherapy due to reduced DNA damage under hypoxic conditions and acquired immune tolerance triggered by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and membrane‐localized programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1). Meanwhile, cytoplasm‐distributed PD‐L1 induces radiotherapy resistance through accelerating DNA damage repair (DDR). However, the disability of clinically used PD‐L1 antibodies in inhibiting cytoplasm‐distributed PD‐L1 limits their effectiveness. Therefore, a nanoadjuvant is developed to sensitize cancer to radiotherapy via multi‐level immunity activation through depressing PD‐L1 and TGF‐β1 by triphenylphosphine‐derived metformin, and activating the cGAS‐STING pathway by generating Mn2+ from MnO2 and producing more dsDNA via reversing tumor hypoxia and impairing DDR. Thus, Tpp‐Met@MnO2@Alb effectively enhances the efficiency of radiotherapy to inhibit the progression of irradiated local and abscopal tumors and tumor lung metastases, offering a long‐term memory of antitumor immunity without discernible side effects. Overall, Tpp‐Met@MnO2@Alb has the potential to be clinically applied for overcoming radio‐immunotherapy resistance.
In Situ Reprogramming of Immune Cells Using Synthetic Nanomaterials
Authors: Nie Shihong , Qin Yuyang , Ou Liyuan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Li Ling
Published: January 2024

In the past decade, adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor‐T (CAR‐T) cells has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the complexity and high costs involved in manufacturing current adoptive cell therapy greatly inhibit its widespread availability and access. To address this, in situ cell therapy, which directly reprograms immune cells inside the body, has recently been developed as a promising alternative. Here, an overview of the recent progress in the development of synthetic nanomaterials is provided to deliver plasmid DNA or mRNA for in situ reprogramming of T cells and macrophages, focusing especially on in situ CAR therapies. Also, the main challenges for in situ immune cell reprogramming are discussed and some approaches to overcome these barriers to fulfill the clinical applications are proposed.
Performance Enhancement of the Li6PS5Cl‐Based Solid‐State Batteries by Scavenging Lithium Dendrites with LaCl3‐Based Electrolyte
Authors: Xu Shijie , Cheng Xiaobin , Yang Shunjin , Yin Yichen , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Yuzhe , Ren Dehang , Sun Yujiang , Sun Xiao , Yao Hongbin , Yang Yongan
Published: January 2024

Li6PS5Cl (LPSC) is a very attractive sulfide solid electrolyte for developing high‐performance all‐solid‐state lithium batteries. However, it cannot suppress the growth of lithium dendrites and then can only tolerate a small critical current density (CCD) before getting short‐circuited to death. Learning from that a newly‐developed LaCl3‐based electrolyte (LTLC) can afford a very large CCD, a three‐layer sandwich‐structured electrolyte is designed by inserting LTLC inside LPSC. Remarkably, compared with bland LPSC, this hybrid electrolyte LPSC/LTLC/LPSC presents extraordinary performance improvements: the CCD gets increased from 0.51 to 1.52 mA cm−2, the lifetime gets prolonged from 7 h to >500 h at the cycling current of 0.5 mA cm−2 in symmetric cells, and the cyclability gets extended from 10 cycles to >200 cycles at the cycling rate of 0.5 C and 30 °C in Li|electrolyte|NCM721 full cells. The enhancing reasons are assigned to the capability of LTLC to scavenge lithium dendrites, forming a passive layer of Ta, La, and LiCl.
Interior‐Confined Vacancy in Potassium Manganese Hexacyanoferrate for Ultra‐Stable Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Guo Tianqi , Shang Yang , Zheng Tian , Jia Binbin , Niu Xiaogang , Zhu Yujie , Wang Zhongchang
Published: January 2024

Metal hexacyanoferrates (HCFs) are viewed as promising cathode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) because of their high theoretical capacities and redox potentials. However, the development of an HCF cathode with high cycling stability and voltage retention is still impeded by the unavoidable Fe(CN)6 vacancies (VFeCN) and H2O in the materials. Here, a repair method is proposed that significantly reduces the VFeCN content in potassium manganese hexacyanoferrate (KMHCF) enabled by the reducibility of sodium citrate and removal of ligand H2O at high temperature (KMHCF‐H). The KMHCF‐H obtained at 90 °C contains only 2% VFeCN, and the VFeCN is concentrated in the lattice interior. Such an integrated Fe–CN–Mn surface structure of the KMHCF‐H cathode with repaired surface VFeCN allows preferential decomposition of potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) in the electrolyte, which constitutes a dense anion‐dominated cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) , inhibiting effectively Mn dissolution into the electrolyte. Consequently, the KMHCF‐H cathode exhibits excellent cycling performance for both half‐cell (95.2 % at 0.2 Ag−1 after 2000 cycles) and full‐cell (99.4 % at 0.1 Ag−1 after 200 cycles). This thermal repair method enables scalable preparation of KMHCF with a low content of vacancies, holding substantial promise for practical applications of PIBs.
Synergy of Pd2+/S2−‐Doped TiO2 Supported on 2‐Methylimidazolium‐Functionalized Polypyrrole/Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Nitrogen Electrooxidation
Authors: Mao Hui , Sun Yuheng , Li Huinan , Wu Shuyao , Liu Daliang , Li Hui , Li Shuo , Ma Tianyi
Published: January 2024

The electrosynthesis of nitrate catalyzed by electrochemical nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) is considered as an alternative and sustainable approach to the conventional industrial manufacture, but optimizing the electrocatalytic NOR performance and fabricating the efficient NOR electrocatalysts at the design level still encounter great challenges. Herein, unique Pd2+‐ and S2−‐doped TiO2 (Pb/S–TiO2) nanoparticles are successfully in situ grown on the surface of 2‐methylimidazolium‐functionalized polypyrrole/graphene oxide (2‐MeIm/PPy/GO), which present the typical hierarchical micro‐nanostructures, resulting in the excellent electrocatalytic NOR performance with the highest NO3− yield of 72.69 µg h−1 mg−1act. and the maximum Faraday efficiency of 8.92% at 2.04 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) due to the synergistic effect of each component. Due to the doping effect, the appropriate oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity is achieved by Ti‐site, where OER principally occurs, providing *O during the non‐electrochemical step of NOR, while the electrocatalytic NOR process as the electrochemical conversion of inert N2 to active *NO intermediates mainly occurs at the Pd‐site. Especially, the sulfate radicals in situ formed on Pb/S–TiO2@2‐MeIm/PPy/GO further promote nitrogen adsorption and decrease the reaction energy barrier, resulting in the acceleration of NOR. It provides theoretical and practical experience for the design and preparation of NOR electrocatalysts.
Cu Direct Nanopatterning Using Solid‐State Electrochemical Dissolution at the Anode/Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Interface
Authors: Tsuji Atsuki , Morimoto Eita , Takizawa Masaru , Murata Junji
Published: January 2024

Patterned copper (Cu) has applications in various electronic devices such as metal interconnects. Electrochemical approaches to patterning, such as electrochemical machining and electroplating, are promising methods for the direct fabrication of patterns on Cu surfaces. However, owing to the use of electrolytes, this technique suffers from issues such as low patterning resolution and significant environmental impact. Herein, a novel direct electrochemical patterning technique for the anodic dissolution of Cu using a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) stamp with a patterned surface instead of a liquid electrolyte, is proposed. In this technique, an electrochemical reaction selectively ionizes the Cu surface in contact with the PEM stamp, enabling the fabrication of patterns on Cu surfaces with a resolution of several hundred nanometers under a low‐temperature air atmosphere. Overall, the proposed all‐solid‐state electrochemical patterning technique employing PEM stamps offers a facile, environmentally friendly, and direct process that does not use resists or harsh chemicals, making it a cost‐effective approach that can improve processing efficiency.
Ultralow Power Consumption Liquid Crystal Display Retaining Superior Image Qualities
Authors: Kim MinSu , Lee DaYeon , Park HanByeol , Jung Ha Young , Jung Junho , Baek Seung‐Hwa , Jung Jong‐Wook , Park Sun‐Mi , Kwon Ki‐Sun , Jin Heui‐Seok , Lee Dong‐Jin , Kim GwangTae , Park JeongKi , Lee Seung Hee
Published: January 2024

Global energy policies have urged power consumption reductions for electronic devices. However, this is inconsistent with the users' need for enhanced device performance. In this work, converse flexoelectricity is used to reduce power consumption while maintaining the superior display image quality of liquid crystal display (LCD). The first 1 Hz‐refresh‐rate and flicker‐free fringe‐field switching (FFS) LCD for a 13.4‐inch laptop are reported. A noticeable brightness deviation is inevitable when driving voltage polarity is altered during low‐frequency driving, which is caused by the flexoelectric effect and voltage‐holding failure. The nature of the converse flexoelectric contribution of mesogenic systems with the optimum flexoelectric coefficients and molecular polarity, and developed materials based on findings is investigated. The quality of static images and videos at 1‐ and 10 Hz refresh rates, respectively, is maintained, and the measured power consumptions are reduced by 83% and 47% compared to that at a 60 Hz refresh rate, and minimal flicker level is measured by −68 dB. It is believed that this will serve as a new paradigm for energy consumption in electronic devices with superior display performance of FFS LCDs.
Direct Laser Write‐Read‐Erase in a Functional Molecular Phase Change Material–Polymer Nanocomposite Thin Film
Authors: Maurya Ritesh Singh , Chaudhary Nitin , Srujana P. , Rajput Vinod K. , Naraharisetty Sri Ram G. , Radhakrishnan T. P.
Published: January 2024

Phase change materials based on organics and salt hydrates with large latent heats of transition are used extensively in energy storage systems; those based on low melting alloys exhibiting electrical/optical characteristics switching with amorphous‐crystalline (A ↔ C) transformations are of major interest in information storage devices. The direct laser write‐read‐erase is reported using a functional molecular phase change material. Facile and reversible A ↔ C transformations with concomitant switching of fluorescence emission color and intensity are demonstrated in polymer thin films doped with a diaminodicyanoquinodimethane based fluorophore using thermal operations as well as laser irradiation. In the mask‐less direct write‐erase process developed, the laser power and irradiation time are tuned to write and erase; the reading is carried out by exploiting the characteristic fluorescence signature. This work opens up a novel avenue to develop sensors and encryption systems exploiting organic molecule based optical materials encapsulated in polymer thin films.
Dispersion Engineering of In‐Plane Anisotropic Phonon Polaritons in hBN/Te van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Gong Youning , Zhu Jiaqi , Zhao Yanyu , Zhang Junrong , Hou Tao , Zhu Shan , Zhou Zhichao , Liang Jun , Li Delong , Wu Kedi , Chen Huanyang , Zhang Kai , Bao Qiaoliang , Zhang Yupeng , Wang Guo Ping
Published: January 2024

Hyperbolic phonon polaritons in optically uniaxial hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have shown considerable potential for manipulating light on the deep‐subwavelength scale, but the inherent in‐plane isotropy of hBN hinders their further application in planar polariton meta‐optics. Engineering these polaritons to achieve ultraconfined in‐plane anisotropic propagation is of scientific significance for facilitating light–matter interactions toward an extreme scale. Here, the polariton features are systematically investigated in a vertically stacked van der Waals heterostructure consisting of hBN and tellurium (Te), a highly birefringent van der Waals crystal in the mid‐infrared region. Polaritons in this heterostructure exhibit Te‐thickness‐dependent anisotropic dispersion, and the configurable in‐plane anisotropy and enhanced field confinement are experimentally demonstrated using scanning near‐field optical microscopy. It is concluded that these findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of anisotropic polaritons in hBN van der Waals heterostructures, providing a practical avenue for effectively engineering anisotropic PhPs in an intrinsically isotropic van der Waals material.
Site Preference Induced Dual‐Wavelength Mn2+ Upconversion in K2NaScF6:Yb3+, Mn2+ and Its Application in Temperature Sensing
Authors: Liu Dongxi , Zeng Chuanyu , Wang Juan , Liang Anxian , Zhao Jialong , Zou Bingsuo , Han Xinxin
Published: January 2024

The realization of dual‐wavelength Mn2+ upconversion (UC) luminescence that exhibits different thermal responsive behaviors is promising for non‐invasive optical temperature sensing applications. However, it remains challenging to achieve such luminescence of Mn2+ ions. Herein, due to the site preference characteristics of Mn2+, color tunable and dual‐wavelength Mn2+ UC luminescence is achieved in K2NaScF6:Yb3+, Mn2+ by simply adjusting the Mn2+ doping concentration. Structural and spectral analysis as well as theoretical calculations reveal that the green and red UC emissions originate from two kinds of face‐sharing Yb3+‐Mn2+ dimers, which exhibit different luminescence properties, including different emission wavelength, excited state lifetime, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and luminescence thermal stability. This unique dual‐wavelength UC luminescence of Mn2+ provides a new type of fluorescence intensity ratio thermometer with absolute and relative sensitivities of up to 0.018 K−1 and 0.525% K−1, respectively. This work not only demonstrates the potential application of K2NaScF6:Yb3+, Mn2+ material in the field of optical thermometry but also provides new perspectives for designing multi‐band Mn2+ UC luminescence.
TRAF4‐Mediated LAMTOR1 Ubiquitination Promotes mTORC1 Activation and Inhibits the Inflammation‐Induced Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Gao Ni , Peng Xiaoping , Chen Lei , Meng Tong , Jiang Cong , Jin Jiali , Zhang Jiawen , Duan Qiuhui , Tian Hongling , Weng Linjun , Wang Xinbo , Tan Xiao , Li Yaxu , Qin Huanlong , Yuan Jian , Ge Xin , Deng Lu , Wang Ping
Published: January 2024

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that integrates various environmental signals to regulate cell growth and metabolism. mTORC1 activation requires tethering to lysosomes by the Ragulator‐Rag complex. However, the dynamic regulation of the interaction between Ragulator and Rag guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) remains unclear. In this study, that LAMTOR1, an essential component of Ragulator, is dynamically ubiquitinated depending on amino acid abundance is reported. It is found that the E3 ligase TRAF4 directly interacts with LAMTOR1 and catalyzes the K63‐linked polyubiquitination of LAMTOR1 at K151. Ubiquitination of LAMTOR1 by TRAF4 promoted its binding to Rag GTPases and enhanced mTORC1 activation, K151R knock‐in or TRAF4 knock‐out blocks amino acid‐induced mTORC1 activation and accelerates the development of inflammation‐induced colon cancer. This study revealed that TRAF4‐mediated LAMTOR1 ubiquitination is a regulatory mechanism for mTORC1 activation and provides a therapeutic target for diseases involving mTORC1 dysregulation.
A Promising New Model: Establishment of Patient‐Derived Organoid Models Covering HPV‐Related Cervical Pre‐Cancerous Lesions and Their Cancers
Authors: Hu Bai , Wang Renjie , Wu Di , Long Rui , Fan Junpeng , Hu Zhe , Hu Xingyuan , Ma Ding , Li Fang , Sun Chaoyang , Liao Shujie
Published: January 2024

The lack of human‐derived in vitro models that recapitulate cervical pre‐cancerous lesions has been the bottleneck in researching human papillomavirus (HPV) infection‐associated pre‐cancerous lesions and cancers for a long time. Here, a long‐term 3D organoid culture protocol for high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical squamous cell carcinoma that stably recapitulates the two tissues of origin is described. Originating from human‐derived samples, a small biobank of cervical pre‐tumoroids and tumoroids that faithfully retains genomic and transcriptomic characteristics as well as the causative HPV genome is established. Cervical pre‐tumoroids and tumoroids show differential responses to common chemotherapeutic agents and grow differently as xenografts in mice. By coculture organoid models with peripheral blood immune cells (PBMCs) stimulated by HPV antigenic peptides, it is illustrated that both organoid models respond differently to immunized PBMCs, supporting organoids as reliable and powerful tools for studying virus‐specific T‐cell responses and screening therapeutic HPV vaccines. In this study, a model of cervical pre‐cancerous lesions containing HPV is established for the first time, overcoming the bottleneck of the current model of human cervical pre‐cancerous lesions. This study establishes an experimental platform and biobanks for in vitro mechanistic research, therapeutic vaccine screening, and personalized treatment for HPV‐related cervical diseases.
BMP‐ACVR1 Axis is Critical for Efficacy of PRC2 Inhibitors in B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Li Zhen , Tan Dongxia , An Yang , Chu Liping , Chen Tiancheng , Li Weijia , Zhou Ailin , Xiang Ruijie , Zhang Liye , Qu Yuxiu , Qi Wei
Published: January 2024

EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the histone methyltransferase Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), and its somatic activating mutations drive lymphoma, particularly the germinal center B‐cell type. Although PRC2 inhibitors, such as tazemetostat, have demonstrated anti‐lymphoma activity in patients, the clinical efficacy is not limited to EZH2‐mutant lymphoma. In this study, Activin A Receptor Type 1 (ACVR1), a type I Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) receptor, is identified as critical for the anti‐lymphoma efficacy of PRC2 inhibitors through a whole‐genome CRISPR screen. BMP6, BMP7, and ACVR1 are repressed by PRC2‐mediated H3K27me3, and PRC2 inhibition upregulates their expression and signaling in cell and patient‐derived xenograft models. Through BMP‐ACVR1 signaling, PRC2 inhibitors robustly induced cell cycle arrest and B cell lineage differentiation in vivo. Remarkably, blocking ACVR1 signaling using an inhibitor or genetic depletion significantly compromised the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of PRC2 inhibitors. Furthermore, high levels of BMP6 and BMP7, along with ACVR1, are associated with longer survival in lymphoma patients, underscoring the clinical relevance of this study. Altogether, BMP‐ACVR1 exhibits anti‐lymphoma function and represents a critical PRC2‐repressed pathway contributing to the efficacy of PRC2 inhibitors.
Unraveling Non‐Uniform Strain‐Induced Crystallization Near a Crack Tip in Natural Rubber
Authors: Mai Thanh‐Tam , Yasui Tomohiro , Tanaka Ruito , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Kabe Taizo , Tsunoda Katsuhiko , Sakurai Shinichi , Urayama Kenji
Published: January 2024

Strain‐induced crystallization (SIC) in natural rubber (NR) near crack tips significantly enhances crack growth resistance, but understanding the interplay between local strain field and crystallization remains challenging due to confined and heterogeneous characteristics. Using micro‐scale digital image correlation (DIC) and scanning wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD, with a narrow 10 µm square beam), this study maps local strain tensor properties and SIC in the vicinity of the crack tip and its peripheral zone (≈3 mm × 1 mm area). The analysis reveals a significant correlation between these properties. In the peripheral zone, there is a noticeable deviation of both the principal strain axis and the crystal orientation from the crack opening direction. These deviations are linearly correlated, which indicates that shear strain plays a significant role in determining the crystal orientation. Crucially, the maximum tensile component in the tensor of local principal strains predominantly dictates local crystallinity. This simplicity is attributed to the limited variation in types of deformation within the SIC region, with corresponding to deformations falling between planar and uniaxial stretching. These findings pave the way for predicting crystallinity distribution using solely strain field data, offering valuable insights into the role of SIC in enhancing the crack growth resistance of NR.