bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation bar-coding of Free Fatty Acid receptor 2 is generated in a tissue-specific manner
Authors: Barki Natasja , Jenkins Laura , Marsango Sara , Dedeo Domonkos , Bolognini Daniele , Dwomoh Louis , Abdelmalik Aisha M. , Nilsen Margaret , Stoffels Manon , Nagel Falko , Schulz Stefan , Tobin Andrew B. , Milligan Graeme
Published: November 2023

Free Fatty Acid receptor 2 (FFA2) is activated by short-chain fatty acids and expressed widely, including in white adipocytes and various immune and enteroendocrine cells. Using both wild type human FFA2 and a Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) variant we explored the activation and phosphorylation profile of the receptor, both in heterologous cell lines and in tissues from transgenic knock-in mouse lines expressing either human FFA2 or the FFA2-DREADD. FFA2 phospho-site specific antisera targeting either pSer
296
/pSer
297
or pThr
306
/pThr
310
provided sensitive biomarkers of both constitutive and agonist-mediated phosphorylation as well as an effective means to visualise agonist-activated receptors
in situ
. In white adipose tissue phosphorylation of residues Ser
296
/Ser
297
was enhanced upon agonist activation whilst Thr
306
/Thr
310
did not become phosphorylated. By contrast, in immune cells from Peyer’s patches Thr
306
/Thr
310
become phosphorylated in a strictly agonist-dependent fashion whilst in enteroendocrine cells of the colon both Ser
296
/Ser
297
and Thr
306
/Thr
310
were poorly phosphorylated. The concept of phosphorylation bar-coding has centred to date on the potential for different agonists to promote distinct receptor phosphorylation patterns. Here we demonstrate that this occurs for the same agonist-receptor pairing in different patho-physiologically relevant target tissues. This may underpin why a single G protein-coupled receptor can generate different functional outcomes in a tissue-specific manner.The concept that agonist-occupancy of a G protein-coupled receptor can result in distinct patterns of phosphorylation of residues on the intracellular elements of the receptor in different tissues is referred to ‘bar-coding’. This has been challenging to demonstrate conclusively in native tissues. We now show this to be the case by using tissues from transgenic knock-in mouse lines expressing either wild type or a DREADD variant of human Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 and a pair of phospho-site specific antisera. Clear differences in the pattern of phosphorylation of the receptor induced by the same ligand were observed in white adipose tissue and immune cells derived from Peyer’s patches. These outcomes provide direct evidence in tissues, at endogenous expression levels, of a well promoted hypothesis.
Ice nucleation proteins self-assemble into large fibres to trigger freezing at near 0 °C
Authors: Hansen Thomas , Lee Jocelyn C. , Reicher Naama , Ovadia Gil , Guo Shuaiqi , Guo Wangbiao , Liu Jun , Braslavsky Ido , Rudich Yinon , Davies Peter L.
Published: November 2023

In nature, frost can form at a few degrees below 0 °C. However, this process requires the assembly of tens of thousands of ice-like water molecules that align together to initiate freezing at these relatively high temperatures. Water ordering on this scale is mediated by the ice nucleation proteins of common environmental bacteria like
Pseudomonas syringae
and
P. borealis
. However, individually, these 100-kDa proteins are too small to organize enough water molecules for frost formation, and it is not known how giant, megadalton-sized multimers, which are crucial for ice nucleation at high sub-zero temperatures, form. The ability of multimers to self-assemble was suggested when the transfer of an ice nucleation protein gene into
Escherichia coli
led to efficient ice nucleation. Here we demonstrate that a positively-charged sub-domain at the C-terminal end of the central beta-solenoid of the ice nucleation protein is crucial for multimerization. Truncation, relocation, or change of the charge of this subdomain caused a catastrophic loss of ice nucleation ability. Cryo-electron tomography of the recombinant
E. coli
showed that the ice nucleation protein multimers form fibres that are ∼ 5 nm across and up to 200 nm long. A model of these fibres as an overlapping series of antiparallel dimers can account for all their known properties and suggests a route to making cell-free ice nucleators for biotechnological applications.
A Plasmodium falciparum MORC protein complex modulates epigenetic control of gene expression through interaction with heterochromatin
Authors: Singh Maneesh Kumar , Bonnell Victoria Ann , Tojal Da Silva Israel , Santiago Verônica Feijoli , Moraes Miriam Santos , Adderley Jack , Doerig Christian , Palmisano Giuseppe , Llinas Manuel , Garcia Celia RS
Published: November 2023

Dynamic control of gene expression is critical for blood stage development of malaria parasites. Here, we used multi-omic analyses to investigate transcriptional regulation by the chromatin-associated microrchidia protein, MORC, during asexual blood stage development of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We show that PfMORC (PF3D7_1468100) interacts with a suite of nuclear proteins, including APETALA2 (ApiAP2) transcription factors (PfAP2-G5, PfAP2-O5, PfAP2-I, PF3D7_0420300, PF3D7_0613800, PF3D7_1107800, and PF3D7_1239200), a DNA helicase DS60 (PF3D7_1227100), and other chromatin remodelers (PfCHD1 and PfEELM2). Transcriptomic analysis of PfMORCHA-glmS knockdown parasites revealed 163 differentially expressed genes belonging to hypervariable multigene families, along with upregulation of genes mostly involved in host cell invasion. In vivo genome-wide chromatin occupancy analysis during both trophozoite and schizont stages of development demonstrates that PfMORC is recruited to repressed, multigene families, including the var genes in subtelomeric chromosomal regions. Collectively, we find that PfMORC is found in chromatin complexes that play a role in the epigenetic control of asexual blood stage transcriptional regulation and chromatin organization.
Multidimensional solution of fuzzy linear programming
Authors: Edalatpanah Seyyed Ahmad
Published: November 2023

There are several approaches to address fuzzy linear programming problems (FLPP). However, due to using standard interval arithmetic (SIA), these methods have some limitations and are not complete solutions. This article establishes a new approach to fuzzy linear programming via the theory of horizontal membership functions and the multidimensional relative-distance-measure fuzzy interval arithmetic. Furthermore, we propose a multidimensional solution based on the primal Simplex approach that satisfies any equivalent form of FLPP. The new solutions of FLPP are also compared with the results of existing methods. Some numerical examples have been illustrated to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Searching for infections: algorithms for multiple sampling on trees and planar graphs
Authors:   , Rubio Orellana Benjamín Eduardo
Published: November 2023

En el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, la capacidad de detectar y rastrear la propagacion del virus se ha vuelto esencial para implementar políticas preventivas efectivas. Con este fin, la epidemiología basada en aguas residuales ha sido estudiada recientemente en forma de pruebas de PCR en muestras de aguas residuales, produciendo resultados prometedores en el monitoreo del estado y las concentraciones de carga viral dentro de diferentes comunidades. En esta tesis, formulamos el problema de encontrar nuevas fuentes de infeccion como un problema de búsqueda en un grafo dirigido que representa la red de aguas residuales. Comenzamos modelando formalmente el problema de encontrar estrategias óptimas que minimicen el número máximo de pasos necesarios para encontrar la fuente de una infección en el peor de los casos. Suponiendo una estructura de árbol en el grafo, obtenemos un algoritmo de tiempo O(K|V |) para encontrar estrategias óptimas que tomen como máximo K muestras diarias. Además, inspirados en escenarios reales, analizamos el problema de trabajar con una representación incierta de la red y obtenemos cotas superiores e inferiores para el número máximo de pasos necesarios por una estrategia óptima en diferentes clases de grafos en este entorno. Específicamente, logramos demostrar una cota superior de O((! + ) log |V |) para grafos con un ancho de árbol de como máximo ! y un grado de entrada , y una cercana cota inferior de ⌦(p|V |) para grafos planares. Además, presentamos una heurística codiciosa para muestrear en grafos inciertos. Todos los algoritmos fueron probados usando datos reales obtenidos de la red de aguas residuales de San Pedro de la Paz, Chile. Las simulaciones realizadas muestran que utilizando 5 y 10 muestras diarias, el enfoque heurístico necesita como máximo 18 y 10 pasos respectivamente, y en promedio 8.65 y 5.34 pasos. Esto muestra que es teóricamente posible aplicar las estrategias desarrolladas para encontrar fuentes de infección en redes de tamaño real en tiempo razonable, incluso al trabajar con incertidumbre en el sistema.
Estimation of Gene Interaction for Grain Yield and Yield Traits in Rabi Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Verma Lokesh Kumar , Biradar B. D. , Ayyanna  , Kariyannanavar P. , Rakshith P. , Anusha  , Prajwal R. S.
Published: November 2023

Generation mean analysis is the potent tool to provide information about different types of gene actions and interactions. To determine the inheritance pattern and gene action of 10 grain yield and grain related quantitative traits, six generations of the four cross combinations viz., BJV44 × DSMR8, BJV44 × DSMR4, PKV Kranti × DSMR8 and PKV Kranti × DSMR4 were studied employing generation mean analysis during rabi of 2020. Interestingly, both additive and dominant gene action were prevalent for all the traits in the cross BJV44 × DSMR8, whereas the other three crosses exhibited additive for some traits and dominant gene action for some traits. Most of the traits in the majority of the crosses displayed the duplicate type of gene interaction and realized their suitability for the population improvement program. Some crosses viz., BJV44 × DSMR4 and PKV Kranti × DSMR4 exhibited complementary gene interaction and were found suitable for heterosis breeding for grain yield/plant.
Dissecting the Genetic Relationship between Root Morphological Traits with Grain Yield of Introgression Lines (ILs) Derived from Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff) under Low Soil Phosphorous Condition
Authors: Honnappa M.  , Gireesh C.  , Padmashree R.  , Manoj C. A.  , Basavaraj P. S.  , Muralidhara B.  , Ajita V.  , Barbadikar Kalyani M. , Diwan J. R.  , Santosh R.  , Mahantashivayogayya K.  , Lokesh R.  , Sundaram R. M.  , Kumar R. Mahender , Senguttuvel P.  , Kemparaju K. B.  , Anantha M. S.
Published: November 2023

Soil phosphorous (P) deficiency is one of the limiting factors in rice production in both upland and rainfed lowland ecosystems. Since P is diffusion limited in depleted root zones, understanding the link between root morphological traits and yields is crucial for improving rice productivity. To understand this link, phenotypic screening experiment was conducted for the 38 ILs (BC1F6) derived from the wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff) along with the six checks in specialized low P plots and normal soil P (RDF) plot at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad during rice growing season Kharif-2020 by adapting augmented block design. The genotypes were screened for grain yield along with root traits such as tiller number per plant (TN), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), root volume (RV), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), root to shoot ration on wet weight basis (RSRWW), root to shoot on dry weight basis (RSRDW), SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR). The results from ANOVA revealed that, MSS due to genotypes, (checks + genotypes) were significant ((p<0.01 and p<0.05)) for most of the root architectural traits and for two different regime of P under investigation. Wide range of genetic variation was recorded for the traits such as RL, RV, SFW, SDW, RFW, RDW, RSRWW, RSRDW and GYP with high GCV and PCV and high h2 coupled with high GAM under both P gradient conditions. Strong inter-correlation among the component traits was observed for the root traits such as RV (0.43**: 0.50**), SFW(0.81**:0.60**), SDW (0.65**: 0.81**), RFW (0.87**:0.64**), RDW (0.83**: 0.87**) and RL (0.36**: 0.43**) along with GYP (0.52**) under low soil P and normal soil P. Principal component analysis with first four PCs revealed existence of 69.40 and 70.30% of total variance and clustering analysis identified the promising genotypes as IL-9-10, IL-11-2, IL-21-8, IL-19-3, IL-22-1, IL-23-2, IL-23-7, IL-31-3, IL-42-3, IL-67-2, IL-69-1, IL-75-2, Swarna and Rasi with root traits RV, RDW, RFW, RL, and GYP are effective traits for rice cultivation.
The Genetic Dissection of Economically Important Traits in Chilli Genotypes (Capsicum annuum L.) through Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Umesh Babu B. S.  , Tembhurne, B. V.  , Honnappa M.  , Kuchanur P. H.  , Kisan B.
Published: November 2023

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivar share a variety of different and intriguing growth and yield characteristics, for a plant breeder studies on genotypic and phenotypic relationship for horticulture cum vegetable spicy crop and its traits are useful to design, evaluate and to develop selection criteria for desired traits. With this background information the present study focused on identification of crucial characteristics required for boosting yield and to determine the parameters for the selection of superior genotypes. A total of 30 chilli genotypes were subjected to variability, divergence and mutual correlation studies for yield and yield component traits by using multivariate analysis.

Results from the analysis of variance and variability revealed highly significant differences at (p≤0.01) and (p≤0.05) for all the studied traits. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for FL fallowed by FYP, NFP, IFW, WPDM, FD, PH and NSF respectively, except for MC has revealed low GCV and PCV. All the traits were shown the presence of high heritability ( ) in broad sense (>60%) coupled with high GAM (>20%), except for MC, indicating the presence of positive additive gene action and effective transmission of characters to the next generation with selection. Highly significant and positive strong correlation was observed for IFW (r = 0.68**), WPDM (r = 0.54**), TW (r = 0.40*) and FD (r = 0.37*) with FYP, while the path analysis revealed highest direct effect for the traits such as FPT, FL and NFP. Principle component analysis revealed a 70.60% total variation accounted with first four PCAs with Eigen vector values more than one.

Further cluster analysis grouped the 30 chilli genotypes into four major cluster (Cluster I, II, III and IV) and combined cluster analysis identified genotypes contributing to the maximum variability, viz., cultivars such as LIPSTICK, B.KADDI, B.DABBI, BHOOT JALOKIA, SUM- 17, BCH- 42, PBC- 80, LCA- 310, M- 262, KA2- L, S. SELECTION 1, JCH- 42 and 9608- U, so these genotypes serves as a donor for further breeding programme to develop superior cultivars.
Deciphering Aging, Genetic, and Epigenetic Heterogeneity in Cancer Evolution: Toward Personalized Precision Preventative Medicine
Authors: Naddaf Lamis , Li Sheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Cancer's inherent ability to evolve presents significant challenges for its categorization and treatment. Cancer evolution is driven by genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic diversity influenced by microenvironment changes. Aging plays a crucial role by altering the microenvironment and inducing substantial genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity within an individual's somatic cells even before cancer initiation.

Objectives

This review highlights the clinical significance of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer evolution, focusing on hematopoietic and solid tumors. The review aims to explore opportunities for integrating evolutionary principles and data science into cancer research.

Methods

The review synthesizes recent advancements in omics technologies, single‐cell sequencing, and genetic barcoding to elucidate epigenetic mechanisms and aging's role in cancer evolution.

Results

Epigenetic mechanisms' high plasticity generates heritable phenotypic diversity, driving malignant evolution toward poor prognosis. Advances in single‐cell sequencing and genetic barcoding enable the precise detection and tracking of biomarkers, allowing early, personalized interventions. Incorporating data science into cancer research has the potential to map, predict, and prevent cancer evolution effectively.

Conclusion

Understanding cancer evolution through novel technologies and data analysis offers a proactive approach to cancer prevention and treatment. By predicting key evolutionary events and leveraging personalized strategies, patient outcomes can be improved, and healthcare burdens reduced, marking a transformative shift in oncology.
Advances in Hybrid Icing and Frosting Protection Strategies for Optics, Lens, and Photonics in Cold Environments Using Thin‐Film Acoustic Waves
Authors: Ong Hui Ling , Ji Zhangbin , Haworth Luke , Guo Yihao , del Moral Jaime , Jacob Stefan , Borras Ana , Gonzalez‐Elipe Agustin R. , Zhang Jikai , Zhou Jian , McHale Glen , Fu Yong‐Qing
Published: January 2025

Fogging, icing, or frosting on optical lenses, optics/photonics, windshields, vehicle/airplane windows, and solar panel surfaces have often shown serious safety concerns with hazardous conditions and impaired sight. Various active techniques, such as resistive heating, and passive techniques, such as icephobic treatments, are widely employed for their prevention and elimination. However, these methods are not always suitable, effective, or efficient. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and recent advances of transparent thin‐film surface acoustic wave (SAW) technologies on glass substrates for monitoring and prevention/elimination of fogging, frosting, and icing. Key challenges related to fogging and icing on glass substrates are discussed, along with fundamental mechanisms that establish thin‐film SAWs as optimal solution for these issues. Various types of thin‐film acoustic wave technologies are discussed, including recent wearable and flexible SAW devices integrated onto glass substrates for expanding future applications. The focus of this review is on the principles and strategies for hybrid or integrated de‐fogging/de‐icing and sensing/monitoring functions. Finally, critical issues and future outlooks for thin‐film‐based SAW technology on glass substrates in industry applications are presented.
Self‐Healing Iridium‐Doped Manganese Oxide for Boosting Stability of Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wu Shenjie , Chen Zhouhui , Qian Zhengxin , Zhang Zhiming , Sun Yazhou , Zhang Xiaoxin , Tao Huabing , Zhang Qinghong , Xie Shunji , Wang Ye
Published: January 2025

Developing low‐iridium electrocatalysts combined with high efficiency and longevity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis remains challenging in the hydrogen economy. Here, an anodic electro‐oxidation approach is reported to fabricate iridium (Ir) dope MnO2 gas diffusion electrodes, which exhibited remarkable stability of over 1650 h at 100 mA cm−2 with a record‐high stability number of 2.9 × 108 by considering Ir leaching. The optimized catalyst with a low Ir loading of ≈0.3 mg cm−2 achieved stable operation at 1.0 A cm−2 in the PEM electrolyzer. The investigation reveals that the generation of high‐valence Ir within MnO2 optimizes oxygen desorption and thereby boosts activity. Furthermore, MnO2 provides a platform that enables the oxidation and deposition of leached ions, initiating a self‐healing mechanism that extends the operational lifetime of catalyst. This paves an effective way toward addressing the dissolution issues encountered by OER catalysts in acidic electrolytes.
Advanced Cathode Designs for High‐Energy Lithium/Sodium–Selenium Battery
Authors: Feng Junan , Yu Shunxian , Shi Chuan , Tang Xiao , Zhao Xiaoxian , Chen Shuangqiang , Song Jianjun
Published: January 2025

Selenium, with its superior conductivity, serves as a promising cathode material in lithium–selenium (Li–Se) and sodium–selenium (Na–Se) batteries, exhibiting faster electron transfer processes and volumetric capacity. Nonetheless, challenges such as volume expansion, the shuttle effect, slow redox reaction kinetics, and the low conductivity of discharged products still hinder their commercial application. Extensive research has been conducted on the design and optimization of cathode materials to overcome these issues. This review summarizes the latest advancements in Se cathode design within Li/Na–Se systems, based on the electrochemical mechanisms of batteries and the origins of related challenges. The comprehensive design principle of advanced and stable selenium cathodes is put forward, the key role of carbon structure design is analyzed, and the strategies to improve the affinity of selenide and redox kinetics are discussed. Additionally, it introduces representative polymer‐based cathodes and metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based cathodes. Some potential modification strategies for active materials are also highlighted, including selenium sulfide composite cathodes and lithium selenide cathodes, which can significantly enhance the electrochemical mechanisms of Se‐based batteries. Finally, based on existing research, the related insights and directions for the future development of advanced Se cathodes are proposed.
Electro‐Reconstructed Transition Metal Electrodes for Coupled‐Upgrading of Nitrate Pollution and Waste Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Plastics
Authors: Wang Haoye , Yang Bowen , Smith Richard L , Su Yaqiong , Qi Xinhua
Published: January 2025

Two unrelated forms of pollution, nitrate‐containing wastewater and waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastics, can be converted into high‐value chemicals by electrochemical reduction and oxidation reactions. Herein, coupled electrocatalysis is used for the co‐production of ammonia (NH3) and formic acid (FA) with a cathode formed by reconstructing Co on copper foam (R‐Co/CF) as catalyst for nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) and with an anode formed by reconstructing NiCo on nickel foam (R‐NiCo/NF) as catalyst for ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR). The Faraday efficiency of the R‐Co/CF cathode is 96.2% and that of R‐NiCo/NF catalysts is 98.2%. By coupling NO3RR and PET hydrolysate oxidation reaction, the cell voltage required at a current density of 50 mA cm−2 is 202 mV lower than that of the traditional NO3RR electrolytic system, indicating that electrocatalytic upcycling of PET plastics coupled with NO3RR is an energy‐saving and cost‐effective strategy for producing value‐added chemicals. Techno‐economic analysis indicates that compared with a NO3RR//OER system, the NO3RR//PET hydrolysate oxidation system can save 2.8 × 103 kW h−1 in electricity and generate ≈6 900 USD in revenue per tonne of NH3.
Stacked Scintillators Based Multispectral X‐Ray Imaging Featuring Quantum‐Cutting Perovskite Scintillators With 570 nm Absorption‐Emission Shift
Authors: Hui Juan , Ran Peng , Su Yirong , Yang Lurong , Xu Xuehui , Liu Tianyu , Gu Yuzhang , She Xiaojian , Yang Yang (Michael)
Published: January 2025

Traditional energy‐integration X‐ray imaging systems rely on total X‐ray intensity for image contrast, ignoring energy‐specific information. Recently developed multilayer stacked scintillators have enabled multispectral, large‐area flat‐panel X‐ray imaging (FPXI), enhancing material discrimination capabilities. However, increased layering can lead to mutual excitation, which may affect the accurate discrimination of X‐ray energy. This issue is tackled by proposing a novel design strategy utilizing rare earth ions doped quantum‐cutting scintillators as the top layer. These scintillators create new luminescence centers via energy transfer, resulting in a significantly larger absorption‐emission shift, as well as the potential to double the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and enhance light output. To verify this concept, a three‐layer stacked scintillator detector is developed using ytterbium ions (Yb3+)‐doped CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) as the top layer, which offers a high PLQY of over 100% and a significant absorption‐emission shift of 570 nm. This configuration, CsAgCl2 and Cs3Cu2I5 as the middle and bottom layers, respectively, ensures non‐overlapping optical absorption and radioluminescence (RL) emission spectra. By calculating the optimal thickness for each layer to absorb specific X‐ray energies, the detector demonstrates distinct absorption differences across various energy bands, enhancing the identification of materials with similar densities.
Evaporation‐Enhanced Redox Cycling for Rapid Detection of Attomolar SARS‐CoV‐2 Virions Using Nanolithography‐Free Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Soltan Khamsi Pouya , Kammarchedu Vinay , Ebrahimi Aida
Published: January 2025

In fighting against infectious diseases such as COVID‐19, simple‐to‐use, sensitive, scalable, and rapid diagnostics are crucial for early disease diagnosis. In this regard, electrochemical biosensors are particularly attractive in developing point‐of‐need diagnostics. Importantly, by being compatible with nano‐ and microfabrication methods, they are amenable to miniaturization, which reduces background noise and the required sample volume. However, miniaturization also reduces the signal level, making it challenging to detect low virus counts. In this work, microfabricated electrochemical sensors with a dual signal amplification scheme based on evaporation‐enhanced redox cycling (E2RC) in a generator–collector configuration are developed. A scalable, nanolithography‐free fabrication method is proposed to achieve a controllable sub‐micrometer gap between three dimensional (3D) interdigitated microelectrodes by combining photolithography with template‐driven electrodeposition. Using the optimized electrodes, the sensors achieve rapid detection with a limit of quantification of ≈1.2 × 103 particles mL−1 through continuous measurement in evaporating droplets containing SARS‐CoV‐2 virion mimics. Investigating particle charge and size reveals the role of electrophoretic enrichment in the overall response. The sensor performance is also validated using heat‐inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 virions, with selective response to SARS‐CoV‐2 against HCoV‐299E, SARS‐CoV S1, and MERS‐CoV S1 (captured using antibody‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles). The proposed sensing method is sensitive, rapid, scalable, and can be extended to broader applications, including detection of bacteria, extracellular vesicles, and other viruses.
Visible to Near‐Infrared Luminescence and Reversible Photochromism in Mn2+/Nd3+ Co‐Doped Double Perovskite for Versatile Applications
Authors: Xu Ruichen , Zheng Biao , Fang Xiaochen , Sun Xiaolong , Hong Jinquan , Huang Hai , Wang Weiguo , Wang Jun
Published: January 2025

Multifunctional optical materials with temperature sensing and anti‐counterfeiting properties play an essential role in the commercial applications. Herein, Mn2+/Nd3+ co‐doped Cs2AgInCl6 (CAIC) lead‐free double perovskites (DPs) is synthesized through a hydrothermal method, which exhibits visible to near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence and reversible photochromic properties from yellowish to dark purple. The mechanism investigations on the photoluminescence and photochromic phenomena reveal that the incorporation of Mn2+ ions not only acts as an intermediary in the energy transfer process from the host exciton to Nd3+ ions, but also plays a pivotal role in the reversible photochromic response. The temperature‐dependent luminescence, attributed to the contrasting thermal responses of Mn2+ and Nd3+ ions, enables precise temperature sensing via the fluorescence intensity ratio method. In addition, the integration of visible red emission, NIR luminescence, and photochromic properties in a single CAIC: Mn2+/Nd3+ DPs, offers a multilevel anti‐counterfeiting strategy. The multifunctional CAIC: Mn2+/Nd3+ DPs would open up new avenues for advanced optical applications, particularly in the realms of temperature sensing and security anti‐counterfeiting.
Cyano‐Substituted Distyrylbenzene Derivative for Laser Media: High Solid‐State Luminescence and Processabilities by Tert‐Butyl Appending Design
Authors: Matsuo Takumi , Azuma Soichiro , Nakabayashi Mahiro , Sasaki Fumio , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: January 2025

To create effective organic laser media, it is essential to design molecules with high photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency (ΦPL), solubility‐processability for facile crystal resonator formation, and structural tunability. Cyano‐β‐substituted distyrylbenzene (CDSB) is recognized as a potential solid‐luminogen but is limited by its quantum efficiency and solubility toward crystal resonator processability. Herein the rational design for high solid‐state luminescence and processability is demonstrated through designing tertiary‐butyl (tBu)‐appended approach. In contrast, tBu‐appended CDSB, namely tBuC, has good solubility for crystal growth processability and controllability, allowing for the formation of high ΦPL polymorphs. tBuC offers selective growth for (I) green‐emissive platelet crystals or (II) blue‐emissive needle crystals. The ΦPL is 0.72 for I and 0.91 for II. The ΦPL value for II is among the highest in the CDSB series, attributed to the segregated luminescent species based on bulky tBu. Lasing is observed for II due to the above characteristics. The addition of tBu offers a new strategy for crystal engineering toward the realization of laser media although it is a chemically simple approach.
Highly Polarizable Phosphorus‐Centered Tetrahedra and π‐Conjugated Carbon‐Centered Triangular Moieties Inducing Large Anisotropy and Short‐Wavelength Phase‐Matching
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Arif Muhammad , Zhou Huan , An Ran , Yang Zhihua , Hou Xueling , Pan Shilie , Han Shujuan
Published: January 2025

Current nonlinear optical (NLO) materials encounter a classic dilemma in balancing the band gap and birefringence, particularly in the short wavelength (λPM ≤ 266 nm) region. Utilizing both π‐conjugated and non‐π‐conjugated units to construct the short wavelength NLO crystals has emerged as the premier choice nowadays. Herein, the combination of π‐conjugated [CO3]/[C(NH2)3] moieties and non‐π‐conjugated phosphorus‐based tetrahedra generates nine new crystals, whose birefringence obtains a significant gain compared to short wavelength phosphate crystals. Experimental results demonstrate that the compounds have achieved a balance between bandgap and birefringence. Especially, the large birefringence induces the shortest phase‐matching wavelength of [CN4H7]H2PO2 and [CN4H7]HPO2(OH) to be about 226 and 200 nm, respectively, indicating that they have potential applications as short wavelength NLO crystals. It is worth mentioning that, [CN4H7]HPO2(OH) has the shortest phase‐matching wavelength among crystals composed of guanidine and P‐based tetrahedral groups, to the best of the knowledge. Even more, this study provides a novel and essential design strategy for short‐wavelength NLO crystals.
Data‐Driven Analysis of Ni‐Catalyzed Semihydrogenations of Alkynes
Authors: Martinez‐Fernandez Miguel , Yeamin Md Bin , Dalmau David , Carbó Jorge J. , Poater Albert , Alegre‐Requena Juan V.
Published: January 2025

The semihydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes has historically been an essential technique in organic chemistry. In this context, researchers often employ transition metal complexes to achieve this conversion. Given the pronounced polarization of results, often yielding either very high or very low values, it remains challenging to discern the factors influencing reactivity and selectivity in many cases. In this work, we combine different sub‐disciplines of digital chemistry with experimental outcomes to rationalize the results of a model Ni‐catalyzed semihydrogenation that leads to E‐alkenes. First, we analyze the main factors behind successful reactions using a machine learning classification model. The descriptors are computed directly from the SMILES strings of the reacting alkynes using an automated protocol that relies on structural features, molecular mechanics, and semi‐empirical techniques. This workflow requires minimal human intervention and provides a fast and effective approach. Next, we couple the same descriptors with activation barriers calculated with density functional theory, generating a regression model that explains reactivity based on the properties of the alkyne substrates. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of using a combination of digital chemistry techniques to uncover reaction trends in Ni‐catalyzed semihydrogenations of alkynes, an area where human intuition proves limited in application.
Ultrathin Screen‐Printed Plant Wearable Capacitive Sensors for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Strand Elliot J. , Gopalakrishnan Anupam , Crichton Catherine A. , Palizzi Mallory J. , Lee Owen , Borsa Tomoko , Bihar Eloise , Goodrich Payton , Arias Ana Claudia , Shaheen Sean E. , McLeod Robert R. , Whiting Gregory L.
Published: January 2025

Printable and wearable plant sensors offer an approach for collecting critical environmental data at high spatial resolution to understand plant conditions and aid land management practices. Here, screen printed capacitive devices that can measure relative humidity (RH) directly at the plant‐environment interface, are demonstrated in an ultra‐thin (<6 µm) form factor. Using screen printing and a temporary tattoo transfer process, a simple technique is established to: 1) enclose printed electronic features between two layers of ethyl cellulose (EtC), 2) mount printed microparticle carbon‐based electronics onto a variety of plant structures, and 3) dramatically increase the capacitance and sensitivity for humidity sensors when compared to unencapsulated devices. This sandwich tattoo capacitor (STC) platform exhibits an RH sensitivity up to 1000 pF/%RH and stability while mounted to living plant leaves over several days. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) validates the formation of electric double layers within the EtC films that encapsulate the printed electrodes providing tunable capacitance values based on the ionic concentration of the device transfer fluid.
Long‐Lasting Auditory and Vestibular Recovery Following Gene Replacement Therapy in a Novel Usher Syndrome Type 1c Mouse Model
Authors: Du Weinan , Huang Jun , Zhang Aizhen , Zhao Fangfang , Chen Tianwen , McDermott Quinn M. , Zheng Tony , Wang Haibo , Zhang Rongli , Zhang Xiaolin , Allison Jerome , Zhu Hong , Zhou Wu , Zheng Qing Yin
Published: January 2025

Usher syndrome type 1C (USH1C) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the USH1C gene, which encodes harmonin, a key component of the mechanoelectrical transduction complex in auditory and vestibular hair cells. USH1C leads to deafness and vestibular dysfunction in humans. An Ush1c knockout (KO) mouse model displaying these characteristic deficits is generated in our laboratory. To examine gene replacement therapy (GT) in this model, a synthetic adeno‐associated viral vector, Anc80L65, driving harmonin expression is administered, to the inner ears of Ush1c KO mice at postnatal day 2 (P2). Remarkably, this single treatment significantly improved auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and balance motor function at 1 month post‐injection, with these effects persisting for up to 10 months. At 12 months post‐treatment, the vestibular function is assessed using the vestibular‐ocular reflexes (VOR) and single vestibular afferent recordings. The GT treatment significantly restored both the canal and otolith VORs and increased vestibular afferent spontaneous firing rates and responses to head rotation and translation. These findings provide the first evidence of long‐lasting restoration of both the auditory and vestibular functions by GT in a novel mouse model of Usher syndrome, highlighting the potential of GT for treating deficits associated with USH1C.
Functional Characterization of an Aldol Condensation Synthase PheG for the Formation of Hispidin from Phellinus Igniarius
Authors: Zhang Wanting , Zheng Ruliang , Geng Weiling , Wu Xinyuan , Gao Xiaojuan , Zhou Li , An Zhenyu , Liu Cheng , Song Zhijun , Ji Hongyan , Yang Hao , Wu Xiuli
Published: January 2025

Hispidin (1) is a polyphenolic compound with a wide range of pharmacological activities that is distributed in both plants and fungi. In addition to natural extraction, hispidin can be obtained by chemical or enzymatic synthesis. In this study, the identification and characterization of an undescribed enzyme, PheG, from Phellinus igniarius (P. igniarius), which catalyzes the construction of a key C─C bond in the enzymatic synthesis of hispidin are reported. It is demonstrated in vitro that PheG generates hispidin by catalyzing C─C bond formation in the aldol condensation reaction. Based on these results, a plausible pathway for hispidin biosynthesis is proposed by utilizing the primary triacetic acid lactone (TAL, 2) and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3). The mechanisms for the aldol condensation reaction of PheG are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) binding free energy calculations, density functional theory, and site‐specific mutations. The locations of the key amino acid residues that catalyze the conversion of substrates 2 and 3 to hispidin at the active site of PheG‐1 are identified. This study provides a new method for preparing hispidin with high efficiency and low cost.
Copper‐based high‐entropy oxide aerogel for chemoselective hydrogenation reaction
Authors: Pei Lingjun , Liu Xiaoyu , He Xihong , Li Wenfeng , Sun Dongfeng , Xie Huidong , Liu Hu
Published: January 2025

High‐entropy oxide aerogels (HEOs), combining the advantages of polymetallic oxides and aerogels, are novel materials with great prospect for catalytic applications. However, the preparation of single‐phase HEOs remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a general strategy for the preparation of ultralight 3D porous HEOs by combining a gelation strategy and a high‐temperature calcination process. The resulting CuFeCoAgPdOx has the structural and morphological advantages of a HEO and an aerogel and exhibits excellent selectivity (100%), full conversion (>99% yield) in the selective hydrogenation of 4‐nitrostyrene. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and gas chromatography confirm that the synergistic effect of the HEOs can preferentially reduce the NO2 group rather than the CC bonds in 4‐nitrostyrene. The synergistic effect of CuFeCoAgPdOx and the hydrogenation mechanism were revealed. This study provides a new idea for the design of efficient nitroaromatic hydrogenation catalysts.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: 2025 Update on the Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapy
Authors: Hallek Michael
Published: January 2025

Disease Overview

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most frequent type of leukemia. It typically occurs in older patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that interfere with the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis in clonal B‐cells.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B‐lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B‐cell population carrying the CD5 antigen as well as typical B‐cell markers.

Prognosis and Staging

Two clinical staging systems, Rai and Binet, provide prognostic information by using the results of physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers provide additional prognostic information. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del(17p)) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene predict a shorter time to progression with most targeted therapies. The CLL international prognostic index (CLL‐IPI) integrates genetic, biological, and clinical variables to identify distinct risk groups of patients with CLL. The CLL‐IPI retains its significance in the era of targeted agents, but the overall prognosis of CLL patients with high‐risk stages has improved.

Therapy

Only patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. When treatment is indicated, several therapeutic options exist: combinations of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax with obinutuzumab, or venetoclax with ibrutinib, or monotherapy with one of the inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated if the treatment‐free interval exceeds 3 years. If the leukemia relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using an alternative regimen.

Future Challenges

Combinations of targeted agents now provide efficient therapies with a fixed duration that generate deep and durable remissions. These fixed‐duration therapies have gained territory in the management of CLL, as they are cost‐effective, avoid the emergence of resistance, and offer treatment free time to the patient. The cure rate of these novel combination regimens is unknown. Moreover, the optimal sequencing of targeted therapies remains to be determined. A medical challenge is to treat patients who are double‐refractory to both BTK and BCL2 inhibitors. These patients need to be treated within experimental protocols using novel drugs.
Direct C3−H Amination of Imidazo[1,2‐a]Pyridine under Simple and Mild Conditions
Authors: Yang Liting , Cao Xinyu , Xu Xiaoxu , Zheng Hao , Lai Shuyu , Chen Sicheng , Wang Jinyu , Zhu Xilin , Wang Yanjie , Kong Xiangtao , Qiao Huijie , Jiao Mingli
Published: January 2025

This paper reports a simple and efficient method for the direct regioselective C3−H amination of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives using diphenylsulfonimide as the amination source and PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant. The proposed conversion protocol, which is characterized by mild and safe reaction conditions (room temperature reaction), simple execution (catalyst‐free, transition‐metal‐free, and additive‐free), and broad substrate applicability, enables the synthesis of 3‐sulfonamido‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives with a wide range of functional groups. Controlled experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that the amination occurs at the C3 position through a radical mechanism. In addition, a series of indole derivatives could also be used in this amination system. This study could guide future research on green organic synthesis, which has immense industrial and academic value.
Identifying Hydrilla verticillata in Real Time With a Machine Learning–Based Underwater Object Detection Program
Authors: Jeong Han S. , Schad Aaron N. , Cheng Jing‐Ru C. , Donohue Griffin , Hawkins Jazmine L. , Steen Andrew M. , Farthing William F. , Knight Ian A. , Dodd Lynde L. , Katzenmeyer Alan W. , Sistrunk Virginia A. , Hammond Shea L. , Bellinger Brent J. , Rycroft Taylor E.
Published: January 2025

Standard tools for detection and identification of invasive macrophytes have limitations that may result in failure to detect patches of invasive vegetation. These undetected growths can spread rapidly, leading to significant disruption of invasive macrophyte control programs. The ability to accurately identify and map invasive submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) over large transects in a cost‐efficient manner has been identified by water resource managers as a pressing issue that requires an immediate solution. To help with this challenge, we have developed an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)–based image analysis program to automatically detect a priority invasive macrophyte, hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), in real time. The AI/ML model, based on the existing AI model EfficientDet, was trained and tested on nearly 12,000 images of H. verticillata captured underwater using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and handheld cameras. Accuracy of the object detection model was evaluated based on the Microsoft Common Objects in Context (MS COCO) metric of mean average precision (mAP). Our model had a peak mAP@[0.5:0.05:0.95] of 58.2% and a mAP@[0.5] of 81.2% (with inference latencies between 50 and 100 ms). These results suggest that real‐time underwater identification of H. verticillata with our detection model is achievable at high accuracy, with further enhancement possible through integration with multiple commercially available underwater ROV platforms and continued training in environments with various combinations of invasive and native SAV assemblages.
Ph3P‐I2‐mediated Syntheses of C‐12 Carboxamide Indoloquinazolines and 2‐Aminosubstituted‐indol‐3‐ones from Isatins and Amines
Authors: Pattarawarapan Mookda , Wet‐osot Sirawit , Wiriya Nittaya , Hongsibsong Surat , Yimklan Saranphong , Phakhodee Wong
Published: January 2025

The Ph3P‐I2‐mediated reactions between isatins and amines were extensively investigated leading to the discovery of highly selective and divergent routes toward the synthesis of two distinct classes of indole‐based frameworks. Through a strategic design of the reaction paths, we overcome potential side reactions to achieve convenient and straightforward one‐pot methods to access either indoloquinazolines with C‐12 carboxamide or 2‐aminosubstituted indol‐3‐ones using the same reagent system. Mechanistic studies reveal the role of Ph3P‐I2 in governing product selectivity, providing an efficient route to novel fused‐indolone derivatives with promising applications in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry.
Quark/Hybrid Stars Within Perturbative QCD in View of the GW170817 Event
Authors: Köpp Fábio , Horvath Jorge Ernesto , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we examine the implications of perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (pQCD) extrapolated from higher energies down to the neutron star range, as applied to hybrid stars. In describing the hybrid star, we represent the quark phase by pQCD, and the hadronic phase using the APR4 equation of state (EoS). The phase transition itself is modeled using the Maxwell construction. We hypothesize as a consequence of our work that the central compact object XMMU J173203.3, could be a quark star described by the pQCD EoS. Analysis of the mass‐radius diagrams and the dimensionless tidal deformability are performed. The results obtained for the latter in the case of hybrid star models are consistent with observations from the GW170817 event; however, they do not meet the constraint.
Preparation and Adsorption Properties of Sodium Trimetaphosphate Crosslinked Porous Corn Starch
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Pan Qinghua , Liang Zesheng , Li Jingqiao , Wu Rulong
Published: January 2025

The crosslinked porous corn starch was prepared by two steps: the native corn starch was hydrolyzed by α‐amylase and glucoamylase, then the porous corn was crosslinked by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The morphology and size of granules, spherulites, crystal type, molecular structure, swelling properties, thermal stability and adsorption properties of the crosslinked porous starch were investigated. The results indicated that a lot of holes formed in the porous starch, and the particle size of starch granules decreased. Under the cross‐linking action of STMP, the porous starch particles are cross‐linked and agglomerated together. The crystalline form of porous starch presents A + V type, and crystallinity increased after crosslinking. The crosslinked porous starches have higher short‐range ordering comparing to the porous without crosslinked porous starch. The crosslinking degree, melting enthalpy and melting peak of starch increased with the increase of STMP content. The bulk density and the vibrated density of the porous starch increased after crosslinking. With the increase of the content of STMP, the water and oil absorption of porous starch increased and then decreased. The MB adsorption capacity of crosslinked porous starch has the maximum value with the STMP 20 wt% content. MB adsorption behavior of porous starch is more consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, and the equilibrium adsorption increased after crosslinking.