bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GlutaR: A High‐Performance Fluorescent Protein‐Based Sensor for Spatiotemporal Monitoring of Glutamine Dynamics In Vivo
Authors: Liu Bingjie , Zhao Zijie , Wang Pengcheng , Aihemaiti Kamiran , Zhu Lixin , Wei Qingpeng , Li Wenzhe , Yuan Xia , Wu Jing , Jiang Changtao , Hao Min , Wang Jing
Published: November 2024

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in human blood and muscle, and is integral to a wide variety of functions in cancer cells. However, the inability to monitor the subcellular distribution of glutamine in real‐time has obscured understanding of glutamine metabolism under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we report the development of a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor and demonstrate how this GlnBP‐cpYFP fusion “GlutaR sensor” undergoes glutamine‐induced conformational changes reflected in detectable fluorescence responses. Obtained after iterative screening of approximately 1,600 variants, GlutaR exhibits a ratiometric readout, fast response kinetics, and high responsivity (R488/405 of ~1000 %), and we demonstrate its selectivity for monitoring glutamine fluctuations in multiple cell types. Additionally, using digitonin permeabilization of GlutaR HeLa cells, we generated a calibration curve and performed in situ titration to quantify free glutamine concentrations in subcellular compartments (cytosol, nucleus, mitochondria). Subsequently, we applied GlutaR to investigate how chemical and genetic inhibition of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutaminase (GLS) differentially alter glutamine levels in subcellular compartments. Finally, we demonstrate GlutaR's ability to monitor dynamic glutamine levels in muscle and liver tissues of diabetic mice in vivo. These findings collectively demonstrate GlutaR as a versatile tool for the spatiotemporal characterization of glutamine metabolism in living cells and tissues.
Novel ZnO‐Co3O4‐CuO Nanocomposite Catalyzed Microwave‐Assisted Facile Synthesis of Polyhydroquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Jain Shruti , Jain Shubha , Verma Divya
Published: November 2024

A novel ZnO‐Co3O4‐CuO nanocomposite (NC) has been explored as a heterogeneous catalyst for synthesizing a library of polyhydroquinolines (PHQ 1–10) via microwave‐assisted multicomponent reaction of various aromatic aldehydes, ethyl acetoacetate or ethyl cyanoacetate, dimedone, and ammonium acetate at 400 W in polyethylene glycol (10 mL) as a solvent. The NC showed a characteristic weak ferromagnetic behavior with a particle size of 10.3 ± 0.1 nm and surface area of 45.67 m2/g was easily prepared through a straightforward chemical coprecipitation method and was systematically characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, EDS, BET, and VSM. The NC has an agglomerated particle cluster having a nearly spherical shape exhibiting brilliant catalytic performance, over +12.94 mV zeta potential value, hydrodynamic diameter of 267 nm, best dispersion stability, and reusability for up to six runs. This method of synthesizing PHQs has notable advantages of producing higher yields in a shorter reaction time (20 min), using simple, low‐cost catalyst, and microwave irradiation as a non‐conventional energy source. The highest TON of 37.76 and TOF of 113.29 h−1 also indicate that this is the best atom‐efficient and green design for the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines. Some novel polyhydroquinolines were also synthesized with excellent yield.
A Novel Multifunctional Eu (III)‐MOF Luminescence Sensor for Detecting NB, Fe3+, and Cr2O72− With Outstanding Sensitivities and Selectivities
Authors: Li Jiahui , Zhang Shiman , Fan Liming , Yang Yunfeng , Wen Rongmei
Published: November 2024

The bowl‐shaped flexible carboxylic acid zwitterion 1,1′,1″‐(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene‐1,3,5‐triyl)tris (methylene)‐tris(4‐carboxy‐pyridinium)tribromide (H3LBr3) ligand‐based lanthanide metal–organic framework (Ln‐MOF) was synthesized for the first time under solvothermal conditions. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that the molecular formula of Ln‐MOF is [EuL2(H2O)4Br3]·2H2O (1). Luminescence sensing experiments demonstrate that 1 shows obvious fluorescence quenching for nitrobenzene (NB), Fe3+, and Cr2O72− with low detection limits of 0.118 μM, 9.098 nM, and 17.409 nM, respectively. 1 can be regarded as a luminescence sensor with multiple functions, displaying high selectivity, wonderful antiinterference ability, outstanding sensitivity, and recyclability to detect NB, Fe3+, and Cr2O72−.
Real Wage Growth in Papua New Guinea Over Three Decades
Authors: Blunch Niels‐Hugo , Davies Martin
Published: November 2024

As a key determinant of household welfare, workersʼ real wages matter. Limited by small and infrequent surveys, the study of real wages in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has until now been constrained by a paucity of data. Using a novel dataset, we construct the first longitudinal series of wages for (to a close approximation) the population of formal private sector workers in PNG over a 3 decades span from 1999 to 2018. We examine real wage growth for the formal private sector in PNG over a 20‐year period using panel regression. Among the main findings are that conditional real wage growth has averaged about 4.5%. Also, real wage developments closely mirror the bust‐boom‐bust episodes of the macroeconomic cycle. Further, conditional real wage growth in the agricultural sector lagged that in services, industry, and mining with agriculture hardest hit during busts and lagging during the boom and mining the winner. Men experience higher conditional real wage growth during booms but also bear the majority of the decrease during busts. Finally, we establish the strong co‐movement of the real exchange rate (RER) and the conditional real wage, providing support for the RER as an important determinant of real wages in PNG.
Revealing the Dual Role of Ammonia in the Hydroxide Co‐Precipitation Synthesis of Cobalt‐Free Nickel‐Rich LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA955) Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Warman Jijim Fadilla , Karunawan Jotti , Floweri Octia , Suryadi Putri Nadia , Santosa Sigit Puji , Iskandar Ferry
Published: November 2024

Nickel‐rich cobalt‐free LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA955) is considered a promising cathode material to address the scarcity and soaring cost of cobalt. Particle size and elemental composition significantly impact the electrochemical performance of NMA955 cathodes. However, differences in precipitation rates among metal ions coveys a challenge in obtaining cathode materials with the desired particle size and composition via hydroxide co‐precipitation synthesis. Utilizing complexing agents like ammonia offers an effective strategy to tackle these issues. Here, we investigate the optimal ammonia concentration to achieve moderate particle size and precise material composition. Although ammonia only forms complex coordination with transition metals, its concentration also affects the final product's precipitation and composition, including aluminum. This study shows that ammonia serves a dual function in NMA synthesis via hydroxide co‐precipitation, i. e., regulating particle size and adjusting elemental composition. It was found that an ammonia concentration of 1.2 M achieved optimal particle size and composition, resulting in superior electrochemical performance. NMA955 synthesized in 1.2 M ammonia demonstrated a high specific capacity of 188.12 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, retained 71.16 % of its capacity after 200 cycles at 0.2 C, and delivered 110.30 mAh g−1 at 5 C. These results suggest that tuning ammonia concentration is crucial for producing high‐performance cathode materials.
A Brief, Biased View of Neutron Star Cooling
Authors: Heinke Craig
Published: November 2024

This is a concise and non‐technical review of topics related to neutron star (NS) cooling, for both young NSs and NSs in low‐mass x‐ray binaries. Neutrino emission from the NS core drives cooling rates, via different processes including Urca processes and pair breaking and formation at the neutron superfluid critical temperature. Key insights have been given by the temperatures of the coldest NSs, by the rapid (questioned) cooling of the Cas A NS, and by measuring the cooling of transient NS x‐ray binaries after accretion episodes.
Predictive Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Seven Genes Participating in Arachidonic Acid Metabolism
Authors: Gu Xinyu , Wang Jing , Guan Jun , Li Guojun , Ma Xiao , Ren Yanli , Wu Shanshan , Chen Chao , Zhu Haihong
Published: November 2024

Background

The occult onset and rapid progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lead to an unsatisfactory overall survival (OS) rate. Established prognostic predictive models based on tumor‐node‐metastasis staging and predictive factors do not report satisfactory predictive efficacy. Arachidonic acid plays pivotal roles in biological processes including inflammation, regeneration, immune modulation, and tumorigenesis. We, therefore, constructed a prognostic predictive model based on seven genes linked to arachidonic acid metabolism, using samples of HCC patients from databases to analyze the genomic profiles. We also assessed the predictive stability of the constructed model.

Methods

Sample data of 365 patients diagnosed with HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, training set) and HCCDB18, GSE14520, and GSE76427 databases (validation sets). Patient samples were clustered using ConsensusClusterPlus analysis based on the expression levels of 12 genes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism that were significantly associated with HCC prognosis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within different clusters were distinguished and compared using WebGestaltR. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed using a human HCC tissue microarray (TMA). Tumor immune microenvironment assessment was performed using ESTIMATE, ssGSEA, and TIDE.

Results

Samples of patients with HCC were classified into three clusters, with significant differences in OS. Cluster 2 showed the best prognosis, whereas cluster 1 presented the worst. The three clusters showed significant differences in immune infiltration. We then performed Cox and LASSO regression analyses, which revealed CYP2C9, G6PD, CDC20, SPP1, PON1, TRNP1, and ADH4 as prognosis‐related hub genes, making it a simplified prognostic model. TMA analysis for the seven target genes showed similar results of regression analyses. The high‐risk group showed a significantly worse prognosis and reduced immunotherapy efficacy. Our model showed stable prognostic predictive efficacy.

Conclusions

This seven‐gene–based model showed stable outcomes in predicting HCC prognosis as well as responses to immunotherapy.
A Novel Gene Expression Scoring System Predicts Recurrence in Non‐Muscle‐Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Kayama Emina , Uemura Motohide , Onagi Akifumi , Meguro Satoru , Ogawa Soichiro , Yaginuma Kei , Matsuoka Kanako , Hoshi Seiji , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Hata Junya , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Honma Reiko , Watanabe Shinya , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite the high recurrence rate of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), there are limitations in accurately predicting recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) based on clinicopathological factors alone. However, prediction of recurrence using biomolecular characteristics of bladder tumors has not been applied to clinical practice. The objective of this study was to establish a new gene expression scoring system for identifying patients at high risk of recurrence.

Methods

NMIBC and normal bladder samples were subjected to microarray analysis to obtain gene expression profiles. We identified 6 genes that were specifically upregulated in bladder cancer and also in recurrent cases. All patients were randomly grouped into a discovery cohort (n = 59) and a validation cohort (n = 30). Gene expression score (GES) was defined as the mean Z‐score of the 6 genes specific for recurrent bladder cancer.

Results

The intravesical recurrence rate of the high GES group (n = 38) was higher than the low GES group (n = 21). GES was significantly associated with recurrence‐free survival in the validation cohort as well. In prognostic analysis, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk classification was not related to recurrence after TURBT in either univariate or multivariate analysis. On the other hand, the GES we developed was an independent factor for recurrence in NMIBC.

Conclusions

A novel gene expression scoring system was shown to predict recurrence in NMIBC patients after TURBT and might be helpful in clinical decision‐making for NMIBC patients.
Discovery of New Immunomodulatory Anticancer Thalidomide Analogs: Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies
Authors: Abdallah Abdallah E. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Mehany Ahmed B. M. , Celik Ismail , Sakr Helmy , Metwaly K. H. , El‐Adl Khaled , El‐Zahabi Mohamed Ayman
Published: November 2024

New thalidomide analogs have been designed and synthesized by hybridizing the immunomodulatory gutarimide moiety with three antiproliferative nuclei: quinazolinedione, phthalazinedione, and quinoxalinone. The biological results revealed the strong impact of quinazoline derivatives 7 a and 28, and phthalazine based 20 a against HepG‐2, MCF‐7, PC3, and HCT‐116 cell lines, compared to thalidomide. In particular, compound 20 a was the most promising as it had far better biological activity than thalidomide with regard to inhibition of TNF‐α, IL‐6, caspase 3, COX‐I/II, and VEGFR‐2, as well as cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis rate enhancement in MCF‐7 cells, the most sensitive cell line to the current new molecules. Compound 20 a caused reduction in levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 by 75.22 % and 82.51 %, respectively. It elevated the caspase‐3 level by 7.21‐fold. Furthermore, IC50 against COX‐I, COX‐II, and VEGFR‐2 were 0.65 μM, 0.33 μM, and 232 nM, respectively. In addition, it raised the apoptosis rate from 65.65 % to 99.89 %. Moreover, 20 a was further examined through a docking study and a 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation for its complex with VEGFR‐2, along with computational ADME properties. This work suggests the high significance of compounds 20 a, 7 a and 28, as lead compounds for development of new effective immunomodulatory antitumor drugs.
Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Disease Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Wang Anyun , Liu Xinli , Feng Shujun , Wang Yanping , Song Yujun , Gao Yanfeng
Published: November 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a distinguished class of porous materials. Owing to their ability to be constructed through covalent bonds involving light elements, such as hydrogen, boron, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, COFs offer greater stability and lower cytotoxicity than metal–organic frameworks do, addressing critical limitations in in vivo applications. Their unique attributes, such as high surface area, customizable pore sizes, and versatile surface functionalities, make them ideal for various biomedical applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advancements in modern COFs for biomedical uses. First, a variety of methods for the synthesis of COFs are outlined, which ensures their suitability for medical use. Next, we delve into innovative biomedical applications, emphasizing their roles in disease diagnosis and therapies. Finally, challenges, such as clinical translation, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release, are critically discussed, providing comprehensive insight into the potential of COFs in revolutionizing biomedical technologies. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive overview of COFs’ capabilities and future prospects in enhancing biomedical technologies.
Better Together: Synergic Effect of Gallium‐Based Catalyst and Porous Support for Reduction Reactions
Authors: Sánchez Marco Aurelio Jiménez , Carl Simon , Taccardi Nicola , Haumann Marco , Zubiri Benjamin Apeleo , Wasserscheid Peter , Spiecker Erdmann , Vogel Nicolas , Bachmann Julien , Magnabosco Giulia
Published: November 2024

Liquid metal solutions are a new class of catalysts with outstanding properties in terms of catalytic conversion and resistance to coking. Finding the perfect combination of catalytic particles with homogeneous size distribution and support material able to stabilize them during catalysis is key for preparing model systems to gain understanding of these complex catalytic processes. In this work, we present a method for the preparation of small and narrowly distributed gallium–palladium particles supported on inverse opals, interconnected 3‐D porous networks with a very narrow pore size distribution. Our platform is a promising candidate as supported liquid metal catalytic system thanks to its permeability to fluids and its confined pore environment, which prevents the coalescence of the metal alloy, thus maximizing the surface area available for the catalytic reaction. We demonstrate their enhanced performance when compared to other state of the art systems giving a proof of concept of their application as catalysts for a simple model reaction, the reduction of methylene blue.
Changes in Secondary Structure Upon Pr to Pfr Transition in Cyanobacterial Phytochrome Cph1 Detected by DNP NMR
Authors: Gerland Lisa , Diehl Anne , Erdmann Natalja , Hiller Matthias , Lang Christina , Teutloff Christian , Hughes Jon , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: November 2024

Phytochromes perceive subtle changes in the light environment and convert them into biological signals by photoconversion between the red‐light absorbing (Pr) and the far‐red‐absorbing (Pfr) states. In the primitive bacteriophytochromes this includes refolding of a tongue‐like hairpin loop close to the chromophore, one strand of an antiparallel β‐sheet being replaced by an α‐helix. However, the strand sequence in the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1 is different from that of previously investigated bacteriophytochromes and has a higher β‐sheet propensity. We confirm here the transition experimentally and estimate minimum helix length using dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) magic angle spinning NMR. Sample conditions were optimized for protein DNP NMR studies at high field, yielding Boltzmann enhancements ϵB of 19 at an NMR field of 18.801 T. Selective labelling of Trp, Ile, Arg, and Val residues with 13C and 15N enabled filtering for pairs of labelled amino acids by the 3D CANCOCA technique to identify signals of the motif 483Ile‐Val‐Arg485 (IVR) present in both sheet and helix. Those signals were assigned for the Pfr state of the protein. Based on the chemical shift pattern, we confirm for Cph1 the formation of a helix covering the IVR motif.
Nivolumab and sunitinib in patients with advanced bone sarcomas: A multicenter, single‐arm, phase 2 trial
Authors: Palmerini Emanuela , Lopez Pousa Antonio , Grignani Giovanni , Redondo Andres , Hindi Nadia , Provenzano Salvatore , Sebio Ana , Lopez Martin Jose Antonio , Valverde Claudia , Martinez Trufero Javier , Gutierrez Antonio , de Alava Enrique , Aparisi Gomez Maria Pilar , D’Ambrosio Lorenzo , Collini Paola , Bazzocchi Alberto , Moura David S. , Ibrahim Toni , Stacchiotti Silvia , Broto Javier Martin
Published: November 2024

Background

Herein, we present the results of the phase 2 IMMUNOSARC study (NCT03277924), investigating sunitinib and nivolumab in adult patients with advanced bone sarcomas (BS).

Methods

Progressing patients with a diagnosis of BS were eligible. Treatment was comprised of sunitinib (37.5 mg/day on days 1–14, 25 mg/day afterword) plus nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks). Primary end point was progression‐free survival rate (PFSR) at 6 months based on central radiology review. Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1, and safety.

Results

A total of 46 patients were screened, 40 patients entered the study, and 38 underwent central radiological review and were evaluable for primary end point. Median age was 47 years (range, 21–74). Histologies include 17 (43%) osteosarcoma, 14 chondrosarcoma (35%, 10 conventional, four dedifferentiated [DDCS]), eight (20%) Ewing sarcoma, and one (2%) undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. The PFSR at 6 months was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27–58). With a median follow‐up of 39.8 months (95% CI, 37.9–41.7), the median PFS and OS were 3.8 months (95% CI, 2.7–4.8) and 11.9 months (95% CI, 5.6–18.2). ORR by RECIST was 5%, with two of 38 partial responses (one of four DDCS and one of 17 osteosarcoma), 19 of 38 (50%) stable disease, and 17 of 38 (45%) progressions. Grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (six of 40, 15%), anemia (5/40, hypertension (6/40, 15%), 12.5%), ALT/AST elevation (5/40, 12.5%), and pneumonitis (1/40, 2.5%). Seventeen percent of patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity, including a treatment‐related grade 5 pneumonitis

Conclusion

The trial met its primary end point in the BS cohort with >15% of patients progression‐free at 6 months. However, the toxicity profile of this regimen was relevant.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators in people dying with cancer: A SEER‐Medicare analysis of ICD prevalence and association with aggressive end‐of‐life care
Authors: Mullins Megan A. , Wang Tianci , Shahan Kathryn , Zaha Vlad G. , Goswami Rachna , Sulistio Melanie , Gerber David E. , Pruitt Sandi L.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The shared risk profiles for cancer and heart disease suggest many individuals with cancer may have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). ICDs can have dramatic cancer end‐of‐life care implications including painful and distressing shocks. ICD prevalence and association with aggressive end‐of‐life care among individuals with breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer was evaluated using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare dataset.

Methods

A total of 37,306 Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥66 years with stage 3 or 4 cancer who died between 2005 and 2016 were identified. ICD prevalence, ICD‐related care utilization that might present opportunities to discuss end‐of‐life implications and association with aggressive end‐of‐life care (>1 emergency department visit, intensive care unit admission, >1 hospitalization, terminal hospitalization, chemotherapy, and invasive or life‐extending procedures) in the last month of life was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among cancer decedents, 6% had an ICD. More individuals with an ICD (31%) died in the hospital than individuals without an ICD (25%; p < .001). Half (46%) of individuals with an ICD had device programming or interrogation visits that could be an opportunity for device discussion. In adjusted models, ICD presence was associated with higher odds of every indicator of aggressive end‐of‐life care other than chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Many older cancer decedents in the United States had an ICD, and those with ICDs received more aggressive care at the end of life. Results suggest there are opportunities to discuss ICD and goals of care, raise awareness and encourage shared decision‐making for this population to ensure goal‐concordant care, and improve end‐of‐life care quality.
Vacancy Enriched Structurally Modulated Nickel Ferrite for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Senapati Shraddhanjali , Bal Rajaram , Mohapatra Manoj , Jena Bijayalaxmi
Published: November 2024

Generation of clean hydrogen fuel from renewable source like water by electrocatalytic water splitting is an advanced energy conversion technology. The idea of water splitting attracts the researcher to focus on the synthesis of active and stable catalysts. We modulated nickel ferrite using different surfactants and developed an active two‐dimensional (2D), economic and sturdy catalyst for the study of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in basic electrolytic solution. Nickel ferrite with CTAB named as NF(C), with ascorbic acid named as NF(A), with oxalic acid named as NF(O) and Nickel ferrite without surfactant is named as NF. NF(O) having 2D structure shows better catalytic activity among all. The catalytic activity of NF(O) was further enhanced through reduction process. We reduced NF(O) using hydrazine hydrate along with ultrasonication power treatment to induce vacancy in the material namely Vo‐NF(O). Vo‐NF(O) exhibits low overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA/cm2 with Tafel slope of 25 mV/dec and stability of 18 h. Creation of vacancy boosts the catalytic activity of the electrocatalyst by increasing the surface area and number of reactive sites of the catalyst, which improve electrical conductivity, thus facilitating the transfer of charges.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Medium‐Entropy Oxide Spheres for Thermocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Methanol
Authors: Mielniczuk Monika , Knorpp Amy J. , Shukla Rishabh , Erni Rolf , Kata Dariusz , Graule Thomas , Drożdż Ewa , Stuer Michael
Published: November 2024

New chemical compositions and structures for medium‐ and high‐entropy oxides (HEOs) currently represent a promising new avenue in materials research for a wide range of applications including catalysis, energy storage, and ceramics. To speed up further development, synthesis methods for multicationic oxides are needed for controlling features like morphology, porosity, and chemical compositions. In this work, mesoporous spinel oxide spheres with five cations are synthesized using solvothermal synthesis techniques. The targeted chemistry included Co, Al, Fe, and Cr as the first four cations, where the fifth cation was varied by increasing cation radii (Ga, In, Yb, Ho, or Ce). After calcination, all as‐synthesized precursors led to mesoporous oxide spheres with spinel oxide structures. In order to demonstrate an example of applicability for targeting different M3+ cations, the sample containing Co, Al, Fe, Cr, and In was tested in a model reaction of thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation and is shown to be active with a preference to methanol formation (58 % selectivity, 7.8 % conversion at 300 °C). The synthesis of multicationic mesoporous spheres appears to be quite flexible in terms of possible M3+ cations compositions and is a potential material to combine targeted chemistry for applications like catalysis.
On the Non‐Catalytic Role of Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases in Boosting the Action of PETases on PET Polymers
Authors: Corrêa Thamy L. R. , Román Ellen K. B. , Costa Carlos A. R. , Wolf Lucia D. , Landers Richard , Biely Peter , Murakami Mario T. , Walton Paul H.
Published: November 2024

Synthetic polymers are resistant to biological attack, resulting in their long‐term accumulation in landfills and in natural aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are enzymes which oxidatively cleave the polysaccharide chains in recalcitrant polysaccharides such as cellulose. It has been widely hypothesised that LPMOs could be used to aid in the enzymatic breakdown of synthetic polymers. Herein, through the use of biochemical assays, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) we show that LPMOs can bind to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and – in doing so – the hydrophobic surface of PET becomes more hydrophilic such that product release is boosted by subsequent treatment with classical PETases. The boosting effect is however, only observed in reactions when the LPMO and the PETase are added sequentially rather than simultaneously to the PET. Moreover, the same boosting effect is also seen when a catalytically‐inactive mutant of LPMO is used, showing that the principal means by which AA9 LPMOs boost the degradation of synthetic polymers is through their role as a “hydrophobin” rather than as an oxygenase. Indeed, in accord with this role of LPMOs, we further show that this effect can be extended to other ostensibly ‘non‐catalytic’ proteins beyond LPMOs, such as bovine serum albumin and lactate dehydrogenase.
Dual‐Boost Inverter Without Leakage Current
Authors: Hu Xuefeng , Dong Songsheng , Xu Zijun , Wen Bo , Chen Jiawei
Published: November 2024

The output AC side voltage of traditional full‐bridge inverter is lower than the input DC side voltage, which is limited in low‐voltage power generation. The conventional boost circuit and the modified boost circuit structure are effectively combined, thus putting forward a kind of no leakage current of single‐phase single‐stage booster inverter. The inverter has the characteristics of common ground, which can suppress the leakage current from the structure and avoid the problem of shoot‐through and improve the reliability of the system. The working mode, modulation strategy, and steady‐state performance of the proposed circuit structure are analyzed in detail. Finally, a 250‐W experimental prototype is designed in the laboratory, and the experimental results verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed inverter.
Molecular characterization of human HSPCs with different cell fates in vivo using single‐cell transcriptome analysis and lentiviral barcoding technology
Authors: Hua Junnan , Wang Ke , Chen Yue , Xu Xiaojing , Dong Guoyi , Li Yue , Liu Rui , Xiong Yecheng , Ding Jiabin , Zhang Tingting , Zeng Xinru , Li Yuxi , Sun Haixi , Gu Ying , Liu Sixi , Ouyang Wenjie , Liu Chao
Published: November 2024

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) possess the potential to produce all types of blood cells throughout their lives. It is well recognized that HSPCs are heterogeneous, which is of great significance for their clinical applications and the treatment of diseases associated with HSPCs. This study presents a novel technology called Single‐Cell transcriptome Analysis and Lentiviral Barcoding (SCALeBa) to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of human HSPCs in vivo. The SCALeBa incorporates a transcribed barcoding library and algorithm to analyze the individual cell fates and their gene expression profiles simultaneously. Our findings using SCALeBa reveal that HSPCs subset with stronger stemness highly expressed MYL6B, ATP2A2, MYO19, MDN1, ING3, and so on. The high expression of COA3, RIF1, RAB14, and GOLGA4 may contribute to the pluripotent‐lineage differentiation of HSPCs. Moreover, the roles of the representative genes revealed in this study regarding the stemness of HPSCs were confirmed with biological experiments. HSPCs expressing MRPL23 and RBM4 genes may contribute to differentiation bias into myeloid and lymphoid lineage, respectively. In addition, transcription factor (TF) characteristics of lymphoid and myeloid differentiation bias HSPCs subsets were identified and linked to previously identified genes. Furthermore, the stemness, pluripotency, and differentiation‐bias genes identified with SCALeBa were verified in another independent HSPCs dataset. Finally, this study proposes using the SCALeBa‐generated tracking trajectory to improve the accuracy of pseudo‐time analysis results. In summary, our study provides valuable insights for understanding the heterogeneity of human HSPCs in vivo and introduces a novel technology, SCALeBa, which holds promise for broader applications.

Key points

SCALeBa and its algorithm are developed to study the molecular mechanism underlying human HSPCs identity and function.

The human HSPCs expressing MYL6B, MYO19, ATP2A2, MDN1, ING3, and PHF20 may have the capability for high stemness.

The human HSPCs expressing COA3, RIF1, RAB14, and GOLGA4 may have the capability for pluripotent‐lineage differentiation.

The human HSPCs expressing MRPL23 and RBM4 genes may have the capability to differentiate into myeloid and lymphoid lineage respectively in vivo.

The legitimacy of the identified genes with SCALeBa was validated using biological experiments and a public human HSPCs dataset.

SCALeBa improves the accuracy of differentiation trajectories in monocle2‐based pseudo‐time analysis.
Postprandial Plasma Glucose With a Fasting Time of 4–7.9 h Is Positively Associated With Cancer Mortality in US Adults
Authors: Wang Yutang , Fang Yan , Habenicht Andreas J. R. , Golledge Jonathan , Giovannucci Edward L. , Ceriello Antonio
Published: November 2024

Aims

This study investigated the association of postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) with cancer mortality using a general cohort of US adults.

Materials and Methods

This cohort study included 14,860 US adults who attended the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994, with mortality being followed up until December 31, 2019. The explanatory variable was the level of plasma glucose, including PPG with a fasting time of 0–3.9 h (PPG0–3.9h) and 4–7.9 h (PPG4–7.9h), plasma glucose with a fasting time ≥8 h (PGfasting), and plasma glucose at 2 h after oral glucose tolerance test (PG2hOGTT). Plasma glucose‐associated cancer mortality risk was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

A 1‐natural‐log‐unit increase in PPG4–7.9h was associated with a higher multivariate‐adjusted risk for cancer mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 3.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–7.00]. However, PPG0–3.9h, PGfasting, PG2hOGTT, haemoglobin A1c, and insulin were not significantly associated with cancer mortality. The positive association of PPG4–7.9h with cancer mortality remained in those without a prior diagnosis of cancer.

Conclusions

High PPG4–7.9h is associated with a higher cancer mortality risk in US adults. Lowering PPG4–7.9h may reduce cancer mortality.
Predation Risk Experienced by Tadpoles Shapes Personalities Before but Not After Metamorphosis
Authors: Płaskonka Barbara , Zaborowska Anna , Mikulski Andrzej , Pietrzak Barbara
Published: November 2024

Consistent inter‐individual differences in behaviour, that is, personalities, can emerge as a result of inter‐individual differences in ontogenetic experience, and predation risk is a potent one. As personalities develop over lifetime, however, they may also be broken by ontogenetic transitions of the individual. Here we first tested the hypothesis that consistent inter‐individual differences in larval behaviour arise under predation challenge, and are entangled with differences in body size. We then tested the hypothesis that adult behavioural type is related to body size rather than to larval behavioural phenotype. To test these hypotheses, we performed a longitudinal study following the development of about 50 moor frogs, Rana arvalis. We manipulated their larval and current environment, and recorded their behaviours repeatedly, under control conditions, invertebrate predators' chemical cues or in live predator presence. Partially in line with our predictions, the ontogenetic experience of predator presence led to personality emergence in tadpoles, yet their behaviour was not explained by their body size. This pattern was lost over metamorphosis. According to predictions, pre‐adult moor frog behaviour was affected by their body size—time to exit shelter was shorter in larger frogs—but neither by their behaviour as tadpoles nor by their larval environment, that is, tadpole predator‐exposure experience. Our results show that individual behavioural tendencies can be well decoupled between prior and post metamorphosis, which adds to the growing empirical evidence supporting adaptive decoupling hypothesis.
Adult Sex‐Ratio Bias Does Not Lead to Detectable Adaptive Offspring Sex Allocation Via Nest‐Site Choice in a Turtle With Temperature‐Dependent Sex Determination
Authors: Crowther Claudia , Adams Clare I. M. , Fondren Andy , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: November 2024

Sex‐ratio theory predicts that parents can optimise their fitness by producing offspring of the rare sex, yet there is a dearth of empirical evidence for adaptive sex allocation in response to the adult sex ratio (ASR). This is concerning, as anthropogenic disruption of the sex ratios of reproductive individuals threatens to cause demographic collapse in animal populations. Species with environmental sex determination (ESD) are especially at risk but may possess the capacity to adaptively influence offspring sex via control over the developmental environment. For example, reptiles with temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD) could conceivably choose nest sites with thermal characteristics that produce offspring of the rare sex. To test this hypothesis, we seeded three secure outdoor ponds with different sex ratios (~M:F 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3) of adult painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), a reptile species with TSD. We then quantified nesting traits that could influence nest temperature and thus offspring sex ratio, including nesting date, nest depth, and nest canopy cover. We found no directional relationship between the ASR treatments and any measured nest traits and thus rejected our hypothesis. Interestingly, increased maternal body size was associated with reduced nest canopy cover, and this trend was more pronounced in the biased ASR treatments. If adaptive sex allocation occurs in this system, it instead may manifest via maternal epigenetic predisposition of offspring sex or in response to a phenomenon other than the ASR.
Functional and Character Disparity Are Decoupled in Turtle Mandibles
Authors: Ponstein Jasper , Hermanson Guilherme , Jansen Merlin W. , Renaudie Johan , Fröbisch Jörg , Evers Serjoscha W.
Published: November 2024

Turtles have high shape variation of their mandibles, likely reflecting adaptations to a broad variety of food items and ingestion strategies. Here, we compare functional disparity measured by biomechanical proxies and character disparity measured by discrete morphological characters. Functional and character disparities vary between clades and ecological groups and are thus decoupled. Comparisons with cranial disparity also indicate decoupled patterns within the turtle skull. Exploration of mandibular patterns reveals that several biomechanical configurations or character state combinations can lead to the same feeding type (i.e., convergence) or that high functional disparity can be achieved at a low exhaustion of character state combinations (e.g., cryptodires). Dietary specialists show larger functional disparity than generalists, but the phylogenetically widespread generalist ecology leads to high character disparity signals in the ecotype. Whereas character disparity generally shows high phylogenetic signal, functional disparity patterns correspond to dietary specializations, which may occur convergently across different groups. Despite this, individual functional measurements have overlapping ranges across ecogroups and do not always conform to biomechanical expectations. Jaw opening and closing biomechanical advantages model trade‐offs between force transmission and opening/closing speeds, and turtles show a variety of combinations of values that we try to synthesize into several “jaw types”. Closing mechanical advantage shows that turtles retain high levels of force transmission at the anterior jaw end compared with other groups (e.g., pseudosuchians). This can possibly be explained as an evolutionary adaptation to retain high bite forces at small head sizes.
Rescue and Translocation of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in Pueblo Viejo, Cotuí Mining Concession Area
Authors: Núñez‐Novas Miguel S. , Carreras‐De León Rosanna , Mateo Jiménez Amelia L. , Dávila Carolina , Calderón Pilar
Published: November 2024

Translocation of species is a common practice used in endangered species management and conservation plans, which can have the purpose of establishing new populations which are at risk of being wiped out, increase a species chance of survival or recovery, and to preserve genetic diversity. The present study details the rescue and relocation process of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in the municipality of Cotuí, Dominican Republic. Data are presented for eight individuals, belonging to two different families, detailing capture methods, handling, reintroduction method, and behavior, as well as data on post‐release monitoring for both families. It was found that the most efficient capture method was active capture by hand (6/8). The family groups were heterogeneous, although both families had in common the presence of a single adult male. The average weight of the individuals was 1.19 kg. Blood tests were carried out on the animals before being taken to the holding pens and compared with the values of other rodents, showing that hematic values for P. aedium were like those of another hutia species, Cynomys ludovicianus. During the period animals were held in pens before reintroduction, hutias showed trophic preferences for Clusia rosea and Guarea guidonea. The only supplementary food they consumed was Daucus carota. A fight was observed between members of different families during the acclimation period in the holding pen, between a subadult male and another dominant one, evidencing territorial behavior. Post‐release monitoring of the families showed that the selection of habitat for relocation, based on the characterization of active burrows in the area, was successful in one of the two families relocated. One of the families abandoned the selected area for translocation during the monitoring. It is important to note that accurate population data of the targeted population, such as abundance and density, are necessary to guarantee the survival of the translocated animals in the new environment. The reintroduction method used in this study may serve as a baseline for future translocation projects for the species.
Intraspecific Variation in Parental Care May Reflect Variation in Parental Quality
Authors: Pilakouta Natalie , Hanlon Elizabeth J. H. , Smiseth Per T.
Published: November 2024

The existence of life‐history trade‐offs is a fundamental assumption of evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology, yet empirical studies have found mixed evidence for this. Such trade‐offs are expected when individuals vary in how they allocate their limited resource budgets between different life‐history functions (variation in resource allocation), but they may be masked when individuals vary in how many resources they have acquired that they can later allocate to life‐history functions (variation in resource acquisition). We currently lack studies on the extent to which individual differences in behaviour reflect variation between individuals in resource acquisition and resource allocation. Here, we use parental care as a case study for exploring this question. We used the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides, which exhibits facultative biparental care, comprising direct care (provisioning food or interacting with larvae) and indirect care (guarding or maintaining the carcass). We found some evidence for a positive relationship between these two components of care for both male and female parents. In addition, parents that spent more time providing care 24 h after hatching also tended to provide care for longer. Lastly, parents that provided more parental care did not experience a trade‐off of reduced lifespan after the breeding attempt. On the contrary, we found a positive relationship between the duration of care provided and parents' post‐breeding lifespan. Our finding of positive relationships between parental behaviours and between parental care and lifespan suggests that variation in care was mainly driven by differences in prior resource acquisition (i.e., parental quality) among individuals rather than differences in resource allocation. Our findings thus suggest that high intraspecific variation in parental quality can potentially mask reproductive investment trade‐offs within populations.
Succinic Acid Production With Actinobacillus succinogenes –Influence of an Electric Potential on the Intercellular NADH/NAD+ Balance
Authors: Hengsbach Jan‐Niklas , Cwienczek Marcel , Laudensack Wolfgang , Stiefelmaier Judith , Tippkötter Nils , Ulber Roland
Published: November 2024

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) offer a sustainable method for chemical production, including the enhanced production of succinic acid. By combining fermentation with BES, it could be possible to achieve sustainable succinic acid production and CO2 fixation using Actinobacillus succinogenes. In literature, the potential application of BES is commonly associated with increased succinate yields, as it is expected to enhance the availability of NADH, thereby influencing the intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/NAD+) balance. However, it remains unclear whether BES can improve NADH regeneration and achieve higher NADH/NAD+ ratios across all growth phases of A. succinogenes. This study investigates the impact of an applied electrical potential on the intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio during an electrochemical‐assisted fermentation process. Using an adapted high‐performance liquid chromatography method with a Supelcosil LC‐18‐T column, it was demonstrated that NADH availability in BES, particularly during the stationary growth phase, improved by up to 1.98‐fold compared to the control. This enhancement in reducing power led to a succinate yield of 0.747 ± 0.01 g g−1, representing a 15.65% increase compared to a fermentation without electrochemical assistance. These findings support the expectation that the use of BES could enhance the competitiveness of bio‐based succinate production.
Controlled Synthesis of 2D Nanostructured Bimetallic Oxide (NiMoO4) on Self‐Supported Nickel Foam for Boosted Electrocatalytic Seawater Oxidation Performance
Authors: Shanmugam Gopalakrishnan , Santhana Krishnan Harish , Eswaran Senthil Kumar , Mani Navaneethan
Published: November 2024

The design and development of effective electrocatalysts containing nonprecious materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in seawater splitting remains a significant challenge for large‐scale industrial hydrogen production. Nonprecious bimetallic oxide‐constructed catalysts are utmost promising candidates to obtain boosting electrochemical water oxidation performance. Herein, a transition bimetallic oxide nanostructure electrocatalyst as NiMoO4 vertically standing nanosheet over the nickel foam substrate (NiMoO4/NF) for electrochemical water oxidation process in alkaline fresh/simulated seawater conditions is presented. NiMoO4 nanostructure on NF substrate is successfully obtained using a straightforward hydrothermal reaction route and thermal annealing processes. The surface morphology with elemental characteristics of the resultant NiMoO4/NF sample exposes highly homogenous vertical standing nanosheets assembled on the NF surface. The electrochemical water oxidation performance of the as‐prepared electrodes demonstrates the function of diverse hydrothermal reaction times (3, 6, and 9 h) in fresh and simulated seawater electrolyte conditions. In alkaline seawater electrolyte conditions, optimal hydrothermal reaction time‐assisted NiMoO4/NF‐6 h electrocatalyst possesses significant OER electrocatalytic actives compared to the other samples. Similarly, NiMoO4/NF‐6 h catalyst exhibits a small overpotential of 429 mV to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope value of 122 mV dec−1 for OER process. As a result, the resultant superior electrocatalytic performance of the optimal hydrothermal reaction time‐aided electrocatalyst (NiMoO4/NF‐6 h) is ascribed to highly accessible catalytic active centers and enhanced charge transfer kinetics at the interface for electrochemical reactions. Thus, proposed nanostructure‐constructed electrocatalysts could prove to be prospective OER candidates for electrochemical water oxidation.