bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of two isolates of a Heterorhabditis bacteriophora population detected in Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Bertolotti María , De Sousa Gladys , Valenzuela Mónica , De Doucet María M.A.
Published: July 2002

Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis are associated with symbiotic bacteria Photorhabdus spp. (Enterobacteriaceae). Taxonomic studies confirm that each species of nematode has a specific natural association with only one species of bacterium (Boemare & Doucet, 1996). Except in a few cases, the bacteria change the colour of the parasitized insect to different reddish tones and produce bioluminescence (Grimont et al., 1984; Boemare & Doucet, 1996). These distinct colours would be assumed to be due to the different species of Photorhabdus and, consequently, to indicate different species of Heterorhabditis. Therefore, the colour of the cadaver has been used as a taxonomic character (Stock, 1993). In a single soil sample from Córdoba City, Argentina, two isolates of Heterorhabditis were found that were clearly distinguished by the colour of the parasitized Galleria mellonella larva: isolate A, violet-brown; B, reddish. These different phenotypes led us to suppose that the nematode isolates were associated with different symbiotic bacteria and that the nematodes were different species. The purposes of this work were: to establish the identity of the isolates and to compare them on the basis of morphological and morphometric characters, and isozyme patterns.
SEM observations and morphometrics of Hemicycliophora belemnis Germani & Luc, 1973 and Paratylenchus bukowinensis Micoletzky, 1922 (Nematoda: Criconematoidea) from Iran
Authors: Minassian Vahe , Babajani Gholamreza , Chitambar John
Published: July 2002

The natural occurrence of a rare species, Hemicycliophora belemnis, and a more common Paratylenchus bukowinensis, in the Dez forest near Ahwaz, Iran, is reported. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology and morphometry of populations of the two nematode species are detailed and compared with those of earlier reports. The population of Hemicycliophora belemnis was distinguished by a progression in variation in pattern of the lateral field present in individual females as opposed to only one type of variation in individual females according to earlier reports. Other differences included a lower number of tail annules, two to four vs two head annules in females, and in males, two longitudinal lateral incisures, a shorter tail and ratio of bursa annule width to corresponding body annule width. New information is given on the amphid apertures and head annules. The population of Paratylenchus bukowinensis was distinguished from earlier reported descriptions of the same species by greater mean values for body length, stylet length, distance of excretory pore from anterior end, as well as annulations extending to tail terminus, details of the vulval flaps, and absence of males. These differences were attributed to geographical influences and not deemed significant to warrant the creation of new species. Furthermore, the differences are indicative of the degree of variation and reliability of certain morphological and morphometrical values used in the differential diagnoses of the species.
Descriptions of Andrassya tundrovi Gagarin, 1993 and Malakhovia chernobyli gen. n., sp. n. (Nematoda: Andrassyidae fam. n.)
Authors: Tchesunov Alexei , Gagarin Vladimir
Published: July 2002

The holotype female of Andrassya tundrovi Gagarin, 1993 is re-examined. Malakhovia chernobyli gen. n., sp. n. from the water reservoir (cooler) of Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station (northern Ukraine) is described based on several female specimens. The two genera Andrassya and Malakhovia are placed in a new family, Andrassyidae fam. n., characterised by presence of six setae in the cephalic sensilla pattern, pocket-like amphids, slender pharynx with posterior widening, paired outstretched ovaries, acute tail without evidence of caudal glands or spinneret. Malakhovia gen. n. differs from Andrassyia mainly in having a small buccal capsule and oviparity. Morphological traits and relationships of the two genera are discussed. The family Andrassyidae is tentatively placed in the order Enoplida. Description d'Andrassya tundrovi Gagarin, 1993 et de Malakhovia chernobyli gen. n., sp. n. (Nematoda: Andrassyidae fam. n.) - L'holotype femelle d'Andrassya tundrovi Gagarin, 1993 a ete examine. Malakhovia artemisiae gen. n., sp. n. provenant du reservoir d'eau de refroidissement de la centrale atomique de Chernobyl (Ukraine du nord) est decrit sur plusieurs specimens femelles. Les deux genres sont reunis dans la nouvelle famille des Andrassyidae fam. n. caracterisee par le developpement de six soies parmi les sensilles cephaliques, des amphides en forme de poches, un pharynx mince mais elargi posterieurement, deux ovaires replies, une queue pointue depourvue de glandes caudales et de filiere. Le genre Malakhovia gen. n. differe essentiellement du genre Andrassya par la presence d'une petite capsule buccale et son oviparite. Les caracteristiques morphologiques et les relations entre les deux genres sont discutees. La famille des Andrassyidae est placee avec quelques hesitations dans l'ordre des Enoplida.
Greenhouse and field resistance in cucumber to root-knot nematodes
Authors: Walters S. Alan , Wehner Todd C. , Barker Kenneth R.
Published: July 2002

Ten cultigens were evaluated for resistance to Meloidogyne arenaria races 1
and 2, and M. javanica under greenhouse and field conditions. Resistance to
M. arenaria races 1 and 2, and M. javanica was verified in Cucumis sativus
var. hardwickii line LJ 90430 and to M. arenaria race 2 in C. sativus var.
sativus Southern Pickler and Mincu in a greenhouse test. Another cultigen of
C. sativus var. hardwickii (PI 215589) was found to be resistant to M.
arenaria race 2 but not to other root-knot nematode species tested. LJ 90430
is the cultigen of choice to develop root-knot nematode resistant cucumbers,
since it has multiple root-knot nematode resistance and is cross-compatible
with cucumber. Greenhouse and field data were positively correlated (r =
0.74) over both years. Experiment repeatabilities were calculated from the
cultigens infected with root-knot nematodes under both greenhouse and field
conditions. Four environments (greenhouse and field over 2 years) were used
in the analysis. Repeatabilities were high in all instances (ranging from
0.83-0.99) and indicated that the environment (field or greenhouse) was not
an important factor in assessing root-knot nematode resistance for the
cultigens evaluated. Resistenz von Gurkengegen Wurzelgallennematoden im
Gewachshaus undim Freiland - Unter Gewachshausund Freilandbedingungen wurden
zehn Cultigene auf ihre Resistenz gegen Meloidogyne arenaria Rassen 1 und 2
und gegen M. javanica gepruft. Bei Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii Linie LJ
90430 wurde im Gewachshausversuch Resistenz gegen M. arenaria Rassen 1 und 2
sowie gegen M. javanica nachgewiesen, und in C. sativus var. sativus
"Southern Pickler" und "Mincu" Resistenz gegen M. arenaria Rasse 2. Cultigen
C. sativus var. hardwickii (PI 215589) war resistent gegen M. arenaria Rasse
2 aber nicht gegen die anderen gepruften Arten von Wurzelgallennematoden. LJ
90430 ist das Cultigen der Wahl bei der Entwicklung von Gurken, die gegen
Wurzelgallennematoden resistent sind, da es multiple Resistenzen gegen
Wurzelgallennematoden besitzt und kreuzungsvertraglich mit Gurke ist. Die
Ergebnisse der Gewachshaus- und Feldversuche waren uber beide Versuchsjahre
hin positiv korreliert (r = 0,74). Ausgehend von den Cultigenen, die im
Gewachshaus und im Freiland mit Wurzelgallennematoden infiziert waren,
wurden die Wiederholbarkeiten der Versuche berechnet. Dabei wurden vier
verschiedene Umweltbedingungen (Gewachshaus und Freiland uber zwei Jahre)
verwendet. Die Wiederholbarkeiten waren in allen Fallen hoch (0,83-0,99) und
zeigten an, dass die Umwelt (Freiland oder Gewachshaus) kein wichtiger
Faktor bei der Bestimmung der Resistenz gegen Wurzelgallennematoden bei den
gepruften Cultigenen war.
Effects of surface sterilisation and cold storage on in vitro behaviour of Pratylenchus penetrans
Authors: Peng Yunliang , Moens Maurice
Published: July 2002

0.1% malachite green alone (15 min) or with 0.5% streptomycin sulphate were efficient to surface sterilise Pratylenchus penetrans. These treatments did not significantly reduce nematode movement, nor attraction to and penetration into Rosa dumetorum cv. Laxa seedlings. Streptomycin sulphate (0.2%, 24 h) and a split treatment of streptomycin sulphate (0.2%, 24 h) and malachite green (0.1%, 10 min) did not reduce surface contamination. Combinations based on mercuric chloride (0.05-0.1%, 1-1.5 min) affected the behaviour of juvenile and adult stages of P. penetrans. Storage (30 days) at 4 degrees C reduced the survival of P. penetrans and its attraction to and penetration into rose seedlings. Effets de la sterilisation superficielle et du stockage au froid sur le comportement in vitro de Pratylenchus penetrans - Un traitement de 15 min a l'aide de vert de malachite a 0,1%, seul ou additionne de sulfate de streptomycine a 0,5%, sterilise superficiellement Pratylenchus penetrans de facon efficace. De tels traitements ne diminuent pas les mouvements du nematode non plus que son attraction par et sa penetration dans les racines de plants de Rosa dumetorum cv. Laxa. L'utilisation de sulfate de streptomycine a 0,2% pendant 24 h ou un traitement en deux temps par le sulfate de streptomycine (0,2%; 24 h) puis par le vert de malachite (0,1%; 10 min) ne diminuent pas la contamination superficielle. Les traitements combines comprenant du chlorure de mercure (0,05-0,1%; 1-5 min) affectent le comportement des juveniles et des adultes de P. penetrans. Un stockage de 30 jours a 4 degrees C diminue la survie de P. penetrans ainsi que ses potentialites d'attraction et de penetration vis-a-vis des plants de rosier.
LA THÉOLOGIE MUSULMANE EN ASIE CENTRALE ET AU KHORASAN
Authors: Gilliot Claude
Published: July 2002

Cet article est la version longue et inédite de Gilliot, « Theology » (en Asie Centrale). Si la numérotation des paragraphes commence ici au numéro 42, c'est que le présent travail fait suite à « L'exégèse du Coran en Asie Centrale et au Khorasan », Stud. Isl., 89 (1999), p. 129-64, version augmentée de notre « Qur'anic exegesis » (en Asie Centrale). Les références complètes aux ouvrages ou articles que nous citons ci-après se trouvent dans nos références bibliographiques in fine, auxquelles il est parfois renvoyé avec la mention « v. bibliogr. ». Toutefois, même en l'absence de cette dernière, on les y trouvera. Les références aux articles parus dans des encyclopédies ne figurent que dans les notes. Nous ne traitons pas ici du mysticisme ut sic, et l'on pourra, à cet effet, se reporter à : Chabbi (J.), « Remarques sur le développement historique des mouvements ascétiques et mystiques au Khurasan », et à Radtke (B.), « Theologen und Mystiker in Hurāsān und Transoxanien ». Les paragraphes 68, 70-71 sont constitués d'addenda à « L'exégèse du Coran en Asie Centrale et au Khorasan » ; au paragraphe 69, on trouvera l'identification de l'auteur du Kitāb al-Mabānī.
Quantification of polyoma BK viruria in hemorrhagic cystitis complicating bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Leung Anskar Y. H. , Suen Christine K. M. , Lie Albert K. W. , Liang Raymond H. S. , Yuen Kwok Y. , Kwong Yok L.
Published: July 2002

Polyoma BK virus (BKV) is frequently identified in the urine of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients with hemorrhagic cystitis (HC). However, viruria is common even in asymptomatic patients, making a direct causative role of BKV difficult to establish. This study prospectively quantified BK viruria and viremia in 50 BMT patients to define the quantitative relationship of BKV reactivation with HC. Adenovirus (ADV) was similarly quantified as a control. More than 800 patient samples were quantified for BKV VP1 gene with a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Twenty patients (40%) developed HC, 6 with gross hematuria (HC grade 2 or higher) and 14 with microscopic hematuria (HC grade 1). When compared with asymptomatic patients, patients with HC had significantly higher peak BK viruria (6 × 1012 versus 5.7 × 107genome copies/d, P < .001) and larger total amounts of BKV excreted during BMT (4.9 × 1013 versus 7.7 × 108 genome copies, P < .001). There was no detectable increase in BK viremia. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that BK viruria was the only risk factor, with HC not related to age, conditioning regimen, type of BMT, and graft-versus-host disease. Furthermore, the levels of ADV viruria in patients with or without HC were similar and comparable with those of BK viruria in patients without HC, suggesting that the significant increase in BK viruria in HC patients was not due to background viral reactivation or damage to the urothelium. BK viruria was quantitatively related to the occurrence of HC after BMT.
Phase II Study of Weekly Docetaxel and Trastuzumab for Patients With HER-2–Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Esteva Francisco J. , Valero Vicente , Booser Daniel , Guerra Laura T. , Murray James L. , Pusztai Lajos , Cristofanilli Massimo , Arun Banu , Esmaeli Bita , Fritsche Herbert A. , Sneige Nour , Smith Terry L. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly docetaxel plus trastuzumab in women with HER-2–overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Efficacy was correlated with serum HER-2 extracellular domain (ECD) levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty women with metastatic breast cancer were treated with weekly docetaxel and trastuzumab as first- or second-line therapy. Both docetaxel 35 mg/m2/wk and trastuzumab 2 mg/kg/wk were delivered in 4-week cycles consisting of three weekly treatments followed by 1 week of rest. A loading dose of trastuzumab 4 mg/kg was administered 1 day before the start of the first cycle.

RESULTS: The median delivered dose-intensity of docetaxel was 24 mg/m2/wk (range, 18 to 27 mg/m2/wk). The intent-to-treat overall response rate (ORR) was 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44% to 80%). The ORR in patients whose tumors were HER-2–positive by fluorescence in situ hybridization was 67% (16 of 24 patients; 95% CI, 45% to 84%). In patients with elevated serum HER-2 ECD at baseline, the ORR was 76% (95% CI, 53% to 92%), compared with 33% (95% CI, 7% to 70%) in patients with low HER-2 ECD levels (P = .04). Variations in HER-2 ECD concentrations during treatment correlated with response to treatment. Median time to progression was 9 months. Acute toxicity, including myelosuppression, was mild. Fatigue, fluid retention, and excessive tearing became more common with repetitive dosing.

CONCLUSION: Weekly docetaxel and trastuzumab is an active combination for treating patients with HER-2–overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Serum HER-2 ECD testing may be a promising method for monitoring patients on trastuzumab-based therapy.
A Pumpless, High‐Throughput Microphysiological System to Mimic Enteric Innervation of Duodenal Epithelium and the Impact on Barrier Function
Authors: Kaiser Kyla N. , Snyder Jessica R. , Koppes Ryan A. , Koppes Abigail N.
Published: September 2024

Enteric neurons are critical in maintaining organ homeostasis within the small intestine, and their dysregulation are implicated in gastrointestinal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Most in vitro models lack enteric innervation, limiting basic discovery and disease modeling research. Here, a high‐throughput 3D microphysiological system (MPS), or organ chip is presented that supports a primary epithelial monolayer interfacing directly with encapsulated primary enteric neurons. The device features twelve 3D MPSs per device and gravity‐driven flow via a laboratory rocker to induce biomimetic shear stress on the epithelium culture and provide continuous nutrient presentation. Intestinal and neural tissue exhibited expected morphologies. Neural gene upregulation in the epithelium suggests RNA contamination from proximal enteric neurons extending neurites toward the epithelial monolayer. With the enteric nervous system (ENS), barrier integrity significantly increased for both TEER and permeability assays, a 1.25‐fold greater resistance and 10% lower permeability as compared to epithelium cultured alone. The presence of the ENS resulted in a significant (1.4‐fold) reduction in epidermal growth factor (EGF). Additionally, several key epithelial genes are compared between duodenal tissue and epithelial monolayers with and without neurons present. Results demonstrated changes in cytokine gene expression and WNT pathways, highlighting innervation is essential to create more biomimetic and physiologically relevant in vitro models.
Switchable Pseudo‐Triaxial Structure Enabled Mechanosensory Textiles with Ultra‐Wide Detection Range for Flexible E‐Wearables
Authors: Peng Yangyang , Sun Fengxin , Jing Jianghui , Zhao Jieyun , Zhang Ning , Zhang Pengfei , Pan Ruru
Published: September 2024

Flexible sensors hold significant promise for wearable monitoring and rehabilitation training applications. However, current flexible strain sensors struggle to compatible their sensing performance and fabrication with textile substrate and weaving technologies, which limits the practical applications of flexible sensors in commercial markets for electronic wearables. Differing from traditional strategies that rely on sophisticated construction of functional materials, leveraging industrial braiding, and weaving technologies, an all‐textile‐based pseudo‐triaxial mechanosensory textile (PTMT) is designed by engineering the wrapping pattern, yarn twist, and fabric architecture. The switchable hierarchically‐structured morphing of the PTMT enables an ultra‐wide strain detection range (up to 140%) along with desirable sensitivity. Moreover, the PTMT shows outstanding air permeability (1915 mm s−1), moisture permeability (1922 g m−2 h−1), high washability, and electromagnetic interference shielding (20.25 dB). The potential applications of PTMT are also demonstrated, such as in simulating fetal‐movement in pregnant women, proving its effectiveness in fetal‐movement health monitoring. Furthermore, by integrating the PTMT into shoe vamps and combining it with machine learning algorithms (CNN, RF, and PSO‐SVM), it is proved that PSO‐SVM outperformed CNN and RF in accuracy and stability, achieving a combined recognition accuracy of 95.42%.
2D/0D Heterojunction Fluorescent Probe with Schottky Barrier Based on Ti3C2TX MXene Loaded Graphene Quantum Dots for Detection of H2S During Food Spoilage
Authors: Jia Zhixin , Zhang Jingbin , Ji Zengtao , Zhang Jiaran , Yang Xinting , Shi Ce , Sun Xia , Guo Yemin
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contamination of food has raised widespread public health concerns, leading to substantial medical and economic burdens. Herein, a 2D/0D heterojunction fluorescent probe (TCTG) with Schottky barriers (SB) is designed and synthesized, utilizing Ti3C2Tx MXene‐loaded graphene quantum dots (GQDs), for the detection of H2S during food spoilage. The microstructures observed through SEM and TEM reveal that uniformly sized GQDs are evenly attached to the surface of a monolayer Ti3C2Tx. The chemisorption between GQDs and Ti3C2Tx facilitates charge transfer and the formation of SB, resulting in intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effects. With the introduction of H2S, TCTG(50%) exhibits the highest sensitivity, selectivity, and anti‐interference properties, with ultra‐fast fluorescence transient reaction (3s) and remarkably low detection limit of 41.82 ppb as well as noticeable color change. When TCTG(50%) reacted with H2S, the ICT effects are inhibited, leading to the recovery of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and fluorescence quenching. Notably, probe TCTG is effectively utilized to detect changes in H2S levels in raw foods to assess their quality. Overall, the significance of this study is its potential to revolutionize food spoilage detection, offering a fast, reliable, and sensitive method to ensure food safety and reduce associated health and economic burdens.
Light‐Encoding of a Supramolecular Hydrogel for Assembly‐Free Soft Machines Capable of Sequential and Multistage Shape‐Morphing
Authors: Guo Jing , Liu Ruihui , Lv Yuezi , Xie Hui , Zhou Shaobing
Published: September 2024

Shape‐morphing hydrogels can mimic the dynamism of living creatures and are popular for designing soft machines, such as actuators and robots. However, most existing shape‐morphing hydrogels present a single morphing pathway between two shapes, sequential and multistage shape‐morphing in real scenarios has rarely been captured. Although a strategy that assembles functional hydrogel components has been reported, it is likely to simultaneously increase the complexity and weaken the versatility of hydrogel machines. Here, a light‐encoding strategy based on the dynamic coordination between the ferric iron and carboxyl group (Fe3+─COO−) to integrate the frame and actuating units into a single hydrogel without assembly is proposed. The spatiotemporal control of light irradiation is expected to make the light‐encoding process sequential and reprogrammable. Results demonstrate that the light‐encoded patterns determine the morphing route and further activate shape‐morphing owing to swelling mismatch. The actuating units can be successively created by localized irradiation or elaborately turned by re‐coordinating and light‐encoding. This endows the encoded hydrogel with sequential and multistage shape‐morphing behavior, similar to the living creatures. This strategy allows the design of assembly‐free soft machines with sequential and multistage shape‐morphing performance, which will benefit the design of more types of hydrogel machines.
Lower‐Temperature Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Rich Molybdenum Nitride/Nickel (Cobalt) Heterojunctional Assembly for the Effective Water Electrolysis
Authors: Dong Youming , Wu Aiping , Yang Ganceng , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Yue , Yan Haijing , Tian Chungui , Fu Honggang
Published: September 2024

The nitrogen‐rich molybdenum nitrides (N/Mo > 1) are promising for water electrolysis due to their increased activity and antioxidant ability. However, a higher temperature is needed in the usual synthesis for introducing more N, leading to the formation of large particles and the difficulty in controlling the morphology, thus limiting their catalytic performance. Here, a new strategy is reported based on the synergy of internal/external N sources (INS and ENS) toward Mo5N6‐based catalysts at a decreased temperature of 450 °C. The PMo12 clusters and Ni2+ (Co2+) are first combined with 2‐methylimidazole/melamine (INS) to give a flower‐like assembly. The subsequent pyrolysis under NH3 flow (ENS) gives the flowers composed of small Mo5N6/Ni (Co) heterojunctional particles that can expose more surface sites with an optimized electronic structure. The Mo5N6/Ni exhibits good HER activity close to Pt/C, and Mo5N6/Co shows superior OER performance to IrO2. The Mo5N6/Ni||Mo5N6/Co cell drives overall water splitting (OWS) at a low voltage of 1.397/1.74 V to achieve a current density of 10/100 mA cm−2 in the 1.0 M KOH. An anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) based on the catalysts can achieve a current density of 450 mA cm−2 at 1.8 V with a long‐term stability of 120 h.
High‐Performance Dynamic Photo‐Responsive Polymers With Superior Closed‐Loop Recyclability
Authors: Lee Juho , Lee Dongju , Ahn Cheol‐Hee , Kim Tae Ann
Published: September 2024

Chemical recycling to monomer (CRM) provides an ideal solution for reducing plastic waste and achieving a circular polymer economy. Cyclopentene (CP) and its derivatives are representative molecules that exemplify an efficient CRM process under mild conditions. However, most CP‐based polymers possess limited thermal and mechanical properties, constraining their potential applications. Herein, new CP‐based polymers with superior thermo‐mechanical properties and autonomous functions are proposed by integrating anthracene as a dynamic functional motif. Anthracenes not only serve as supramolecular cross‐linkages through strong π–π interactions but also form stronger chemical ones under UVA light irradiation, enhancing thermo‐mechanical properties. Furthermore, damage‐reporting, self‐healing, and local shape reprogramming capabilities are accomplished by utilizing the reversible nature of photodimerized anthracene. A mild and orthogonal depolymerization condition for the CP‐based polymers facilitates efficient monomer recovery even from mixed plastic wastes. This work presents a simple yet effective strategy to expand the usability of chemically recyclable polymers and contribute to a closed‐loop polymer economy.
Generation of Quantum Vortex Electrons with Intense Laser Pulses
Authors: Bu Zhigang , Ji Liangliang , Geng Xuesong , Liu Shiyu , Lei Shaohu , Shen Baifei , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: September 2024

Accelerating a free electron to high‐energy forms the basis for studying particle and nuclear physics. Here it is shown that the wave function of such an energetic electron can be further manipulated with the femtosecond intense lasers. During the scattering between a high‐energy electron and a circularly polarized laser pulse, a regime is found where the enormous spin angular momenta of laser photons can be efficiently transferred to the electron orbital angular momentum (OAM). The wave function of the scattered electron is twisted from its initial plane‐wave state to the quantum vortex state. Nonlinear quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory suggests that the GeV‐level electrons acquire average intrinsic OAM beyond at laser intensities of 1020 W cm−2 with linear scaling. These electrons emit γ‐photons with two‐peak spectrum, which sets them apart from the ordinary electrons. The findings demonstrate a proficient method for generating relativistic leptons with the vortex wave functions based on existing laser technology, thereby fostering a novel source for particle and nuclear physics.
Remote C─H Bond Activation via Enantioselective Carbopalladation and 1,4‐Pd Migration Cascade Process
Authors: Xu Bing , Ji Danting , Zhang Zhan‐Ming , Zhang Junliang
Published: September 2024

Carbopalladation‐initiated cascade reaction involving 1,4‐Pd migration is a straightforward and powerful approach to activate remote C─H bond, forging versatile fused polycyclic compounds containing fluorene fragment which are highly valuable synthetic targets. However, its asymmetric variants pose considerable challenges and have not been explored. Here the first asymmetric palladium‐catalyzed tandem carbopalladation is reported, 1,4‐Pd migration reaction of ortho‐iodophenol‐derived allyl ether under mild conditions, allowing the transformation of a wide range of substrates in good to excellent enantioselectivities, and providing a facile and straight forward access to tetracyclic dihydroindeno[1,2,3‐de]chromene bearing a chiral fluorene skeleton. A good functional group tolerance, high stereoselectivity, as well as the good chiroptical properties (high fluorescence quantum yields, circular dichroism) of the products make this approach highly attractive. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the protonation of five‐membered palladacycle intermediate is more favorable rather than its direct reductive elimination process.
Intelligent Carbon Dots with Switchable Photo‐Activated Oxidase‐Mimicking Activity and pH Responsive Antioxidant Activity Adaptive to the Wound Microenvironment for Selective Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: He Li , Li Zhi , Gu Meiqi , Li Yifei , Yi Chengla , Jiang Ming , Yu Xu , Xu Li
Published: September 2024

Intelligent antibacterial agent with controllable activities adaptive to the wound microenvironment is appealing to reduce drug resistance and enhance antibacterial efficiency. In this study, celery is chosen as the carbon source to construct celery‐based carbon dots (CECDs) with double activities, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐production and ROS‐clearance activities. The ROS‐production capability of CECDs is dependent on the oxidase (OXD)‐mimicking activity, which is only photo‐activated and thus artificially controlled by light to avoid the production of excess ROS. Meanwhile, the optimal OXD‐mimicking activity occurrs at the pH of 5, close to microenvironmental pH at the bacterial infection site, which will enhance the antibacterial efficacy. On the other hand, CECDs exhibit the antioxidant activity at the neutral or weak alkaline pH, which will assist the healing of the wound. Thus, the conversion of ROS‐production and ROS‐clearance ability of CECDs can be dynamically and intelligently switched automatically with microenvironmental pH at different stages of treatment (from acid to neutral/weak basic). The proposed CECDs exert adorable selective antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria and satisfactory therapeutic effect on bacteria infected mice. This study paves a new avenue to design the intelligent antibacterial nanoagent sensitive to the infected microenvironmental condition, reducing drug resistance and assisting precise medicine.
Strategic Design and Mechanistic Understanding of Vacancy‐Filling Heusler Thermoelectric Semiconductors
Authors: Hu Weimin , Ye Song , Li Qizhu , Zhao Binru , Hagihala Masato , Dong Zirui , Zhang Yubo , Zhang Jiye , Torri Shuki , Ma Jie , Ge Binghui , Luo Jun
Published: September 2024

Doping narrow‐gap semiconductors is a well‐established approach for designing efficient thermoelectric materials. Semiconducting half‐Heusler (HH) and full‐Heusler (FH) compounds have garnered significant interest within the thermoelectric field, yet the number of exceptional candidates remains relatively small. It is recently shown that the vacancy‐filling approach is a viable strategy for expanding the Heusler family. Here, a range of near‐semiconducting Heuslers, TiFexCuySb, creating a composition continuum that adheres to the Slater‐Pauling electron counting rule are theoretically designed and experimentally synthesized. The stochastic and incomplete occupation of vacancy sites within these materials imparts continuously changing electrical conductivities, ranging from a good semiconductor with low carrier concentration in the endpoint TiFe0.67Cu0.33Sb to a heavily doped p‐type semiconductor with a stoichiometry of TiFe1.00Cu0.20Sb. The optimal thermoelectric performance is experimentally observed in the intermediate compound TiFe0.80Cu0.28Sb, achieving a peak figure of merit of 0.87 at 923 K. These findings demonstrate that vacancy‐filling Heusler compounds offer substantial opportunities for developing advanced thermoelectric materials.
Complexity made easy: Aggregation‐induced emission small molecules for cancer diagnosis and phototherapies
Authors: Chen Luojia , Chen Si‐Ling , Yuan Yuncong , Leng Xiang , Xu Xiaoyu , Chen Jingyuan , Shi Jiayi , Qian Kun , Xie Yuanlong , Ding Qihang , Cheng Zhen , Gu Meijia
Published: September 2024

Phototheranostics has garnered sustained attention due to its significant potential for revolutionizing conventional cancer treatment strategies. While being one of the most commonly employed strategies for constructing phototheranostic systems by engineering the integration of photosensitizers (PSs) into nanosystems, nano‐PSs face challenges including complexity in the preparation process, low delivery efficiency, and potential toxicity issues. Contrastingly, the burgeoning popularity of small molecule PSs characterized by aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) has become evident in the arena of cancer phototheranostics. This preference is underscored by their well‐defined structures, adjustable photophysical properties, and low toxicity. Therefore, acquiring profound insights into the pioneering strides achievable through a solitary small molecule PS with AIE in tumor phototheranostics is of paramount scientific significance. In this review, we will discuss the recent progress of small molecule PSs with AIE properties in cancer diagnosis and phototherapies with representative examples, guided by the ethos of “Complexity made easy”. We also look forward to the future development direction of AIE small molecules, with a central objective of advancing cancer research through a focal emphasis on simplicity, expeditiousness, and safety.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Disialyllacto‐N‐Tetraose (DSLNT) and Related Human Milk Oligosaccharides Reveals Broad Siglec Recognition of the Atypical Neu5Acα2‐6GlcNAc Motif
Authors: Bao Shumin , Shen Tangliang , Shabahang Mohammad Hossein , Bai Guitao , Li Lei
Published: September 2024

Sialic acids (Sias) are ubiquitously expressed on all types of glycans, typically as terminating residues. They usually link to galactose, N‐acetylgalactosamine, or other Sia residues, forming ligands of many glycan‐binding proteins. An atypical linkage to the C6 of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) has been identified in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs, e.g., DSLNT) and tumor‐associated glycoconjugates. Herein, describe the systematic synthesis of these HMOs in an enzymatic modular manner. The synthetic strategy relies on a novel activity of ST6GalNAc6 for efficient construction of the Neu5Acα2‐6GlcNAc linkage, and another 12 specific enzyme modules for sequential HMO assembly. The structures enabled comprehensive exploration of their structure‐function relationships using glycan microarrays, revealing broad yet distinct recognition by Siglecs of the atypical Neu5Acα2‐6GlcNAc motif. The work provides tools and new insight for the functional study and potential applications of Siglecs and HMOs.
Pulsed EPR Methods in the Angstrom to Nanometre Scale Shed Light on the Conformational Flexibility of a Fluoride Riboswitch
Authors: Remmel Laura , Meyer Andreas , Ackermann Katrin , Hagelueken Gregor , Bennati Marina , Bode Bela E.
Published: September 2024

Riboswitches control gene regulation upon external stimuli such as environmental factors or ligand binding. The fluoride sensing riboswitch from Thermotoga petrophila is a complex regulatory RNA proposed to be involved in resistance to F− cytotoxicity. The details of structure and dynamics underpinning the regulatory mechanism are currently debated. Here we demonstrate that a combination of pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR/EPR) spectroscopies, detecting distances in the angstrom to nanometre range, can probe distinct regions of conformational flexibility in this riboswitch. PELDOR (pulsed electron‐electron double resonance) revealed a similar preorganisation of the sensing domain in three forms, i.e. the free aptamer, the Mg2+‐bound apo, and the F−‐bound holo form. 19F ENDOR (electron‐nuclear double resonance) was used to investigate the active site structure of the F−‐bound holo form. Distance distributions without a priori structural information were compared with in silico modelling of spin label conformations based on the crystal structure. While PELDOR, probing the periphery of the RNA fold, revealed conformational flexibility of the RNA backbone, ENDOR indicated low structural heterogeneity at the ligand binding site. Overall, the combination of PELDOR and ENDOR with sub‐angstrom precision gave insight into structural organisation and flexibility of a riboswitch, not easily attainable by other biophysical techniques.
Metal‐Phosphonate‐Organic Network as Ion Enrichment Layer for Sustainable Zinc Metal Electrode with High Rate Capability
Authors: He Xiaofeng , Qian Yongchao , Wu Yadong , Yan Zidi , Lin Xiangbin , Kong Xiang‐Yu , Zhao Yong , Jiang Lei , Wen Liping
Published: September 2024

Zinc (Zn) metal batteries could be the technology of choice for sustainable battery chemistries owing to its better safety and cost advantage. However, their cycle life and Coulombic efficiency (CE) are strongly limited by the dendritic growth and side reactions of Zn anodes. Herein, we proposed an in situ construction of a metal‐phosphonate‐organic network (MPON) with three‐dimensional interconnected networks on Zn metal, which can act as an ion enrichment layer for Zn anodes in Zn‐metal batteries. This MPON with abundant porous structure and phosphate sites possesses ion enriching properties and high Zn2+ transference number (0.83), which is beneficial for enhancing Zn2+ migration and self‐concentrating kinetics. Meanwhile, MPON offers hydrophobicity to effectively inhibit the water‐induced Zn anode corrosion. As a result, the Zn electrode exhibits superior Zn/Zn2+ reversibility of over 4 months at 3 mA cm−2 and a high CE of 99.6 %. Moreover, the Zn/NaV3O8 ⋅ 1.5H2O and Zn/MnO2 full cells using ultrathin Zn anodes (10 μm) exhibit high‐capacity retention of 81 % and 78 % after 1400 and 1000 cycles, respectively. This work provides a unique promise to design high‐performance anode for practical Zn‐metal‐based batteries.
Skeletal muscle activity affects the deformity of long bone morphology in lathyritic chick embryo
Authors: Yuguchi Maki , Yamazaki Yosuke , Honjo Bin , Isokawa Keitaro
Published: September 2024

Embryonic muscle activity is involved in various aspects of bone morphogenesis and growth. Normal mechanical stimuli of muscle contraction are important in most cases, and when the muscles are immobilized, the developing bones are abnormally shaped. In chick embryos, a characteristic curved deformity is reproducibly induced in the developing tibiotarsus using the bone‐weakening agent, beta‐aminopropionitrile (bAPN). In this study, we applied decamethonium bromide (DMB), a well‐established neuromuscular blocking agent, to embryos treated with bAPN, to test the hypothesis that the deformity is triggered and formed depending on the balance between the decrease in stiffness of the bAPN‐affected tibiotarsus and the normal physiological increase in embryonic skeletal muscle activity. The occurrence of curved morphology induced by bAPN administered at 4 or 8 days of incubation (embryonic day [ED]) was temporally consistent with the posterior displacement of the leg muscles, which occurred just before ED8. The displaced muscles were assumed to exert a contraction force comparable to that of untreated normal muscles. When treated with DMB at ED8, the muscles atrophied and exhibited degenerative changes, and the degree of curved morphology was alleviated and reduced to 50% or more in the morphometric evaluation at ED10. These findings indicated that the coordinated development of skeletal element stiffness and muscle activity must be temporally regulated, particularly during the early stages of skeletogenesis.
Croconic Acid Integrated Zwitterionic Conjugated Porous Polymer for Effective Iodine Adsorption
Authors: Ravikumar Maruti Vibhuti , Nipate Atul B. , Deyona M. Jose , Rao M. Rajewara , Lakshmi Vellanki
Published: September 2024

Given the rapid growth of the nuclear sector, effective treatment of radioactive iodine is critical. Herein, we report the synthesis and the iodine adsorption properties of croconic acid (CTPB) and squaric acid (STPB) containing π‐conjugated novel zwitterionic conjugated porous polymers (CPPs). The CPPs have been synthesized through a condensation reaction of tris(4‐aminophenyl)benzene with croconic acid or squaric acid in high yields (~95 %). The ionic nature of the polymers promoted high iodine/polyiodide vapour adsorption capacity of up to 4.6 g/g for CTPB and 3.5 g/g for STPB under ambient pressure at 80 °C. The zwitterionic framework (croconic acid or squaric acid units) coupled with the aromatic units is expected to effectively capture molecular iodine (I2) and polyiodides (I3− and I5−). The iodine adsorption properties of the polymers have been studied using Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brauner‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis, and Raman Spectroscopy. Besides this work, there are only three ionic units for effective iodine adsorption. This work demonstrates the importance of zwitterionic units in the porous network reported for iodine adsorption and separation.
Child protection and developmental trajectories of children who entered care as infants
Authors: Lima Fernando , Taplin Stephanie , Maclean Miriam , Octoman Olivia , Grose Mariko , O'Donnell Melissa
Published: September 2024

Infants have the highest rate of admission into out‐of‐home care in Australia, with rising rates of entry to care occurring around the world. Our previous research identified children who entered care as infants as having high levels of developmental vulnerability. The objective of this study was to determine the child protection and developmental trajectories of children who entered care as infants and whether meeting developmental needs through service provision improves trajectories and outcomes for these children. This is a prospective cohort study using three waves (2011–2016) of survey data from the New South Wales Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study which includes standardised assessments (Age and Stages Questionnaire, Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment and the Child Behaviour Checklist), as well as linked administrative child protection and health data. Our findings suggest that children who entered care as infants predominantly remained in the care system and had a high level of developmental vulnerability as infants. A large group had positive physical and cognitive developmental trajectories with service provision increasing over time; however, early service provision is needed. Another group was identified as having early social–emotional concerns and displaying worsening social–emotional trajectories. Intervention for this group is an important priority to reduce risk of ongoing poor mental health outcomes.
Application of Compounds with Anti‐Cardiac Fibrosis Activity: A Review
Authors: Meng Yu‐Qing , Cui Xun , Li Siqi , Jin Cheng‐Hua
Published: September 2024

Coronary heart disease, hypertension, myocarditis, and valvular disease cause myocardial fibrosis, leading to heart enlargement, heart failure, heart rate failure, arrhythmia, and premature ventricular beat, even defibrillation can increase the risk of sudden death. Although cardiac fibrosis is common and widespread, there are still no effective drugs to provide adequate clinical intervention for cardiac fibrosis. In this review article, we classify the compounds for treating cardiac fibrosis into natural products, synthetic compounds, and patent drugs according to their sources. Additionally, the structures, activities and signaling pathways of these compounds are discussed. This review provides insight and could provide a reference for the design of new anti‐cardiac fibrosis compounds and the new use of older drugs.
Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles via Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Al‐Asiri Wajd Y. , Al‐Sheddi Ebtesam S. , Farshori Nida N. , Al‐Oqail Mai M. , Al‐Massarani Shaza M. , Malik Tabarak , Ahmad Javed , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A. , Siddiqui Maqsood A.
Published: September 2024

Due to their exceptional physicochemical features, green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been of considerable interest in cancer treatment. In the present study, for the first time, we aimed to green synthesize AgNPs from Euphorbia retusa and explore their anticancer potential on human breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells. First, the green synthesized AgNPs (EU‐AgNPs) were well characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectrum, XRD, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and EDX techniques. The characterization data exhibited that EU‐AgNPs were spherical in shape and crystalline in nature with an average size of 17.8 nm. FTIR results established the presence of active metabolites in EU‐AgNPs. Second, the anticancer effect of EU‐AgNPs was evaluated against MCF‐7 cells by MTT and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays. Moreover, morphological changes, ROS production, MMP, and apoptotic marker genes were also studied upon exposure to cytotoxic doses of EU‐AgNPs. Our results showed that EU‐AgNPs induce cytotoxicity in a concentration‐dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 40 μg/mL. Morphological changes in MCF‐7 cells exposed to EU‐AgNPs also confirm their cytotoxic effects. Increased ROS and decreased MMP levels revealed that EU‐AgNPs induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction. Moreover, ROS–mediated apoptosis was confirmed by elevated levels of proapoptotic marker genes (p53, Bax, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9) and reduced levels of an antiapoptotic gene (Bcl‐2). Altogether, these findings suggested that EU‐AgNPs could induce potential anticancer effects through ROS–mediated apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells.
Safety, efficacy, and optical coherence tomography insights into intravascular lithotripsy for the modification of non‐eruptive calcified nodules: A prospective observational study
Authors: Gupta Ankush , Shrivastava Abhinav , Chhikara Sanya , Revaiah Pruthvi C. , Mamas Mamas A. , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Seth Ashok , Singh Balwinder , Bajaj Nitin , Singh Navreet , Dugal Jaskarn Singh , Mahesh Nalin K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Non‐eruptive calcium nodules (CNs) are commonly seen in heavily calcified coronary artery disease. They are the most difficult subset for modification, and may result in stent damage, malapposition and under‐expansion. There are only limited options available for non‐eruptive CN modification. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is being explored as a potentially safe and effective modality in these lesions.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the use of IVL for the modification of non‐eruptive CNs. The study also explored the OCT features of calcium nodule modification by IVL.

Methods

This is a single‐center, prospective, observational study in which patients with angiographic heavy calcification and non‐eruptive CN on OCT and undergoing PCI were enrolled. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from perforation, no‐reflow/slow flow, flow‐limiting dissection after IVL therapy, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 30 days. MACE was defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). The primary efficacy endpoint was procedural success, defined as residual diameter stenosis of <30% on angiography and stent expansion of more than 80% as assessed by OCT.

Results

A total of 21 patients with 54 non‐eruptive CNs undergoing PCI were prospectively enrolled in the study. Before IVL, OCT revealed a mean calcium score of 3.7 ± 0.5 and a mean MLA at CN of 3.9 ± 2.1 mm2. Following IVL, OCT revealed calcium fractures in 40 out of 54 (74.1%) CNs with an average of 1.05 ± 0.72 fractures per CN. Fractures were predominantly observed at the base of the CN (80%). Post IVL, the mean MLA at CN increased to 4.9 ± 2.3 mm2. After PCI, the mean MSA at the CN was 7.9 ± 2.5 mm2. Optimal stent expansion (stent expansion >80%) at the CN was achieved in 85.71% of patients. All patients remained free from MACE during hospitalization and at the 30‐day follow‐up. At 1‐year follow‐up, all‐cause death had occurred in 3 (14.3%) patients.

Conclusions

This single‐arm study demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and utility of the IVL in a subset of patients with non‐eruptive calcified nodules. In this study, minimal procedural complications, excellent lesion modifications, and favorable 30‐day and 1‐year outcomes were observed.