bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the preparation and properties of acellular matrix from the skin of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: Wei Zeyu , Zhang Junjie , Guo Zhiwen , Wu Zhiming , Sun Yaru , Wang Ke , Duan Rui
Published: February 2023

Acellular matrices are mainly composed of mammalian tissues, and aquatic tissues with lower biological risks and less religious restrictions are considered alternatives to mammalian tissues. The acellular fish skin matrix (AFSM) has been commercially available. Silver carp has the advantages of farmability, high yield and low price, but there are few studies on the silver carp acellular fish skin matrix (SC‐AFSM). In this study, an acellular matrix with low DNA and endotoxin was prepared from the skin of silver carp. After treatment with trypsin/sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X‐100 solutions, the DNA content in SC‐AFSM reached 11.03 ± 0.85 ng/mg, and the endotoxin removal rate was 96.8%. The porosity of SC‐AFSM was 79.64% ± 0.17%, which is favorable for cell infiltration and proliferation. The relative cell proliferation rate of SC‐AFSM extract was 117.79% ± 15.26%. The wound healing experiment showed that SC‐AFSM had no adverse acute pro‐inflammatory response, which had a similar effect as commercial products in promoting tissue repair. Therefore, SC‐AFSM has great application potential in biomaterials.
Childhood trajectories of internalising and externalising problems associated with a polygenic risk score for neuroticism in a UK birth cohort study
Authors: Costantini Ilaria , Sallis Hannah , Tilling Kate , Major‐Smith Daniel , Pearson Rebecca M. , Kounali Daphne‐Zacharenia
Published: February 2023

Background

Neuroticism represents a personality disposition towards experiencing negative emotions more frequently and intensely. Longitudinal studies suggest that neuroticism increases risk of several psychological problems. Improved understanding of how this trait manifests in early life could help inform preventative strategies in those liable to neuroticism.

Methods

This study explored how a polygenic risk score for neuroticism (NEU PRS) is expressed from infancy to late childhood across various psychological outcomes using multivariable linear and ordinal regression models. In addition, we employed a three‐level mixed‐effect model to characterise child internalising and externalising trajectories and estimate how a child PRS associated with both their overall levels and rates of change in 5279 children aged 3–11 in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort.

Results

We found evidence that the NEU PRS was associated with a more emotionally sensitive temperament in early infancy in addition to higher emotional and behavioural problems and a higher risk of meeting diagnostic criteria for a variety of clinical disorders, particularly anxiety disorders, in childhood. The NEU PRS was associated with overall levels of internalising and externalising trajectories, with a larger magnitude of association on the internalising trajectory. The PRS was also associated with slower rates of reduction of internalising problems across childhood.

Conclusions

Our findings using a large, well‐characterised birth cohort study suggest that phenotypic manifestations of a PRS for adult neuroticism can be detected as early as in infancy and that this PRS associates with several mental health problems and differences in emotional trajectories across childhood.
Synthesis of novel amide/amino acid functionalized pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine derivatives; their anticancer activity and docking studies
Authors: Bhukya Bhadru , Korra Rajashekar , Guguloth Hanmanthu
Published: February 2023

image

A series of novel pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine amide/amino acid functionalized derivatives 5a–h, 6a–d, and 7a, 7b were synthesized, respectively, from 6‐thiophenyl‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐3‐amine 1. Compound 1 reacted with chloroacetamide in the presence of K2CO3 to form compound 2 (O‐tagged acetamide derivative), compound 2 on reaction with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing condition to afford cyclized pyrazolopyridine derivatives 3, compound 3 on reaction with bromoethyl acetate to get ester derivative of pyrazolopyridine 4, compound 4 on reaction with different primary amines and amino acids like (aliphatic amines, cyclic secondary amines, or L‐amino acids) under different set of conditions to obtain title compounds. All the final synthesized compounds 5a–h, 6a–d, and 7a, 7b were screened for anticancer activity against four cancer cell lines, such as ‘A549—Lung cancer (CCL‐185), MCF7—Breast cancer (HTB‐22), DU145—Prostate cancer (HTB‐81), and HeLa—Cervical cancer(CCL‐2)’ promising 5c, 5e, and 5h compounds have been identified. For compounds 5c, 5e, and 5h molecular docking interactions have been identified.
Assessing the impact of phyllosphere microbiota on dynamics of in‐silo fermentation of Italian ryegrass harvested at heading and blooming stages
Authors: Wang Siran , Wang Yuxin , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Zhao Jie , Nazar Mudasir , Kaka Niaz Ali , Shao Tao
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the phyllosphere microbiota of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) harvested at heading (H) [> 50% earing rate or 216 g kg−1 fresh weight (FW)] and blooming (B) (> 50% bloom or 254 g kg−1 FW) stages and in‐silo fermentation products, and the composition, abundance, diversity and activity of bacterial community. In total, 72 (4 treatments × 6 ensiling durations × 3 replicates) laboratory scale (400 g) silages of Italian ryegrass were prepared: (i) irradiated heading stage silages (IRH) (n = 36) were inoculated with phyllosphere microbiota inoculum (2 mL) eluted from fresh Italian ryegrass at either heading (IH) (n = 18) or blooming (IB) (n = 18) stages; (ii) irradiated blooming stage silages (IRB) (n = 36) were inoculated with either IH (n = 18) or IB (n = 18). Triplicate silos of each treatment were analyzed after 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of ensiling.

RESULTS

In fresh forage, Enterobacter, Exiguobacterium and Pantoea were the three major genera at heading stage, and Rhizobium, Weissella and Lactococcus were the most abundant genera at blooming stage. Higher metabolic activity was found in IB. After 3 days of ensiling, the large amounts of lactic acid in IRH‐IB and IRB‐IB can be attributed to the higher abundances of Pediococcus and Lactobacillus, 1‐phosphofructokinase, fructokinase, l‐lactate dehydrogenase and glycolysis I, II and III.

CONCLUSION

The composition, abundance, diversity and functionality of the phyllosphere microbiota of Italian ryegrass at different growth stages could remarkably affect silage fermentation characteristics. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Slanted TiO2 Metagratings for Large‐Angle, High‐Efficiency Anomalous Refraction in the Visible
Authors: Liu Yilin , Qu Geyang , Jiang Xiong , Han Jing , Ji Ziheng , Liu Zhengtong , Song Qinghai , Yu Shaohua , Xiao Shumin
Published: February 2023

Diffractive gratings are crucial elements for optical systems but suffer from rapid power drop at large angles. Recently, metagratings have shown their capability of deflecting light in an arbitrary direction. However, the experimental efficiency at large‐angle is still low and the zeroth‐order crosstalk is difficult to suppress. Here a new approach for large‐angle and high‐efficiency anomalous refraction in the visible spectrum is demonstrated. By introducing out‐of‐plane asymmetry, it is shown that meta‐atoms with simple configurations have similar degrees of freedom as their topologically optimized counterparts. Consequently, the slanted titanium dioxide (TiO2) metagratings can steer light to 80° with high relative efficiency (98.5%) and absolute efficiency (89.5%), which represents the ratio of the energy in target diffraction order to the total transmittance energy and to the total incident energy, respectively. Most importantly, the simple configurations make the TiO2 metagratings easy to fabricate, and the experimental efficiency for large (80°) angle of refraction is preserved at a considerably high value of 94.0% (relative) and 83.6% (absolute). This approach represents an effective route in meta‐devices and shall trigger new classes of high‐performance nanophotonic systems.
Peptide Self‐Assembly into Amyloid Fibrils at Hard and Soft Interfaces—From Corona Formation to Membrane Activity
Authors: John Torsten , Martin Lisandra L. , Abel Bernd
Published: February 2023

Peptides and proteins are exposed to a variety of interfaces in a physiological environment, such as cell membranes, protein nanoparticles (NPs), or viruses. These interfaces have a significant impact on the interaction, self‐assembly, and aggregation mechanisms of biomolecular systems. Peptide self‐assembly, particularly amyloid fibril formation, is associated with a wide range of functions; however, there is a link with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. This review highlights how interfaces affect peptide structure and the kinetics of aggregation leading to fibril formation. In nature, many surfaces are nanostructures, such as liposomes, viruses, or synthetic NPs. Once exposed to a biological medium, nanostructures are coated with a corona, which then determines their activity. Both accelerating and inhibiting effects on peptide self‐assembly have been observed. When amyloid peptides adsorb to a surface, they typically concentrate locally, which promotes aggregation into insoluble fibrils. Starting from a combined experimental and theoretical approach, models that allow for a better understanding of peptide self‐assembly near hard and soft matter interfaces are introduced and reviewed. Research results from recent years are presented and relationships between biological interfaces, such as membranes and viruses, and amyloid fibril formation are proposed.
A combined non‐enhanced CT radiomics and clinical variable machine learning model for differentiating benign and malignant sub‐centimeter pulmonary solid nodules
Authors: Lin Rui‐Yu , Zheng Yi‐Neng , Lv Fa‐Jin , Fu Bin‐Jie , Li Wang‐Jia , Liang Zhang‐Rui , Chu Zhi‐Gang
Published: February 2023

Background

Radiomics has been used to predict pulmonary nodule (PN) malignancy. However, most of the studies focused on pulmonary ground‐glass nodules. The use of computed tomography (CT) radiomics in pulmonary solid nodules, particularly sub‐centimeter solid nodules, is rare.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a radiomics model based on non‐enhanced CT images that can distinguish between benign and malignant sub‐centimeter pulmonary solid nodules (SPSNs, <1 cm).

Methods

The clinical and CT data of 180 SPSNs confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively. All SPSNs were divided into two groups: training set (n = 144) and testing set (n = 36). From non‐enhanced chest CT images, over 1000 radiomics features were extracted. Radiomics feature selection was performed using the analysis of variance and principal component analysis. The selected radiomics features were fed into a support vector machine (SVM) to develop a radiomics model. The clinical and CT characteristics were used to develop a clinical model. Associating non‐enhanced CT radiomics features with clinical factors were used to develop a combined model using SVM. The performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The radiomics model performed well in distinguishing between benign and malignant SPSNs, with an AUC of 0.913 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.862–0.954) in the training set and an AUC of 0.877 (95% CI, 0.817–0.924) in the testing set. The combined model outperformed the clinical and radiomics models with an AUC of 0.940 (95% CI, 0.906–0.969) in the training set and an AUC of 0.903 (95% CI, 0.857–0.944) in the testing set.

Conclusions

Radiomics features based on non‐enhanced CT images can be used to differentiate SPSNs. The combined model, which included radiomics and clinical factors, had the best discrimination power between benign and malignant SPSNs.
Preimplantation embryo gene expression: 56 years of discovery, and counting
Authors: Latham Keith E.
Published: February 2023

The biology of preimplantation embryo gene expression began 56 years ago with studies of the effects of protein synthesis inhibition and discovery of changes in embryo metabolism and related enzyme activities. The field accelerated rapidly with the emergence of embryo culture systems and progressively evolving methodologies that have allowed early questions to be re‐addressed in new ways and in greater detail, leading to deeper understanding and progressively more targeted studies to discover ever more fine details. The advent of technologies for assisted reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing, stem cell manipulations, artificial gametes, and genetic manipulation, particularly in experimental animal models and livestock species, has further elevated the desire to understand preimplantation development in greater detail. The questions that drove enquiry from the earliest years of the field remain drivers of enquiry today. Our understanding of the crucial roles of oocyte‐expressed RNA and proteins in early embryos, temporal patterns of embryonic gene expression, and mechanisms controlling embryonic gene expression has increased exponentially over the past five and a half decades as new analytical methods emerged. This review combines early and recent discoveries on gene regulation and expression in mature oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos to provide a comprehensive understanding of preimplantation embryo biology and to anticipate exciting future advances that will build upon and extend what has been discovered so far.
A novel hydro‐mechanical coupled multiphysics model for slurry penetration in sand with application to face stability analysis of shield tunnel
Authors: Yang Jie , Yin Zhen‐Yu
Published: February 2023

The slurry penetration in tunnels driven by the slurry TBM in the highly permeable water‐bearing ground is a complicated multiphysics process, which significantly affects the stability of the excavation face but has not been fully modelled. This study establishes a novel hydro‐mechanical coupled multiphysics modelling approach for face stability analysis. Different from existing methods, the proposed one is able to quantify simultaneously the spatial and temporal variation of slurry concentration, viscosity, stagnation gradient, soil porosity and pore pressure, as well as the soil skeleton deformation induced by the transferred slurry pressure in two or three‐dimension. The spatial and temporal pressure transfer from slurry suspension to soil skeleton during slurry penetration can be obtained. The coupled formulations are implemented into a finite element package for initial and boundary value problems at the engineering scale and enhanced by the Petrov‐Galerkin weighted residual stabilisation technique. After being validated through the experimental slurry infiltration tests, it is applied to a field case analysis to predict the excess pore pressure in front of the tunnel face, which shows good agreement with the field measurement. The efficiency of the applied slurry pressure and the pressure transfer mechanism are thus verified. Comparative calculations about the influence of the pressure transfer model are presented to further improve the understanding of the pressure transfer mechanism. The proposed approach is also verified applicable to estimate the optimum slurry pressure.
Effects of body composition on early postoperative discharge and postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Okada Genya , Matsumoto Yoshinari , Habu Daiki , Matsuda Yasunori , Lee Shigeru , Osugi Harushi
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with esophageal cancer are prone to nutrition deterioration during the perioperative period and have a high incidence of postoperative complications, prolonging hospitalization. Decreased muscle mass is a known contributor to this deterioration, but there is insufficient evidence on the effects of preoperative maintenance and improvement of muscle mass. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between body composition, early postoperative discharge, and postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into an early discharge group and a control group, who were discharged ≤21 days postoperatively and >21 days, respectively. The relationship of body composition to postoperative complications and discharge time in patients was evaluated via multivariate logistic regression using isotemporal substitution (IS) models.

Results

The early discharge group comprised 31 of the 117 patients (26%) included. This group had significantly lower incidences of sarcopenia and postoperative complications than the control group. In logistic regression analyses estimating the effect of changes in body composition using the IS models, preoperative replacement of 1 kg of body fat with 1 kg of muscle mass was associated with significantly higher odds of early discharge (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.03–1.59) and lower odds of postoperative complications (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66–0.98).

Conclusion

In patients with esophageal cancer, a preoperative increase in muscle mass may reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay duration.
Factors associated with the moral courage of nurses in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huang Mingtao , Dong Wenhong , Zhao Qianqian , Mo Nan
Published: February 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of moral courage among nurses in China, and to explore related influential factors, to help nursing managers take measures to improve nurses' moral courage.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The data adopted a convenient sampling method. From September to December 2021, 583 nurses from five hospitals in Fujian Province completed the Chinese version of the Nurses' Moral Courage Scale (NMCS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square test, T‐test, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Results

The Chinese nurses perceived themselves, on average, as morally courageous. The mean NMCS score was 3.64 ± 0.692. The six factors showed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) with moral courage. Regression analysis showed that the main factors influencing nurses' moral courage were active learning of ethics knowledge and nursing was a career goal.

Conclusion

This study provides the self‐evaluation level and related influencing factors of Chinese nurses' moral courage. There is no doubt that nurses still need strong moral courage to face unknown ethical problems and challenges in the future. Nursing managers should pay attention to the cultivation of nurses' moral courage, using various forms of educational activities to help nurses alleviate moral problems and improve their moral courage, to maintain patients' access to high‐quality nursing.
Management of unspecified anxiety disorder: Expert consensus
Authors: Sakurai Hitoshi , Inada Ken , Aoki Yumi , Takeshima Masahiro , Ie Kenya , Kise Morito , Yoshida Eriko , Tsuboi Takashi , Yamada Hisashi , Hori Hikaru , Inada Yasushi , Shimizu Eiji , Mishima Kazuo , Watanabe Koichiro , Takaesu Yoshikazu
Published: February 2023

Aims

Treatment guidelines with respect to unspecified anxiety disorder have not been published. The aim of this study was to develop a consensus among field experts on the management of unspecified anxiety disorder.

Methods

Experts were asked to evaluate treatment choices based on eight clinical questions concerning unspecified anxiety disorder using a nine‐point Likert scale (1 = “disagree” to 9 = “agree”). According to the responses from 119 experts, the choices were categorized into first‐, second‐, and third‐line recommendations.

Results

Benzodiazepine anxiolytic use was not categorized as a first‐line recommendation for the primary treatment of unspecified anxiety disorder, whereas multiple nonpharmacological treatment strategies, including coping strategies (7.9 ± 1.4), psychoeducation for anxiety (7.9 ± 1.4), lifestyle changes (7.8 ± 1.5), and relaxation techniques (7.4 ± 1.8), were categorized as first‐line recommendations. Various treatment strategies were categorized as first‐line recommendations when a benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug did not improve anxiety symptoms, that is, differential diagnosis (8.2 ± 1.4), psychoeducation for anxiety (8.0 ± 1.5), coping strategies (7.8 ± 1.5), lifestyle changes (7.8 ± 1.5), relaxation techniques (7.2 ± 1.9), and switching to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (7.0 ± 1.8). These strategies were also highly endorsed when tapering the dosage of or discontinuing benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs. There was no first‐line recommendation regarding excusable reasons for continuing benzodiazepine anxiolytics.

Conclusions

The field experts recommend that benzodiazepine anxiolytics should not be used as a first‐line option for patients with unspecified anxiety disorder. Instead, several nonpharmacological interventions and switching to SSRIs were endorsed for the primary treatment of unspecified anxiety disorder and as alternatives to benzodiazepine anxiolytics.
A durable and environmental friendly superhydrophobic coatings with self‐cleaning, anti‐fouling performance for liquid‐food residue reduction
Authors: Sun Yingchun , Liu Ru , Xu Jianfeng , Sun Yuhui , Gong Jingya , Long Ling
Published: February 2023

A durable and environmentally‐friendly superhydrophobic coatings for liquid‐food residue reduction were prepared by using stearic acid (SA) modified organic montmorillonite (SA@OMMT) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Due to the natural hydrophobicity of SAs, SA@OMMT provides low surface energy as well as roughness for the coating. PDMS not only provided low surface energy in the coating but also contributed to the bonding of SA@OMMT as a result of its high adhesive properties. In addition, PDMS has good physical properties after curing, which can effectively improve the physical properties and durability of a superhydrophobic coating by the self‐assembly method using a PDMS/n‐hexane solution. For 1 wt.% SA@OMMT and 5 wt.% PDMS, the resulting SA@OMMT/PDMS (SOP) coating showed the water contact angle (WCA) and water sliding angle (WSA) of 156.3°and 2°, respectively. The prepared coatings have good physical and chemical stability, and they still have superhydrophobicity after physical abrasion tests and exposure to the corrosion solutions. In the meanwhile, the prepared coating also has flexibility and superhydrophobicity after bending and folding. Finally, the coating surface shows highly effective antifouling ability to liquid and solid pollutants. The coating can be applied against different substrates and has potential application in the field of liquid‐food residue reduction.
Double‐sided nano‐textured surfaces for industry compatible high‐performance silicon heterojunction and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Harter Angelika , Mariotti Silvia , Korte Lars , Schlatmann Rutger , Albrecht Steve , Stannowski Bernd
Published: February 2023

Nano‐textured surfaces are an intriguing approach for optimizing the optical characteristics for monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Here, the development of different textures of silicon surfaces using various commercial additives is presented and their performance in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) and SHJ–perovskite tandem solar cells is discussed. After optical and electrical characterization, we show that nano‐textured surfaces can easily compete with standard textured surfaces, yielding higher average efficiencies in single junctions. In addition, their compatibility with solution‐processed perovskite top cells is demonstrated, yielding a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell efficiency of >28% on a bottom cell with nano‐texture on both sides.
Parenting Pain Away: Development and usability testing of an educational website about infant procedural pain management
Authors: Hughes B. , Martin‐Misener R. , Latimer M. , Smit M. , McGrath P. , Campbell‐Yeo M.
Published: February 2023

All newborns undergo minor painful procedures (e.g., injections). Despite strong evidence supporting parents' efficacy to reduce procedural pain (e.g., breastfeeding), parents remain an underutilized resource. Limited evidence‐based resources about infant procedural pain management targeting parents in the perinatal period exist. We co‐created Parenting Pain Away, a website to enhance parents' access to information and participation in procedural pain management following birth. This study aimed to conduct iterative usability testing with the perinatal population to refine Parenting Pain Away based on target users' identified needs and satisfaction. In 2020, parents of healthy newborns or expectant parents from an Atlantic Canadian province, participated in two iterative cycles of usability testing of Parenting Pain Away. Through recorded interviews, participants were directed to use the “Think Aloud” approach (e.g., verbalize what they see, think, feel) as they navigated through the website. Participants completed online questionnaires related to demographics and user satisfaction, measured by the Post Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). Descriptive statistics and content analysis were conducted to analyze the data. In total, there were 10 participants with an average age of 29.9 years (SD = 3.9). Participants identified as mothers (n = 7) or fathers (n = 3) and were expecting (n = 6) or had a newborn (n = 4). The PSSUQ overall scores were 1.84 (SD = 0.55) and 1.34 (SD = 0.49) in Cycles 1 and 2, respectively, indicating high user satisfaction on the 7‐point scale. When comparing between the two cycles, the average overall score was lower in Cycle 2, suggesting improved satisfaction. Participants provided positive feedback about the website and suggested major refinements to simplify content and site navigation. Findings from usability testing cycles were used to inform refinements of the Parenting Pain Away in response to participant satisfaction and feedback. Engaging target users in the development process enhanced this website in preparation for further effectiveness testing.
Binding by calmodulin is coupled to transient unfolding of the third FF domain of Prp40A
Authors: Díaz Casas A. , Cordoba J. J. , Ferrer B. J. , Balakrishnan S. , Wurm J. E. , Pastrana‐Ríos B. , Chazin W. J.
Published: February 2023

Human pre‐mRNA processing protein 40 homolog A (hPrp40A) is a splicing factor that interacts with the Huntington's disease protein huntingtin (Htt). Evidence has accumulated that both Htt and hPrp40A are modulated by the intracellular Ca2+ sensor calmodulin (CaM). Here we report characterization of the interaction of human CM with the third FF domain (FF3) of hPrp40A using calorimetric, fluorescence and structural approaches. Homology modeling, differential scanning calorimetry and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) data show FF3 forms a folded globular domain. CaM was found to bind FF3 in a Ca2+‐dependent manner with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a dissociation constant (Kd) of 25 ± 3 μM at 25°C. NMR studies showed that both domains of CaM are engaged in binding and SAXS analysis of the FF3‐CaM complex revealed CaM occupies an extended configuration. Analysis of the FF3 sequence showed that the anchors for CaM binding must be buried in its hydrophobic core, suggesting that binding to CaM requires unfolding of FF3. Trp anchors were proposed based on sequence analysis and confirmed by intrinsic Trp fluorescence of FF3 upon binding of CaM and substantial reductions in affinity for Trp‐Ala FF3 mutants. The consensus model of the complex showed that binding to CaM binding occurs to an extended, non‐globular state of the FF3, consistent with coupling to transient unfolding of the domain. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of the complex interplay of Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+ sensor proteins in modulating Prp40A‐Htt function.
Reframing prosegment‐dependent folding and limits on natural protein folding landscapes from an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Sanders Andrew D. , Dee Derek R. , Yada Rickey Y.
Published: February 2023

In this perspective, we propose that the folding energy landscapes of model proteases including pepsin and alpha‐lytic protease (αLP), which lack thermodynamic stability and fold on the order of months to millennia, respectively, should be viewed as not evolved and fundamentally distinct from their extended zymogen forms. These proteases have evolved to fold with prosegment domains and robustly self‐assemble as expected. In this manner, general protein folding principles are strengthened. In support of our view, αLP and pepsin exhibit hallmarks of frustration associated with unevolved folding landscapes, such as non‐cooperativity, memory effects, and substantial kinetic trapping. The evolutionary implications of this folding strategy are considered in detail. Direct applications of this folding strategy on enzyme design, finding new drug targets, and constructing tunable folding landscapes are also discussed. Together with certain proteases, growing examples of other folding “exceptions”—including protein fold switching, functional misfolding, and prevalent inability to refold—suggests a paradigm shift in which proteins may evolve to exist in a wide range of energy landscapes and structures traditionally thought to be avoided in nature.
Synergism of amlodipine and telmisartan or candesartan on blood pressure reduction by using SynergyFinder 3.0 and probability sum test in vivo
Authors: Xia Tian , Xu Lu‐Lu , Guo Peng‐Yue , Shi Wan‐Ting , Cheng Yan‐Qiong , Liu Ai‐Jun
Published: February 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the synergism of two couples of antihypertensive drugs (amlodipine + telmisartan and amlodipine + candesartan) on blood pressure reduction in vivo by both SynergyFinder 3.0 and probability sum test. Spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated with intragastric administration of amlodipine (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg), telmisartan (4, 8, and 16 mg/kg), candesartan (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg), nine combinations for amlodipine and telmisartan, and nine combinations for amlodipine and candesartan. The control rats were treated by 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium. Blood pressure was recorded continuously up to 6 h after administration. Both SynergyFinder 3.0 and the probability sum test were used to evaluate the synergistic action. The synergisms calculated by SynergyFinder 3.0 are consistent with the probability sum test both in two different combinations. There is an obviously synergistic interaction between amlodipine and telmisartan or candesartan. The combinations of amlodipine and telmisartan (2 + 4 and 1 + 4 mg/kg) and amlodipine and candesartan (0.5 + 4 and 2 + 1 mg/kg) might exert an optimum synergism against hypertension. Compared with the probability sum test, SynergyFinder 3.0 is more stable and reliable to analyze the synergism.
Four pillars are required to support a successful biocontrol fungus
Authors: Gressel Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Despite biocontrol conceptually being a useful way to control specific pests, there are very few products that are used beyond the glasshouse level, into the field. Only if organisms meet four criteria (four pillars) will they be widely used in the field to replace or augment conventional agrichemicals. (i) The virulence of the biocontrol agent must be enhanced to overcome evolutionary barriers either by mixing with synergistic chemicals or with one or more organisms, and/or by mutagenic or transgenic enhancing of virulence of the biocontrol fungus. (ii) Inoculum production must be cost‐effective; many inocula are produced by expensive, labour‐intensive solid‐phase fermentation. (iii) Inocula must be formulated both to have long shelf life of inocula as well as being formulated to establish on, and control the target pest. Usually spores are formulated, while chopped mycelia from liquid culture are cheaper to produce and are immediately active upon application. (iv) After fulfilling these three criteria, the product must be biosafe: not produce mammalian toxins that affect users and consumers, and have a host range that does not include crops and beneficial organisms, and in most cases that it will not spread from application sites or have environmental residues beyond those needed to control the target pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Electrical Properties of Polyvinylidene fluoride‐H3PO2 Protonic Conductor; a Novel Electrolyte for Use in Fuel Cells
Authors: Díaz Ortiz Jolman Stiven , Delgado Rosero Miguel Iban , Jurado Meneses N. M.
Published: February 2023

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) are combined to synthesize solid polymer electrolyte membranes using the solution cast method. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements are used to find the conductivity, and those values are plotted as a function of relative humidity (% RH) to which the membranes are kept. In agreement with the modified Onsager, the results show growth in conductivity as % RH increases, which states that ionic mobility of a polar polymeric phase increases as levels of absorbed water by the polymeric membrane increase. The high values of conductivity observed at high concentrations of H3PO2 (σ = 9.83 × 10−3 S cm−1 for x = 60% wt) are attributed to the increase of charge carriers and the dissociation of ions in an aqueous phase. The synthesized membranes are tested as electrolytes in a fuel cell and the voltage and power density plotted as a function of the current density with maxim values of the power density of 2.88 mW cm−2 for a 30% wt membrane.
Metal and Nonmetal Ion Doping Effect on the Dielectric Relaxation of TiO2 Electrodes
Authors: Vishwakarma Manish Kumar , Bag Monojit , Jain Puneet
Published: February 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a highly stable, photosensitive, and nontoxic metal oxide. The physical and chemical properties of TiO2 electrodes have been explored extensively for the last few decades. However, a detailed and comparative study of the dielectric relaxation and carrier kinetics with the dopants is still lacking. Herein, the crystallinity of TiO2 electrodes decreased with the dopants is reported. The doping of copper (Cu) in TiO2 reduces its bandgap to 2.98 eV from 3.22 eV. The improved charge carrier conduction at high frequencies (ω = 103–106 radians s−1) with the doping is noticed. The charge transfer resistance (R
ct) for the electrons is minimum for Cu–TiO2 (R
ct = 34.11 Ω) and Cu, Zn, and N–TiO2 (R
ct = 27.44 Ω) compared to pristine and Cu and Zn–TiO2. Further, the high electrical permittivity is associated with the polar nature of electrodes. The correlation analysis of impedance and modulus spectroscopy data provides a prodigious picture of the charge carrier relaxation and conduction mechanism. A shift in the dielectric relaxation process from Debye type to non‐Debye type is observed after doping due to defect‐mediated fast relaxation of polarization.
Isotope Effects on the Optical Phonons of Cubic Boron Phosphide
Authors: Zhu Siqi , Lu Xuefang , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2023

The ratio of boron isotopes (10B and 11B) affects the thermal conductivity of cubic borides because of the phonon scattering. There are two signals appearing in the Raman spectra of cubic boron phosphide (c‐BP) single crystals with natural boron isotope abundance. One is a sharp peak with high intensity and small linewidth, which has been identified as a TO‐LO‐mixed mode; the other is a small peak in the low‐frequency side with quite low intensity and large linewidth, which is difficult to be observed in isotope‐purified crystals and with an unclear origin. Herein, in order to clarify the isotope effects on optical phonons and to identify the origin of the small peak in c‐BP, the Raman spectra of isotope‐tailored c‐BP single crystals in the range from nearly pure c‐10BP to nearly pure c‐11BP are analyzed in detail. Both the frequency and linewidth of the TO‐LO‐mixed mode are closely related to the boron isotope ratio under the isotopic average mass effect and mass disorder effect. The small Raman peak is also isotope dependent. It originates from LO phonon scattering at the non‐origin of the Brillouin zone under the isotopic mass disorder effect.
Investigation of Structures, Stability, and Electronic and Magnetic Properties of InnSnnClusters Using Density‐Functional Theory
Authors: Zhang Huan , Yang Lianfeng , Zhou Shengan , Li Yifu , Chen Xiuming , Yang Bin , Xu Baoqiang
Published: February 2023

Clusters are essential to study the properties of nanomaterials, as they yield interesting molecular and bulk properties with a wide range of applications in nanomaterials. Herein, the ground‐state structure, average binding energy (Eb), fragmentation energy (ΔE), second‐order energy difference (Δ2E), highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) gap, vertical ionization potential (VIP), vertical electron affinity (VEA), and charge transfer of InnSnn(n = 2–12) clusters are evaluated using density functional theory (DFT). The results show that Sn atoms accumulate and are encapsulated by peripheral In atoms. TheEbof InnSnnclusters is stabilized up ton = 7. The ΔE, Δ2E, HOMO–LUMO gap, VIP, and VEA exhibit pronounced odd–even oscillations, and the changing trends are consistent, indicating that the odd InnSnnclusters are stable. Furthermore, the charge is transferred from the In atoms to the Sn atoms. The charge transfer is observed between the 5sand 5pstates of In and Sn atoms, resulting insphybridization. The density of states analysis reveals that InnSnnclusters tend to transition from insulators to metals. The magnetic moments of the In and Sn atoms in the odd InnSnnclusters mainly originate from the 5pstates.
Danggui Buxue Tang potentiates the cytotoxicity of 5‐fluorouracil on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells: A signaling mediated by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase
Authors: Gong Guowei , Zheng Yuzhong , Ganesan Kumar , Xiong Qingping , Tsim Karl Wah Keung
Published: February 2023

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a well‐known Chinese herbal recipe often prescribed in clinical treatment for menopausal and cardiovascular symptoms. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a chemotherapy drug that treats several cancers; however, it causes severe adverse effects and multidrug resistance. Combining natural medications can reduce the side effects of 5‐FU use. Hence, we aimed to determine the role of DBT in strengthening the anticancer capabilities of 5‐FU in a cultured colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT‐29 cell) and xenograft nude mice. HT‐29 cells cultured with DBT did not exhibit cytotoxicity. However, co‐administration of DBT with 5‐FU significantly increased apoptosis and the expression of apoptotic markers. The inhibition of proliferation induced by DBT and 5‐FU was shown to be mediated by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signaling. In addition, the potentiation effect of 5‐FU and DBT was demonstrated in reducing tumor size, expressions of Ki67 and CD34 in HT‐29 xenograft mice. This finding suggests that DBT can work with 5‐FU as a novel chemotherapeutic strategy for treating colon cancer.
A Grain Orientation‐Independent Single‐Step Saw Damage Gettering/Wet texturing Process for Efficient Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Jung Yujin , Min Kwan Hong , Post Regina , Kwapil Wolfram , Schubert Martin C. , Kim Donghwan , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae‐Seok
Published: February 2023

Improving electrical and optical properties is important in manufacturing high‐efficiency solar cells. Previous studies focused on individual gettering and texturing methods to improve solar cell material quality and reduce reflection loss, respectively. This study presents a novel method called saw damage gettering with texturing that effectively combines both methods for multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) wafers manufactured using the diamond wire sawing (DWS) method. Although mc‐Si is not the Si material currently used in photovoltaic products, the applicability of this method using the mc‐Si wafers as it contains all grain orientations is demonstrated. It utilizes saw damage sites on the wafer surfaces for gettering metal impurities during annealing. Additionally, it can crystallize amorphous silicon on wafer surfaces generated during the sawing process to allow conventional acid‐based wet texturing. This texturing method and annealing for 10 min allow for the removal of metal impurities and effectively forms a textured DWS Si wafer. The results show that the open‐circuit voltage (ΔVoc = +29 mV), short‐circuit current density (ΔJsc = +2.5 mA cm−2), and efficiency (Δη = +2.1%) improved in the p‐type passivated emitter and rear cells (p‐PERC) manufactured using this novel method, as compared to those in the reference solar cells.
Precise Hue Control in a Single‐Component White‐Light Emitting Perovskite Cs2SnCl6 through Defect Engineering Based on La3+ Doping
Authors: Zhu Hong , Pan Yuexiao , Peng Chengdong , Ding Yihong , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun , Li Liyi
Published: February 2023

Single‐component white light emitters based on the all‐inorganic perovskites will act as outstanding candidates for applications in solid‐state lighting thanks to their abundant energy states for self‐trapped excitons (STE) with ultra‐high photoluminescence (PL) efficiency. Here, a complementary white light is realized by dual STEs emissions with blue and yellow colors in a single‐component perovskite Cs2SnCl6:La3+ microcrystal (MC). The dual emission bands centered at 450 and 560 nm are attributed to the intrinsic STE1 emission in host lattice Cs2SnCl6 and the STE2 emission induced by the heterovalent La3+ doping, respectively. The hue of the white light can be tunable through energy transfer between the two STEs, the variation of excitation wavelength, and the Sn4+/Cs+ ratios in starting materials. The effects of the doping heterovalent La3+ ions on the electronic structure and photophysical properties of the Cs2SnCl6 crystals and the created impurity point defect states are investigated by the chemical potentials calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and confirmed by the experimental results. These results provide a facile approach to gaining novel single‐component white light emitter and offer fundamental insights into the defect chemistry in the heterovalent ions doped perovskite luminescent crystals.
Upregulation of SLITRK5 in patients with epilepsy and in a rat model
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Linming , Ai Mingda , Xia Di , Chen Hongyu , Pang Ruijing , Mei Rong , Zhong Lianmei , Chen Ling
Published: February 2023

SLIT and NTRK‐like protein‐5 (SLITRK5) is one of the six members of SLITRK protein family, which is widely expressed in central nervous system (CNS). In brain, SLITRK5 plays important roles in neurite outgrowth, dendritic branching, neuron differentiation, synaptogenesis, and signal transmission of neurons. Epilepsy is a common, chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. The pathophysiological mechanism of epilepsy remains unclear. Neuronal apoptosis, abnormal nerve excitatory transmission, and synaptic remodeling are thought to be involved in the development of epilepsy. To explore whether there is a potential relationship between SLITRK5 and epilepsy, we investigated the expression and distribution of SLITRK5 in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and a rat model of epilepsy. We collected cerebral cortex samples from patients with drug‐refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, and a rat model of epilepsy induced by lithium chloride/pilocarpine was established. The ways of immunohistochemistry, double‐immunofluorescence labeling and western blot have been used in our study to research the expression and distribution of SLITRK5 in the temporal lobe epilepsy patients and epilepsy animal model. All of the results have shown that SLITRK5 is mainly localized in the cell cytoplasm of neurons both in patients with TLE and in epilepsy model. In addition, compared with nonepileptic controls, the expression of SLITRK5 was upregulated in the temporal neocortex of TLE patients. And both in the temporal neocortex and hippocampus of pilocarpine‐induced epilepsy rats, the expression of SLITRK5 was increased at 24 h after status epilepticus (SE), with a relatively high level within 30 days, and reached the peak on the 7th day after SE. Our preliminary results revealed that SLITRK5 may have a potential relationship with epilepsy, which may be a foundation for the further study of the underlying mechanism between SLITRK5 and epilepsy and the therapeutic targets of antiepileptic drugs.
Infrastructural injustices in community‐driven afterschoolSTEAM
Authors: Shea Molly V. , Jurow A. Susan , Schiffer Jovita , Escudé Meg , Torres Aurora
Published: February 2023

This article offers a qualitative analysis of infrastructural in/justice in a community‐partnered design intervention focused on developing high‐tech low‐cost Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) projects. We examined the kinds of infrastructural injustices that were present in three afterschool programs and how it shaped STEAM education designs and opportunities for learning with technology to take hold. Combining insights and methods from studies of science and technology with Critical Race Theory, we developed the concept of infrastructural in/justice to illuminate the challenges of organizing STEAM for justice. Infrastructural injustices were identified at the level of dominant narratives that shaped the ideas, resources, and values that undergirded programming and pedagogical practices. We found that community educators were central to creating more just STEAM infrastructures. They drew out unjust infrastructural narratives, created counternarratives that allowed young people of color space to expand their technology and STEAM practices, and connected these practices to their everyday lives, identities, and emerging interests. We detail how working‐class community educators of color are dreaming and enacting new ways to engage with STEAM and STEAM education alongside young people. As we have shown, their ideas and practices combined with the young people's visions for the future challenged neoliberal and racialized narratives of STEAM. Despite community educators' of color critical expertise, their jobs remained precarious within informal STEAM infrastructures. To design for and sustain more just community‐driven STEAM activities we argue that the field must attend not only to how the work of infrastructuring to how community‐driven STEAM is done but also by whom. These activities, organized by community educators of color, must be valued and protected through the classification systems within informal STEAM infrastructures in order to design and sustain more just community‐driven STEAM initiatives.
RNA epigenetic modifications in ovarian cancer: The changes, chances, and challenges
Authors: Ye Lele , Yao Xuyang , Xu Binbing , Chen Wenwen , Lou Han , Tong Xinya , Fang Su , Zou Ruanmin , Hu Yingying , Wang Zhibin , Xiang Dan , Lin Qiaoai , Feng Shiyu , Xue Xiangyang , Guo Gangqiang
Published: February 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common female cancer worldwide. Patients with OC have high mortality because of its complex and poorly understood pathogenesis. RNA epigenetic modifications, such as m6A, m1A, and m5C, are closely associated with the occurrence and development of OC. RNA modifications can affect the stability of mRNA transcripts, nuclear export of RNAs, translation efficiency, and decoding accuracy. However, there are few overviews that summarize the link between m6A RNA modification and OC. Here, we discuss the molecular and cellular functions of different RNA modifications and how their regulation contributes to the pathogenesis of OC. By improving our understanding of the role of RNA modifications in the etiology of OC, we provide new perspectives for their use in OC diagnosis and treatment.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease