bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Biomaterial‐Induced Stem Cell Lineage Fate by Machine Learning‐Based Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Ping Xianfeng , Guo Yusi , Heng Boon Chin , Wang Yijun , Meng Yanze , Jiang Shengjie , Wei Yan , Lai Binbin , Zhang Xuehui , Deng Xuliang
Published: February 2023

Current functional assessment of biomaterial‐induced stem cell lineage fate in vitro mainly relies on biomarker‐dependent methods with limited accuracy and efficiency. Here a “Mesenchymal stem cell Differentiation Prediction (MeD‐P)” framework for biomaterial‐induced cell lineage fate prediction is reported. MeD‐P contains a cell‐type‐specific gene expression profile as a reference by integrating public RNA‐seq data related to tri‐lineage differentiation (osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and adipogenesis) of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and a predictive model for classifying hMSCs differentiation lineages using the k‐nearest neighbors (kNN) strategy. It is shown that MeD‐P exhibits an overall accuracy of 90.63% on testing datasets, which is significantly higher than the model constructed based on canonical marker genes (80.21%). Moreover, evaluations of multiple biomaterials show that MeD‐P provides accurate prediction of lineage fate on different types of biomaterials as early as the first week of hMSCs culture. In summary, it is demonstrated that MeD‐P is an efficient and accurate strategy for stem cell lineage fate prediction and preliminary biomaterial functional evaluation.
Fabrication of High‐Responsivity Sb2Se3‐Based Photodetectors through Selenization Process
Authors: Kim Su‐Kyung , You Hee‐Kyoung , Yun Kwang‐Ro , Kim Jong‐Ho , Seong Tae‐Yeon
Published: February 2023

Sb2Se3 has great potential for applications in near‐infrared sensors because of its narrow bandgap, environmental friendliness, and high absorption coefficient. However, the low conductivity of Sb2Se3 is an obstacle to the further development of high‐performance optoelectronic devices. In this study, to address this challenge, the selenization process is adopted. The incorporation of Se atoms into Sb2Se3 facilitates the crystallization of the films and the formation of [hk0]‐textured grains at a lower temperature than unselenized Sb2Se3. The selenized films possess larger grains than the unselenized ones at the same temperature. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that annealing causes the generation of donor‐like point defects (e.g., Vse and SbSe) and SeO2. The 250 °C‐annealed selenized Sb2Se3‐based photodetectors (PDs) have a high responsivity of 1130 mW A−1 and a specific detectivity of 4.62 × 1011 Jones. The PDs exhibit a fast response time (i.e., rise/fall time of 4.54 ms/8.50 ms), sensitivity of 94.2 at 20 mW cm−2, and external quantum efficiency of 155% at 200 µW cm−2. Further, the selenized PDs have good stability to moisture and air. Based on the XPS, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope results, the improved performance of the selenized Sb2Se3‐based PDs is described and discussed.
Slide‐Ring Supramolecular Mechanoresponsive Elastomer with Reversible Luminescence Behavior
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Yong , Zhang Hui , Chen Lei , Bo Qiyu , Liu Yu
Published: February 2023

A solid slide‐ring supramolecular elastomer is constructed by free‐radical polymerization of 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate, acrylate‐modified perylene diimides (PDI), and the polyrotaxane (PR) cross‐linker. Benefiting from reciprocating shuttle function of slide‐ring PR formed by acrylate‐modified α‐cyclodextrin threading on polyethylene glycol, the resultant supramolecular elastomer not only presents excellent tensile property, toughness, and fatigue resistance up to 100 cycles, but also gives reversible mechano‐induced fluorescence changes from red to orange luminescence due to a reversible conversion of PDI dimer to monomer upon mechanical stretching. After the dye molecule Nile blue is added as a fluorescent acceptor, the supramolecular elastomer exhibits highly reversible mechano‐induced regulation of energy transfer and can perform five cycles without optical fatigue. This bifunctional mechanochromic slide‐ring supramolecular elastomer, which not only possesses mechanically reversible motion of the slide‐ring cross‐linkers but also has the mechanochromic response of fluorophore, endows the intrinsic superiority of slide‐ring into fatigue resistant mechanoresponsive strain sensing materials.
Highly Sensitive and Flexible Copper Oxide/Graphene Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensor by Laser Direct Writing
Authors: Li Qi , Yang Dasheng , Gao Yang , Wang Ziyang , Yin Ruixue , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: February 2023

Accurate and convenient detection of human blood glucose levels is an effective method for early diagnosis of diabetes and prevention of complications. The flexible and wearable electrochemical glucose sensor with low cost, fast responsiveness, good stability, reliability, and high sensitivity has attracted much attention in monitoring glucose concentration. The preparation of a conductive layer with catalytic activity on a flexible substrate is the key to making a wearable glucose sensor. Here, graphene composite materials sintered with copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles are successfully prepared on a polyimide film by laser direct writing method and fabricated a flexible non‐enzymatic glucose sensor using laser‐engraved graphene (LEG) as a conductive electrode. The CuO/LEG sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 619.43 μA mm−1 cm−2 in 0–3 mm glucose and 462.96 μA mm−1 cm−2 in 0–8 mm glucose. In addition, the CuO/LEG sensor shows good reproducibility, high anti‐interference capability, and long‐term stability. It also presents good bending stability, which can maintain 82.40% initial current after 100 times bending. Moreover, the CuO/LEG sensor has an obvious step‐ampere response in the detection of sweat samples, indicating the great potential of wearable sweat sensors.
Nanofiller‐Induced Enhancement of PVDF Electroactivity for Improved Sensing Performance
Authors: Chatterjee Arka , Das Avijit , Saha Kundan , Jeong Unyong
Published: February 2023

Piezoelectric self‐powered sensors are promising platforms for wearable portable devices. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymer derivatives are extensively explored as a soft piezoelectric material owing to their high piezoelectric coefficient, chemical thermal stability, biocompatibility, lightweight, and excellent flexibility. It is proved that the dominance of the electroactive (EA) β‐phase crystals versus the non‐electroactive α‐phase crystals is one of the key parameters to obtaining high piezoelectric performance of PVDF. Conventional methods, such as mechanical stretching, electrical poling, and high‐temperature annealing, are investigated to enhance the fraction of the β‐phase. Recently, embedding nanoscale fillers in the PVDF matrix has been investigated to further increase the β‐phase fraction and achieved considerable advances. The introduction of nanofillers is also advantageous in terms of improving the electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of PVDF, which are not readily obtained through conventional methods. This review introduces the principles of EA phase transformation in the presence of nanofillers and summarizes recent advances achieved by introducing various fillers, such as perovskites, oxide semiconductors, and 2D chalcogenides. The potential sensor applications of the PVDF nanocomposites responding to temperature, light, acoustic, and mechanical stimuli are reviewed. This review ends with the outlook of this new approach.
Short‐Range Atomic Topology of Ab Initio Generated Amorphous PdSi Alloys
Authors: Rodríguez Isaías , Valladares Renela M. , Valladares Alexander , Hinojosa‐Romero David , Valladares Ariel A.
Published: February 2023

Since the pioneering efforts of Duwez and co‐workers in 1965, when a solid amorphous phase of palladium‐silicon (a‐PdSi) was obtained in the vicinity of the eutectic concentration, much work has been done. However, some points related to the atomic structures remain to be systematized. In this work, 8 amorphous Pd100‐cSic alloys (c = 2.5, 5, 10, 13.34, 15, 17.5, 20, and 22 at%) are generated by molecular dynamics ab initio simulations; the short‐range structure is analyzed using several correlation functions, like Pair Distribution Functions, reduced Pair Distribution Functions, Plane Angle Distribution Functions. Other related properties, like nearest‐neighbors and some Frank–Kasper polyhedra are reported. The generated samples correctly reproduce the scarce experimental pair correlation functions that are reported in the literature. An unexpected outcome is the appearance of structural changes in the neighborhood of Pd86.66Si13.34.
An Adaptive Local Iterative Method for Fast Calculation of Electrostatic Interactions between Charged Polymers in Dielectric Inhomogeneous System
Authors: Lin Hao , Nie Zhiji , Shang Enlong , Dai Shuyang
Published: February 2023

The motion of charged polymers in the 3D dielectric inhomogeneity system is investigated using a hybrid simulation approach that combines a finite difference method with a Brownian dynamics model (FD‐BD) for the polymer chain. The interface difference scheme of the two‐dielectric model is first derived to achieve a smooth extension of the electrostatic potential values and it is verified that it has a second‐order convergence order. In addition, it is displayed that the local iteration method greatly accelerates the efficiency of calculating the electrostatic interaction forces. However, it is found that the computational efficiency improvement of the traditional local iteration is less significant (about three times) for polymer simulations such as 3D diagonal type. Therefore, a new strategy, the banded local iteration method, is proposed and the simulation results demonstrate that it can better adapt the effects of the deformation of the polymer during its motion, where the computational efficiency is increased by 29 times at most, while the relative error is controlled to less than 5.15e−4. The work can be helpful for accelerating the solution of electrostatic forces under dielectric inhomogeneity, and confer new insights into the optimization of iteration for polymer chains with different geometries in large electrostatic systems.
Atomic‐Scale Investigations of H3BO3and LiOH on Zr(0 0 0 1) Surface: A DFT Study
Authors: Ren Lu , Suo Xinkun , LI Guofu , Guo Qi , Ruan Dianbo , Zhang Dongyang , Xu Jian
Published: February 2023

The boric acid (H3BO3) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) are routinely added to primary water as soluble neutron absorbers and pH regulating agents in the pressured water reactor nuclear power plant, respectively. Previous studies mostly focus on the service behavior of nuclear materials using experimental methods, whereas the microscopic mechanism of H3BO3and LiOH on Zr‐based fuel cladding remains largely unclear. With the first principle approach of density functional theory (DFT), the geometric structure, Mulliken population, partial densities of states, and electron density difference are adopted to study the adsorption characteristics and binding strength of H3BO3and LiOH on Zr matrix. The results show that when H3BO3and LiOH react on the Zr matrix, there is formation of hybrid peaks and new bonds between surface molecules and the matrix. Meanwhile, the vertical molecule has a substantial impact on electron movement between adsorbs and the matrix. The interaction energy between two molecules and the Zr surface in turn is LiOH > H3BO3, demonstrating that LiOH has the most influence on the fuel cladding in the primary circuit.
SAMD9 Promotes Postoperative Recurrence of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Stimulating MYH9‐Mediated GSK3β/β‐Catenin Signaling
Authors: Li Qing , Luo Hao , Dai Fu‐Qiang , Wang Ren‐Tao , Fan Xiao‐Qing , Luo Yuan‐Yuan , Deng Meng‐Sheng , Wang Yulun , Long Tan , Guo Wei , Xu Bo , Xu Cheng‐Xiong , Jin Hua
Published: February 2023

Recurrence is a challenge to survival after the initial treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). But, its mechanism remains elusive and there are currently no biomarkers to predict postoperative recurrence. Here, the possibility of sterile alpha motif domain‐containing protein 9 (SAMD9) as a predictor of postoperative recurrence of ESCC is evaluated and the molecular mechanisms by which SAMD9 promotes ESCC recurrence are elucidated. The authors found that the high level of SAMD9 is correlated with postoperative recurrence and poor prognosis of ESCC. Overexpression of SAMD9 promotes tumor stemness, angiogenesis, and EMT, while downregulation of SAMD9 reduced these phenotypes. Mechanistically, it is found that SAMD9 stimulated ubiquitination‐mediated glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK‐3β) degradation by interaction with myosin‐9 (MYH9) and TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which in turn activated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Further, the authors demonstrated that silencing SAMD9 inhibited lung metastasis and tumor formation in vivo. Finally, the authors found that silencing MYH9 or β‐catenin, or overexpressing GSK‐3β inhibited SAMD9‐stimulated ESCC cell stemness, EMT, angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumorigenicity. Together, the findings indicate that the SAMD9/MYH9/GSK3β/β‐catenin axis promotes ESCC postoperative recurrence and that SAMD9 is a crucial target for ESCC therapy. Additionally, SAMD9 has the potential as a predictor of postoperative recurrence in ESCC.
Effects of Nonthermal Radiofrequency Stimulation on Neuronal Activity and Neural Circuit in Mice
Authors: Hao Yanhui , Liu Weiqi , Liu Yujie , Liu Ying , Xu Zhengtao , Ye Yumeng , Zhou Hongmei , Deng Hua , Zuo Hongyan , Yang Hong , Li Yang
Published: February 2023

Whether the nonthermal effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exist and how nonthermal RFR acts on the nervous system are unknown. An animal model of spatial memory impairment is established by exposing mice to 2856‐MHz RFR in the range of thermal noise (≤1 °C). Glutamate release in the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) CA1 region is not significantly changed after radiofrequency exposure, whereas dopamine release is reduced. Importantly, RFR enhances glutamatergic CA1 pyramidal neuron calcium activity by nonthermal mechanisms, which recover to the basal level with RFR termination. Furthermore, suppressed dHPC dopamine release induced by radiofrequency exposure is due to decreased density of dopaminergic projections from the locus coeruleus to dHPC, and artificial activation of dopamine axon terminals or D1 receptors in dHPC CA1 improve memory damage in mice exposed to RFR. These findings indicate that nonthermal radiofrequency stimulation modulates ongoing neuronal activity and affects nervous system function at the neural circuit level.
Human RSPO1 Mutation Represses Beige Adipocyte Thermogenesis and Contributes to Diet‐Induced Adiposity
Authors: Sun Yingkai , Zhang Juan , Hong Jie , Zhang Zhongyun , Lu Peng , Gao Aibo , Ni Mengshan , Zhang Zhiyin , Yang Huanjie , Shen Juan , Lu Jieli , Xue Wenzhi , Lv Qianqian , Bi Yufang , Zeng Yi Arial , Gu Weiqiong , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing , Liu Ruixin , Wang Jiqiu
Published: February 2023

Recent genetic evidence has linked WNT downstream mutations to fat distribution. However, the roles of WNTs in human obesity remain unclear. Here, the authors screen all Wnt‐related paracrine factors in 1994 obese cases and 2161 controls using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and identify that 12 obese patients harbor the same mutations in RSPO1 (p.R219W/Q) predisposing to human obesity. RSPO1 is predominantly expressed in visceral fat, primarily in the fibroblast cluster, and is increased with adiposity. Mice overexpressing human RSPO1 in adipose tissues develop obesity under a high‐fat diet (HFD) due to reduced brown/beige fat thermogenesis. In contrast, Rspo1 ablation resists HFD‐induced adiposity by increasing thermogenesis. Mechanistically, RSPO1 overexpression or administration significantly inhibits adipocyte mitochondrial respiration and thermogenesis via LGR4–Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Importantly, humanized knockin mice carrying the hotspot mutation (p.R219W) display suppressed thermogenesis and recapitulate the adiposity feature of obese carriers. The mutation disrupts RSPO1's electrostatic interaction with the extracellular matrix, leading to excessive RSPO1 release that activates LGR4–Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and attenuates thermogenic capacity in differentiated beige adipocytes. Therefore, these findings identify that gain‐of‐function mutations and excessive expression of RSPO1, acting as a paracrine Wnt activator, suppress fat thermogenesis and contribute to obesity in humans.
Lymphocyte Membrane‐ and 12p1‐Dual‐Functionalized Nanoparticles for Free HIV‐1 Trapping and Precise siRNA Delivery into HIV‐1‐Infected Cells
Authors: Zhang Jinbang , Han Jingwan , Li Hui , Li Zhengyang , Zou Pengfei , Li Jiaxin , Zhao Te , Che Junwei , Yang Yang , Yang Meiyan , Wang Yuli , Gong Wei , Li Zhiping , Li Lin , Gao Chunsheng , Xiao Haihua
Published: February 2023

Despite the success of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in clinical settings and its potential value in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy, the rapid clearance and absence of precise delivery to target cells still hinder the therapeutic effect of siRNA. Herein, a new system, which can escape immune recognition, has HIV‐1 neutralizing capacity, and the ability to deliver siRNA specifically into HIV‐1‐infected cells, is constructed by functionalizing siRNA delivery lipid nanoparticles with the lymphocyte membrane and 12p1. The constructed system is shown to escape uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system. The constructed system exhibits strong binding ability with gp120, thus displaying distinguished neutralizing breadth and potency. The constructed system neutralizes all tested HIV‐1 pseudotyped viruses with a geometric mean 80% inhibitory concentration (IC80) of 29.75 µg mL−1 and inhibits X4‐tropic HIV‐1 with an IC80 of 64.20 µg mL−1, and R5‐tropic HIV‐1 with an IC80 of 16.39 µg mL−1. The new system also specifically delivers siRNA into the cytoplasm of HIV‐1‐infected cells and exhibits evident gene silencing of tat and rev. Therefore, this new system can neutralize HIV‐1 and deliver siRNA selectively into HIV‐1‐infected cells and may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the precise therapy of HIV.
Enhanced Dispersive Waves Generation via Sinusoidally Spectral Phase‐Modulated Pulses
Authors: Li Hao‐Zhe , Cai Wang‐Yang , Fan Dian‐Yuan , Zhang Li‐Fu
Published: February 2023

The dispersive waves (DWs) emitted from a Gaussian pulse with an initial sinusoidally spectral phase (SSP) modulation are investigated. By tailoring the modulation depth and frequency, the SSP results in complex pulses shape with a multipulses structure ranging from Airy‐like to pulse sequences having controllable delay and phase. These salient features are able to control and enhance the radiation frequency and energy conversion efficiency of the DWs. The resonant frequencies based on a modified phase‐matching condition are given, which agree with the numerical results obtained by solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation directly. The results not only further extend the application of the pulse shaping technology in fiber optics, but also provide an alternative approach to manipulate the process of DWs emission which is relevant to the generation broadband supercontinuum as well as frequency comb.
Synthesis and Post‐Processing of Chemically Homogeneous Nanothreads from 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid**
Authors: Dunning Samuel G. , Chen Bo , Zhu Li , Cody George D. , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Zhang Dongzhou , Strobel Timothy A.
Published: February 2023

Compared with conventional, solution‐phase approaches, solid‐state reaction methods can provide unique access to novel synthetic targets. Nanothreads—one‐dimensional diamondoid polymers formed through the compression of small molecules—represent a new class of materials produced via solid‐state reactions, however, the formation of chemically homogeneous products with targeted functionalization represents a persistent challenge. Through careful consideration of molecular precursor stacking geometry and functionalization, we report here the scalable synthesis of chemically homogeneous, functionalized nanothreads through the solid‐state polymerization of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid. The resulting product possesses high‐density, pendant carboxyl functionalization along both sides of the backbone, enabling new opportunities for the post‐synthetic processing and chemical modification of nanothread materials applicable to a broad range of potential applications.
Theoretical Studies of Mutual Effects between 6‐m‐r Hemiketalization and 26‐m‐r Lactonization in Pimaricin Thioesterase
Authors: Jiang Chuchu , Zhou Yucong , Tao Wentao , Ji Shunjia , Mao Yong , Shi Ting , Zheng Jianting , Bai Linquan , Zhao Yi‐Lei
Published: February 2023

Pimaricin is a small polyene macrolide antibiotic and has been broadly used as an antimycotic and antiprotozoal agent in both humans and foods. As a thioesterase in type‐I polyketide synthase, pimTE controls the 26‐m‐r macrolide main chain release in pimaricin biosynthesis. In this work, we sought to determine whether the 6‐m‐r hemiketal formation was linked to pimTE‐catalyzed 26‐m‐r lactonization. Compared to non‐hemiketal TEs, pimTE is characterized by an aspartic acid residue (D179) accessible to the U‐turn motif in the acyl‐enzyme intermediate. Both the covalent docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the reactive conformations for macrocyclic lactonization are drastically promoted by the 6‐m‐r hemiketal. Moreover, the small‐model quantum mechanistic calculations suggest that protic residues can significantly accelerate the 6‐m‐r hemiketal cyclization. In addition, the post‐hemiketal molecular dynamic simulations demonstrate that hydrogen‐bonding networks surrounding the substrate U‐turn of the hairpin‐shaped conformation changes significantly when the 6‐m‐r hemiketal is formed. In particular, the R‐hemiketal intermediate is not only catalyzed by the D179 residue, but also twists the hairpin structure to the 26‐m‐r lactonizing pre‐reaction state. By contrast, the S‐hemiketal formation is unlikely catalyzed by D179, which twists the hairpin in an opposite direction. Our results propose that pimTE could be a bi‐functional enzyme, which can synergistically catalyze tandem 6‐m‐r and 26‐m‐r formations during the main‐chain release of pimaricin biosynthesis.
Fully Bio‐based Poly(ketal‐ester)s by Ring‐opening Polymerization of a Bicylcic Lactone from Glycerol and Levulinic Acid
Authors: Zhou Tong , Meng Xian‐Bin , Du Fu‐Sheng , Li Zi‐Chen
Published: February 2023

A fully renewable bio‐based bicyclic lactone containing a five‐membered cyclic ketal moiety, 7‐methyl‐3,8,10‐trioxabicyclo[5.2.1]decan‐4‐one (TOD), was synthesized through a two‐step acid‐catalyzed process from glycerol and levulinic acid. The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of TOD at 30°C with benzyl alcohol (BnOH) as the initiator and 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) as the catalyst can afford high molar mass PTOD with a cis‐2.4‐disubstitued 2‐methyl 1,3‐dioxolane moiety in its repeating unit. PTOD is an amorphous polymer with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 13°C. It can be hydrolyzed into structurally defined small molecules under acidic or basic conditions by the selective cleavage of either the cyclic ketal or the ester linkage respectively. The TBD‐catalyzed copolymerization of L‐lactide (L–LA) and TOD at −20°C was investigated. It was confirmed that L–LA polymerized quickly with racemization to form PLA, followed by a slow incorporation of TOD into the formed PLA chains via transesterification. By varying the feed ratios of L–LA to TOD, a series of random copolymers (PLA‐co‐PTOD) with different TOD incorporation ratios and tunable Tgs were obtained. Under acidic conditions, PLA‐co‐PTOD degrades much faster than PLA via the selective cleavage of the cyclic ketal linkages. This work provides insights for the development of more sustainable and acid‐accelerated degradable alternatives to aliphatic polyesters.
Infrared‐to‐visible conversion in strontium sulphate through a defect‐based infrared stimulated visible emission phenomenon
Authors: Sharma Bhumika , Deshmukh Pratik , Satapathy Srinibas , Majumder Shovan Kumar
Published: February 2023

Strontium sulphate (SrSO4) is a defect‐based photoluminescence material, generally used in thermoluminescence applications, and has been studied for infrared (IR) stimulated visible emission. The SrSO4 particles were synthesized using a precipitation method. The orthorhombic phase of SrSO4 was confirmed from the X‐ray diffraction pattern and the formation of micron‐sized particles was authenticated from field emission scanning electron micrographs. The elemental composition of oxygen and strontium was determined using energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis measurement that confirmed the presence of
and
intrinsic defects in the material. Photoluminescence investigations showed the presence of various defect bands in the band gap giving rise to intrinsic luminescence in SrSO4. The emission in the visible region was attributed to the defect band arising due to
. Photoluminescence lifetime measurement confirmed the presence of stable defect states with a lifetime in microseconds. The SrSO4 sample was tested using IR lasers and a red–orange emission spot was observed from the powder sample when excited with IR lasers. The underlying principle for IR‐to‐visible conversion in the material is a defect‐mediated phenomenon that has been described through the energy level diagram of the material.
Lower cognitive function attenuates the convergence between self‐ratings and observer ratings of depressive symptoms in late‐life cognitive impairment
Authors: Kwak Seyul , Kim Hairin , Oh Dae Jong , Jeon Yeong‐Ju , Oh Da Young , Park Su Mi , Lee Jun‐Young
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Assessment of depressive symptoms in older adults is challenging especially in the presence of risks in cognitive impairment. We aimed to examine whether the convergence between two measures of depressive symptoms (self‐report and observer ratings) is affected by varying levels of cognitive function in older adults.

Methods

Self‐reported scale of depression, informant‐based rating of affective symptoms, and global cognitive function were assessed in 2533 older adults with no impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. The strength of rank‐order correlation between the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and behavioral ratings of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was examined as the metric of convergent validity.

Results

The results showed that the strength of convergence between the two measurements gradually decreased as a function of lowered cognitive function. Overall tendency showed that diagnoses of cognitive impairment and lower levels of cognitive function were associated with lower correspondence between the two depression measurements. The loss of convergent validity is especially evident in the behavioral symptom of apathy.

Conclusions

Utilizing self‐report scales of depression in older adults requires a cautious approach even with minimal or mild levels of cognitive impairment.
Liposome–trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles codeliver insulin and siVEGF to treat corneal alkali burns by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Xiong Xiaojing , Jiang Huiting , Liao Yukun , Du Yangrui , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhigang , Zheng Minming , Du Zhiyu
Published: February 2023

Alkali burns are potentially blinding corneal injuries. Due to the lack of available effective therapies, the prognosis is poor. Thus, effective treatment methods for corneal alkali burns are urgently needed. Codelivery nanoparticles (NPs) with characteristics such as high bioavailability and few side effects have been considered effective therapeutic agents for ocular diseases. In this study, we designed a new combination therapy using liposomes and trimethyl chitosan (TMC) for the codelivery of insulin (INS) and vascular endothelial growth factor small interfering RNA (siVEGF) to treat alkali‐burned corneas. We describe the preparation and characterization of siVEGF‐TMC‐INS‐liposome (siVEGF‐TIL), drug release characteristics, intraocular tracing, pharmacodynamics, and biosafety. We found that siVEGF‐TIL could inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and the expression of VEGF in vitro and effectively maintained corneal transparency, accelerated epithelialization, and inhibited corneal neovascularization (CNV) in vivo. Morever, we found that the therapeutic mechanism of siVEGF‐TIL is possibly relevant to the inhibition of the ferroptosis signaling pathway by metabolomic analysis. In general, siVEGF‐TIL NPs could be a safe and effective therapy for corneal alkali burn.
Symphony in the crowd: Key genetic alterations in prostate cancer
Authors: Masud Neshat
Published: February 2023

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling have been frequently targeted for treating prostate cancer (PCa). Even though primarily patients receive a good therapeutic outcome by targeting AR signaling axis, eventually it emerges resistance by altering the genetic makeup of prostate cells. However, to develop an effective therapeutic regime, it is essential to recognize key genetic alterations in PCa. The most common genetic alterations that give rise to distinct androgen different differentiation states are gene fusion of TMPRSS2 with ETS family genes, deletion, or mutation of tumor suppressor PTEN and TP53 gene, amplification or splicing of AR, altered DNA repair genes. In this review, we describe key genes and genetic changes that have been recognized to contribute to altered prostate environment.
Peanut oil and protein extraction using an aqueous enzymatic method and analysis of the characteristics of the emulsions produced
Authors: Zhao Yuhui , Chen Fusheng , Liu Chen
Published: February 2023

Background and Objective

The high cost of enzyme preparation and the stable emulsion produced in the process limit the large‐scale application of aqueous enzymatic method. In this study, a new aqueous enzymatic method for efficient peanut oil and protein extraction was optimized. And the composition, structure, and stability of the produced emulsions were characterized.

Findings

Peanut emulsion proteins were mainly composed of oleosin, steroleosin, caleosin, lipoxygenase, and arachin. The composition of phospholipids in the emulsions was essentially the same as that in peanut raw materials. A surface protein wrapped the oil droplets. The ζ‐potential, particle size, and surface protein concentration properties of the second step extracted the emulsion (E2) were consistent with those produced using the conventional aqueous enzymatic method, whereas the first step extracted the emulsion (E1) was more prone to unstable aggregation between oil droplets. The mechanical properties of shear deformation resistance (viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus) were better in E1 than in E2.

Conclusions

Following new method, highest yields obtained for oil and protein were 95.48% and 80.74%, respectively. The new method reduced the conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis and accelerated the demulsification of emulsions.

Significance and Novelty

The study provides a two‐step aqueous enzymatic method for extracting emulsions and proteins from peanut. Process cost and efficiencies ensure industrial scale‐up of the method.
Incidental finding of tuberous sclerosis complex in a woman with hematuria: A case report of renal angiomyolipoma and review of the literature
Authors: Adhikari Gauri , Pandey Prabin , Bhattarai Kishor , Khadka Chhabi , Adhikari Gopal
Published: February 2023

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder that was first described by Von Recklinghausen. We describe a case of a female, who initially presented with hematuria and was later found to have multiple manifestations of the disease. The report emphasizes the value of investigations on suspected cases.
Dengue presenting as a case of acute pancreatitis—A rare case report
Authors: Acherjya Goutam Kumar , Tarafder Keya , Sayeed Md. Abu , Ghosh Goutam Kumar , Hossain Md. Jahangir , Hossain Shahadat , Ali Mohammad , Kabir Md. Alamgir , Chakrabortty Rajashish
Published: February 2023

Atypical presentations may be presented with the common symptoms in Dengue. We, hereby, present a case of Dengue who was admitted in our hospital with the complaints of fever, upper abdominal pain, and vomiting, literally diagnosed as a case of acute pancreatitis.
Intrapartum adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma presenting in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Naseef Paul
Published: February 2023

Pheochromocytoma is one of the rare causes of hypertension in pregnancy, occurring in one in every 50,000 pregnancies. The aim of this case report is to describe an atypical presentation of pheochromocytoma at 35 weeks gestation, where it presented with right flank pain and seizures, its preoperative medical optimization, and intrapartum concurrent surgical management. It also discusses various clinical presentations of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy, appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations, and different modalities of treatment. It is important to consider the possibility of the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma when considering the different causes of high blood pressure in a term pregnancy. Prompt antenatal diagnosis and timely management are critical to reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates.
The Full Cytosine‐Cytosine Base Paring: Self‐Assembly and Crystal Structure
Authors: Li Zhongkui , Song Wenjing , Zhu Yanhong , Yan Li , Zhong Xue , Zhang Menglei , Li Hui
Published: February 2023

The synthesis of self‐assembly systems that can mimic partial biological behaviours require ingenious and delicate design. For decades, scientists are committed to exploring new base pairing patterns using hydrogen bonds directed self‐assembly of nucleotides. A fundamental question is the adaptive circumstance of the recognition between base pairs, namely, how solvent conditions affect the domain of base pairs. Towards this question, three nucleotide complexes based on 2’‐deoxycytidine‐5’‐monophosphate (dCMP) and cytidine‐5’‐monophosphate (CMP) were synthesized in different solvents and pH values, and an unusual cytosine‐cytosine base paring pattern (named full C : C base pairing) has been successfully obtained. Systematic single crystal analysis and 1H NMR titration spectra have been performed to explore factors influencing the formation of base paring patterns. Moreover, supramolecular chirality of three complexes were studied using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in solution and solid‐state combined with crystal structure analysis.
CD70 and PD‐L1 (CD274) co‐expression predicts poor clinical outcomes in patients with pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Inaguma Shingo , Ueki Akane , Lasota Jerzy , Komura Masayuki , Sheema Asraful Nahar , Czapiewski Piotr , Langfort Renata , Rys Janusz , Szpor Joanna , Waloszczyk Piotr , Okoń Krzysztof , Biernat Wojciech , Schrump David S , Hassan Raffit , Miettinen Markku , Takahashi Satoru
Published: February 2023

Diffuse pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive tumour typically associated with short survival. Recently, the effectiveness of first‐line immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with unresectable PM was reported. CD70–CD27 signalling plays a co‐stimulatory role in promoting T cell expansion and differentiation through the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway. Conversely, the PD‐L1 (CD274)–PD‐1 (PDCD1) pathway is crucial for the modulation of immune responses in normal conditions. Nevertheless, pathological activation of both the CD70–CD27 and PD‐L1–PD‐1 pathways by aberrantly expressed CD70 and PD‐L1 participates in the immune evasion of tumour cells. In this study, 171 well‐characterised PMs including epithelioid (n = 144), biphasic (n = 15), and sarcomatoid (n = 12) histotypes were evaluated immunohistochemically for CD70, PD‐L1, and immune cell markers such as CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, PD‐1, FOXP3, CD68, and CD163. Eight percent (14/171) of mesotheliomas simultaneously expressed CD70 and PD‐L1 on the tumour cell membrane. PMs co‐expressing CD70 and PD‐L1 contained significantly higher numbers of CD8+ (p = 0.0016), FOXP3+ (p = 0.00075), and CD163+ (p = 0.0011) immune cells within their microenvironments. Overall survival was significantly decreased in the cohort of patients with PM co‐expressing CD70 and PD‐L1 (p < 0.0001). In vitro experiments revealed that PD‐L1 and CD70 additively enhanced the motility and invasiveness of PM cells. In contrast, PM cell proliferation was suppressed by PD‐L1. PD‐L1 enhanced mesenchymal phenotypes such as N‐cadherin up‐regulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that CD70 and PD‐L1 both enhance the malignant phenotypes of PM and diminish anti‐tumour immune responses. Based on our observations, combination therapy targeting these signalling pathways might be useful in patients with PM.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Heavier Pnictogen Complexes
Authors: Pandey Madhusudan K. , Mondal Dipanjan , Kote Basvaraj S. , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: February 2023

Recent success in the synthesis of π‐conjugated heavier pnictogen (As, Sb, and Bi) compounds and their transition metal complexes has led to the current surge in interest that led to significant development in the field of photophysical and optoelectronic properties of heavier pnictogens and their transition metal complexes. The presence of heavier pnictogens (As, Sb and Bi) in the molecular skeleton promotes inter‐system crossing (ISC) and reverse inter‐system crossing (RISC), because of the heavy atom effect, via altering the intermolecular interactions and orbital energy levels. As a result, π‐conjugated heavier pnictogen compounds such as arsines, dibenzoarsepins, arsinoquinoline, heterofluorene, benzo[b]heterole (heterole=arsole, bismole, and stibole) show unique optoelectronic properties such as narrow bandgap, low‐energy absorption, and long‐wavelength emission than lighter pnictogen‐based compounds. This review focuses on recent advances in the synthesis and photophysical properties of heavier pnictogen compounds. The synthesis and photophysical properties of heavier pnictogens are discussed and elaborated.
Effective Nitric Oxide Reduction Over Core‐Shell Cu−SSZ‐13@meso‐MOx Catalysts with Significant Catalytic Activity and Hydrothermal Stability
Authors: Li Yunhui , Li Ganggang , Xu Tingting , Zhang Xinyan , Zhang Shaoqing , Hao Zhengping
Published: February 2023

In this study, Cu−SSZ‐13 zeolites are successfully coated with mesoporous metal oxides (CeO2, Fe2O3, TiO2 and SiO2) and prepared as core‐shell Cu−SSZ‐13@meso‐MOx samples with hierarchical pore structure. Compared with Cu−SSZ‐13, the catalytic activity and hydrothermal stability of the Cu−SSZ‐13@meso‐MOx have been greatly improved. The promoting effect of meso‐MOx shell on the catalytic activity of Cu−SSZ‐13 is mainly attribute to the presence of both microporous and mesoporous structures, the formation of more active isolated Cu2+ ions and more L‐acid sites, and the synergistic effect between Cu−SSZ‐13 and meso‐MOx interaction. Moreover, all the Cu−SSZ‐13@meso‐MOx catalysts maintain their activities to a greater extent after hydrothermal aging. The core‐shell structure may play a protective role and greatly improve the hydrothermal stability of Cu−SSZ‐13. More L‐acidic sites and more isolated Cu2+ ions are preserved under the protection of mesoporous structure.
Oxidations of N‐coordinated Arsinidene and Stibinidene by Substituted Quinones: A Remarkable Follow‐Up Reactivity
Authors: Zechovský Jan , Kertész Erik , Erben Milan , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Benkö Zoltán , Dostál Libor
Published: February 2023

The reactivity of pnictinidenes [2‐(DippN=CH)‐6‐(DippNHCH2)C6H3]E (where E=As (1) or Sb (2)) toward substituted ortho‐ and para‐quinones is reported. The central pnictogen atom is easily oxidized by ortho‐quinones closing five‐membered EO2C2 ring. The oxidized antimony derivatives are stable species, while in the case of arsenic compounds the hydrogen of the pendant amino NHCH2 group cleaves one newly formed As−O bonds leading to the closure of a new azaarsole ring. Furthermore, a heating of these arsenic heterocycles resulted in a C−H bond activation at the NCH2 group involved in this heterocycle followed by a reductive elimination of corresponding catechols and arsinidene [2,6‐(DippN=CH)C6H3]As. Using of para‐quinones, resulted in the oxidation of the central atom with a concomitant hydrogen migration from NHCH2 group even in the case of the antimony derivatives. The reductive elimination of hydroquinones is in this case feasible for all compounds. Studied compounds were characterized by multi‐nuclear NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The theoretical study focusing the key compounds and reactions is also included.
HHS finds relaxed buprenorphine requirements did not lead to more treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2023

Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a report on the impact of its new practice guideline for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine. The revised practice guideline, issued in April 2021, removed two long‐standing requirements for obtaining a Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waiver to treat up to 30 patients with buprenorphine for OUD, namely, the requirement for specific training, and the requirement that prescribers certify their ability to provide counseling or refer patients to counseling or other ancillary services.
Cytological features of mesonephric‐like adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus
Authors: Seo Youjeong , Park Eunhyang , Kim Hyun‐Soo
Published: February 2023

Background

Although several studies have documented the histological features of uterine mesonephric‐like adenocarcinoma (MLA), its cytological features have been rarely reported.

Methods

We searched for histologically confirmed uterine MLA cases in the pathology archives of three institutions between 2010 and 2021. All available cytology slides were examined to identify the cytological features of uterine MLA.

Results

We included 16 patients with uterine MLA and reviewed the slides obtained from 21 cytology samples. Samples were obtained from the cervicovagina (9/21, 42.9%), peritoneal washing (8/21, 38.1%), pleural effusion (2/21, 9.5%), and transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph node (2/21, 9.5%). Preparation methods included ThinPrep (11/21, 52.4%), SurePath (8/21, 38.1%), and conventional smear (2/21, 9.5%). Regardless of the sampling site and preparation method, cytology samples displayed tight three‐dimensional cellular clusters showing monotonous, small‐to‐medium‐sized, round, hyperchromatic nuclei, indistinct nucleoli, scant cytoplasm, and high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio. Approximately half of the samples (10/21, 47.6%) showed hyaline‐like globules. Mitotic figures (7/21, 33.3%) and apoptotic bodies (13/21, 61.9%) were also observed. No tumor diathesis or nuclear feathering was identified.

Conclusions

Irrespective of sampling site and preparation method, the majority of uterine MLA cases showed the following cytological features: tight three‐dimensional cellular clusters showing small‐to‐medium‐sized, round, hyperchromatic nuclei with indistinct nucleoli and high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasm ratio. In case a cytology sample suspicious of a glandular lesion displays these cytological features, which are distinct from those of endocervical adenocarcinoma, uterine MLA should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Discrimination of clothing materials from smartphone camera images
Authors: Koike Ryohei , Yamada Keiichi
Published: February 2023

Information on fabric material is necessary in washing and ironing clothing. However, indication on a care tag may peel off or the tag may come off due to deterioration over time. Discrimination of the material from the fabric itself is not easy for a general person. Estimating the material of an object is one of the challenging tasks in computer vision. This paper deals with the identification of cloth materials using computer vision. We studied a method to discriminate the fabric material from the image of clothing taken by a smartphone camera. First, we investigated the relationship between image resolution and discrimination accuracy using a convolutional neural network (CNN). As a result, we observed that the accuracy changes with resolution and that the resolution at which the accuracy is highest differs depending on the material. Based on these results, we proposed a fabric material discrimination method using multi‐resolution images by combining two CNNs. As a result of the evaluation experiment, the proposed method discriminated six kinds of fabric materials with 87.1% accuracy, and the accuracy was significantly higher than that of the comparison method without using multi‐resolution images.
Microfluidic device for differentiation induction of iPS cells derived embryoid bodies with local chemical stimulation
Authors: Kusunoki Naoto , Konagaya Shuhei , Nishida Mitsunori , Sato Shigehiro , Takao Hidekuni , Shimokawa Fusao , Terao Kyohei
Published: February 2023

This paper reports a microfluidic device that allows us to measure the effect of local differentiation stimulation on embryoid bodies for the purpose of elucidating the role of the cell‐cell interaction of iPS cells in differentiation induction. We developed the local stimulation device having two chambers separated by thin polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) membrane with through‐holes of the diameter smaller than single cell. Embryoid bodies of iPS cells are formed on the membrane and seal the holes, separating the aqueous environments of two chambers without leakage. This configuration brings localized exposure to chemicals for differentiation induction at the area defined by the holes. In this paper, we demonstrated the function of local stimulation using fluorescent solution.