bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered Materials: Bioinspired “Good Enough” versus Maximized Performance
Authors: van Nieuwenhoven Richard W. , Drack Manfred , Gebeshuber Ille C.
Published: December 2023

Utilizing various materials is fundamental for the production of physical objects. However, processing raw materials during production often leads to complex transformations that hinder the recyclability of modern high‐performance materials. These materials possess increased durability and resilience, challenging their decomposition and limiting their potential for recycling and reuse. In contrast, living Nature manages material utilization without such complications. The emerging discipline of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) shifts the focus to self‐repairing, self‐supporting growing materials, emphasizing overall sustainability. To effectively address the challenges associated with high‐performance materials, the design process must incorporate considerations of recycling and decomposition from the outset. Environmental challenges associated with material utilization can be addressed by reevaluating material design and prioritizing recycling, decomposition, and embracing Nature's “good enough” principle. The transition toward sustainable resource management requires substantial investment in scientific research that explores the mechanisms by which life sustains itself using solely local resources. Biomimetics and ELMs offer valuable insights, but a deeper understanding of how Nature efficiently utilizes resources is crucial. The integration of engineering advantages not identified in Nature, such as product sub‐unit reuse, can complement these efforts. Paving the way toward a sustainable future requires a comprehensive approach rooted in biological evolution and innovative scientific research.
Interfacial Tension Hysteresis of Eutectic Gallium‐Indium
Authors: Hillaire Keith D. , Nithyanandam Praneshnandan , Song Minyung , Nadimi Sahar Rashid , Kiani Abolfazl , Dickey Michael D. , Daniels Karen E.
Published: December 2023

When in a pristine state, gallium and its alloys have the largest interfacial tensions of any liquid at room temperature. Nonetheless, applying as little as 0.8 V of electric potential across eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) placed within aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH, or other electrolyte) solution will cause the metal to behave as if its interfacial tension is near zero. The mechanism behind this phenomenon has remained poorly understood because NaOH dissolves the oxide species, making it difficult to directly measure the concentration, thickness, or chemical composition of the film that forms at the interface. In addition, the oxide layers formed are atomically‐thin. Here, it presents a suite of techniques that allow to simultaneously measure both electrical and interfacial properties as a function of applied electric potential, allowing for new insights into the mechanisms, which cause the dramatic decrease in interfacial tension. A key discovery from this work is that the interfacial tension displays hysteresis while lowering the applied potential. It combines these observations with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to evaluate how these changes in interfacial tension arise from chemical, electrical, and mechanical changes on the interface, and close with ideas for how to build a free energy model to predict these changes from first principles.
Elucidating the Iron‐Based Ionic Liquid [C4py][FeCl4]: Structural Insights and Potential for Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Balischewski Christian , Bhattacharyya Biswajit , Bailey Josh J. , Place Scott D. , Nockemann Peter , Kim Jiyong , Wedel Armin , Gahlaut Shashank , Bald Ilko , Li Weiyang , Garcia Yann , Sperlich Eric , Günter Christina , Kelling Alexandra , Taubert Andreas
Published: December 2023

In this study, a low‐melting organic‐inorganic crystalline ionic liquid compound, N‐butyl pyridinium tetrachlorido ferrate (III) is described. The material can easily be synthesized using a one‐pot approach in an ionic liquid medium. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction confirms that the basic inorganic block is [FeCl4]−, which is counterbalanced by an N‐butyl pyridinium cation. The compound exhibits a melting point of 37.6 °C by differential scanning calorimetry, which is among the lowest values for a pyridinium‐based metal‐containing ionic liquid. The material shows promising electrochemical behavior at room temperature in both aqueous and nonaqueous solvents, and at elevated temperatures in its pure liquid state. Given its appreciable solubility in both water and acetonitrile, the compound can act as a redox‐active species in a supporting electrolyte for redox flow battery applications. These classes of low‐melting ionic solids with long‐range order and interesting electrochemical applications are potential candidates for a range of green energy storage and harvesting systems.
Releasable, Immune‐Instructive, Bioinspired Multilayer Coating Resists Implant‐Induced Fibrosis while Accelerating Tissue Repair
Authors: Toita Riki , Kitamura Masahiro , Tsuchiya Akira , Kang Jeong‐Hun , Kasahara Shinjiro
Published: December 2023

Implantable biomaterials trigger foreign body reactions (FBRs), which reduces the functional life of medical devices and prevents effective tissue regeneration. Although existing therapeutic approaches can circumvent collagen‐rich fibrotic encapsulation secondary to FBRs, they disrupt native tissue repair. Herein, a new surface engineering strategy in which an apoptotic‐mimetic, immunomodulatory, phosphatidylserine liposome (PSL) is released from an implant coating to induce the formation of a macrophage phenotype that mitigates FBRs and improves tissue healing is described. PSL‐multilayers constructed on implant surfaces via the layer‐by‐layer method release PSLs over a 1‐month period. In rat muscles, poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK), a nondegradable polymer implant model, induces FBRs with dense fibrotic scarring under an aberrant cellular profile that recruits high levels of inflammatory infiltrates, foreign body giant cells (FBGCs), scar‐forming myofibroblasts, and inflammatory M1‐like macrophages but negligible amounts of anti‐inflammatory M2‐like phenotypes. However, the PSL‐multilayer coating markedly diminishes these detrimental signatures by shifting the macrophage phenotype. Unlike other therapeutics, PSL‐multilayered coatings also stimulate muscle regeneration. This study demonstrates that PSL‐multilayered coatings are effective in eliminating FBRs and promoting regeneration, hence offering potent and broad applications for implantable biomaterials.
Photoannealing of Microtissues Creates High‐Density Capillary Network Containing Living Matter in a Volumetric‐Independent Manner
Authors: Schot Maik , Becker Malin , Paggi Carlo Alberto , Gomes Francisca , Koch Timo , Gensheimer Tarek , Johnbosco Castro , Nogueira Liebert Parreiras , van der Meer Andries , Carlson Andreas , Haugen Håvard , Leijten Jeroen
Published: December 2023

The vascular tree is crucial for the survival and function of large living tissues. Despite breakthroughs in 3D bioprinting to endow engineered tissues with large blood vessels, there is currently no approach to engineer high‐density capillary networks into living tissues in a scalable manner. Here, photoannealing of living microtissue (PALM) is presented as a scalable strategy to engineer capillary‐rich tissues. Specifically, in‐air microfluidics is used to produce living microtissues composed of cell‐laden microgels in ultrahigh throughput, which can be photoannealed into a monolithic living matter. Annealed microtissues inherently give rise to an open and interconnected pore network within the resulting living matter. Interestingly, utilizing soft microgels enables microgel deformation, which leads to the uniform formation of capillary‐sized pores. Importantly, the ultrahigh throughput nature underlying the microtissue formation uniquely facilitates scalable production of living tissues of clinically relevant sizes (>1 cm3) with an integrated high‐density capillary network. In short, PALM generates monolithic, microporous, modular tissues that meet the previously unsolved need for large engineered tissues containing high‐density vascular networks, which is anticipated to advance the fields of engineered organs, regenerative medicine, and drug screening.
Platinum Prodrug Nanoparticles with COX‐2 Inhibition Amplify Pyroptosis for Enhanced Chemotherapy and Immune Activation of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Yu Bingzheng , Wang Yushu , Bing Tiejun , Tang Yujing , Huang Jia , Xiao Haihua , Liu Chaoyong , Yu Yingjie
Published: December 2023

Pyroptosis, an emerging mechanism of programmed cell death, holds great potential to trigger a robust antitumor immune response. Platinum‐based chemotherapeutic agents can induce pyroptosis via caspase‐3 activation. However, these agents also enhance cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in tumor tissues, leading to drug resistance and immune evasion in pancreatic cancer and significantly limiting the effectiveness of chemotherapy‐induced pyroptosis. Here, an amphiphilic polymer (denoted as PHDT‐Pt‐In) containing both indomethacin (In, a COX‐2 inhibitor) and platinum(IV) prodrug (Pt(IV)) is developed, which is responsive to glutathione (GSH). This polymer self‐assemble into nanoparticles (denoted as Pt‐In NP) that can disintegrate in cancer cells due to the GSH responsiveness, releasing In to inhibit the COX‐2 expression, hence overcoming the chemoresistance and amplifying cisplatin‐induced pyroptosis. In a pancreatic cancer mouse model, Pt‐In NP significantly inhibit tumor growth and elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses. Moreover, when combined with anti‐programmed death ligand (α‐PD‐L1) treatment, Pt‐In NP demonstrate the ability to completely suppress metastatic tumors, transforming “cold tumors” into “hot tumors”. Overall, the sustained release of Pt(IV) and In from Pt‐In NP amplifies platinum‐drug‐induced pyroptosis to elicit long‐term immune responses, hence presenting a generalizable strategy for pancreatic cancer.
Impact of Twin's Landscape on the Magnetic Damping of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 Thin Films
Authors: Chen Shoulong , Pomar Alberto , Balcells Lluis , Frontera Carlos , Mestres Narcís , Martínez Benjamín
Published: December 2023

Understanding the origin and mechanisms of magnetic damping in complex oxide materials is crucial for optimizing spin dynamics and tailoring their properties for specific spintronic applications. Ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy (FMR) technique has been used to investigate the magnetic damping of multiple La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) epitaxial thin films with similar thickness and identical DC magnetic properties. However, the dynamic magnetic properties exhibit noticeable variations among samples. Microstructural analyses using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirm that the samples are structurally identical, except for minute differences in the miscut angles of the substrates. Nevertheless, when examining the samples using backscattered electron (BSE) images in scanning electron microscopy (SEM), significant disparities in the twin distribution are observed. These variations in the twin distribution directly correlate with the observed differences in the damping values. A careful image analysis of BSE images allows to demonstrate that the increase of damping is due to the pinning of the magnetization in the twin boundaries.
A H2S‐Generated Supramolecular Photosensitizer for Enhanced Photodynamic Antibacterial Infection and Relieving Inflammation
Authors: Tian Jia , Huang Baoxuan , Xia Lei , Zhu Yucheng , Zhang Weian
Published: December 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment against bacteria‐caused infections. By producing large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), PDT can effectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria, without causing drug resistance. However, excessive ROS may also impose an oxidative stress on surrounding tissues, resulting in local inflammation. To avoid this major drawback and limit pro‐inflammation during PDT, this work prepared a supramolecular photosensitizer (TPP‐CN/CP5) based on host‐guest interactions between a cysteine‐responsive cyano‐tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP‐CN) and a water‐soluble carboxylatopillar[5]arene (CP5). TPP‐CN/CP5 not only possesses excellent photodynamic antibacterial properties, but also shows good anti‐inflammatory and cell protection capabilities. Under 660 nm light irradiation, TPP‐CN/CP5 could rapidly produce abundant ROS for sterilization. After the PDT process, the addition of cysteine (Cys) triggers the release of H2S from TPP‐CN. H2S then stops the induced inflammation by inhibiting the production of related inflammatory factors. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show the excellent antibacterial effects and anti‐inflammatory abilities of TPP‐CN/CP5. These results will certainly promote the clinical application of PDT in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.
Data‐Driven Compound Identification in Atmospheric Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sandström Hilda , Rissanen Matti , Rousu Juho , Rinke Patrick
Published: December 2023

Aerosol particles found in the atmosphere affect the climate and worsen air quality. To mitigate these adverse impacts, aerosol particle formation and aerosol chemistry in the atmosphere need to be better mapped out and understood. Currently, mass spectrometry is the single most important analytical technique in atmospheric chemistry and is used to track and identify compounds and processes. Large amounts of data are collected in each measurement of current time‐of‐flight and orbitrap mass spectrometers using modern rapid data acquisition practices. However, compound identification remains a major bottleneck during data analysis due to lacking reference libraries and analysis tools. Data‐driven compound identification approaches could alleviate the problem, yet remain rare to non‐existent in atmospheric science. In this perspective, the authors review the current state of data‐driven compound identification with mass spectrometry in atmospheric science and discuss current challenges and possible future steps toward a digital era for atmospheric mass spectrometry.
Co‐Cultivated Enzyme Constraint Metabolic Network Model for Rational Guidance in Constructing Synthetic Consortia to Achieve Optimal Pathway Allocation Prediction
Authors: Xue Boyuan , Liu Yu , Yang Chen , Liu Hao , Yuan Qianqian , Wang Shaojie , Su Haijia
Published: December 2023

Synthetic consortia have emerged as a promising biosynthetic platform that offers new opportunities for biosynthesis. Genome‐scale metabolic network models (GEMs) with complex constraints are extensively utilized to guide the synthesis in monocultures. However, few methods are currently available to guide the rational construction of synthetic consortia for predicting the optimal allocation strategy of synthetic pathways aimed at enhancing product synthesis. A standardized method to construct the co‐cultivated Enzyme Constraint metabolic network model (CulECpy) is proposed, which integrates enzyme constraints and modular interaction scale constraints based on the research concept of “independent + global”. This method is applied to construct several synthetic consortia models, which encompassed different target products, strains, synthetic pathways, and compositional structures. Analyzing the model, the optimal pathway allocation and initial inoculum ratio that enhance the synthesis of target products by synthetic consortia are predicted and verified. When comparing with the constructed co‐culture synthesis system, the normalized root mean square error of all optimal theoretical yield simulations is found to be less than or equal to 0.25. The analyses and verifications demonstrate that the method CulECpy can guide the rational construction of synthetic consortia systems to facilitate biochemical synthesis.
Multidirectional Planar Motion Transmission on a Single‐Motor Actuated Robot via Microscopic Galumphing
Authors: Tang Lingqi , Wang Chenghao , Ma Songsong , Li Yao , Li Bing
Published: December 2023

Insect‐scale mobile robots can execute diverse arrays of tasks in confined spaces. Although most self‐contained crawling robots integrate multiple actuators to ensure high flexibility, the intricate actuators restrict their miniaturization. Conversely, robots with a single actuator lack the requisite agility and precision for planar movements. Herein, a novel eccentric rotation‐dependent multidirectional transmission is presented using a tilted eccentric motor and a simplistic two‐legged structural configuration for planar locomotion. The speed of the eccentric motor is modulated to enable alternating microscopic jumps to propel the system, creating a mode of motion analogous to galumphing of seals. Upon modeling the motion dynamics and conducting experiments, the effectiveness of direct motion transmission is substantiated through microscopic galumphing encompassing left/right crawling and straight‐forward crawling. Finally, a 1.2 g untethered robot is developed, which demonstrates enhanced straight crawling and spot turning, traverses narrow tunnels, and achieves precise movements. Therefore, the proposed motion‐transmission technique provides a comprehensive set of innovative solutions of underactuated agile robots.
Noninvasive Nonlinear Optical Computational Histology
Authors: Shen Binglin , Li Zhenglin , Pan Ying , Guo Yuan , Yin Zongyi , Hu Rui , Qu Junle , Liu Liwei
Published: December 2023

Cancer remains a global health challenge, demanding early detection and accurate diagnosis for improved patient outcomes. An intelligent paradigm is introduced that elevates label‐free nonlinear optical imaging with contrastive patch‐wise learning, yielding stain‐free nonlinear optical computational histology (NOCH). NOCH enables swift, precise diagnostic analysis of fresh tissues, reducing patient anxiety and healthcare costs. Nonlinear modalities are evaluated, including stimulated Raman scattering and multiphoton imaging, for their ability to enhance tumor microenvironment sensitivity, pathological analysis, and cancer examination. Quantitative analysis confirmed that NOCH images accurately reproduce nuclear morphometric features across different cancer stages. Key diagnostic features, such as nuclear morphology, size, and nuclear‐cytoplasmic contrast, are well preserved. NOCH models also demonstrate promising generalization when applied to other pathological tissues. The study unites label‐free nonlinear optical imaging with histopathology using contrastive learning to establish stain‐free computational histology. NOCH provides a rapid, non‐invasive, and precise approach to surgical pathology, holding immense potential for revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and surgical interventions.
Oxygen vacancy of CeO2 modulated Pt catalyst facilitates H‐D exchange of aniline aromatics by cleaving D2O
Authors: Jiang Wenjie , Shao Fangjun , Xu Zhanpeng , Li Xiaolong , Wang Kui , Liu Xu , Zhong Xing , Wang Jianguo
Published: December 2023

Deuterium‐labeled compounds, particularly deuterium‐doped aniline aromatics, play a crucial role in chemistry, environment, and biology. However, the conventional deuteration method relies on a hydrogen atmosphere, which poses limitations for sensitive substrates containing halogen functional groups. This is due to the potential occurrence of additional reactions in these reactive sites. This study utilized Pt/CeO2‐OV catalyst to achieve efficient deuterium doping (98%) of aniline under hydrogen gas‐free condition, while avoiding hydrogenation side reactions. The significance of oxygen vacancies and metal‐catalyst interactions in the catalyst support is demonstrated through experimental characterization. When facing sensitive functional groups, including halogens, the proposed method avoids dehalogenation or hydrogenation of the benzene ring. This study provides a practical and efficient solution for deuteration of sensitive groups, holding substantial theoretical and practical implications.
Experimental study on droplet breakup in an orifice jet mixer
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Cai Jinjin , Yu Tonghuan , Zhu Yi , Zhou Feng , Liang Xiaojiang , Nie Yong
Published: December 2023

The droplet breakups in an orifice jet mixer are studied to gain a deeper understanding of the breakup mechanism and establish breakup models used as population balance model source terms for accurate predictions. The breakup process and details are captured in situ using a high‐speed photomicrography system. Experiments are performed with different levels of pressure drop and mother droplet size. A complete breakup process consists of several different sub‐breakup events, hence the cascade breakup definition is adopted to determine statistical results. High breakup frequency is achieved under high pressure drop and small mother droplet size. The average number of daughter droplets is 102–105 and is positively correlated with the pressure drop and mother droplet size. The daughter droplet size distribution has a tailing phenomenon and is mainly affected by the pressure drop. New breakup models based on the above features are established and predict well with the experimental results.
Establishment of temperature‐strength response prediction model of supramolecular gel temporary plugging agent by response surface method analysis
Authors: Lai Nanjun , Tian Yongqiang , Wang Junqi , Xu Hongwei , Tang Lei
Published: December 2023

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the preparation of a supramolecular gel temporary plugging agent. According to single‐factor experiments, results showed that the gelling temperature was preset at 100°C, and the gelling strength reached the maximum. Three‐factor RSM model prediction was carried out to explore the determination coefficient (R2) of the gelling temperature and strength and their degree of influence, and the predicted results were verified by experiments. No difference was found between the experimental results and the predicted results, indicating that this model could be used to optimize the preparation of DMF supramolecular gels. DSC, FT‐IR, XRD, and SEM were used to investigate the formation mechanism of the optimized supramolecular gel temporary plugging agent (CD‐Da), and its compatibility, stability, rheology, and plugging performance were evaluated. Experimental results showed that CD‐Da has the characteristics of good injectability in low‐permeability rock cores, strong plugging capacity, self‐breaking, and less damage to the formation. Therefore, this study not only provides a stable and efficient supramolecular gel plugging agent for tight oil and gas reservoirs, but also establishes a prediction model between each component and supramolecular gel, providing a new optimization method for the preparation of supramolecular gel.
Testicular regression and recrudescence in the bat Eptesicus furinalis: Morpho‐physiological variations and hormonal signaling pathways
Authors: Bueno Larissa Mayumi , Soares Emília M. , Ferraz Juliana F. , Santiago Cornélio S. , Comelis‐Martins Manuela Tosi , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Morielle‐Versute Eliana , Beguelini Mateus Rodrigues
Published: December 2023

Males of the bat Eptesicus furinalis show at least one process of testicular regression, in which the testes regress and temporarily interrupt the production of sperm, during its annual reproductive cycle. As the process of spermatogenesis is under hormonal control, mainly of pituitary and androgen hormones, our aim was to analyze the morphological variations and the hormonal control of the testes of E. furinalis during the four phases of its reproductive cycle. Testes of 18 adult males, divided into four sample groups (active, regressing, regressed, and recrudescence phases), were submitted to morphological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analyzes. The results demonstrate that the processes of testicular regression and recrudescence of E. furinalis are under the control of pituitary, androgen and estrogen hormones. The regulation is exerted mainly through the activation and cross signaling of AR and FSHR in Sertoli cells and of LHR in Leydig cells. The testicular regression appears to be activated by an inhibition/reduction of AR expression in Sertoli cells, which inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of new spermatogonia and causes the deactivation of spermatogenesis. Conversely, the testicular recrudescence occurs by the increasing of the expression of LHR in Leydig cells, and AR and FSHR in Sertoli cells, which reactivates the testicular production of androgens and estrogens, the proliferation of spermatogonia and restarts the spermatogenesis.
Folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age with epilepsy: No association with type or number of antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Gandelman‐Marton Revital , Theitler Jacques
Published: December 2023

Background

For over two decades, a daily folic acid (FA) supplementation has been recommended for women of childbearing age with epilepsy. This recommendation is based on evidence that FA administration before conception and during pregnancy can decrease the risk of fetal malformations in the general population, improve cognitive development, and reduce the risk of autistic traits in children exposed in utero to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate FA supplementation rate in nonpregnant women of childbearing age with epilepsy and its relation to AED type and number.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the computerized database and the medical records of all the women who had a first visit to our outpatient epilepsy clinic (Shamir‐Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel) during a 10‐year period (2012–2021).

Results

Only 61 (22%) of 282 nonpregnant women of childbearing age with epilepsy treated with AEDs received FA supplementation. Ninety‐two (33%) of the women were treated with AED polytherapy, and 41 (15%) received valproic acid in monotherapy or polytherapy. FA supplementation rate was higher in women aged ≤40 versus >40 (25% vs. 8.5%) (p = .004). No correlation was found between FA supplementation and AED type or number.

Conclusions

FA supplementation rate was low and was unaffected by AED treatment. Patient and physician‐targeted interventions should be implemented to increase FA prescription and patient adherence.
Melatonin protects Kir2.1 function in an oxidative stress‐related model of aging neuroglia
Authors: Remigante Alessia , Spinelli Sara , Zuccolini Paolo , Gavazzo Paola , Marino Angela , Pusch Michael , Morabito Rossana , Dossena Silvia
Published: December 2023

Melatonin is a pleiotropic biofactor and an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger and, as such, can be protective in oxidative stress‐related brain conditions including epilepsy and aging. To test the potential protective effect of melatonin on brain homeostasis and identify the corresponding molecular targets, we established a new model of oxidative stress‐related aging neuroglia represented by U‐87 MG cells exposed to D‐galactose (D‐Gal). This model was characterized by a substantial elevation of markers of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation. The function of the inward rectifying K+ channel Kir2.1, which was identified as the main Kir channel endogenously expressed in these cells, was dramatically impaired. Kir2.1 was unlikely a direct target of oxidative stress, but the loss of function resulted from a reduction of protein abundance, with no alterations in transcript levels and trafficking to the cell surface. Importantly, melatonin reverted these changes. All findings, including the melatonin antioxidant effect, were reproduced in heterologous expression systems. We conclude that the glial Kir2.1 can be a target of oxidative stress and further suggest that inhibition of its function might alter the extracellular K+ buffering in the brain, therefore contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability and epileptogenesis during aging. Melatonin can play a protective role in this context.
Antigen‐specific mRNA lipid nanoparticle platforms for the prevention and treatment of allergy and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Yim Emma Y. , Zhou Amanda C. , Yim Yvonne C. , Wang Xiang , Xia Tian
Published: December 2023

While most nanomedicines primarily aim to stimulate the immune system against infections or tumors, there is a growing demand for inducing immune tolerance under certain conditions, such as allergic and autoimmune diseases. Researchers have explored nanotechnology‐based strategies to induce immune tolerance in a targeted and specific manner. One approach involves the use of nanoparticles (NPs) to encapsulate immunosuppressive drugs and/or antigens to educate naïve T cells and promote the generation of antigen‐specific regulatory T cells that inhibit immune responses. However, this approach has certain limitations. The hydrophobicity of proteins or peptides restricts the degree to which they can be encapsulated in NPs, which in turn, affects their loading efficiency and treatment efficacy. With the emergence of mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platforms, there is the possibility of overcoming the limitations of protein and peptide encapsulation. To date, mRNA LNP systems have been shown to provide organ, cellular, and subcellular targeting for the induction of immune tolerance. This method of drug delivery is flexible and scalable that can be customized for a specific patient, resulting in an effective means of administering relevant proteins or epitopes to induce antigen‐specific immune tolerance. With continued research and development, this technology could offer a safer and more effective alternative to current therapies, ultimately improving the quality of life of patients worldwide.
Antinociceptive Effect of Dillenia indica (Linn.) Mediated by Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems: Pharmacological and Chemical Studies
Authors: de Souza Amanda Alvarenga , Dias Viegas Flávia Pereira , Gontijo Vanessa Silva , Vieira Domingues Jádina Santos , Giusti‐Paiva Alexandre , Vilela Fabiana Cardoso , da Silva Geraldo Alves , Amaral Juliano Geraldo , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Viegas Claudio
Published: December 2023

Dillenia indica (Linn.) has been reported by several biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‐hyperglycemic, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, anticholinesterase, and antimicrobial. In Brazilian traditional medicine, the fruits of D. indica have been used to treat general topical pain and inflammation, but with no scientific validation. Thus, aiming to study its chemical constitution and antinociceptive properties, the crude extract (CE) and fractions obtained from the fruits of D. indica were submitted to an in vivo pharmacological evaluation and a dereplication study by LC–MS/MS analysis, assisted by the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The oral antinociceptive activity of the fruits of D. indica and the possible participation of the opioid and cannabinoid systems were demonstrated in the formalin‐induced nociception model. The chemical dereplication study led us to identify several known chemical constituents, including flavonoids, such as caffeoylmalic acid, naringenin, quercetin, and kaempferol. According to literature data, our results are compatible with significant antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. Therefore, the flavonoid constituents of the fruits of D. indica are probably responsible for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects mediated by both opioid and cannabinoid systems, confirming its folk use in the treatment and relief of pain.
Recent Progress of the Cathode Material Design for Aqueous Zn‐Organic Batteries
Authors: Bian Shuyang , Yang Yunting , Liu Shuo , Ye Fei , Tang Hongjian , Wu Yuping , Hu Linfeng
Published: December 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as the most promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage due to their inherent safety, environmental friendliness, and cost‐effectiveness. Simultaneously, the utilization of organic electrode materials with renewable resources, environmental compatibility, and diverse structures has sparked a surge in research and development of aqueous Zn‐organic batteries (ZOBs). A comprehensive review is warranted to systematically present recent advancements in design principles, synthesis techniques, energy storage mechanisms, and zinc‐ion storage performance of organic cathodes. In this review article, we comprehensively summarize the energy storage mechanisms employed by aqueous ZOBs. Subsequently, we categorize organic cathode materials into small‐molecule compounds and high‐molecular polymers respectively. Novel polymer materials such as conjugated polymers (CPs), conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are highlighted with an overview of molecular design strategies and structural optimization based on organic cathode materials aimed at enhancing the performance of aqueous ZOBs. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by aqueous ZOBs along with future prospects to offer insights into their practical applications.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of d‐Glucuronamide‐Based Nucleosides and (Triazolyl)methyl Amide‐Linked Pseudodisaccharide Nucleosides**
Authors: Moreira Tânia , Manuel Domingos M. , Rosa Joana , Nunes Rafael Santana , Vojáčková Veronika , Jorda Radek , Oliveira M. Conceição , Xavier Nuno M.
Published: December 2023

The synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of novel d‐glucopyranuronamide‐containing nucleosides is described. Based on our previously reported anticancer d‐glucuronamide‐based nucleosides, new analogues comprising N/O‐dodecyl or N‐propargyl substituents at the glucuronamide unit and anomerically‐N‐linked 2‐acetamido‐6‐chloropurine, 6‐chloropurine or 4‐(6‐chloropurinyl)methyl triazole motifs were synthesized in 4–6 steps starting from acetonide‐protected glucofuranurono‐6,3‐lactone. The methodologies were based on the access to N‐substituted glycopyranuronamide precursors, namely 1,2‐O‐acetyl derivatives or glucuronoamidyl azides for further nucleobase N‐glycosylation or 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with N9‐ and N7‐propargyl‐6‐chloropurines, respectively. N‐Propargyl glucuronamide‐based N9‐purine nucleosides were converted into (triazolyl)methyl amide‐6,6‐linked pseudodisaccharide nucleosides via cycloaddition with methyl 6‐azido‐glucopyranoside. A CuI/Amberlyst A‐21 catalytic system employed in the cycloaddition reactions also effected conversion into 6‐dimethylaminopurine nucleosides. Antiproliferative evaluation in chronic myeloid leukemia (K562) and breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells revealed significant effects exhibited by the synthesized monododecylated purine‐containing nucleosides. A N‐propargyl 3‐O‐dodecyl glucuronamide derivative comprising a N9‐β‐linked 6‐chloropurine moiety was the most active compound against MCF‐7 cells (GI50=11.9 μM) while a related α‐(purinyl)methyltriazole nucleoside comprising a N7‐linked 6‐chloropurine moiety exhibited the highest activity against K562 cells (GI50=8.0 μM). Flow cytometry and immunoblotting analysis of apoptosis‐related proteins in K562 cells treated with the N‐propargyl 3‐O‐dodecyl glucuronamide‐based N9‐linked 6‐chloropurine nucleoside indicated that it acts via apoptosis induction.
Organic Fluorophores with Large Stokes Shift for Bioimaging and Biosensing
Authors: Liu Hong , Jiang Gangwei , Ke Guoliang , Ren Tian‐Bing , Yuan Lin
Published: December 2023

Fluorophores and fluorophores‐based probes or labels can visualize the structures and content fluctuations of biomolecules, and have made great progress in the broad range of biomedicine fields. However, many commercially available fluorophores suffer from small Stokes shift, which results in insufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio and self‐quenching in advanced imaging techniques. Moreover, the small Stokes shift also hinders the application of fluorophores in some complex imaging, such as single‐excitation multicolor imaging. In the past two decades, many effects have been made to enlarge Stokes shift of fluorophores. In this review, we clarified the reasons for the small Stokes shift building on the structural analysis of fluorophores, systematically summarize the methods of structural modification to increase Stokes shift, and present some representative applications of fluorophores with large Stokes shift in imaging and sensing.
“Our children”: Moral panic associated with children and collective violence against the Jews in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War in Poland
Authors: Krzyzanowski Lukasz , Zaremba Marcin
Published: December 2023

Between 1945 and 1946, Poland witnessed three large anti‐Jewish pogroms. The infamous Kielce pogrom of July 4, 1946, which claimed the lives of over 40 Holocaust survivors was preceded by outbursts of collective violence in Rzeszów and in Kraków. All three pogroms were perpetrated by police officers, soldiers of the Polish army, and civilians forming a pogrom mob, and all were preceded and inflamed by rumors about Jews kidnapping and harming Christian children. Studies of widespread antisemitism and the common belief in blood libel do not seem to offer an adequate explanation of how the people of Rzeszów, Kraków, and Kielce could have believed the rumors that Jews were abducting and murdering children. They explain even less what made possible the social mobilization leading toward mass violence against Holocaust survivors in Poland in the immediate aftermath of WWII. We address this issue by using the concept of moral panic as proposed by Erich Goode and Nachman Ben‐Yehuda and examining possible reasons why Polish society after the WWII seems to have been particularly attuned to the fate of children. We argue that in the early postwar years there was a moral panic in Poland associated with the vulnerability of children. It was propelled by wartime experience but also by omnipresent violence and hideous crimes committed against children in the wake of WWII. Although there was no fact‐based connection between these crimes and the Jews, many Polish Christians eagerly put the blame on “the Other,” that is, the Jews, and sought facts that could serve as confirmation of an old prejudice—the blood libel. Polish Christians who accepted the blood libel as truth could have found confirmation of their belief when Jewish relatives or Jewish organizations undertook to “recover”—through legal procedures, by payment, by subterfuge or by force—children who had been hidden in Christian families during the Holocaust.
Evaluating breeding for broad versus narrow adaptation for cassava in Nigeria using stochastic simulation
Authors: Bakare Moshood A. , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Kulakow Peter , Rabbi Ismail Yusuf , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: December 2023

The cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) breeding program at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has adopted genomic selection to accelerate genetic gain. The program continues to develop varieties broadly adapted across Nigeria's diverse agroclimatic zones. However, for this purpose, genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) presents a challenge. To decide whether broad adaptation breeding is a good strategy, we evaluated broad versus narrow adaptation strategies using stochastic simulation, assessing genetic gain, genetic variance, heritability, and selection accuracy at 0 versus realistic levels of GEI variance. To parameterize the models, we analyzed historical data from four phenotypic evaluation stages of the IITA breeding program to estimate genetic and error variances, and genetic correlations across environments. Based on these observed parameters, the genomic‐enabled breeding programs exhibited higher genetic gain than the conventional program for both GEI variances. At realistic GEI variance, the narrow adaptation program showed higher genetic gain than the broad adaptation program. Across all programs, the genetic variance declined over time, though the genomic‐enabled programs showed higher initial variance due to the selection of parents at earlier stages. At realistic GEI variance, an increase in genetic variance was observed in the narrow adaptation program due to its conversion of GEI between mega‐environments into main genetic variance within mega‐environments. This higher genetic variance led to higher heritabilities and selection accuracies. This study highlights the potential of genomic selection in accelerating genetic gain and suggests that dividing the IITA cassava breeding program to target more than one mega‐environment should be considered.
Manganese Complex Catalyzed Sequential Multi‐component Reaction: Enroute to a Quinoline‐Derived Azafluorenes
Authors: Mondal Avijit , Pal Debjyoti , Phukan Hirak Jyoti , Roy Mithu , Kumar Saurabh , Purkayastha Siddhartha , Guha Ankur Kanti , Srimani Dipankar
Published: December 2023

The development of innovative synthetic strategies for constructing complex molecular structures is the heart of organic chemistry. This significance of novel reactions or reaction sequences would further enhance if they permitted the synthesis of new classes of structural motifs, which have not been previously created. The research on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds is one of the most active topics in organic chemistry due to the widespread application of N‐heterocycles in life and material science. The development of a new catalytic process that employs first‐row transition metals to produce a range of heterocycles from renewable raw materials is considered highly sustainable approach. This would be more advantageous if done in an eco‐friendly and atom‐efficient manner. Herein we introduce, the synthesis of various new quinoline based azafluorenes via sequential dehydrogenative multicomponent reaction (MCR) followed by C(sp3)−H hydroxylation and annulation. Our newly developed, Mn‐complexes have the ability to direct the reaction in order to achieve a high amount of desired functionalized heterocycles while minimizing the possibility of multiple side reactions. We also performed a series of control experiments, hydride trapping experiments, reaction kinetics, catalytic intermediate and DFT studies to comprehend the detailed reaction route and the catalyst‘s function in the MCR sequence.
A MOSFET EMC modeling method based on electrical characteristic measurement and simplex optimization and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Pan Zeyu , Liu Ying , Ren Dan , Zhao Xuan , Yang Jinsheng , Nie Bao‐Lin , Du Pingan
Published: December 2023

Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are widely used in various power electronic systems, and the establishment of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) model for MOSFETs is crucial for EMC analysis of these systems, especially high‐frequency switching circuits. In this paper, a MOSFET EMC modeling method is proposed based on electrical characteristic measurement, simplex optimization, and particle swarm optimization (PSO), to make MOSFET models meet both functionality and EMC analysis requirements. First, systematic methods for extracting SPICE parameters based on physical MOSFETs are presented, including a proposed curve‐fitting method based on PSO for extracting the CDS‐VDS and ID‐VGS characteristic parameters. Second, parametric influence analyses are conducted on some important model parameters, and the law that these parameters affect the EMC of MOSFETs is obtained. Finally, the preliminary MOSFET model was optimized comprehensively using the simplex method. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement in both time domain and frequency domain. It proves that the established model meets the requirements for model accuracy in terms of both EMC and functionality. Therefore, the proposed EMC modeling method is feasible.
PD‐L1 expression in fine‐needle aspiration cell blocks of head and neck squamous‐cell carcinoma and its cytohistological concordance
Authors: Lou Sandy Si Kei , Ruff Heather , MacDonald Scott , Smith Stephen M. , Cheung Carol C.
Published: December 2023

Background

PD‐L1 immunoexpression in head and neck squamous‐cell carcinoma (HNSCC) determines immunotherapy eligibility. Patients are often diagnosed using fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of metastatic lymph nodes, however, the cytohistologic correlation of the combined positive score (CPS) is largely unknown.

Methods

This study retrospectively identified 96 paired histologic (HS) and cytologic specimens (CyS), between 2016 and 2020, diagnosed with HNSCC. Cases with <100 tumor cells (n = 54) or missing block(s) (n = 8) were excluded. All 34 case pairs were scored with CPS using the PD‐L1 22C3 pharmDx assay at clinically relevant cut‐offs of <1%, 1%–19%, and ≥20% independently by three observers blinded to the case pairs (CyS with corresponding HS).

Results

The CPS (<1/1–19/≥20) for CyS and HS were as follows: 10(29.4%)/10(29.4%)/14(41.2%) and 2(5.9%)/13(38.2%)/19(55.9%), respectively. There was fair overall cytohistologic agreement (OA) of 76.5% (k = 0.261) at the CPS cut‐off of 1. The OA did not differ significantly between site‐matched (n = 13) and ‐unmatched (n = 21) case pairs (p = .4653). CyS has a specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% but a negative predictive value (NPV) of only 20% as compared to its paired HS.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates fair CPS cytohistologic correlation in HNSCC specimens using the PD‐L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay with high PPV but low NPV. This suggest that determining PD‐L1 status in FNA specimens can play an important role in the clinical management of HNSCC patients.
Emotion dysregulation and reward responsiveness as predictors of autonomic reactivity to an infant cry task among substance‐using pregnant and postpartum women
Authors: Bounoua Nadia , Tabachnick Alexandra R. , Eiden Rina D. , Labella Madelyn H. , Dozier Mary
Published: December 2023

Maternal substance use may interfere with optimal parenting, lowering maternal responsiveness during interactions with their children. Previous work has identified maternal autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity to parenting‐relevant stressors as a promising indicator of real‐world parenting behaviors. However, less is known about the extent to which individual differences in emotion dysregulation and reward processing, two mechanisms of substance use, relate to maternal ANS reactivity in substance‐using populations. The current study examined associations among emotion dysregulation, reward responsiveness, and ANS reactivity to an infant cry task among 77 low‐income and substance‐using women who were either pregnant (n = 63) or postpartum (n = 14). Two indicators of ANS functioning were collected during a 9 min computerized infant cry task (Crybaby task): respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and pre‐ejection period. Mothers also completed self‐reported measures of emotion dysregulation and reward responsiveness. Analyses revealed that trait emotion regulation was associated with RSA reactivity to the Crybaby task, such that greater emotion dysregulation was associated with greater RSA reduction during the infant cry task than lower emotion dysregulation. Reward responsiveness was not significantly associated with either indicator of ANS reactivity to the task. Findings revealed distinct patterns of associations linking emotion dysregulation with ANS reactivity during a parenting‐related computerized task, suggesting that emotion regulation may be a key intervention target for substance‐using mothers.